San Antonio Cocktail Conference 2015 Recap & 2016 Teaser

Each January Texas’ most talented mixologists (and those of us that just really appreciate their craft) gather in Alamo City to learn about new cocktail trends and enjoy some general alcohol-fueled merriment … all while raising money for a great cause! Think seminars, cocktail demonstrations, liquor tastings, pairing dinners, parties … really, just all the best things. This year will be the fifth San Antonio Cocktail Conference (SACC) and will take place January 14-17 at the newly renovated St. Anthony Hotel … and you can be part of it.

I mentioned the charity aspect … which the bar industry seems to be all about. The SACC donates 100% of its profits to Houston Street Charities and actually raised $115,000 in 2015 for The Children’s Shelter, ChildSafe, HeartGift San Antonio and Transplants for Children. Isn’t drinking for a good cause the best way to drink?

The only thing that comes close to rivaling the amazing cocktails slung at the SACC is the food that keeps attendees (close enough to) sober during the festivities. From sampling at the opening event at the Majestic by local restaurants to oyster shooters at the Houston Street Stroll (which is not to be missed), the food is as almost as clever as the libations they accompany.

This year’s schedule will offer the usual seminars on everything from the usual industry-focused panels to complex cocktail concepts. (Be careful … you could end up with five drinks in front of you before 10am … you know, purely for “research” purposes.) Some of the sessions that I won’t be missing this year include:

“The Cocktail of Ian Fleming’s James Bond” led by Philip Greene and Simon Ford
“Yoga Remedy” led by Courtney Munch
“Tequila & Xocolatl – A Natural Pairing” led by JP De Leora (just because he’s badass)
“Mixology 101: Build Your Own Cocktail” led by Jonathan Pogash

While the edification is important, one must not neglect the parties. (Because people in the bar industry somehow have some terrifying ability to drink until 4am and be ~~fresh~~ alive at 9am to lead their sessions.) All evening events include cocktails (obvi), amazing local eats, and live music.

While i’ve only attended one year, I will be posting a few tips on how to best experience the SACC. Stay tuned!

Join the fun this year and purchase your ticket now! If you can’t make it but want to support Houston Street Charities, go ahead and donate!

Dallas #BoozeNews: December 13, 2015

LIMITED TIME OFFERINGS

ii_ihp45csv0_15163d4dd996bcb8 Stop into Eureka! in West Village for a taste of the holidays, Gingerbread Man Old Fashioned … complete with gumdrop buttons.
Cost: $12
Available: through January 3, 2016

Proof + Pantry, purveyor of some of the best drinks in the whole of Dallas thanks to Michael Martensen’s brilliance, is serving up the Witch Hanger (a spicy spin on the classic Harvey Wallbanger). (BONUS: they will also offer $6 Irish Coffees and Manhattans anytime it rains!)
Available: through the end of football season

Paul Martin’s American Grill will offer a special holiday menu including Chilled Alaskan King Crab Legs, Herb Crusted Filet Mignon, and a few festive cocktails (like Egg Nog, naturally).
Available: through January 3

Hopdoddy’s Frozen Banana Shake

Hopdoddy didn’t go with the traditional holiday treats like gingerbread, egg nog, or peppermint … ohhhh no, they decided that The Frozen Banana Shake (handmade ice cream, roasted banana mash, chocolate sauce, a chocolate dipped banana chip, whipped cream) would be the winner for the holidays. Grab one and see if you agree!
Cost: $6
Available: through December 20

The Cheesecake Factory is making the holidays even sweeter this season with its ‘Slice of Joy’ gift card promotion and holiday favorite, Peppermint Bark Cheesecake!

Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Cheesecake

Cheesecake Factory Peppermint Bark Cheesecake

2015 Holiday Gift Guide

1. THE HATCHERY MONTHLY CONDIMENT DELIVERY
I’ve always been wowed by those people who have those really unique seasonings or sauces … balsamic fig spread made with figs that were grown only on the east side of hills (because figs are just better when grown facing east?) or some rare salt that has was backpacked up to at least 14,000 feet by left-handed Mongolians in woven bags. Treat your friends to the gift that can keep on giving and make them THAT host with a membership to The Hatchery, a monthly delivery service that delivers those unique condiments!
giltcity.com | $36 for three months

2. CHEERS PRINT & 2016 DESK CALENDAR
A year ago, I launched the CHEERS line with Southern Fried Paper with some cheeky cards, gilded napkins, prints and coasters, and a desk calendar with a seasonal cocktail recipe for each month. This print features “cheers” in six languages and is available in white, black, blush, and fuchsia.
SFP Studio (2524 Converse Street in the Design District) or SouthernFriedPaper.com | $26 (print), $18 (calendar)

3. WHISKEY BARREL WATCH WITH ITALIAN LEATHER
These babies are not only sexy, but they have some seriously badass bones. Made from reclaimed American Oak Whiskey Barrels and paired with Italian Leather, these water resistant watches make the perfect statement … that you love your booze enough to wear it.
originalgrain.com | $159

4. ZANE LAMPREY’S DRINKING JACKET 2.0
I was a Girl Scout … and our leaders always told us to be prepared. Enter: the Drinking Jacket 2.0, a sort of sartorial Swiss army knife complete with a bottle opener zipper, built-in drinking mitts, a flask pocket, and more. Oh, and it’s available in black, blue, red, and grey.
missinginkshop.com | $95 (on sale now for $84.99)

5. TUMBLEWEED TEXSTYLES DEZAVALA STAR COPPER MUGS
Moscow mules only seem to taste right when they’re in copper mugs, amiright? Get these Texas-centric mugs by a local company and sport the DeZavala Star!
TumbleweedTexStyles.com | $24.99

6. BARSMITH OLD FASHIONED MIX
Most of us don’t have great mixology skills, so let this syrup do the work thanks to this sweet, cherry-citrus syrup. Wrap it up with your friend’s favorite whiskey and it’s a damn perfect gift.
World Market, Total Wine & More, or barsmithmix.com | $4.99

7. MAKER’S MARK SILICON ICE BALL TRAY
Ice balls can take your in-home cocktails from usual to unique. My team and I have tried quite a few of the molds on the market, but this one is our favorite. It makes four balls at a time and allows for overflow.
MakersMarkShop.com | $14.95

8. JONATHAN ADLER VICE CANDLE
I love all the things at Jonathan Adler … all the things. However, I can’t imagine a cooler candle than one that looks sexy and smells like my favorite thing … booze! The copper candle (shown) smells like bourbon with notes of plum, leather, birch, and cedar. BONUS: the vessel can be reused as a vase after the bourbony goodness is burned up. Vice candles come in champagne (copper), absinthe (chrome), and vodka (silver) and have a 40-hour burn time.
Jonathan Adler store or JonathanAdler.com | $42

9. TOTE + ABLE COLLAPSIBLE FLASK
You just never know when you’re going to need a nip … so be prepared with this BPA-free collapsible flask that holds 16oz of your favorite poison. Made in the USA, the inside is made of a food-grade lining and the outside is heavyweight cotton with cheeky designs or even Dallas-themed options!
Accents at Mockingbird Station or toteandable.com | $19

10. ABSOLUT ELYX PINEAPPLE GIFT SET
You’ve seen these badass copper pineapple vessels at your favorite bars around Dallas, but they’re more than just a neat tiki touch. Absolut Elyx crafted these gilded fruits to be sold alongside their clean, sipping vodka “crafted from single estate winter wheat”. They chose the pineapple because it’s actually the international symbol for hospitality! BONUS: Absolut Elyx teamed up with Water for People, so each Elyx Pineapple sold will give a month of safe water to someone in need.
reservebar.com | $120

Dallas #BoozeNews: November 27, 2015

NEW OPENINGS

Fitzhugh is booming east of 75, but the other side of the highway is getting some love! Royal 38 will open right on the Katy Trail in spring 2016 complete with a dining room, lounge, and patio area. They’ll offer dining complete with a wine and cocktail program directly on the trail. Food items will include unique options like Braised Veal Cheeks, Salt & Pepper Chicken Skins, and a serious Grilled Cheese (Texas toast with Muenster, provolone and American cheeses, apples, and bacon). Their signature cocktail will be The Crown Jewel with bourbon … I’ll take three since I can walk to my home from there!

The Design District has a new secret spot … check out Tippling Chemist, a small speakeasy tucked along the back wall of Taboo Lounge. Expect well-mixed craft cocktails, a great tequila selection, and entertainment from Carlo. Make sure to try his signature caipirinha!

This January, meet the new La Zaranda! The Addison Mexican restaurant will change its name to Cinco Tacos Cocina & Tequila. The name was inspired by Cinco de Mayo, the holiday Americans celebrate honoring the day the Mexican army overthrew French forces at the Battle of Puebla … and the day most of us forget each year thanks to too many margaritas.

NEW OFFERINGS

Cook Hall is rolling out a new menu! Look for new options from Chef Sadhu like fresh gnocchi and the Texas Peach Cobbler with Bourbon Ice Cream.

My personal new favorite happy hour spot, Madrina, is now offering brunch! Stop in weekends 11:30am-3pm for their French-Mexican breakfasty-lunch options!

Rapscallion is now also offering Dallas’ favorite meal of the week! Join them for brunch on Sundays from 11am to 3pm and make sure to get cocktails by Eddie and the Rapscallion Hot Brown.

LIMITED TIME OFFERINGS

The holidays can kick your ass. Holiday parties, family meals, office pot lucks … why not make it (a hell of a lot) easier on yourself and just buy your damn pies? The Rustic has Peanut Butter Pie ($27.95), Bowl & Barrel has its creamy Butterscotch Pie ($24.95), and El Fenix is offering their Lemon Ice Box Pie with a 24-hour notice. (Because yours probably also isn’t as good as you think it is.)

Didn’t get enough turkey at Thanksgiving? Stop into Greenville Avenue Pizza Company for their Thanksgiving Calzone (mashed potatoes, homemade stuffing and turkey) and then served with cranberry sauce and gravy on the side. No Thanksgiving-esque meal is really good without booze, so get an Apple Cider Mimosa to go ti it!
Cost: Calzone ($15), Mimosa ($3.50 for 9oz)
Available: daily through December 20, 11am-8pm

Cantina Laredo – Wise Mules

Cantina Laredo is celebrating the holidays in style with its Three Wise Mules, their three special twists on a Moscow Mule. Beginning November 24, these tasty treats will be available at all Cantina Laredo locations. New cocktails include the Classic Mule (vodka, lime, and ginger beer), Mezcal Mule (mezcal, prickly pear syrup, jalapeño, lime, and ginger beer), and the Mexi Mule (tequila, grapefruit juice, agave, lime, and ginger beer).
Cost: $12
Available: at least through 12/31

Hopdoddy is, as always, getting creative with their milkshakes. This round, they’re offering their Apple Pie à la Mode Shake (spiced ice cream, apple butter, crushed cheddar pie crust, and whipped cream).
Cost: $6
Available: through December 6

The Snuffer’s Patty Melt is here! The burger topped with melted cheddar, Swiss cheese and caramelized onions on grilled sourdough will be their December feature.
Cost: $8.49
Available: December 1-31

Hard Rock Cafe has some new cocktails to warm you up this winter. Check out the Southern Jam (Monkey Shoulder whiskey, Black Cherry Real, blackberries, lemon), Bohemian Rasp-Sody (raspberries, Monin Passion Fruit, Smirnoff Vodka, Robert Mondavi Merlot, Hard Rock’s sweet and sour, passion fruit foam), and some other goodies.
They’re also offering a new burger and beer pairing, the Modelo Especial with the Modelo Especial Bacon Cheeseburger (an certified Angus Beef® patty, Modelo Especial-infused beer cheese, Applewood-smoked bacon, grilled poblanos, garlic aioli, lettuce and tomato on a brioche bun) served with fries and a side of beer cheese.
Cost: various (get a coupon for the burger and beer special here — download before 12/5)
Available: all through January 3, 2016

Going Green with 360 Vodka

I’m not sure where 2015 went, but the past couple months have been a blur. With the onslaught of holiday parties and football gatherings, drinks are something that seem to be ever-present. A generous box of spirit(s) arrived on my doorstep at a pivotal moment in this season’s madness to provide me the essentials of holiday cheer.

I’ve noted in the past that I tend to be wary of vodka, but when distilled just right and mixed with the right ingredients, it becomes my drink of choice. In particular, 360 Vodka (produced by Earth Friendly Distilling Company, a division of McCormick Distilling Company, Inc. … don’t cringe) comes distilled four times from American grain using column distillation process and filtered five times featuring proprietary charcoal coconut filter system. The smooth, earthy finish of this grain vodka along with a mild bite and subtle lavender notes, makes it an easy choice to mix in any cocktail.

This vodka’s clean taste is echoed in the company’s eco-friendly attitude from development, production, to distribution. The bottle (commonly reused by consumers for water and olive oil) is made from 85% recycled glass, giving each bottle a unique green hue. The label on the bottle is made with 100% post-consumer paper with special water based inks that won’t harm the environment; and the swing‐top closure comes with a pre‐paid envelope empowering Americans to return it for reuse and have $1.00 donated to a local environmental organization. Additionally, McCormick, with the assistance of the Missouri Department of Conservation, launched FOREST 360, an effort to plant indigenous trees on 40 acres of the land around the distillery.

Essentially, consumers can grab a super-premium bottle of vodka at a reasonable price and give back to the environment – as if you needed an excuse. And, with the recent trend in all things organic and green, 360 Vodka makes for the perfect holiday bar staple or hostess gift. The range of flavors can seem somewhat overwhelming with options like Georgia Peach, Sorrento Lemon, Buttered Popcorn, and even Glazed Donut.

Personally, I took advantage of the crisp fall season to mix up a vodka-forward version of Susie’s Cool Weather Punch* with the original 360 Vodka.

360 VODKA
www.vodka360.com
Facebook

ABV 40% / 80 Proof
Retails for around $35 per 750ml bottle

The Ivy Kitchen Rereturn

Foodie movie fans: rejoice (again). Addison’s cinematic-adjacent culinary experience, Ivy Kitchen, has revamped its menu and it’s goooood. Expect some new food, new cocktails, and some old favorites. I should note that, while IK is in a movie theater, it’s far from your typical chicken-tenders-served-with-a-premixed-strawberry-margarita type fast-casual order from your seat kind of place. IK is real, quality food.

The evening at IK started at the bar (as most nights should) and we each tried a couple of their new options. I was blown away by the IVY Thyme (Bulleit Bourbon, Lillet Blanc, lemon, fresh thyme), if not for the flavor, for the presentation. The IVY League (Hendrick’s Gin, lime, cucumber, Lillet Blanc) was good, but didn’t blow my socks off since the combination isn’t completely unexpected.

: IVY Thyme

: IVY League

: Captain’s Orchard

: Blackberry Bourbon Lemonade

Luckily they kept my favorite cocktail on the menu (and one of my favorites in all of Dallas, actually), the Bootstrap Manhattan. They start with TX Whiskey and coat a glass with a whisper of the local spirit, then they smoke a smoked maple plank and allow the glass to absorb the essence of the wood. With the smoky flavor on the glass, they add the whiskey, sweet vermouth, bitters, and a Luxardo cherry. The result is nothing short of delicious.

: Bootstrap Manhattan (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

: Smoked Maple Wood

: (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

As mentioned, IK isn’t going to offer up sad congealed cheese nachos … their food is serious. While I could go on about each and every dish we tried (save a couple), I’ll simply highlight my favorites. One of those favorites is currently a special that will be moved to the menu (as it damn well should), the Bacon Marmalade Flatbread. It was surprisingly light and I had to stop myself from eating too much of it since it was one of the first round dishes.

: Bacon Marmalade Flatbread (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

Ivy Kitchen’s new chef is taking some basics and just making them really damn well. For his Tenderloin Stroganoff, he took a basic pasta dish and threw in some of what must be crack-laced beef tenderloin tips. (I may or may not have taken leftovers home …) The Thick Cut Grilled Pork Chop (molasses-brined center cut chop, au jus served with roasted garlic mashed potatoes & chilled Fuji applesauce) was tender, juicy, and perfectly cooked. And everyone loves sides … and they did them well. Their Sweet Potato Crisp was delightfully light, the Real Deal Mac & Cheese was, in fact, the real deal, and the Iron Skillet Brussels Sprouts were … well … Brussels sprouts … and y’all know what those to do to me. ??(<–that’s me raising my hand to ask if we can get more Brussels sprouts.)

: Iron Skillet Brussels Sprouts (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

: Thick Cut Grilled Pork Chop (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

: Real Deal Mac & Cheese (picture borrowed from Ivy Kitchen)

: Tenderloin Stroganoff

Basically there was pork in just about everything … and I was alright with that. (But if you’re not a porkavore like I am, then make sure to check the descriptions.)

On top of fantastic porkiness, IK also has a sushi bar with amazingly fresh options, a brunch menu that makes my mouth water, and a great wine list with reasonable yet scrumptious options. While you can’t get all of their offerings in the theaters, they have an entire Look & Dine menu with items that are easy to eat in the dark and don’t offend your neighbor. I mean … both are good things.

Stop in and try some of the new options soon, check out their new patio (for the week of decent weather we have left), have a Bootstrap Manhattan, and catch a movie!

IVY KITCHEN
www.theivykitchen.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
5411 BELTLINE RD, ADDISON
214.306.7444

HAPPY HOUR: Monday-Friday, 4–7pm
(IN BAR AND PATIO ONLY)

Snuffer’s Happy-Tizer Happy Hour

Did you know that the Snuffer’s on Lower Greenville is haunted? Well, it sure is. Just ask the servers and they’ll send over one of their staff members that have had a paranormal experience pop by your table and tell you a couple ghost stories. … or they’ll just tell you about the scary good deals they’re now offerings during happy hour on their Happy-Tizer Menu.

Y’all know that I love a good happy hour, so when I was invited in to try out their new options, I didn’t shy away. Monday-Friday, 3-7pm you can now get select mini-apps for as little as $2. That’s right … two buckaroos … a pair of greenbacks … just a couple Washington’s … you get the idea.

As always, the Dallas favorite offers happy hour beers and margs as low as $3 to make your visit truly happy. Think $3 house margaritas (frozen or on the rocks) and drafts (Bud Light, Samuel Adams, & Dos Equis) and $4 house wine and shooters. While I’m not a huge beer drinker, it felt right ordering one to sip … and then a house margarita … and then another beer.

The real excitement as of late is their new happy hour food offering, a.k.a. their Happy-Tizers. Check out the picture below. All that goodness can be yours for $22. And for that price, you can try all of them … and you should. Their fried pickles and mushrooms are legendary* and these small servings are just enough to satisfy your craving but not take over the meal. (Though, really, what’s wrong with a meal of fried pickles and mushrooms?) Their tortilla chips were seasoned just right and the onion rings and buffalo wings were perfectly satisfactory.

If you’re trying to decide what to order on this little menu, skip the burger quesadilla and the queso … save those options for Blue Goose down the street. They’ll get an “E” for effort on those, though.

Stop in and check out the new happy hour serving sizes at any of their locations, but don’t forget the beers and things. Oh … and make sure to order at LEAST the personal-sized Cheddar Fries. (Because it’d be rude to leave without a helping of them. After all, they’ve been around longer than you … if you were born after 1978.)

SNUFFER’S RESTAURANT & BAR
snuffers.com
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
10 locations

*at least to me. For nearly my entire college career, when I was in a bad way the day after a good party, I knew Snuffer’s fried pickles and loaded Cheddar Fries were my saving graces. They never failed.

***Snuffer’s invited me in to enjoy selections from their Happy-Tizers free of charge.***

East Hampton Sandwich Company

So I hate sandwiches. I hate the slimy cold cuts are sliced so thin that you can nearly see through them, the way that they make the bread soggy, and the detestable iceberg lettuce. At least I thought I hated sandwiches. My friends would tell me about all these sandwiches that I had to try, some of the best subs they had tried, and sometimes they did make me wonder whether I should give in and give it a go. I avoided sandwich shops and was conflicted when East Hampton Sandwich Company invited me in.

Let me just say that they convinced me that I shouldn’t be a sandwich-ist. (Is that a thing?)

Here were my highlights from EHSC and your Pro Tips:

Get the Lobster Roll. If you’ve ever heard of EHSC, you’ve heard about their Lobster Roll, a butter toasted roll overflowing with knuckle and claw crab meat and herbs in a light dressing.
Their Homemade Potato Chips are ridiculous. They’re crispy, but not too thick.
Go ahead and request all four of their dips. I mean, to hell with conventions … go dip crazy. Their Sweet Onion dip was my favorite and I made the mistake of dipping into the Buffalo Bleu Cheese dip … which I’m allergic to. (It made me wish that I wasn’t allergic to Bleu Cheese.)
Don’t skimp on dessert. Hampton’s Donut Bag is filled with little pillows of heaven rolled in cinnamon sugar.
They close at 9pm. Get there no later than 8:45pm if you’re taking to-go and 8:30pm if you’re sticking with them. (It’s just good sense.)
Have a drink with your sandwich–they offer wines by the glass, cocktails by the glass or carafe (get into their sangria business), and some draft & canned beers to help wash down the delicious bready goodness.