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Eat Drink D-FW

Eat Drink D-FWwww.dallasnews.com
Eat Drink D-FW from The Dallas Morning News is a lively conversation about North Texas’ food and restaurant scene. Each week, our food journalists dish, debate and analyze local restaurant news, food and drink trends, tips for cooking and shopping, and other obsessions (Buc-ee's, anyone?). You’ll also hear from chefs, farmers and foodies like yourself as we explore the people who make D-FW one of the most vibrant, diverse and ambitious food scenes in the country. Talk back: We want to hear from you. Fill out this form or email us at eatdrink@dallasnews.com (mailto:eatdrink@dallasnews.com) with your questions, comments and what you love (or don’t) about the North Texas food scene. Eat Drink D-FW from The Dallas Morning News is made possible by Central Market. All editorial decisions are made by The News.
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Episodes

Yay or nay? We taste test Blue Bell’s Dr Pepper ice cream

“It tastes like summer.” If Blue Bell Creamery has a new flavor, the Dallas Morning News food team is willing to try it, especially if it also involves Dr Pepper. Listen as the team tastes the new Dr Pepper Float ice cream and shares some immediate nostalgic thoughts. The team then chats with celebrity chef and Food Network star Scott Conant, who’s in town this weekend cooking up lobster rolls at the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort. He talks about which legendary Dallas chef inspired him at the start...

May 25, 202318 min

The comfort foods we bring for friends in crisis

Dallas Morning News food reporter Claire Ballor stepped in recently to help cover the deadly shooting in Allen. Listen as she shares stories and memories of families who suffered unimaginable loss that day, like the Cho family, who ate their last meal together at their favorite Plano diner. And if you know someone who is grieving or in need of some support, the food team also shares some ideas on what to bring. Sometimes it’s Pedialyte, sometimes it’s soup ingredients, sometimes it’s an amazing ...

May 18, 202317 min

Chicken fried feels: Our most unpopular food opinions

Is breakfast better sweet or savory? Where does Blue Bell stack up in the ice cream sphere? Should steak be fried? Should anything be fried? Our Food team, with a special appearance from Dallas Morning News managing editor Amy Hollyfield, share their most unpopular food opinions. They also compare their results from a “food disgust test” and their thoughts on moldy marmalade and bugs on fruit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

May 11, 202324 min

Steaks, Tex-Mex and BBQ: The evolution of the Fort Worth food scene

Fort Worth legend and living encyclopedia Bud Kennedy joins the show to talk about his own journey from eating “coaches food” as a sports writer to penning the longtime Eats Beat column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram . He also dives into the evolution of the Fort Worth food scene, from its place as the headquarters of regional Texas cuisine to making room for new cuisines and ideas: “Fort Worth is a different kind of real food city. The food has to be good and the prices have to be realistic.”...

May 04, 202323 min

Is this ‘adult’ burger the best in D-FW?

Hear food writer Sarah Blaskovich explain why she calls Burger Schmurger’s Maverick the best burger in Dallas right now, and why no one’s really disagreeing with her. The rest of the food team has their favorite "extra" burgers too though, from a juicy Brazilian find to a jalapeño barbecue beast. But what to cook at home if you're trying to save money? The team has budget grocery shopping tips, too, from stocking up on tofu to buying (and cooking!) in bulk for your pets. Learn more about your ad...

Apr 27, 202317 min

This restaurant owner says Fort Worth is 'not a real food city'

This week the Dallas Morning News food team laments the recent losses of a long-time Dallas brunch spot and a bold restaurant newcomer in Fort Worth. You’ll hear listeners share their favorite memories of Latin bakery La Duni, which closed on Knox Street after 22 years. What will owners Taco and Dunia Borga do next? And will it involve robots? Then Dustin Lee, owner of the recently shuttered restaurant Beast and Co., stops by to share why he thinks his upscale Asian-Southern spot just didn’t wor...

Apr 20, 202324 min

How ChatGPT might change your dining habits

While artificial intelligence can’t actually eat or drink (yet), The Dallas Morning News food team talks through the impact of ChatGPT on the food and dining world, specifically restaurant recommendations. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes tales from two very different Texas steakhouses: Historic Ranchman’s in Ponder, with its chicken fried steak and a woman named Pete, and Nick and Sam’s in Dallas, where a server named Benny makes fine-dining pressure look effortless. Learn more about your ad ...

Apr 13, 202318 min

Dive bar memories and '2-foot food'

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team discusses big ballpark burgers and more with Rangers Insider Evan Grant. Then they move on to fine dining and talk about the big D-FW restaurant showing in the James Beard Award finalist. Then the team shares dive bar memories from 50-year-old institutions The Dallasite and the Stoneleigh P. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 06, 202322 min

Is the Dallas food scene better than Austin’s?

Austin may have a fun food truck culture, but in Dallas, at least you hardly have to wait in line. Listen as The Dallas Morning News food team talks with special guest Samantha Guzman of Arts Access. As a recent Austin transplant, she has thoughts on why the Dallas dining “vibe” is a little less judgy. She also shares favorite dishes from her Dominican heritage, and how, as a new mom, she’s introducing those flavors to her baby. Then, stick around as the food team dips into the listener mailbag ...

Mar 30, 202320 min

Why ghost kitchens are still confusing diners

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team discusses the many different terms for ghost kitchens, and why diners are still trying to figure them out. Then they chat about the restaurant boom in Richardson, and how the city is drawing top talent from Dallas. Still hungry? Stick around for a dive into traditional Mexican foods for Lent. (One even involves sprinkles.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 23, 202322 min

Our top Texas road trip snacks and stops for spring break

In this episode, the Dallas Morning News food team celebrates spring break Texas road trip style. They share their favorite Texas stops for kolaches, jerky, and more, and they bring their favorite snacks to taste, including Mexican candies and Big Mama Pickled Sausage. And if you’re not traveling for spring break, listen for D-FW restaurants and bars that will help you at least feel like you’re on vacation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 16, 202331 min

Spicy mole memories and Mexican cuisine in Dallas

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team welcomes new food and culture reporter Imelda Garcia. The L.A.-born, Mexico City-raised journalist shares how her mom makes mole, her favorite Dallas Mexican restaurant, and why she is still getting used to Tex-Mex. Then Dallas food historian Deah Berry Mitchell stops by to talk about the return of her Soul of DFW food and Black history bus tours, and why she wants to feed people “mentally, spiritually and physically.” Learn more about your ad c...

Mar 09, 202322 min

Why the sushi bazooka is our new favorite kitchen gadget

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team talks about Steak and Ale memories, fish sandwiches, and their new favorite kitchen gadget: the sushi bazooka. Then, Val Jean-Bart of Val’s Cheesecakes in Dallas stops by to tell his touching story about his mom and how he started his business. Then, the team talks about the best things they ate recently, including a life-changing potato sandwich. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Mar 02, 202342 min

Actor Michael Urie dishes on Chili’s, Whataburger and martinis

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team talks about their favorite dishes from the recently shuttered Homewood restaurant, plus barbecue feuds and how “hospitality got so hostile.” Then a very special guest — Plano-raised actor Michael Urie — stops by while in town directing “Silver Foxes” with Uptown Players. Michael talks about his childhood memories at Chili’s, how he introduced friends to Whataburger, his favorite new Dallas restaurant (hint: prime ribs and martinis), and why he n...

Feb 23, 202333 min

A viral ‘sushi bake,’ chicken wing nirvana, and our favorite party dips

In this episode, you’ll hear insider info on the new restaurants coming to Frisco’s PGA complex, what exactly a Bo-Berry Biscuit is, how a new Dallas company is trying to help restaurant servers get more recognition, and what the Dallas Morning News food team thinks of Texas Monthly ’s “best new restaurants” list. Gaming Foodie and North Texan Alissa Nguyen then stops by to chat about her viral TikTok recipes, like her pho and sushi bake. And do you need some party snack ideas? (Always.) Try the...

Feb 16, 202332 min

Dallas chef Dean Fearing shares his biggest celebrity moments

In this episode, the Dallas Morning News food team talks about the “new etiquette rules” when it comes to dining out at restaurants. Is your order too customized? Are you splitting the bill properly? The team then talks about their pantry cooking essentials. (You know, in case of another ice storm.) Then writer Sarah Blaskovich sits down with legendary Dallas chef Dean Fearing for a special conversation about Valentine’s Day, Southwest cuisine, how Dallas became a world-class food city, and whic...

Feb 09, 202342 min

Why this Dallas sushi chef knows the secret to great gumbo

In this episode, Michelle Carpenter, Dallas chef and owner of Zen Sushi and recent James Beard semifinalist Restaurant Beatrice, shares how she honors the cuisines of both her Japanese and Cajun heritages. Then the Dallas Morning News food staff shares their favorite ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day (chocolate, of course), and talks about Reba (yes, Reba), current tipping etiquette, and why cars keep driving into Dallas restaurants. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Feb 02, 202325 min

Why we love the neighborhood restaurant

In this episode, The Dallas Morning News food team turns the focus on neighborhood restaurants, those special places where everyone knows your name ... and maybe your order. Food editor Erin Booke and reporters Sarah Blaskovich and Claire Ballor discuss what makes these cozy spots so special, and share some listener favorites. Then guest Ron Ruggless of Nation’s Restaurant News joins to talk about big national restaurant trends, tipping culture, experiential dining and ... bugs? Speaking of bugs...

Jan 26, 202350 min

What’s in and what’s out at Dallas restaurants in 2023?

In this episode, the Dallas Morning News food team talks about the Vegas-to-Dallas restaurant pipeline, what they’ll order at Portillo’s, and why people just can’t quit Guy Fieri. Guest Kevin Gray joins the team to discuss how zero-proof drinks are kind of sexy now, and why it’s a great time to be sober. Then it’s on to the ins and outs in food for 2023. Ins? Casual French food, retro restaurants, veggie dishes and print menus. Outs? Butter boards, y’all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit ...

Jan 19, 202342 min

Will Dallas ever embrace tea culture?

In this episode, the Dallas Morning News food team talks tea with Rakkasan Tea co-founder Brandon Friedman, a combat veteran who learned about tea while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. He talks about why selling tea is “kinda like being a drug dealer,” and why it’s a “stop drink” that creates a sense of calm amid the chaos of war — or just your daily life. The team also talks to Tanner Agar, owner of Rye restaurant in Dallas, about his new 3% surcharge for employee benefits, and then you’ll hea...

Jan 12, 202346 min

Chef Junior Borges talks bread, cheese and Christmas food memories

The Dallas Morning News food team celebrates the last Eat Drink D-FW episode of the year by sharing their favorite holiday food (and drink) traditions, their favorite podcast moments of 2022 (pizza! Big Tex!), and what they want to talk about in 2023. Then they sit down with chef Junior Borges of Meridian restaurant in Dallas about the most meaningful dishes on his menu (and what his mom thinks of them), plus his own Brazilian beach holiday memories. See you all in 2023! Learn more about your ad...

Dec 22, 202243 min

Why running a restaurant in December is ‘pretty insane’

Dallas restaurateur Greg Katz of Beverly’s and Clifton Club joins the podcast to talk about how he “never says no,” even during the busiest time of the year, plus he shares stories from his childhood in South Africa and how he developed his popular matzo ball soup. Food journalists Erin Booke, Sarah Blaskovich and Claire Ballor also talk about the cult of Chili’s Chicken Crispers and our new favorite Netflix food show, then we hear from listener Beth Holland about her Christmas dinner tradition....

Dec 15, 202242 min

Soup mode! Our food team shares their favorite bowls at D-FW restaurants

The Dallas Morning News food team has officially shifted into “soup mode.” Listen as food editor Erin Booke chats with writers Sarah Blaskovich, Claire Ballor and Nick Rallo about the best soups at D-FW restaurants, and how we cook them at home. They also discuss why it’s so hard to get a restaurant reservation right now, and then chef and TV personality Vivian Howard talks about her Viv’s Fridges concept and what a “flavor hero” is. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adc...

Dec 08, 202238 min

The food words we love to hate

Everyone has food words that give them that “ick” feeling. Listen as host Erin Booke talks with food writers Sarah Blaskovich and Claire Ballor about the food words they love to hate. Can you guess which ones they are? And are the words actually annoying, or do just annoying people use them? Then writer Amanda Albee talks with Dallas chef Jessica Alonzo of Native Ferments TX — aka the “pickle Jedi” — about her most popular mustards and other vinegar-y treats. The team also dives into the Best Th...

Dec 01, 202241 min

Our favorite Thanksgiving food traditions (and some fails)

Dry-brined or fried turkey? Canned greens beans or fresh? And how many ways can you potato? Thanksgiving has changed and evolved over the years for many families, but there are still some traditions we cling to. In a special Thanksgiving episode, food editor Erin Booke chats with writers Sarah Blaskovich, Evan Grant, Leslie Brenner, Nick Rallo and Deah Berry Mitchell about their favorite holiday dishes and memories, including how “my nuts are burning” became a family slogan. Happy Thanksgiving, ...

Nov 22, 202234 min

Why food insecurity in D-FW is worse now than at height of the pandemic

“Food insecurity is a complicated issue, feeding our neighbors facing hunger is not,” says Trisha Cunningham, president and CEO of the North Texas Food Bank . Listen as The Dallas Morning News food team talks with Trisha about the history of the food bank, why there is more food insecurity now than at the height of the pandemic, and how we all can help our more than 700,000 hungry neighbors have a good holiday season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices...

Nov 17, 202236 min

D-FW barbecue experts share their smoked meat secrets

How long should you smoke a brisket? Do you salt and pepper, or use a slather? In this special bonus episode of Eat Drink D-FW, listen as Dallas Morning News food reporter Sarah Blaskovich hosts a barbecue roundtable with Joe Zavala, co-owner of Zavala’s Barbecue in Grand Prairie, and Lane Milne, co-owner of Goldee’s Barbecue in Fort Worth. They talk about what equipment they use, their different approaches to barbecue, and how they’re handling the rising costs of meat and supplies. Learn more a...

Nov 16, 202241 min

How to shop Eataly like a real Italian

We’d all love to eat like an Italian every day, right? The Eat Drink D-FW team recorded at Eataly Dallas to talk to chef Paola Saglietti about her favorite holiday dishes and entertaining tips, plus what she thinks of Italian restaurants in Dallas. Host Erin Booke and writers Sarah Blaskovich and Claire also talk about the cult of Buc-ee’s, Dallas spots on reality TV, and food packaging that causes anxiety. Then we chat with Mike McCloud, president and CEO of the World Food Championships, about ...

Nov 10, 202245 min

Don’t be James Corden, but there are polite ways to send your food back

We don’t want to be James Corden, but sometimes you do need to send your food back at a restaurant. Listen as The Dallas Morning News food team talks about bad behavior in restaurants, and why it’s so hard for nice people to ever complain about their food. We also talk about the “cult of the restaurant kitchen,” why we all love olive appetizers, a new jalapeño popper dip recipe, and a great new lunch spot. Then we chat with Elizabeth Myong, reporter for ArtsAccess , about the role of food in the...

Nov 03, 202234 min

Are these Dallas restaurants and bars really haunted?

Join the Eat Drink D-FW team for a special — and very spirited — Halloween episode recorded at spooky Dallas mezcaleria Las Almas Rotas . Owner Shad Kvetko tells stories about haunted happenings at his bar. Did that mummified monkey just move? And does pouring a shot of mezcal keep the spirits happy? Maybe. Host Erin Booke and food writers Sarah Blaskovich, Claire Ballor and Nick Rallo also talk about their favorite Halloween candies , and La Casita Bakeshop owner Maricsa Trejo tells us why she ...

Oct 27, 202231 min
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