Eat Drink D-FW

Boxed mac and cheese, rotisserie chicken, popcorn concoctions, and tons of dips: The Dallas Morning News food team shares their go-to “garbage” meals, the dishes you make in your pajamas and eat standing up when no one is looking. Nothing fancy here! The team also shares the latest restaurant news, from a sushi omakase boom in Dallas to South African chicken and a barbecue expansion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Does mac and cheese belong on a holiday table? How many people does it take to spatchcock a turkey? Are hot Cheetos the best way to jazz up cottage cheese? And what the heck is a Sandy Pickle? The Dallas Morning News food team asks the important questions about holiday cooking, viral food trends, breakfast ideas and the latest news on the Dallas restaurant scene. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Special guest Bridget Lancaster of America's Test Kitchen joins Eat Drink D-FW to share her Thanksgiving traditions and cooking advice for turkey, sides and her “favorite beverage”: turkey gravy. She discusses how much butter to use for the silkiest mashed potatoes, why spatchcocking turkey is best for saving time and space, and how make-ahead dishes are the ultimate holiday hack. Stick around as the team also discusses a food and restaurant boom in Farmers Branch, the return of the wine bar, and a holiday cookie hack from a listener. Happy Thanksgiving! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Morning News food team is split over recent viral food trends, including Thanksgiving Sushi, which features chicken skin and cranberry sauce, and a Georgia restaurant fining parents for unruly kids. But the team is really into holiday drinks right now, like classic champagne cocktails, festive non-alcoholic options, and why savory cocktails might be the best new trend. Parmesan or kimchi in your martini, anyone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How much pie is the food team going to make this Thanksgiving? They have some big holiday aspirations, but they also have tips on how to slow down and really be thankful for whatever you happen to make, be it traditional turkey, Mexican cochinita pibil, or a British berry tart. They’ve also got holiday hacks, plus behind-the-scenes news on Shug’s Bagels, Restaurant Beatrice, and where the Texas Rangers celebrated their big World Series win. (Hint: It was a steakhouse.) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have you ever dressed as a $250 lobster roll for Halloween? Food reporter Sarah Blaskovich did, and she’s here to tell you how she did it. The wildly expensive lobster roll that inspired her costume was made especially for World Series games in Arlington, and it captured the attention of Texas Rangers fans across North Texas. But what does Dallas Morning News Rangers Insider Evan Grant actually eat at the ballpark? He joins the show as a special guest to talk birria tacos, Lebanese food and more. Then stick around for a chat about favorite comforting sandwiches like egg salad, tuna and ... banana and mayo? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What would a celebration of life be without food? Dallas Morning News food reporter Imelda Garcia shares her family’s Day of the Dead traditions, which include offering favorite foods and drinks like tamales and Mexican brandy to departed loved ones. And don’t forget the sugar skulls, which will remind you to live life to the fullest every day. Then it’s time for a scary taste test, as the food team tries a Skittles energy drink as well as the hottest new candy on store shelves. Are the mac and cheese gummies as terrifying as they sound? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One of Dallas’ liveliest restaurants also happens to be its most ... dead? Samir Dhurandhar, founding chef at longtime steakhouse Nick & Sam’s, joins the podcast to tell stories of his many ghostly encounters over 24 years at the restaurant, which used to house a morgue of sorts for nearby Parkland Memorial Hospital. During the quiet morning hours before opening, Chef Samir has heard whispers, seen objects move, and even talked to an apparition. Some spirits are helpful, tweaking administrative tasks or pointing him to ingredients in the kitchen. He says the ghosts seem to like it there, and who wouldn’t want to spend their afterlife at an endless party? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dallas-Fort Worth is full of new and exciting restaurants to visit right now, and the Dallas Morning News food team has its favorites. From French food in Fort Worth to a North Texas Portillo’s takeover, there’s something for everyone and every mood. Reporter Imelda Garcia also shares why Austin restaurant El Naranjo is worth the trip — for authentic Oaxacan dishes and a sweet behind-the-scenes family story. And if you need some new words to zhuzh up your food vocabulary, the team discusses Merriam-Webster's newest additions, like cheffy, stage, torta and smashburger. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Morning News food team and their associate tasters recently spent hundreds of coupons at the State Fair of Texas to taste the ten Big Tex Choice Awards finalists for 2023. Listen as the team samples pizza topped with french fries, cold cheesecake on a stick, fried pho stuffed with noodles, crabby tater tots and more, all while sitting in the shadow of Big Tex. Which dishes are worth your (fried) dough? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While Dallas has seen many high-dollar new restaurants open in the last couple of years, some new (and old) spots are bucking the trend and going back to casual. The Dallas Morning News food team explains how East Dallas favorite Gemma reinvented itself with a more casual vibe and menu, and new Green Point aims to be a casual “seafood brasserie,” where diners can stroll in for a glass of wine and oysters at the bar. The food team then reads some tasty listener emails about sushi, pizza and what’s in their freezer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Eat Drink D-FW team sits down with Texas Monthly’s Barbecue Editor Daniel Vaughn at Brix Barbecue in Fort Worth to talk about the state of smoked meats. Vaughn dishes on how Texas-style barbecue has influenced a brisket boom across the country, but how it’s now evolving with more influence from immigrant cuisines like Mexican, Vietnamese and Ethiopian. Texas pitmasters aren’t afraid to break the “rules” now, either, by showcasing whole hog, wine lists and more. Listen as Vaughn also shares his favorite new spots, how much meat he eats in a week, and why being a barbecue editor is sometimes more about the people than the food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What’s the secret to living to 100? Is it eating sweet potatoes, ditching our dependency on cars, or hanging out with friends more? Listen as The Dallas Morning News food team explores how the new Netflix docuseries about longevity ― Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones ― has already prompted big diet and lifestyle changes. Producer Julie Fisk even says “it’s changed everything” for her. The team also tastes a new sweet potato treat as they talk about the latest Dallas restaurant news and toast to El Fenix as the historic restaurant turns 105. Here’s to longevity! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did you know that people in Mexico City eat quesadillas without cheese? Dallas Morning News reporter Imelda Garcia explains Mexico’s national debate over cheese vs. no-cheese quesadillas as the food team tries both kinds from Dallas taqueria Tortas Revolucion. The team also shares “the best burger news of the year” before cracking open their pantries to showcase the condiments they can’t live without, from spicy sauces to delicate dressings. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s pumpkin spice latte time! Yes, it’s still August, but the Dallas Morning News Food team discusses why hot coffee is still a must for some. Then they dive into the wild State Fair food winners of 2023 (what’s new on a stick?), and where to get affordable sushi in D-FW. But what to make for dinner? The team has some shortcut ideas on everything from fresh ravioli to ramen to Jennifer Garner’s salad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Morning News food team discusses the popular new Netflix documentary Poisoned, which shines a light on big gaps in U.S. food safety regulations. Are we really doomed, or is there anything we can do to keep from getting sick? Then stick around for lighter fare, like the top fried foods to try at the 2023 State Fair of Texas, fun new restaurants, and why one Dallas restaurant owner doesn’t want his customers smelling like weed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

If there’s a weird new food on the market, the Dallas Morning News food team will try it. So they ordered the mustard-flavored Skittles from the candy’s new partnership with French’s. Listen as they give their first impressions (which might involve a spit cup). Then stick around for fun restaurant news, from a new Fort Worth sotol distillery to breakfast trends to the - gasp - decline in Whataburger quality. You’ll also hear about the best things the team ate this summer, including Cuban cuisine, an orangesicle cake, tinned fish, and the most perfect chocolate chip cookie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Girl dinner? Grimace shake? Barbiecore? This has been the summer of viral food trends, and The Dallas Morning News food team weighs in on which ones they love or hate. Or both. Then the team tackles the latest Dallas restaurant news, from a new Knox Street spendy spot with throwback vibes to a “glammy grammy” bagel shop in East Dallas and a Mexican restaurant in Lewisville that sells tortillas by the kilo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week is all about the drama. The Dallas Morning News food team talks about an ice cream shop feud in Oak Cliff, the latest on the city of Dallas’ Street Seats initiative, why The Bear is the best show on TV right now, and what Eat Drink D-FW listeners really think about "sheet meat." You’ll also hear the food team’s favorite summer food memories, from fresh tomatoes to “fruit pizza” to ... hot soup? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SPAGHETT! Bo Time! Sheet meat? The Dallas Morning News food team discusses everything from the hottest summer cocktail hacks to the cult of Bojangles chicken and biscuits. Then it’s time to get into some geeky food science after the approval of cell-cultivated chicken for sale at some restaurants. Is this the future of food? Does it taste good? Does it mean we can now make meat out of anything? This could get weird, y’all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Dallas Morning News food team has always been hot for Cheetos, particularly the spicy kind. Listen as the team crunches on the groundbreaking chip flavor (”it burns gooood”) and chats about Flamin’ Hot, the new movie about the man who reportedly invented the concept and is now known as the “godfather of Hispanic marketing.” June is also Pride Month, and reporter Imelda Garcia talks to LGBTQ chefs and the challenges they face running restaurants in Texas right now. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cake or glazed? Filled or plain? The Dallas Morning News food team dives into some serious doughnut discourse after The Washington Post named Dallas a “national doughnut capital.” What makes Big D so special? It’s the diversity, from national chains to indie artisanal spots like Hypnotic Donuts. Then the food team washes it all down with a tasting of several refreshing horchata varieties from CocoAndre Chocolatier and Horchateria in Oak Cliff. From traditional cinnamon to a Texified pecan and a peanutty marzipan, the drinks bring back some sweet summer nostalgia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What is it about smoked meats that makes people so litigious? The Dallas Morning News food team talks about the latest legal feud in the world of Texas barbecue, this time involving Lockhart Smokehouse and Crossbuck BBQ. Then stick around as Tom and Lisa Perini of the legendary Perini Ranch Steakhouse talk about cowboy cooking, celebrity visits, and why we should all eat more hominy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Topo Chico is kind of a thing. The sparkling water has had loyal followers for some time now, including The Dallas Morning News food team, so they had to taste Sabores, Topo’s new line of flavored sparkling waters (in cans!). Listen as the food team gets burbujeante with excitement and gives honest first impressions. The team also talks about Dallas brewery Four Corners and how it’s going indie again, then dives into some reader feedback about the new Hamburger Mary’s drag show restaurant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

“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 of his career, and if he’ll ever consider opening a restaurant in Texas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 loaf of bread, sometimes it’s tres leches cake, and sometimes it’s just a hug or a shoulder to cry on. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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.” The Dallas Morning News food team then talks about the new Barsotti’s restaurant and the end of Dallas’ red sauce saga, how an Arlington taco shop may get the city to change its mural policy, and a new late-night vegan burger shop coming to Deep Ellum. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 work out in Fort Worth, and why he’s looking to take his next restaurant elsewhere. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 and finds some great road trip advice. Roadside jerky, anyone? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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 never forgets to tip. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 team's favorite chicken wing recipe and listen to the best dip recommendations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 which big celebrities made him tongue-tied. Dean also shares more about how his 22-year-old son is in need of a life-saving stem cell donor, and how you can help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/adchoices

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, the food team then does a kombucha taste test: Which ones win us over, and which ones fizzle out? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 hear from listeners about their rather inspiring goals for 2023, be it feeding hungry children or just learning how to park correctly. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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/adchoices

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 Things they ate recently, which includes a cream cheese appetizer, a favorite dinner spot, and a kid-friendly cabbage soup. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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, everyone! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices