Opening News

Restaurant devoted to tri tip steaks opens second Dallas area location

This here is a tri tip family feast with three meats and three sides.

Tri Tip

A restaurant specializing in the cut of beef known as the tri tip has opened a new location in the Dallas area: Called Tri Tip Grill, it is now open in Richardson in the CityLine center at the northeast corner of Renner and North Plano roads.

This is the second location in the Dallas area for this chain, following Frisco which opened in 2017. There were previously two locations in New York.

Owner is Robert Sunleaf, a young entrepreneur who previously worked for Texas Instruments. In a release, he says they're thrilled about the opening, stating, "Our hybrid of counter service at lunch and full service at dinner and on weekends makes us the perfect choice for a quick bite at lunch or a fun family night out."

Tri Tip Grill is known for their tri tip steak, a triangular cut of beef from the sirloin that some would say has been unfairly ignored, although it has had a revival in more recent years. They use Angus beef tri tip that's been aged for 35 days. It gets marinated, char-roasted, and smoked. You can order it in a platter with sides, or in a sandwich, sliced thin.

However, there is life here beyond the tri tip. Their menu features burgers and five signature salads including the Cabo Chop with jicama and avocado, and the "krispy" chicken & avocado. Everything is made in house, including salad dressings.

Tri Tip Grill also offers family feasts with three meats and three sides, served family style. Desserts include banana pudding and S’mores for Four served tableside.

Tri Tip is open daily from 10:30 am-11 pm, with a happy hour Monday-Friday from 2-6 pm, and a "social hour" for the last 90 minutes of the day.

Lunch is counter service, then switches at 3 pm on weekdays and all day on the weekends to full-service. Clever.

They also offer online ordering, catering services, and a reservable food truck.

As is the case with other eateries at CityLine, Tri Tip Grill is practicing social distancing and complying by all CDC and state guidelines, including six feet spacing and proper capacity limits inside. They also boast a large patio.

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cheers to that

Texas bourbon triumphs among top 10 'most exciting' whiskies of 2024

Still Austin Whiskey Co. Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey

Still Austin Whiskey Co./Facebook

Now if only we could snag a bottle...as a Christmas gift, of course.

A Texas-based distillery has earned worldwide acclaim: Still Austin Whiskey Co.'s Bottled in Bond Red Corn Bourbon Whiskey has been recognized as one of Whisky Advocate'sTop 20 Most Exciting Whiskies of 2024.

Every year, Whisky Advocate's expert panelists rank hundreds of whiskies based on their quality, availability, value for the price, and "X-factor," meaning an excitement-inducing component like a unique flavor or an innovative idea. An international panel also reviews contenders through several blind taste tests without knowing each whisky's producer, origin, age, or price.

The magazine ranked Still Austin's five-year Red Corn Bourbon No. 7 on the list with an impressive score of 94 points. The Red Corn whiskey, which was released in June 2024, has mash bill consisting of 36 percent Jimmy Red corn, 34 percent white corn, 25 percent rye, and 5 percent barley.

According to panelist Shane English, tasting notes start big and bold with cracked pepper, dusty leather, and cocktail cherries, before moving on to a palate of chile pepper, caramel, and buttery cornbread.

"Each sip is electric — the pepper gives this whiskey a zing balanced by poundcake and glazed doughnuts," English said. "Charred oak fades to chocolate, coffee, and pecan pie on the finish."

Still Austin had the only Texas product on the list. Its Red Corn Bourbon sells for a retail price of $85 for a 750-milliliter bottle, falling nearly in the middle of the price category out of all 20 bourbons on the list, with eight others priced for less.

For additional context, none of the top five bourbons fall under a $100 price tag. In fact, the most expensive bottle on the 2024 list is the Angel's Envy 2023 Cask Strength Port Wine Barrel Finished Bourbon, which ranked No. 12 and retails for $230 per bottle.

"Our top 20 whiskies represent a curated collection that deserves your attention. Each whisky on the list stands out for its superb taste, representing the pinnacle of a year filled with remarkable tastings," said executive editor David Fleming in a release. "This list features whiskies offering exceptional value, leaders in their respective styles, and superbly made expressions that are well worth seeking out."

Whisky Advocate's 2024 Whiskey of the Year is Laphroaig Elements 2.0 Cask Strength Scotch Single Malt, which earned 95 points and retails for $165 a bottle.

whiskey bourbon distilleries awards lists