Some weeks the foodie stars align and Dallas boasts a lineup of food and drink events so solid that it's hard to pick a winner. From a revamped food festival to a book signing with a famous food critic to a doughnut demo with the Top Pot founder, there is so much going on that you may not need to buy groceries this week, depending on your dedication.
Tuesday, May 13
Foodie Fiction with Ruth Reichl at Dallas Museum of Art
Author, editor and food critic Ruth Reichl shares her debut novel, Delicious, as part of the DMA's Arts & Letters Live series. At 6 pm, things get started with a three-course dinner inspired by some of her favorite dishes in the Founders' Room. At 7:30 pm, the action switches to Horchow Auditorium for a book signing and lecture. Tickets include a signed copy of Delicious and entry to the lecture. Tickets for the dinner cost $130 for DMA partners or $140 for non-partners. Just the lecture and book signing is $35 or $30 if you are a DMA partner. Buy your tickets online.
Thursday, May 15
Antonio Marquez’s Chef Dinner at Lazaranda
Chef Antonio Marquez hosts a four-course chef’s dinner with pairings from Chequen Winery starting at 7 pm. Courses include duck barbacoa, crab salad, bacon-wrapped shrimp stuffed with spinach and cheese, pork tenderloin, glazed roast beef, and mango- and chocolate-filled crepes. Dinner costs $44.95 per person. Call 972-866-8900 for reservations.
Friday, May 16
2014 Main Street Days in Downtown Grapevine
The 30th annual Main Street Days (though Sunday, May 18) features a special craft brew experience with more than 30 craft beers. Wine aficionados can enjoy a glass at the new Texas Wine Terrace located in Liberty Park. For shoppers, more than 80 locally owned shops, galleries, restaurants, jewelry stores, boutiques and more line Main Street. Admission is free until 5 pm on Friday; after 5 and on Saturday and Sunday, tickets are $5-$7. You can buy them online.
2014 Fork & Cork in Addison Circle Park
The replacement for Taste Addison, Fork & Cork (through Saturday, May 17) brings together celebrated chefs, craft breweries, wineries and spirit makers. Featured talent includes James Beard Award-winning chef Marcus Samuelsson and Texas music legend Pat Green. Friday night costs $65, but you get all the food and drinks that you can handle. Saturday is only $35 and includes access to the Grand Tasting Tent and the Pat Green concert. Attendees can also purchase tastings from local restaurants for $1 to $5 each. There are a limited number of $100 VIP packages, which include access to hands-on cooking classes, Marcus Samuelsson’s demo, special tasting opportunities, chef meet-and-greets, valet parking and more. Buy them online.
Saturday, May 17
Top Pot Doughnuts Demonstration and Book Signing at Sur La Table
Top Pot Doughnuts founder Mark Klebeck demonstrates the art of hand-forged doughnuts and autographs his cookbook, Hand-Forged Doughnuts: Secrets and Recipes for the Home Baker (co-authored with Jess Thomson). This event includes a copy of all the recipes plus tastings of two doughnuts and doughnut bread pudding. Class starts at 10 am and costs $49 per person. For reservations, call 214-219-4479 or secure your spot online.
2014 Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run at Beckert Park
The second annual Tasty Run 5K & Fun Run lets participants literally eat and run, thanks to several tasting stations courtesy of Addison restaurants along the route. Benefiting the Addison Legacy Foundation, registered participants receive a T-shirt, coupons from participating tasting stations and a $5 discount off a Fork & Cork general admission ticket for Saturday. Entry costs range from $20-$35, and you can register online.
Grill Out at Barter
To celebrate the warm weather, Tastemaker Award nominee Andrew Dilda roasts a full pig over an open fire via the Love Box. He serves plates of all-you-can pork with rice and beans for $25. Beverage director Rocco Milano, a fellow Tastemaker Award nominee, offers a playful Don Julio shot and beer cocktail made with Don Julio tequila, Fleur elderflower liqueur, freshly squeezed orange juice and Arnold Amber Ale. Guests can also order from the full lunch and cocktail menu. The event starts at 11 am, and reservations are not required. For more info, call 214-969-6898.
Sunday, May 18
2014 Taste of the NFL at Glass Cactus Nightclub
The only thing Dallasites dig more than their beloved Cowboys is good food. Also known as the ultimate Cowboys tailgate party, Taste of the NFL features Dallas Cowboys players past and present, Abacus executive chef and proprietor Kent Rathbun, and the area’s hottest celebrity chefs. Attendees enjoy gourmet tailgate fare, signature cocktails, and live and silent auctions, and proceeds benefit North Texas Food Bank. Tickets are $200 and can be purchased online.
Monday, May 19
Guest Chef Jason Dady at FT33
Matt McCallister welcomes Jason Dady to FT33 for an eight-course dinner showcasing local ingredients. Dady is the executive chef and owner of Bin 555 Restaurant and Wine Bar, Tre Trattoria, Two Bros. BBQ Market, and DUK Truck in San Antonio. This meal costs $110 per person; diners can add wine pairings for an additional $50. Reservations are required and can be made by calling 214-741-2629.
Abacus is one of the participating restaurants at the 2014 Taste of the NFL on May 18.
