This Week in Gluttony

Chefs For Farmers and more of this week's best Dallas food events

This week, the Dallas food scene is taking advantage of the incredible weather. In other words, it's basically a week full of celebrating farmers, food, and fall. Fabulous, right?

Wednesday, October 21

Dean Fearing cookbook signing at Anteks Curated
Chef Dean Fearing signs his latest cookbook, The Texas Food Bible, while you peruse the Western-chic scene at this Plaza at Preston Center shop. During the signing, guests can enter to win a one-night stay at 505 Ranch. Admission is free, and the signing starts at 5 pm.

Chef Ken Patrick wine dinner at Bridge Bistro
Chef Ken Patrick cooks his take on New Orleans-influenced cuisine, including okra gumbo, boudin-stuffed quail, pecan bread pudding, and more. Each course is paired with Oak Cliff Cellars wine. This dinner starts at 6:30 pm and costs $75.

Saturday, October 24

Butcher Block Party at The Joule
Chefs For Farmers presents this new signature downtown event featuring dozens of local and national chefs. This is a meat lover's dream, as the chefs serve up meat galore with wine, cocktails, beer, and live music. Participating chefs include Andrew Wiseheart of Austin's Contigo and Gardner, Craig Deihl of Charleston's Cypress and Artisan Meat Share, John Tesar of Knife Dallas, and Ryan Pera of Houston's Revival Market (just to name a few). Tickets are $125, and the event kicks off at 7 pm at The Eye.

Fall Harvest Dinner at Asador
Executive chef Brad Phillips and sous chef Brook Mallory prepare an Italian-inspired dinner showcasing the fall harvest using local ingredients. The menu includes grilled calamari, wood-fired flatbread, panzanella salad, braised antelope, cavatelli carbonara, cast iron lasagna, wild boar sausage, mini cannoli, fresh biscotti, and zeppole. Each course is served family-style and is paired with wine. Dinner starts at 7 pm and is $90 per a person. For reservations call 214-267-4815.

Sunday, October 25

Chefs For Farmers at Lee Park
This event is special because it involves chefs and farmers coming together for an incredible foodie feast at a picturesque location. Drink local brews from the beer garden, then butter your biscuit at the biscuit bar before switching to champagne and oysters. More than 120 local food vendors set up shop to mingle among industry friends while guests enjoy their goods on the lawn among DJs and live entertainment. Tickets are $75, and the event starts at 2 pm.

Dallas Kosher BBQ Championship at Sunnyland Patio Furniture
Author and Food Network star Simon Majumdar hosts the competition, which is sanctioned by the renowned Kansas City Barbecue Society. Because no work can be done or fires lit on the Jewish Sabbath, teams prepare the meats on Thursday night, then start cooking after sundown on Saturday. The day-long festivities include music, cooking demonstrations, silent auctions, a kids' play area, and, of course, barbecue. Admission is free, and the event kicks off at 10 am.

Songbird Supper at Trinity River Audubon Center
Omni Dallas executive chef Donald Chalko cooks a meal showcasing produce and sustainably raised meats from nearby farms and ranches. Starting at 5 pm, guests can enjoy a delicious family-style meal, live music, custom craft beer and wine, and the golden light of a fall sunset. The event concludes with a guided walk and candlelight owl prowl along the Trinity River. Tickets are $200, and proceeds benefit Trinity River Audubon Center.

Sunday Cinema Series at Knife
This new culinary-themed film program rolls on with a screening of Julie & Julia on the outdoor patio. Guests can enjoy gourmet bites by chef John Tesar and craft beer from Four Corners Brewing Company. Tesar and Lee Papert, president and CEO of the Dallas Film Society and executive director of the Dallas International Film Festival, speak prior to the film about its impact on the restaurant industry. Tickets are $35 and benefit the Dallas Film Society. Call 214-443-9339 to reserve your spot.

Andrew Wiseheart is just one of a long list of chefs to make the trip to Dallas for the Butcher Block Party at The Eye at The Joule on October 24.

Photo by Knox Photographics

Andrew Wiseheart is just one of a long list of chefs to make the trip to Dallas for the Butcher Block Party at The Eye at The Joule on October 24.

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Pickleball News

Chicken N Pickle to bring pickleball and rotisserie chicken to Allen

Chicken N Pickle

Quite the spread at Chicken N Pickle

After more than two years in the works, pickleball chain Chicken N Pickle is coming to Allen. According to a release, the company known for helping to usher in the pickleball trend will open a location at The Farm, the mixed-use development at SH-121 and Alma Road on May 13.

Located at 1221 Johnson Rd., the venue will encompass nearly four acres with eight pickleball courts — six indoor and two outdoor covered — plus dining areas on two levels, a sports bar, beer garden, and yard games such as cornhole, battleship, and giant Jenga.

Founded in Kansas City, Missouri in 2017, Chicken N Pickle has NFL players among its investors including Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce. There are currently 12 locations; Allen, which was originally penciled in for Allen in 2022, is the third in the Dallas area following the original in Grapevine and another in Grand Prairie.

In a statement, CEO Brad Clarke says the concept creates an inclusive environment.

"We like to think of our concept as the ultimate backyard hangout – one you'll never want to leave; it's a space where everyone can connect and celebrate with great food, drinks, and unforgettable moments together," Clarke says.

The menu is centered around rotisserie chicken served with sliced avocado and a flour tortilla; plus sandwiches, wings, fries, and tots. But there are also a few healthy dishes as well such as hummus; sides like grilled broccolini and beets with arugula; and a powerbowl with sweet potato, kale, and avocado. Sandwiches and entrees range from $10 to $18.

There are cocktails like a spicy blackberry margarita, local beer, plus brunch and a weekday happy hour with $2 off drinks.

They're planning a slate of activities during grand opening week, including a doggy day, open play, family night, and teacher night.

Company founder Dave Johnson says they're dedicated to being the top pickleball entertainment destination while still maintaining a personal touch and strong local connections in every community.

"We're confident that Chicken N Pickle will quickly become a must-visit destination in Allen for guests seeking food and fun in a welcoming atmosphere," Johnson says.

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