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.

Support the Trinity River Audubon Center at its Songbird Supper on October 25.

Songbird Supper, Trinity River Audubon Center

Photo courtesy of Trinity River Audubon Center/Facebook

Support the Trinity River Audubon Center at its Songbird Supper on October 25.

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Closing News

Healthy restaurant on Dallas' McKinney Ave to close after 13 years

Origin

Origin salmon

A longtime healthy restaurant in Uptown Dallas is closing: Origin Kitchen & Bar, which became a mainstay for the Whole30 crowd and a much-loved neighborhood favorite, will close its doors on October 26.

According to owners Russell and Jessica Aldredge, their lease is coming to an end, and they've decided not to renew.

The restaurant prevailed through the pandemic and more from its perch at 4438 McKinney Ave., starting out first as Origin Natural Food, a coffee shop with grab-and-go meals and a Paleo focus. In 2013, they rebranded as Origin Kitchen & Bar, adding a sit-down dining experience, with an open kitchen and full bar, and a broader menu with dishes like grass fed hanger steak with broccolini and onion rings.

Fans appreciated that they avoided dairy in the preparation of their egg dishes, relying on olive oil, and making dressings and sauces that were gluten- and dairy-free.

The couple shared their recollections in a Facebook post, stating that "Thirteen years ago, we opened Origin with a simple goal-to make food that mattered. Food that was sourced well, prepared with care and made people feel good long before “seed oil free” was cool. We were two naive people in love with zero restaurant experience, not even married yet-and many thought we were crazy for opening."

"Over the years, that little idea turned into something bigger than we ever imagined. We’ve watched regulars become friends, families grow around our tables (including our own). Our regulars-the ones who showed up week after week, year after year-you are the reason Origin became what it is. You kept us going through every season, even the hardest ones."

"We’ve been through a lot together-the ups, the pivots, the pandemic, the unknowns-and somehow Origin always stayed true to who we set out to be from the very beginning. That is what we are most proud of," they said.

"As our lease comes to an end, we are choosing to close this chapter of our lives on a high note. Our lives look different now-kids, other businesses, other passions and it feels like the right time to close with gratitude and pride. To our regulars, our community and our team (so many great people over the years) who have been like family-thank you. You have been the heartbeat of this place.Here’s to 13 beautiful years of good food, good people, and good memories."