This Week in Gluttony

These are the 8 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Taste Addison is happening May 13-15 at Addison Circle Park.

Photo courtesy of Taste Addison

UPDATE: FT33 has canceled its guest series chef dinner on May 16. The listing has been removed below.

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It may seem like there's a culinary lull between the tacos and tequila of Cinco de Mayo and the burgers and beer of Memorial Day, but rest assured: Dallas has its foodies covered. From festivals to special dinners, there's plenty to consume this week.

Tuesday, May 10

Marchesi Di Barolo wine dinner at CiboDivino Marketplace
Chef Daniele Puleo hosts Valentina Abbona from Marchesi di Barolo winery and presents a culinary tour through the Piedmont region of Italy. Courses include tuna tartare, gnocchi, slow-roasted rabbit in Barbera sauce, and pears cooked in Nebbiolo wine. Tickets are $65, and the dinner begins at 6:30 pm.

Thursday, May 12

Tree Feast at Garden Cafe
This unique dinner features a variety of dishes that highlight ingredients that come from trees. The evening begins with a cocktail hour with gin cocktails provided by Elixir Craft Cocktail Catering and craft beer from Lakewood Brewing Company. Local jazz pianist Thiago Nascimento will entertain the crowd while Lush Cosmetics "charity stars" pamper each guest. Tickets are $103, and cocktails begin at 6 pm. Dinner is from 7:30-9 pm.

North Texas Farm-to-Table Symposiums at Franconia Brewing Company
This is the second installment of a collaborative effort between Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and The Seed Project Foundation that brings together farmers, ranchers, artisans, growers, chefs, and restaurateurs to expand the North Texas food movement. Discussions focus on sustainable practices, and a community-to-table dinner is included. The symposium also features two speakers: Dennis Wehrman, owner and brew master of Franconia Brewing Company, and Susie Marshall, executive director of the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Tickets are $30, and the event kicks off at 6 pm with cocktails. Dinner starts at 6:30 pm.

Friday, May 13

Taste Addison at Addison Circle Park
This three-day festival is the ultimate celebration of food, music, and fun, dishing out the best food from some of Addison's favorite restaurants. Don't miss the sweetest treat of all this year, which is a performance from the award-winning, chart-topping country group The Band Perry at 9:30 pm on Saturday. Tickets are $15, and gates open at 6 pm on Friday and noon on Saturday and Sunday.

Saturday, May 14

Crawfish and Brews at Community Beer Company
Enjoy fresh Louisiana crawfish and delicious craft brew at this fun and laid-back affair. Pre-sale tickets are $25 and include 2 pounds of crawfish, three Community beer tokens, and one official Crawfish and Brews 2016 novelty glass. This event starts at noon.

Market Dinner at Patina Green Market & Home
Head to McKinney for this exciting farm-inspired menu featuring five courses using locally sourced ingredients. Tickets are $55, and the dinner begins at 8 pm. An additional wine and local beer pairing is available for $25.

Sunday, May 15

Brew Riot in Bishop Arts District
Over 50 homebrewers go head to head in a one-of-a-kind competition where the best beer wins. The competition lasts from 4-8 pm, and you must be a Texas Homebrew Society member to attend. Join here for $25.

"Celebrating our Mothers" Cooking Class at Pink Magnolia
Grab your mother for some belated Mother's Day fun at this interactive afternoon of swanky Southern cooking with chef Blythe Beck. This special cooking class features a delicious three-course meal with specially selected wine pairings and cocktails. Beck will demonstrate some of her favorite dishes alongside a very special guest, her mother, Momma Beck. Tickets are $95 and include recipes and a goodie bag of culinary treats. Reserve your spot by calling 469-320-9220. This class starts at 3 pm.

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RIP Rain

Dallas Caramel Company founder Rain McDermott dies at 52

Courtesy

Dallas Caramel Company founder Rain McDermott

Dallas entrepreneur Rain McDermott, who founded artisan caramel maker Dallas Caramel Company when she was only 34 years old, died after a battle with breast cancer; she was 52.

Her passing was noted on the company's Facebook page, stating that "it is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of our beloved founder, Rain McDermott. Rain lost her courageous battle with breast cancer, but not without an incredible fight—full of strength, grace, and unwavering spirit. She gave her all, just like she did in everything."

A spokesperson said that "there will be a memorial at a later date, but no details have been confirmed as of yet."

A native Texan, Elizabeth Rain Reglin McDermott grew up in Houston and moved to Plano at the age of 7. According to her biography, when she turned 9, her father took her on a date to the Reunion Tower which inspired her creativity and propelled her desire to leave her own mark on the city.

She attended El Centro College (now Dallas College), earning a degree in pastry, culinary & food service management, then started Dallas Caramel Company in 2007 to satiate her curiosity: Could she make a delicious caramel that would satisfy her sweet tooth?

Her caramels and turtles, which were made at a facility in Wylie, were described as bold, unapologetically delicious, and big as Texas, in 11 flavors — many inspired by Dallas, including Sea Salt, Orange, Cinnamon, Marshmallow, Espresso, TX Drunken Nut (Texas Whiskey & Texas Pecans), Pumpkin, Bacon, Apple Pie, Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, and traditional Original.

According to the post, the company will continue to operate, carrying on "her mission of world caramel domination, one delicious piece at a time."

Friends meanwhile called her "the sweetest and kindest soul," "an amazing woman and mentor," who was "adored for her enthusiasm and determination." Customers expressed gratitude for her wonderful caramels and doting personal service.

"Rain's sweet smile lit up every room, her hugs could fix just about anything, and her love for caramel was only matched by her love for her husband Sean and her dogs Wylie and Maui," the post said. "She poured her heart into Dallas Caramel Company, and every bite of caramel tells a little piece of her story."

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