This Week in Gluttony

These are the 9 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

The Crab Station is now open in Deep Ellum, and a grand opening party will take place Saturday, August 24.

Photo courtesy of The Crab Station

Seems like there is a lot to celebrate. From an annual celebration of a restaurant making it another year on the daunting Dallas dining scene to some new spots opening their doors for the very first time, it's all happening this week. And if you want an ice cold beer or a perfect pour of some fine wine, they're available, too. Cheers!

Tuesday, August 20

Duckhorn Vineyards Wine Dinner at Roy's Restaurant
Join Plano's posh seafood restaurant as they welcome this storied winery for a night of food and flavor. Courses include jumbo prawns, Georges Bank sea scallops, herb grilled Hawaiian Shutome, USDA Prime strip loin, and macadamia nut toffee crunch cake — all paired with premium pours. Tickets are $95, and dinner starts at 6:30 pm. To make a reservation, call 972-473-6263.

Beer Dinner at Local Yocal BBQ & Grill
Legal Draft Beer Company is making the drive from Arlington to McKinney to collaborate with chef Adam West on a five-course beer dinner. Courses include pan seared sea scallops, chicken and waffles, smoked wagyu coulotte, duck duo, and chocolate five ways. Tickets are $70, and dinner starts at 6:30 pm. To make a reservation, call 469-225-0800.

Red Beans Roadshow at Cafe Momentum
This one-night pop-up welcomes Pableaux Johnson and his Monday-night New Orleans tradition to Downtown Dallas. Guests will enjoy a Louisiana meal of deviled eggs two ways, crab cakes, and red beans and rice with cornbread. Dessert is, of course, Louisiana bread pudding. Beverages include cider from Austin East Ciders, as well as wine and beer. Vegan and vegetarian options are also available upon request. Tickets are $55, and the fun starts at 6:30 pm.

Wednesday, August 21

Cakebread Cellars Wine & Food Dinner at Sevy's Grill
Leave it to this Preston Center-area restaurant to bring in this iconic Napa winery. In fact, Lisa Gurvey will be on hand representing Cakebread and will chat about the events that have led to the winery's success. Courses include halibut cheek; confit pork shoulder; A Bar n Ranch tri-tip; and a polenta, black cherry, and Texas honey cake. Tickets are $115, and dinner starts at 6:30 pm. To make reservations, call 214-265-7389.

Thursday, August 22

After Hours Cocktails Tour at The Samurai Collection
The Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection allows Dallasites to explore the largest private collection of samurai art and armor outside of Japan. This monthly, after-hours cocktail tour happens the last Thursday of every month and includes bites by Saint Ann Restaurant & Bar and refreshing beverages. There is also a chance to win prizes. Tickets are $15, and the event starts at 6:30 pm. Call 214-965-1032 for more information.

Friday, August 23

City Hall Bistro Second Anniversary at The Adolphus
The all-day southern European-inspired eatery by Chef Jeramie Robison celebrates its two-year anniversary with this “A Taste of City Hall Bistro” dinner. Guests can sample staple dishes and flavors through interactive dinner stations while chatting with chefs of the restaurant. There will also be a live, local guitarist. The dinner starts at 6 pm, and tickets are $45 for a two-hour dinner reservation and a glass of Cava. To make a reservation, call 214-651-3686.

The Ivy Tavern 5th Year Anniversary Celebration
This popular bar is celebrating five years with lots of music and entertainment throughout the weekend. Friday will be a return to the 1980s with DJ Jen Miller, and prizes will be awarded for the best era outfits. Whiskey Pants is performing on Saturday, and the fun concludes Sunday with the chilled-out Reggae tunes of Watusi. Admission is free, and the fun kicks off at 9 pm on Friday and Saturday and 2 pm on Sunday.

Saturday, August 24

Grand Opening at The Crab Station Deep Ellum
It's grand opening day for this new crab shack in Deep Ellum, and to celebrate, the first 100 tables will get a chance to spin a prize wheel. They will also get a free appetizer, free dessert, and raffle tickets for a 55-inch 4K television. Guests who dine in will also get a 10 percent discount off of their total bill during the grand opening month of August 24 to September 24. The doors open at 11 am, and admission is free.

Austin Eastciders Block Party at Bishop Arts District
Head down to the Bishop Arts District for this booze-infused block party that allows for endless exploring, tasting, and shopping. Guests can enjoy cider and food pairings at participating restaurants, including Eno’s Pizza Tavern, Neighborhood Cellar, Tacos y Vino, and The Local Oak. Retail shops will also be passing out complimentary cider samples and offering in-store promotions. Tickets are $5-$10, and the block party begins at 2 pm.

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outta this world

Cowboys superfan launches pizzeria with Tex-Mex twist in Dallas food hall

Photo courtesy of Starboy's

Check out the cheese pull on Starboy's birria pizza.

A new pizza restaurant is slinging a variety of innovative pies in the Dallas Medical District: Called Starboy’s Pizzeria, the new shop is part of Food Nation Cinco Cocinas, the eclectic food hall at 4711 Maple Ave. The food hall was created by Ray Quintanilla and legendary restaurateur and "Godfather of Dallas Tex-Mex" Mico Rodriguez, who died earlier this month at age 68.

John Flores, an IT professional and self-proclaimed Dallas Cowboys super-fan, created Starboy’s Pizzeria, which is now open in the former Sal’s Pizza and Restaurant space. Friends call Flores by the nickname "Starboy," which combines his love for the Cowboys and his fascination with NASA and space, he explains.

Flores met Quintanilla and Rodriguez while hosting karaoke at Mico’s Bar, another food hall occupant. When Sal’s closed earlier this year, they saw an opportunity to fill the void with a refreshed pizza concept.

“It is because of Mico that I even thought about starting this project: he was part of this, he was always happy, and we really hit it off, so I miss him,” Flores says.

Starboy's Pizzeria joins Mico’s Bar, Picazo Sushi and Poke, Wing City, and JJ’s Cafe, which opened a location in the food hall earlier this year.

Lupe Ibarra, a chef from the closed Sal’s Pizza with 25 years of experience, stayed on at Starboy's to continue perfecting traditional recipes while creating signature new ones tied to Flores’ Mexican heritage.

The result of the collaboration is a menu that includes traditional favorites alongside creative pies with a Mexican-inspired twist like the Pizza Birria (resembling the flavor profile of popular birria tacos), elotero, chicken fajitas, and pastor, among more than 15 specialty offerings.

Flores' passion for the Cowboys is especially evident in several unique creations:

Cry Eagles Cry: Inspired by the Philly cheesesteak, topped with beef, green peppers, onions, and mozzarella.
Starboy’s Classic (Blue): Red sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, onions, sausage, and fresh arugula.
Starboy’s Classic (Silver): White sauce, chicken, mushrooms, onions, arugula, mozzarella, and a balsamic glaze.
Cowboy: Brisket, onions, barbecue sauce, and smoked gouda.

Starboy's 16-inch pizzas range from $14-$25, with individual slices priced around $4. The menu also features sub sandwiches, pastas with a variety of sauces, and chicken Parmesan, all under $14.

To cater to the busy medical, residential, and retail crowds nearby, Starboy's offers lunch deals for under $12, which include pasta and garlic knots or a slice of pizza and a salad, complete with a drink.

Flores explains that his heritage and his mother’s influence serve as the primary driving force behind his new venture.

“My mom would always host family gatherings. She always fed people, and I got that from her. I like to see smiles on people’s faces from the things I do,” he says. “I have big dreams for this place. I want us to be part of the community and give back.”

Flores remains involved with karaoke at Mico’s Bar and is focused on driving traffic to the entire complex. He hosts Cowboys watch parties, while his adult children — Nathan, Natalie, and Amy — assist with social media, website management, and overall promotion for Starboy’s.

“When people try our pizzas for the first time, their eyes light up, so we know we are on the right track,” Flores says.

Starboy’s Pizzeria is open daily from 11 am-10 pm.

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