Loosen your belt

The 7 most fantastic food festivals to fill up on in Dallas this fall

This year we are simplifying. It's the year of quality over quantity. Why? Because everyone is busy (and hungry). Here's your no-bones-about-it bucket list of the best food festivals to attend in Dallas this fall. And the fact that none of them overlap is a sure sign that perfect attendance is within your reach. So, ladies and gentlemen, sharpen your knives and raise your glasses because it is time to grub for a good cause.

Harvest, September 20
Event chairs Lisa and Marvin Singleton invite you to the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens for an elegant night that takes a stand against hunger. The event features more than 12 food stations by Dallas' favorite chefs and restaurants, music by DJ Lucy Wrubel, and more. All proceeds go to the North Texas Food Bank's child and senior programs.

Smoked, September 21
Downtown Dallas' Main Street Garden is again hosting this most epic backyard barbecue that features food from 20 of the most celebrated barbecue joints from across Texas. Think everyone from Waxahachie's Meat Church to Cresson's BBQ on the Brazos. There will also be live music (Dale Watson, Straight Tequila Night, and The 40 Acre Mule), activities and games, and lots of cold beer. Tickets include 'cue, sides, and dessert.

Burgers & Burgundy, October 11
Chef John Tesar and philanthropist Terri Provencal are switching things up and throwing this annual bash at Klyde Warren Park. How can it not be a magical night when it pairs two favorite things — burgers and wine? Tesar, along with 11 other award-winning chefs, are serving up sliders and vino in support of DIFFA Dallas. And speaking of, this night serves as the reveal party for the DIFFA/Dallas 2019-2020 Style Council Ambassadors, DIFFA Legends, and this year's House of DIFFA theme.

Park & Palate Grand Taste, October 26
It is hard to believe that this fancy food festival at Klyde Warren Park is now in its fifth year. The Grand Taste features 30 wine and spirit brands, 40 of Dallas’ favorite chefs, and a beer garden to complement the wildly popular BBQ Alley. The event also features a VIP lounge, music, pop-up shops, cookbook signings, lawn games, and more. Proceeds from the event help pay for Klyde Warren Park's daily maintenance and hundreds of free programs offered throughout the year.

Texas Veggie Fair, November 2
There are so many fabulous things to note about this food fair, which is celebrating its 10th year. But we think the most magnificent of them all is that this event continues to be free for the public to enjoy. This year it's happening at the Dallas Farmers Market (after seven years at Reverchon Park) and includes food, clothing, beauty, and more. There is also a solid lineup of speakers including Sustainable Duo, Kendrick Farris, Carol J. Adams, and Eddie Garza.

Chefs for Farmers Main Event, November 3
This event started as an intimate farm-to-table dinner in 2010 and has grown into a three-day food festival that continues to gain momentum. The main event is happening at the Dallas Heritage Village, where artisans and farmers will join Dallas chefs to celebrate the seasonal and sustainable food that they make possible together. This year's event benefits Youth With Faces, whose mission is to give youth in the juvenile justice system the skills needed to break the cycle of incarceration and create positive futures.

Meat Fight, November 10
Famed chefs compete for all the barbecue bacon at this entertaining competition that involves meat, booze, philanthropy, and fun. This beautifully beefy event happening at Sixty Five Hundred raises funds to support people who are living with Multiple Sclerosis and immediately sells out the day tickets they are released. That date to underline, star, and highlight in your calendar is October 2 at 10 am. Thinking about waiting to buy yours until 11 am? Think again as they will likely be long gone.

Dallas' top chefs like Dean Fearing, John Tesar, and Junior Borges show up for the city's yummiest culinary events.

Photo courtesy of Chefs for Farmers

Dallas' top chefs like Dean Fearing, John Tesar, and Junior Borges show up for the city's yummiest culinary events.

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A Toast

Dallas distiller launches zero-proof liquor line and hosting accessories

Photo courtesy of Teaspoon

It's the brand's first line of non-alcoholic beverages.

The zero-proof liquor movement keeps gaining momentum, and the latest to take a seat at the bar is Teaspoon, from the Dallas-based Dynasty Spirits.

The brand's first line of non-alcoholic whiskey, tequila, gin, and "Italian Spritz" (comparable to the main ingredient in a certain bright-orange cocktail) are already available for shipping nationwide, and the company promises they will be carried by more than 400 Texas retailers by year's end. Each 700ml bottle is priced at $32.99.

“Teaspoon was born from a simple belief: that the drink in your hand should match the moment you’re in,” says founder Devin Odell. “Teaspoon isn’t just zero-proof spirit alternatives, it’s a statement. It offers a fresh option for those who expect more from what’s in their glass: more flavor, more intention, more celebration.”

For the mocktail connoisseurs out there, here's a quick overview of each bottle's tasting notes:

The zero-proof whiskey has cherry, vanilla, caramel, and citrus zest on the nose. The palate opens with a bourbon-style sweetness and finishes dry and peppery.
The zero-proof tequila has the aroma of cracked black pepper with hints of pineapple and guava, and tastes of fresh bell pepper up front. Citrus mid-notes add brightness and it's rounded off with a lightly sweet oak finish.
The zero-proof gin's nose brings lemon zest and elderflower, and its taste is dry and herbal like a true London Dry gin.
The zero-proof Italian Spritz balances sweet red licorice and bitter orange peel on the nose. The palate starts with orange-candy brightness and progresses to juicy grapefruit before finishing with a lingering herbal bitterness.

The name Teaspoon is reflective of the culinary measuring tool's history, and how the gilt silver spoons were once prized by England's upper crust due to the initial rarity of tea imported from Asia.

The Texas-born Odell founded Dynasty Spirits in 2010, and the brand's portfolio currently includes Pezuña Blanca tequila, Townes vodka, Green House vodka and gin, Lasso Motel whiskey, and Painted Donkey tequila.

Launching in tandem with Teaspoon’s non-alcoholic beverages is a collection of custom retail products in collaboration with Marcello Andres, Shelton Metal, Tom Adam, Match 1995, A Bientot, WP Standard, and more. Currently, that includes linen cocktail napkins, glassware, and a set of artful pewter teaspoons, each representing a different zero-proof liquor.

Dallasites can taste and shop at Teaspoon's launch event: November 6 at at the Shop Swoon boutique inside the Joule Hotel. Bottles will be available for purchase there through November 9.

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