This Week in Gluttony

These are the 7 best food and drink events in Dallas this week

Enjoy treats from Bisous Bisous Pâtisserie and other West Village restaurants at CultureMap's It's Fall Y'all event.

Photo courtesy of Facebook/Bisous Bisous Patisserie

Take two fall festivals, mix them in with some Asian and Mexican culture, and throw in a wine dinner or two, and you've got the perfect recipe for a successful week on the Dallas food and drink events front. Even with the temps dipping below freezing, it's going to be a tasty week. Bundle up and enjoy.

Wednesday, November 13

Red Mare Wines Dinner at Bob's Steak and Chop House
Head to the Bob's Steak and Chop House at The Omni Dallas for a five-course menu paired with select wines from Red Mare Wines. Proprietor Jim Striegel is set to guide guests through the artisan selections as they enjoy delicious food. Tickets are $185, and the dinner begins at 6:30 pm. Call 214-652-4804 to reserve your spot.

It's Fall Y'all at West Village
CultureMap Dallas presents It's Fall Y'all, featuring food samples from your favorite West Village restaurants, tasty beverages, music, games, and more. Tickets are free, but a suggested $20 donation to the North Texas Food Bank would be appreciated. Guests must be 21 years of age with ID, and interested attendees can RSVP here. The fun lasts from 6 to 8 pm.

Thursday, November 14

Plano Art & Wine Walk at Downtown Plano Arts District
This monthly allows guests to sample select wines around the neighborhood while enjoying live music, local art, and shopping. Attendees receive a commemorative glass, tasting card, and wine guide for the 20-ish wine stops serving different selections. Tickets start at $15 and the walk begins at 6 pm.

Friday, November 15

Fall Fest at Community Beer Company
Big Brothers Big Sisters Greater Dallas presents its annual fall festival that includes eating, drinking, and supporting a great cause. Think great drinks, networking bingo, a silent auction, and event a stock your bar event. Tickets are $10 and the event starts at 6:30 pm.

Saturday, November 16

Korean Festival at Carrolton Asian Town Center
This special event gives DFW residents a true taste of Korea. The event has food court booths, a bibimbap demonstration with 500 servings of bibimbap, and a kimchi demonstration. Guests also can experience Korean culture in the form of music, dance, fashion, and even Taekwondo. A K Pop Night event even features Super, NeonPunch, and DJ FlashFinger. Admission is free and the event starts at 10 am.

Best Tacos and Margarita Tour starting at Desperados Mexican Restaurant
Sample both gourmet and street tacos on this tequila-infused adventure through Dallas. Yes, stops include both tacos and margaritas. Tickets are $64 and include air conditioned motorcoach transportation, food and drinks as specified at venues, and beverages on the bus. Guests can also BYOB. Meet at Desperados Mexican Restaurant at 12:30 pm.

Sunday, November 17

Promise of Abundance Dinner at 3015 at Trinity Groves
Guests can enjoy food and drinks from chefs Graham Dodds, Peter Barlow, Annie Greenslade, Taylor McCreary, and more while participating in conversations about the chefs' dishes. All dishes are prepared using ingredients harvested from the Labajada POP Farm. Think fall veggie creations and chili with jalapeño cornbread. It's a chance to gain valuable insights about each chef and the food that they source locally. Tickets are $75, and the dinner begins at 4 pm.

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Empanada News

Authentic Argentinian empanada shop opens near Dallas' Park Cities

Belén de la Cruz

empanadas

An empanada concept from Georgia has come to Texas: Called Belén de la Cruz, it's a small chain from Atlanta that has opened its first Texas location across from Dallas' Inwood Village, at 5601 Lovers Ln. #120, in a former massage spot.

The eponymous concept was founded by Belén de la Cruz, an Argentinian entrepreneur who began selling her pastries out of her Atlanta home while teaching others how to prepare traditional Argentine recipes. She opened the first Belén de la Cruz Empanadas & Pastries in 2020; there are now five locations in Georgia.

The Dallas store is from Leticia Stortoni, who partnered with Belén to open the new store. They are both from Argentina and share a passion for empanadas, a staple of their food culture.

“Dallas is a vibrant, diverse city with a strong food scene and a growing appreciation for unique and flavorful cuisines. We are so excited for this new adventure, and we are thrilled to serve the Dallas community," Belén says.

Leticia was already empanada-savvy: She launched her own brand of empanadas when she moved to Dallas from Argentina in 2023. It was called 3 Empanadas, and she had it for about a year, operating from a commercial kitchen and selling via third party apps.

But she had a dream of owning a physical store. She learned about Belén de la Cruz as she was looking for a space to call home. After she and Belén met, Leticia realized that their methods, ingredients, and dough were similar, following traditional elements of Argentinian cuisine.

“It was turnkey for us to partner with Belén de la Cruz as an established brand and offer their empanadas here in Dallas. I love the product, the aesthetics of the store. And I want to sell something I know is good," Leticia says.

While most empanadas found in Dallas are deep fried, Belén de la Cruz offers baked empanadas, which makes them healthier, lighter, and less greasy. Savory fillings range from meat options such as beef, chicken, bacon, and ham & cheese to vegetarian fillings like caprese, spinach, corn, and butternut squash. All empanadas are $4 each, and they're as pretty as they are tasty, with a pale golden crust and the filling names heat-branded on top.

In addition to empanadas, there are cakes and pastries including dulce de leche alfajores, brownies, dulce de leche, tres leches cake, and lemon mousse, prepared in house by Leticia.

They are open Tuesday-Sunday from 11 am-7 pm, closed on Monday. The store follows the pristine, minimalist model set by the locations in Georgia: all white with black accents and a couple of tables and chairs. This Dallas store is labeled as takeaway and delivery only, so the seating space is meant for waiting only, not consuming at store.

"We've received such an amazing reception — we are very friendly just as our culture is, and I think people respond to that," Leticia says.

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