This week in gluttony
These are the 6 best food and drink events in Dallas this week
Ida Claire will serve brunch all week.
This week is kind of like the eye of a hurricane – that slightly quiet time of calm sandwiched between two whirlwind events. Many restaurants and bars are saving their resources for big New Year’s Eve festivities this Saturday night, and you can find that list here. But don’t miss these six tasty events in the meantime, from seven days of brunch to a Christmas light tour that comes with tacos and margaritas.
Tuesday, December 27
7 Days of Brunch at Ida Claire
Merry Brunchmas! That’s what this Southern-influenced restaurant and bar is saying all week while hosting seven straight days of post-Christmas brunch. From 10 am-4 pm daily until Sunday, Ida Claire will serve its brunch menu of biscuits, “man-mosas,” shrimp and grits, short rib and potato hash, and pull-apart cinnamon rolls. The restaurant will open at 9 am Saturday and Sunday.
Nena Postreria pop-up at AT&T Discovery District
A pastry shop from acclaimed Dallas chef Diana Zamora is opening soon in East Dallas, but in the meantime, Zamora is hosting a pop-up at the Exchange Hall at the AT&T Discovery District in downtown Dallas. In addition to her signature Gansitos cakes, she's doing cupcakes, cookies, chocoflan, plus holiday-themed specials such as rum snack cakes filled with vanilla cream, and red velvet cupcakes withcream cheese icing. She'll be there through December 31, from 11 am-9 pm.
Thursday, December 29
Craft Beer & BBQ Dinner at Crossbuck BBQ
The culinary team at this Farmers Branch barbecue joint has partnered with brewmasters at Odd Muse Brewery for a beer pairing dinner. Five courses will feature charcuterie, smoked salmon ravioli, St. Louis-style pork ribs, Crossbuck’s signature brisket candy, and maple bacon and pecan pie. All courses come with a unique beer pairing. The dinner is $75, plus tax and gratuity, and begins at 6:30 pm.
Friday, December 30
Tacos, Margarita, and Christmas Lights Tour
Hope aboard a motorcoach to see the radiant Christmas lights of Park Cities and other posh Dallas neighborhoods during this festive tour that starts with tacos and a marg. Guests will get a taco dinner and margarita at the time-honored Desperados Mexican Restaurant then board the bus to a secret dessert stop before embarking on the light tour. Tickets are $86 and the event will run from 5:30-9:30 pm.
Saturday, December 31
Division Brewing’s 7th Anniversary
The Arlington brewery will celebrate its seventh birthday with a party on New Year’s Eve. Visit all day for live music, bites, giveaways, and a broadened selection of brews. The $40 ticket includes a commemorative glass and four pours. The party starts at 12 pm and will run until 1 am.
Sunday, January 1
14th Annual Chili Cookoff at Strokers Ice House
Start the New Year off with some spice. The legendary Dallas biker bar and restaurant will host its annual chili cook-off, and guests get to judge. Pay $5 to taste all entries and choose your favorite. There’ll be trophies for first, second, and third places, and judging starts at 3 pm. But arrive as early as 12 noon to start sampling. Motorcycle not required.
