Hope You're Hungry

Sneak peek the menu at CultureMap Dallas' 2025 Tastemaker Awards

Moussaka Georgalis from Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge

Nikki Greek Bistro

The most delicious event of the year is almost here: CultureMap's annual Tastemaker Awards.

Our signature tasting event and awards ceremony is happening May 1 at Astoria Event Venue, and bringing with it a whole buffet of chef-driven bites and perfectly paired sips that celebrate Dallas' unique culinary scene.

Attendees get one delicious evening to sample to their hearts' content, with offerings prepared by nominees for Best Restaurant, Rising Star Chef, Bar of the Year, Pastry Chef, Neighborhood Restaurant, and Chef of the Year.

Our judging panel of industry experts — including past Tastemaker champs — selects the nominees and winners, including this year's buzzy wildcard categories of Best Coffee Shop and Best Eatertainment.

However, you determine who wins Best New Restaurant via an online bracket, so be sure to cast your vote before the voting ends on April 29.

You'll want to come hungry to the Tastemaker Awards, considering this sneak peek at what's on the menu:

Lemon cured salmon from Catch Dallas
Chicken kofta meatballs from Goodwins
Peking duck wraps and spicy tuna cones from Komodo
Salmon bowl box and sesame rice noodles box from Loro
Foie macarons from Mirador
Truffle wagyu dumplings from Nuri Steakhouse
Rigatoni Genovese from Perch Bistro
Vegi'ed quesadillas from Punch Bowl Social
Mom's pimento cheese and Benton's country ham sandwiches from The Porch
Miyazaki A5 wagyu beef katsu sandos from Uchiba
Avocado toast bites from Well Grounded Coffee
Pineapple char siu pulled pork baos and blue cheese-stuffed buffalo chicken meatballs from Scout at the Statler
Moussaka Georgalis from Nikki Greek Bistro & Lounge
Gorji Bites (pan-fried catfish) from Gorji
Signature bites and sips from Thirsty Lion, Kanpai Coffee & Beer Garden, and FengShui

There will be plenty of sweet treats, as well as coffee-centered pick-me-ups from our wildcard and Pastry Chef of the Year nominees including:

Strawberry matcha and pink champagne macarons from Ollio Patisserie
Mini almond croissants, mini cannoli, and mini cajeta empanadas from LA 57
Creamy honey lavender cold brew from Well Grounded Coffee
Iced coffee from Whataburger

To help wet your whistle, sip on beers from Yuengling (Traditional Lager, Light Lager, Flight, and Bock) and specialty cocktails from Silent Pool Gin (English G&T), Hornitos Tequila (Hornitos Paloma, ranch water, and neat), Reyka Vodka (Reyka espresso martini and cucumber martini), and Still Austin Whiskey (Still Austin old fashioned, plus neat pours of Straight and Cask Strength Bourbon and Rye Whiskey).

Meanwhile, these non-alcoholic options will provide all of the fun with none of the after-effects:

Honey Berry Fizz from Punch Bowl Social
Cucumber Garden mocktail from Seedlip
Guava Paloma, pistachio espresso martini, and the Hot Pants (Ritual Zero Proof Gin with hot honey and lemon juice) from Ritual Zero Proof

Stay up to date on all things Tastemaker-related with our special editorial series of stories spotlighting the nominees.

Limited VIP passes remain, and it's obvious why they're such a hot ticket: You gain entry to the event a whole hour early, plus exclusive access to the VIP bar. General admission tickets are also available but are selling fast, so act now to secure your entry to Dallas' most delicious night. We'll see you on May 1!

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The Tastemaker Awards ceremony is brought to you by The Yuengling Company, Brioche Gourmet, Still Austin Whiskey, Hornitos, Whataburger, Reyka Vodka, Silent Pool Gin, PicMe Events, and more to be announced soon. A portion of the proceeds will benefit our nonprofit partner, Harvest Project Food Rescue.

tastemakers chefs drinks cocktails awards desserts tastemaker awards

BBQ News

Hidden gem BBQ spot in Grand Prairie boasts up-close golf course views

Crown BBQ

Crown BBQ and Sports Grill

There’s a hidden gem for BBQ now open in Grand Prairie: Called Crowns BBQ and Sports Grill, it’s literally on a golf course at 3202 S.E. 14th St., inside the Prairie Lakes Golf Course.

Though the golf course is typically open to members only, Crowns is open to the public and scans in people for free who are looking to get their BBQ fix.

Crowns BBQ is from Felicia Davis, whose grandmother owned the original Crowns BBQ, a once-thriving BBQ restaurant that was a staple in the DalWorth community, but which closed during the pandemic in 2021.

"I grew up walking across the street from the recreation center to the restaurant and eat there almost everyday," Davis says. "My aunt and uncle worked at the BBQ place and learned the smoker and how to chop and slice brisket, and they taught it to me.”

Her family members also have a restaurant in Arlington called Crowns BBQ Phase 1. But she is the sole owner of the Grand Prairie outlet.

She’s a sports fanatic and played sports throughout high school, so being a Grand Prairie local and knowing she'd be able to service the golfers seemed like a perfect fit.

The featured meats include brisket, pork ribs, pulled pork, sausage, and wings, sold by the pound, $22 to $25, or in sandwiches on Texas toast. Baked potatoes topped with brisket and BBQ sauce for $14.25 are a specialty of the house.

Crown BBQCrown BBQ

Davis describes her cooking style as “country backwoods barbecue.” She doesn't season the meat.

“I allow the juices from the internal fast and the smoke of the wood to flavor the meat,” she says. "I don’t know why anyone would season a brisket, there’s no need to; the fat rendering in the meat gives it a sweet, smoky taste."

There are also fried catfish baskets and sandwiches, plus breakfast items such as tacos and biscuits & gravy. Dessert includes peach cobbler and packaged pies from Arlington-based Mindy Lu’s. A shelf features grab-and-go items for golfers taking a snack break.

The space is neat and appealing, with windows that provide lots of natural light. But the piece de resistance is the patio which overlooks a fairway, so diners can watch golfers swing or just enjoy the serene green environment. Davis is planning some updates that will include a bar serving alcohol, TVs for sports viewing, and possibly a fun indoor putting green for rainy days.

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