Bread Winners and Quarter Bar Embark On Uptown Renovation

Patio lovers rejoice! If you drove past Bread Winners Café & Bakery and the Quarter Bar this past weekend and wondered what the heck was going on with the barricade fencing, I am happy to report that the concepts have just embarked on a comprehensive patio renovation (because who doesn't want to be outside whenever possible!?) The patio for both concepts will double in size, have new modern patio furniture, pet-friendly areas and gorgeous new landscaped spaces. Additionally, the Quarter Bar will have several renovations to the interior and exterior including a new entrance, new pass through window to the patio for outdoor food and beverage service and an extended main bar. Both concepts will remain OPEN during the duration of these renovations. I am super excited for these changes and will be bringing you updates once they debut the new space mid to late November.

Bread Winners Café & Bakery and the Quarter Bar are located at 3301 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75204. http://www.breadwinnerscafe.com and http://www.quarterbardallas.com.

Disclaimer: Bread Winners Café & Bakery and the Quarter Bar are clients of my advertising agency, Gangway. Lucky me!

How To Have A Great Girls Night Out In Dallas

Cynthia Smoot with WFAA's Jane McGarry and the Ft. Worth Star Telegram's Food Editor, Bud Kennedy talking about great spots for a Girls Night Out at Scardello

Having great girlfriends is a crucial part of my happiness. My husband tries to empathize and be supportive about certain things, but he will never truly understand some of my issues around my body, child-rearing, and (let's face it) our marriage. Only another woman can nod along and know exactly what you are talking about when you go off on how your man left the toilet seat up for the 10,000th time or how he got you a vacuum cleaner for your birthday "because you said you needed one". There are endless articles about how to strengthen your marriage and keep the love alive. But friendships are much like a marriage - you have to dedicate quality time to any relationship if it's going to flourish and stay the course. Today, I visited the set of Good Morning Texas to chat with Jane McGarry about some of my favorite ways to get enjoy a Girls Night Out in Dallas. Watch the segment and let me know if I left off a favorite haunt or yours. I'm always looking for fun new options. Click to see the segment(s) and hopefully you'll discover one r two new things to try with your gal pals. Cheers!

Best Patios in Dallas

 

My friends at Good Morning Texas asked if I would share my favorite picks for al fresco dining with their viewers. Dallas has an amazing array of restaurants to choose from that feature world-class chefs, beautiful decor and amazing menus. I met up with Paige McCoy Smith today to give them (and you) a few of my favorite hot spots. Watch the segment above or by visiting http://on.wfaa.com/1NsU9KC

Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery Celebrates 20 Years In Uptown

Happy 20th Birthday to Bread Winners 

In the early 1990s, Jim & Cindy Hughes, lived in Uptown (before it was even called Uptown). There was one building on McKinney Ave. with quirky charm and great proximity to Downtown that they loved, so when they heard the current tenant (Verlaine’s) was closing and having one last Happy Hour for fans – they went to meet the owners and find out what would be happening with the building. Luckily for them, the current owners were looking to divest themselves of the property and this became the first Bread Winners location. Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery opened the doors to their Uptown location on July 22, 1994 and today Bread Winners manages over 450 employees, runs 4 locations, operates a corporate catering service and has added The Quarter bar in Uptown to round out their portfolio. Bread Winners is renowned for their breakfast/brunch menu (I mean, have you had their Fried Chicken and Waffles or French Ham Benedict?!) and have won every local award handed out for their menu and bakery items. They have also developed organic pet treats called SoleMates that is sold in all 4 locations.

Shop Local: Great Gifts for Food Lovers

The reason I started this website was to shine a light on what makes Dallas such a fabulous city. We have many creative and talented designers and manufacturers right in our own North Texas backyard. Their contributions not only bolster our local economy, but impact our image around the world.  Throughout the holiday season, I will be bringing you a series of posts called Shop Local bringing you great gift ideas for under $250 from North Texas designers and retailers. Support local companies this season by considering their wares.

Great Gifts for Foodies...

Cookwell & Company* is an Austin-based company, but one of their owners lives in Dallas so I am counting this one because how can you not love BACON!? I've used this stuff on burgers, in meatloaf, slathered over cream cheese as a dip… it's uses are endlessly delicious.

The website states, "This ain't your grandma's jam.It's not for spreading on scones at tea parties. No, this is grandpa's jam. Packed full of one of the greatest foods on earth...bacon. So while grandma is filling jars with fruity goodness, grandpa is slathering his bacon jam on juicy burgers, potatoes and roasted veggies. With a little bit of sweet and tangy, this hearty bacon jam...is better than good!"

Cost: $6.99

Available online at http://bit.ly/199Zd5q and at select H-E-B and Central Market stores.

Shop for a cure! How Dallas businesses are supporting Breast Cancer Awareness month in October 2013

October is Breast Cancer Awareness month and Dallas businesses are getting involved to provide us with fun ways to support breast cancer research, education, screenings and treatment. Here are a few of the ways you can help support this cause:

Buy a pink ribbon cupcake at any Bread Winners location and $1.00 will be donated to the Susan G. Komen Dallas County and help to support breast cancer education, research, screenings and treatment. To find a location nearest you, visit www.breadwinnerscafe.com.

Katydid founder Katy Messersmith Mattox with Fox 4's Heather Hayes at the Susan G. Komen Race for a Cure 2012

Katydid Collection is a local clothing company that has a passion for fashion and a huge desire to give back.  Founder Katy Maddox told me, "With a clothing line that focuses on women, it seemed like an appropriate way to not only give back but to help support awareness through design. Since designing the collection, I have been completely overwhelmed by the response to the tees and deeply touched by the stories of survivors, volunteers, friends and family. Just two weeks before the 2009 race, my Aunt Jean was diagnosed with breast cancer – a battle she lost a few years later. In that moment, the cause became deeply personal and I was all the more thankful to play a part. Breast cancer is truly a disease that impacts us all."

Get 20% off + FREE Shipping on any tee from the Katydid Pink Ribbon Collection when you use coupon code “OSC2013” during checkout online. Katydid will also donate 20% of sales to Oh So Cynthia’s Susan G. Komen fundraising team from any Pink Ribbon Tee purchased at Katydid.com today thru October 10. 

Start shopping at http://www.katydidcollection.com/graphic-tees-for-women/designs/pink-ribbon.html?limit=24

5 Family-friendly Dallas restaurants that have a full bar

I'm the kind of parent who won't frequent any establishment where liquor is not served. Let's just state that right up front.  After a hard day at the office, running my son around town and trying to help him with his homework - I'll admit it - I need a drink! There's no need to plan your family dinner around what restaurants have a jungle gym. There are many restaurants around town that have a full bar, delicious food, terrific ambiance and offer you and your children a night out that everyone can enjoy.

Here are my top 5 picks:

Bread Winners hosts Kidd's Kids Fundraiser on August 6

Get a taste of NoLa at The Quarter bar in Uptown

Love New Orleans but can't find the time or money to get there this summer? No worries! For 13 years,  The Quarter bar in Uptown has been serving up a French Quarter-style vibe.  This place is one of my favorite haunts because it makes me feel like I am right there in the Big Easy. Everything you've heard about Uptown douchebaggery? It's not here.  What you will find is a life-sized Connect Four game, rockin' juke box, awesome photo booth, pool table and one of Dallas' best rooftop patios overlooking Downtown Dallas.  They have recently introduced 7 new reasons I will want to check-in there on a regular basis. Check out these French Quarter-inspired cocktails:

VooDoo Queen made with Vodka, Blue Curacao, Razz Berry, & Sweet and Sour 

French Quarter Float made with Coffee Liquor, Irish Cream, & Root Beer

Blue Bayou made with Captain Morgan, Blue Curacao, & Pineapple Juice

Quarter Curse made with Southern Comfort, Razz Berry, & Pineapple Juice

Hurricane made with Light Rum, Meyers Dark Rum, Malibu, Pineapple & Orange Juice, & Cherr
Hand Grenade made with Light Rum, Melon Liquor, & Pineapple Juice

Soco Sazerac made with Southern Comfort, Lemon, Sugar, & Bitters

All cocktails are $6, except the Hurricane which is $8.