New Sultry Summer Cocktails From Truluck's

Truluck's has just debuted a new cocktail menu featuring TEN new cocktails to kick off the sultry Summer season. From fruity cocktails to mellow libations, this menu has something to tantalize the taste buds of everyone. Available in the Stone Crab Lounge and on the dinner menu served in the upstairs dining room, Truluck's uses the best possible ingredients and techniques to ensure that every drink served is an experience. Only fresh fruit and hand-squeezed citrus juices are used every day. They use premium spirits and pour all sodas and mixers from bottles. Enjoy Half-Price Cocktails, Featured Wines, and Selected Appetizers in the Stone Crab Lounge daily from 4:30-7:00 pm. To add to the experience, guests can also enjoy live entertainment 7 nights a week starting at 6:00 pm! Cheers!

Truluck's has two Dallas locations:
Uptown: 2401 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX 75201, 214-220-2401 Southlake: 1420 Plaza Place, Southlake, TX 76092, 817-912-0500
www.trulucks.com

Shaken, Stirred, Styled: DMA Presents The Art of the Cocktail

Fashion blogger Jane Aldridge will judge the best 20s era attire at Shaken, Stirred, Styled: The Art of the Cocktail
photo: Jane Aldridge/Seas of Shoes

Calling all guys and dolls for the Dallas Museum of Art’s Speakeasy celebrating Shaken, Stirred, Styled: The Art of the Cocktail, an exhibition of cocktail ware from the late 19th century through present day.  DMA Members and the Dallas community are invited to dress to kill in their best roaring 20’s attire for a Prohibition-era speakeasy party on Saturday, February 4, 2017 from 8:00 p.m. to midnight. The main event will take place in the Hamon Atrium featuring craft cocktails, delicious nibbles, live entertainment from the 18-piece band, the Singapore Slingers, dance tutorials of 20’s-era dances with professionals from The Rhythm Room, gaming tables and photo booth, this special evening is sure to be the bee’s knees.

Henry's Majestic Introduces New Winter Cocktails

Alex Fletcher has just shaken up the cocktail menu at Henry's Majestic and you'll now find eleven new drinks perfectly suited for the winter season. "It can be difficult to create a fall menu, because Dallas tends to have mild winters. So I try to keep the flavors of the season that I remember from when I was young, and apply them in a way that is still bearable during a warmer climate,” said Alex Fletcher, Bread Winners, Inc. Corporate Beverage Director and Henry's Majestic lead mixologist. “As a city, I've noticed Dallas has become more adventurous and is starting to branch out into other flavors, such as squash and sweet potato which is fun to see - and taste!"

The new cocktail menu includes:

Bill Maher Brings His Brand Of Political Talk To Dallas

photo: David Becker

Bill Maher will land in the Music Hall at Fair Park on January 22nd as part of his 2017 live stand-up comedy tour. Whether you love him or want to slit his throat, there's no denying the comedic genius of Maher, and in these trying political times, we can all use a good belly laugh. Tickets are currently on sale at Ticketmaster. For more than twenty years, Bill Maher has set the boundaries of where funny, political talk can go on American television. First on “Politically Incorrect” and for the last thirteen years on HBO’s “Real Time,” Maher’s combination of unflinching honesty and big laughs have garnered him 34 Emmy nominations. Maher won his first Emmy in 2014 as executive producer for HBO series, “VICE.”

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!

5 Ways To Beat The Heat In Dallas

This morning, I met up with my friend, Paige McCoy Smith, to share 5 fun ways to beat the heat on WFAA's Good Morning Texas:

Flashback To The 90s In Celebration of Kidd's Kids 25th Anniversary

Kidd’s Kids is celebrating its 25th Anniversary with a one-of-a-kind party that you won’t want to miss. The New Kidd’s Kids On the Block Party will begin at 7 p.m. Saturday, July 30, at the Empire Room, located at 1225 N. Riverfront Blvd., in the Dallas Design District. Live music performed by ‘90s cover band The Clinton Years will get the party rocking, and a special performance by Caroline Cradick and Radio DJs will close out the night with a bang. 90s attire is encouraged. Come hungry – and thirsty – as great food and drinks will be provided by Nine Band Brewing, Fuzzy’s Tacos, Chili’s and Glazier’s. “It’s crazy to think that this year marks the 25th anniversary of Kidd’s Kids!” said Caroline Cradick, Kidd’s daughter and executive director of the Kraddick Foundation. “My Dad would be proud, and he’d certainly want to throw a party to celebrate.” Caroline has a great post on her blog if you need a reminder of 90s vernacular to use throughout the evening. Tickets are now on sale for just $100 for adults 21+, and include entertainment, food and adult beverages. All proceeds will be donated to the Kraddick Foundation to help fund the annual Kidd’s Kids trips that have sent more than 1,000 special-needs children and their families to Walt Disney World over the years. To purchase tickets, visit KiddsKids.com.

Leann Berry Creates Summer Cocktails With Baileys Almande

Baileys Almande is a delicious and naturally light tasting spirit from the makers of Baileys. This innovative dairy and gluten-free spirit blends the luscious, nutty flavors of real almondmilk and real vanilla, creating a deliciously versatile new drink. The brand made a stop in Dallas last week to introduce this new libation and called on Leann Berry, one of Dallas' hottest mixologists, to create some delicious Summer cocktails. Thanks to Baileys for sharing the recipes! Try these out and let me know what you think!?

The Rustic Invites You To Drink For A Cause

The Rustic's Kyle Noonan likes to give back. One cold, frothy beer at a time. Cheers! 

You've heard it before: The gift is in the giving... To give is to receive...

The Rustic recently announced that it is proud to carry beer that gives back to various charities like Meals on Wheels and Food for the Hungry. In 2012, Dave and Quynh Rathkamp opened Save The World Brewing, America’s first 100 percent philanthropic craft brewery. They donate all of their proceeds to charities that supply a basic human need such as food, water, shelter or clothing. Purchases of their Froctum Bonum Saison Ale made at The Rustic will support a local chapter of Habitat for Humanity as well as a variety of other charities. “The only thing better than enjoying a good beer is knowing you’re doing good while drinking it!” said Kyle Noonan, co-founder and owner of FreeRange Concepts, creator of The Rustic. “I’m thrilled about this new partnership and I can’t wait to help save the world one cold Belgian-style beer at a time.” With its casual atmosphere, live musical acts and unique, full-service dining experience featuring farm-fresh, homestyle dishes and a Texas-sized selection of wines, spirits and 40 beers on tap, The Rustic has carved a distinctive niche among Dallas restaurants. The concept is the brainchild of Noonan, Josh Sepkowitz and Texas country artist Pat Green, whose love of the outdoors and live music helped bring The Rustic to life. The result is a fun and relaxing dining and concert experience from a phenomenal patio, all under the big Texas sky. The Rustic is located at 3656 Howell Street in Uptown Dallas. http://therustic.com

House Of Blues Unveils A New Look For The Foundation Room

photos c/o House of Blues


Founded in 1992, House of Blues currently operates in eleven cities throughout the United States and form the country’s pre-eminent group of intimate music venues. Each venue features state-of-the-art sound and lighting technology in one-of-a-kind custom designed environments aimed to bring fans as close as possible to the artists. Every location’s restaurant and bar is adorned with signature original folk-art – part of the world’s largest collection – combined with the House of Blues legendary hospitality and tantalizing cuisine. The crown jewel of any HOB location is their Foundation Room. Members receive access to pre-sale tickets at House of Blues and other Dallas music venues with premium seat locations. Priority entrance and personal concierge service are among some of the VIP membership amenities together with a robust loyalty program with rewards that include an artist meet and greet. Located within the historic White Swan Building, the Foundation Room in Dallas has recently been redesigned and poised as a public, upscale nightlife destination centrally located in the heart of Downtown Dallas. The refresh features exotic Moroccan-inspired décor, intuitive lighting and audio systems, an elevated nightlife atmosphere, newly added craft cocktails utilizing seasonal ingredients, a modernized lounge menu, and an outdoor space filled with plush seating overlooking the Dallas skyline. To learn more, visit http://www.houseofblues.com/dallas/fr.

Mesquite-based Pickle Juice Company caters to the “pickleback” shot trend

Mesquite-based Pickle Juice Company are the creators of a unique sports drink formula that replenishes electrolytes and relieves muscle cramps. Their latest product, the Pickle Juice Chaser, targets the bar and beverage industry, specifically catering to the “pickleback” shot trend, but includes the same benefits and ingredients as the brand’s other sports beverages and shots. Thrillist recently published an article titled "11 Things You Didn't Know About Picklebacks" that's a fun read if this concept intrigues you. “Many bartenders pour pickle brine straight from the jar so with ease of use, demand and volume in mind, we developed a bottle that would more effectively fit into a bar well or rail.” says Filip Keuppens, director of sales and marketing for The Pickle Juice Company. Traditionally, the “pickleback” is a shot of pickle brine that is preceded by a shot of whiskey. The sweet-and-sour nature of the brine is said to neutralize the burn of the alcohol, and the salt acting as a masking ingredient to counteract the harsh taste of the spirit. The acetic acid present in the brine through the vinegar is an antidiuretic that contains electrolytes and absorbs salt, also making the formula a hangover cure that restores hydration to the body. Pickle Juice Chaser has the added benefit of providing 10 times more electrolytes along with vitamins, potassium and zinc.

Here are four classic cocktails that you can try:

You Have Two Weeks To Swig Cocktails At FLASK In Oak Cliff

Heads Up! Consider yourself a trendsetter? Do you always know where the ultimate hot-spot in town is? For the next 2 weeks, impress your pals when you take them to Dallas' latest see-and-be-seen joint. Flask is a popup cocktail bar in Oak Cliff although owner Melissa Maher says, "Calling Flask a pop up is a bit trite when it's actually a showcase." Tomato/Tomahto. Here's the point - Flask is a private bar in Oak Cliff designed to bring life a commercial space currently on the market. Maher took over one of the spaces and created a bar with a saloon/speakeasy vibe and a great cocktails that are served in - you guessed it - flasks. The cocktail menu was created by bar genius, Alex Fletcher of Henry's Majestic. Fletcher recently launched Shaken & Stirred to heighten the beverage catering industry and provide a unique custom bar experience for events and private functions. So, this partnership is a marriage made in libation heaven. Flask is open every Friday and Saturday from 7pm-12am through November (possibly longer if the landlord desires). Flask is also available for rent as an event space.  FLASK Bar and Event Space 301 W. 8th Street at Madison, Dallas 75208. (Maher says to Look for the red light)

Save Snow Leopards by Drinking Vodka. It's a Win-Win.

When newly launched Snow Leopard Vodka approached me about their product my first thought was, "Meh. Vodka is vodka." When I looked at their website, what I found was a company who's mission statement I can support.

With less than 3,500 snow leopards estimated to be remaining in the wild Snow Leopard Vodka is doing what it can to help save this critically endangered species from extinction and to help improve the livelihoods of the poor herder families who share their home range. 15% of all their profits, and monies raised by fundraising activities, are given directly to snow leopard conservation projects through the Snow Leopard Trust.

The goal is to sell 100,000 cases of Snow Leopard vodka annually, generating enough revenue and awareness to safeguard the Snow Leopard's future. I mean... look at that face!!! How can you not want to buy vodka and save these cute, furry, adorable snow leopards!! And that's what some of Dallas' most creative bartenders thought as well, so they have teamed up with the company to create specialty cocktails using Snow Leopard Vodka. Ask for it when you visit these establishments:

Changing Spots created by
Bonnie Wilson of Whiskey Cake

Changing Spots
by Bonnie Wilson, Beverage Director, Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 

• 2oz Snow Leopard Vodka 
• 1/2oz Giffard Pamplemousse 
• 1/4oz Lillet Rouge 
• 1/4oz fresh lemon juice 
• 2 dashes Peychauds 

Top with 1oz Prosecco Add all ingredients to shaker, double strain into a coupe glass & garnish with a grapefruit slice


The Cat's Pajamas
by Will Croxville from Parliament

• 2 oz Snow Leopard Vodka
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 3/4 oz Apple-Honey Syrup *
• 1 bar spoon Allspice Dram
• 1 Egg White

Add all ingredients to shaker, dry shake. Add ice, shake again. Strain into coupe, garnish with red apple fan and angostura. *Apple-honey syrup: 1 part raw honey mixed into 1 part organic apple cider.

Bacardi cocktail competition shakes it up

Nightlife Contributor Jarrod Fresquez enjoys the Bacardi experience | photos Jarrod Fresquez

Bacardi cocktail competition shakes it up 
by Jarrod Fresquez

This past Monday evening BACARDĺ rum hosted the USBG Legacy Cocktail Showcase at the W Hotel. Thirteen mixologists were chosen from some of Dallas’ best night spots, known for their craft cocktails, to compete and be judged on their unique rum-based libations’ balance, flavor, quality of ingredients and aesthetic appeal, as well as their enduring popularity and the story behind them. As a kicker, two winners will have the opportunity to participate in the national showcase for the chance to represent the US in the global showcase in April.

I stepped off the elevator onto the 33rd floor and entered into a wide open expanse of white floors, white leather furniture and mirrored mosaic walls. Uplit Bacardi bottles were in abundance, and you couldn’t look anywhere without seeing their logo, a black free-tailed bat emblazoned on a vibrant bed of red ringed in gold. Off to one side was a branded ice sculpture sitting atop the buffet, and at the end of the room was the 30 foot bar backed by shelves upon shelves of the Cuban elixir. Tucked away in the corner was a photo booth, which seems to have become a welcome staple at parties now. The best part was that the entire nighttime skyline acted as the backdrop, viewed through the floor to ceiling windows running along the entire far wall. The centerpiece of this event though was the stand-alone bar where the competition would take place.

Craft Beer Lovers Unite - It's a Brewvolution!

Scenes from the Big Texas Beer Fest this past April

(Press Release)  Texas Brewvolution Beer Festival is the newest brainchild from organizers of the Big Texas Beer Fest and Untapped festivals.  The two forces have joined together to bring us their latest incarnation for great beers and a well-organized festival. Set to kick off NTX Beer Week, Texas Brewvolution will presumably be the largest collection of Texas craft brewers in one place in North Texas, with 25+ currently arranged. This is the inaugural year for the festival and the 3rd year for NTX Beer Week, formerly known as Dallas Beer Week. Scheduled for November 9 at Dallas’ Fair Park, tickets are on sale now, which expects to draw a select handful of the best breweries from around the world, to serve alongside the 25+ Texas craft brewers.

Jarrod Fresquez takes on the Hornitos Tequila challenge to 'Never Sleep in Dallas'

Jarrod Fresquez and Playmate of the Year Raquel Pomplun

Never Sleep in Dallas
Why Hornitos is not just any tequila, at not just any party.
by Jarrod Fresquez

I got a request from Oh So last week. An email had hit her in-box that said, "Join us at an unforgettable private event, curated for local Dallas bartenders and local media.  It will be hosted by 2013 Playboy Playmate of the Year, Raquel Pomplun, and feature a tasting of the Hornitos Tequila portfolio. Guests will also have an exclusive first look at Hornitos® Black Barrel®, a yet-to-be released premium tequila (coming March 2014)."   Is it a compliment that after reading the event description,  Cynthia IMMEDIATELY thought of me to go in her stead? I took it as such and was more than happy to represent OSC at this soiree!

Hey, never let it be said I don't spread the love to my friends - interjects OSC Editor, Cynthia Smoot

On Monday night I took Uber over to 129 Leslie Street, a Wendy Krispin event space on the border of the Design District. Pulling up into the valet area, the front of the building was washed in green lights with velvet ropes directing the patrons to the front door to get their names checked off the list for admittance into this rather exclusive event.

A giant 10 foot tall Playboy logo with a Hornitos caption was splashed on the wall next to the front door, and that’s the image imprinted in my mind’s eye before walking into a wall of dance music and flashing lights. Before my eyes and ears could adjust, two beautiful women approached me in leather little black dresses and handed me a tiny tumbler of the Hornitos Lime Shot. I took a sip and a refreshing mixture of tequila, lime and a dash of salt all hit my taste buds at the same time. The night was off to a perfect start!

Truck Yard on Lower Greenville is where I'll be parked

Mixologist Emily Perkins with Jason Boso

Jason Boso, Chef and Proprietor of Twisted Root Burger Co. and Tacos and Avocados, hosted a media "hard hat tour" on Tuesday for his newest venture, Truck Yard.  This new food truck park is slated to make its debut sometime mid-to-late August (fingers crossed) on Lower Greenville, right across from Trader Joe's.

Truck Yard will feature rotating food trucks serving lunch and dinner to area diners, as well as a permanent restaurant and bar where Boso will serve cheesesteak sandwiches. Located on a 15,000 square foot lot, the Truck Yard will accommodate four rotating trucks, patio furniture, picnic tables, fire pits and various bar games – as well as plenty of shade trees – giving locals a fun and unique spot to hangout on the popular Greenville strip.

Boso has also announced that he’ll introduce his own restaurant at the park. Converted from a former mechanic’s shed, the 2,000 square foot space will serve thinly sliced ribeye cheesesteaks grilled right in front of customers.  In addition to the food, the restaurant will feature a full bar with 18 mostly-local draft beers and outdoor-friendly cocktails like sangria, mint juleps and margaritas.

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.

One Night Only! Flashback to the 80s with the return of Kempi's

Ah, the 1980's. When greed was good, ecstasy was legal and the only thing bigger than your shoulder pads was your hair. Those were the days!  The InterContinental Dallas is excited to announce its 30th anniversary and will celebrate on May 30th with a one-night-only return of the famed Kempi’s Nightclub. During the ‘80s, Kempi’s was the place to see and be seen, hosting athletes, celebrities and the Dallas elite for elaborate evenings of dancing and drinks. So it seems appropriate to bring Kempi’s back for a trip down memory lane as they celebrate the hotel’s anniversary.

In honor of the special occasion, the InterContinental Dallas is inviting guests to celebrate its 30th anniversary with an “80s Throwback” party at Kempi’s Nightclub. Party attendees can expect a DJ playing the ‘80s most popular songs while the bar will serve ‘80s-era cocktails like Kamakazis, wine coolers, Long Island Ice Tea and Sex on the Beach, all for just $5 each. Festivities begin May 30th at 8pm and go until midnight. There’s no charge to enter the event, but attendees wishing to book a room for the night can do so at a special rate of $83.

The InterContinental Hotel is located at 15201 Dallas Parkway in Addison. For more information, or to make a reservation, please call 972-386-6000 or visit http://www.icdallas.com.

Sisu brings the sexy sizzle factor to Uptown

Located in a 5,000-square foot historic home that has been completely renovated with modern design and eclectic details, Sisu Uptown Resort encompasses a total of 16,000-square feet of beautiful seaside luxury, albeit landlocked and smack dab in the middle of Uptown, Dallas.  It is not only a restaurant with a distinguished menu of “local worldly” food but also offers fresh cocktails and local brews. The back patio area is accompanied by a new lavish saltwater pool surrounded by palm trees. Guests can enjoy a variety of "rooms" for their dining experience: kitchen, living room, family room, or private upstairs dining room with bar. A hand-carved door imported from Thailand greets guests. Whimsical eccentricities, such as the peacock wallpaper, cacti wall, and fuchsia color theme, provide a funky atmosphere with all the comforts of home.

I sent the uber hip, Brittany Husted over to check this place out for us and here's her report: