Chefs for Farmers

So excited about this event! Chefs for Farmers, an organization founded by Chef Matt McCallister to pay homage to local farmers and their products, will host its 3rd CFF dinner today at Highland Park Cafeteria in Casa Linda Plaza. In addition to McCallister, the lineup of chefs is impressive. The talent includes East Dallas' own Brian Luscher of The Grape, Justin and Diane Fourton of Pecan Lodge (love that Hot Mess!), Randall Copeland and Nathan Tate of Restaurant Ava in neighboring Rockwall, Tim Byres of SMOKE at the Belmont, and Scott Romano of Charlie Palmer. Proceeds will benefit The Family Place. McCallister and his wife, Iris, are doing such wonderful work in the community and deserve all of the praise and press. Tickets are sold-out, but stay tuned for photos and highlights. Rumor has it we're in store for a host of old-school faves with a twist using the very best ingredients. Who says cafeteria food ain't cool? Check out Chefs for Farmers at http://www.chefsforfarmers.com/ and live local!

Super Bowl Eats

With the Super Bowl tomorrow and day five of record-low temps in Dallas, here's a dish that will heat up your snow day at home and your game day celebration. Pulled pork nachos with plenty of queso, jalapenos, and the secret ingredient, original recipe Salt Lick barbecue sauce. It was a happy day when I discovered that the Lakewood Whole Foods carries this finger-lickin' mustard-based sauce from the beloved Austin 'cue joint. To put it simply, it's the best. Layer a platter with your favorite corn tortilla chips, pulled pork (I pick mine up sauceless by the pound at Baker's Ribs on Greenville Ave.), sliced jalapeno, and classic Rotel/Velveeta queso melted in your crock pot or slow cooker. Make some extra for double dipping...because you know you will. Wash these bad boys down with a bottle (or two) of Shiner Smokehaus from Spoetzl Brewery. The beer is a perfect match for the pork. Whether you're a Steelers or Packers fan (or just show up for the snacks), may the best team win...and happy munching!

The Old Monk

Hands down, the Monk serves the best fish and chips that I've sampled in the neighborhood. The ale batter is light and fluffy and fried to a perfect golden crunch. The fish is Atlantic cod. It's moist and flaky on the inside and served with steak cut fries along with a side of house-made tartar sauce and malt vinegar. While the thick cut fries are great, the Monk's skinny fries are stellar and can be substitued with a homemade spicy mayo, tarragon mayo, or bourbon mayo for dipping. Trust me ketchup purists...mayo is the only way to go with these frites. All of them are awesome. If you want to sample all three, the skinny fries are available on the appetizer menu as well for $2.50. The fish and chips will set you back $11 bucks. Of course, a visit to a pub with so many European beers on tap would not be complete without a proper pint of Guinness. So go forth East Dallasites. Make your way to Henderson and eat, drink, and be merry. www.oldmonkdallas.com