​In this back-to-school edition of Sloppy Seconds, we're recapping a hectic week that saw complications both technical and interpersonal as the City of Ate crew went about its business. Still, from wine classes to a little meta-analysis, last week saw plenty of learning opportunities for devotees of the Dallas dining scene.

The Week in Review(s):

• Your own Dallas Observer: Dave bats around thoughts on the year's best new restaurants for a while, on the way to being impressed by chef Christopher Short's performance at Bella.
  
• Dallas Morning News: Leslie Brenner figures the folks at Hattie's are model students of what it takes to craft a proper dining experience. Cafe Istanbul, Brenner says, is a "fun, lively place" for a taste of Turkey at The Shops At Legacy.

Highlights from City of Ate:

• Leslie Does Dallas, Or The Perils Of Popularity
  Dave deconstructs Leslie Brenner's critique of the Dallas dining world as being too insular, using foam and tall foods to suggest following global trends has its pitfalls as well. We're still looking for an SMU professor to offer their feminist neo-Zoroastrian critique of Dave's post.
  
• Hophead: Is Bigger Really That Much Better?
  More beer = good. More money = not as good. Hophead does the math on the value of giant six-liter beers, which are, incidentally, not reccomended for sneaking around on school property.
  
• Short Orders: Bob's Steak and Chop House
  To what extent is Bob's performance in the dining room being affected by Bob's performance in the courtroom?
  
• Top 10 Most Interesting Restaurant Week Dishes
  Because there's nothing like long class periods stuck at your desk for coming up with brilliant top 10 lists.