Houston.Culturemap.com

​The first bit of news here is that Gloria's is expanding its Salvadorian food empire yet again. The restaurant's website confirms they are scheduled to open their first place in Houston this spring, which would make 14 altogether, including one in Austin.

The second bit of news is that, according to CultureMap.com of Houston, MILFs are the most discerning feature at Gloria's. "The Dallas restaurant invasion heats up: MILF-loved Tex-Mex heading to Midtown," the site reports.

Huh?

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Texas Rangers

​Yes, it's another post about Il Cane Rosso. Yes, I'm conflicted about the amount of real estate devoted to the Deep Ellum pizza maker. But this time it's about a badass catcher, so it's a must.

Dallas Morning News sports writer Evan Grant recently bellied up to the pizza bar for a "Name a Napoli Pizza" contest. Along with Il Cane Rosso top dog Jay Jerrier, they have whittled through a pile of grease-stained pizza recipes to come up with three nominees for a Napoli-inspired pizza. Tonight at 7 p.m. you can sample a little of each and give them your input. What they'll actually do with your input really isn't clear, but it's all for fun, so who cares.

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​I once knew this really fit, good-looking lady that had an 11-month diet plan that worked pretty well for her. She'd faithfully eat healthy and workout all year until Thanksgiving. Then, from Turkey Day to Christmas she pretty much did what she wanted. But by New Years Day, she was back at it.

I think that's a solid and reasonable plan. Work hard then reward yourself during the holidays -- and birthdays, of course. And national holidays (Canada and Mexico included). Well, weekends, too. Oh, and Opening Day (regular season, interleague play, the postseason, second half of regular season). And when the birds migrate south for the winter, meteor showers, and, obviously, any time a new baby animal (or mammal) is born at the zoo (Dallas or Fort Worth).

What can I say: I like to celebrate? And in doing so, there's always good reason for a plate of nachos and a couple beers to wash it down.

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Last week the City of Plano Health Department posted the above video on its YouTube page, "informing" citizens about or the "Cottage Food Bill" that went into effect on September 1. Under the bill, Texans can make and sell certain non-potential hazardous baked goods in their home. The bill requires that all packages be labeled with a disclosure that the item was baked in a home kitchen that was not inspected. Sales are not allowed to take place through a store or via the Internet, creating a true face-to-face transaction in which the buyer interacts directly with the seller.

In essence, this bill allows stay-at-home moms and dads to sell cookies or brownies to make a few extra bucks. And with the labeling requirement, it takes on an aspect of "buyer beware."

But the city of Plano doesn't seem convinced.

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Dallas Cowboys

​Occasionally we identify interesting local folks who are as obsessed with food and restaurants as we are, and share some of their thoughts on Dallas' dining scene and food in general. This is one of those occasions.

What food reminds you of your childhood?
Soft pretzels! I'm originally from St. Louis, and THE place for the best soft pretzels is Gus' Pretzels. As a child, I could never get enough of Gus', so now, even as an adult, every time I eat a soft pretzel I fondly remember my childhood obsession, and naturally compare it to my favorite, Gus' Pretzels.

What are some of your favorite restaurants in Dallas?
I totally can't pick just ONE! It would only be right for me to narrow down my list of favorites by category:

Burgers -- Twisted Root
Brunch -- La Duni
Tex-Mex Restaurant -- MIA'S (Made famous because it was Tom Landry's favorite restaurant!)
Italian -- Campisi's
Favorite Restaurant Atmosphere -- Nick & Sam's Grill
Pizza -- Cane Rosso
Steak -- Del Frisco's

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photo by foodbitch

Proof of my dedication: The infamous Thanksgiving Cake of 2010

​

No, Thanksgiving/Footballsgiving/Foodsgiving/Fightsgiving/Shopsgiving/Bingegiving isn't a competition, but once I caught wind of the profession of love, adoration and profanity that Alice was going to publicly give my favorite American holiday, I realized I had to come forward with one of my own.

So, I fucking love you more, Thanksgiving. Let me count the ways:

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Barbara Sudweeks: Second chair but no second fiddled. (Apparently they don't have fiddles in the orchestra.)

​Occasionally we identify interesting local folks who are as obsessed with food and restaurants as we are, and share some of their thoughts on Dallas' dining scene and food in general. This is one of those occasions.

Barbara Sudweeks is the Associate Principal Viola player in the Dallas Symphony Orchestra -- in other words, a very, very important viola player. She's lived in Dallas since 1976, and through her extensive travels has tasted cuisine (and quinoa) around the world. She has a penchant for canning, and a few years back her strawberry jam and bread & butter pickles took top prize at the Texas State Fair.

1. What food reminds you of your childhood?
Cherry pie. My grandmother let me "help" her make pies when I was a little girl. And scalloped potatoes, which were called "funeral potatoes" where I grew up. Also, pears because we had pear tree and when they were ripe my mother would pack one in my lunchbox.

2. What are a few of your favorite restaurants in Dallas?
I have a long list and I love every one of these places: Bangkok City on Greenville, Cosmic Cup Cafe, Margarita Ranch at Mockingbird Station, Hook Line 'n Sinker, Agave Azul in Carrollton, Green Papaya, The Dream Cafe, Patrizio's, Toulouse, Rockfish, Javier's Mexican Restaurant, Sushiyama and Daddy Jack's.

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Flickr

This sandwich may taste good, but it's more about the sauce than the meat

​Yesterday I told you about the impending Texas debut of Maid-Rite, a corporate franchise type thing selling loose meat sandwiches, shakes and chili cheese fries. While a few commenters seemed to echo my lack of enthusiasm, others expressed disdain for my statement: "watch out Texas BBQ chopped beef -- loose meat promises to be just as underwhelming."

I should have known I'd get some flack. Commenter Finnegan asked:

where exactly have you eaten underwhelming Texas BBW chopped beef?

And Sybils_Beaver wanted to know:

so you've eaten at and reviewed a restaurant location that doesnt open until 2012?

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​Texas Pecan trees have taken a punch. The USDA predicts our state's trees will collectively produce 40 millions pounds of pecans this year, which is 30 million pounds less than the 2010 crop.

The Sunnyvale Pecan orchard east of Dallas is closed for the season. And today I spoke with Red Graham at the Dallas Farmer's Market, who told me: "Some growers were able to produce some, those that irrigated and have trees near rivers. But otherwise, it's hard to find a Texas pecan."

Fear not, though. That's why we joined the union. Most distributors are bringing them in from other states across the southwest. Of course, when things are harder to find, they usually cost more.

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Gennarino's Food Truck: Italian guys serving grandma's recipes (anywhere but Dallas).

​The Sigel's Winter Food Truck Festival grew out of its pants before it even got them on. The store's first festival was on a brilliant August day and drew over 2,000 people, all of whom risked melting into the pavement just for a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich. Given the anticipated crowd size for the upcoming November 12 event, the city told Sigel's they had to up its game to four times the number of port-o-potties, twice as many Dallas police officers and an ambulance on site. To which Sigel's said, "Umm, nevermind."

It's not the only way Dallas has clamped down on food trucks -- although the city appears ready to loosen some of its restrictions.

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