Is Dunkin’ Donuts Ready to Give Food Away?

I try not to read Frontburner if I can help it, so you’ll forgive me for linking to this, posted by former People Newspapers managing editor Stacey Yervasi, until just now. Guess there’s nothing wrong with Mustang Donuts? Think Dunkin’ Donuts will offer this service?

Kuby’s Clock Update

The University Park City Council is sending the matter to the sign committee to discuss allowing Karl Kuby’s dream to become a reality. Apparently the rules say that no sign can have parts in motion, or display the time and temperature.

Sounds to me like the city is going to end up giving the restaurant the OK. We’ll see.

Kuby Goes Cuckoo

Tonight at the University Park City Council meeting, there will be discussion of Karl Kuby’s request to install a large cuckoo clock above his restaurant. The clock would project 8 feet above the parapet wall and be 6 feet 7 inches wide. The city staff says code prevents the request from being approved, but — read the agenda item — they seem to feel a little bad about it:

While a sign featuring moving parts might be distractive and create unnecessary clutter, it could also enhance the eclectic ambience of the shopping center and make it more interesting for shoppers and pedestrians.

Will the council consider revising city ordinances to let Kuby’s go cuckoo? The meeting is at 5 p.m. tonight in the city’s doublewide at Goar Park.  Stay tuned.

What’s Wrong With Mustang Donuts?

A reader says we should be on the case:

OK…we’re all wondering…what’s the deal with Mustang Donuts now? Donuts are different. Staff has changed. Weekend lines are missing. Is there a story here?

Last week, when the big Dunkin’ Donuts news was confirmed, Tierney was commenting that she doesn’t understand how a donut place can stay in business. Does anyone still eat donuts often enough to keep them in business?

I have to think there are enough office break rooms in Dallas to keep really good donut stores prosperous for many years to come.

Mourning a Loss at Celebrity Cafe

UPDATE: The reader tells us he got his facts wrong in the first version. The following story took place at Celebrity Cafe in Highland Park Village, and the woman in question was 24.

A reader shares this story, which is a great reminder that we need to take the time to appreciate the people we come in contact with on a daily basis, even if it’s just the person behind the counter at the restaurant or the dry cleaner:

My wife came home crying the other day because she had stopped by the City Café to go to pick up and iced tea, and instead of the cheerful attractive lady that usually greats her, there was a framed photo of that same lady. The mid 30’s lady had died in a car accident the day before, her 3 children, aged 2,4 and 7 were also injured. (more…)

Starbucks No More

Rumor has it that one of the Starbucks to be closed will be the one in Old Town Village.  Much to Merritt’s dismay, that was my favorite, and most-used Starbucks.

The Rumors are True

Just called Dunkin’ Donuts and confirmed it will be taking the place of Balls Hamburgers in Snider Plaza. However, a date is not set for its grand opening.

My suggestion is to get out there and eat as many Balls’ sliders as you can.

MillerCoors May Be On The Move

DCEO’s Dave Moore says the newly-formed company created out of the merger of beer companies Miller and Coors is on its way to North Texas.

Why is this important to you? It probably isn’t, but it does give me the opportunity to share a wee bit of trivia… (more…)

True Southern Women are Rolling in Their Graves Right Now

So I finally made it to the Screen Door restaurant, night one of two. Everything was great, except for one (big?) thing.

The problem wasn’t the Southern appetizers- the brisket biscuits and seasoned shrimp were flavorful and disappeared in a hurry. The problem wasn’t the decor- the spacious but quaint dinning room decorated in greens, browns, and ivory will be a future power-lunch spot. The problem wasn’t the tart-but-not-too-tart lemon drop martini- it was great.

No, the problem arose in the restaurant’s much talked about “drink of the true Southern woman,” the mint julep.

When it was served, it looked like a winner in its silver tumbler (like those served at the Kentucky Derby) and crushed ice with the perfect garnishing of mint. However, the first taste - (more…)

Wasting No Time

So how is the food at the Screen Door in One Arts Plaza?

The recently opened restaurant is hopping right into the social scene by hosting various cocktail parties for local philanthropic groups. Tuesday is “Mint Juleps and Martinis” for KidneyTexas followed by Wednesday’s “Afternoon Tea” for Art for the Bridge.

Are the mint juleps worth a try?

Is It Really Good For You?

I’d rather not name names and hurt feelings, but is it just me, or has anyone else noticed that the employees at many “health-food” grocery stores and restaurants look so … unhealthy? 

International Incident at Kuby’s, Part 2

Merritt writes from her morning haunt:

I’m having trouble concentrating on what my coffee date is saying because there are 2 Tuesday Kuby’s virgins sitting at the German table again. These two girls are discussing child birth and healthy things to feed toddlers. They have no idea the Germans are flipping out all around them.
Omg, the head German lady just asked them to move. Developing.

Who’s Up For Lunch?

So I went to have a quick lunch at the Nasher Sculpture Center last week, and it was wonderful. For the first time, the Nasher is doing a summer lunch deal that allows free access into the museum to have lunch in Café Nasher by Wolfgang Puck. The food was great (I’ve been craving the warm spinach and goat cheese salad ever since) and nothing beats a relaxing lunch in the garden surrounded by masterpieces.

However, this experience will only be offered until July 31. After that, visitors must pay to enter.

Is It Already That Time of the Year?

Patrizio’s Bellini Fest is about to be underway.

The $1 bellini is returning to HP Village’s beloved Patrizio Restaurant on July 1 for the entire month.

Anyone need a happy hour companion?

Dunkin’ Donuts to Snider Plaza

Merritt shares what she’s heard. I don’t know if her source is the waitress at Kuby’s:

“Balls Hamburgers in Snider Plaza is either closed or closing…now for the news:  Dunkin’ Donuts is going in that space!  Not a bank.”

Overheard Where?

See if you can guess where these Overheardian bloggers (Kersten, Charles, and Merritt) ate a power dinner last Friday night? Also present (but not pictured, so as to maintain their innocence) were Kersten’s and Charles’ spouses. Merritt’s spouse said he couldn’t make it, but this is being investigated.

Important blog business was, of course, discussed.

Just How Good is an Eleven Dollar Burger?

I’m not sure, but I will definitely find out as the new Burger Bar inside the Zodiac Restaurant in Neiman Marcus NorthPark is opened and ready to serve the seriously hungry shopper.

With an array of burger choices, from veggie to salmon to Kobe beef, diners can enjoy the calorie-filled lunch while watching a flat-screen t.v. streaming the latest runway shows. Doesn’t something about that seem cruel?

Kid Friendly And Free Weekend Activities

Now that school is out, are you looking for some options for your weekend family fun? This Sunday, Central 214 starts Sunday and Monday black-and-white film movie nights in their courtyard. They will serve complimentary popsicles for the kids to keep them chill.

Another option is the 5th Annual CityArts Celebration. The event runs Friday through Sunday with multiple outdoor stages showcasing a variety of cultural performances, culinary demonstrations, wine tasting (for adults) and more!

Re:Before You Get Too Excited About the New Chick-fil-A

I don’t know if Merritt had a hand in this, but the Lovely Lake Highlands/Lakewood reporter Sarah Scott and I just returned from lunch at the new Chick-fil-A, and they now have pellet ice.

Look at that lovely hand model, isn’t he the best?

Collin County, Merritt — Merritt, Collin County

Our page 2 columnist hurls another insult at our neighbors to the north:

I’m at MiCocina in HPV and there’s a little sign on the table that says another location opened May 23- in Allen. Doesn’t that seem so wrong? Ijs.

I realize, of course, that Merritt once called Collin County home. But she’s done her best to wash that period from her mind.

Drink Some Sweet, Sweet Tea

Plaza at Preson Center is hosting a contest to find the best iced tea around this Sunday afternoon. Here are the details:

Did you know June is National Iced Tea Month? To commemorate this Southern tradition, The Plaza at Preston Center is hosting its second annual Best Iced Tea Contest on Sunday, June 8, 2008 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. to find the best iced tea in the [Ed.: offensive word removed, replaced with Dallas-Fort Worth area] benefiting the North Texas Food Bank. Come taste the wide array of iced tea samples from participating Dallas-area restaurants to determine which restaurant truly has the best iced tea in Dallas - whether it’s a “mom and pop” shop or a prominent Dallas restaurant. Some of last year’s participants included Craft, Celebrity Bakery & Café, Houston’s Restaurant and many other Dallas favorites. The public’s vote will determine the People’s Choice Award alongside a panel of “celebrity judges” who will be handing out the Judges’ Award for the best version of this classic refreshment.

(more…)

A Chick-Fil-A Rookie No More

I haven’t been to the Chick-Fil-A in Hillcrest Village yet. But I went to the one just north of Southwestern on the 75 access road for lunch today. The double-lane drive through was backed up onto the access road, and there were at least 50 folks eating inside.

What is the deal with Chick-Fil-A’s popularity? It was a good meal — better than I expected. But it’s still fast food. Can someone tell me what the big deal with this chain is? I’m about ready to invest in the company based on what I see at that location every day. It was busy until 1:50 inside, and still had 10 cars in the drive through well after the standard lunch hours.

Kuby’s Has One Fault

Mr. Kuby,

Would it kill business to get a few electrical outlets scattered through the dining area in case someone has a laptop on low battery? IJS.

Love, Merritt

What Did You Say About Bubba’s?

Rumors are flying but can it be true? I heard Bubba’s lost their lease. I say false. Anyone have a scoop on this possible tragedy?

Factory Food

Would someone please let me in on the secret of The Cheesecake Factory?  After all this time, the place still has lines out the door and a long, long waiting list.  Why?  The byzantine menu is okay, but it doesn’t strike me as anything special.  I give them credit for honesty in naming, though, as it does appear to be a “factory.”

Sorry if I’m stepping on toes, I seem to be extra-opinionated today.  Maybe I’m feeling frisky because school’s out.