Dine & Dish with Dawn: Society Bakery in Dallas – It’s Not Just Their Desserts That Make Them Sweet!

Life might not be a cake walk, but don’t tell Society Bakery that.

The oven is always on at Society Bakery in Dallas, where they bake as much sweetness as they add to the world around them!

The oven is always on at Society Bakery in Dallas, where they bake as much sweetness as they add to the world around them!

A bakery whose motto is “Be good to your sweet tooth, be good to society,” Society makes it its mission to sweeten the world, while giving back.

And, I’m not the only one who’s noticed. Ellen Degeneres and AOL have named them one of the Top Ten Cupcakes in America, and People Country Magazine listed Society Bakery as one of “Four top bakeries in L.A., Dallas, Birmingham, and N.Y.C.”.

Society Bakery founder, Roshi Muns and I established a friendship last December when I was referred to Society when I needed a last minute cake for an impromptu holiday tea party with my girlfriends. I tasted the cake (delicious!), and met Roshi (the sweetest!), and it was friendship at first sight! We’ve followed each other on social media since then, so when Roshi saw I was headed home to Dallas, she told me she wanted to “roll out the red carpet” for me and my family and friends, and host a tasting brunch for us.

Knowing I would need some help from other discerning tastebuds to taste such delectable treats, I invited my mom, my fabulous Dallas blogger friend Lee Cordon of DoSayGive, my best friend Jenny Harris, her son Shepherd, Jenny’s sister Dr. Sally Falwell, and her daughter, Evie.

Lots of love at the table with my tasting crew by my side!

Lots of love at the table with my tasting crew by my side – and that’s Roshi right behind me!

And oh my, were we ever treated!

We started out with Pimento Cheese on toast with hardboiled egg, bacon, lettuce and tomato.

Society Bakery's homemade pimento cheese on toast, with hardboiled eggs, bacon, lettuce and tomato

Society Bakery’s homemade pimento cheese on toast, with hardboiled eggs, bacon, lettuce and tomato

Then, came out the chicken salad on croissant, tuna salad on wheat, grilled cheese and pasta salad with tomato and mozzarella.

Chicken salad on croissant, truna salad, grilled cheese and pasta salad  at Society Bakery - delicious!

Chicken salad on croissant, truna salad, grilled cheese and pasta salad at Society Bakery – delicious!

The next course was ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries, served with a side of some of the most delicious homemade peach jam I’ve ever enjoyed.

Ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries with a side of scrumptious homemade peach jam by Chef Erin

Ricotta with fresh peaches and strawberries with a side of scrumptious homemade peach jam by Chef Erin

After all that, came the…DESSERTS!!
And, I do mean desserts plural!

Dawn McCoy, Jenny Harris Crandall, Society Bakery, cancer, living with cancer, desserts, dessert, Dallas bakeries, Dallas bakery, best Dallas bakeries, Highland Park cakes, Highland Park bakeries, Dallas, texas, where to eat in Dallas, foodies, Dallas foodies, food editors, food bloggers, travel bloggers, travel editors, food judges, Dallas bloggers

Life really is a cake walk at Society Bakery (details of desserts in this pic below)

We were treated to the following dessert smorgasbord (as pictured above clockwise witht the brownie, standing in for 12 o’clock): Brownie, Frosted Sugar Cookie, Red Velvet Cupcake with Cream Cheese Frosting, Jessie Jessup Cupcake (vanilla cake with buttercream frosting & my FAVE!), Strawberry Cupcake, Coconut Cupcake, Salted Caramel Cupcake with Salted Caramel Filling, vanilla Cupcake, White Petits Fours with filling, Monster Chocolate Chip Cookie, Bread Pudding Whoopie Pie, Apple Pie, another Whoopie Pie, Monster M&M Cookie, and their signature Chocolate Cake in the center.

Here’s a closeup of some of that deliciousness.

FullSizeRender-8

Sugar Heaven at Society Bakery with cupcakes, cookies, petits four, pies, brownies and whoopie pies!

As delicious as the food and “sweet treats” (as Sally & Evie call them) are, Roshi’s mission is even sweeter. Society Bakery is active in giving back to the local community of Dallas, by giving thousands of cupcakes away in exchange for items that local charities need. Society Bakery also donates throughout the year to over 100 different charities, schools and non-profit organizations, refraining from taking tax write-offs for donations because Roshi and her team believe that a business can be profitable and charitable at the same time. Sounds like someone else I know!

My heart was so full getting to share both my love for what I do, and my love of food, with some of the people I love best in my own hometown of Dallas.

What it takes to capture those delicious food pics y'all love looking at! My friend Jenny was praying I didn't fall off that step ladder!

What it takes to capture those delicious food pics y’all love looking at! My friend Jenny was praying I didn’t fall off that step ladder!

 

My dear friend (of 21 years), Jenny Harris Crandall and I cakewalking at Society Bakery

My dear friend (of 21 years), Jenny Harris Crandall and I cakewalking at Society Bakery

 

With my friend - and fellow influencer & blogger - Lee Cordon, of the fabulous blog, DoSayGive

With my friend – and fellow influencer & blogger – Lee Cordon, of the fabulous blog, DoSayGive

 

So, when in Dallas, head on over to Society Bakery, where the oven’s always on – and the place, where when you buy sweetness, you also add sweetness to the world around you!

xoxo,
Dawn

McCoy’s Me-Cations: A Taste of Texas – Fall ’14

Gosh, Texas was fun.

It's been too long, my homestate!

My trip home to Dallas consisted mostly of family time, catching up with friends, hanging out by the pool, napping, eating…and more eating.
Hence, the 5-lbs that decided to come back to LA with me – and I’m not talking about in my carry-on –  but I digress.

Here is just a taste of the Texas I know and love. I am dedicating the next 3 days to my 15-day Texas fall experience.

The first thing I see when I come home is THIS. The cutest. That’s mine – Miss Ellie – in front and her brother (my mom’s) in the oh-so-festive bandana. His name is Reagan.

Meet Reagan (in back, my mom's pup & Miss Ellie's big brother). That's Miss Ellie in front, of course.

Here are a few of the highlights of the trip. And did I mention the delicious food?

First stop? Mi Cocina. And I can assure you, it won’t be the last.

Our second family home: Mi Cocina Preston Forest

I spent many an afternoon, laying out by the family pool. Mom would bring me delicious snacks when I’d been out there a while! More details (and pics) on Thursday.

Fall in Texas looks a little different.

A Dallas autumn (almost) citywide blackout calls for marshmallow soup, soufflé and wine at Rise Soufflé. Obviously.

A blackout calls for one of my favorite Dallas restaurants.

There’s Breakfast and then there’s Texfast. This is the latter at The Original Pancake House on Midway and Northwest Highway. Banana Nut crepes with coffee caramel sauce. Delish.

Almost every morning, we eat at our neighborhood's The Original Pancake House. We've been coming here for 23 years.

Next up? Lots of visits with friends.

All my exes live in Texas. Well, not all of em. But this one’ll do. We checked out some live music at Poor David’s Pub with a few other friends. I have always been in awe of the Dallas music scene.

One of my exes, who - yep! - lives in Texas.

 

We used to play hooky during our high school days to hit Bubba’s for lunch. Now, hooky is no longer necessary. Known this girl for over 18 years and so thankful for that…and for Bubba’s mashed potatoes that we demolished over our ladies’ lunch.

No more need to play hooky!

 

Sunday ladies’ brunch in full effect at The Grape on Greenville.

Mimosas & muffins to start at The Grape on Greenville in Dallas

 

Warning: Brunch and mimosas at The Grape may cause intense laughter and inappropriate conversation. Love the chance that I had the opportunity to introduce two of my friends, KellyAnn and Lori to one another on this trip home!

Warning: The Grape's mimosas may lead to intense laughter and inappropriate conversation. Um, sorry to the table sitting next to us.

 

Laughter never ages. Love these two – Tadd and Jenna . One of my favorite traditions every time I’m home – Hendrix alums & dear friends unite at Mi Cocina! (Yes, again, with the Mi Cocina).

Hendrix '00 friends at Mi Cocina!

 And I love that I timed my trip perfectly so I could attend my college friend Camille’s wedding party in Texarkana with our other college best friends, Jenna and Cathleen!

Hendrix '00 in Texarkana for Camille's wedding party

You knew this was coming. RED MEAT ALERT.

When you’re raised in Dallas, good steak and lobster only means one thing…Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse. I spent almost every birthday dining here, from age 10 onward, with my family, which totally spoiled me for life. Even though the Lemmon location is gone, the deliciousness lives on on Spring Valley. My taste buds experienced a bit of nostalgic heaven that night and I am still thankful. (Thanks, Mom!)

Why, yes! As a matter of fact, we did have steak AND lobster!

 

A lighter night. Girls’ night at Cafe Istanbul with Mom.

Cafe Istanbul girls' night with Mom.

 

And the, ahem, family “food tour” continues. Sharing a fiesta omelet and French strawberry crepe with Mom at Original Pancake House, before we hit the mothership, Neiman Marcus Northpark.

The best Dallas breakfast spot..and it's right in our 'hood.

 

One piece of advice for y’all before I wrap this up: When in Texas, there is only one beer you can drink, in my opinion: Shiner Bock.

Sippin' on a Shiner Bock in Texarkana, Texas on a Friday night. Life's pretty good.

 

Yep. Texas Forever.

**
Tomorrow? The man I always fall in love with every fall in Texas. He’s the dreamiest.

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What are your favorite Dallas restaurants? 

 

Life Lessons: Tennis After 27 Years

It only took 27 years of a hiatus after some discouraging words…but I'm back at it!

There are moments that shape us – for better or worse – and, at the time, we don’t even realize that they’re happening. And there are authority figures who become monsters in our minds’ memories simply because of a few ill-thought words they say on a Monday. We are such fragile little people as children and haphazard words can break us much more easily than broken bones can.

One of those moments for me was when I was in 7th grade and that authority figure was Mrs.B – or Coach B, as her players called her. I knew she hadn’t ever liked me in the two years she’d had me for P.E. but I braved it out and asked Mrs. B when the tennis tryouts would be that spring of 1991. Her chuckle couldn’t hide her mockery, “Do you even know how to play? It’s very competitive and hard to make the team. And you’re anything but athletic.” Her smirking, disbelieving face read, “Are you stupid? I will never let you make that team” all over it. I believed her. And why wouldn’t I? After all, I had only attended one tennis camp when I was 9 years old and this was all it took to make me rethink my confidence as an athlete. So a tennis pro I was not to be. Shut down. At age 13.

But this wasn’t the first time this particular coach had shut me down. See, she was right. I wasn’t what you would call the most athletic of kids. I was raised in an intellectual household where the arts were encouraged and my mother took glee in throwing away the sports page. She still does. She literally grins.

But I really did try to give sports a go. Over the years, I would try field hockey my freshman year of high school (where I played Junior Varsity one season, received excellent & encouraging hard-core coaching by Coach Mrozek and got to wear cute skirts), volleyball (in 8th grade where that same earlier coach, Mrs. B, never even looked at my group during tryouts even though I’d been in volleyball camp all summer long) and cheerleading…which is, unsurprisingly, where I wound up (again, with the cute skirts – see a theme here?).

At 13, it seemed to me like Coach B seemed to delight in my misery. But “why?” I would ask myself. Was it because unlike my best friend (one of her favorites, who was blonde and petite like her and played tennis and volleyball) I was already 5’9″ with a woman’s body which at 13 seemed to translate to chubby? Was it because I dreaded gym class (or did I dread gym class because of her)? Or maybe it was because I was a bit of a singing-acting-sunshiney kid who was considered a bit of a Pollyanna-meets Patty Simcox kissup?

13-going-on 30. Was this why Mrs. B never liked me? As pretty as the setting is, this picture was the beginning of the worst year of my life…8th grade.

No, the reason she didn’t like me I imagine was a) that I didn’t try out for the volleyball team in that earlier fall of my 7th grade year when she had asked me to try out because they “needed tall people” (what a thrilling invitation) – and – b) because I was different from a lot of the girls in our Dallas, Texas, prep school and she didn’t understand me, and didn’t care to. Honestly, I have no idea why she didn’t like me and I’ll never know. Do we ever know why people don’t like us?

The truth is it doesn’t matter. I let these negative words and this negative energy from one coach keep me from years of playing a sport I actually really enjoyed. Worse yet, I learned that athleticism was a club in which I could never belong and to view working out as a chore rather than a game which I dreaded and feared over the years as my weight fluctuated up and down on the scale, along with my self-confidence. I never played tennis again…until now.

I am grinning as I write this. I have been saying that I wanted to take tennis lessons for years. It’s the one sport I can see sticking with as I grow older. And, it’s not just because of the cute skirts this time – although that certainly doesn’t hurt.

Well, Chris – one of my best friends – had been listening all this time. And this past Friday, when I was having kind of a hard day, he came over and said, “We’re gonna go buy you a tennis racquet.” And so we did. A beautiful white and robin’s egg blue Prince racquet…for my birthday…in November.

Two days later, I found myself on the courts at Beverly Hills Tennis Club volleying back and forth with Chris. It was like I’d never stopped. I’d say it was as easy as getting back on a bicycle but I’ve never ridden a bicycle. (Truth.) I could have played for hours. But while I played, I found all of those years of feeling like I wasn’t good enough come flooding over me. That one moment in my life kept me from playing a sport I loved for 27 years!! How could I have let that happen? I made the decision right then and there that I would never let another person’s words ever have that kind of power over me again. What time I’ve wasted and what fun there is to be had!

Now, on to important questions like “who am I going to play with?” and “which new tennis skirts should I buy?” No, seriously. I am so excited to have rediscovered this sport at this point in my life. I’m as giddy as the girl I used to be.

One minor victory when it came to Mrs. B? When I was in high school, Mrs. B called me and asked me to babysit one Saturday night as we lived in the same neighborhood. She was desperate and really in a pinch. I heard the pleading in her voice and thought about the good girl I usually was and how we should help those in need…and then proceeded to feel the deepest, most devilish little thrill as I told her, “I’m so sorry. I’m going out tonight,” and smiled to myself. That karma sure has a funny sense of humor.

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What life lessons have you learned?

The Container Store Opens Today at The Farmers Market in LA!

I am SO excited for the grand opening of The Container Store at the legendary Farmer’s Market at The Grove in Los Angeles today! They’re open today 9 am-9 pm and tomorrow 10 am-7 pm and 10% of every purchase made will go to my fave organization, Step Up Women’s Network – of which I am proud to be a visionary member. There will also be prizes and giveaways and more!

I'm so excited! I just can't fight it - about the grand opening of The Container Store at the Farmer's Market at The Grove today!

 

If you want to get organized – and need a little inspiration – head over to yesterday’s post – The Container Store Diaries: My Closet Makeover on BeautyFrosting to see how they got ME organized! It will surely inspire your organizational process.

Also, I was honored to co-host the VIP Preview Party of The Container Store this past Thursday, along with Sarah Jane Morris, Daniel Musto, Trina Turk, Amy Davidson, Ashley Jones, Lacey Chabert, Liz Dennery Sanders, Alison Deyette and more!

What's better than getting to host a Step Up Women's Network event? Getting to host with my fellow co-hosts, fellow Step Up member and dear friends, actress Sarah Jane Morris and style expert & host, Daniel Musto

My fellow co-hosts, actress Amy Davidson and host, Alison Deyette and I, along with our good friends, Melissa Wallace and Chrissy Kling of Good Carma Studio

With one of my favorite Step Up graduates - Rosie.

It was an evening filled with dancing, delicious food – and, of course, a private preview of the new Container Store opening at the Farmer’s Market at The Grove!

Now open! The Container Store at The Farmer's Market at The Grove in L.A.!

They even served food on their products? What do I mean? I mean, they used file boxes and pencil containers as vases…

The crafty catering display of The Container Store featuring catering by Tres LA.

Desk trays as catering displays and more!

Dessert displayed in desk trays? Brilliant. And so apropos and on brand.

So go get your shopping on!!

Excited to shop!!

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: What’s first on your Container Store shopping list?

 

Fitness Friday: Flywheel Highland Park in Dallas

Oh, how I love the tex-mex food at Mi Cocina in Dallas. I know you’ve heard me wax nostalgic over my favorite family haunt in a few of these blogs so you know what I mean. But here’s the thing. I have been spinning and working out regularly here in LA and knowing I was going to be home for 12 days, I knew if I was going to be enjoying that oh-so-yummy queso and those delicious chips and tasty margaritas, I was going to have to come up with a Dallas fitness plan to keep in shape.

Naturally, I took to social media to find out where to go and the answer was unanimous: Flywheel Highland Park. When I asked my Facebook friends about it, I received dozens of comments with suggestions for Flywheel instructors they loved and even a super sweet big ole Texas welcome on Facebook from instructors, Mark S., Cristin C. and Kelly M.

How could I not love this place?

Well, love it I did. And Troy Aikman is also my biggest fitness inspiration…but more on that later…

First impressions. My first impression of FlyWheel Highland Park was clean, clean, CLEAN! With streamlined lockers, elegance to spare and my beloved Bliss products in the bathroom, it felt more like a spa than your standard spin studio. And for a beauty blogger like myself, that is a MAJOR plus. I mean luxury and losing weight? Yeah, I can do that. Plus, they supply the spin shoes for free (many studios don’t) so that’s worth its weight in gold right there.

The water is even a little luxe...

 

Bliss products at my spin studio? Heck, YEAH!!!

Instructors. I ended up going to classes for 8 of the 10 full days I was there. Yep. It was that good. My family was impressed. My friends couldn’t believe it, “But you’re on vacaaaaaation!” My mom actually went with me the first day for our class with Missy Q who was just as adorable and energetic as they come. Great music, great energy and super supportive to boot! She was especially supportive of my 67-year-old mom who was attending her first spin class! Go Mom!! I ended up attending a few of Missy’s classes and left each time feeling amazing! Another favorite instructor was Mark S. Mark was full of happy, encouraging energy and had a powerful playlist both times I went to his classes. Overall, there wasn’t one instructor that I wouldn’t go back to.

The Studio...

 

What Makes It Different. At Flywheel, they really emphasize the importance of using your resistance or – as they call it – torq. This was a new approach to me. At my regular spin studio in LA, we sweat it out more with speed. But I loved getting this different take on it. And it obviously worked – as I’d lost 2 lbs when I got home! And remember, y’all, this was over the HOLIDAYS. Mission accomplished. Many folks who are more competitive than me also enjoy that they keep a digital “TorqBoard” in class so you can see how you compare to your fellow riders. It wasn’t for me but then again I’ve never been the competitive sort. I’m the cheerleader sort. But I talked to a few fellow classmates and they swear it is the edge that propels them forward in every class. I also loooooove that you can view your stats, calories burned, average RPM and see how you compete with your fellow Flywheel classmates privately by looking at the “My Performance” tab on your online account. I wish every studio did this! Not only is it helpful to know these details as you’re getting in shape but it also inspires and encourages you every step of the way.

The TORQ-MASTER…bahahaha…okay, that's just what I call it. Nevermind.

 

Bonus? I’ll just say this: If I was able to ride next to Troy Aikman EVERY day of my life, I would be in the BEST shape of my life. Yep, Troy was my FlyWheel buddy for two days. Ahhhh, memories.

Well, hey there! It's my spinning buddy, Troy Aikman!

 

Prices. The prices are a little cheaper than my studio here in LA. And yet the amenities are amaaaazing. I mean, the Bliss products alone!! It’s 1 class for $25, 5 classes for $117.50, 10 classes for $225 or 20 classes for $400. If I were living in Dallas though, I’d DEFINITELY-without-a-doubt opt for the $180/month unlimited special. It’s a deal, y’all!

Overall. I HIGHLY recommend Flywheel Highland Park if you’re relocating to Dallas or just visiting there like I was. Like me, you will love the clean and luxe facilities, super comfy bikes (seriously, I’ve never felt a more comfortable bike seat in my life of spinning) and the sweet and accommodating staff who specialize in customer care. Also, for you new riders, there is a super helpful staff member there at the beginning of every class to help you get all set up and feel comfortable while doing it. Love that!

And I love the fact that now whenever I go home, I also have a home studio that I can call mine. Thanks, Flywheel!

Thanks, FlyWheel HP!

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s your favorite way to get in shape? 

High-Low 12/23/13: Home & Doing Your Best

HIGH: Home!!

Well, my high this week is an easy one. I get to be home in Dallas for 12 days with my favorite people for the holidays! Done. Easiest High ever.

So what’s that entail? Well, many-a-night spent at our favorite family haunt Mi Cocina, board games, catching up with precious old friends over texmex and brunch, lots of delicious southern fare, political debates at the dinner table and reminiscing. What could be better than that?

HIGH: These guys!! My big brother, David, and my mom, Clarice. Here we are at our home-away-from-home, Mi Cocina Preston Forest.

 

LOW: Learning That My Best Is Good Enough (‘cuz it’s gotta be)

As a wise friend of mine always says to me, “You can only do your best. Did you do your best in this situation?” Usually, the answer is yes but sometimes it’s hard to really believe that in a given moment because I always think I can do a little bit more. I’m learning though that sometimes you’ve gotta let your best at that given moment be enough.

I had so much to do before I left Los Angeles for Texas and, of course, I didn’t complete it all. There were gifts I didn’t get to give, people whose necks I didn’t get to hug and unfinished blog posts and articles that are just going to have to wait til the new year, darn it.

But I did my best…and if I’ve learned anything it’s this motto of mine:

“DO YOUR BEST AND LEAVE THE REST.” 

 

xoxo,

BF

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week? 

*So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for reflection sake but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is! – See more at: http://www.beautyfrosting.com/high-low-121613-santa-for-a-day-maturity#sthash.2rvmfLhC.dpuf

High-Low 10/28/13, Part 2: Dallas Moments ( last 5 out of 10) and Pushing Buttons

HIGH: My Trip Home to Dallas, Part 1

Well, my trip home to Dallas was just one big High, really. So here are the last 5 of my Top 10 Dallas moments.

5) Moments with Mom. My mom is my best friend and we have too, TOO much fun when we get together. Whether it be high tea at Eden Cafe

Tea w/ Mom is one of my favorite traditions that we have. We've been doing it since I was 8!!

or sharing shocking secrets at Mi Cocina

Oh, what will we talk about next? I suppose it just depends on the adventures we have between now and Christmas...

You never know what’s going to come up in one of our tête-à-têtes!

4) With all of my family and old friends in Dallas, it’s always fun to find a new one. That’s why I adored getting to happy hour it up at Truck Yard with my new friend, KellyAnn Sutton of Anthropologie. KellyAnn and I actually met through Instagram!! How current is that? And we were delighted to find that we’re definitely meant to be friends!! So thankful to know her.

Happy Hour at the super cool Truck Yard in Dallas with my new friend, KellyAnn Sutton of Anthropologie

 

3) While many of my friends have nieces and nephews, our family has always veered a bit from the norm. So, I was delighted to get to spend a little quality time with my big brother, David, and my stuffed coyote nephew, Archibald by the pool. Yep, totally normal – us McCoys.

With my stuffed-coyote-nephew, Archibald...don't ask.

 

2) As if you thought we hadn’t gone to Mi Cocina enough already as a family, we also take our friends. It’s become a tradition that we sip margaritas and snack on tex-mex at Mi Cocina with my dear friends from college, Tadd and Jenna Tate. We always laugh our way through the meal and we always – and I do mean, ALWAYS – close the place down!

Another night of oversharing & laughter at Mi Cocina with my family & friends

 

1) One of my favorite bakeries on the planet is Tart Bakery in Dallas. So I was delighted when Tart sent me back to LA in style with a BeautyFrosting-themed cakelet! What a sweet and delicious delight!

A BF-themed cakelet from Tart Bakery in Dallas

LOW: Pushing Buttons

No family is perfect...

Well, after that much fun, something a little dreary was bound to happen. And it did the last night I was in Dallas. Our family went to Meddlesome Moth and, well, my big brother and I ended up getting into a tiff. Here’s the thing about family – the fact that you know each other best and have known each other longest is truly a double-edged sword. After all, they totally understand who you are because they’ve seen everything you’ve been through; but in times of struggle and conflict, they also really know how to push your buttons. So I was sad to leave without telling my brother goodbye. And I hate, hate, HATE doing that. But the upside? We both realized our wrongs and apologized. We’re fine now but I just hate that I left Dallas on a sour note. My brother actually suggested coming up with a safe word so when we start pushing buttons again, we can agree to shelve the dispute for a different time. I liiiiiiike this. Now, just to put it into use…

High-Low 10/28/13, Dallas Moments (5 out of 10) and Laughing Stars

HIGH: My Trip Home to Dallas, Part 1

Well, my trip home to Dallas was just one big High, really. So here are the first 5 of my Top 10 Dallas moments.

10) Arriving to find out that my big brother, David – a.k.a. Sueño – is now playing golf. I seriously couldn’t stop laughing.

Apparently Brother has taken up golf.

 

9) Fresh off the plane, we immediately hit our family favorite – Mi Cocina. We always end up there for about 80% or more of my visit- this time, we were there 5 out of 9 nights. It’s our happy place.

My favorite pic ever of my Mom, brother and I at our family mecca - Mi Cocina Preston Forest

 

8) I’m such an avid nightswimmer that it’s always sad for me to come home in the fall & winter months because it’s too cool for my nightly jam session-swims. But that didn’t stop me from sitting by the pool, having a glass of champ and reflecting on my summer and fall. What seasons they have been! (p.s. I had just bought that Cynthia Rowley cardigan sweater at Marshall’s!)

A cool, fall night by the pool reflecting....

 

7) I was SUPER excited to get to go to the State Fair of Texas while I was home. Between the fried food (corndogs, fried oreos, fried snickers & more), the carousel, the Love Bug and the swings, I felt like a kid again. And the fact that I got to enjoy it with my big brother and new friends only made the day even more nostalgic and sweet!

The State Fair of Texas - the best fair in all the land!!

 

6) Now, this was just too much fun. Getting to go to Homecoming at our high school, Episcopal School of Dallas with my brother and some of our friends? Priceless. And Brother had gotten his 3 dates corsages. I felt like a teenager! See a theme here when I’m in Dallas?

Brother putting on my corsage before we headed to Homecoming!

 

I’ll have the other 5 for ya tomorrow!!

LOW: Laughing Stars – A new little angel is born.

I had a few lows over the past week but none was as low as this. A dear college friend who is always so full of light – and a loyal & loving BeautyFrosting reader – unexpectedly lost her little daughter. These are the things that we just can’t make sense of. Our hearts and minds cannot make sense of pain this profound. So all we can do is try to comfort one another, love one another, remember the good times, honor the memory and pray that in time we heal. I don’t have any words that can comfort as much as I would like but these words from Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (from The Little Prince) always give me a pinch of peace when I’m most lost due to loss. I am sending as much love and light to this sweet family as I can muster. To laughing stars…

 

xoxo,

BF 

BF Asks: What was your High-Low this week? And what words comfort you in times of loss?

*So what exactly is a High-Low, you ask? High-Low is the BEST & WORST part of your day, week, month, etc. I started this tradition with friends & family after I discovered it through a movie decades ago. Not only is it useful for reflection sake but it is also an excellent way to communicate with your spouse, kids or friends over the dinner table. By introducing this tradition to folks, parents have told me that their kids have opened up more and friends have told me that their spouses have become more communicative. Try it for yourself and let me know what your experience is!

 

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas – First In My Heart

There are few things a Texan girl loves as much as her mama. Del Frisco’s steak is one of them.

Foodie Friday: Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas, Texas

After all, you always love your first. And while it may not have been my first steak, it’s the first steak I can remember as being utterly melt-in-your-mouth delicious.

I was raised on the stuff and it set a verrry high bar for a good steak. When you’re a Dallas Del Frisco’s girl, you expect a lot – and, unfortunately as a result, you are often disappointed at other steak-claiming establishments.

So I was thrilled to be invited to experience Del Frisco’s Grille in Dallas on McKinney. But being invited back to where my love of steak was born, I found myself a little nervous. Would it live up to the hype of my memory? Would the quality have suffered over the years? The answer? A resounding NO. In fact, if it’s possible, it even got BETTER.

Here’s what my tastebuds got to indulge in. And there wasn’t a below amazing taste among them.

CRAFTED COCKTAILS – TASTED, TRIED AND TRUE:

Del Frisco's Grile Crafted Cocktails: (clockwise from top right to left) Apt. 5D, Tennessee Peach and The VIP

TENNESSEE PEACH Jack Daniels, Fresh Peaches, Honey, Fresh Lime Juice – which tastes like the tastiest, spirited Peach Cobbler.

THE VIP Svedka Clementine Vodka Infused with Fresh Hawaiian Pineapple – reminiscent of a delicious pineapple sherbet from your youth.

APT. 5D Tito’s Vodka, Simple Syrup, Lemon Sour, Dash of Balsamic Vinegar, Muddled Strawberries  – straight up spirited strawberry jam.

*
THE WINE :

Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

Excellent wine pairing for our steak: Bodega Inurrieta Navarra Cuatrocientos, CV ($55)

 

Now, this was a mighty fine wine. And I have the sommelier to thank for this gem. It was his recommendation based on my preferences and he was spot on!

FOOD TO FIGHT OVER:

Food To Fight Over: (clockwise from left to right) Deviled Eggs, Ahi Tuna Tacos, Cheesesteak Rolls and Pimento Rolls

CHEESESTEAK EGGROLLS Sweet & Spicy Chili Sauce, Honey Mustard 10 – holy cheesteaks, Batman! These are gold!! I’d heard rumors of how yummy they were but they beat my highest expectations. And they were my mom’s favorite thing on the menu!

PIMENTO CHEESE FRITTERS Chipotle Ranch Sauce 9 – I loooooved these. They were one of my top faves of the evening. Fried & breaded with cheesy, southern pimento goodness inside. Melt-in-your-mouth and maybe a bit on your hands and chin, as well!

AHI TACOS Tuna Tartare, Avocado, Spicy Citrus Mayo  – Delicious, light and crispy.

DEVILED EGGS Truffle-Chive Vinaigrette – Yummy!

*

RUFFAGE:

The Del Frisco's Classic Wedge Salad. A foodie must-try!

ICEBERG LETTUCE WEDGE Bacon, Tomato, Blue Cheese Dressing – I always think of Del Frisco’s whenever I enjoy a wedge salad. But few live up to my lettuce wedge first love. Happy to see it’s stayed the same over the years!

*

DEL FRISCO’S SIGNATURE STEAKS:

CHEF'S SELECTION - A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE

CHEF’S SELECTION – A TRIO OF STEAK FEATURE  – This Chef’s selection was divine and lived up to every memory I have of Del Frisco’s sumptuous, juicy steaks. One with crabmeat, one with beurre blanc and one with a peppercorn sauce. How do you do it, Del? The outside “crust’ is just the teensiest bit crispy and the inside is buttery smooth, juicy and divine. This is why Del Frisco’s is where all steak-lovers go to heaven.

*

HAPPY ENDINGS:

Oh, you sweet temptress you, Del Frisco's Grille Java Roaster!

JAVA ROASTER – LIQUID DESSERT UV Coconut Vodka, Tres Leches, Esspresso Liqueur 6 – wheeeew boy! Got a nice, sweet little buzz with a jolt of java. And it’s a perfect dessert if you want just a bit of sweetness!

 

Del Frisco's Grille Coconut Cream Pie - a coconut cloud

COCONUT CREAM PIE with White Chocolate Shavings – a dreamy pillow of sweetness  – a cloud of coconut and white chocolate 

Yummylicious.

Thank you so much, Del Frisco’s Grille! The food was delicious and your staff was utterly delightful. I can’t wait to come back next time I’m in Dallas! And I CANNOT WAIT for the grand opening of the new Del Frisco’s Grille on the pier in Santa Monica. A little taste of home coming out to LA!! And you know what I say to that? Yeeeeehaaaaww!!!

*

Nothing better than being invited to sample one of your favorite restaurants in your hometown with your two favorite dates.

Me & My Two Favorite Dates - my big brother, David and my mom, Clarice - at Del Frisco's Grille in Dallas

 

Oh and by the way – the other things a Texan girl loves? Willie Nelson, her daddy, her dog, her sorority sisters, her cowboy boots, her grandaddy’s cowboy hat and her hairstylist.

But steak is first in her heart.

 

xoxo,
BF

 

BF Asks: What’s the best steak you’ve ever enjoyed? 

Thirsty Thursday: Singing Laurenz und Sophie Grüner Veltliner at Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek

As you know, I’m in my hometown of Dallas this week…which I love. And when in Rome – or, in this case, the capital of luxury – you do as the luxurious, decadent Dallasites do!

So what do I do when I need to get a little writing without the fun distractions of family? Why, go to The Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, of course!

Writing & relaxing on a Sunday afternoon at The Mansion Bar

A historical, Dallas institution, I started coming here when I was 15-years-old with my best friend, Suzanne, and her mom, Jean. In high school, it was a magical, timeless, dark, adult-like place where we loved eating the bar snacks (nuts and potato chips in their finest form), sipping Shirley Temples and stealing a swig or two of fine champagne from our moms’ glasses. Delightful.

In college, it was where my big brother David, our friend, Dave Todd – a.k.a. “Hollywood” – and I drank Brandy Alexanders for hours and then attempted to steal a giant magnum of Dom Perignon – only to find out, rather sadly, that it was empty once we reached the car. I was worried that I wouldn’t be allowed back after that hilarious antic. Lucky for me, the doors of The Mansion Bar are still open to me.

Now, it’s still dark, still timeless and still an institution but I don’t have to steal sips! Still just as lovely as I remember, I sat in my russet mohair booth in the back and asked for a citrusy summer white for this balmy Dallas night. The answer? Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner. Citrusy and crisp and tart like a green apple with a pinch of white pepper – it was a steal at $9 a glass, I thought!

As Laurenz und Sophie Singing Grüner Veltliner

So imagine my delight when the bill came and everything was half-off. Why, you ask? Because I’m a native Dallas daughter? No, no. Because wines are half-off at happy hour here. Happy, indeed. Improved nostalgia at its best.

 

xoxo,
BF

BF Asks: Do you live in Dallas or have you visited? What’s your favorite bar? 


Site Design by: Shindig Shoppe :: Site Development by: The Star Factory