Chefs night out

A few weekends ago I had the pleasure of dining al fresco, over looking rolling hills, under twinkling stars with a warm seat next to a Mediterranean outdoor pizza oven. 

Where did I go?

Well, with a suggestion from our good friend Ellen Sackett we took a little drive up North near Muenster to Saint Jo. About an hour away. 

The drive is to be expected, nothing great until you turn West onto highway 82. The view becomes increasingly better when you head away from 35. Then suddenly about a mile outside of Saint Jo. The scene opens up to one spectacular vista at the top of a hill. You can see a grand view of the Red River Valley. SO gorgeous. 

Ancient ovens sits just off Childress road in Saint Jo. Its a sumptuous meal with five courses of hearth baked goodness that is rarely found and enjoyed in such a setting.

I encourage you to go and remember its BYOB. We brought champagne and flutes for our dinner and it was a perfect crisp addition to our meal. Also, bring cash, about 20 per person not including tip.

Seating is limited and must be planned ahead. Their reservations/calender fill up fast, so call Dennis and tell him I sent you, he loves to know all about his customers.

Smoke and Tequila Dinner

 A tasting of Puro Verde Tequilas and a signature drink with Grapefruit peel and ginger beer!

 A tasting of locally made Rahr beers

 Smoked Sea scallops with sriracha Agave and Jicama Slaw

 Smoked pork belly sliders with Dijon potato salad

 Cranberry and Cognac sausage with Tequila Guacamole Nachos

 Smoked pumpkin cheesecake with graham cracker crust and smoked chocolate sauce

The Smoke and Tequila dinner a few weeks ago was a huge success. Congratulations to Al and everyone who put forth so much effort. It had been years since we have done a patio dinner, but in Texas there is a short sweet span of weeks when the weather is just perfect.

 This was one of those days. Perfection. 

If you would like to know more about our upcoming events, please follow us on Facebook or fill out one of our review cards the next time you are in. We have a VIP list for special events and we would love to put you on it!

100 Mile Dinner

This past June we celebrated another one of our memorable 100 mile events. A dinner comprised totally of foods found within one hundred miles of the restaurant. 

Things have changed wildly over the last 7 years that we have been doing these. There is almost nothing we can't find locally. Almost. The ever elusive wheat haunts my dreams but one day this local larder will be filled with pasta and bread. Cobbler and crumb. 

Even so, we had some truly great additions this Summer. Sharp Shooter cheddar from Veldhuizen farms and local apples. So many choices of local honey that I decided to do a tasting side by side. House smoked pork belly, garlic soup and more garlic grilled rabbit. Wild Hive honey ice cream with berries, ratatouille and even a local grain/corn vodka called Nue vodka. Distilled six times just down the road in Lewisville with locally sourced ingredients.

Many thanks go out to Cardo's farm project, Ryan & Earthwise produce, The Dallas Farmers Market and every local farmer, backdoor gardener and Rancher who has helped create these new memories. Thank you.