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DallasFoodNerd

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Author: Mike Merrill

Mike Merrill is a digital strategist and professional speaker. By day he serves as Sr. Enterprise Account Executive for Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Mike founded the Social Media Club of Dallas in the fall of 2009, now named Social Media Dallas. He helped organize the first Ignite Dallas, is an advisor to several startups in Dallas and has a thing for bacon since he grew up on a pig farm. Learn more about that here in his TED talk: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7xpsTED3nOA
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Food News

Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine opens in Plano

February 4, 2016April 18, 2017 Mike Merrill

You are in for a treat with Julia Pearl Southern Cuisine coming to Plano this past week. I recently attended their private media dinner to a room full of hungry foodies. Thanks to Chefs Tre Wilcox and Germaine Brown, formerly of Abacus, we were all in for a treat. One of Continue Reading

Casual FoodFood News

World of Beer Launches Fall Plates and Pints Menu

October 27, 2015June 29, 2017 Mike Merrill
World of Beer Meatloaf Sliders

World of Beer has launched their new Fall Plates and Pints Menu and invited John Valadez and I to their Plano, TX location to sample the new cold weather classics. Taking advantage of the skyrocketing growth of local breweries World of Beer offers over 50 craft beers on tap, over Continue Reading

Casual Food

Best BBQ in Texas

September 30, 2011October 19, 2015 Mike Merrill
Best BBQ in Texas

This past weekend I completed the Central TX BBQ Tour in search of the Best BBQ. Chevy Texas asked me to participate as part of their Chevy Mancations campaign. If you would have told me I would have eaten at seven BBQ places in less less than two days I Continue Reading

Tagged BBQ
At Home

Smuckers Uncrustables Lives Up To The Hype

March 8, 2011March 7, 2011 Mike Merrill3 Comments

For my first post on the Dallas Food Nerd blog I felt it only fitting to start with something my kids having been raving about. A week ago my wife picked up a box of Smuckers Uncrustables at the grocery store. I wasn’t aware we even had them in the Continue Reading

A Community Project

this is a community project of a few (20+ now!) Dallas based nerds who happen to like food. probably a little too much. do you heart food? do you take pictures of everything before you eat it? Do you use foursquare, foodspotting, yelp, instagram, pinterest and twitter to share about food? Do you live or travel to the Dallas area? join us. Questions or concerns can be directed at DFN founders @Elysa or @RoryEllis or email foodie AT dallasfoodnerd.com Follow my blog with Bloglovin

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Check out @sumdanggoodchinese with us! 🥢 Locat Check out @sumdanggoodchinese with us! 🥢 Located in @trinitygroves, Sum Dang Good Chinese is a popular spot for modern Chinese cuisine. The restaurant serves the essentials and we’re all about it. The food nerds ordered: Soup Dumplings: These bite-sized bundles are our fav item from the menu! The presentation was also 💯 Peking Duck Buns: Crispy and flavorful Combo Dumplings: Fun variety of colors on the dumplings. While the texture of the dumplings can be improved upon, these bites were each packed with a different filling... pork, chicken, shrimp and veggie. Hand-Pulled Noodles: Great consistency with the noodles and sauce Salt & Pepper Shrimp: Easy to order and to eat Crab & Cheese Rangoons: We’ll order this again and again. Watermelon Martini: A refreshing summer drink Altos Tiki: Tropical & fun presentation 3011 Gulden Ln, Dallas inside @trinitygroves *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #trinitygroves #dallasrestaurants #chinesefood
Explore @craftandvinerestaurant with us! 🍷 Thi Explore @craftandvinerestaurant with us! 🍷 This new spot at @shopsatlegacy brings over 70 beers, wines and a sake on tap! Check out the taproom as soon as you walk in. Grab a sip of you preferred drink, or get a full glass to bring to your table. (Or just hang out in the taproom all night!) We enjoyed the modern American menu with bites like smoked brisket spring roll, slider trio, sushi rolls, Brie & Granny Smith flatbread, chef’s selection board, 2x cooked crispy chicken and steaks. What’s your first pour here? 🍷🍶🍻 *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #planotx #visitplano #taproom #planorestaurants
Good food. Good mood. ☺️ 📍@mixtitoskitchen Good food. Good mood. ☺️ 📍@mixtitoskitchen *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #dallasrestaurants #tacos #tablesidedessert #dfwfood #dallasfoodie #eastdallas
That kinda party… 🍰🧁⏳😂 That kinda party… 🍰🧁⏳😂
🍕🍺Pies and pints at @SocialPieDallas Wheth 🍕🍺Pies and pints at @SocialPieDallas Whether you order one of Social Pie’s Artisan Pizzas or build your own, you’re in for a treat. The chewy thin crust and plentiful toppings won’t disappoint. 🧀 Pepperoni Cheese Rolls 🥗 Social Caesar for 2 🍕The Texican - BBQ Sauce, Shredded Mozzarella, Smoked Brisket, Bacon, Red Onions, Pickled Jalapenos 🍕The Tony - Garlic Oil, Shredded Mozzarella, Chicken, Spinach, Kalamata Olives, Pickled Jalapenos, Goat Cheese 📍5855 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX 75235 📸: @jeanerjeaner #hosted #dallasfoodnerd #socialpie #dallaspizza
Eat a Dish for Make a Wish! 💖 @maggianoslittle Eat a Dish for Make a Wish! 💖 @maggianoslittleitaly is celebrating their 20th year of partnership with @makeawishamerica @makeawishnt! We went by their Plano location to try their special Eat-a-Dish menu, where a portion of proceeds from each dish benefits Make-a-Wish Foundation’s mission to grant life-changing wishes for children battling chronic illnesses across the globe. Here’s what we tried off the special Eat-a-Dish menu: 🥂 Lavender Wish Spritz 🦞 Wish Celebration Entree with Beef Tenderloin Medallions, Lobster Tail, Crab Cake & Asparagus 🍰 Chocolate Cannoli Cake $1 from each dish & the Wish Spritz & 50 cents from the Wish Lemonade goes to Make-a-Wish, from now until August 23. Since the first year of its partnership, Magginao’s has raised over $10 million for this amazing cause! Maggiano’s has always been one of our reliable favorites for a nice meal out (Pro Tip: Did you know if you order any entree, you can get a classic pasta to take home for just $6?? 🤯), & this is the perfect excuse. 📍Willow Bend Mall, Plano or Northpark Center, Dallas *hosted #dallasrestaurant #italianrestaurant #nonprofit #makeawish 📷: @amypyen
@theislandspot is the spot to be! 🏝️ We cele @theislandspot is the spot to be! 🏝️ We celebrated Jamaican Independence Day last Friday here at the restaurant with live Reggae music, delicious cuisine and RUM PUNCH! We felt like we were actually in the Caribbean—surrounded by beach murals, fun music and authentic food. Our meal included a flavorful jerk chicken, jerk salmon with mango honey sauce, salmon rice and a yummy beef patty. 📸 @foodiejacqdfw *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #jamaicanfood #supportlocal #carrolltontx #dallasrestaurants
Let’s feast! 🍴 We’re at @istanbulcuisinefl Let’s feast! 🍴 We’re at @istanbulcuisineflowermound since we were so impressed with its #southlaketx location! From hot & cold appetizers with hummus, eggplant and other tasty dips to tender grilled meats, Istanbul Cuisine is not to miss if you’re looking for authentic Mediterranean & Turkish food. The restaurant serves shareable portions of food including its staple kebab platter that feeds 4-6 hungry meat eaters. The plate is filled with chicken, lamb and beef selections and comes with several sides and housemade pita bread. Save room for baklava and Turkish coffee or tea! 📍 Flower Mound and Southlake *invited #dallasfoodnerd #turkishfood
Korean fried chicken just hits different! 🍗 We Korean fried chicken just hits different! 🍗 We went by @bbqchickenus to try their new Caribbean Spice flavor & this tropical flavor is perfect for summer! It really gave jerk chicken vibes, with just the right amount of kick, & we don't know what sorcery they use to keep the chicken so crispy while absolutely drenching it in this sauce, but we want to know the secret! We've always been a big fan of Korean fried chicken & bb.q Chicken (did you know it stands of "Best of the Best Quality"?) is one of our favorites, with six DFW locations. The chicken is just so tender & crispy, & the flavors are always on point. We also got the Galbi classic, which was smoky & delicious, but we're eying the Hot Mala & Gangnam Style for next time! Next time you crave wings, definitely give this a shot & try the Caribbean Spice! 📍Plano (x3), Richardson, Carrollton, Arlington, Ft Worth TCU PS: The Ft Worth & Richardson locations have private karaoke rooms! 🎙 *ad #koreanfriedchicken #koreanchicken #chickenwings #dallasrestaurants #dallaschicken
@KennysEastCoastPizza - brunch edition! We’re @KennysEastCoastPizza - brunch edition! We’re excited to see this Kenny’s restaurant expand with a weekend brunch menu. We already love their pizza and Grey Goose on tap, and now we can add brunch to the obsession. Our order: 🍽️ Cheesesteak Benedict with a tender Philly cheesesteak base instead of ham 🍳 Grand Marnier French Toast with an eggy brioche 🥗 Caesar Salad 🍝 Kids spaghetti and meatballs in pink sauce for our little ones 🍕 Cheese Pizza 🍊$5 brunch mimosa 📍 4701 W Park Blvd ⌚️Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. *invited #dallasfoodnerd #dallasfoodies #planofood #visitplano #planotx
Summertime sips ☀️ These refreshing canned co Summertime sips ☀️ These refreshing canned cocktails from @enjoycocolife made for the perfect pool party drink! Rum or Vodka - comment with your pick! If you’re obsessed with coconuts 🥥 you’ll enjoy these tasty drinks as much as we did. Plus, it’s made with REAL 🥥 💧! *gifted #dallasfoodnerd #coconutrum #coconutvodka #summer #pooldrinks
Dessert & Wine Date Night 🍫🍷 @officialkwcho Dessert & Wine Date Night 🍫🍷 @officialkwchocolate in @trinitygroves has expanded its delicious chocolate shop with more desserts and a wine list! Grab a frozen dessert popsicle like the Cafe Mocha Cream Pop or Frozen Cheesecake to beat the summer heat. Stay for a shareable dessert bowl like the Sweet Waffles or Triple Chocolate Brownie. Seriously amazing. Pair the goodies with a glass of red/rose/white or add on some of those beautiful bonbons to your dessert lineup. Whatever you choose, you can’t go wrong! 📍 3011 Gulden Ln at @TrinityGroves ⌚️ Dessert service runs Tuesdays through Saturdays from 1 p.m. until close and on Sundays from noon until 6 p.m. Save this post for your next date night idea! *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #trinitygroves #dessert #dallasbusiness #kateweiser #kateweiserchocolate
Come for the pizza and stay for the gelato @spinpi Come for the pizza and stay for the gelato @spinpizza Opening TODAY in Frisco, the artisanal pizza shop serves up tasty pizzas, plus other Italian favorites. 😍 Our menu picks: 🥗 Greek Salad 🥣 White Bean Minestrone Soup 🥑 Turkey Bacon Avocado 🍕 3 Meats Pizza 🍓Strawberry Gelato 📍4387 Main St in Frisco 📸 @denimlikethejean *invited #dallasfoodnerd #friscotx #visitfrisco #pizza #spinpizza
New in Irving @sickiesburgers 🍔🍔🍔 Ever f New in Irving @sickiesburgers 🍔🍔🍔 Ever feel like taking the day off and hanging out with friends, grilling burgers and sipping beers? Well, that’s what the founders of @sickiesburgers used to do, and after coming up with 50 burgers and 50 different beers, they decided it was time to share their ideas with the rest of us! Now you can enjoy the amazing creations at Sickies without taking the day off, or taking a “sick” day (aka a ‘Sickie’) right here in DFW! The Irving location is open and ready to serve adult milkshakes like the Silly Rabbit made with Trix(r) cereal and spiked with vodka, and decadent burgers like the Glazed Donut 🍩 Burger that has a glazed donut as the bun! (Tip: ask for the burger patty to be substituted for crispy chicken…it’s delicious 🤤) If you’re hungry (trust us, come hungry) make sure to start with some oversized Tater Kegs, and get started on fair food early with the cheese curds and fried jalapeño Country Fair Burger! 🍔 Last but not least, if you miss a certain fast-food chain’s mashed potato (or Mac ‘n Cheese) bowls, stop by Sickies for a better version to please your palate! The Fort Worth location will be opening soon! 📸: @wilburthechef *invited #dallasfoodnerd #burgers #sickiesburgers #irvingtx #visitirvingtx #visitirving #dallaseats
Sweet or savory? 👇🏼 Take your pick of empan Sweet or savory? 👇🏼 Take your pick of empanadas at @DelCampo_Empanadas! The shop, located in Keller and Flower Mound, is owned by a sweet Argentinian family who has been in Texas for two decades. 🇦🇷 We were impressed by the quality of the food and all the selections! There’s a good variety to choose from like spinach, shrimp, “Banutella”(banana/Nutella, Dulce de Leche on a croissant, the signature beef empanada… plus many more. 🤤 The housemade chimichurri sauce is not to miss either with your savory selections! Pro tip: Order a Cafe Con Leche with your food! ☕️ 📍 Flower Mound and Keller *invited #dallasfoodnerd #empanadas
No Sunday Scaries here 🦀🦞🥩 We savored ou No Sunday Scaries here 🦀🦞🥩 We savored our Sunday night at @flemingssteakhouse in Plano with their new Surf & Turf 3-course meal. Available every Sunday for dinner service, this packed meal comes with a Filet Mignon, paired with a North Atlantic Lobster Tail OR Alaskan Golden King Crab Legs. Includes salad and dessert! The meal costs $75 per person and is worth every penny. Food Nerd Facts 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼 🦀 Alaskan Golden King Crabs is known as the best tasting variety of King Crab. The pressure from the great depth of their habitat combined with a clean, pure food abundance allows for a sweeter taste profile and a lighter texture. 🦞 North Atlantic Lobsters are usually sought after the most and has a succulent flavor thanks to their mineral-rich ecosystem. Now that’s how we end the weekend on a high note! 🥂 *invited #dallasfoodnerd #dallassteakhouse #planotx #visitplano
What’s your favorite sushi spot? 📍Sasa Sush What’s your favorite sushi spot? 📍Sasa Sushi, Lakewood Pictured: 🍣 Spicy Tuna on Crispy Rice 🍱Paradise Roll
Hey y’all! 🌮Let’s taco ‘bout a margarita Hey y’all! 🌮Let’s taco ‘bout a margarita spot you need to add to your list! Whether you’re stopping by for a boozy brunch or a happy hour after work you will be pleasantly surprised by @bajaritas ‘ food and drink options. Tucked away in Lewisville, this spot is a hidden 💎. We started with a margarita flight and then moved on to the big guns 🙃. 🥭 was my fav, but I may need to do more studies. As expected, the breakfast tacos were excellent. But I’ll tell ya, what EXCEEDED our expectations was the 🍗+🧇. Dare I say, the most unique I’ve had. It’s not often a restaurant surpasses expectations. We will certainly be back. Check out their socials for their drink specials and live music schedule. 🤫 word has it, this week is Tequila Week 🎉 #dallasfoodnerd *hosted #bajaritas #margaritaflight #dfweats
Getting our Chinese food fix 🥢 Family-owned @h Getting our Chinese food fix 🥢 Family-owned @howardwangs is known for its fine dining meals, and they surely don’t disappoint! With a few locations across Dallas, this North Dallas spot opened earlier this year and focuses more on food from the Hunan and Sichuan provinces of China. These plates are loaded, so come hungry! What to order: 👇🏼 Lychee martini Red Lotus cocktail Crab wontons Traditional egg roll Mandarin Chicken wings General Gso Chicken (30-year family recipe) Crispy Beef and Broccoli with fried rice Layered Chocolate Cake Green Tea Ice Cream 📍6859 Arapaho Rd in North Dallas *invited #dallasfoodnerd #dallasrestaurants #chinesefood #localbusiness #dallasbusinesses
@WildSalsarestaurant is now open in Fairview! If @WildSalsarestaurant is now open in Fairview! If you live or work in the area, make your reservations asap. 🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️🏃🏻‍♀️The restaurant serves Mexico City–style food and over 100 tequilas in a vibrant, colorful space. If you’re craving a couple of tacos and margaritas or want to feast on the lamb shank, Wild Salsa has got you covered. ✅ Our Recommendations: 🍹Drinks: Wild Rita Sangria Roja 🥑Apps: Shrimp Ceviche Guacamole 🍽️ Entrees Wild Tacos (Beef Barbacoa, Chicken Tinga, Chipotle Shrimp) Sonoran Chicken Enchiladas Braised Lamb Shank with Poblano Tamale Street Style Corn 🍰 Dessert: Churros 📍 Downtown Dallas, Fort Worth & NOW OPEN in Fairview 📸 @denimlikethejean *hosted #dallasfoodnerd #dallasrestaurants #mexicocity
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