State of the Garden

So before the rain came (again), I took a few pictures of the last of the fruit on the agrilicious trees planted in our backyard in the last year.

There were a few end of season figs that the squirrels had missed, the crop was pretty small overall but the nice lady at Bob Wells Nursery in Lindale told me it's due for a "pop" of fruit. Plus we cut down a nasty old hackberry tree that was giving it too much shade. Once we get volume, I plan to make "Miss Figgy Jam" for my friends.

Both the persimmon and pomegranite trees had blossoms, but no fruit developed. Maybe next year. They should be fine this winter as long as I remember to water them, they are pretty cold-resistant.

I love the citrus trees, no insects, squirrels don't eat the fruit, but they are not so hardy. My Key lime tree was pretty damaged by the latest of last winter's cold and died back to 3 feet of trunk. It now stands at about 8 feet tall, but no limes this year, all of it's energy went into recovering not fruiting. Last year it produced so many limes I had to sacrifice some so the branches wouldn't break.

I definitely had to sacrifice some of the ginormous beautiful-looking (but sadly weak tasting) Mandarin oranges, I only ended up with three very large specimens. My Mexican lime tree had lots of limes, they are beginning to turn yellow, as are my Meyer lemons.

The Meyer tree is planted in a container and I bring it in the house when it gets below 40 degrees, the other citrus are planted in the ground and I will be better about covering them this winter than I was last.

Oh and our newest additions, Popeye and Brutus the Arbequina olive trees? Well, poor Brutus was killed (et tu, Deuce and Tres?), but Popeye has found his earth, with a large fence placed around to protect him from those dratted back-stabbing dogs.

My New Favorite Shiet

Found this website, Freeshiet, yesterday when I was running down the Boo-Rito links. Great coupons and info for free (or nearly free) stuff and events, locally.

Unconfirmed Treat

It's all over the blogosphere, but the page link has been taken down, so it may be urban myth, however.....

Walk into any Chipotle restaurant on Halloween after 6:00 pm dressed as a Chipotle food item, and receive a choice of a burrito, tacos, bowl or salad as a treat.

And recycle your foil.

Sevi's in Wichita Falls, Someone Is Googling You

I've had this menu for quite some time, keep moving it from pile to pile, I cannot remember who gave it to me. I know I didn't eat there.

So today in my counter statistics was the googled "Sevy's [sic] Wichita Falls" by someone in Wichita Falls looking for this restaurant. So for you, whoever you are, here is their menu.

For the person in Morocco googling "zootube woman", sorry I can't help you.

Now This Is Scary

Hubby's off on a mini-vacation? "No problem", says I, dutifully spending my days filing accounts payable and reconciling petty cash. But at night I've been treating myself for the productive work I've been able to accomplish with the boss gone.

Three restaurants in three nights, and all were pitifully slow for 7:00-7:30, at most maybe 1/2 full. One is known for the long waits people will endure to eat their food (I'm guilty too), but Monday night there were no more than 10 people in the bar, and half the place was empty. Another, a cavernous place granted, really felt empty with only 4 tables of diners and 10 empty hibachi stands. Probably the best business was at the neighborhood corner spot, but even though it was a much smaller space than the other two, it was still 1/2 empty. But that's not what was scary.

At all three locations the server (or servers) made mention that they were concerned about losing their jobs. And they had no idea that I was in the business as well.

Have a Happy Halloween this Saturday, and treat yourself to dinner out as well.

Do I Dare

Tell my husband about this trend from Restaurant Hospitality, mixing Celebrity Chefs, fund raising and golf tournaments? A few of his Chefriends are pretty good wackers too. "Celebrity" might be a stretch, but hey I've only heard of one of the chefs in the article before (I've purchased his cook book). And I can guarantee they're highly entertaining - nobody has more fun together than a group of chefs on a day off.

After all, how many other chefs have a cook book that includes golf tips and a patio that has a putting green?

This Is Only A Test

OK, so the boss has taken a few days to go with a few friends to Port A for a little fishing for red fish and flounder with a little wild pig hunting in their spare time. Which means this employee has a little time to catch up on work stuff and blog stuff. I'm working on a big numbers analysis project, and as soon as the state sends me the files I need I'll be posting an update. It was a tough summer for many restaurants, how tough, well that's what I want to find out. Because too many of us in the trade greet each other with a hug and a "How's business?" question.

For those who are interested, the parade last Friday went really well, then Saturday was a blur of beauty for anyone with a daughter going to homecoming dance. But Marlena Chavira-Medford over at the Advocate sent me a link to Rick Wamre's filming of the parade. It was again a fun event, and best of all I didn't volunteer to do it again next year. But maybe I will.

Radio Silence Broken

For this, a creative look at why eating out benefits everyone, including the taxpayer:

Mid-October Break

Posting's been light, I know. Got that parade gig again, and it's this Friday. I'm seriously short on convertibles, and I have some coordination to do with the Dallas Police, so I'm putting away my blog until after the parade is completed. I only hope it goes as well as last year.

Tasting #3

The first two were fun and delicious! So we're continuing this monthly Scotch event with Tasting #3 on Monday, October 19th, from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm. $44.95 per person (plus tax/gratuity) for five tastings paired with five specially created dishes. Seating is limited and reservations are required (no OpenTable reservations please), contact SevysCatering@aol.com or (214)265-7389 to make yours today!

FIRST PAIRING
Crispy 5-Spice Duck Cigars with Apricot Ginger Dipping Sauce
Dalmore 12 and Ginger Ale

SECOND PAIRING
Prosciutto, Ricotta and Basil Frittata
Glenfiddich 12

THIRD PAIRING
Ahi Tuna Tartar with Soy Ginger Sauce, Wasabi Streaks, and Crispy Wonton
Glenfiddich 15

FOURTH PAIRING
Griddled Buffalo Sliders, Three-Onion Marmalade and Dried Cherry Mayo
Lagavulin 16

FIFTH PAIRING
Godiva Chocolate Crème Brulee
Glenlivet 12, French Oak

SEVY'S GRILL AND CATERING, 8201 Preston Road, 75225.

What's On My Desktop

From left, clockwise: Mizzou, Brown, Harvard, UVA.

Foot Pillows

Four hours in heels at Terry Costa yesterday afternoon plus four hours in heels at the Zoo To Do last night, today my feet are reminding me why I chose a desk job. So until the first two ibuprofen of the day kick in, and needing some diet Dr. Pepper and a daily paper, I have a suffer free secret that helps me face the day.

I don't know what the name of these shoes are, but I call them Foot Pillows because the moment I put them on aching feet, my feet feel good. Croc-like, but with a mesh upper and better styling, they breath and aren't too clunky, and I have them in 4 different colors. Mine are a little grungy because I've worn them all over First Monday Trade Days and and out in the garden digging up weeds.

Unfortunately they're no longer for sale at Walmart, good thing I stocked up. I'm keeping an eye out in case they bring them back.

Too bad I can't wear them for the next shift at TC today.

UPDATE: And I meant to mention how the Zoo fundraiser went (besides serving over 800 plates of shrimp to hungry party-goers), the Chef's Dine-Around package (Abacus, Chamberlain's, Del Frisco's, Sevy's Grill and Suze) sold for $27,000 - TWICE helping raise $54,000 for the new African Savanna exhibit (which is really coming along from the looks of things).

The Brides Come Here

In an earlier post I mentioned that the Grill is participating in the Terry Costa Bridal Fair, October 9th through the 11th (this weekend). It's a one-stop-shopping experience for those who want to learn about an array of vendors who can help their weddings be a success. Cake bakers, tux renters, invitation makers, and many, many more will have tables with information about their products and services. And Terry Costa carries some of the finest bridal, formal and casual wear in Dallas, as my closet lately attests.

Anyhow, I just got back from helping set up our table in their lobby, and we have catering information, pictures and menus. Tomorrow (Saturday), from 10 am - 4 pm, we'll be there handing out appetizers and chocolate mousse cups to answer your questions and entice shoppers with what we can provide. And we have some goodies to also give away.

Come by and see us, we're here for you.

Eating History

I love food history and when I found this book at a local antique store it brought a big smile to my face, and not just because it was 80% off the $7.99 price. Published some time close to 1950 (from extensive research I did on the businesses who advertised within), it was compiled by the Longfellow Parent-Teacher Association. They must have been a fun group - and good cooks too from the recipes included within. The only name I recognized was Mrs. Frank X. Tolbert who submitted her recipe for Dill Potato Salad.

But I'm interested also in all of the restaurants and food businesses that advertised within, and was wondering how many of you have memories of these places? Please leave word if you remember any:

Cabell's Dairy * Beef N' Bun (2 locations) * Fred's (1 Super Drive-In and 7 Barbecue locations) * Bluff View Farms Dairy and Ice Cream * Cohen Candy Company * Lucas B & B (1 Restaurant, 1 Bakery, and 4 Farms - Packing House, Poultry, Dairy and Ice Cream Plant) * Vick's Restaurant (4 locations) * Little Bit of Sweden * The Southern Kitchen * Ernie's Bakery * Sammy's Restaurants * Dinner Time Food Service.

Thank you!

From the October Newsletter

This Friday (10/9) Sevy will be cooking on Channel 8 (Good Morning Texas), preparing the Ancho Chile Shrimp dish he'll be serving at the Zoo To Do on Saturday night. Look for him somewhere between 9 - 10 am.

And also this weekend, we'll be participating in the Terry Costa Bridal Fair, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Come by on Saturday from 10-4 and see the pretty dresses, we'll be handing out treats and answering party questions.

Texas-OU Weekend kicks off on Friday 10/16 and we've got two covered patios to enjoy pre-game or post-game fun.

Our third Scotch Club event is Monday, October 19th from 5-7pm on our covered patio. Five scotches and five specially created dishes to complement. $44.95 per person (+t&t), reservations are required for this event (no OpenTable reservations please).

Come by on Wednesday, October 21st from 4:30-6:30 to celebrate the Grand Opening of both our new Sevy's Lounge area in the bar and our second covered patio. And serving tastings of scotch, courtesy of Macallan is Brand Ambassador Jay Liddell and serving complimentary appetizers courtesy of us.

"California Dreaming" is this months Food and Wine Dinner on Monday, October 26th. Four courses paired with some of California's finest wines. Champagne reception begins at 6:30, reservations are required (no OpenTable reservations please). $59.95 per person (+t&t).

And this helpful advice - holiday season begins in just 7 weeks, it's not too early to book any important events. You can view our catering menus at www.sevys.com. Or, contact Amy M., Jimmy or Stefaan at (214) 265-7389 or SevysCatering@aol.com for questions or to make your reservations.

Tea Epidemic

Second tea shop seen opening recently in North Dallas (Preston at LBJ, behind Spring Creek BBQ). Maybe it's happening in your neighborhood too?

No website that I could find, and no word on if they have a kids play area.

Updated Book List

I've updated the list of Texas books in The Collection to the left, and created a new one (scroll down, way, way down) of all the older non-Texas cook books I've accumulated. There's still one shelf of books to be entered, but I'll get around to it soon.

The Party That Ate My Shoe

Today I am glad. Glad I didn't buy those slightly-worn designer boots at Clotheshorse Anonymous yesterday and instead opted for some old, comfortable shoes. Glad we helped raise $50,000 for the American Cancer Society on the live auction Chef's Package last night. Glad we were one of the vehicles who were extracted from the mud by the tow companies farmers with tractors out in Kaufman so we could drive our limo driver could drive the one-plus-hour back to Dallas at 1:00 am. Glad I didn't have to clean a car today and instead can stay in bed - all day so far. Glad I can say that I had one of the best times in the mud ever at last nights Cattle Baron's party.

Not all was fun and games upon leaving however, the mud ate half of my shoe and I landed backside down in the mud myself. And the cars were trying to spin out of the mud and started sending it flying 40 feet in the air, over people well far away. And a few of those cars hit each other, ouch, maybe that's why they left some behind. Well maybe not everyone is glad today, but everyone would probably agree that it was an epic amount of mud for an epic fundraising event.