Now through the month of August, gay-owned Uptown restaurant Komali is doing its part to help families in Moore, Okla. Owner Abraham Salum and exec chef Anastacia Quinones have a plan: Anyone bringing much- needed diapers, wipes, formula, baby bottles, blankets, teddy bears or a cash donation to Komali for lunch will receive 25 percent off their ticket, for up to four guests (tax, tip and alcoholic beverages not included).
It’s also a good time to try Komali’s new summer menu, with a hot new dish — literally. Costillas de puerco (braised pork ribs, pictured) with pineapple habanero glaze, queso fresco mashed potatoes, and grilled nopal salad carries a warning: “very spicy.” Other new highlights include squash blossom quesadillas, redfish with Texas peaches and seafood stew. Mixologist Leann Berry’s award-winning margaritas will cool the palate — unless you get one of her excellent habanero margaritas. For reservations, visit KomaliRestaurant.com.
“Eat. Drink. Shop. Repeat.” That’s the mantra for the 27th annual Taste of Dallas, which heats up in Fair Park’s cool facilities July 12–14. New for this year is a focus on barbecue, from Lockhart in Bishop Arts to Smoke in Oak Cliff on the chef stage at noon on July 13. There will also be demos from high-profile chefs, including Anthony Van Camp from SER, Daniel Winans from Grill on the Alley, Brad Phillips from Asador, Antonio Marquez from Lazaranda Modern Kitchen and Tequila, Patrick Russell from Max’s Wine Dive and Scott Jones from Jack’s Southern Comfort Food. No entrée will cost more than $3, with Trailercakes, Tiff’s Treats, Digg’s Taco Shop, Epic Cones, Celebration and more all serving up grub. Tickets are $10 at the gate with free admission for children 5 and under.
For additional information, visit TasteOfDallas.org.
The owners of Oak and Belly and Trumpet have their third concept out in less than two years, once again in the Design District. Pakpao, which features regional Thai cuisine, is now open for dinner. On a related note, Belly and Trumpet starts serving lunch as of July 9. … Weekend Coffee, a third wave craft coffee shop, pairing brews with a playful atmosphere, is now open in The Joule Hotel. … The excellent Seasons 52, which specializes in seasonal cuisine that’s delicious and low calorie, has launched its summer menu, with items including fig and goat cheese flat bread and flat iron steak salad.
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition June 28, 2013.
