Unique Texas-Size Shareable Dishes

Wow, what a year 2020 was for the restaurant and service industry, and not in a good way. Thank goodness it’s over and we can move on down the road.

If you follow me then you know I’m extremely passionate about food, drink, creative chefs, awesome service folks, and the restaurants and grub pubs that host us. Last July I started pondering on what I could do to help support local restaurants, chefs, and the service industry. Something that was different, exciting and fun!  I wanted to create something special that hadn’t been tried before. After tossing a few ideas around, the big light in the oven came on, and there it was, swirling around in my brain like berries in a blender. A fantastic and outrageous idea!

I created an outrageous, Texas-sized over-the-top menu full of unique, creative, colorful, delicious, and some massive dishes. These dishes would have to be Chef-driven, very large, creative, and delicious. A few are just simply unique but also delicious. True foodies and couples will love these dishes. They can be shared, used as food challenges, or just eaten because you love food. Whatever the reason, this menu sparks your foodie senses and will make you want to take a trip straight to Delicious-Ville. #Deliciousville

I got together with ten North Texas chefs to discuss my ideas, and some of those chefs even created new and special dishes just for the new Trey’s Chow Down Menu. I also located dishes that had already been created but would fit with the new menu. We have everything from breakfast to dinner;  Burgers, BBQ, Seafood, Steaks, and more!

I made trips all over North Texas and tried every single dish myself. I watched the dishes being created and then I chowed down like a pig at the trough. What I ended up with was some unbelievably amazing dishes that are not only delicious and creative, but they are memorable as well. Dishes you can’t and won’t forget!

When you see these dishes, they are visually R.I.D.I.C.U.L.O.U.S! Every single person will say something like, “OMG, WTH Is That!” Believe me – I know because that’s all I’ve heard for the last eight months while working on this new menu.

Best Bacon Dishes in DFW for FOX 4 GOOD DAY

When Trey’s Chow Down saw there was an International Bacon Day and it was a real thing my mouth started salivating and all I could think about was how delicious bacon truly is.

 

Please enjoy our photos from our Fox 4 episode.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Best Brunch Spots Fort Worth and Dallas

Hello Brunch Lovers,

Chef Hicks and Trey Brunch Event. I love creative fun loving chefs!

WOW! What a year it has been! I would have never believed that thousands of restaurants would close, changing the industry forever. That is exactly what happened in 2020, and things are still changing by the day.

I spent all year twelve months visiting brunch spots, chowing down and visiting with chefs. I felt it important to wait until the end of the year to release my Best and Unique Brunches in DFW on GOOD DAY FOX 4 because I wanted to be sure that all of the restaurants were open and slinging deliciousness for everyone to enjoy. Some of my favorites have closed permanently, and some temporarily due to COVID-19. It was sad that I had to delete restaurants off this years list. We must support our local restaurants, chefs, and service folks by visiting their restaurants, ordering TOGO, or for delivery. They need us now more than ever, especially since it’s the holiday season.

I love any meal that’s loaded with a delicious culinary JINGLE! But, truth be told, I’m in love with brunch because it has a certain vibrancy to it. You can brunch early or late and enjoy some chef-driven tastiness because there is no set time for brunch. I’ve seen people bunch at nine am, and I’ve seen them brunch a three pm. it just doesn’t matter. What does matter is that the brunch is made with a creative spin and is prepared HFD #HotFreshandDelicious.

OAK’D A Delicious Destination!

Howdy, Y’all!

OAK’D Beef Rib!

If you ask the team at OAK’D BBQ who they are and what they serve, they’ll tell you:

We’re located in Dallas’ Old Town Shopping Center, where we proudly serve hand-crafted Texas BBQ. Our brisket is an art form of its own, infused with the vanilla-tinged flavor of Texas Post OAK smoke and cradled in a peppery bark. 

Our brisket isn’t the only thing that’s unbelievable here – we take pride in each item on our chef-driven menu. Everything from our scratch kitchen is locally and regionally sourced; flavored just right, no matter what’s in season. From the wide variety of perfectly smoked meats to our gourmet sides and OAK’D Bake Shop, with homemade ice cream, biscuits, and other sweet treats, there’s something for everyone here at OAK’D. 

We take pride in our partnerships with local Texas ranchers and farmers to ensure you enjoy the highest quality BBQ available in The Lone Star State. Our Wagyu Brisket comes directly from Rosewood Ranch and our Prime Beef is 100% Texas Black Angus.  

Let’s get fancy; The Quintessential TEXAS Dish!

Texas Official Day!

If you live in Texas, or have spent any time roaming around here, then you know what the most quintessential dish that Texans love to eat.

It’s big, tasty, light brown color, has a little crunch with each bite. In most cases it is smothered in creamy gravy. Yep! The delicious chicken fried steak! Born in Texas, and it is truly the quintessential state dish.

Texans love it so much we even declared an official day to celebrate it!

Chef Terry Chandler Quintessential Texas Cooking!

October 26th is the official Texas Chicken Fried Steak day! Let me walk you through on why, and where, to enjoy oneself on this awesome day.

There has to be hundreds, if not thousands, of places in Texas where you can eat chicken fried steak. Big cities, little Texas towns, back roads, breakfast cafes, deli spots, hamburger joints, expensive eateries, steak houses, and the list goes on. Really, you can go anywhere! Texans are proud of their chicken fried steak. Everyone who knows me can agree that I know where the best dishes are.

Chefs have their own idea on how to prepare their delicious dishes. They have perfected their own recipes for chicken fried steak. In the last decade, Texas chefs have gotten extra creative. Some use round steak/cubed steak, flat iron steak, rib eye, and if they’re going further in creativity they’re using dry aged rib eye. Each different cut achieves a different flavor profile. Whatever you prefer, you’ll surely savor it.

I’ve been eating chicken fried steak my entire life. The family restaurant and beef business is my pride but I know how to judge a chicken fried steak like no other!

I’ve compiled a list restaurants that are slinging the BEST chicken fried steaks in North Texas! Each place has uniqueness in flavor, service, and southern charm. Have fun CHOWING DOWN on the best chicken fried steak! Our last article was read over 100,000 times! I’m sure this one will trump that. Be sure to share this with your friends to help support local restaurants and chefs!

Korean Meets American For Burger Perfection!

Good Day, Burger Lovers!

The Phat 2AM Burger

I discovered a NEW Korean/American fusion burger concept that is slinging insane burgers!  K-POP Premium Burgers created by the passionate Chef Kevin Lee and his wife Jenice Lee located in The Colony, Texas.

As most of you know, my entire life revolves around food, chefs, restaurants, creative, and delicious dishes! The last decade I’ve been consumed with locating the best burgers, steaks, barbecue and seafood for Trey’s Chow Down and Trey’s Chow Down LIVE. I LIVE for locating the BEST, and telling the world about the deliciousness I discover through social media, my LIVE T.V. and Radio Podcast.

I received an email last week from a friend Chase Foxworth who was elated and extremely enthusiastic about a new burger joint in The Colony, Texas. He knew the results of our BEST BURGER CONTEST in 2019 reached over 1.5 million BURGER LOVING North Texans. He understood how excited I would be to see this new concept of burger deliciousness for the 2020 Burger Race. He couldn’t wait to show me! I receive numerous requests to visit new burger concepts, or to test a certain burger. I try to visit each and every request as time allows, but his email was so powerful and full of conviction that I made plans to meet him P.D.Q. and try some of these burgers he was raving and screaming about.

BEST Fajitas in DFW for National Fajita Day! HOLY GUACAMOLE!

August 18, 2020 is National Fajita Day in the USA!

They say the first culinary evidence of fajitas was in the 1930s, along with the Spanish naming.  The cooking style used at that time was by a campfire or directly on a fire pit or in a skillet. Originally, it was made from throwaway cuts of beef by Mexican vaqueros in Southwest Texas. The fajita was developed as an everyday meal in the early 1930s. Since then everyone has fallen in love with the fajita!

Who doesn’t just love some succulent delicious fajitas? I think everyone loves fajitas! Well, at least every one I’ve ever spoken with loves them.

The main issue I’ve learned about fajitas and the folks enjoying them is everyone seems to always want more meat. Some of the other issues I hear from folks when I inquire about how they like there fajitas is pretty basic. They say fajitas can be dry and have little or no flavor, or they didn’t receive enough fixings. Everyone might desire more meat or fixings and eat them differently, use a different choice of corn or flour tortillas, but when it’s all said and done everyone loves fajitas.

Every chef, restaurant, or family business that offers fajitas has a different flavor profile. You won’t find any particular fajita meat with the same flavor profile! Everyone uses a different preparation process. They use an array of different spices, marinades, marinating processes, and cooking techniques. Some restaurants offer you fixings with your fajitas, and some charge you extra for it.

Baptism By Fire: 5 Veggies That Taste Better On The Grill

Howdy Food Lovers!

It goes without saying that grilling takes flavors to another level. Most people are aware of this phenomenon when it comes to meat, poultry, and fish. But did you know that certain vegetables taste vastly better when they’re cooked on the grill? Here are five of the most potent examples.

 Corn

Delicious Roasted Corn Darren Style

When cooked over an open flame, corn on the cob quickly becomes the most sought-after dish on the picnic table. The kernels take on a sweet, mellow flavor that balances well with the smoky char of the exterior. If you don’t want the kernels exposed to the fire, you can soak the ears—husks and all—in cold water for several hours prior to cooking. Place the corn on the grill over medium-high heat for 20 to 30 minutes, turning frequently. Let cool for 5-10 minutes before removing the husks and silks. They should peel right off, allowing you to dress the corn simply with butter and salt.

 Alternatively, you can peel the corn and place the ears directly over medium heat, with no other preparation required. This is our preferred method because it’s so carefree, and because we like the taste of the slightly caramelized kernels. This method also has more visual appeal, adding color and texture to the plate.

Forsure “Sum Dang Good Chinese” In Dallas!

Delicious Eats at Trinity Groves in Dallas.

If you follow me on social media, or you’re one of the millions of foodies we reach each year then you’re aware I’m always on the hunt for the next new and creative concept. In the last three months of the pandemic crisis, it’s made it impossible for new restaurants to open. We’ve had a large number of them close, and sadly, more will follow.

When I got an email about a new restaurant opening its doors during the COVID-19 crisis my immediate thought response was, NO WAY... This has to be wrong? A new restaurant with an opening date?

Nope, I stand corrected!

When I found out it was a Phil Romano concept I was truly excited that a restaurant wanted to open and share a new concept with North Texans during a crisis.

Phil Romano is passionate about the restaurant business. If he decides to open a new concept, then you better believe it’s going to be fun and exciting.

It was opening in one of my favorite destination spots in North Texas for dining, drinking, socializing, and sweet treats. Yep, Trinity Groves in Dallas, Texas!