Trey’s Chow Down visits several events throughout the year. We travel around the DFW Metroplex, East Texas, and South Texas to seek out creative dishes. We search for delicious flavor profiles and the incredibly talented chefs that create them.
A large number of events we are invited to are charities held by chefs, restaurants, and local folks who believe in supporting great causes. It’s an honor to be a part of them! Truly, it’s amazing to see how much time, funding, dedication, and hard work is put forth during these events.
This year was Trey’s Chow Downfirst time to attend theChefs For Farmers 2018 event in Dallas. Chefs For Farmers was created in 2010 by Dallas restaurateurs Iris Midler and Matt McCallister. Chefs For Farmers began as a long table dinner for 125 people at Eden’s Organic Farm in Balch Springs, Texas. The goal of the evening was to bring farmers and local chefs together to promote the benefits of working closely with their local/regional farmers. Over the years, Chefs For Farmers has evolved into a nationally recognized, multi-day festival with thousands in attendance. As part of its commitment to encouraging sustainable relationships between chefs and the farming community, Chefs For Farmers provides stipends to participating chefs and farms to create locally sourced dishes for the festival.
It is a four-day event that rivals anything you’ve ever attended in the food or drink world. Chefs For Farmers is masterfully planned and executed with perfection. The cuisine is unbelievably creative, colorful, with flavor profiles that will send your taste buds into foodie heaven.
Each chef and culinary team spends countless hours preparing these flawless dishes. The flavor profiles and combinations we tried at Chefs For Farmers blew me away. I can’t ever remember trying so many unusually complex dishes at one single event. Chefs For Farmers is an amazing concept. I really enjoyed attending this event with chefs and local farmers to help promote freshly sourced vegetables, proteins, and products.
Smoked BBQ Fest 2018 in Dallas and the Historic Fort Worth Stock Yards where some of the BEST events we attended in 2018. SMOKED brought the BEST BBQ from all over the Lone Star State to the heart of downtown Dallas and the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards. Eighteen BBQ joints from across Texas fired up their pits and served savory samples of smoked goodness: brisket, ribs, pork, sausage and other creative BBQ dishes. Texas live music filled the air and games entertained the Texas sized crowds. It was raining you say? That didn’t matter one bit! BBQ lovers came out by the hundreds to chow down on some of the Texas BEST BBQ dishes in the WORLD.
Trey’s Chow Down loved each and every dish that was offered and we tried them all. We did have some favorites that we want to share with each of you.
Every once in a while folks will say, “You should see this place it’s amazing”. They sometimes say anything to get your attention about something new they’ve tired. Folks just want to share their happiness! This was exactly what I was told about Restaurants On Lamar and I just had to see it!
Last month I was invited to tour the NEW Restaurants On Lamar at the Omni hotel in Dallas. I thought to myself, it must be some restaurants inside the Omni Hotel? If I’ve learned anything in my five decades on this earth in the food and drink business is that one should NEVER EVER have preconceived notions about anything. Especially when it comes to restaurants nowadays. Making assumptions can sometimes lead ya to be wrong.
That’s exactly what happened to me when it came to Restaurants On Lamar. What I thought about it before seeing it was nothing like it actually was… not even close!
When I pulled up to the Omni I drove past a cluster of restaurants across from the Omni on Lamar Street. It was at this point I started to grasp what was happening. Restaurants On Lamar is an amazing new concept at the Omni Dallas. They have eight different restaurants, three different bars, each with beer, drinks, or creative cocktails. Each location falls under one blanket drinking permit so you can walk around with your drinks while you dine and socialize. It also includes one of the largest sports bars I’ve ever visited with private booths and VIP areas available. These restaurants are eight separate concepts complete with skilled chefs with creative farm-fresh chef-driven menus at each one. They have award-winning cuisine with impeccable customer service. They have creative and colorful cocktails that number in the hundreds tasting like heaven. To make this new concept even better they have FREE parking for customers. I’m talking about over 400 spaces plenty of parking NOT like you normally find in the DFW area these days where you’re hunting for a parking space or walking a mile after parking. FREE parking in downtown Dallas, WHAT? Well now! Free parking, eight different restaurant concepts, three bars, a sports bar, four patios one with a big outdoor fireplace, and a roof top patio and bar all in the same location? Boy, now you have my attention!
Think about the holidays, birthdays, parties, events, and anniversaries that can be celebrated at Restaurants in Lamar. I want you to stop and think just consider this fact for a minute… You have family in town, but it’s hard because so many folks like different cuisine and they just can’t decide where to dine. Well, at Restaurants on Lamar that is not an issue. You can visit several locations and enjoy different food cultures and food groups. Maybe you want to have a special anniversary you can eat in one spot, have dessert at another spot, and then have a few cocktails after that. You never have to leave Restaurants On Lamar.
Here is my favorite situation of all, the family trap. Honey our house isn’t big enough to have all your family members; I don’t want them all over here at the same time! What do we do? Well, Trey’s Chow Downjust saved the day, your relationship, and your families combined over all happiness. Invite them all to meet you at Restaurants On Lamar for an evening or daytime packed with family fun and deliciousness. Heck, have them meet you at the Biergarten On Lamar first get them all to lighten up before you head out on your restaurant tour. If they’re coming from out of town they can book a room at Omni and BAM you meet them at Restaurants On Lamar a.k.a. a Trey’s Chow Down delicious destination.
Now that I have your attention I want to discuss each restaurant concept so you understand what we are talking about at this delicious destination.
East and West collided in 1852, when Matthew Perry of the USA Steam Navy was assigned to open ports to the west trade. Saltwater stained his metal ships black as he made his way to Japan and therefore, the Japanese referred to them as ‘black ships’. The story is brought to life in traditional Japanese, Korean and American dishes.
Bob’s Steak & Chop House is a nationally renowned steak house specializing in the finest corn-fed, Midwestern prime beef. The menu formula at this Dallas culinary landmark is simple: incredible meat, gigantic shrimp, fabulous salads and decadent desserts. Classic steak house food prepared and presented in a manner that Bon Appétit calls “the kind of fare you’ll want to go back for again and again.”
Quality and service are two of the main ingredients that make up the culture, along with a quintessential Dallas dining experience. Because of the caliber of the product, servers exude a friendly confidence that charges the atmosphere and restaurant with vitality. Award-winning food, educated service, and warm, classic décor make dining at Bob’s Steak & Chop House an outstanding experience.
In 1971, Momma Herrera opened her first restaurant with the familiar recipes she grew up within Mexico. Fast forward to 2015 and the family tradition is carried to Omni Dallas’s Restaurants on Lamar with the Herrera family continuing to showcase the authentic, upscale Mexican cuisine including classic enchiladas, street tacos, and signature margaritas. Vibrant colors and fixtures complement the textures of Mexico the Herrera family grew up in and give guests a lively backdrop to a fun foodie adventure.
Texas Spice, serving three meals daily, captures the true flavor of Texas with an emphasis on local ingredients and southern style offering a twist on hometown classics. The innovative farm-to-market concept incorporates the freshest ingredients to create great food and a casual dining experience. The rustic interior was designed with repurposed materials that include red brick walls, garage-door-style doors, and wood details. Whether dining in the main dining room, a private dining room or on the spacious outdoor patio, every guest is sure to feel connected to the history of Dallas while enjoying the comfort of a home-cooked meal.
Texas Spice “Recently named a Diners’ Choice Winner by OpenTable.com.”
The Owners Box at Omni Dallas Hotel is a sports lover’s dream with state-of-the-art features and the latest technology including a 16-foot screen for viewing the game. The full-service bar and authentic menu is just the start to an amazing sports bar. Never miss the game again with private game-watching tables that include sound isolating technology and interactive scheduling to fit your needs. Enjoy the big game from every angle on multiple LCD HDTVs, patio dining and oversized seating areas.
After 9:00 p.m., guests must be 21+ to enter The Owners Box. This time is subject to change due to special events; please contact the hotel with any questions.
Pegasus Bar is overlooking restaurants on Lamar and is Texas chic. Great drinks, cocktails, trendy décor and good vibes. You can see the big restored neon Pegasus Bar from the windows. They also have a big outdoor patio to enjoy with a big floor space if you so desire to move about.
I’m excited to about Fort Worth’s newest chow down spot in Cowtown: Snooze an AM Eatery. Snooze opened in Addison, Walnut Hill, and now will open to a big fan fair next month in Fort Worth on October 24, 2018. I stopped by the NEW location off 7th Street in the West Bank development and loved what I saw. Bright colors, the walls a vibrant orange, stylish furniture, and there will even be a big stockyards mural on the wall. I was very impressed with the decor, the friendly staff, and they also have a second story to even add more space for chowing down. They only believe in farm fresh products and locally sourced ingredients. They also encourage folks to create their own dishes with personal twists! You can’t beat that!
The company states on their website,
“Founded by brothers Jon and Adam Schlegel, Snooze was born on April 2, 2006 in Denver, Colorado seeking to evolve the A.M. dining experience through culinary innovation, an eclectic and energetic atmosphere and comfortable and friendly service.
Breakfast marks the beginning of a new day. At Snooze, we believe life is for living and each person and each day is worth celebrating. Our mantra: it only takes a moment to make a difference. From the day we were born, our people – Snoozers – have led the way serving creative twists on America’s favorite breakfast classics in a casual, friendly and vibrant atmosphere. The passion of our Snoozers is contagious. Over the past 8+ years it has inspired Snooze fans of all ages across the country.
Trey’s Chow Downhad the pleasure of dining at Black Ship little katana at the NEW Restaurants on Lamar Street in Dallas. The “Restaurants On Lamar” Street is a fantastic new concept across from the Omni Dallas. They have seven different restaurants that represent 7 different cultures to dine, drink and socialize. It’s a one-stop shop for dining, drinking, and socializing. Black Ship little katana is located in the heart of the restaurants on Lamar. They even have FREE parking for restaurants and bars which is a TEXAS SIZED plus.
As soon as we walked in I took notice of the cozy atmosphere and the upbeat vibe. I loved the entire decor and the story about how Odes Kim created Black Ship little katana. Food always taste better with a story and Black Ship little katana has a fantastic one to tell.
“In 1852, Matthew Perry, father of the USA Steam Navy, was assigned a diplomatic mission by American President Millard Fillmore to open Japanese ports to the west trade. The Admiral sailed 4 steamships from Norfolk, Virginia to Japan. Along that trip the saltwater stained the metal ships black. At that time, the Japanese had never seen such machines and referred to them as the “black ships”. This is where we take our name.
Perry didn’t just open up Japan but all of Asia. This fateful meeting of the East and West cultures plays out in their menu. You will find their creative spin on traditional Japanese, Korean and American dishes. Black Ship is the creation of Odes Kim, the master mind of prized local sushi restaurant Little Katana in Highland Park.
Tuna at Black Ship little katana
The story is fantastic but the cuisine and service are even better. We tried several dishes each had it’s own delicious flavor profile. All the dishes are prepared with farm fresh ingredients and the fish is so fresh it might as well be jumping in the water out back. The Wagyu beef they serve needs no introduction it’s fresh and packed with flavor.” – http://lkblackship.com/
We tried the Wagyu Steak on the hot rock which was thinly sliced wagyu and served with ponzu and Thai chili sauce. It was tender, juicy and packed with flavor after cooking on the hot rock. I just loved how the beef sounded sizzling on that hot rock. I was thinking, everyone be quiet I want to hear my beef sizzling on that rock! The aroma of the Wagyu beef on the hot rock was just mind-altering to my senses. I was thinking, if anyone touches that beef before I do I’m going to shank them with my fork, lol!
The sushi was farm fresh and prepared perfectly. We watched them prepare it and roll it right in front of our eyes. I love watching them prepare our cuisine! I’m a big fan of open kitchens and friendly staff members. The rolled, we laughed, and had lots of fun. I’m always asking questions about food to the staff and of course the sushi they where rolling for us. In the worlds of one of my dinner guest after tasting the sushi, “Oh my! Where has this place been all my life?”, to which I responded, “You’re here now so lap it up and let’s chow down until we pop!”
When I dine, it is TRUTHFULLY an experience. I will spend generally between two and four hours eating, drinking, reviewing the menu, talking with staff and watching the operation. I believe one should enjoy life and absorb all the experiences when dining! It should be a memorable experience, one not to be forgotten. As I always say, and it’s my slogan: Live, Eat, Drink, Laugh, and Love!
I could throw a bunch of big words around to describe how awesome our experience was at Black Ship little katana but I’ll just say this…
If you’re looking for a fantastic place with an upbeat vibe, farm fresh creative cuisine, and a staff that will put the letters S.S.W.S. in your meal then head over and chow down at Black Ship little katana at Restaurants On Lamar Street in Dallas, Texas. Be sure and tell the manager that Trey sent you. Just so you know what S.S.W.S. stands for my friends it means “Superior Service With A Smile”, which is what you will get from Black Ship little katana every time.
10 cowboy hats out of 10 for this cowboy, a perfect score!
Just when you think Fort Worth can’t possibly have another taco joint open SLAM BAM another one appears out of the blue. They kinda blindsided everyone in cowtown!
Here is how it went down.
I heard a beep on my phone and I looked down. It said the message was from Tino D. of Whiskey Garden I thought, Tino doesn’t message me very often… I better see what this is all about.
My first thought was, oh Trey what did you do? Why is Tino messaging you this morning? Lol!
I looked at the message and it read: “Trey, new taco place on University WestBend in Fort Worth. It’s called Bartaco and the place is legit. You gotta check it out bro, and quick!”
Being in the restaurant business all my life and owning burger chains this deal is baffling to me. My guess is Inspire Brands wants to acquire the Sonic chain to increase the value of Arby’s and Rusty Taco. They plan to sell a limited number of Arby’s products in all Sonic locations. “Inspire Brands” owns Rusty Taco, Buffalo Wild Wings, and now Sonic.
The parent company of Arby’s and Buffalo Wild Wings aka “Inspire Brands” is acquiring burger chain Sonic in a deal valued at $2.3 billion, the companies announced Tuesday.
Sonic shareholders will receive $43.50 per share in cash, which is a 19 percent premium to Sonic’s Monday close.The company’s stock rose more than 18 percent Tuesday, hitting an all-time high of $44.87 per share.
Tens of thousands of people where set to visit Taste of Dallas in 2018, there was something for everyone at Dallas’ largest summertime food festival. Attendees where able to engage and interact with over 150 sponsors and exhibitors in both indoor and outdoor settings throughout the weekend. Featured attraction areas included Taste’s Restaurant Showcase, Backyard Bites, Taste Curbside, South of the Border, Taste Marketplace, the Family Fun Zone, as well as dozens of fun and interactive sponsor activations. Trey’s Chow Down had a great time and is looking forward to Taste Of Dallas 2019.
Every once in a while folks will say, “You should see this place it’s amazing”. They sometimes say anything to get your attention about something new they’ve tired. Folks just want to share their happiness! This was exactly what I was told about 
I’m excited to about Fort Worth’s newest chow down spot in Cowtown: Snooze an AM Eatery. Snooze opened in Addison, Walnut Hill, and now will open to a big fan fair next month in Fort Worth on October 24, 2018. I stopped by the NEW location off 7th Street in the West Bank development and loved what I saw. Bright colors, the walls a vibrant orange, stylish furniture, and there will even be a big stockyards mural on the wall. I was very impressed with the decor, the friendly staff, and they also have a second story to even add more space for chowing down. They only believe in farm fresh products and locally sourced ingredients. They also encourage folks to create their own dishes with personal twists! You can’t beat that!
