“Nothing-NOT a conversation, NOT a handshake or even a hug establishes friendship so forcefully as eating together!”

Jonathan Safran Foer

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

A close up of some corn on the cob


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

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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!

A plate of food on top of a table.


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.A red and green logo of the symbol for tiktok. 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!

SUM DANG GOOD CHINESE TO OPEN WEDNESDAY, APRIL 1 Dallas Trinity Groves

A plate of food with shrimp and bacon on it.


Great NEWS for the Culinary and Restaurant scene in Dallas!

I know this probably may come as a surprise to everyone but at Trinity Groves’ the NEW “Sum Dang Good Chinese Restaurant” is opening this week for curbside pickup and delivery!!!!! A red and green logo of the symbol for tiktok.

If you ask me I think this is a positive move for the Dallas restaurant scene and of course the Trinity Groves area.

Phil Romano, co-owner of Trinity Groves said: “Many people wouldn’t dream of opening a restaurant in this climate, but we are adapting and think Dallas needs a little culinary excitement right now. Now more than ever people need great takeout and delivery options, so we’re here to answer the call. We’re thrilled with Chef Cai’s menu, and we can’t wait to share it with the community, even during this unprecedented time.â€

In the wake of the coronavirus crisis, restaurants all over DFW—and the country—have been forced to quickly pivot their business models or close down completely. So now is an unusual time to open a new restaurant. And yet… Trinity Groves is ready to unveil Sum Dang Good Chinese, the new restaurant that has taken over the old Chino space. It will debut on Wednesday, April 1 with its full menu of food and drinks available for curbside pickup (call 469-638-8930) and delivery via Uber Eats, Grubhub, Favor, Caviar, DoorDash and Postmates.

The kitchen is led by Chef Weigou Cai, a 40-year veteran of Chinese cuisine who is the former Head Chef at the lauded Royal China. The menu includes handmade dumplings and hand-pulled noodles, soups, Bao buns, and appetizers like scallion pancakes, crab and cheese rangoon, and two varieties of egg rolls. Entrees feature favorites like Sesame Chicken, Sichuan Beef, Mu Shu Pork, Kung Pao Shrimp, Ma Po Tofu and a huge heap of House Fried Rice. There is even a modern spin on some dishes like Beer Can Chinese Chicken, a whole rack of Sweet and Sour Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Pot Pie Dumplings, a giant flaming sesame ball, and a soup dumpling (The Humpty Dumpling) so big it has to be devoured using a straw and fork! See the attached menu for more.

Dallas Restaurants Offering TO-GO Curbside & Deliveries

A collage of different foods on plates.

Dallas restaurants offering to-go, curbside pickups and deliveries. It’s a great way to support your local community.

Trey’s Thoughts:  Small business is the BACK BONE and HEART BEAT of any state, city, or local economy. I want everyone to stay safe but please remember we HAVE to support our local businesses. They are going to need our support and our business in these trying times. I’m asking everyone to PLEASE be smart in your decisions but SUPPORT our local Chefs, Restaurants, and BUSINESSES! Anything you can purchase will help these folks as we emerge from this crisis.”

Restaurant & Bar Information for DFW Due to CORONAVIRUS Regulations.

A picture of the dallas skyline and a restaurant.


Good Day Everyone!

As the CORONAVIRUS epidemic takes shape in the Fort Worth and Dallas area Trey’s Chow Down is here to help.

After the public notices and updates from cities we have restaurant information listed below.

Trey’s Thoughts:  Small business is the BACK BONE and HEART BEAT of any state, city, or local economy. I want everyone to stay safe but please remember we HAVE to support our local businesses. They are going to need our support and our business in these trying times. I’m asking everyone to PLEASE be smart in your decisions but SUPPORT our local Chefs, Restaurants, and BUSINESSES! Anything you can purchase will help these folks as we emerge from this crisis.”

Free Delivery: Some restaurants and delivery services are offering FREE delivery with certain dollar amount of purchases. PLEASE TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THIS TO HELP SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES. 

Dallas County Restrictions: Dallas County and the city of Dallas will close all bars, dine-in restaurants, gyms and theaters in an unprecedented effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The restaurants will be allowed to operate delivery and take-out following an order from Mayor Eric Johnson and Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins, but cannot have their dining room open. The new rules go into effect at 12:00 a.m. Tuesday, meaning Monday was the final day any of those businesses can be open.

The 50 Best Burgers In North Texas 2019

A hamburger with cheese and ketchup on it.


Hello, burger lovers!

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Trey’s Chow Down BEST Burgers 2019 Party on ABC in Dallas with Kara Swell from WFAA Victor Plaza.

Wow. I’m in disbelief that 2019 has already come and gone? Where did it go? It seems like it was just yesterday we completed and introduced our BEST Burgers in North Texas for 2018.

2019 was a BIG burger year in North Texas. We had some old restaurants close and a bunch of new ones open. Almost all of them sell some sort of burger.

The burger business is crazy in the U.S.A.

A national research company states that we sell 6.48 million burgers a day around 75 burgers a second! What? Yes, 75 burgers a second! The burger date roughly breaks down as 4,500 burgers every minute, 270,000 every hour, 6.48 million a day, and 2.36 billion burgers a year. Another research study states we sell 50 billion a year worldwide.

I truly don’t care what the accurate numbers are. I just know that almost everyone loves to bite into a succulent, savory and delicious burger.

Even though another year has come and gone, we spent twelve months locating and chowing down on some of the most amazingly creative burger combinations in North Texas.

In 2018, we visited a hundred and twenty restaurants to locate the best burgers. I’m thrilled to say we topped ourselves again for 2019. We didn’t plan it that way… It just happened!

We were running the roads and adding mileage to our vehicles. We visited over 135 locations and chowed down on 200 different burger combinations.

Every time I ate a burger I would say, “On to the nextâ€!

The BRUNCH KING Is Back In Cowtown Slinging Deliciousness!

A plate of food with some type of french toast.


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Award Winning Bloody!

Hello, food and drink lovers!

It’s going to be a fantastic 2020 for the food and drink scene in Texas.

I have some exciting news for everyone that loves to eat savory, sweet, delicious brunch in cowtown.

Celebrity Chef Stefon Rishel who won Top Chef a few years back has opened his new award-winning Wishbone and Flynt speakeasy and restaurant concept.

That’s correct, Chef Stefon is back and he is slinging deliciousness for breakfast, lunch, brunch, and dinner.

The restaurant is located about a mile south of downtown Fort Worth off Main Street at 334 Bryan Ave 76104.

The Wishbone and Flynt concept was created by Chef Stefon and his partners. They have a colorful menu loaded with a variety of creative, savory, sweet, and delicious dishes.

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Top Chef Stefon Rishel!

The interior of the restaurant is cozy. It’s decorated with eclectic furnishings with old world charm that make it the perfect spot for a dinner date, doing business, or just chowing down on one of Chef Stefon’s award-winning dishes. The atmosphere is vibrant and welcoming. The award-winning Amber Room is the attached speakeasy. It’s full of cozy little spots to sit and enjoy a glass of wine, a creative craft cocktail, or some Texas vodka and whiskey.

It is one of the coziest little spots in Texas to have some fun and enjoy some delicious bites. It is perfect for socializing with that special someone, a group of friends, or just for having fun.

We tried a few dishes off the BRUNCH menu and they blew me away. Of course, I knew they would be extremely creative and delicious.

I’ve loved and respected Chef Stefon for years. He is truly one of the most creative culinary geniuses of his generation. A self-taught chef that literally can create some of the most amazing sweet and savory dishes that are mouth-watering, colorful, picture-perfect, and just “Stupid Delicious”!

Stefon’s creativity knows no bounds and he will stop at nothing in the pursuit of the best and most creative culinary delights.

The brunch menu is fantastic and is loaded with dishes like;

Tiramisu French Toast, Wild Rice & Blueberry Pancakes, Enchilada Stack, Stefon’s Special Chilaquiles, Roasted Chili Relleno, and so much more.

I have to tell you that the Tiramisu French Toast was just “Stupid Delicious”! Yes, I said STUPID DELICIOUS because it is so insanely flavorful. It’s simply addicting.

It’s prepared with vanilla brioche, espresso custard, whipped mascarpone, espresso syrup, fresh berries, and a little bit of freaking deliciousness.

The Stefon Burger was prepared with a custom burger blend; Brisket, chuck, short rib, & belly. Seared in duck fat, topped with Vermont white cheddar, on a soft custom brioche bun. Yeah, I said seared in duck fat, baby! Talk about a succulent hamburger. His burger will be winning hearts and stomachs all over Texas.

If you follow me then you know I believe food always tastes better with a story so here you go.

When they sat the Tiramisu French Toast in front of Jana, the aromatics lofted in the air with deliciousness.

Jana hasn’t tasted one of Chef Stefon’s dishes so when she picked up her fork I was watching her close. I was watching her for one reason because I wanted to see her expression after she took her first bite. I’ve been eating Stefon’s food for years and I always love to see the expressions on people’s faces when they taste it for the first time.

She had a big smile on her face and said, “OMG. Trey, this is one of the best dishes I’ve had in a year! I can’t believe how flavorful this dish is.”

I responded, “That’s my boy Stefon, the culinary genius that knows no bounds to create sweet and savory dishes. His food will dance around on your pallet like a bunch of professional ballerinas dancing across the stage at a fine broadway production. His food will make you smile. It will warm your heart and soul. It’ll have you so hooked you can never put your fork down. He is, simply put, a culinary self-taught geniusâ€!

Do yourself a favor and head over to Wishbone and Flynt and grab you a big ol’ plate of Stefon deliciousness.

Wishbone and Flynt is a Trey’s Chow Down Delicious Destination for 2020. It is not to be missed!

Remember what I said, “STUPID DELICIOUSâ€!

Please watch Chef Stefon’s Interview on Trey’s Chow Down Live below.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8j4NqXmOCYk&t=9s

Best Chicken Dishes In North Texas

A plate of food on top of a wooden table.


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ABC DAYBREAK Kara and Trey’s Chow Down

I bet everyone is tired of turkey and ham at this point right after the holidays.

After we spoke with the producer at ABC DAYBREAK about a new BEST food segment we decided to locate and try some of the most savory and delicious chicken dishes in the North Texas area. I’ve eaten chicken from East Texas Sulphur Springs area all the way west to Weatherford trying to locate the most unique savory dishes that everyone can enjoy.

Although this is Texas, and Texans love beef, these days creative chicken dishes grace almost every menu in Texas.

Beef still rings king in Texas but chicken has to be number two without question.

I love telling food stories and I truly believe food always tastes better with a story and a little food history never hurts either.

Ever since I was a little boy I’ve been passionate about food, but I’ve LOVED me some chicken. I like it fried, roasted, baked, grilled, dry roasted, rotisserie-cooked, and even cooked on a trash can lid. Yes, you read that correctly, cooked on a trash can lid. Let me explain!

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Rapscallion Dallas Massive Rotisserie

I was traveling through Jamaica just chowing down on everything I could find (like I’ve done many times before). I was riding in a van and we passed this guy cooking right off the other side of the road. I couldn’t see what he was cooking, but I could smell it. Man… did it smell delicious. Now you have to understand he was cooking roadside in a hut style that was anything but normal looking. It was basically falling down! The food was on top of two trash cans cooking. I could smell and see the smoke. I yelled at the driver, “Hey man what’s that dude cooking and why is he roadside?†The driver yelled back, “Man, that’s authentic Jamaican jerk chicken he’s cooking and he’s selling itâ€! I told the driver I want to stop when we come back and everyone looked at me like I was crazy. The driver yelled back, “Yea man, gotcha!†We did make our stop and I’ll never forget how incredibly delicious that authentic Jamaican Jerk Chicken tasted coming off that trash can lid. I’ve never tasted that flavor profile again. I purchased three more of those farm-fresh trash can chicken dishes for the road, and off we went.

I don’t care what it’s called I love me some cluck cluck. You just can’t go wrong with a savory delicious chicken dish. Especially when it’s prepared fresh by a creative chef even on a trash can lid.

Here is a little chicken history for everyone;

The History of the Chicken is simple. Domestication of the chicken dates back to at least 2000 B.C. and their ancestry can be traced back to four species of wild jungle fowl from Southeast Asia. … The chicken belongs to the genus Gallus of the family Phasianidae. Domestic chickens are simply classified as Gallus Domesticus. I bet you weren’t aware of that. That where all eating Gallus Domesticus! To tell you the truth I didn’t either until I did a little food research.

I truly don’t care what we call it but I know is delicious!

A talented chef can create so many options for a savory chicken dish using any part of the chicken. There truly are no limits to the deliciousness of chicken. Please enjoy our best chicken dishes choices.

Michael’s Cuisine Restaurant

Best Chili Dishes In North Texas 2019

A bowl of chili with tortilla chips and ice cream.


It’s been chilly outside a few days this month. Anytime it’s cold I start thinking about delicious savory chili.

If you follow me, you know how much I LOVE beef or proteins like chicken and pork. That being said winter and the cold time of year always screams CHILI to me with plenty of proteins for that downhome southern comfort feeling.

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Brandon and Trey’s Chow Down

Today chefs prepare chili with various types of proteins. They use ground beef, smoked brisket, smoked rib meat, bacon, or pork belly, venison, some even use chicken!

Gone of the days of old where chili just had ground beef.

The possibilities are truly endless when chefs are trying to create the tastiest chili dish.

You can’t forget vegan chili… Some folks just want chili without the beef! To each his own. I just want everyone to enjoy some lip-smacking, toe-tapping, knee-jerking chili of their choice.

When I eat my chili I get a bowl of flavorful chili top it with massive amounts of cheese, some onions, jalapenos, and a dash of my favorite hot sauce. I get cozy and start chowing down on my favorite chili.

If you research chili you will find that is was proudly introduced in Texas, yep San Antonio.

“An old legend holds that immigrants from the Canary Islands brought a recipe for chili with them when they settled in San Antonio in the early 1700s. Historians do know that chili was a popular meal amongst cowboys and pioneers on the Western frontier. In the 1880s, chili stands became popular in San Antonio selling chili citywide.”

Crab House Deliciousness On Maple Uptown Dallas

A bowl of seafood is shown with crab and shrimp.


A few weeks ago I received a message…

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Crab House! Where The Food Is a Rock Star!

“Trey, we’re having the grand opening for the NEW Crab House Seafood and Oyster Bar on Maple in Dallas, can you make it?”

Anyone that knows me will understand I very rarely turn down food. It’s not only my job to report on food, but it’s also my life long passion. I’m passionate about locating the very BEST food and drink, the chefs that prepare it, and the restaurants that host it.

So off we went hammer down!

We attended this fabulous event and I was thirty minutes early like I always am.

When we walked in right off the bat I loved the contemporary wide open space and the available dining on the second floor which looks down on the dining room below.

They also have a fantastic cocktail bar area that is wide open so you can see outside and view the entire dining room.

I’m a big proponent of wide open clean spaces. The perception of wide open spaces seems bigger more inviting and it lends a more vibrant atmosphere.

After we toured the inside I heard, “Trey, you have to see the pool outback! I knew I hadn’t drank any whiskey or craft cocktails yet but when he said pool out back my ears perked up. Pool? Do tell, oh do tell!

Delicious Coastal Cuisine In Texas!

A lobster roll with lemon and sauce in a box.


Ahoy My Texas Mates and Mate’its!

Some months back on a sunny afternoon I saw a sign that read The Dock Coastal Cuisine hanging when I walked into the NEW Food Hall On Crockett Row in Fort Worth.

If you’re anything like me, when I see a seafood place or new restaurant open in the DFW area I always wonder how fresh and delicious the cuisine will be.

Anyone can create a brand and open a restaurant or a catering business. It takes someone with drive, dedication, and talent to make it successful. Especially when it involves seafood and the total concept is centered around nothing but seafood.

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Deliciousness from The Dock.

Seafood is not only tricky to source, but your supplier must have the same drive, dedication, and pursuit of quality that the restaurant owner has.

Seafood has to be handled with love and care or it can be a disaster for everyone.

Well, my friends, I have to tell you that Chef Brett, owner of The Doc Coastal seafood restaurant and catering truck has definitely got it figured out.

The menu is creative and loaded with fantastic menu items. Everything I’ve tried has been fresh, delicious, and colorful.

The presentations are so good they look like artwork more than they do food to eat.

I interviewed Chef Brett on my food show Trey’s Chow Down Live for an hour. We discussed everything about his life, career, and what drives him to serve some of the best seafood in the Fort Worth and Dallas area.

First and foremost, I learned Brett grew up on the coast and loved seafood. He moved to Texas after he had traveled and worked in various restaurants. He also attended culinary school so he could learn how to master his craft.

After Brett moved to Texas they started The Dock Seafood Truck and Catering Company. As they say, my friends, the rest is history.

The Doc offers some amazing seafood you will fall in love with. I’ve tried three of the sandwiches and the delicious mouth-watering “Crab Chips” with their house prepared sauce.

Chef For Farmers 2019 BEST ONE YET!

A plate of food on top of a table.


Fun, Food, Chefs, Wine, and Champagne.

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V.I.P. C.F.F. & FREIXENET

How can you go wrong with any one of those I just listed? When you put them all together you have event party greatness!

I’ve said this every year now for three years, the Chef For Farmers Event in Dallas is one of the BEST events of the year in the crowded DFW event scene.

I truly wish that every single one of the five million people we reach every month could experience this wonderful event in their lifetime. I did see some of our followers there and enjoyed saying hello to each of you.

This year 2019 was the BEST C.F.F. event I’ve ever attended and the BEST event I attended all year.

That’s a BIG statement considering I attended over 55 events in 2019 so far and have a few more to go.

How does this event get better and better every year? Iris Midler has put together an amazing team of event folks and chefs that continue to achieve the impossible.

They strive to create an amazing atmosphere with incredibly talented chefs that come from all over Texas and the nation to sling deliciousness for everyone to enjoy.

C.F.F. doesn’t just want to throw an event, they want to throw Texas’ biggest and most successful party every year. That’s why they have C.F.F. events for three days! You can’t have Texas biggest party event if you just throw it for a one day, period. You have to start on a Thursday and end on a Sunday. Yes, that’s correct. Days of events where you interact with creative and unbelievably talented celebrity chefs, eat some delicious amazing dishes, drink some creative cocktails, and party with your friends.

It just doesn’t get any better. Let’s discuss the weekly events that happened.