Eat Drink D-FW

The Dallas Morning News food team has always been hot for Cheetos, particularly the spicy kind. Listen as the team crunches on the groundbreaking chip flavor (”it burns gooood”) and chats about Flamin’ Hot, the new movie about the man who reportedly invented the concept and is now known as the “godfather of Hispanic marketing.” June is also Pride Month, and reporter Imelda Garcia talks to LGBTQ chefs and the challenges they face running restaurants in Texas right now.

Cake or glazed? Filled or plain? The Dallas Morning News food team dives into some serious doughnut discourse after The Washington Post named Dallas a “national doughnut capital.” What makes Big D so special? It’s the diversity, from national chains to indie artisanal spots like Hypnotic Donuts. Then the food team washes it all down with a tasting of several refreshing horchata varieties from CocoAndre Chocolatier and Horchateria in Oak Cliff. From traditional cinnamon to a Texified pecan and a peanutty marzipan, the drinks bring back some sweet summer nostalgia.

What is it about smoked meats that makes people so litigious? The Dallas Morning News food team talks about the latest legal feud in the world of Texas barbecue, this time involving Lockhart Smokehouse and Crossbuck BBQ. Then stick around as Tom and Lisa Perini of the legendary Perini Ranch Steakhouse talk about cowboy cooking, celebrity visits, and why we should all eat more hominy.

Topo Chico is kind of a thing. The sparkling water has had loyal followers for some time now, including The Dallas Morning News food team, so they had to taste Sabores, Topo’s new line of flavored sparkling waters (in cans!). Listen as the food team gets burbujeante with excitement and gives honest first impressions. The team also talks about Dallas brewery Four Corners and how it’s going indie again, then dives into some reader feedback about the new Hamburger Mary’s drag show restaurant.

“It tastes like summer.” If Blue Bell Creamery has a new flavor, the Dallas Morning News food team is willing to try it, especially if it also involves Dr Pepper. Listen as the team tastes the new Dr Pepper Float ice cream and shares some immediate nostalgic thoughts. The team then chats with celebrity chef and Food Network star Scott Conant, who’s in town this weekend cooking up lobster rolls at the new Omni PGA Frisco Resort. He talks about which legendary Dallas chef inspired him at the start of his career, and if he’ll ever consider opening a restaurant in Texas.

Dallas Morning News food reporter Claire Ballor stepped in recently to help cover the deadly shooting in Allen. Listen as she shares stories and memories of families who suffered unimaginable loss that day, like the Cho family, who ate their last meal together at their favorite Plano diner. And if you know someone who is grieving or in need of some support, the food team also shares some ideas on what to bring. Sometimes it’s Pedialyte, sometimes it’s soup ingredients, sometimes it’s an amazing loaf of bread, sometimes it’s tres leches cake, and sometimes it’s just a hug or a shoulder to cry on.

Is breakfast better sweet or savory? Where does Blue Bell stack up in the ice cream sphere? Should steak be fried? Should anything be fried?

Our Food team, with a special appearance from Dallas Morning News managing editor Amy Hollyfield, share their most unpopular food opinions. 

They also compare their results from a “food disgust test” and their thoughts on moldy marmalade and bugs on fruit.

Fort Worth legend and living encyclopedia Bud Kennedy joins the show to talk about his own journey from eating “coaches food” as a sports writer to penning the longtime Eats Beat column for the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. He also dives into the evolution of the Fort Worth food scene, from its place as the headquarters of regional Texas cuisine to making room for new cuisines and ideas: “Fort Worth is a different kind of real food city. The food has to be good and the prices have to be realistic.” The Dallas Morning News food team then talks about the new Barsotti’s restaurant and the end of Dallas’ red sauce saga, how an Arlington taco shop may get the city to change its mural policy, and a new late-night vegan burger shop coming to Deep Ellum.

Hear food writer Sarah Blaskovich explain why she calls Burger Schmurger’s Maverick the best burger in Dallas right now, and why no one’s really disagreeing with her. The rest of the food team has their favorite "extra" burgers too though, from a juicy Brazilian find to a jalapeño barbecue beast. But what to cook at home if you're trying to save money? The team has budget grocery shopping tips, too, from stocking up on tofu to buying (and cooking!) in bulk for your pets.

This week the Dallas Morning News food team laments the recent losses of a long-time Dallas brunch spot and a bold restaurant newcomer in Fort Worth. You’ll hear listeners share their favorite memories of Latin bakery La Duni, which closed on Knox Street after 22 years. What will owners Taco and Dunia Borga do next? And will it involve robots? Then Dustin Lee, owner of the recently shuttered restaurant Beast and Co., stops by to share why he thinks his upscale Asian-Southern spot just didn’t work out in Fort Worth, and why he’s looking to take his next restaurant elsewhere.