I write about a lot of things we love, from great charities in Dallas to where to find our favorite grilled cheese (thank you Ruthie’s!) I started thinking that posts get lost in the scroll, so here is a complete list of everything we love from food trucks to farmer’s markets to charities that make such an difference to our community.  Will keep the list rolling, so if you have a suggestion let me know. Cheers!

Stocks and Bondy – The Dallas Farmer’s Market is about to get a blast of energy and excitement with Joanne Bondy opening her much anticipated “Stocks and Bondy.” And, Cogill Consulting did the wine list so in addition to her incredible flavors, we’ll be pairing with some of my most loved wines in the world. Opening Fall 2015!

Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe – The best grilled cheese in Dallas!

Charity:Water – We believe that clean water is the key to changing lives around the world.  100% of every dollar donated to Charity:Water goes towards clean water projects.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Vision Cellars – One of our favorite couples in the world are Mac and Lil McDonald, owners of Vision Cellars in Sonoma. Their stellar Pinot Noir only enhances the depth of their kindness and friendship, which has benefited the couple through the years as Mac has built incredible relationships with some of the finest Pinot Noir vintners throughout Northern California, the base for his lush, expressive and balanced Pinot Noir wines.

Miner Family Wines – Day in, day out, always consistent and always delicious. There are so many wines we love, that it is really difficult to say we love one more than another, but Miner has always been a special place for us and the wine is tasty!

Wine of Vinho Verde – We traveled to this region earlier this year and were thrilled to learn about the high quality, refreshing and delicious white wines coming from this stunningly beautiful part of Portugal.

Boisset Family Estates Wine – owner Jean-Charles Boisset is creating a powerhouse wine company, bringing very special wineries in the world together under his umbrella.  We chatted about some of them recently on The Broadcast, linked here.

Live Love Pop – I snack entirely too much not to do so in a healthy way…this stuff has changed my life!

 

Salum – We love Chef Abraham Salum with his side by side restaurants that make it almost impossible to decide if you only want his authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine, or if it is a special night that will include starting with a tamarind margarita and killer ceviche at Komali, then striding over to Salum for pate and Bordeaux.

Coquerel Family Wines – Creating Bordeaux style Sauvignon Blanc in Napa Valley was the hope for Dallas couple Brenda and Clay Cockerell who fell in love with the mineral rich, steely, fresh style on many trips to the Bordeaux region of France. Today their Coquerel Terroir Sauvignon Blanc is one of our favorites vintage after vintage.

Veritas Wine Bar – I sip a lot of wine, often at home, but sometimes relaxing with my dearest friends over a glass at our favorite neighborhood wine bar. Vertias Wine Bar engulfs their guests with a warm, welcoming and cozy atmosphere, making it a little hard to leave sometimes…..

Avenui Brands and Codorniu Cava – I will enjoy a glass of bubbly each and every night if I am lucky, and high quality Cava from Spain makes this a little bit easier on the budget.  Codorniu makes their Spanish Cava in the traditional method of Champagne, with the second fermentation occurring in the bottle, while also using traditional French Champagne grapes with their Spanish varieties.  The result, crisp, light and lively bubbly that also has elegance, depth and texture.

The Edible Schoolyard – Healthy eating habits are a must for our next generations to live full and prosperous lives. The Edible Schoolyard, started originally in Berkley by Chef Alice Waters, teaches kids how grow and take care of their own vegetables, then how to prepare them, giving the most amazing gift of farm fresh food to a child.

The Birthday Party Project – How can you not love a charity that has a sole defining purpose to bring joy to children through the magic of a birthday.  We are so proud to be able to support them and all their do!

The Stewpot – Our harvest dinner benefits The Stewpot every year for the amazing work they do to help the homeless of Dallas.

The Starck Project – Trust me, you will want to see this documentary!

Andrew Ormsby Catering – He is like a brother too us, and one of the best Chefs in the world.

 

Parigi – Chef Janice Provost is one of Dallas’ best advocates for local, farm to table cuisine with her French and Italian twists in her cozy, Oak Lawn, neighborhood restaurant….plus it is impossible not to love her!

 

Siduri and Novy – Texans Adam and Dianna Lee had a dream to move to California and make wine and man, did their dream become a reality in the very best sense of the word.  The duo now make stellar, award winning wines from fruit sourced from throughout California and Oregon proving that dreams can become reality.

 

Franciacorta – The premium sparkling wine from Italy that rivals Champagne in both elegance and style, and will soon give it an international run for their money, if fans of the region like me keep spreading the word about their luscious, fruit and floral-filled bubbly.

The June Jones Foundation – We feel blessed to be able to call Coach June a friend, because he is one of the most generous and gracious friends we could ask for.  Add in his giving heart and dedication to helping others through his foundation and we are doubly blessed to have him in our lives.

Adelsheim Vineyards – One of our favorites in Willamette Valley, producing stellar Pinot Noir in the region for over 40 years.

Soter Vineyards – Tony Soter’s superb Willamette Valley winery filled with his beloved Heirloom vines

New Friends, New Life – an incredible faith-based, non-profit organization dedicated to restoring and empowering formerly trafficked girls and sexually exploited women and their children, transforming lives for the better.