Positive Changes In The Hood

The lowest part of Greenville Ave has lately become a scum-bar area with fights by weekend warriors after the bar closings. The thing is, these bars are not the classy bars - they are bars with cheap beer, little ambiance and no history. The bars/restaurants, on the other hand, just a bit farther north (closer to me) are nicer and more stable (and a better mix) which is a good model for what the lower part could be.

So the trend in this article is good news and a good sign.

Another One Bites The Dust

Sushi On McKinney - one of the first Dallas sushi restaurants I've ever been to is now closed. This restaurant has been around for a long long time. And it's a sad day. A lot of restaurant closings lately begs the question of whether it's the effect of the economy or just the cycle of restaurant life. When Sushi On McKinney opened, there really weren't that many sushi places. Now the landscape is filled with various cheap to 5-star options, asian fusion with a focus on sushi, all-you-can-eat places, etc... For all the closings, there seems to be a new opening - and it's often some new variant on the sushi / fusion theme (it's been a restaurant trend now for at least four years).

So, so long Sushi On McKinney. I have fond memories. When I was a few years younger I had an amazing first date there that I will always remember.

A Big Loss

I am saddened today with the news that Kitchen 1924 has shut down. When people would ask me what my favorite restaurant was in my neighborhood (Lakewood) I would always tell them Kitchen 1924. The last time I went, we enjoyed their Sunday brunch and it was a great time with good friends and good food. I loved their deviled eggs and macaroni and cheese. Dang I will miss it. Thanks for the memories Kitchen!

On another culinary closing note, Bennigan's has closed. Ugh, was that still open?

I Love Technology

Yesterday I was watching a silly old movie on cable (The Truth About Cats and Dogs) and heard a song playing in the background that I loved. I had heard it before but didn't know it. I got out my iPhone, clicked on a recently downloaded application called "midomi", hummed a few bars of the chorus and it told me the song. I had a couple of free iTunes songs from recent a recent TicketMaster purchase so I downloaded the song. My life is enriched. The song was "Caramel" by Suzanne Vega.