Before I launch into a post about beer and boozy fun, I’d like to take this moment and thank the people who have served/still serve our country. While most of us see Memorial Day as a “YAY WE DON’T HAVE TO GO TO WORK LET’S PARTY” day, there are families out there visiting graves and cemeteries instead. Sobering thought, but I just had to get that out there. Both my grandpas fought in WWII and my dad was in the Navy, so, yeah. And two days ago, I followed a black-tinted car for about two miles, wondering why it needed a police escort. When I got close enough, I saw an American flag draped over the coffin. I don’t quite understand why some restaurants are hosting patio parties and beer specials on Monday. I’m going to leave those off the list. Spend Monday with your friends and families and enjoy all the freedoms you have.
Friday
Garden Cafe is hosting a film screening of Viva Les Amis in the outdoor patio area at 8 p.m. tonight. Les Amis Cafe was a 27-year-old local cafe that was ultimately replaced by Starbucks. The event is BYOB (and free snacks will be available), but you can still order off the menu from 6 to 8:30 p.m. For $4, this might not be such a bad deal. Buy tickets here. Sorry, kiddos. 18 older and up.
Saturday
You don’t need to leave the country for a summer vacation. Just go to the Dallas International Festival in Fair Park from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., where you can try everything from Korean food to Ethiopian. Don’t forget Dallas’ first bubble tea truck is debuting its drinks there. Go try it and tell me how it is. Here’s the list of chef demos:
11:00 am – BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA – Chef Selma from Liljian- Burek
11:30 am – COTE D’IVOIRE – Chef Amon from Kiss d’ Kiss
12:00 pm – PAKISTAN – pending
12:30 pm – ETHIOPIA –Chef Bukri of Star Bukri Catering
1:00 pm – SWEDEN – Chef Donna of The Jelly Queens – Lingonberry Jam
1:30 pm – EL SALVADOR – Chefs Glenda and Maria of the Salvadorian Community– Pupusas
2:00 pm – MEXICO – Chef Luis of Río Café – Garnachas
2:30 pm – INDIA – Chef Chaudrey of Bombay Street Food-
3:00 pm – BRAZIL – Chef Patricia from Miss Bee’s Bakery– Clay Sugar
3:30 pm – ITALY – Chef Tommaso of The Italian Club of Dallas – Risotto di Mare seafood rice
4:00 pm – SERBIA – Chefs Zaga and Blazenka of Rastko – Gibanica and Kolaci
4:30 pm – TURKEY –Chef Ahmet from Cafe Istanbul -Imam Bayildi stuffed eggplants
5:00 pm – CHINA – Chef Nancy of Organic Healthy Lifestyle – Veggie Moo Shoo
5:30 pm – FRANCE – Chef Spikes of Prego Express Italian – Cordon Bleu Sauces
6:00 pm – TAIWAN – Chef John of Bobaddiction – BobaTea
6:30 pm – CUBA – Cuban International Bakery
Sunday
So many beer events, so hard to choose. Am I right? But this year’s Deep Ellum Brewing Co.’s Brew-B-Q (beer + BBQ) should be fun. If you don’t believe me, just watch this video.
Okay, this is the first time I’ve ever heard the word “margaritologists.” It almost sounds like “meterologist.” Stupid comment. Anyways, there’s a Margarita Meltdown happening at the Bishop Arts District from 5 to 10 p.m. The best bartenders in the city are competing to make the best margarita in Dallas. Winner gets $1000. I think there are, like, 20 or so representatives of restaurants competing in this thing. It’s crazy.