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Look forward to talking with you soon!
Richard George
richard.george@usa.net
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Hatch Chile & Aguasol Tequila Cocktail Dinner - Urban Rio in Historic PlanoUrban Rio Cantina & Grill, Plano, TX
Join us for a memorable FOUR COURSE DINNER paired with FOUR AQUASOL TEQUILA COCKTAILS!
Spice meets spirit in this bold dinner experience featuring the smoky heat of HATCH CHILES and the smooth kick of AGUASOL TEQUILA. Four vibrant courses, each perfectly paired with a handcrafted tequila cocktail, celebrate the flavors of the Southwest in every sip and bite.
Executive Chef SALVATORE GISELLU and Chef PEDRO CATALAN invite you to URBAN RIO for a delicious FOUR COURSE GOURMET DINNER paired with FOUR AGUASOL TEQUILA COCKTAILS!
THE MENU?
As always, it's "strictly confidential"!
In a long-standing URBAN RIO tradition, the SPECIAL MENU is kept a guarded secret until it's finally unveiled the night of the dinner to an adoring crowd of appreciative diners!
TICKETS: $54.90 + tax and gratuity
(Billed as an ALL-INCLUSIVE total of $70.00 per person.)
This price is roughly equivalent to:
A Four Course Gourmet Dinner: $26.90
Four Cocktails @ $7 each: $28.00
Gratuity (20%): $10.60
Sales Tax: $4.50Your $70 ticket includes all taxes and gratuities!
https://www.toasttab.com/catering/urban-rio-cantina-grill-1000-14th-st-100/menu/hatch%20chile%20%26%20augasol%20tequila%20cocktail%20dinner/
PLEASE NOTE:
Please list any allergies or foods you wish to avoid in the "Special Request" box when purchasing your ticket(s).
ABOUT AGUASOL TEQUILA:
Aguasol Tequila, particularly the Blanco expression, is generally well-regarded for its clean, smooth, and agave-forward flavor profile. Reviewers highlight its crispness, notes of earthiness, and pleasant finish.
It is often praised for being a great tequila for both sipping and mixing in cocktails, especially margaritas.
Aguasol is generally considered a high-quality tequila that offers a good value for the price. Its focus on natural ingredients (sun, spring water, and agave) is often mentioned, emphasizing its purity and clean taste. Some online reviewers have stated that it's a great choice for those looking for a tequila that is both enjoyable to drink neat and in cocktails.
THE URBAN RIO STORY:
After bringing an original wood-fired pizza concept, Urban Crust, to the area in 2009, owners Bonnie and Nathan Shea purchased the Old Downtown Plano Ice House at 1000 E. 14th Street (one block south of Urban Crust) and began envisioning a "sister" concept for the area.
URBAN RIO means "the river of the city." The name was adopted because of the restaurant's location just east of what is now the DART rail in Downtown Plano. This same thoroughfare was once the Texas Electric Railway, which is why it is known as the "Steel River" of Plano.
URBAN RIO'S exciting flavors are influenced by both sides of the Rio Grande River.
Under the leadership of World Master Chef Salvatore Gisellu, URBAN RIO uses only the freshest and most authentic ingredients to make their dishes among the best in town. They make their core offerings from scratch, using ingredients like hand-ground masa for tortillas and tamales and fresh-muddled fruit for the most flavorful cocktails in North Texas!
DART ACCESSIBLE:
URBAN RIO may be accessed by DART rail from the nearby Downtown Plano Station.
- Four Course "Sunset Crush" Prisoner Wine Dinner at Carrabba's on Dallas ParkwayCarrabba's Italian Grill, Dallas, TX
if viewing on your phone, please click on "Read More".
Join CARRABBA'S CHEF AUSTIN LANE on a CULINARY JOURNEY where you will be transported to the vineyard. Indulge in FOUR exquisite courses of authentic ITALIAN FOOD, paired with exceptional WINES!
SUNSET CRUSH is a wine dinner celebration inspired by the magic of crush season in wine country—the vibrant, fleeting time when grapes are harvested and transformed into wine. At sunset, savor FOUR curated ITALIAN PAIRINGS that capture the energy, passion, and flavor of this special moment in the vineyard.
From the first pour to the final bite, these WINE AND FOOD pairings have been curated to exceed your expectations. Reserve your seat now for an UNFORGETTABLE EVENING!
$60 (+ tax & gratuity)
The dinner is also available WITHOUT ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.
(The cost will depend upon the price of the paired drinks that evening, which are then subtracted from $60. The cost without alcohol will probably amount to around $40 - $45.OUR MENU:
See photos of all four courses in the PHOTOS SECTION of this posting.
COURSE 1
LEMON BALSAMIC SALAD WITH SCALLOPS
Fresh spring mix tossed in a lemon balsamic vinaigrette with red onions, asparagus, grape tomatoes and parmesan cheese, topped with wood-grilled sea scallops and shredded ricotta salataWINE PAIRING: KIM CRAWFORD SAUVIGNON BLANC
An iconic brand that has helped build New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc as an international varietal. The wine’s crisp acidity cuts through the richness of the scallops and cheese, enhancing the vinaigrette's brightness for a clean, refreshing finishCOURSE 2
GRILLED VEGETABLE RAVIOLI
Grilled ravioli filled with roasted red and yellow peppers, asparagus, portobello mushrooms, ricotta and parmesan cheese over our tomato cream sauce, topped with sautéed zucchini, red bell peppers and shredded parmesanWINE PAIRING: MARK WEST PINOT NOIR
The brand’s name pays homage to the Mark West region in Sonoma County, CA, renowned for its ideal conditions for growing Pinot Noir. The light-to-medium body and fruity, earthy profile enhance the roasted, creamy, and bright components without overpoweringCOURSE 3
BRANZINO SICILIANI
Wood-grilled flaky white fish topped with a tomato, red onion, capers and fresh basil salsa. Served with grilled vegetablesWINE PAIRING: THE PRISONER RED BLEND
Inspired by the wines first made by the Italian immigrants who originally settled in Napa Valley, The Prisoner elevates the dish with bold contrast. Its richness highlights the smoky grilled flavors, while its acidity plays well with the salsa’s brightnessCOURSE 4
CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER MOUSSE BROWNIE
Chocolate and peanut butter mousse over a chocolate brownie, topped with walnut brittle, chocolate and salted caramel sauce and lightly dusted with cocoa powderWINE PAIRING: QUILT CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Quilt is a tribute to the rich tapestry of Napa Valley's diverse vineyards, crafted by 5th generation winemaker Joe Wagner. Known for its bold structure and rich notes of blackberry, dark cherry, cocoa, and vanilla, it complements the intense chocolate and peanut butter mousseNOTE:
If you have any specific food allergies or prohibitions, kindly inform your server or the manager. They will happily arrange for a substitution.DISCOUNTS / PROMOTIONS!
(Discounts #1 and #2 may be combined.)#1 - AARP or MILITARY DISCOUNT
(Same night discount about $4 - $4.50 per dinner)AARP members and active or veteran MILITARY qualify for a 10% discount off the portion of their bill consisting of food and non-alcoholic beverages.
To obtain the discount when paying your bill, please provide your server with your AARP Card or MILITARY ID.
#2 - CARRABBA'S DINE REWARDS PROGRAM
(Accumulated value about $3 per dinner)Earn 5 points for every dollar spent on food and non-alcoholic beverages. Once you’ve collected 350 points (usually for two wine dinners), you’ll earn a $5 off reward for your next visit.
To obtain DINE REWARDS credit when paying your bill, please write your Dine Rewards phone number on the bill before providing it to your server.
Sign up for DINE REWARDS in advance (even while you're enjoying your dinner!) at www.carrabbas.com/offers and receive a COMPLIMENTARY APPETIZER as a reward!
Note: The AARP and MILITARY discounts are not valid for any meal paid for using a CARRABBA'S DINING REWARD. 1
3 - All-You-Can-Eat Sunday Brunch Buffet at Dallas Culinary Company, White Rock LakeDallas Hemp Company, Dallas, TX
Join the talented CHEFS at DALLAS CULINARY COMPANY for a delicious and unique ELEVATED BRUNCH EXPERIENCE.
An ALL YOU CAN EAT BRUNCH BUFFET for just $25 at the beautiful venue of the DALLAS HEMP COMPANY!
ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT MENU:
- Cheese Omelettes (v/gf)
- Bacon & Sausage (gf)
- Tots O’Brien (ve)
- Fluffy Pancakes (v)
- Country Fried Tenders
- Fresh Fruit (ve/gf)
- Pastries
- Sauces: DCC Hot Sauce, Honey Butter, Syrup
v = Vegetarian
ve= Vegan
gf = Gluten FreeENJOY your delicious brunch just as prepared by the expert chefs!
or
OPTIONAL:
If you wish, you may also partake of some of the following complimentary hemp INFUSED SYRUPS / SAUCES provided:- DCC Hot Sauce
- Honey Butter
- Syrup
The brunch will not only be delicious, but also a great way to UNWIND and DE-STRESS. Don't miss out on this one-of-a-kind brunch experience!
BEVERAGES:
Mimosas and Coffees available for purchase.
Other beverages: Feel free to BYOB!TICKETS:
$25 (+$3.52 fee)Get your ticket(s) now. Choose 1:30 PM arrival time.
https://dallashempco.net/event/elevated-brunch-august-24th/
REFUND POLICY:
Refunds available up to one day before the event. (Ticket fee is nonrefundable.)TRANSPORTATION:
DART LIGHT RAIL service is available to the DART WHITE ROCK STATION three miles from the venue.
You may also wish to travel to this event using UBER or LYFT.
ABOUT DALLAS CULINARY COMPANY / DALLAS HEMP COMPANY:
Founders SHAN CLAUDIO and ADAM COPELAND met in 2012 working for a catering staffing company. Having learned the business, they joined and successfully built a partnership called THE! Staffing Company. In 2018, after the Federal Hemp Farm Bill passed, SHAN and ADAM made a trip to Shan's uncle's farm in southern Colorado and helped harvest a few thousand pounds of Hemp.
The genealogy of their Hemp products came from seven generations of farming in the San Luis Valley in Colorado. “El Rancho Salazar” located in Antonito, Colorado had been known for growing fine seed potatoes.
In 2019 the family set aside a parcel of land to grow a crop of Hemp. With lots of sweat equity and the planting of 21,000 plants organically, the DALLAS HEMP COMPANY is proud to say that “From our farm to you” is not just a slogan. it's a promise of the finest Hemp derived products available.
While DHC is barely into its sixth year, the company considers itself a Cannabis community resource center offering a wide variety of products and services including a retail store, a Cannabis venue, an online store, packaging, branding, labeling, product manufacturing, consulting, marketing services, and wholesale distribution, as well as providing related subject education.
- "Taste of Egypt"Gary W Irvin, Dallas, TX
Taste of Egypt
With Chef Gary W. Irvin II Date: Tuesday, August 17, 2025
Guarantee your seat at: "Taste of Egypt" | Wednesdays AngelsPlease remember it's BYOB for adult beverages. Below are some wine suggestions if you wish to bring a wine to enjoy with dinner.
The Menu
### Course 1: Appetizer- Dish: Miniature Hawawshi Bites
- Small, flavorful pockets of spiced minced beef baked inside dough, a beloved Egyptian street food.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Crisp Dry Rosé (e.g., a Grenache or Cinsault-based rosé)
- Why: Its freshness and red fruit notes will cut through the richness of the meat and complement the spices without overpowering.
- Garnish: A delicate sprig of fresh parsley and a tiny dollop of tahini sauce.
### Course 2: Soup
- Dish: Molokhia Soup with Toasted Baladi Bread Croutons
- A rich, earthy green soup made from jute mallow leaves, often cooked with chicken broth, and served with a vibrant garlic and coriander "ta'leya" sizzle.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Light-Bodied, Aromatic White (e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Chenin Blanc)
- Why: The herbaceous notes of the wine will echo the molokhia, and its acidity will balance the soup's texture.
- Garnish: A swirl of extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts, and a small wedge of lemon.
### Course 3: Salad
- Dish: Salatet Fattoush with Sumac-Marinated Halloumi
- A vibrant mixed green salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, radishes, and toasted pita bread pieces, dressed with a zesty sumac-lemon vinaigrette, elevated with grilled halloumi cheese.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Dry Riesling or Grüner Veltliner
- Why: Their bright acidity and mineral notes will complement the tangy dressing and the freshness of the vegetables, while standing up to the salty halloumi.
- Garnish: Fresh mint leaves, pomegranate arils (if in season), and a dusting of sumac.
### Course 4: Main Course
- Dish: Koshary with Duqqa Spice Blend and Shatta Chili Sauce & Chef's surprise Amuse Bouche
- Egypt's national dish: a hearty and satisfying combination of rice, macaroni, and lentils, topped with a zesty tomato sauce, chickpeas, and crispy fried onions. Served with a side of pungent garlic vinegar and spicy shatta.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Medium-Bodied Red with Soft Tannins (e.g., a light Zinfandel or a supple Merlot)
- Why: The fruitiness and gentle spice of these reds will complement the robust flavors of the koshary and the slight heat of the shatta without clashing.
- Garnish: A generous scattering of crispy fried onions, a drizzle of the tomato sauce, and a small bowl of fresh duqqa spice for guests to sprinkle themselves.
### Course 5: Dessert
- Dish: Om Ali (Egyptian Bread Pudding) with Pistachios and Coconut
- A warm, comforting Egyptian bread pudding made with puff pastry, milk, sugar, nuts (raisins, pistachios, coconut flakes), and cream, baked until golden.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Sweet Dessert Wine (e.g., a Moscato d'Asti or a light, late-harvest Riesling)
- Why: The sweet, often effervescent, notes of these wines will harmonize beautifully with the creamy, sweet richness of the Om Ali.
- Garnish: A sprinkle of crushed pistachios, a dusting of powdered sugar, and a single candied orange peel curl.
Secure Your Seat for an Unforgettable Culinary Experience!
Join Wednesdays Angels & Chef Gary W. Irvin II for An Evening Celebrating Egyptian Cuisine—a night of exquisite flavors, masterfully paired wines, and warm hospitality.
Ticket Options:
- Prepay & Save: Secure your ticket in advance for $39.95 per person.
- Dinner Night Ticket: If paying the night of the event, tickets are $49.95 per person.
- RSVP Option: Prefer to hold your spot? You can RSVP to reserve your seat.
Important Reservation Policy:
- Non-Attendance Fee: If you RSVP but do not attend, a $100.00 reservation absentee fee will apply, which must be paid before attending any future events.
- Changes & Cancellations: You may adjust your RSVP up to 48 hours prior to the event. After this window, your reservation is locked to ensure fairness in seating availability.
We look forward to hosting you for an incredible evening of fine dining and great company! 🍷✨
