DFWTexEx

That was my freshman year. It was only the beginning of a very dark time.

We try to go once a year, especially in the Texas summer when we have to pack light sweaters. Don't let the "it's overrun with gringos" talk bother you. Yes, there is an expat crowd, but SMA is still very much Mexico and Mexican and it's fantastic. It's more overrun by pinche Chilangos. Our favorites that we go back to regularly, are Atrio (prefer it to Quince for spectacular rooftop meal in the shadow of the Parroquia), the Restaurant, and Antonia. We sometimes break things up with a steak meal at Tio Lucas, especially when there is live music. Bovine was the new place we tried this last trip and it was excellent. El Pegaso is still great for straight up Mexican food. And, no trip for us is complete without a torta at Torta Mundo (milanesa de res o de pollo), a hole in the wall on Umaran down from the Jardin. A fun, guilty pleasure: the churros at the bar at Casa Sierra Nevada. The street food is cool, but you won't be disappointed by this upscale version. And, Luna at the Rosemont is good when we are there with people who are in SMA for the first time. The view is awesome and the upscale lunch is great. This looks like a good list for a bunch of newish, foody places: https://www.timeout.com/mexico-city/restaurants/best-restaurants-and-bars-in-san-miguel-de-allende For non-food, get to the Fabrica La Aurora for sure. You can spend a good bit of time there looking at and buying art and other design products.

I love pizza, but no pizza is worth a 40 minute drive. Yes, I know I am outlier on this group. The best pizza to me is the closest, good pizza. I know I am lucky. I can walk or have a short drive to really excellent pizza (Cenzo's, Nova, Eno's, Cibo) or just good enough local pizza.

Ok. So I just start start it myself but with him as beneficiary? Something like that. I don't need to involve my sister? That's easy. I can go to my advisor and set that up.

I definitely had my local blinders on, but in hindsight, I understand the few stars overall and only one in Dallas. When I think about my experiences at starred restaurants, the level is just higher. I expect that chefs/owners will have to decide how far they want to reach. For example, the biggest surprise in Dallas last night was Lucia not getting even one star, just a bib. But, it does try to be approachable in its offerings and everything is a la carte. It's just plain good. Will Chef Ugyur develop a tasting menu with more innovative offerings and more sophisticated plating or just keep doing his thing that has led Lucia to be one of the most popular restaurants and hardest reservations in Dallas? Overall, lots of interesting recognitions and room to grow. It'll be interesting to see how this plays out over the years.

Texas 45 Ark 17 WR yards: 381

Help. My sister had a later in life baby in August. She is a single mom with enough resources to support herself and the child, but not a lot extra. I am the gay uncle with no kids, so I have no idea how all this works. Can I start one of these plans for my nephew or does it have to go through the parent? Who gets any available tax break (not that it matters that much)? Where do I start?

We did the tasting menu at Rye last night. The D magazine review is spot on in that it is fun. Many of the courses were imaginative and became topics of conversation with the table next to us. It ended up a communal experience in a very good way as we all shared our thoughts on the crazy plates. But beyond the creativity, there were just too many misses. A couple of plates were quite bad. The standout was essentially a mini barbacoa taco that was amazing. It's on their a la carte menu and I would go back for just large versions of that. I won't give too much more away in case any one goes, but there was kangaroo meat involved! Service was casual but spot on. Two of the owners frequently brought the courses and had good talks with us about their philosophy. That part was great. They are invited to the Michelin event in Houston on Monday and are very excited about the possibility of a star. I understand that the invitation could just mean that they will be recommended in the guide, which is good. I don't think this is a star experience yet, but maybe they are on their way. I still put them in my "in the running" list on the Michelin thread because they will be there and maybe reviewer was blown away by the fun plates.

Monday is the day. What's your call for your city? I am going to revise my Dallas prediction a bit. 3 stars: None 2 stars: None (Lucia and Tatsu in the running) 1 star: Likely: Lucia, Tatsu, Purepecha, Georgie, and Tei-An (in the running: Petra & The Beast, Uchi, Mr. Charles, Fearings, Mot Hai Ba, Shoyu, Rye, and one barbecue place (Cattleack or Pecan Lodge) Green star: Beatrice Bib: Revolver Taco and one or two barbecue places if no star is given to barbecue

I'm from the Valley and still live there half time. Tacos are Mexico's gift to the world. And they can be great in a variety of ways. The cheap bistek/deshebrada/pastor/asada, etc tacos on the greasy little double tortillas from the cheap stand or gas station are magic. But so are the "fancy" ones with smoked mushrooms, waygu beef, duck, etc. on fresh, nixtamal tortillas. No need to argue.

Just early voting demographics. No polling. And pretty much saying that Democrats need historic turnout today. Ok.

Good Morning America pretty much calling it for Trump. I don't mean to be watching. It's just in the background.

Right. I get all the upgrade offers when I book and as I check in. And the complimentary upgrades are based on status. Seems like hotels are becoming like the airlines, as upgrades are monetized or very much based on status. The old days of dressing up to get bumped to first class are gone. But Vegas may always be Vegas. Tips rule. So the above may not apply.

Beautiful place and I feel like I should like it more than I do. Everything feels fresh and nice and definitely veg centric. I just haven’t a meal there that draws me back.

D Magazine just gave them a very nice review. Star worthy? I want to check it out. https://www.dmagazine.com/food-drink/2024/10/ryes-new-tasting-menu-is-some-of-the-most-fun-you-can-have-in-a-dallas-restaurant/