THE CHALK REPORT

by Andrew Chalk You won't find this on Kalshi, but my bet for the Fall, if someone will take the other side, is a Michelin Star for Bruno Davaillon at Georgie. There are several reasons for this. First, Georgie's food was Michelin class when the kitchen was helmed by the exploding version of RJ Yoakum. The front-of-house had some lapses when I went back then, and that may have left them in the star-adjacent category in 2025. Second, Bruno is corporate grand fromage for Travi

FROM THE WIRES... This Year’s Awards Support Local Nonprofits Advancing Domestic Violence Relief, Education, Food Security, Arts, and Environmental Stewardship NAPA, Calif. – June 2, 2026 | Lewis Cellars announced it has awarded $275,000 to nonprofit organizations across Napa County through its 2026 Community Grants program. Now in its third year, the annual community grants underscore the winery’s ongoing commitment to supporting the communities where its employees and their

FROM THE WIRES... This bourbon appeared on my radar recently when I was invited to a 1792 Bourbon Craft Session. An intimate, guided experience celebrating the craftsmanship and heritage behind one of Kentucky’s finest bourbons. The evening was led by 1792 Master Distiller and expert, Ross Cornelissen. Recommended. Cocktails expertly prepared at: Location: Kitchen + Kocktails Address: 1933 Elm St, Dallas, TX 75201

FROM THE WIRES... This takes JUSTIN’s Support for Local Nonprofits and Education Initiatives to More than $2.5 Million PASO ROBLES, Calif. – June 11, 2026 | JUSTIN Vineyards & Winery has awarded new grants totaling more than $350,000 in support for nonprofit organizations and educators across North San Luis Obispo County through its 2026 Community Grants program. This year, over $300,000 will be distributed to local nonprofits to strengthen services in mental health, sports a

by Andrew Chalk BJ’s Restaurants and Brewhouses, the national chain that brews over a dozen different beers each year, including specials at individual locations, is holding regular beer tastings this year. This week I attended the latest one at their popular Addison location as a media guest. BJ's Deep Dish Pizza came as an individual pizza for each attendee. Loaded with ingredients and enough for two! The focus was on their newest seasonal beer, Grass Attack® Cold IPA, a

by Andrew Chalk Lipari, the idyllic island off the north coast of Italy, which for Jeff Bezos is an even more enticing place to yacht than the Amazon, is my kind of wine producing area. Dedicated to wines of place (in the idiom of Randall Grahm) rather than wines of effort. A wine of place expresses its terroir. For Tenuta di Castellaro that is the small island of Lipari, with soils that are sandy, volcanic, deep, fertile and rich in microelements. A climate that is all windy

FROM THE WIRES... A timely cocktail recipe from Tequila Corralejo that’s perfect for match-day entertaining, summer watch parties, tequila trend coverage or cocktail roundups. The Honey & Ash is a smoky and spicy-sweet cocktail made with Tequila Corralejo Reposado, mezcal, honey liqueur, pineapple, fresh lemon and habanero bitters, finished with a dehydrated Tajín pineapple wedge. It’s an easy fit for readers looking for a celebratory tequila cocktail to serve while watchin

by Andrew Chalk You can never get tired going to Burger Schmurger because every month they put their heads together and come up with a Burger of the Month. It's a crazy incantation of how they were feeling, what they were drinking, and who they were with at the time. I just sampled Burger of the Month -- July at a media event and it is a winner! Burger of the Month - July. Mac n' Cheese Burger It is built on the Burger Schmurger double smashburger, a potato bun with American

FROM THE WIRES... New Story-Driven Cocktail Bar & Rooftop Terrace Brings a Fictional New Orleans Love Story to Life Through Drinks, Design & Hospitality NEW ORLEANS — Latter Hospitality Group, the team behind beloved New Orleans destinations including Tujague's, The Bower, and Birdy's, has opened Charles & Julia, a new cocktail-focused concept at Hotel Perle in downtown New Orleans. Located at 757 St. Charles Avenue, the two-level destination blends immersive storytelling, th

Tasting notes at bottom! FROM THE WIRES... TERRAZAS DE LOS ANDES UNVEILS EXTREMO MALBEC 2022 IN THE US The most elevated expression of the winery's Ascension Journey is crafted from a single parcel in Gualtallary at 1,650 meters above sea level MENDOZA, Argentina, June 23, 2026. Terrazas de los Andes, a pioneer of high-altitude winegrowing in Mendoza, Argentina since the early 1990s, proudly announces the US release of Extremo Malbec 2022, the pinnacle of its Ascension Journe

FROM THE WIRES... With Memorial Day Weekend coming up, kicking off the unofficial start of summer, to share a seasonal cocktail from Tequila Corralejo that would be a great fit for any MDW or summer entertaining roundups. The Strawberry Black Pepper Smash taps into summer cocktail trends like fresh fruit, easy entertaining, and savory-spicy flavors. Made with Tequila Corralejo Silver, it opens with juicy strawberry and finishes with a subtle peppery bite. It’s an easy war

Tasting note at bottom! FROM THE WIRES.... Prats + Symington is a partnership between Symington Family Estates, one of Portugal's oldest Port producing families, and Bruno Prats, the former winemaker and owner of Chateau Cos d'Estournel in Bordeaux. Together they produce wines from only the finest grapes and favored estates in the Douro since their founding in 1999. The first Prats + Symington wine was 2000 Chryseia which received widespread acclaim. Powerful but elegant and

FROM THE WIRES... Try this unusual expression of the grape if you have not had a 'dry Furmint'. Furmint is the grape and most famous in an ultra-sweet nectar of the Gods named Tokaji. It turns out to express a rich, crisp character, not unlike Pinot Gris from Alsace when vinified dry. TECHNICAL INFORMATION Region: Tokaj Annual Production: 50.000 bottles Winemaker: Gabor Urbán ALC: 14% COLOR: nice bright yellow hinting pure freshness NOSE: a brilliant flowery bouquet of fresh

FROM THE WIRES... PRESS RELEASE Hendy's on Henderson Becomes Dallas' Pre-Match, Watch Party and Post-Match Destination During Summer's International Soccer Tournament Dallas neighborhood destination welcomes fans from around the world with extended hours, match-day viewing, specialty offerings, and the best seats outside the stadium DALLAS, TX (June 17, 2026) – As Dallas prepares to welcome hundreds of thousands of international visitors, athletes, and soccer fans this su

by Andrew Chalk Lenz Moser, from the renowned Austrian winemaking family, is well known in the European wine industry. He previously served as CEO of Robert Mondavi Europe before the winery was sold to Constellation Brands. Now he is doing his own thing. This is his new Grüner Veltliner ($20 per 750ml bottle, pictured in 1500ml format), in his New Chapter label. I tasted it and it is a great white wine for our incipient hot Texas summers. Lenz Moser (left) and Max Huber (wine

FROM THE WIRES... American Whiskey Brand Invites Public to Join the Bear Fight and Own a Stake in a Growing Category INTERVENTION... TASTING NOTE by ANDREW CHALK I had a chance to taste a sample and can heartily recommend this single malt whiskey. The nose is seductively sweet with notes of caramel, toffee, clove, and toasted pecans. On the palate it is surprisingly smooth. RALEIGH, NC (FEBRUARY 5, 2026) – Bear Fight Whiskey, the bold award-winning line of American whiskey,

FROM THE WIRES... To celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary, James B. Beam Distilling Co. has announced Knob Creek 9 Year Old: Independence Edition, a limited-edition expression of our iconic 9-year-old bourbon featuring a blue wax seal and patriotic red, white, and blue label, joining a commemorative collection alongside Jim Beam and Maker's Mark. Founded in 1992 and named for the Kentucky creek at Abraham Lincoln's childhood home, Knob Creek was created by sixth gen

FROM THE WIRES... Espolòn's Extra Añejo will be available for purchase nationwide in the U.S. and on espolontequila.com (for delivery in select markets), just in time for Father's Day NEW YORK, June 4, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Espolòn Tequila, one of the fastest-growing tequila brands in the U.S., introduces Extra Añejo, a new release that adds new depth to the brand's portfolio. Produced in the Los Altos region of Jalisco, the expression builds on Espolòn's signature agave-forwa

Photo: Emma Kruch FROM THE WIRES... Blanc de Noir and Rosé debut anchor a new season at the Russian River Estate, with expanded events and a more dynamic culinary program Healdsburg, CA (June 9, 2026) – This summer, Auteur is entering the world of sparkling with a fresh point of view. Guided by its Rogue by Nature spirit, the winery is building on the momentum of its Russian River Estate opening and new Burgundy project, accelerating into a new phase with the debut of its fir

by Andrew Chalk I recently had a chance to meet Davis Bynum winemaker Greg Morthole who took me through a tasting of some of his wines. They are better than ever, comprising Chardonnay and Pinot Noir grapes from numerous vineyards in Sonoma County. Chardonnay First up, two vintages of their Chardonnay. The Davis Bynum 2023 Chardonnay ‘River West Vineyard’, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County, CA ($24). And the Davis Bynum 2024 Chardonnay ‘River West Vineyard’, Russian River

FROM THE WIRES... MIGHTYLICIOUS Online Summer Savings: CELEBRATESUMMER10 INDEPENDENCE10 July 4th & Summer-times Gluten Free Recipes Enclosed Available on AMAZON, MIGHTYLICIOUS GF website & retail stores nationwide (Wood-bridge, NJ, JUNE 15, 2026) -- As summer entertaining season kicks into high gear, hosts are looking for easy, delicious ways to satisfy guests with a variety of dietary preferences. Award-winning Mightylicious Gluten Free is helping make summer gatherings a li

I have a suspicion that the Burger Schmurger float has a salvage title FROM THE WIRES... The Dallas burger favorite will once again fire up the grill on a custom parade trailer before welcoming guests to a post-parade celebration DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – Burger Schmurger is bringing the sizzle back to the Lake Highlands Fourth of July Parade, returning for its third consecutive year with a burger-grilling parade trailer, festive giveaways and a community celebration tha

by Andrew Chalk World famous for their Napa Cabernet Sauvignon, Caymus Vineyards has expanded its winemaking to embrace other grapes, areas of California, and wine types. Nowhere was this more on display than at a recent tasting at Fort Worth’s luxury Crescent Hotel (more about the hotel here) where I attended as a media guest. We started with Emmolo 2025 Sauvignon Blanc ($25). Grapes hail from Solano County (67%), Lake County (20%), and Napa County (13%). Perhaps most inter

Photo: Maple Hospitality Group FROM THE WIRES... A dazzling evening of sky-high dining and fireworks views across the city from the 49th floor of The National DALLAS, TX (June 11, 2026) – As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Monarch invites guests to commemorate Independence Day this Saturday, July 4th from one of the most spectacular vantage points in the city at Stars, Stripes & Skyline, a highly anticipated Fourth of July celebration that pairs patriotic spirit w

Stephanie McIntyre FROM THE WIRES... Appellation Marlborough Wine Appoints Stephanie McIntyre as Chief Executive Officer FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Marlborough, New Zealand - Appellation Marlborough Wine (AMW) has announced the appointment of Stephanie McIntyre as its new Chief Executive Officer, marking an important milestone as the organisation continues to strengthen the integrity, visibility and value of Marlborough wine. With over 20 years of experience living and worki

Sagrada Familia is one of the most spectacular buildings created by mankind -- and only took 144 years to finish. FROM THE WIRES... Hotel Arts Barcelona invites guests to discover one of the city’s most remarkable new vantage points: the reimagined Skyline Suites, offering sweeping views of Antoni Gaudí’s iconic masterpiece. The completion of the Tower of Jesus Christ or Torre de Jesús - the tallest and most symbolic element of Gaudí’s vision, will be marked by a historic

FROM THE WIRES... Spring is officially in the air (finally!), and with it comes the traditional German biergarten season – long tables, soft pretzels, sunshine, and of course, great beer. And it doesn’t get more authentic than Paulaner USA. From the crisp and classic Münchner Lager to the citrusy sparkle of Grapefruit Radler, the bright bite of Pils, and the smooth, cloudy finish of Hefe-Weizen, there’s a Paulaner can for every biergarten moment. Whether you’re clinking stein

FROM THE WIRES... New White Wine Portfolio Honors Almost a Century and a Half of History, Heritage, and Innovation in American Winemaking LIVERMORE, Calif. (April 23, 2026) – Wente Family Vineyards, America’s oldest continuously family-owned and operated winery, is proud to introduce Cresta Blanca, a thoughtful revival of one of California’s first and most historic wine labels. Launching today, the collection focuses on a portfolio of white wines that bridge Cresta Blanca’s

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 5: Compere Lapin (Chef Nina Compton) Dish: Roasted Jerk Corn Tip: Whether you’re grilling or roasting corn, balance sweetness with a little heat, acidity and crunch to make your summer corn stand out, like using a jerk butter with a tangy mayo and ranch breadcrumbs. Website: http://comperelapin.com/ Photo: Sara Essex Bradley

Emilia's by Andrew Chalk Next to the Kimbell Art Museum, at the back of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth, one block down from the Amon Carter Museum of American Art. That location puts the Crescent Hotel in the epicenter of the Fort Worth Cultural District. Its 5* amenities make it the ideal place to stay when visiting. Front view of the Crescent Hotel The 200-room hotel, in a modern building at Camp Bowie Boulevard and Van Cliburn Way, opened just over two and a half yea

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 4: The Bower (Chef Marcus Woodham) Dish: Whipped Feta Tip: Whipped feta is a perfect example of why cold dips and spreads shine during the summer. They can be made ahead, served chilled, and paired with everything from fresh vegetables to grilled bread for easy entertaining. Website: https://www.thebowernola.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 3: Tujague’s (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Dish: Shrimp Remoulade Tip: For cold seafood salads, the dressing should never be an afterthought. Whether it’s remoulade, citrus vinaigrette, or an herb aioli, making sauces ahead of time gives the flavors a chance to meld, resulting in a more cohesive and flavorful dish. Website: https://tujaguesrestaurant.com/

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 2: Charles & Julia (Beverage Director Allison O’Keefe) Cocktail: CBD Spritz Tip: Allison says to elevate summer spritzes by skipping store-bought mixers and making your own creative fruit-and-herb syrup at home. Whether it's strawberry basil, watermelon-mint, peach-thyme or anything you can imagine, just a small splash adds layers of flavor and freshness. Website: www.charlesandjulia.com Photo: Sam Hanna

by Andrew Chalk Yesterday, I wrote… I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?"

FROM THE WIRES... Destination 1: Dolfy's (Chef Adolfo Garcia, Jr.) Dish: Gazpacho Tip: When making gazpacho this summer, Chef Adolfo Garcia Jr. says to freeze some of your vegetables before blending. Dice a portion of the tomatoes, cucumber, and/or bell pepper and freeze them for a few hours. When you blend the gazpacho, use those frozen pieces instead of ice. The soup gets refreshingly cold without becoming diluted, and the flavors stay concentrated.

by Andrew Chalk I have been impressed by South African wines pretty much from my first contact with them. Nowadays they reflect expert winemaking, a God-given climate for grape growing, and good value. Recently, I was acquainted with another of the seemingly endless cast of small, family-run wineries in South Africa when the estimable John Gorman of Southern Starz wrote to me and said, "Oy! You have to try the wines of David Finlayson." "David Finlayson?" I said. "What is his

ShyBoy Blue Room FROM THE WIRES... Derrick Carter, Rich Medina, Lefto, SOULECTION founder Joe Kay, and Mark Farina headline a month of immersive programming inside Dallas’ first high-fidelity listening bar DALLAS, TEXAS (June 3, 2026) – Shyboy Hi-Fi continues its momentum this summer with a sensational June programming lineup that brings internationally respected DJs, genre-defying selectors, and community-driven music collectives to its intimate listening room in downtown

FROM THE WIRES... Just in time for Father’s Day, Espolòn Tequila has just launched its most ambitious bottle yet: Extra Añejo (MSRP: $69.99) - three years in the making and priced to stay within reach. The liquid is aged for two and a half years in American Oak and finished for six months in French Chardonnay casks. This rare double-cask approach sets it apart from traditional Extra Añejos, delivering toasted oak, vanilla, caramel and sweet spice with a rich, layered finish.

FROM THE WIRES... SPRING MOUNTAIN VINEYARD CHARDONNAY EARNS TOP HONORS AT THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF PARIS St. Helena, Calif. – April 22nd, 2026 – Fifty years after the tasting that forever changed the world of wine, Spring Mountain Vineyard, a storied estate nestled in the Spring Mountain District Appellation, in the Mayacamas Mountain Range in the Napa Valley, has once again taken its place among the elite—this time with a celebrated Top Three finish for Ch

Photo: Samantha Reynolds Photography FROM THE WIRES... Seasonal menu of spritzes, pizzas, oysters and shareable favorites available Sunday through Thursday DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This summer, Monarch is bringing the Italian tradition of aperitivo to downtown Dallas with the launch of Aperitivo Hour, a new seasonal offering available Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the restaurant's lounge. Designed for gathering over drinks and light bites before dinner,

Photo: Jonathan Zizzo FROM THE WIRES... Guests who order a martini on June 19 will receive a mystery envelope featuring a bounceback card redeemable on their next cocktail purchase DALLAS, TX (June 16, 2026) – This National Martini Day, Monarch, a celebrated fixture in Dallas' local dining scene, is inviting guests to raise a glass and try something new with a one-night-only celebration dedicated to one of the world’s most iconic cocktails. On Friday, June 19, guests who orde

Photo: Jason Dewey FROM THE WIRES... One-night-only event brings one of Napa Valley's most celebrated wineries to one of Fort Worth's most intimate dining destinations FORT WORTH, TEXAS (June 15, 2026) — The Crescent Hotel Fort Worth will welcome one of Napa Valley's most iconic wineries to Fort Worth for an exclusive Caymus Wine Dinner in The Blue Room on Wednesday, June 24 at 6:30 p.m. Designed for wine enthusiasts and culinary explorers alike, the one-night-only experie

FROM THE WIRES... Mezcal Trailblazer Honors Milestone Anniversary with Year-Long Programming BROOKLYN, NEW YORK (MARCH 18, 2026) – Ilegal Mezcal celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, reflecting on two decades of mezcal mastery born in Oaxaca and a legacy that shaped the mezcal movement. From its beginnings at Café No Sé in Antigua, Guatemala, to its evolution into an internationally recognized mezcal pioneer, the brand’s 20-year journey reflects a commitment to artisanal

FROM THE WIRES... While Portugal is well celebrated for its native grapes, a new benchmark for high-altitude Syrah has emerged from a surprising corner of the Alentejo. The launch of Quinta da Fonte Souto Syrah 2021 (SRP $48) is a profound testament to the Symington Family Estates’ commitment to world-class dry wines outside of their Douro home. The family's first acquisition outside the Douro, Quinta da Fonte Souto, strategically leverages the significant cooling effect o

FROM THE WIRES... BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse’s newest seasonal beer is Grass Attack, an all-new Cold IPA made for match days, watch parties and warm-weather sipping. The beer has just launched and will be available on tap exclusively at all BJ’s restaurants for a limited time. Brewed as a Cold IPA, Grass Attack brings together the bold, hop-forward character of an IPA with the crisp, smooth drinkability of a pale lager. At 6.5% ABV and 42 IBU, it pours pale and clear, ope

FROM THE WIRES...