What we’re about
Join us for amazing food adventures, thirst quenching beverages, and great people creating amazing fun times together.
We look forward to talking with you soon!
Richard George
richard.george@usa.net
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Four Course "California Wine Tour" Dinner at Carrabba's on Dallas ParkwayCarrabba's Italian Grill, Dallas, TX
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!
This July, CARRABBA'S is cruising through the wine country region and bringing to life a four-course CALIFORNIA WINE TOUR event, where every sip is paired with our chefs' best to enhance your experience. This dinner features authentic Italian dishes with wines that capture the essence of the Golden State in every glass.
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
Shrimp & Scallop Watermelon Ceviche
Poached shrimp, sea scallops, watermelon vinaigrette, red onion, zucchini, tomatoes, and basil over a bed of romaine lettuce, served with fried pasta chips
WINE PAIRING: “THREADCOUNT” SAUVIGNON BLANC
The name Threadcount draws inspiration from the concept of fabric and texture, which reflects the idea of weaving together various elements to create a rich and intricate wine experience. The wine’s citrus notes complement the poached shrimp and scallops, while its subtle tropical fruit flavors highlight the sweetness of the watermelon vinaigretteCOURSE 2
Linguine & Grilled Shrimp with Gorgonzola Cream Sauce
Linguine tossed in a gorgonzola cream sauce with sautéed mushrooms, sundried tomatoes, parmesan and romano cheese sprinkled with walnut gremolata, then topped with wood-grilled shrimp and garnished with a fried basil leafWINE PAIRING: BELLE GLOS BALADE PINOT NOIR
Balade, meaning "wandering" in French, signifies the wine's origins from different vineyards, each contributing unique characteristics to the final blend. The wine's smooth texture and bright berry notes enhance the savory, earthy flavors of the sautéed mushrooms and the richness of the gorgonzola cream sauceCOURSE 3
Parmesan Crusted Chicken with Arugula
Chicken pounded and coated with parmesan panko, sautéed, then topped with a fresh arugula and tomato salad, shredded parmesan cheese and served with grilled vegetables. Garnished with a seared lemonWINE PAIRING: KENDALL JACKSON VINTNER'S RESERVE CHARDONNAY
America’s #1 selling Chardonnay for 30+ years and counting! Since 1982, Vintner's Reserve Chardonnay has been trusted for its quality and craftsmanship. The wine’s bright acidity and tropical fruit notes balance the Parmesan crust while its subtle oak enhances the flavor of the grilled vegetablesCOURSE 4
Grilled Pound Cake
Our house-made orange zest pound cake lightly grilled to perfection served over a drizzled balsamic glaze, topped with macerated strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, garnished with whipped cream and fresh mintWINE PAIRING: DECOY MERLOT
Duckhorn Vineyards is recognized as a pioneer of Merlot. Founded in 1976, the winery initially focused on crafting premium, high-end wines with a special emphasis on Merlot. The wine's dark fruit flavors, such as black cherry and plum, complement the berries, while its subtle oak enriches the caramelized notes of the grilled pound cakeNOTE:
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.
- Patron Tequila Cocktail Dinner - Urban Rio Cantina & Grill in Historic PlanoUrban Rio Cantina & Grill, Plano, TX
TWO fantastic GASTROSLEUTH events on the same night!
Take your pick! "TASTE OF SPAIN" with Chef Gary Irvin, or "URBAN RIO" with Richard George! Either way YOU WIN!
Join Richard for a memorable FOUR COURSE DINNER paired with FOUR PATRON TEQUILA COCKTAILS!
From bright and citrusy to bold and smoky—this is tequila like you’ve never tasted before.
Executive Chef SALVATORE GISELLU and Chef PEDRO CATALAN invite you to URBAN RIO for a delicious FOUR COURSE GOURMET DINNER paired with FOUR PATRON 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/patron%20cocktail%20dinner/
PLEASE NOTE:
Please list any allergies or foods you wish to avoid in the "Special Request" box when purchasing your ticket(s).
THE PATRON TEQUILA STORY:
Patrón Tequila was founded in 1989 by John Paul DeJoria and Martin Crowley, with the goal of producing a premium tequila using traditional methods and a commitment to quality.
They partnered with Francisco Alcaraz, a master distiller, and initially contracted with the Siete Leguas distillery for production.
Patrón quickly gained popularity for its smooth taste, distinctive bottle design, and focus on the luxury market.
In 2018, Bacardi Limited acquired Patrón for $5.1 billion.
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.
- "Taste of Thailand"Gary W Irvin, Dallas, TX
## You’re Invited: A Taste of Thailand—A Five-Course Dinner Experience
Dear Friends,
I am delighted to invite you to A Taste of Thailand: A Five-Course Dinner, a carefully curated culinary evening celebrating the vibrant flavors and traditions of Thai cuisine.📅 Date: Tuesday, July 29, 2025 🕖 Time: 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. 📍 Location: Chef Gary W. Irvin II’s home in Lakewood
Secure your seat: "Taste of Thailand" | Wednesdays Angels
Throughout the evening, we will journey through five exquisite courses, each crafted to highlight the balance of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy flavors that define Thai cuisine. Every dish is thoughtfully paired with wine suggestions that complement the experience—if you’d like, you are welcome to bring your favorite adult beverage, and I’ve included some fun wine recommendations below for inspiration.
To accompany the meal, I will also provide a selection of coffee, tea, and refreshing lemon water for your enjoyment.
I look forward to sharing this special evening with you—great food, meaningful conversation, and a celebration of global flavors. Please let me know if you can join!
Warmly, Chef Gary W. Irvin II
💡 Optional Wine Selections to Bring:- Prosecco (Italy) – A crisp, lightly sparkling choice for our amuse-bouche.
- Pinot Gris or Pinot Grigio (Alsace or Italy) – A perfect pairing for our coconut soup.
- Albariño (Spain) or Dry Riesling – An ideal match for our zesty cucumber salad.
- Gewürztraminer (Alsace) or Beaujolais (France) – Complementary options for our rich Massaman curry.
- Moscato d'Asti (Italy) – A delightful dessert wine for our Mango Sticky Rice.
***
### Course 1: Amuse-Bouche
- Amuse-Bouche: Thai Melon Skewers with Prosciutto and Mint. These small, refreshing skewers of cantaloupe and honeydew melon wrapped with thinly sliced prosciutto and a fresh mint leaf offer a delightful, slightly savory start, awakening the palate without being too heavy.
- Wine Pairing Suggestion: Prosecco (Italy). A light, effervescent, and slightly off-dry Prosecco will beautifully complement the sweetness of the melon and the saltiness of the prosciutto, cleansing the palate perfectly.
***
### Course 2: Soup
- Soup: Tom Kha Gai (Coconut Galangal Soup with Chicken). This classic Thai soup features a rich and aromatic coconut milk broth infused with galangal, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mushrooms, and tender chicken. It's creamy, savory, and subtly spicy.
- Wine Pairing Suggestions: Pinot Gris/Grigio (Alsace or Italy). A dry and aromatic Pinot Gris from Alsace (or a crisp Pinot Grigio from Italy) with its notes of stone fruit and a hint of minerality will stand up to the richness of the coconut milk and complement the herbal notes without overpowering them.
***
### Course 3: Salad
- Salad: Tam Taeng (Spicy Cucumber Salad). Crisp slices of cucumber lightly pounded with tomatoes, green beans, and a tangy, spicy dressing made with lime juice, fish sauce, chilies, and palm sugar. It's incredibly refreshing and a delightful palate cleanser.
- Wine Pairing Suggestions: Albariño (Spain). This bright and aromatic white wine, known for its high acidity, citrus notes (especially grapefruit), and often a slight salinity, will be a fantastic match for the zesty and spicy Tam Taeng. It has the vibrancy to stand up to the bold flavors without being overwhelmed. A crisp, Dry Riesling is also an excellent alternative.
***
### Course 4: Main Course
- Main Course: Massaman (Massaman Curry with Beef). A rich, complex, and relatively mild Thai curry, featuring tender beef, potatoes, onions, and peanuts, all simmered in a coconut milk base with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and star anise. Its unique sweet and savory profile is incredibly comforting and deeply flavorful.
- Wine Pairing Suggestions:
- Dry Riesling (Germany or Australia): The bright acidity and mineral notes of a dry Riesling can cut through the richness of the Massaman curry and complement its aromatic spices without clashing.
- Gewürztraminer (Alsace): This aromatic white wine, with its notes of lychee, rose, and ginger, can be a stunning pairing for Massaman curry. Its slight sweetness and floral characteristics will beautifully harmonize with the curry's complexity.
- For red wine lovers, a Beaujolais (France) or a very light-bodied Pinot Noir (Oregon) could work due to their fruit-forwardness and lower tannins, which are less likely to clash with the curry's spices and richness.
***
### Course 5: Dessert
- Dessert: Mango Sticky Rice (Khao Niao Mamuang). The quintessential Thai dessert! Sweet sticky rice infused with coconut milk, served with fresh, ripe mango slices and often garnished with toasted sesame seeds or a drizzle of extra coconut cream.
- Wine Pairing Suggestions: Moscato d'Asti (Italy). A lightly sparkling, sweet, and aromatic Moscato d'Asti with its notes of peach, apricot, and honey will be a delightful match for the sweetness of the mango and the creamy coconut sticky rice. Its low alcohol content and effervescence make it a perfect dessert wine.
Secure Your Seat for an Unforgettable Culinary Experience!
Join Wednesdays Angels & Chef Gary W. Irvin II for An Evening Celebrating Thai 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! 🍷✨
