What You Should Be Drinking: Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa

The Sig-O and I were fortunate enough to be invited to the recent Patron Cocktail lab event at Candleroom. Yes, we were pretty much sold at Patron. But this was not a tequila shot kind of night. We were going to learn to be mixologists.

While I've never been a fan of the lounges that have long lines and require bottle service, Candleroom is a tucked away venue that is perfect for private events. Patron took over for the evening, inviting us in with patron lemon mojitos which were just what was needed as we came in from the still sweltering heat at 7 p.m. Patron took a different, and much appreciated, route with their brand event. While there have been a number of brand ambassador events lately that were large events with 100+ people, Patron opted for a smaller, more intimate and interactive evening.

While the evening certainly included the usual Patron Silver, Reposado and Anejo, the standouts were Patron XO Cafe and Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, which is exactly what you should be drinking. I wasn't familiar with the Cocoa, but immediately took a liking to it and decided that it would be included as I became a mixologist for the evening. Patron even brought in the "real" mixologists from Tate's, Oak and other local bars known for their unique cocktails. Not only do these guys know how to make a great cocktail, they know how to help you acheive the cocktail of your dreams.

Back to the Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa. I decided we'd make a drink that was what every girl wants to drink after diner but before being convinced to come up for a night cap - a chocolate covered strawberry. They showed us how to muddle the strawberries with a bit of rosemary, simple syrup and a splash of Patron Silver. We then added 2 oz of Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa, shook it with ice and strained it into a martini glass. Garnished it with a strawberry and proceeded to drink it. It. Was. Awesome.

And now Patron XO Cafe Dark Cocoa is on my liquor shopping list(stop judging me). Thank Patron.

Things I Learned From Scott Gottlich Last Night and Why I Was Online Shopping at Bijoux

Last night the Sig-O and I had the opportunity to go to Bijoux for 4-course dinner and cooking lesson from Scott Gottlich. It was a fabulous Google local offer that we snapped up, as did 50 of our closest new friends. It was fantastic, and I've never been so happy to have the Amazon.com app on my iPhone. No, I wasn't texting or doing constant FB updates, I was shopping, but only for a minute. Why? You ask, was I shopping while the oh-so-cute Scott Gottlich was talking (sidebar: his wife Gina is a lucky girl. He's funny, charming, adorable, oh, and the man can cook!) He taught us about foam. I know, I know, we've all seen foam at fancy restaurants and been in awe. Gottlich demystified it as he explained a simple trip to the store or Amazon could make us look like pros at our next cocktail party. Seriously, all you have to do is buy Soy Lecithin powder (less than $20 on Amazon) and an immersion blender. Then you can foam anything and everything. Seriously, everything. Our end of the table was then coming up with fabulous things we could foam. The winning idea? Bacon. You may think bacon has come and gone, but you're wrong. Bacon will never, ever, not even if hell freezes over, be gone. However, it will be foamed.

Foam is not just some fancy party trick. Gottlich explained how changing the texture changes how we taste different foods. And it does. Watermelon foam was delicious on the tomato and melon salad, and was a completely different taste then just biting into a slice of melon. When they served our corn soup it had been blended to a perfectly smooth consistency, with just a bit of creme fraiche. Again, we noticed different flavors then we would have had it remained thicker and more chowder like. For our entree, we enjoyed a delightful sole with melted broccoli. Melted? Yes, melted. They cook the broccoli in butter, then puree it. See? texture changes, again. The melted broccoli was a far cry from the "trees" mom used to make you eat. We finished dinner with a cheese course, one of my favorites - Humbolt Fog. Creamy and perfect, paired with a ruby port, it was a fantastic way to close out dinner.

Google seems to be offering these chef classes and dinners on a monthly basis, so I encourage you to check them out, as they're a fun way to experience great restaurants around town in a new way. Bijoux is certainly one of my favorites, for their food, their staff and, of course, Mr. Gottlich.

I wonder if the dog will appreciate a little foam on his breakfast.

Jason Aldean Presale Password

Jason Aldean with DJ Silver, Rachel Farley and Luke Bryan Saturday, October 27 Gexa Energy Pavilion Presale starts: Thu, July 19 at 10am Presale ends: Thu, Jul 19 at 10pm Use Password: microphone

Peter Pan Tickets for Less Than $25!

"Peter Pan," is flying into Dallas' Music Hall at Fair Park this month, starring Cathy Rigby as the boy who never grew up. Tickets to see her in a new production of the childhood favorite are more than 40% off for a limited time, starting at $22.25.

Choose from the following seating levels for 8 p.m. performances July 10-12 and 17-19:

• Rear Orchestra seats … $22.25 (reg. $40)
• First Balcony seats … $29.75 (reg. $55)
• First Orchestra seats … $32.25-37.25 (reg. $60-$70)

Click here for all the details.

7-11 Means Free Slurpees and Cheap Six Flags Rides!

In just 2 days, it will be the infamous 7-11 day, which means you can get one of those dinky little 7.11 ounce 7-11 Slurpees for free. But wait, don't just get your free Slurpee and bail. Buy something, buy anything, hang on to your receipt, and take it out to Six Flags after 7:11 p.m. for $7.11 admission!

Seriously, that basically means for $7.11 and the price of a pack of gum you get a mini-slurpee, a chance to throw up said Slurpee on a Six Flags rollercoaster, and some gum to freshen your post-slurpee-throw-up breath. That's a heck of a deal.

Free Food at Cafe Brazil Today

Café Brazil is celebrating four years at its Bishop Arts District location. Today from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., diners can get a free entrée and dessert with the purchase of a beverage.

The offer is good for dine-in only, and they ask to "please tip your server generously." And, again, it's only at the location at 611 N. Bishop Avenue.

Free Iced Tea Day at La Madeleine

Today, June 20th only, head on over to your local La Madeleine French Country Cafe to snag a FREE Regular Iced Tea or Mango Iced Tea (no coupon needed and no purchase necessary!). Limit one per guest; valid 6/20 only.