April 5, 2012
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Report From 2012 Savor Dallas: Top Ten Dishes Served at International Grand Tasting

Courtesy of D Magazine

The popular International Grand Tasting at Savor Dallas 2012 took place on Saturday night at Irving Convention Center in Las Colinas. Organizers noted the move from Dallas to Irving was to make it easier for the residents of Fort Worth to attend.  Any worry that the change in venue would deter event patrons was quickly dispelled once the doors  swung open.  The place was packed, people shuffled around tightly, filling the venue as guests got the opportunity to hob-nob and rub elbows with some of the finest chefs in DFW.  The food and drink were, of course, spectacular as chefs were well prepared to excite and surprise their guests this year.

While nearly every dish our small group sampled was delightful, we thought we would pay homage to some of the most exciting and delicious dishes presented this year.  So here are (in no particular order) our picks of the Top 10 Best Bites of the 2012 Savor Dallas International Grand Tasting

Gazpacho from Dee Lincoln’ Bubble Bar
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

1. Kelly Hightower/Wild Salsa: Shrimp albondigas (spicy shrimp meatball) with ground pumpkin seed and onion, topped with cilantro and contija cheese.  Definitely the spiciest dish of the night, but perhaps, my personal favorite.

2. Juliard Ishizuka/ Dee Lincoln’s: Tomato gazpacho with goat cheese, watermelon, cured chorizo, and micro arugala.  Fine use of spice, temperature, and citrus, all together refreshing and unique.

3. Nick Amoriello/Meddlesome Moth: Shrimp and grits with pepperjack, jalapeno country gravy, and “tons of cream, tons of butter.” Hard to go wrong there.

The spicy star of The Meddlesome Moth’s shrimp and grits.
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

4. Cesar Gallegos/Bolla: Smoked scallop crudo with avocado mousse, candied pepitas, jicama hot sticks, and a shot of Patron tequila. Bold flavors, unique presentation. I hope we get to see a lot more “hot sticks” in the future.

Brisket Tacos from Neighborhood Services
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

5. Jeff Bekavac/ Neighborhood Services: Street tacos of smoky, sweet barbecue brisket with a blue cheese coleslaw.

The Whiskey Cake
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

6. TJ Lengnick/Whiskey Cake: The Whiskey Cake, no one will question Chef Lengnick’s decision to bring the restaurant’s signature dessert to the party, nor do I think anyone will question its inclusion on this list. This thing is blissful.

7. Nicky Phinyawatana/The Mint: Minced chicken salad with lime, cilantro, mint, red pepper, served on baby endive and bok choy.

Mint chicken salad from The Mint
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

8. Pat Robertson/Five Sixty: Kobe beef tataki with asparagus salad, jalapeno ponzu, cilantro and fried garlic.

9. Kay Agnew/Margaux’s Bridge Bistro: Duck and andouille sausage gumbo.

10. Eric Brandt/Bisto 31: Escargot and pork belly with parsley pesto, walnut, and creamy polenta.

Goat Cheese and Sweet Onion Jam from JJ&B
(Photography by Elizabeth Lavin)

Recognition should also be given to the always brilliant Scardello Cheese with their lovely offerings of royal cheddar, landaff, and bleu debasque; JJ&B (Jellies, Jams and Butters) for their splendid sweet onion jam; and Kaurina’s original “kulfi” or Indian ice cream bars in mango, cardamom cream, and pistachio almond. Seriously, people were freaking out about this ice cream, myself included, which can be ordered here from artizone.com.

March 30, 2012
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Savor Dallas All Weekend

SAVOR DALLAS 

The 8th annual celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts features cuisine from more than 50 area chefs and some 400 premium wines, spirits and important beers throughout the two-day event. This photo was taken at a previous Arts District Wine Stroll, which is part of the festival.

Savor Dallas, the eighth annual two-day celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts, will feature cuisine from more than 50 area chefs and some 400 premium wines, spirits and beers. Activities will begin with tastings during the Arts District Wine Stroll, followed by Sips and Sounds at the Kessler Theater including a concert by Carrie Rodriguez. Other events include the International Grand Tasting (where Yellow Cabs will stand by), a wine-and-cheese seminar at the Mansion, a wine-panel tasting seminar at the Four Seasons in Las Colinas, and a new event for this year featuring women chefs and winemakers.

The 8th annual celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts features cuisine from more than 50 area chefs and some 400 premium wines, spirits and important beers throughout the two-day event. This photo was taken at a previous event called “Wine, Women and Lunch” with chef Janice Provost. (www.DFWEventPhotography.com)

March 30-31 at various times and locations in Dallas and Irving. $35-$125; individual tickets and package prices available online. For a complete schedule of events and prices, visit the event website. 888-728-6747. savordallas.com.

March 23, 2012
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8th Annual Savor Dallas

The 8th annual Savor Dallas, March 30-31, a “celebration of wine, food, spirits and the arts,” expands regionally and adds new events for 2012. The largest premium wine and food event in Texas features cuisine from more than 60 of the area’s top chefs and more than 400 premium wines, spirits and beers at its events throughout the weekend.

“We are excited to see Savor Dallas grow from its downtown Dallas base to include new events in Bishop Arts and Las Colinas.” Jim White, Savor Dallas co-founder along with his wife Vicki Briley-White, said. “We’ve added a cool concert at the Kessler Theater, and created some great cooking and tasting opportunities that will benefit local food and wine groups like Les Dames d’Escoffier.”

The popular “Arts District Stroll” sets the stage for the two-day festival on Friday, March 30, 5-7 p.m., where guests can enjoy wine and food tastings in the Dallas Museum of Art, the Nasher Sculpture Center, the Meyerson Symphony Center, and the Winspear Opera House. A group of the popular new Food Trucks will be selling their goodies along Flora Street during the Stroll.

Following the Wine Stroll, “Sips and Sounds” at the historic Kessler Theater in the Bishop Arts District on Friday, March 30 from 8 p.m. until midnight, offers a casual after-party and concert with recording artist Carrie Rodriguez on-stage, plus tasty bites from a host of Oak Cliff chefs, like Tillman’s Corner and Gloria’s, plus artisans including Kessler Cookies, and great “sips” from Ultimate Vodka, Stella Artois, and Apothic and Edna Valley Wines, at the hottest new live music venue in Texas.

SATURDAY EVENTS
Also new, great women chefs and winemakers join forces to create a sizzling lunch and wine tasting at Milestone Culinary Arts Center in Uptown Dallas on Saturday, March 31 from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Led by host chef Sharon Van Meter, from Milestone Culinary Arts, “Wine, Women and Lunch–Texas Style” benefits the Dallas Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier and features recipes from the award-wining “Cooking with Les Dames d’Escoffier.”

Continuing are the popular Saturday afternoon wine panels. The first is a pairing of wine and cheese at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek to benefit the Dallas-Fort Worth Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food with the Mansion’s Michael Flynn and Rich Rogers from Scardello Artisan Cheese.

The second, being held at the Four Seasons Resort Las Colinas, is the Savor Dallas “Wine Panel” tasting seminar moderated by Master Sommeliers James Tidwell and Drew Hendricks and benefiting the Texas Sommelier Association Education Fund featuring winemakers attending the annual wine festival.

Saturday mainstays return in a new and exciting location. The “Reserve Tasting” features ultra-premium wines and spirits from 5 to 6:30 p.m. Savor Dallas Lone Star Awards this year will be presented to Alberto Lombardi, for Culinary, and Curtis and Patricia Meadows, for the Arts.

INTERNATIONAL GRAND TASTING
The gourmet highlight of the Savor Dallas weekend–the “International Grand Tasting” (7-10 p.m.), showcases a sampling of signature cuisine from more than 60 top Dallas/Fort Worth top chefs and hundreds of premium wines, spirits, and beers. Both events will be staged in the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas.

Arrive by Cadillac at these two Saturday night events and receive free valet parking, thanks to Savor sponsor Cadillac. The evening’s answer to responsible drinking will be a fleet of Yellow Cabs standing by to ferry excessive revelers home. Rates will vary depending on Metroplex location destination.

For a complete schedule, and all details for each event, including a list of all participants, and to purchase tickets, go to SavorDallas.com or call 888-728-6747.

Read more: White Rock Lake Weekly

March 21, 2012
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Grimaldi’s Coal Brick-Oven Pizzeria

Posted on The Flash List

In the 2000 film Gladiator, the general Maximus describes his emperor’s wishes: “Marcus Aurelius had a dream that was Rome, Proximo.  This is not it. This is not it!”

Likewise, in our search for an upscale and romantic pizzeria, we have more than once found ourselves sitting at an establishment thinking, “This is not it.”

Then we found Grimaldi’s.

With over 100 years of coal fired brick-oven pizza-making traditions and an original location that sits just under the Brooklyn Bridge in New York, Grimaldi’s is considered an institution.  We like it for its warm, sophisticated atmosphere which includes red and white checked tablecloths, large wine glasses ideal for swirling (as well as beautiful pendant light fixtures crafted from wine bottles), huge windows at the bar that open up to the outdoor patio, and … while Grimaldi’s is technically a family-friendly restaurant, we’ve never been disturbed by any rambunctious children when we’ve happened to have been there.

You can order your unique, smoky flavored, thin, crisp crust pizza topped with a choice of pepperoni, meatballs, grilled chicken, oven roasted sweet red peppers, fresh basil, sun dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, artichoke hearts, and more.  A custom water composition system installed to pump ‘New York water’ ensures that the dough tastes as authentically New York as possible, and fresh ingredients including handmade mozzarella and ‘secret recipe’ sauce makes Grimaldi’s the most award-winning pizzeria in the United States.

Pair your meal with a fresh salad (a small is large enough for two) and a bottle of Pellegrino,a beer, or maybe a Francis Coppola Shiraz; and top it all off with their famous cannoli, a slice of butterscotch toffee cheesecake, or some tiramisu.

If you’re in the mood for fantastic pizza at a chic adult venue, Grimaldi’s is definitely it.

 Locations

The Shops at Park Lane | 8060 Parklane #105 | Dallas, TX   75231 | 214-987-1173

West Village | 3636 McKinney Ave. | Dallas, TX 75201 | 214-559-4611

Watters Creek at Montgomery Farms | 836 Market St. | Allen, TX 75013 | 214-383-9703

Website  | Facebook | Twitter

March 21, 2012
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Savor Dallas is Next Weekend!

If I had to choose one event to hit during Savor Dallas next weekend, I would pick Wine, Women and Lunch. Why, because I like wine and women and the good work done by the Dallas Chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier. This elite group includes female chefs, restaurateurs, winemakers, cookbook writers, artisan food producers, and other heavy hitters in the food biz. Lunch with them on Saturday, March 31 from 11:30AM until 1:30PM at theMilestone Culinary Arts Center.  The menu for the luncheon, which benefits the group, will feature recipes from the “Cooking with Les Dames D’Escoffier,” which features recipes from Julia Child, Lidia Bastianich, Gale Gand, Marcella Hazan, Alice Waters, and many more.” The $99 price includes a copy of the book.  To reserve your tickets, click here.

March 19, 2012
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This book is my new “bouquet of flowers” …

Dr. Sheron Patterson

Dr. Sheron Patterson counseled with fans and new-found friends Saturday at A Real Book Store in the Village at Fairview during her author’s book signing for “The Blessings&Bling.”  Author of seven books, this newest one chronicles Sheron’s path to surviving breast cancer by turning to faith and fashion.

Says Jan Strimple, International Model and Dallas’s premiere Fashion Event Producer,  “From the vantage point of a career in fashion, I know first-hand the value bling brings to our lives, our community, and our economy.  My top hat is off to Sheron for crafting a brilliant way to show us all how to enjoy life, whatever our status; and at the same time appreciate our bountiful blessings.”

This book is my new “bouquet of flowers” to friends going through cancer or any other adversity.

March 19, 2012
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Chef Abraham Salum Wins Ultimate Chef Award

Abraham Salum

Congratulations to Abraham Salum, winner of the Ultimate chef award in this week’s just announced “Readers Voice Awards” given by The Dallas Voice.  The chef/owner of Uptown’s popular Salum and Komali restaurants, Abraham also is celebrating Salum’s being recognized at the Ultimate Experience in a tie with Stephan Pyles.  In making the announcement, The Voice’s Arnold Wayne Jones said, “There are chefs who toil away in the kitchen and never come out to see their guests.  There are chefs who are NEVER in the kitchen because they are always cooking on TV or for magazines.  Then there is Abraham Salum…..”

March 17, 2012
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The Blessings & The Bling Book Signing

Catch Dr. Sheron Patterson talking about how she survived breast cancer by turning to faith and fashion in her new book, The Blessings&Bling,  Sat., March 17, at 2 PM,  A Real Book Store in The Village at Fairview (113 Prairie Road, Fairview).

Look for her to be outfitted in bling. And she will personally autograph a copy of her book ($15 RootSky Books) for you.

March 16, 2012
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Feliz Primero Cumpleaños Komali

Reposted from Oh So Cynthia

Abraham Salum and Anastacia Quiñones,

Komali’s new Chef de Cuisine

I received a press release recently about the one year anniversary of Abraham Salum‘s restaurant, Komali, and I had two thoughts: (one) I can’t believe it’s already been a year and (two) I can’t believe I’ve eaten at Salum a million times and haven’t made it into Komali yet!  So, I called my favorite Twitter pal, Jane McGarry from NBC DFW and made a lunch date.

In celebration of the first anniversary of Uptown’s contemporary Mexican cuisine restaurant Komali, proprietor/executive chef Abraham Salum has released new lunch, dinner and brunch menus showcasing chef de cuisine Anastacia Quinonesnew items.  “We think guests old and new will enjoy discovering AQ’s influences of having studied in New York, worked in California, and established a reputation in Dallas,” says Salum. “Also, our early spring weather invites diners to enjoy the new Komali patio and daily patio drink specials.”

Included in the new menus are such specialties as Antojitos Mexicanos, Tostadas de Atun, Tortilla Soup, Ensalada de Atun, Scallops (Callos de Hacha), Mahi (Dorado Asado); and Camarones (Mexican Shrimp and Grits). Also, AQ has orchestrated a new take on the ever-popular Chile Relleno, Filete de Huachinango, Quail, Scallops, and Salmon.  A new section sure to get attention is Quinones’ take on Komali’s Tex-Mex offered on the lunch and dinner menus.

Jane and I quizzed our waiter and General Manager Bobby Walters about their favorite dishes before placing our order. Jane was the big winner with the scallop dish you see below. She gave me a big bite and it was so amazing that I was kicking myself for not ordering it. The Fish Tacos I got were also great, but it was hard to compete with that scallop dish… It’s like comparing a great sub sandwich with a steak. Not a fair comparison.

From the communal table in the bar to the unique hand-designed fireplace, clean lines softened by sisal covered walls and creative lighting invite all who enter to relax, have fun, and share in the unique flavors of old Mexico. Komali offers an opportunity to enjoy a memorable dining experience where exquisite space and extraordinary cuisine meet. Further enticements include an intimate patio, and a bar area that provides an excellent backdrop to enjoy drinks with friends or even watch a game.

Komali is located at 4152 Cole #106.  Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant is open Monday-Saturday, 11:30 am-11:00 pm.  Brunch is served Sundays, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. For reservations call 214/252-0200. www.komalirestaurant.com

March 14, 2012
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Parigi’s Chef Houser on Fox 4’s Good Day

Chef Chad Houser

Chef Chad Houser & Martha Tiller on the Set of Fox 4’s Good Day Dallas

Chad Houser, chef/partner of Parigi Restaurant on Oak Lawn appeared this morning on Fox 4’s Good Day to prepare an Asian Salad and talk about the restaurant’s upcoming appearance at Savor Dallas.  They have participated in Savor every year, and this is the 8th year.  Chad’s Parigi partner Janice Provost also will appear in Savor’s first time Wine, Women and Lunch, 11:30 am, Sat., March 30th, Milstone Culinary Arts Center on McKinney Ave. This event benefits the Dallas chapter of Les Dames D’Escoffier.  Ticket is $99 and includes lunch, wine pairings and a copy of Les Dames cookbook.  For details www.savordallas.com or to purchase tickets direct, call 214/217-2818.

March 10, 2012
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Dallas-Fort Worth Chefs Preview Savor Dallas Dishes

Courtesy Pegasus News

Famed chef René Redzepi of Copenhagen’s Noma restaurant told Bon Appétit recently that large ants he found while “digging into the soil” tasted like a wonderful blend of lemongrass, ginger, and lovage. As any foodie will tell you, braised, broiled, and baked ants are a gastronomic delicacy.

But Savor Dallas attendees need not cringe or fret when they arrive at the eighth annual food and wine event. None of the more than 60 Dallas and Fort Worth chefs — nor the posh restaurants they will represent — spice up their savory cuisine with ants.

Instead, some of the country’s most outstanding master and executive chefs will use seafood and sauces in their delectable creations at the International Grand Tasting, the culmination of the two-day event that starts Friday, March 30, with the Dallas Arts District Wine Stroll.

“I’m very excited to be part of Savor Dallas this year. In my opinion, it is always fun to cook for people who have a passion for food and drink,” said Andre Natera, executive chef of the AAA rated Four Diamond Fairmont Hotel Pyramid Restaurant & Bar.

Natera, a member of the prestigious World Master Chefs Society, plans to prepare a Thai Seafood Ceviche for the Savor Dallas International Grand Tasting event at the Irving Convention Center at Las Colinas on Saturday, March 31.

“I know that may seem like a contradiction, however, it is basically a seafood salad marinated in Thai flavors like lemongrass and kefir lime,” said Natera, who revealed the secret behind his attention-getting Caesar salad at the 2011 American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) Caesar Salad Competition.

“I use white anchovies. I love the flavor that they provide. And I think they add the perfect amount of acidity to the dressing,” said Natera, a resident of a Dallas suburb who enjoys sampling ethnic foods when he’s not cooking.

Christof Syre, chef of Four Seasons Resort and Club Dallas at Las Colinas for the past 11 years, has not participated in Savor Dallas before. But he’s excited about showcasing local and seasonal choices in his spicy, Sangria-marinated watermelon, Texas red fish, and arugula.

“I’m a great fan of seasonal and local products. So I selected my ingredients to reflect that. Spring is great for watermelon. Texas has great red fish, sustainable and local,” exclaimed Syre, a native of Bendorf in Germany’s Rhine-Mosel region.

“Just for the fun of it, I will have the watermelon vacuum-packed together with the flavors of the Sangria. It will help the texture and definitely the flavor; it will all be sealed in. there’s no secret in creating a fresh, delicious, and sexy spring dish,” said Syre, whose family owned a fine-dining restaurant that inspired his love of cooking.

Cesar Gallegos, executive chef at Bolla, an upscale restaurant at the historic Stoneleigh Hotel in Dallas, is a graduate of the Texas Culinary Academy in Austin. The native Texan is also an experienced food and wine aficionado.

Cesar Gallegos, Executive Chef at Bolla

“I’ve been to a lot of food and wine events or show. But I think that this is the best food and wine event. I know that this is the best Dallas has to offer,” said Gallegos, who attended Savor Dallas for the first time last year.

March 9, 2012
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Zagat Names Komali One of Best New DFW Restaurants

 

 

Read the article on NBCDWF.com.

We got our hands on the 2012 edition of the Zagat Guide to Texas Restaurants to see what the editors thought were the “key newcomers” to the DFW restaurant scene.

Making the list were Blue Sushi, Company Cafe, Komali, Lucia, Marquee Grill, Mesa, Princi Italia,Private Social, Shinjukku Station, and Texas Spice.

We’ve mentioned a few of these newcomers before — Marquee Grill and Private Social are both lead by Top Chef alums (Tre Wilcox and Tiffany Derry, respectively), and we’ve visited spots like Blue Sushi for Nonstop Foodies.

All this early info came to us from Zagat in advance of their fearless leader Tim Zagat joining us on Nonstop Nightly. (Watch that interview here)

The 2012 edition of the Zagat Guide to Texas Restaurants is available now.

March 6, 2012
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First Ladies Conference

The First Ladies Conference Monday at the George W. Bush Presidential Center on the SMU Campus was a walk through history. With President George W. Bush, First Ladies Laura and Barbara Bush, historian Doris Kearns Goodwin, TV commentator Cokie Roberts, former White House Social Secretaries and Photographers each recalling a special point in time, it was a day to be remembered. A reunion with LBJ White House Social Secretary Bess Abel was especially poignant for David and me.

 

February 15, 2012
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Chef Abraham Salum Featured on D Magazine’s SideDish

Video: Chef Abraham Salum Describes His Gig At The James Beard House

Posted on November 14th, 2011 9:00am by Andrew Chalk
Filed under Andrew ChalkChefs

In October, Abraham Salum, owner of Salum and Komali, took his gig to The James Beard House in New York City. This place is a culinary showcase where professionals and amateurs go to feast on food prepared by chefs from all over the world. Events take place almost daily and, in the same month as Salum’s appearence, attendees sampled over 25 meals from chefs from four countries. In fact, name a top chef, from Ferran Adrià down, and it is likely they have presented at the James Beard House.

Once he returned from his dinner at JBH, I asked Salum what the experience was like …

January 18, 2012
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A New Year, A New Chef

CHEF ANASTACIA QUINONES JOINS THE CULINARY TEAM AT KOMALI

Proprietor and executive chef Abraham Salum proudly announces the addition of Anastacia Quinones to his Komali kitchen in Uptown.  A graduate of CIA in New York she has worked in Kitchens in San Francisco under renowned chefs and more recently for Consillient group in Dallas at Victor Tangos and Alma restaurants.

“As we look forward to celebrating our first anniversary next month, we are excited about the creative edge Anastacia will bring to our kitchen,” says Abraham. “Look for her modern influences with a local twist on our winter menu in the next couple of weeks.

Komali is located at 4152 Cole #106.  Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant is open Monday-Saturday, 11:30 am-11:00 pm.  Brunch is served Sundays, 10:30 am-3:30 pm. For reservations call 214/252-0200. www.komalirestaurant.com.

 

 

December 23, 2011
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Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park Newsletter

Please enjoy the attached newsletter from the Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park.

Read the newsletter here: FriendsNewsletterv5n8

Visit them on the Web at and be sure to stop by their Facebook page and LIKE them!

About Friends of Lyndon B. Johnson National Historic Park
National Historical Park in two separate districts: Johnson City (named for President Johnson’s great uncle, James Polk Johnson) has the park’s visitor center and museum with two theaters, the house where Johnson grew up, and the cabin where LBJ’s grandparents settled in 1867 after moving from Georgia. The LBJ Ranch is located 14 miles west of Johnson City following Hwy. 290 toward Fredericksburg.

Admission to the LBJ State Park and the National Park Service LBJ Ranch is free. Adults, age 17-61, are charged $2 per person for a tour of the Texas White House.

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