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Monday, February 25, 2008

Big contest: Win Savor Dallas tickets

by Mike Orren

Savor Dallas preview

DALLAS — This is one of my favorites out of the promotions we ran last year -- and it's back, bigger and better. As part of our media sponsorship of Savor Dallas, we've got ten (yes, ten) sets of tickets to every Savor Dallas event to give away to lucky, active and vocal members of our community. A full set is worth $700, but we're only going to do a couple of those. Otherwise, we'll spread the love around with some smaller prizes.

What, you ask, is Savor Dallas?:

"Savor Dallas is an annual food and wine festival over a March Weekend in Dallas. More than 60 of North Texas' top chefs showcase their signature recipes along with over 500 premium wines, spirits and beers. This epicurean experience features vintners, artisan producers and purveyors from around the globe."

I went last year and loved every minute: Unlimited tastings of fine wines and signature dishes from the area's top restaurants. What's not to love?

Here's how the contest breaks down:

Part 1: The UnContest

This Thursday night, we'll simply announce one grand prize winner via the UnContest: The single PegNews user with the highest Daily You score for "Food and Drink" who has also visited the site while logged in over the prior 48 hours will get one complete set of tickets. That's two tickets each to: the International Grand Tasting and Chef's After-Party; the Reserve Tasting; a wine seminar; and the Arts District Wine Stroll / Victory Park Celebration / AFI Dallas Movie Screening -- plus a parking voucher. Total value: $700.

The only thing you can do to improve your chances on this one is to make sure you are registered with a PegNews account and opted-in for the Daily You and then view a lot of dining content between now and Thursday. But frankly, we've got so many avid foodies in our community, that if you aren't already pretty well-engaged there, you don't stand a chance. (It's still worth getting started now for future foodie giveaways.) And if you're one of our regulars, be sure to use the site this week.

Don't worry, though -- no matter what, you can still enter the review competition...

Part 2: Review competition

This one is similar to last year's. Simply go to the dining page and search our listings for your favorite (and not-so-favorite) restaurants. Post a substantive review in the comments on the restaurant page, including the number ratings* on each one. Those who post the most reviews between the moment of this posting and 11:59 PM on March 4 will win the prizes listed below.

BIG CAVEAT: Only substantive reviews will be counted towards your totals, and substantiveness is in our sole discretion. However, as a rule, if you talk about specifics about the restaurant -- actual dishes you had; what you liked and disliked; etc., you'll be on the right side of the line. But a review like "OMG it was AWESOME!!!" will not net you any points in the competition and will likely make everyone think you're generally clueless and annoying.

BONUS scoring: Reviews of any of the Savor Dallas participants count double.

Prize breakdown:

First place (one winner): Grand prize-- Two tickets to everything (see above description with the UnContest)

Second place (one winner): Two tickets to the International Grand Tasting / Chef's After-Party and the Reserve Tasting ($520 value)

Third place (four winners): Your choice of two tickets to either the International Grand Tasting OR the Reserve Tasting ($250 value). Awarded first-come, first-served to eligible winners.

Fourth place (three winners): Two tickets to Arts District Wine Stroll / Victory Park Celebration / AFI Dallas Movie Screening plus a parking pass ($100 value)

Fifth place (three winners): Two tickets to a wine seminar ($80 value)

So, there will be a total of 13 lucky winners. Decent odds for lots of participation, if you ask me.

So, what are you waiting for? Start reviewing to win. Or you could just dispense with all this ruckus by going ahead and buying tickets.

*- Be sure to use the number ratings on your reviews. That's how we distinguish between a review and a comment so we don't have to count all of these by hand.

Obviously, Pegasus News staff aren't eligible. All other common-sense rules apply. Pegasus News is a media sponsor for Savor Dallas.

Staff
Verified User
Anonymous

Elizabeth Eshelman says:

am i an idiot? What's a number rating?

Verified

1 year, 9 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

Elizabeth:

No, you're not.
Restaurant pages have number ratings in addition to the comments. They look like the below:

So if you enter a comment on a restaurant page without ticking off numbers in the ratings, our system won't see it as a review and it won't count for the contest.

Make sense?

Staff

1 year, 9 months ago
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luniz says:

just so you know, I'll be out of town that weekend :( so no free tickets for me.

Anonymous

1 year, 9 months ago
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Lisa Lawrence Merritt says:

I thought this was automatically mine!!!!

Bloody Hell!!!!

Back to reviewing.....

Verified

1 year, 9 months ago
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CastleHills says:

OMG this is AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!

lol

Anonymous

1 year, 9 months ago
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lizbarber says:

I've been every year and Savor Dallas is an awesome event!

Anonymous

1 year, 9 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

One minor change that may have gotten lost in the wake of our <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/blogs/pegasusnewsblog/2008/feb/26/profiles/">big feature rollout</a>: We split latest comments and latest reviews in the right rail so that the flood of restaurant reviews won't drown out the other comments.

Apologies to <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/scott_doyle/">Scott Doyle</a>-- Your suggestion for changing the blog box layout was in the queue, but appears to have slipped through the cracks. Maybe next update...

Staff

1 year, 9 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

Meh, it happens. Surely you know my feelings on it by now.

Btw, Miko, DQ me from the Savor Dallas tix (either don't mix me in or disregard it if I'm randomly picked) - I'd rather someone else who's more interested get 'em. With all the review activity I realized I'd never written one of any kind and figured I should put it my 2¢ where possible (useless as it may be).

Verified

1 year, 9 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

We have the UnContest winner:

<a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/Billusa99/">Billusa99</a> is our most food-obsessed reader, according to The Daily You. That's quite an achievement given the level of foodiesm around this joint.

So Bill wins a complete set of tix to Savor Dallas. If he is unable to fulfill his duties as Mr. Dining '08, we'll move on to the next-most interested.

Don't despair just because you aren't Bill, though. The reviewing contest described above goes on for several more days. And despite <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/GeoffK/">Geoff Keah's</a> early flurry of reviews, there's still plenty of time and twelve prizes still up for grabs.

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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Billusa99 says:

I am totally shocked and humbled -- but not as humbled as DC last year. That was a lesson in "humble!"

Thanks very much! Agent 99 would thank you too, but she' screaming right now.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

So I guess you want the tickets :-)

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

I have to commend BillNumbers for his commitment to this mission. Well done.

Now the question becomes crushing demolition with dozens of reviews or turn my back on the contest in favo(u)r of fewer, more detailed experiences. If I had the ego to think I had a readership I would leave it to them.

Ponder.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Geoff Keah says:

What a beater! I have accepted the fact that I go out way too much. Best of luck to everyone!

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

DC:

Perhaps there's a middle ground?

Reminder to all:

*"Only substantive reviews will be counted towards your totals, and substantiveness is in our sole discretion"*

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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Billusa99 says:

DC... It dawned on me this morning that this is now a two-fer.

Thus, we need to collaborate on a book. Working title would be "Beating the Foodie System - Our Favourite Tactics."

Nom de plume would be "America's Brain."

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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xdavidwattsx says:

Recount!

Oh wait, I've only reviewed one place. It's good, though.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Jeremy Dunck says:

DC, you have some readers: http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/DC/f...

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

BillRandomNumberGenerator:

Alternatively, we could just call it "Beating Foodies: Violence is the Answer."

By the way, wasn't there supposed to be a controversy party at your place sometime?? Hello invite?!

JD: thanks, but none of them have truly offensive avatars, which would make my fans uh, readers anyway, much cooler

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

xdavidwattsx: This first prize was for being the most active <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/about/dailyyou/">Daily You</a> user in terms of food content period. The review contest is still wide open.

DC: So glad to finally know that you're Donna Chen...

;-)

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

I'm really batting 1.000 today... For those confused by my sleep-deprived diction: Print your email. It is your ticket.

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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Billusa99 says:

Mike... quit leaning against that wall.

DC... hasn't happened yet. You are both still on the Eh-list.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

As one of Dallas' premier food critics and writers, I thought it was about time that I revealed my identity to all of my fans.

Sincerely

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Lisa Lawrence Merritt says:

The likeness of Mike leaning against the wall is very close to the real thing.

The life-like hair and kung fu grip are uncanny.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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luniz says:

DC I'd gladly read a review of yours every day for pure literary enjoyment. But I think you'll have to be satisfied with dorky fans...cool's askin for a lot, and I haven't seen any classes offered lately..

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

All right, all right, who's ready to call shenanigans??

I suggest a showing of receipts for the posting contest! I do have my spending summary from Bank of America in case anyone calls for a recount of last year's win.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

We have winners:

Our top two were a tight race, especially since they both had some reviews that were, um, borderline in terms of substantive content. But since they each had 9x the next closest entrant, I just went by the numbers.

So here's the roster:

First place: <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/micastio/">micastio</a>
Second: <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/GeoffK/">Geoff Keah</a>
Third: <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/indiekitten/">Elizabeth Eshelman</a>, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/clambe/">clambe</a>, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/surburbiatexas/">surburbiatexas</a> and <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/tingthing/">tingthing</a>
Fourth: <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/lala7625/">Lauren Vaughan</a>, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/DC/">DC</a> and <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/krunko/">James Scott</a>
Fifth: <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/rainey97/">rainey97</a>, <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/brownmuse/">JW Richard</a> and <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/ploudis/">ploudis</a>

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR WINNERS

To claim your tickets, you need to <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/places/peg/">come by our offices</a> during regular business hours sometime before 3:00 on Friday at the very latest. For us, business hours means roughly 9-5, and if you are in doubt, check before coming.

Our office manager, Eron Sawyer, is your contact point for the tickets. So if you have any questions, please <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/esawyer/contact/">email her ASAP</a>.

EVEN MORE IMPORTANT NOTE FOR THIRD PLACE WINNERS

*"Awarded first-come, first-served to eligible winners"* means that whomever shows up first gets first pick and so on. This ain't like calling shotgun.

Thanks to everyone for participating -- We'll do it again next year, but I think we'll generate a new idea that isn't just volume of reviews.

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

tingthing: drop a line or send an email to let me know you saw this. Your email bounced.

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

Whoo Hoo! Considering I've been writing my eyeballs off on some other projects, I didn't think I'd be wandering off with anything.

Guess it's time for my annual visit to Peg-Leg HQ.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Geoff Keah says:

I knew I should have posted those last few by midnight, I mis-read and thought I had until noon today. pwned by reading comprehension. haha.

P.S. I have bank statments dating back to 2000, I'm ready for the recount! :P

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

James Scott's been raking it in!

Also, Miko, seems y'all made the WIP change. Appreciate it.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Mike Orren says:

Anything for you, Scood.

Staff

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

I suggest a Geoff / micastro or whatever...DEATH MATCH!

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Donna Chen says:

Congrats to the contest winners. But I'm confused. I'm not DC!

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Donna Chen says:

Just did some catchup reading of DC's reviews. It appears that having two culinary writers with the same initials is simply dividing Dallas food lovers. We need to be uniting, not dividing, in this time of change. I propose we join forces and become DC^2. It's for the good of the world. Both Clinton and Obama supporters will be united.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

Wait, is Donna Chen the asian lady who was mistaken for a mexican on her road-trip...?

So confused.

But I am on board with DC's proposed mortal combat.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Donna Chen says:

On a roadtrip? No. At discount mass retailers, frequently.

I was once mistaken for a Native American at Taos Pueblo. Does that count? I almost got a free home cooked meal, too. But the lack of language ability outed me sooner than later.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

Searching comments is extremely difficult, even when using "search term site:pegasusnews.com" (<a href="http://www.google.com/search?q=austin+asian+hispanic+site:pegasusnews.com&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&hs=GTK&start=0&sa=N">example</a>) in Google I couldn't find it...

But I'm damn positive someone with a similar name talked about getting pulled over with some friends on their trip going through Austin, and being mistaken for a hispanic even though she's asian! Pretty sure time frame was Sept - Nov of '07...probably in a Latina Lista article. Needs better searching, Miko.

Back to work for Scood!

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Donna Chen says:

So it's possible there are 2 people out there pretending to be me? Awesome...

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

There is only one Donna Chen.

There is only one DC.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Lisa Lawrence Merritt says:

Awesomeness!!! I get to go again this year???

I'd better hot foot it over to the Pegs World Domination Headquarters to pick up my Major Award!!!!

Sweet.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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micastio says:

I'm on board for a deathmatch... mortal kombat...cage match...royal rumble...MMA event night... etc etc etc

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

What the christ? Lisa Lawrence Merritt = tingthing? That's gonna take some gettin' used to.

And micastio, watch yourself. <a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/GeoffK/">Geoff's</a> been highly trained in the Special Investigations Unit...

<small>(of auto insurance)</small>

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Billusa99 says:

Nice "A."

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Lisa Lawrence Merritt says:

It's more than a mouth full.....my name that is. ;)

Bill, that's my "A" Game. Every girl should have one.....

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Geoff Keah says:

Aaaaaaaaaaare you ready to ruuuuuumble?!

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

I was going to make some corny crack about how I'm a Braves fan and I don't know why, but on second look (or fifth) it doesn't seem to be the A-T-L 'A':

Lisa, pray tell: what's the A really all about?

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

<a href="http://www.pegasusnews.com/users/olson_ct/">olson_ct</a> points out the following:

Doyle's never been to 'bama and doesn't plan on going. Good to know origin of the A <s>I've been staring at</s> was wondering about has been brought to my attention.

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

Maybe she wants a new pearl necklace.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Billusa99 says:

You guys need to go somewhere for lessons.

Nice "A."

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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Lisa Lawrence Merritt says:

Roll This...yep it's The Tide!

You boys seem a bit distracted from the topic Savor Dallas. Looks like it's become Dallas Savor instead. ;)

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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Scott Doyle says:

Bill, which do you suggest?

And an attempt to stay somewhat topical: <a href="http://restaurantgirlspeaks.blogspot.com/2006/04/how-to-score-with-waitress.html">How to score with a waitress</a>

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

It's well known that anyone attempting to 'score with the help' has a less than 8% chance of success.

That's why I am Dallas' premier food related blogger.

Anonymous

1 year, 8 months ago
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JW Richard says:

Yea! I won!

Verified

1 year, 8 months ago
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DC says:

I am not Donna Chen. I am .....

.... Da Coolinaire!!

Damn, that name rulz on so many levels.

By the way, meh-orren, I am available for other events should your otherwise shady contest winners no show today. Your people have my operatives' #s. You know what they always say about the internet, content, content, content.

By the way, love the office.