Dallas Bites and Sights Food Tours
Passionate about all forms of food, Jeanine Stevens started Dallas Bites & Sights taste tours in early 2012, bringing her food-oriented tours to Dallas’ most revered local culinary institutions. An inveterate chocoholic, Ms. Stevens spent years acquiring knowledge of where the best chocolate and specialty food emporiums (from barbeque to banh mi) were located. But that love went far beyond sweets.
“Whenever I’d drive through various Dallas neighborhoods, I’d focus on which bakeries, eateries and grocery stores were located nearby. So why not take others to my favorite food spots? So many cupcakes, sandwiches, pies, tacos, pizzas and truffles…so little time!”
Growing up in Chicago, Jeanine enthusiastically ate her way through the Windy City. She credits her food-loving parents with taking the family to many unique restaurants and local eateries every month, from Romanian and Swedish to Korean, Italian and Jewish. She learned various specialties of these venues and explored them every chance she got - then brought that love to Dallas.
“I want our guests to savor great local, mom and pop food as much as I do,” says Stevens.
“We especially want our guests to learn about local food artisans: bakeries, taquerias, ramen shops, vegan food houses, black-owned businesses, gelaterias, cheese makers and others. Some of the these are located in hidden settings you might drive right past and never notice. Our guests often say, ‘Wow, I had no idea that shop was tucked away off Lovers Lane.' ”
Stevens' diverse food tours take guests to sample the best of various food genres. The most popular tours include the Dallas' Best Tacos & Margaritas Tour, the Wine, Bites and City Lights Jazz Tour, the Dallas Black-owned Businesses, History and Bites Tour, the Dallas by Chocolate Tour, the Dallas Vegan Tour and THE BACON TOUR. Over 3,000 people typically take the company's Christmas Lights, Chocolate and Sips Tours in December.
Tour guides are knowledgeable about many foods and restaurants. Chefs have been known to take or even lead her tours! Along with great eating experiences, hosts poses extensive knowledge of Dallas-area neighborhoods and landmarks. "You'll come away with a new appreciation for the city and its can-do spirit," says Stevens. Beyond Dallas, the company conducts tours in Fort Worth, Grapevine, McKinney, Plano and other areas.
The tours are conducted on a motorcoach---or walking--and last from three to four hours. During that time, four to five locations are visited and various food tastings are held at venues. Beverages like wine, beer, water and soft drinks may be part of the equation, depending on the tour. Kids are welcome, too - those four and under are free.
Each tour incorporates favorite destinations in a variety of offerings. People can reserve seats on scheduled tours by visiting the company’s website, while private groups--such as corporate groups interested in team building--can request a private specialty tour of their choice, with pickup at their desired location.
Jeanine Stevens says she intends Dallas Bites & Sights Tours to be a mini escape...a pampered staycation if you will. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different from the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and many guests book repeat tours because they're so much fun. Come experience one soon!”