Christmas Briskets and Hams; Matt McCallister's Formative Dishes

PARK CITIES—Pitmaster Doug Pickering of D.W.P. Grill M.D. (whom many will remember from the short-lived WORK. Bar & Grill in Deep Ellum) is offering smoked hams and briskets through Front Room Tavern for the holidays. A whole maple bourbon smoked ham feeds 6-8 people for $89.99; a half brisket serves 6-8 for $79.99 and a full brisket is $149.99. Pre-order via email at holidayorders@frontroomdallas.com or call (214) 219-8282. [EaterWire]

WHAT CHEFS EAT—FT33's Matt McCallister tells First We Feast about "10 of the dishes that inspired [him] to forge his own creative path in the kitchen." They include his mom's chicken and dumplings, a wacky-looking chimichanga-esque chicken dish from a restaurant in his former home of Scottsdale, and super-fresh uni he ate off the coast of Australia. [FWF]

PARK CITIES/UPTOWN/ETC.—Hopdoddy Burger Bar just won't quit with the insane shake specials. This time around it's a Frozen Banana Shake made with housemade vanilla ice cream, honey-roasted bananas, and chocolate sauce, garnished with a chocolate-dipped banana chip. Get it now through December 21 for six bucks. [EaterWire]