The Black Rooster Bakery is now open on Forest Park... Try it out today.
Busy bakers with white chef hats, merrily kneading dough, old-fashioned glass soda bottles in perfect rows.. This bakery has a delicious aroma to entice your taste buds. A variety of breads are baked fresh daily, so you can come in and pick up a loaf on the way home from work, just in time for dinner.
I sampled a delicious "Cranberry Lemon Loaf" with chunks of berries. Yummy! Also on select days, sandwiches are served.
A fun "Doughnut Muffin" was a cinnamon wonderland, with bits of sugar and spice sprinkled atop.
With different treats baked daily, this bakery is sure to be a hit!
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Sunday, March 28, 2010
The Old Neighborhood Grill
Old Neighborhood Grill
1633 Park Place Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76110-1378
The Old Neighborhood Grill is nestled in a shopping center on Park Place Avenue in the Berkley and Mistletoe Heights area, close to downtown, and just minutes from TCU. This small, family-owned restaurant is a fun experience or “casual date” lunch spot. When you walk in the restaurant, the menu is written in different colored chalk on an overhead board. With so much to choose from it may take a few minutes to decide on your selection.
A wooden “lazy Susan” holds a homemade dessert, usually a “red velvet” cake or some other kind of yummy treat. It is placed strategically by the cashier so you will be tempted to order a slice to complete your meal. Hmmm.. tricky…. ☺
The homemade French fries are delicious and served piping hot. There are a number of side orders to choose from. Besides the fries, I would recommend a massive stuffed and loaded baked potato or baked apples. Both are very tasty. For lunch, fresh hamburgers are made to order as well as grilled chicken sandwiches and salads.
It’s one of the few places in town where you can get a steak for under $10. Plus the chicken fried steak is absolutely colossal, filling up half the plate.
Drinks are on a fill it up yourself basis with hefty plastic cups and different flavors of ice tea or soft drinks.
Each plate is cooked fresh in the kitchen so it takes a few minutes for your food to be delivered but it’s worth the wait. Plus while you are waiting to eat take your pick of a few wooden board games to pass the time and don’t forget to order a dessert.
Parking can get a little crazy, and during the summer months especially, you will find a row of bikes lined up as neighborhood families ride their bikes to go eat dinner. Three or four tables are also situated outside so when the weather is nice you can grab a table for two and enjoy a little sunshine.
The décor is reminiscent of a local café with a bulletin board for neighborhood events and some artwork from children in the area.
All in all, it is a fun dining experience. Plus the idea that you can get home cooked food for a reasonable price pulls in hungry diners. During the lunch hour you will see many professionals and hospital workers on their lunch break. The restaurant is short staffed so be prepared for a bit of a delay but also know it is worth your wait.
Try a slice of cheesecake or red velvet cake and be sure to have a cold glass of fresh ice tea. The Neighborhood Grill is a fun and unique place to try something that might just remind you of your grandmother’s cooking.
1633 Park Place Avenue, Fort Worth, TX 76110-1378
The Old Neighborhood Grill is nestled in a shopping center on Park Place Avenue in the Berkley and Mistletoe Heights area, close to downtown, and just minutes from TCU. This small, family-owned restaurant is a fun experience or “casual date” lunch spot. When you walk in the restaurant, the menu is written in different colored chalk on an overhead board. With so much to choose from it may take a few minutes to decide on your selection.
A wooden “lazy Susan” holds a homemade dessert, usually a “red velvet” cake or some other kind of yummy treat. It is placed strategically by the cashier so you will be tempted to order a slice to complete your meal. Hmmm.. tricky…. ☺
The homemade French fries are delicious and served piping hot. There are a number of side orders to choose from. Besides the fries, I would recommend a massive stuffed and loaded baked potato or baked apples. Both are very tasty. For lunch, fresh hamburgers are made to order as well as grilled chicken sandwiches and salads.
It’s one of the few places in town where you can get a steak for under $10. Plus the chicken fried steak is absolutely colossal, filling up half the plate.
Drinks are on a fill it up yourself basis with hefty plastic cups and different flavors of ice tea or soft drinks.
Each plate is cooked fresh in the kitchen so it takes a few minutes for your food to be delivered but it’s worth the wait. Plus while you are waiting to eat take your pick of a few wooden board games to pass the time and don’t forget to order a dessert.
Parking can get a little crazy, and during the summer months especially, you will find a row of bikes lined up as neighborhood families ride their bikes to go eat dinner. Three or four tables are also situated outside so when the weather is nice you can grab a table for two and enjoy a little sunshine.
The décor is reminiscent of a local café with a bulletin board for neighborhood events and some artwork from children in the area.
All in all, it is a fun dining experience. Plus the idea that you can get home cooked food for a reasonable price pulls in hungry diners. During the lunch hour you will see many professionals and hospital workers on their lunch break. The restaurant is short staffed so be prepared for a bit of a delay but also know it is worth your wait.
Try a slice of cheesecake or red velvet cake and be sure to have a cold glass of fresh ice tea. The Neighborhood Grill is a fun and unique place to try something that might just remind you of your grandmother’s cooking.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
Greek House
Hmmm…. It’s lunchtime and your stomach is growling, all you can think about is grabbing a quick bite to eat on your incredibly short lunch break. Hamburgers and chicken strips just won’t cut it today… You need something different, out of the ordinary and yes, conveniently close by. What should you eat?
If you are in the mood for something unique and don’t mind eating on Styrofoam plates and filling up your own drink maybe you should head over to the Greek House. It is located at:
2426 Forest Park Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817-921-1473
(Call to check the hours because they are a small family-run business and hold their own hours. If you go for dinner just realize they close at 9:00 pm on the dot. In fact, the door is often locked 10 minutes prior.)
Parking is a bit of a challenge during the lunch hour especially. When you walk in probably one of the first things you will notice is the décor and the various awards and newspaper articles hung on the dark forest green walls. The restaurant isn’t fancy and probably hasn’t been redecorated since the late 80’s but the food is delicious.
When you walk in make your way to the left where a large menu, complete with a few photographs, is posted on the wall. The food is moderately priced and you will definitely pay more than you would for a fast food lunch but the food is so much better. As usual, you get what you pay for, so if you are on a budget and trying to pick up a lunch for under $10 you might want to order a water and put most of your money towards the entrée.
The Greek salads are delicious, complete with feta cheese and a tasty and a bit tangy house dressing. The food is fresh and made to order so you can always expect extremely fresh ingredients. The restaurant is family owned by an older couple so the wait staff is limited. After placing your order at the counter, find a table or booth to sit at while you wait for your food to be prepared. A massive chunk of gyro meet hangs on a twisting rotisserie, cooked to perfection, just waiting to be sliced for gyros or skewered for kabobs. The homemade pitas are tasty and compliment the meat nicely. Curly fries are a nice side order and come piping hot and ready to dip in ketchup.
It’s a little bit annoying to eat from a Styrofoam plate but with the small staff I can understand why it’s simply the easiest choice and helps to free up the staff to work in the kitchen.
Be sure to save room for baklava! It’s a delicious treat and made fresh daily.
So next time you want a little something different head over to the Greek House and try out a local favorite, hole in the wall restaurant. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
If you are in the mood for something unique and don’t mind eating on Styrofoam plates and filling up your own drink maybe you should head over to the Greek House. It is located at:
2426 Forest Park Blvd.
Fort Worth, Texas 76110
817-921-1473
(Call to check the hours because they are a small family-run business and hold their own hours. If you go for dinner just realize they close at 9:00 pm on the dot. In fact, the door is often locked 10 minutes prior.)
Parking is a bit of a challenge during the lunch hour especially. When you walk in probably one of the first things you will notice is the décor and the various awards and newspaper articles hung on the dark forest green walls. The restaurant isn’t fancy and probably hasn’t been redecorated since the late 80’s but the food is delicious.
When you walk in make your way to the left where a large menu, complete with a few photographs, is posted on the wall. The food is moderately priced and you will definitely pay more than you would for a fast food lunch but the food is so much better. As usual, you get what you pay for, so if you are on a budget and trying to pick up a lunch for under $10 you might want to order a water and put most of your money towards the entrée.
The Greek salads are delicious, complete with feta cheese and a tasty and a bit tangy house dressing. The food is fresh and made to order so you can always expect extremely fresh ingredients. The restaurant is family owned by an older couple so the wait staff is limited. After placing your order at the counter, find a table or booth to sit at while you wait for your food to be prepared. A massive chunk of gyro meet hangs on a twisting rotisserie, cooked to perfection, just waiting to be sliced for gyros or skewered for kabobs. The homemade pitas are tasty and compliment the meat nicely. Curly fries are a nice side order and come piping hot and ready to dip in ketchup.
It’s a little bit annoying to eat from a Styrofoam plate but with the small staff I can understand why it’s simply the easiest choice and helps to free up the staff to work in the kitchen.
Be sure to save room for baklava! It’s a delicious treat and made fresh daily.
So next time you want a little something different head over to the Greek House and try out a local favorite, hole in the wall restaurant. I think you will be pleasantly surprised!
Friday, March 12, 2010
Life's Mini Adventures
Sometimes an adventure springs upon you when you are the least expecting it. Adventure isn't always something extreme sometimes it can be found in the ordinary experiences of life.
Anyway, some of my family was in town for a visit last week and we decided to go somewhere for a nice breakfast before they made the long drive home. Hmmm... where to go? It seems like not many restaurants offer a special breakfast during the week especially. Blue Mesa offers a wonderful brunch spread on weekends, which I would definitely recommend checking out. The brunch has won awards and the spread is quite impressive. It features everything from an omelet bar where you can create your own specialized omelet to roast brisket. Belgians waffles and fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth as well as desserts such as homemade chocolate chip cookies and fruit cobbler. This is not your everyday buffet, get ready to be impressed. On Saturday the buffet includes champagne and the most delicious mimosas. With so many choices this might be the only meal you need all day!
Well back to finding adventures in unusual places. I got off on a little tangent there with the Blue Mesa award-winning buffet back to the adventure story. Anyway, when my family was in town it was during the week so we couldn’t head over to Blue Mesa for their weekend brunch. We decided to try Mimi’s Café, a unique little restaurant that looks like a small cottage. Mimi’s would fit in perfectly on a hillside in Scotland. With perky flowers, tile roof, shutters, color and pizzazz a visit here is almost like stepping back in time. Any second you feel like little red riding hood might just pop up around the corner.
So we order breakfast and I ended up trying “Blueberry Stuffed French Toast “Inside and Out” a delicious twist on traditional French toast with a cream cheese stuffing and drizzled with a fresh berry sauce. I usually don’t eat a very large breakfast but this was way too delicious to just nibble. I ended up eating the entire mound of French toast.
While we were eating something happened that one would normally consider just an everyday mundane task not worthy of taking notice of. It was like a mini adventure captured in about 10 seconds flat. A waiter was setting the table next to us and I couldn’t help but stare. He took the mundane task of placing napkins and silverware on the table and turned it into a show. Somehow he whipped out a white pressed linen napkin that he had so carefully tucked in his apron and wiped the table. After this quick motion he refolded it into a perfect fan shape and tucked it back in the front pocket. Next, he placed four napkins on the table in literally two seconds flat and slapped knives, forks, and spoons on the table in a way that just looked he was juggling instead of setting a table. He wasn’t putting a show on for anyone he was just doing his job. The thing that struck me was how he took an everyday task he probably does 30 times and day and made it into something he could have fun at, a job turned into a challenge, a mundane task made into a performance. I know it wasn’t really something most people would classify as an adventure but for me I felt inspired to look at all the mundane things I do daily and make them into something fun. Life is short; we need to enjoy every second before life passes us by. A quote by Rose F. Kennedy sums up how I want to live my life:
“Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments.” So go, relish the moment, make mundane tasks an adventure. Be inspired.
Anyway, some of my family was in town for a visit last week and we decided to go somewhere for a nice breakfast before they made the long drive home. Hmmm... where to go? It seems like not many restaurants offer a special breakfast during the week especially. Blue Mesa offers a wonderful brunch spread on weekends, which I would definitely recommend checking out. The brunch has won awards and the spread is quite impressive. It features everything from an omelet bar where you can create your own specialized omelet to roast brisket. Belgians waffles and fruit will satisfy your sweet tooth as well as desserts such as homemade chocolate chip cookies and fruit cobbler. This is not your everyday buffet, get ready to be impressed. On Saturday the buffet includes champagne and the most delicious mimosas. With so many choices this might be the only meal you need all day!
Well back to finding adventures in unusual places. I got off on a little tangent there with the Blue Mesa award-winning buffet back to the adventure story. Anyway, when my family was in town it was during the week so we couldn’t head over to Blue Mesa for their weekend brunch. We decided to try Mimi’s Café, a unique little restaurant that looks like a small cottage. Mimi’s would fit in perfectly on a hillside in Scotland. With perky flowers, tile roof, shutters, color and pizzazz a visit here is almost like stepping back in time. Any second you feel like little red riding hood might just pop up around the corner.
So we order breakfast and I ended up trying “Blueberry Stuffed French Toast “Inside and Out” a delicious twist on traditional French toast with a cream cheese stuffing and drizzled with a fresh berry sauce. I usually don’t eat a very large breakfast but this was way too delicious to just nibble. I ended up eating the entire mound of French toast.
While we were eating something happened that one would normally consider just an everyday mundane task not worthy of taking notice of. It was like a mini adventure captured in about 10 seconds flat. A waiter was setting the table next to us and I couldn’t help but stare. He took the mundane task of placing napkins and silverware on the table and turned it into a show. Somehow he whipped out a white pressed linen napkin that he had so carefully tucked in his apron and wiped the table. After this quick motion he refolded it into a perfect fan shape and tucked it back in the front pocket. Next, he placed four napkins on the table in literally two seconds flat and slapped knives, forks, and spoons on the table in a way that just looked he was juggling instead of setting a table. He wasn’t putting a show on for anyone he was just doing his job. The thing that struck me was how he took an everyday task he probably does 30 times and day and made it into something he could have fun at, a job turned into a challenge, a mundane task made into a performance. I know it wasn’t really something most people would classify as an adventure but for me I felt inspired to look at all the mundane things I do daily and make them into something fun. Life is short; we need to enjoy every second before life passes us by. A quote by Rose F. Kennedy sums up how I want to live my life:
“Life isn’t a matter of milestones but of moments.” So go, relish the moment, make mundane tasks an adventure. Be inspired.
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Fuzzy's Taco Shop
A restaurant review of the Fort Worth area wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, well at least for TCU students anyway. Fuzzy’s is the home to many nights of watching football games and lots of loud cheering. Located on 2917 W. Berry Street, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is within walking distance from many TCU classes and is often a bustling hot spot during the lunch hour. With tables inside and out, Fuzzy’s offers customers a chance to sit outside and enjoy the fresh air or gather around a television screen inside and watch the game.
The menu takes a while to read, with lots of choices including everything from tacos, (of course!) to burritos, salads, grilled sandwiches, and even breakfast burritos.
The famous Baja tacos are topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, feta, and garlic sauce. You can order regular or habanera, soft or crispy shells. Meat choices range from fish, chicken, shredded beef, shrimp, grilled veggie, and ground beef. With so many choices you just might have to try them all. With the addition of feta cheese and cilantro these tacos are not just your everyday tacos, they offer a little something extra.
Soft drinks, orange juice, bottled water, tea, and of course draft beer and margaritas are available to satisfy your thirst.
To see pictures of happy customers go to http://www.fuzzystacoshop.com/ and click on “about us”. There you will find photographs of happy taco eaters. You can also join their fan site and receive e-mail updates.
The décor of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is built on a yellow, red, and green color scheme with an emphasis on the yellow. It’s not a fancy restaurant, more of a college joint that is taking off and opening stores all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area. You walk in, form a line, and place your order at one side of the restaurant and then proceed to get your beverage and pick up your fresh made entrée. Wooden benches, “picnic like” tables, and a few round tables and bar stools make up the majority of the seating.
If you are want you can order Fuzzy’s promotional items, everything from koozies, to t-shirts and tank tops. All items have the signature scary looking shark/piranha kind of fish with his mouth open and “Eat me!” on quite a few items.
The first Fuzzy’s taco shop opened in July of 2003 when “four guys were hanging out complaining about the expensive beer and food they were having.” The idea stemmed from a desire to open a hip taco joint where everyone could enjoy a cold beer and a tasty taco without breaking the bank. The idea has taken off and Fuzzy’s is popping up all over. So the next time you are craving a cold beer and taco, pop on in to Fuzzy’s and bite into something delicious!
The menu takes a while to read, with lots of choices including everything from tacos, (of course!) to burritos, salads, grilled sandwiches, and even breakfast burritos.
The famous Baja tacos are topped with lettuce, tomatoes, cilantro, cheese, feta, and garlic sauce. You can order regular or habanera, soft or crispy shells. Meat choices range from fish, chicken, shredded beef, shrimp, grilled veggie, and ground beef. With so many choices you just might have to try them all. With the addition of feta cheese and cilantro these tacos are not just your everyday tacos, they offer a little something extra.
Soft drinks, orange juice, bottled water, tea, and of course draft beer and margaritas are available to satisfy your thirst.
To see pictures of happy customers go to http://www.fuzzystacoshop.com/ and click on “about us”. There you will find photographs of happy taco eaters. You can also join their fan site and receive e-mail updates.
The décor of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is built on a yellow, red, and green color scheme with an emphasis on the yellow. It’s not a fancy restaurant, more of a college joint that is taking off and opening stores all over the Dallas/Fort Worth area. You walk in, form a line, and place your order at one side of the restaurant and then proceed to get your beverage and pick up your fresh made entrée. Wooden benches, “picnic like” tables, and a few round tables and bar stools make up the majority of the seating.
If you are want you can order Fuzzy’s promotional items, everything from koozies, to t-shirts and tank tops. All items have the signature scary looking shark/piranha kind of fish with his mouth open and “Eat me!” on quite a few items.
The first Fuzzy’s taco shop opened in July of 2003 when “four guys were hanging out complaining about the expensive beer and food they were having.” The idea stemmed from a desire to open a hip taco joint where everyone could enjoy a cold beer and a tasty taco without breaking the bank. The idea has taken off and Fuzzy’s is popping up all over. So the next time you are craving a cold beer and taco, pop on in to Fuzzy’s and bite into something delicious!
Friday, February 26, 2010
Sushi....
Sushi
Well, after working on a Sushi website for my Dreamweaver test I thought it would be appropriate to write my weekly review on a local Sushi restaurant. Plus, well…. Their website looks a lot better than the one I designed! Haha. Ok so we are headed back to Sundance Square for some spicy new cuisine. Check out “Piranha. Killer. Sushi.” Check out their website at: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com/ for the complete menu. Plus their website colors coordinate with the color palette in the restaurant itself, now that’s good marketing and branding!
Parking is always tricky downtown so it’s a good idea to park in the parking garage adjacent to Piranha’s. When you walk into the restaurant it feels like you stepped a sushi bar in California. The décor is fresh, airy, modern, and the primary colors are greens, oranges, and browns. Stained concrete and hardwoods complete the design. The bar stools and tables have almost a Scandinavian feel with sleek lines. Take a minute to look around. The designer selected each piece of artwork and furniture carefully.
Sake and wines are offered as well as a plethora of mixed drinks. Mine came garnished with a flower, which I believe was a pink orchid. The mixed drink menu is extensive and every drink has a creative name. Some of the drinks are even sweet and rich enough to qualify, as a dessert so be sure to save room for something out of the ordinary.
The appetizer menu holds everything from steamed edamame to a “Bahamian Conch Salad”. I’m not sure exactly what this salad is but it sounds interesting. Also the menu includes sushi, sashimi, and rolls. Sashimi means, “pierced body” and is actually raw fish sliced into pieces and served with a dipping sauce. The rolls include everything from traditional “California rolls” to “Avocado rolls”. Moving on to the Piranha signature rolls you will notice very clever names such as “Love at First Sight” to the “Dancing Eel Roll” and even a “Marry Me Roll”.
The entrees are artfully presented with ample attention paid to the small details of individual garnishes. Prices range from $10.95 on up to $44.95 for an entrée for two. If you are not in the mood for sushi you will find plenty of other dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki to satisfy your appetite.
Make sure you save room for dessert because the famous “Tower of Chocolate” is sure to tempt your taste buds. This is the ultimate chocolate dessert so be ready to indulge. Different varieties of ice cream are also offered such as: tempura, green tea, and red bean ice cream.
Last week I brought you some ideas on saving money by checking out local sandwich shops and trying out the “happy hour menu” at 8.0, so this week I am offering someplace new to try when you want to splurge a little or have a special occasion to celebrate. I actually went to Piranha’s for a friend’s birthday dinner. So check it out and let me know what you think.
All images courtesy of: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com
Well, after working on a Sushi website for my Dreamweaver test I thought it would be appropriate to write my weekly review on a local Sushi restaurant. Plus, well…. Their website looks a lot better than the one I designed! Haha. Ok so we are headed back to Sundance Square for some spicy new cuisine. Check out “Piranha. Killer. Sushi.” Check out their website at: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com/ for the complete menu. Plus their website colors coordinate with the color palette in the restaurant itself, now that’s good marketing and branding!
Parking is always tricky downtown so it’s a good idea to park in the parking garage adjacent to Piranha’s. When you walk into the restaurant it feels like you stepped a sushi bar in California. The décor is fresh, airy, modern, and the primary colors are greens, oranges, and browns. Stained concrete and hardwoods complete the design. The bar stools and tables have almost a Scandinavian feel with sleek lines. Take a minute to look around. The designer selected each piece of artwork and furniture carefully.
Sake and wines are offered as well as a plethora of mixed drinks. Mine came garnished with a flower, which I believe was a pink orchid. The mixed drink menu is extensive and every drink has a creative name. Some of the drinks are even sweet and rich enough to qualify, as a dessert so be sure to save room for something out of the ordinary.
The appetizer menu holds everything from steamed edamame to a “Bahamian Conch Salad”. I’m not sure exactly what this salad is but it sounds interesting. Also the menu includes sushi, sashimi, and rolls. Sashimi means, “pierced body” and is actually raw fish sliced into pieces and served with a dipping sauce. The rolls include everything from traditional “California rolls” to “Avocado rolls”. Moving on to the Piranha signature rolls you will notice very clever names such as “Love at First Sight” to the “Dancing Eel Roll” and even a “Marry Me Roll”.
The entrees are artfully presented with ample attention paid to the small details of individual garnishes. Prices range from $10.95 on up to $44.95 for an entrée for two. If you are not in the mood for sushi you will find plenty of other dishes such as Chicken Teriyaki to satisfy your appetite.
Make sure you save room for dessert because the famous “Tower of Chocolate” is sure to tempt your taste buds. This is the ultimate chocolate dessert so be ready to indulge. Different varieties of ice cream are also offered such as: tempura, green tea, and red bean ice cream.
Last week I brought you some ideas on saving money by checking out local sandwich shops and trying out the “happy hour menu” at 8.0, so this week I am offering someplace new to try when you want to splurge a little or have a special occasion to celebrate. I actually went to Piranha’s for a friend’s birthday dinner. So check it out and let me know what you think.
All images courtesy of: http://www.piranhakillersushi.com
Friday, February 19, 2010
Do you ever feel tired of all the same sandwich spots? Ready to bite into something new? Travel down University to Jimmy John’s, home of gourmet sandwiches since 1983. The Jimmy John slogan is, “Your Mom wants you to eat at Jimmy John’s!” ☺
This tiny sandwich shop has a New York kind of feel with lots of stainless steel and a black, red, and white color scheme. A large menu is positioned on the right hand wall as you enter or you can pick up a menu and browse the 17 different sandwiches offered. The menu claims Jimmy John’s was “Established in Charleston, IL in 1983 to add to student’s GPA and general dating ability.” So if you are a little worried about midterms creeping up on us, boost your GPA with a “Big John” sub sandwich.
There are so many different varieties of subs to choose from it might take you a minute or two to select what you want to munch on today. I chose the #1 the “Pepe” an 8 in. sub with fresh, homemade French bread, smoked “real applewood ham”, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other toppings are available by request but be sure to state what you want when you order because the sandwich is created right there so you don’t walk through a line and select other toppings. Other toppings include: onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Colossal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are offered to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as ‘Jimmy Chips” and ‘Jimmy Pickles”. The “Jimmy Pickles” are a quart of real Kosher deli pickles, “just like New York”. At $4.50 for an 8 in. sub, the sandwiches are yummy and affordable.
Jimmy John’s is located at 3020 W. 7th Street and you can check out their website online at www.jimmyjohns.com where you can order online and even request delivery for a few dollars more. If you are crazy about Jimmy’s you can order Jimmy gear online.. everything from ball caps to boxers.
On another note, if you fill up at Jimmy’s and want to head out for a happy hour drink or two, check out 8.0 bar located on Sundance Square. Tuesday is an all-day happy hour and Monday-Friday happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Wells start at $2 and the 8.0 Signature “Blue Thing” is only $3. The “Blue Thing” is kind of strong so sip slowly! A plethora of mixed drinks are offered so take the opportunity to try something new. You might just find a new twist on an old favorite.
On Tuesday’s appetizers are ½ price and don’t forget the great live music and dancing. For a complete calendar of events and bands playing be sure to check out their website at http://www.eightobar.com. Seating spills out from the inside to the patio where you will find couples dancing and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some hoppin’ live music. Enjoy the colorful artwork and wall murals, put on your dancing shoes, text a few friends, and you have the perfect evening out. If you time it just right you can hit the “happy hour” and save some $$$ on drinks.
This tiny sandwich shop has a New York kind of feel with lots of stainless steel and a black, red, and white color scheme. A large menu is positioned on the right hand wall as you enter or you can pick up a menu and browse the 17 different sandwiches offered. The menu claims Jimmy John’s was “Established in Charleston, IL in 1983 to add to student’s GPA and general dating ability.” So if you are a little worried about midterms creeping up on us, boost your GPA with a “Big John” sub sandwich.
There are so many different varieties of subs to choose from it might take you a minute or two to select what you want to munch on today. I chose the #1 the “Pepe” an 8 in. sub with fresh, homemade French bread, smoked “real applewood ham”, provolone cheese, lettuce, and tomato. Other toppings are available by request but be sure to state what you want when you order because the sandwich is created right there so you don’t walk through a line and select other toppings. Other toppings include: onion, lettuce, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, mayo, sliced cucumber, Dijon mustard, oil and vinegar, and oregano. Colossal chocolate chip or oatmeal raisin cookies are offered to satisfy your sweet tooth as well as ‘Jimmy Chips” and ‘Jimmy Pickles”. The “Jimmy Pickles” are a quart of real Kosher deli pickles, “just like New York”. At $4.50 for an 8 in. sub, the sandwiches are yummy and affordable.
Jimmy John’s is located at 3020 W. 7th Street and you can check out their website online at www.jimmyjohns.com where you can order online and even request delivery for a few dollars more. If you are crazy about Jimmy’s you can order Jimmy gear online.. everything from ball caps to boxers.
On another note, if you fill up at Jimmy’s and want to head out for a happy hour drink or two, check out 8.0 bar located on Sundance Square. Tuesday is an all-day happy hour and Monday-Friday happy hour is from 3-7 p.m. Wells start at $2 and the 8.0 Signature “Blue Thing” is only $3. The “Blue Thing” is kind of strong so sip slowly! A plethora of mixed drinks are offered so take the opportunity to try something new. You might just find a new twist on an old favorite.
On Tuesday’s appetizers are ½ price and don’t forget the great live music and dancing. For a complete calendar of events and bands playing be sure to check out their website at http://www.eightobar.com. Seating spills out from the inside to the patio where you will find couples dancing and plenty of places to sit, relax, and enjoy some hoppin’ live music. Enjoy the colorful artwork and wall murals, put on your dancing shoes, text a few friends, and you have the perfect evening out. If you time it just right you can hit the “happy hour” and save some $$$ on drinks.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
A new coffee spot
With the winter blizzard we have had the past few days, snuggling up with a hot cup of coffee and a good book sounds like a really good idea. So we all love Starbuck’s but sometimes it’s nice to try a little something new. If you are looking for a cute little coffee shop close to campus check out Park Hill Café. Located on 2974 Park Hill Drive nestled in the Park Hill shopping center. Surrounded by boutique shops and a furnishing store this café used to be a ballet studio years ago.
The Park Hill Café is decorated in somewhat of a casual manner with antique furniture and décor. Small coffee tables and a hodgepodge of artwork add to the rustic charm. The floor is a cheery bright red and white-checkered tile and it adds to the coffeehouse look.
A wide variety of teas and fresh brewed coffee as well as hot chocolate and chai tea provide a relaxing beverage selection. Different coffee roasts are stored in glass containers lining one wall of the café. I can almost smell the coffee now! An entire chalkboard lists different tea choices with everything from blackberry to peach or pomegranate. Plus don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.
For lunch, I had a turkey, bacon, and havarti cheese sandwich. It featured smoked turkey, havarti cheese, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette spread. It ordered it on a croissant but was disappointed to receive it on 7-grain bread instead.
Sandwiches are served with chips, fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint. Mine had cantaloupe, grapes, and an orange cut in a swirly manner. The fruit is seasonal and comes with all sandwiches and wraps.
The menu included lots of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soup, and loaded baked potatoes as well. A special “The Park Hill” salad features mandarin orange, feta cheese, almonds, purple onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
The café also offers a Sunday brunch and Wed-Sat dinner is served as well. The food is homemade, fresh, and affordable. The café doesn’t open until 10:30 so if you are planning on a cup of hot chai just be aware the café doesn’t open very early.
However, it’s a great place to stop and have a fresh fruit plate and cup of tea or maybe try a homemade slice of cake and a mug of coffee. The café isn’t fancy and maybe it’s not technically a “hot spot” but it is a fun place to check out and visit with a friend or two over steaming mugs of hazelnut coffee. Parking is somewhat limited but there is additional parking behind the building. Check out the boutique shops on your way out and make an outing of it!
Image courtsey of: http://s.www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2009/March/chai.jpg
The Park Hill Café is decorated in somewhat of a casual manner with antique furniture and décor. Small coffee tables and a hodgepodge of artwork add to the rustic charm. The floor is a cheery bright red and white-checkered tile and it adds to the coffeehouse look.
A wide variety of teas and fresh brewed coffee as well as hot chocolate and chai tea provide a relaxing beverage selection. Different coffee roasts are stored in glass containers lining one wall of the café. I can almost smell the coffee now! An entire chalkboard lists different tea choices with everything from blackberry to peach or pomegranate. Plus don’t forget the fresh squeezed lemonade.
For lunch, I had a turkey, bacon, and havarti cheese sandwich. It featured smoked turkey, havarti cheese, crispy bacon, roasted red peppers, and balsamic vinaigrette spread. It ordered it on a croissant but was disappointed to receive it on 7-grain bread instead.
Sandwiches are served with chips, fresh fruit, and a sprig of mint. Mine had cantaloupe, grapes, and an orange cut in a swirly manner. The fruit is seasonal and comes with all sandwiches and wraps.
The menu included lots of salads, sandwiches, wraps, soup, and loaded baked potatoes as well. A special “The Park Hill” salad features mandarin orange, feta cheese, almonds, purple onions, mushrooms, tomatoes, almonds, and balsamic vinaigrette.
The café also offers a Sunday brunch and Wed-Sat dinner is served as well. The food is homemade, fresh, and affordable. The café doesn’t open until 10:30 so if you are planning on a cup of hot chai just be aware the café doesn’t open very early.
However, it’s a great place to stop and have a fresh fruit plate and cup of tea or maybe try a homemade slice of cake and a mug of coffee. The café isn’t fancy and maybe it’s not technically a “hot spot” but it is a fun place to check out and visit with a friend or two over steaming mugs of hazelnut coffee. Parking is somewhat limited but there is additional parking behind the building. Check out the boutique shops on your way out and make an outing of it!
Image courtsey of: http://s.www.sikhnet.com/files/news/2009/March/chai.jpg
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Baker's Bros and Menchie's
Baker Brothers and Menchie’s
For a casual lunch choice that won’t break your budget and will satisfy your appetite try Baker Brothers located directly behind Montgomery Plaza. Here you will find everything from massive salads to the biggest stuffed baked potatoes you will find in Cowtown. The restaurant is divided in two with an aisle down the middle. Upon entering the eatery a line forms down the middle where orders are placed at any of the three available cashiers. Paper menus are available as you walk in or you can simply order from the large menu displayed along the far back wall. Tips are not expected as this is a serve yourself kind of place. Coca-Cola beverages are offered as well as ice tea.
I have been to Baker’s Brothers a couple of times for lunch and have tried everything from the “Scottsdale salad” to grilled focaccia bread with ham and provolone cheese. The salad is massive so expect leftovers or maybe split it with a friend. I haven’t tried the baked potatoes yet but after seeing a few other customers order one I think it will be the next choice on my list.
The noise level was rather loud so if you are looking for a quiet place for an intimate conversation this may not be the best choice. The stained concrete floor adds to the décor but doesn’t muffle sound very well. Small wood tables and chairs offer tables for 2 or 4 people. The restroom was clean but small, of single capacity. Baker’s Brothers strikes me as a good choice for a weekday lunch or a lazy Saturday afternoon “fun spot” to try after visiting the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show. Attire is casual so you can feel comfortable dressed up or just wearing a comfy pair of jeans.
If you are craving a sweet afternoon treat that is healthy and even a bit tart head out to Menchie’s frozen yogurt located by the Apple Store in the University Park Plaza. With frozen yogurt shops popping up all over the Fort Worth area, be the first to sample this new craze.
Menchie’s offers fresh yogurt with a self-serve station and plenty of toppings and fresh fruits to tantalize your taste buds. Small tasting cups offer customers the opportunity to taste any of the 12 flavors, free of charge, before having to actually decide on which flavor or flavors they want to enjoy. Frozen yogurt is weighed and charged for by the ounce so you can order as much or as little as you desire. You can mix and swirl yogurt flavors combining tart and sweet or going with something a little bit in between. Also above each flavor, signs notify customers about which flavors are sweet, tart, and which are Kosher.
After you serve your self don’t forget to add toppings, which include everything from fresh seasonal fruits to chocolate crumbles and granola sprinkles. My favorite flavor is the “Original Tart” mixed with “Green Apple Tart” and topped with fresh sliced strawberries.
The décor is reminiscent of the 80’s with plenty of pink and green swirled with white. The restaurant mascot is a yogurt swirl character named “Menchie” who can often be seen on t-shirts looking somewhat like a “Miss Pac-Man” disguised as a yogurt swirl.
So after you have a delicious salad or stuffed baked potato at Baker’s Brother satisfy your sweet tooth craving with something healthy. After all, you will feel like a kid again, with so many yogurt choices to choose from and so many flavors to test. Yogurt is also available in take home containers so if you get hungry for a midnight study snack pick up a quart or two. Also “happy hour” is on weeknights from 9 pm- Midnight and all yogurt is ½ price!
Photos courtesy of www.menchies.com
For a casual lunch choice that won’t break your budget and will satisfy your appetite try Baker Brothers located directly behind Montgomery Plaza. Here you will find everything from massive salads to the biggest stuffed baked potatoes you will find in Cowtown. The restaurant is divided in two with an aisle down the middle. Upon entering the eatery a line forms down the middle where orders are placed at any of the three available cashiers. Paper menus are available as you walk in or you can simply order from the large menu displayed along the far back wall. Tips are not expected as this is a serve yourself kind of place. Coca-Cola beverages are offered as well as ice tea.
I have been to Baker’s Brothers a couple of times for lunch and have tried everything from the “Scottsdale salad” to grilled focaccia bread with ham and provolone cheese. The salad is massive so expect leftovers or maybe split it with a friend. I haven’t tried the baked potatoes yet but after seeing a few other customers order one I think it will be the next choice on my list.
The noise level was rather loud so if you are looking for a quiet place for an intimate conversation this may not be the best choice. The stained concrete floor adds to the décor but doesn’t muffle sound very well. Small wood tables and chairs offer tables for 2 or 4 people. The restroom was clean but small, of single capacity. Baker’s Brothers strikes me as a good choice for a weekday lunch or a lazy Saturday afternoon “fun spot” to try after visiting the Fort Worth Rodeo and Stock Show. Attire is casual so you can feel comfortable dressed up or just wearing a comfy pair of jeans.
If you are craving a sweet afternoon treat that is healthy and even a bit tart head out to Menchie’s frozen yogurt located by the Apple Store in the University Park Plaza. With frozen yogurt shops popping up all over the Fort Worth area, be the first to sample this new craze.
Menchie’s offers fresh yogurt with a self-serve station and plenty of toppings and fresh fruits to tantalize your taste buds. Small tasting cups offer customers the opportunity to taste any of the 12 flavors, free of charge, before having to actually decide on which flavor or flavors they want to enjoy. Frozen yogurt is weighed and charged for by the ounce so you can order as much or as little as you desire. You can mix and swirl yogurt flavors combining tart and sweet or going with something a little bit in between. Also above each flavor, signs notify customers about which flavors are sweet, tart, and which are Kosher.
After you serve your self don’t forget to add toppings, which include everything from fresh seasonal fruits to chocolate crumbles and granola sprinkles. My favorite flavor is the “Original Tart” mixed with “Green Apple Tart” and topped with fresh sliced strawberries.
The décor is reminiscent of the 80’s with plenty of pink and green swirled with white. The restaurant mascot is a yogurt swirl character named “Menchie” who can often be seen on t-shirts looking somewhat like a “Miss Pac-Man” disguised as a yogurt swirl.
So after you have a delicious salad or stuffed baked potato at Baker’s Brother satisfy your sweet tooth craving with something healthy. After all, you will feel like a kid again, with so many yogurt choices to choose from and so many flavors to test. Yogurt is also available in take home containers so if you get hungry for a midnight study snack pick up a quart or two. Also “happy hour” is on weeknights from 9 pm- Midnight and all yogurt is ½ price!
Photos courtesy of www.menchies.com
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Gloria's
Gloria’s
Architects and designers took a novel approach in redesigning Montgomery Plaza in the downtown cultural district of Fort Worth. Cut a walkway right smack down the middle, string some festive lights across, and strategically open restaurants on either side. Viola, instant urban appeal. With café tables, brick and stone patterned walkways, and twinkling lights this hot spot has a reminiscent European flair.
Gloria’s is nestled on a corner of this plaza, with their own wicker chairs and intimate patio seating. The décor is rich with dark colors and a modern look, fueled by a curvaceous wrap around bar, verdant green glass tiles, and dark mahogany woodwork, all in all, extremely nice ambiance. The food is a delicious blend of Mexican and Salvadorian.
On Saturday nights the restaurant offers beautiful salsa dancing and live music. A $10 cover charge is in affect on Saturday’s after 10 pm. There is a specific dress code for the live performances with a stress on dressy chic. (Shoes in particular must be dressy, with no athletic shoes permitted)
I visited Gloria’s with a friend during a weekday lunch hour. The restaurant was bustling and it took a few minutes before we were seated. The hostess offered us a spot at the bar or a comfortable chair by the entrance for our short 5-10 minute wait. We opted to sit on a comfortable bar stool placed strategically facing the bustling plaza and visit for a bit while waiting for our table to open up. After seating us at a cozy white tablecloth covered table we were greeted promptly by our server who took our drink orders and handed us the lunch menu to peruse. We also received a basket of crisp tortilla chips, spicy salsa, and a bowl of warm bean dip. I ordered a soft drink and began the difficult task of deciding what to order for my entrée. So many choices and everything looked delicious.
I decided on “Glenda’s Favorite: A Salvadoran Sampler. The entrée proved delicious and something out of the ordinary, very unique and appealing. Small round “papusas”, a cross between a traditional tortilla and a thicker and more bread-like pastry, were filled with a choice of cheese, chicken, and/or pork. I opted for a combination. Rice and beans mixed with small slivers of vegetables made up the side dish and were served on the same platter. I enjoyed dipping the “papusas” into the warm bean sauce. Yummy!
The restaurant was clean and organized, something you would expect from the urban, chic Montgomery Plaza. Service was prompt and although I was surprised to find a wait on a mid-week lunch, the delay was minimal. During the week the dress code is casual dress. Some parking is available in the front of the restaurant but it might be easier to park behind the plaza and walk on through the middle entrance. Cocktails and mixed drinks are served at the bar and of course soft drinks and ice tea are available.
Photos courtesy of: http://www.gloriasrestaurants.com/index.php
Architects and designers took a novel approach in redesigning Montgomery Plaza in the downtown cultural district of Fort Worth. Cut a walkway right smack down the middle, string some festive lights across, and strategically open restaurants on either side. Viola, instant urban appeal. With café tables, brick and stone patterned walkways, and twinkling lights this hot spot has a reminiscent European flair.
Gloria’s is nestled on a corner of this plaza, with their own wicker chairs and intimate patio seating. The décor is rich with dark colors and a modern look, fueled by a curvaceous wrap around bar, verdant green glass tiles, and dark mahogany woodwork, all in all, extremely nice ambiance. The food is a delicious blend of Mexican and Salvadorian.
On Saturday nights the restaurant offers beautiful salsa dancing and live music. A $10 cover charge is in affect on Saturday’s after 10 pm. There is a specific dress code for the live performances with a stress on dressy chic. (Shoes in particular must be dressy, with no athletic shoes permitted)
I visited Gloria’s with a friend during a weekday lunch hour. The restaurant was bustling and it took a few minutes before we were seated. The hostess offered us a spot at the bar or a comfortable chair by the entrance for our short 5-10 minute wait. We opted to sit on a comfortable bar stool placed strategically facing the bustling plaza and visit for a bit while waiting for our table to open up. After seating us at a cozy white tablecloth covered table we were greeted promptly by our server who took our drink orders and handed us the lunch menu to peruse. We also received a basket of crisp tortilla chips, spicy salsa, and a bowl of warm bean dip. I ordered a soft drink and began the difficult task of deciding what to order for my entrée. So many choices and everything looked delicious.
I decided on “Glenda’s Favorite: A Salvadoran Sampler. The entrée proved delicious and something out of the ordinary, very unique and appealing. Small round “papusas”, a cross between a traditional tortilla and a thicker and more bread-like pastry, were filled with a choice of cheese, chicken, and/or pork. I opted for a combination. Rice and beans mixed with small slivers of vegetables made up the side dish and were served on the same platter. I enjoyed dipping the “papusas” into the warm bean sauce. Yummy!
The restaurant was clean and organized, something you would expect from the urban, chic Montgomery Plaza. Service was prompt and although I was surprised to find a wait on a mid-week lunch, the delay was minimal. During the week the dress code is casual dress. Some parking is available in the front of the restaurant but it might be easier to park behind the plaza and walk on through the middle entrance. Cocktails and mixed drinks are served at the bar and of course soft drinks and ice tea are available.
Photos courtesy of: http://www.gloriasrestaurants.com/index.php
Friday, January 22, 2010
Cocktails and Jazz
Step back in time, to the 1920’s Jazz era. With servers dressed in black and flowers nestled behind ladies’ ears the atmosphere yields a rich, opulent flair. Decorated with dark mahogany wood, dim lighting, and candle-lit tables complete with velvet tablecloths; the atmosphere of this club magically whisks you back in time. A band plays live music in the center of the stage and couples grace the dance floor whirling and twirling to the sound of a saxophone, bass guitar, piano, drum, and the deep throaty voice of the local talent commanding the stage.
This niche in the wall lounge is hidden down an alley, with an obscure entrance by slow moving elevator, pulling you into one of the best local Jazz hot spots in Fort Worth. Scat Jazz Lounge is located in the basement of the old Woolworth building, right off of Sundance Square. An attendant dressed in black collects a cover fee and table reservations are taken at the door. Seating is limited in this small club so most enjoy a cocktail at the bar while waiting for a candle-lit table to open up. The décor is art deco with a touch of 20’s flair. The bartenders are personable and there are many choices on the cocktail menu. One drawback is the absence of food with the lounge focusing strictly on its drink menu. However, appetizers are not really missed because cocktails, music, and dancing prove to be the main attraction. I would recommend tasting the chocolate martini, a delightful cocktail that is both sweet and satisfying. The drink menu includes everything from martinis to a glass of wine, however choices are not limited to the menu. The capable bartender’s are happy and willing to create any drink you request.
Many patrons were dressed formally with cocktail attire and a few bow ties here and there, while a few were dressed more casually. Everyone however, seemed to be enjoying the music belted out by a wonderful singer dressed in typical 20’s fashion. At times the dance floor was full and during other songs just a few couples graced the stage. Sometimes patrons seemed to enjoy the technical difficulty of a few talented couples lost in the music swirling and executing complicated dance steps. Other times the floor was packed with couples slow dancing to the beautiful Jazz music that filled the club.
Scat Jazz Lounge is open Tuesday thru Sunday evenings and a different Jazz band plays each evening. While most of the music has a definite jazz influence a few bands such as Mi Son, Mi Son, Mi Son bring a Cuban, salsa dancing style. The complete list of shows can be see on their website as well as information regarding dress code and cover fees. Happy Hour is from 5-7 on weekdays. The cover fee varies depending on the live act. The evening I went the cover fee was $10 per person. However, there are many occasions where there is no cover fee charged. Check the website calendar to see the list of shows and cover fee amounts.
All in all, this Jazz lounge exceeded my expectations as a unique, one of a kind place to spend an evening unwinding and dancing to incredible live music. Scat provides a step back in time to the roaring twenties. With its opulent, dark, swanky interior and sophisticated drink menu, Scat provides an exciting escape to an era long ago. The obscure entrance adds to the magical flair, also candle-lit tables add a touch of elegance to this little hot spot. Put on your cocktail dress or tux, slick your hair back 20’s style, or place a flower behind your ear and venture into an era from long ago that still beckons us to relish.
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