I hung out at the Houston Street Bar & Patio in the "SoDo" area a few nights back and this is now my "Good Luck Bar". A buddy (ladies, he's single) and I were watching our beloved college Basketball team getting beat like a rug so we left another bar to come here. As the half started at the HSB&P, our team pulled it together, realized we changed locations, and won for us. Cheers all around. Those early season, non-conference games are so vital.
HSB&P is a skinny bar with the actual bar on one side, a skinny table down the middle and a skinny ledge down the right side. The tables are all at the bar height (or close) so you aren't sitting down. I hate sitting down low in bars. You always get some dude's butt in your face. Or, the other side. So either way its no good. Unless you're into that. If so, don't go here, go to Bent. Haha, just kidding Bent. Maybe.
Anyways, in the back of the bar is a staircase that leads you to the patio portion of the bar. Its on the roof. Sweet. The patio has a bar, a view out onto the street, and a giant screen so you can watch movies/games. I ran up there during a commercial break and they had just finished watching Indiana Jones. But, the guy told me you could watch whatever you wanted if you just let them know. This seems like it has plenty of possibilities to be Legen...wait for it...dary (If you watch "How I Met Your Mother" you'd get that, and probably be a better person).
Back downstairs. The main part of the bar is tackily decorated with general sports memorabilia, so it kind of feels like a Buffalo Wild Wings, but they make up for it with 800 televisions, give or take 790. Seriously, there are a lot of places to watch whatever game you're looking for.
You're thinking, gee this sounds ok, but why would you waste my time by writing about this. I will tell you impatient person. It is because this bar has a unique feature. Since they do not serve food (other than deli sandwiches) they will let you order a pizza or any other food that is delivered. You can get a game on the patio screen, call in a pizza or chinese and eat it at the bar. You can then purchase $2 bud lights (not sure how often this is the price) and enjoy the game, your food, and a patio that is in a really cool urban setting.
I wish we had some more places like this just on the fringe of Sundance Square. It's not the same as some of the more divey bars over in the West 7th area and it wont replace Wreck Room for anybody, but its a cool downtown place with a ton of tvs and a really cool patio.
Check it out and don't even try rubbing your butt in my face. But feel free to try it on my friends. Who knows, they may like it.
Friday, November 30, 2007
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Pop's Safari
Has anybody been to Pop's Safari? I've heard its a pretty cool place with great food, but when I drove by, there was no sign indicating when the place was open.
It's also a Cigar Store, I think.
It's also a Cigar Store, I think.
A Story
Funny Hole In The Wall Story of the .... [insert period of time here]
Back in law school there was a place that was supposed to have the best fried chicken in town. It was called Richard's Chicken. The restaurant was in an unusual part of town and a bit difficult to get to and definitely not on the way to anywhere, unless you're into meth. In which case it was probably on the way to a guy's house with a meth lab in the basement. I'm just guessing, judging by the area.
Anyways, some friends and I went over there one time in early September and there was a sign on the door that said, "Gone huntin' an fishin'. Be back later". In Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin this would have been a gimmick. It would have been a message burned into a piece of wood that you can buy at Cracker Barrel. However, this sign was serious, and it was written on a piece of paper taped to the door. Notice that I typed the wording on the sign as it actually appeared. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But anybody who would shut down their restaurant to take off for a vacation was my type of restaurant owner. So I was excited. It was dove season, and a friday afternoon. I decided to return at the end of September on a day in the middle of the week.
I came back, and the sign was still there. Well, maybe he was on some exotic safari or maybe he's moose hunting up in Alaska. Both of those hunts can occur in September. Surely this is a Teddy Roosevelt reincarnate with a passion for good chicken. I'm going to like this guy, so I thought.
Things got busy for me, and I wasn't able to make it back in October like I had planned. But finally, on a brisk March day, I loaded up a vehicle full of friends who had been waiting as anxiously as I for some chicken and we headed to Richard's, for what was to be the greatest chicken of our lives. I still don't know why we thought this would be the chicken to end all chickens. Maybe we convinced ourselves that he used some lost Yucatan Chicken flock that was all meat, no bone and a cayenne flavored layer of fat that melted into the crispy crust. Who knows. I'll tell you who doesn't know. Me. On this brisk March day, we pulled into an empty Richard's parking lot...once again... and saw that famous (or infamous) sign about huntin'. Next to it, we saw a new sign. "For Lease".
It was over. Richard had gone huntin' and fishin' too long apparently. Our chicken mission failed. We never got to experience the sweet succulence of the rare Yucatan Chicken thigh. Richard broke my heart that day.
A few weeks later I got to thinking about something. Have you seen the suspense or thriller films (think the sixth sense) where everything is going along just fine, and then the main character realizes everything is not as it seems? I started to wonder if maybe that "For Lease" sign had been there forever, and I never saw it because I was so blinded by my chicken lust. That feeling will always haunt me.
If you'll notice, I did not refer to this as Richard's Hicken. If you didn't notice it, go back a few months and read about my Hicken experience. It's very important to be caught up in this stuff, plus it increases my hit count. But the reason this was a chicken place and not a hicken place is because this occurred before the hicken incident. Its important to be chronologically correct.
Back in law school there was a place that was supposed to have the best fried chicken in town. It was called Richard's Chicken. The restaurant was in an unusual part of town and a bit difficult to get to and definitely not on the way to anywhere, unless you're into meth. In which case it was probably on the way to a guy's house with a meth lab in the basement. I'm just guessing, judging by the area.
Anyways, some friends and I went over there one time in early September and there was a sign on the door that said, "Gone huntin' an fishin'. Be back later". In Fort Worth, Dallas, or Austin this would have been a gimmick. It would have been a message burned into a piece of wood that you can buy at Cracker Barrel. However, this sign was serious, and it was written on a piece of paper taped to the door. Notice that I typed the wording on the sign as it actually appeared. Needless to say, I was disappointed. But anybody who would shut down their restaurant to take off for a vacation was my type of restaurant owner. So I was excited. It was dove season, and a friday afternoon. I decided to return at the end of September on a day in the middle of the week.
I came back, and the sign was still there. Well, maybe he was on some exotic safari or maybe he's moose hunting up in Alaska. Both of those hunts can occur in September. Surely this is a Teddy Roosevelt reincarnate with a passion for good chicken. I'm going to like this guy, so I thought.
Things got busy for me, and I wasn't able to make it back in October like I had planned. But finally, on a brisk March day, I loaded up a vehicle full of friends who had been waiting as anxiously as I for some chicken and we headed to Richard's, for what was to be the greatest chicken of our lives. I still don't know why we thought this would be the chicken to end all chickens. Maybe we convinced ourselves that he used some lost Yucatan Chicken flock that was all meat, no bone and a cayenne flavored layer of fat that melted into the crispy crust. Who knows. I'll tell you who doesn't know. Me. On this brisk March day, we pulled into an empty Richard's parking lot...once again... and saw that famous (or infamous) sign about huntin'. Next to it, we saw a new sign. "For Lease".
It was over. Richard had gone huntin' and fishin' too long apparently. Our chicken mission failed. We never got to experience the sweet succulence of the rare Yucatan Chicken thigh. Richard broke my heart that day.
A few weeks later I got to thinking about something. Have you seen the suspense or thriller films (think the sixth sense) where everything is going along just fine, and then the main character realizes everything is not as it seems? I started to wonder if maybe that "For Lease" sign had been there forever, and I never saw it because I was so blinded by my chicken lust. That feeling will always haunt me.
If you'll notice, I did not refer to this as Richard's Hicken. If you didn't notice it, go back a few months and read about my Hicken experience. It's very important to be caught up in this stuff, plus it increases my hit count. But the reason this was a chicken place and not a hicken place is because this occurred before the hicken incident. Its important to be chronologically correct.
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
El Asadero
My favorite restaurants have always been dirty. Dirty mexican food. Dirty chinese food. Dirty hamburger joints. I know there is a risk of dying every time I eat at these places. But for under $10, I'm willing to take that gamble. I have finally found my dirty mexican food restaurant.
Granted, El Asadero is probably the least dirty of all of my dirty favorites. But the tables were a bit sticky, and place has obviously seen its share of customers. So, it will fit into this category quite nicely.
On Sunday, a friend and I headed over to El Asadero on North Main and found the place almost completely empty. This worried me, but anonymous poster told me to take the chance. So we did.
Awesome.
The first thing that I noticed, was when you walk in from their "parking lot" you take a step down. There's no notice. Why would there be? If you go enough, you'll learn. Second, pictures on the walls of presidents. Sweet. I'm assuming they've all eaten there and if I eat there I'll eventually run into one of them. Finally, the thing that hooked me was that the booths were torn and worn in. Thats a hint to me that they've been used for a long time.
Needless to say I was excited. The chips and salsa came out, along with my canning jar o' tea. I don't really get that. You see the canning jars at those Texan themed restaurants where they try to over cowboy everything. I'm assuming they ran out of cups. I managed to look past a possible tug at the stockyards crowd and went for the salsa. Delicious. Its got a lot of heat and a great texture. They don't have the super thin chips that La Playa Maya had but these were really good. They were crispier and thicker, but they worked with the great salsa. For more on the salsa, see act 2, where it met my enchiladas.
I ordered the Green enchilada plate. It came with rice and beans, two chicken enchiladas, a chip with a dollop of guacamole and one with a dollop of sour cream. This is the type of mexican food I usually crave. All the chains around town have the mexican food with a twist. Where they overdo the cheese or sauce or spice just to differentiate themselves. This place just has good tex-mex food. The homemade tomatillo sauce on the enchiladas was mildly spicy. Perfect for those that really want to taste the sauce and the chicken and the tortilla. I did that with one enchilada. On the second, I added some of the hot sauce to kick it up a notch (BAM!! Applause from crowd [onlookers wonder why adding spice deserves applause]). I highly recommend this. But even without the salsa, it was still a great enchilada. The beans and rice also worked out great. It gave my stomach something to grab onto other than spicy hot sauce.
My friend ordered the swissas which comes with a special sauce and white cheese. If you've read my previous posts, you know my friends don't usually let me try their food. This was the case again. I need new food-sharing friends...that don't want any of my food. I need food-giving friends...but alas, don't we all?
He liked the food. We have decided that this will be the place that either kills us because of a heart attack or bankrupts us. Either way, I'm working my way to becoming a regular there.
On a side note, this friend, along with my fiance, always tease me about how I'll probably die at one of my favorite little restaurants that just happens to be on the wrong side of town. In law school, the place we ate was where a Mexican gang met (when not in jail...obviously). Well, the other day we drove by the little taqueria type restaurant on Vickery between Montgomery and Hulen. My first thought was, "is anybody hungry". Since we had just left eating lunch somewhere, we kept driving. Last week, in the Startlegram, there was an article about a hold up...at that restaurant. So I'm getting close. In all seriousness, nobody was hurt, thankfully, and I hope they don't have to experience that type of event again.
Back to no seriousness. El Asadero = Greatness. I do need to eat at the place that is just south of the restaurant, but I'm afraid I'll get stuck on this place. If you've got any other mexican places to check out, please let me know. But you'll have to sell it well.
Oh, and don't be afraid of the fact that it has a website. That doesn't make it bad. I promise. But the prices on the menu online have changed in the restaurant. So bring an extra buck.
Granted, El Asadero is probably the least dirty of all of my dirty favorites. But the tables were a bit sticky, and place has obviously seen its share of customers. So, it will fit into this category quite nicely.
On Sunday, a friend and I headed over to El Asadero on North Main and found the place almost completely empty. This worried me, but anonymous poster told me to take the chance. So we did.
Awesome.
The first thing that I noticed, was when you walk in from their "parking lot" you take a step down. There's no notice. Why would there be? If you go enough, you'll learn. Second, pictures on the walls of presidents. Sweet. I'm assuming they've all eaten there and if I eat there I'll eventually run into one of them. Finally, the thing that hooked me was that the booths were torn and worn in. Thats a hint to me that they've been used for a long time.
Needless to say I was excited. The chips and salsa came out, along with my canning jar o' tea. I don't really get that. You see the canning jars at those Texan themed restaurants where they try to over cowboy everything. I'm assuming they ran out of cups. I managed to look past a possible tug at the stockyards crowd and went for the salsa. Delicious. Its got a lot of heat and a great texture. They don't have the super thin chips that La Playa Maya had but these were really good. They were crispier and thicker, but they worked with the great salsa. For more on the salsa, see act 2, where it met my enchiladas.
I ordered the Green enchilada plate. It came with rice and beans, two chicken enchiladas, a chip with a dollop of guacamole and one with a dollop of sour cream. This is the type of mexican food I usually crave. All the chains around town have the mexican food with a twist. Where they overdo the cheese or sauce or spice just to differentiate themselves. This place just has good tex-mex food. The homemade tomatillo sauce on the enchiladas was mildly spicy. Perfect for those that really want to taste the sauce and the chicken and the tortilla. I did that with one enchilada. On the second, I added some of the hot sauce to kick it up a notch (BAM!! Applause from crowd [onlookers wonder why adding spice deserves applause]). I highly recommend this. But even without the salsa, it was still a great enchilada. The beans and rice also worked out great. It gave my stomach something to grab onto other than spicy hot sauce.
My friend ordered the swissas which comes with a special sauce and white cheese. If you've read my previous posts, you know my friends don't usually let me try their food. This was the case again. I need new food-sharing friends...that don't want any of my food. I need food-giving friends...but alas, don't we all?
He liked the food. We have decided that this will be the place that either kills us because of a heart attack or bankrupts us. Either way, I'm working my way to becoming a regular there.
On a side note, this friend, along with my fiance, always tease me about how I'll probably die at one of my favorite little restaurants that just happens to be on the wrong side of town. In law school, the place we ate was where a Mexican gang met (when not in jail...obviously). Well, the other day we drove by the little taqueria type restaurant on Vickery between Montgomery and Hulen. My first thought was, "is anybody hungry". Since we had just left eating lunch somewhere, we kept driving. Last week, in the Startlegram, there was an article about a hold up...at that restaurant. So I'm getting close. In all seriousness, nobody was hurt, thankfully, and I hope they don't have to experience that type of event again.
Back to no seriousness. El Asadero = Greatness. I do need to eat at the place that is just south of the restaurant, but I'm afraid I'll get stuck on this place. If you've got any other mexican places to check out, please let me know. But you'll have to sell it well.
Oh, and don't be afraid of the fact that it has a website. That doesn't make it bad. I promise. But the prices on the menu online have changed in the restaurant. So bring an extra buck.
Sunday, November 18, 2007
Secrets
After reviewing the comments on the ONG report, I decided a new post would be more appropriate than a responding comment.
I understand the desire to hide the best places and I figured that would be an issue. But I think there is another way to look at this issue. First, if you really like the place, then you probably would like for it to stay in business. Unless you plan on eating there until you die or the owner dies, you probably wont be keeping the place in business. So, spread the love, and let some other people pick up the slack when you can't make it to the restaurant for your weekly/monthly donation.
Second, if mom-and-pops/hole in the walls/dives make it here, and especially if they make it big, other people will be interested in trying their hand at starting a restaurant. We, as Fort Worthians will get new options, and maybe even more unique places. The owners of the really good places will be rewarded for their hard work, and the new restaurants will find an open and welcoming set of stomachs.
As an example, it was recommended that I try out El Asadero. I went there today at lunch time. There were two other tables with people at them. I certainly didn't keep anybody from eating. I also had a meal that will be getting a write up pretty soon. With ONG I understand because every time I've been there I have waited to order and to get my food. But to be fair, there are probably only 7 or 8 people that read this blog, so you're not really going to spoil anything.
Finally, and most importantly, I can't eat at a restaurant for every meal. I'm trying to keep my svelte figure. So when I do go out, I really need to make it count. We should make a deal. If you have a really good place, email me at fortworthholeinthewall@yahoo.com. Tell me if its a secret that you'd rather not share publicly. We'll work something out. Maybe I'll just say the name or just the general location. The Star-Telegram did an article on hole in the walls a few years back and they just gave the general area.
Also, to the anonymous poster commenting on the ONG article, thank you for the suggestions list. Those are all places that are on my list of destinations. It's just a matter of making it over there. In particular, I'm looking forward to Carshon's.
As I've said a few times, I really want to celebrate the great selection of places that are locally owned and unique to Fort Worth. At least help me out. Otherwise this blog will start featuring articles like: "I got my Baby Back at Chili's".
I understand the desire to hide the best places and I figured that would be an issue. But I think there is another way to look at this issue. First, if you really like the place, then you probably would like for it to stay in business. Unless you plan on eating there until you die or the owner dies, you probably wont be keeping the place in business. So, spread the love, and let some other people pick up the slack when you can't make it to the restaurant for your weekly/monthly donation.
Second, if mom-and-pops/hole in the walls/dives make it here, and especially if they make it big, other people will be interested in trying their hand at starting a restaurant. We, as Fort Worthians will get new options, and maybe even more unique places. The owners of the really good places will be rewarded for their hard work, and the new restaurants will find an open and welcoming set of stomachs.
As an example, it was recommended that I try out El Asadero. I went there today at lunch time. There were two other tables with people at them. I certainly didn't keep anybody from eating. I also had a meal that will be getting a write up pretty soon. With ONG I understand because every time I've been there I have waited to order and to get my food. But to be fair, there are probably only 7 or 8 people that read this blog, so you're not really going to spoil anything.
Finally, and most importantly, I can't eat at a restaurant for every meal. I'm trying to keep my svelte figure. So when I do go out, I really need to make it count. We should make a deal. If you have a really good place, email me at fortworthholeinthewall@yahoo.com. Tell me if its a secret that you'd rather not share publicly. We'll work something out. Maybe I'll just say the name or just the general location. The Star-Telegram did an article on hole in the walls a few years back and they just gave the general area.
Also, to the anonymous poster commenting on the ONG article, thank you for the suggestions list. Those are all places that are on my list of destinations. It's just a matter of making it over there. In particular, I'm looking forward to Carshon's.
As I've said a few times, I really want to celebrate the great selection of places that are locally owned and unique to Fort Worth. At least help me out. Otherwise this blog will start featuring articles like: "I got my Baby Back at Chili's".
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Old Neighborhood Grille
As my new bestest blog-commenter imaginary friend, Melissa said (in response to "Magnolia Cafe- Not in FW"), I should try out ONG. The fact that I just learned about this place leads me to one of two conclusions. My mom really is the only reader and Melissa is the first person to find this blog, or all of my FW friends hate my happiness.
How is this not a place everybody tells everybody else about?
I had the chicken fried steak with fried zucchini, mashed potatoes and toast. I instantly wished I had ordered onion rings and only onion rings. The food was great, but the onion rings looked like something I would kill for. Also, I was on a diet and the onion rings would have ruined it.
The chicken fried steak had a light, yet crispy crust. The zucchini was piping hot with a great, crispy crust as well. Although I was only able to eat what was on my plate, I did review how people were enjoying their meals. The guy I stared at trying to figure out what was in his basket appeared to enjoy his fried something with gravy. So I would recommend fried stuff with gravy. A young toddler seemed to enjoyed a mushy version of vegetables and crayon. If you can't trust a three year old kid's taste, who can you trust?
ONG is a great, casual place with a few outdoor tables and a cluttered interior. You would struggle to not feel comfortable there. By some form of dark wizadry, the waitress knows exactly what you ordered. Or she just couldn't forget my beautiful smile. Probably not. You can't feel out of place because it seems like every type of person goes there (guys who don't like strangers staring at their food, three year old kids, me).
I've heard they have great breakfi (plural form of breakfast) but I haven't been able to verify that. Also, my diet is limiting me to hamburgers and enchiladas. A breakfast burrito would just kill all my effort.
ONG is on Park Place, just west of 8th Ave. If you go at lunch time on saturday, expect a little delay but nothing more than you would at any other place that people go to eat. You'll need the time because the menu has a lot of information to absorb. Plus, you need time to stare at everybody's food to decide what sounds good.
How is this not a place everybody tells everybody else about?
I had the chicken fried steak with fried zucchini, mashed potatoes and toast. I instantly wished I had ordered onion rings and only onion rings. The food was great, but the onion rings looked like something I would kill for. Also, I was on a diet and the onion rings would have ruined it.
The chicken fried steak had a light, yet crispy crust. The zucchini was piping hot with a great, crispy crust as well. Although I was only able to eat what was on my plate, I did review how people were enjoying their meals. The guy I stared at trying to figure out what was in his basket appeared to enjoy his fried something with gravy. So I would recommend fried stuff with gravy. A young toddler seemed to enjoyed a mushy version of vegetables and crayon. If you can't trust a three year old kid's taste, who can you trust?
ONG is a great, casual place with a few outdoor tables and a cluttered interior. You would struggle to not feel comfortable there. By some form of dark wizadry, the waitress knows exactly what you ordered. Or she just couldn't forget my beautiful smile. Probably not. You can't feel out of place because it seems like every type of person goes there (guys who don't like strangers staring at their food, three year old kids, me).
I've heard they have great breakfi (plural form of breakfast) but I haven't been able to verify that. Also, my diet is limiting me to hamburgers and enchiladas. A breakfast burrito would just kill all my effort.
ONG is on Park Place, just west of 8th Ave. If you go at lunch time on saturday, expect a little delay but nothing more than you would at any other place that people go to eat. You'll need the time because the menu has a lot of information to absorb. Plus, you need time to stare at everybody's food to decide what sounds good.
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
La Playa Maya
"I've had better frozen mexican food" - the review of a coworker of mine.
Two things. First, who eats frozen mexican food? Imagine the complexity of making a staple mexican dish like a taco. I have a recipe for fish tacos that literally takes 15 minutes to make. That includes combining everything together, heating the tortillas, making some guacamole and putting on my serape.
Second, don't ever trust coworkers.
I almost didn't go to La Playa Maya after this review but my buddy convinced me otherwise. I spent so long trying to convince him we should go somewhere else, that we nearly missed one of the key reasons to go to La Playa Maya... Happy Hour.
Yes folks, Happy Hour here is amazing. At the location near/in the Stockyards, Happy Hour runs until 7, and margaritas that normally cost 5 or 6 bucks, are only $2. Thats saving a lot of moolah. Plus, you get to be the guy holding the margarita instead of the beer.
So, you guessed it (if you read my Piranha review you, no doubt, knew) I was the guy holding the margarita. And it was good. I don't drink a lot of margaritas, so I'm no connoisseur, but this was good. It wasn't overly tequila-ey nor was it overly sweet. And it was $2.
So the drinks started off well, as did the chips and salsa. Why does everybody ask if the chips and salsa are good at a mexican restaurant? It's because thats ninety percent of your meal. The answer to "Why are American so fat?" is answered at any one of the country's 85 billion mexican restaurants (I checked wikipedia, that number is accurate...).
They were good, in case you were wondering. I like the lighter chips if I'm at a regular tex-mex place. In Mexico I like the thick corn chips because your server usually provides guacamole or some other treat. I'm not a fan of the thick chips up in this area. They always tend to be soggy, or greasy, or something not right. I do have the blog, so I would know. The salsa was also good. It was just spicy enough so you don't think you're eating watered down marinara.
For the dinner, I ordered the chili relleno with beef fajita meat. As far as taste and textures and all the stuff foodies care about, it was great. Personally, I would have preferred smaller pieces of fajita meat or ground beef, but only because it would have been easier to eat. The sauce on top (ranchero) was awesome. I think I said that about 40 times that night. I am usually unaware of the sauce on my mexican dishes (or aware for the wrong reasons) and this time I was fully aware but it was because it had such great flavor.
I actually mixed my rice with the sauce. I don't normally do that because I don't like to see other people do that. It makes them look like they're eating at a sty. I'm not one of those people who keep their food separate, but I like to keep it looking nice. When you combine everything, its like you've given up trying to identify flavors and textures. You didn't order a taco/beans/rice/tamale shake so why make one on your own? Yes, I am anal retentive, why do you ask?
This is going on too long. Apologies. Other people had good food. Flautas were given an A+ by a self-professed Flauta expert. She has a degree in Flautology. That says a lot. She is also the main reason I like happy hour priced margaritas. My buddy had the chili relleno as well. He agreed that I was obnoxious in my rave reviews.
So, to sum all of this up. Coworkers = wrong. I have decided that people who eat frozen mexican food will no longer impact my view of anything food related.
Two things. First, who eats frozen mexican food? Imagine the complexity of making a staple mexican dish like a taco. I have a recipe for fish tacos that literally takes 15 minutes to make. That includes combining everything together, heating the tortillas, making some guacamole and putting on my serape.
Second, don't ever trust coworkers.
I almost didn't go to La Playa Maya after this review but my buddy convinced me otherwise. I spent so long trying to convince him we should go somewhere else, that we nearly missed one of the key reasons to go to La Playa Maya... Happy Hour.
Yes folks, Happy Hour here is amazing. At the location near/in the Stockyards, Happy Hour runs until 7, and margaritas that normally cost 5 or 6 bucks, are only $2. Thats saving a lot of moolah. Plus, you get to be the guy holding the margarita instead of the beer.
So, you guessed it (if you read my Piranha review you, no doubt, knew) I was the guy holding the margarita. And it was good. I don't drink a lot of margaritas, so I'm no connoisseur, but this was good. It wasn't overly tequila-ey nor was it overly sweet. And it was $2.
So the drinks started off well, as did the chips and salsa. Why does everybody ask if the chips and salsa are good at a mexican restaurant? It's because thats ninety percent of your meal. The answer to "Why are American so fat?" is answered at any one of the country's 85 billion mexican restaurants (I checked wikipedia, that number is accurate...).
They were good, in case you were wondering. I like the lighter chips if I'm at a regular tex-mex place. In Mexico I like the thick corn chips because your server usually provides guacamole or some other treat. I'm not a fan of the thick chips up in this area. They always tend to be soggy, or greasy, or something not right. I do have the blog, so I would know. The salsa was also good. It was just spicy enough so you don't think you're eating watered down marinara.
For the dinner, I ordered the chili relleno with beef fajita meat. As far as taste and textures and all the stuff foodies care about, it was great. Personally, I would have preferred smaller pieces of fajita meat or ground beef, but only because it would have been easier to eat. The sauce on top (ranchero) was awesome. I think I said that about 40 times that night. I am usually unaware of the sauce on my mexican dishes (or aware for the wrong reasons) and this time I was fully aware but it was because it had such great flavor.
I actually mixed my rice with the sauce. I don't normally do that because I don't like to see other people do that. It makes them look like they're eating at a sty. I'm not one of those people who keep their food separate, but I like to keep it looking nice. When you combine everything, its like you've given up trying to identify flavors and textures. You didn't order a taco/beans/rice/tamale shake so why make one on your own? Yes, I am anal retentive, why do you ask?
This is going on too long. Apologies. Other people had good food. Flautas were given an A+ by a self-professed Flauta expert. She has a degree in Flautology. That says a lot. She is also the main reason I like happy hour priced margaritas. My buddy had the chili relleno as well. He agreed that I was obnoxious in my rave reviews.
So, to sum all of this up. Coworkers = wrong. I have decided that people who eat frozen mexican food will no longer impact my view of anything food related.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Nifty
I've gone through and added labels to each post. I hope this will help somebody who is looking for say...something in the "Northeast of Downtown" area. If so, just click on the appropriate label and you'll see the wide variety of restaurants.
If my appellations are off, please forgive me. Anything within a few blocks of the museums are "Cultural District" or "West 7th" depending on which area they fit in (in my mind). Most places on Camp Bowie are aptly categorized as "Camp Bowie". Some places cause trouble like Ol' South, because "Behind Macaroni Grill" doesn't sound like a good label.
Anyways, hope it helps. Soon, I'll add a column to the right so the labels are on the main page.
If my appellations are off, please forgive me. Anything within a few blocks of the museums are "Cultural District" or "West 7th" depending on which area they fit in (in my mind). Most places on Camp Bowie are aptly categorized as "Camp Bowie". Some places cause trouble like Ol' South, because "Behind Macaroni Grill" doesn't sound like a good label.
Anyways, hope it helps. Soon, I'll add a column to the right so the labels are on the main page.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
WHOOHOO 1000 HITS!!!
This is a bit belated, but I just realized I had a 1000 hits.
I would like to thank my mom for hitting refresh 50 times a day.
In case there are actually people coming to this page, thank you for taking time to work through my ramblings. Also, a big thanks to all the guys over at West and Clear, including Food and Fort Worth, Texas and FortWorthology for linking me.
Hope ya'll/y'all/yall keep reading.
Thanks,
FortWorthHoleInTheWall
I would like to thank my mom for hitting refresh 50 times a day.
In case there are actually people coming to this page, thank you for taking time to work through my ramblings. Also, a big thanks to all the guys over at West and Clear, including Food and Fort Worth, Texas and FortWorthology for linking me.
Hope ya'll/y'all/yall keep reading.
Thanks,
FortWorthHoleInTheWall
Friday, November 9, 2007
Some BBQ Joint
Obviously Railhead and Angelos get all the credit as top BBQ joints in the Fort, but there are some other places that are worth going to, just so you can tell your son one day "I went to that place back when I was your age." Sons like that.
I don't know the name of the place, and frankly, it doesn't matter. In my opinion, and compared to Railhead, the chopped beef sandwich is okay. It's not bad, and considering you pay $5 for a sandwich and fries (that are good), its really not that bad of a deal. So, taking it for what its worth, I'd say its worth the trip. But not really for the sandwich. Its all about the ambiance.
This place is on Belknap and Oakhurst Scenic Drive. Its right there on the corner. You'll see it. There are lots of trucks and motorcycles out front.
The "clientele" are primarily men. That is probably because the waitresses are all wearing bikini tops and shorts. This is not why you should go there. In fact, judging by our waitress, this is a really good reason not to go. But, its the whole attitude inside. You've got guys who have just finished up a golf game, some men dressed up for work, people who have been working outside all morning and then me. The inside resembles that dive bar you probably went to in college. Plus, they serve booze there.
I don't know why I ever went in there in the first place but its probably the same reason I'll go back. To reconnect with my wild, rebellious, motorcycle dude side that I don't have.
Anyways, if you're looking for a good BBQ sandwich and the best fries in town (in my opinion) go to Railhead. If you're looking for a dirty place that you'll someday say, "I used to go there when I was younger" go to this place. Plus, its a cool place to go hang out and watch some games. There are a ton of flat screen TVs, and for some reason one of them shows a camera facing the parking lot....
Fun "fact" of the day... Despite being surrounded by feed lots full of cattle (I know because of the smell), Lubbock (IMO) has the worst selection of BBQ in Texas for a town it's size. Of the two best places, one is only open on Friday and the other is a bit pricey.
I don't know the name of the place, and frankly, it doesn't matter. In my opinion, and compared to Railhead, the chopped beef sandwich is okay. It's not bad, and considering you pay $5 for a sandwich and fries (that are good), its really not that bad of a deal. So, taking it for what its worth, I'd say its worth the trip. But not really for the sandwich. Its all about the ambiance.
This place is on Belknap and Oakhurst Scenic Drive. Its right there on the corner. You'll see it. There are lots of trucks and motorcycles out front.
The "clientele" are primarily men. That is probably because the waitresses are all wearing bikini tops and shorts. This is not why you should go there. In fact, judging by our waitress, this is a really good reason not to go. But, its the whole attitude inside. You've got guys who have just finished up a golf game, some men dressed up for work, people who have been working outside all morning and then me. The inside resembles that dive bar you probably went to in college. Plus, they serve booze there.
I don't know why I ever went in there in the first place but its probably the same reason I'll go back. To reconnect with my wild, rebellious, motorcycle dude side that I don't have.
Anyways, if you're looking for a good BBQ sandwich and the best fries in town (in my opinion) go to Railhead. If you're looking for a dirty place that you'll someday say, "I used to go there when I was younger" go to this place. Plus, its a cool place to go hang out and watch some games. There are a ton of flat screen TVs, and for some reason one of them shows a camera facing the parking lot....
Fun "fact" of the day... Despite being surrounded by feed lots full of cattle (I know because of the smell), Lubbock (IMO) has the worst selection of BBQ in Texas for a town it's size. Of the two best places, one is only open on Friday and the other is a bit pricey.
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Barber Shop - Not a restaurant
Ever since my first real barber shop experience with an "old-man" barber while I was in law school, I have refused to have my hair cut by any other type of salon/procuts/vacuumcleanerwithblades. I think I can finally say, I have a Fort Worth Barber.
Over the past few years I have worked hard to find an "old-man" barber who knows how to cut a young man's hair without asking too many questions about how to cut it. At pro-cuts they always say "do you want it layered, feathered, textured, rounded, blocked, washed, dried, moussed, tousled, fussled, blah blah blah." I don't know! You're the barber, you know how to make me look my best, so do it. If I were to tell somebody exactly how to cut my hair based on what I think would look good, I would look similar to "Sam the Dog".
Instead I just say, short scissor cut and make it look like it wasn't cut today. A good barber knows what that means.
Old-man barbers know exactly how to make a young man look professional. After they know generally what you're looking for, they don't need much help. This masterization of their skill allows them to move onto more important things. Such as discussing the merits of having two divisions in six man football, why its better to take a longer route on a smaller highway than the quicker route on the big interstate when travelling, the location of a good mexican restaurant (review coming soon, hold onto the edge of your seat), why the Cowboys are going to win the superbowl, and why [INSERT COLLEGE HERE]'s coach is doing [GOOD/BAD].
These are the types of barbers young men need. If you have a cool hair style that needs wax, pomade, gel, frizzplus, or some other concoction made from industrial adhesive, an old-man barber is probably not for you. But if you want an old man to talk with about whatever in the world interests you, and you want to only pay 12 bucks for the haircut, AND get your neck shaved clean with a straight razor, you must use an old-man barber. And its important that you start going now. The sooner you start going, the sooner the barber will know how to cut your hair and will begin to remember you.
I'm not going to tell you who my barber is because I already wait long enough to get my haircut. But I will tell you this, if you want a unique experience, a better quality haircut than one of the chain places, and you want to get your neck shaved (who doesn't?), I highly recommend an old-man barber.
Over the past few years I have worked hard to find an "old-man" barber who knows how to cut a young man's hair without asking too many questions about how to cut it. At pro-cuts they always say "do you want it layered, feathered, textured, rounded, blocked, washed, dried, moussed, tousled, fussled, blah blah blah." I don't know! You're the barber, you know how to make me look my best, so do it. If I were to tell somebody exactly how to cut my hair based on what I think would look good, I would look similar to "Sam the Dog".
Instead I just say, short scissor cut and make it look like it wasn't cut today. A good barber knows what that means.
Old-man barbers know exactly how to make a young man look professional. After they know generally what you're looking for, they don't need much help. This masterization of their skill allows them to move onto more important things. Such as discussing the merits of having two divisions in six man football, why its better to take a longer route on a smaller highway than the quicker route on the big interstate when travelling, the location of a good mexican restaurant (review coming soon, hold onto the edge of your seat), why the Cowboys are going to win the superbowl, and why [INSERT COLLEGE HERE]'s coach is doing [GOOD/BAD].
These are the types of barbers young men need. If you have a cool hair style that needs wax, pomade, gel, frizzplus, or some other concoction made from industrial adhesive, an old-man barber is probably not for you. But if you want an old man to talk with about whatever in the world interests you, and you want to only pay 12 bucks for the haircut, AND get your neck shaved clean with a straight razor, you must use an old-man barber. And its important that you start going now. The sooner you start going, the sooner the barber will know how to cut your hair and will begin to remember you.
I'm not going to tell you who my barber is because I already wait long enough to get my haircut. But I will tell you this, if you want a unique experience, a better quality haircut than one of the chain places, and you want to get your neck shaved (who doesn't?), I highly recommend an old-man barber.
Friday, November 2, 2007
Unique Tie-In or Blatant Self-Promotion
I found out yesterday that I passed the bar and can now become a licensed attorney. This relates to hole in the walls because....had I failed, I would want to crawl into a hole. In a wall.
My fiance also passed so congrats to her as well.
Please don't hate me for being a lawyer.
My fiance also passed so congrats to her as well.
Please don't hate me for being a lawyer.
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