Weekend Road Tripper

Fred's Texas Cafe - Fort Worth

2011-01-12T15:29:00Z

Everybody needs to visit Fred's in Fort Worth at least once. RJ and I have heard about Fred's for a few years but never had the chance to make a trip over give it a go until fairly recently.

Fred's is soooo Fort Worth - laid back and great. It's tucked away just seconds from the Arts District on Currie Street and is well known for its yummy foods. Of course the most popular items are their burgers - they are legendary - but they also offer a wide array of Texas tastiness- tacos, ribeyes, chicken fried steaks, quail & eggs......

Our waitress was super friendly and explained all the lunch specials that day and made her recommendations - one of which was the Pork Tacos, which RJ opted for. She brought out 4 Mexico City style tacos, stuffed full of pork, onions and cilantro. He raved about them.

Well, I had to get a burger..... hey, when they're voted 'Best Burger' repeatedly, why get anything else

I actually got the 1/4 lb burger and fries - the 'Fred's 1/2 lb Burger' was a little outa my league.

Mine came and it was heavenly. The meat was cooked to perfection and had a wonderful backyard right-off-the-grill flavor. The fries were exceptional - handcut and just salty enough.

Fred's is open for lunch and dinner Tues-Dat from 10:30am - midnight and on Sundays from 10:30 to 9. They do have an ample brunhc menu with ribeye with eggs, quail & eggs, CFS & eggs....you get the idea

If you are in Cowtown, swing by a museum or two, check out downtown , drive by TCU - GOOOO FROGS!!!!!! - and make a stop at Fred's!

Fred's

http://www.fredstexascafe.com/

915 Currie Street

Ft. Worth, TX 76107

817-332-0083

Frankie's Mexican Cuisine - Richardson

2011-01-09T19:24:00Z

We are one week into the New Year and RJ and I have already done pretty well for ourselves- we discovered a new restaurant this morning that is TERRFIC!

We came upon Frankie's Mexican Grill yesterday quite by accident while looking for something else. It looked so intriguing that I had to google it up right then and there on my phone! I noticed several reviews through Yelp & Urban Spoon - all giving Frankie's thumbs up.

AND the best part- they offer Saturday and Sunday Brunch starting at 10am.

So, like the postman - through rain, sleet, & snow - we were there at 10am this morning. It was raining hard when we arrived and snowing by the time we left I guess not too many others felt like venturing out on a despicable day, which was fine with us - we had the place to ourselves and we were waited on hand & foot!

Inside Frankie's, it's warm & inviting. They have tasteful but festive decor - colorful strings of lights stuffed into empty tequila bottles strung around the bar & enclosed patio, lots of nice wood tables, wall coverings, etc.

We were greeted immediately by our friendly waitress and we both ordered coffee while we perused the menu. EVERYTHING on it looked good.

I can usually select something pretty quickly but not today. I admit I had a hard time deciding but finally landed on "Clemente's Enchiladas" described on the menu as "Two chicken enchiladas with chipotle or tomatillo sauce, topped with two over easy eggs and served with rice and beans." Mine was excellent. The eggs were perfectly cooked, the enchiladas were engulfed in a creamy, cheesy, slightly spicy chipotle sauce, the beans had a wonderful flavor and the rice was fluffy and had tasty bits of veggies throughout.

RJ chose "Frankie's Skillet" - Mexican potatoes, chorizo, jalapenos, salsa ranchera and cheese, topped with two poached eggs and pico de gallo. It was served beautifully plated in a large shallow bowl. He ate every morsel.

We were each also given mini tostado appetizers gratis - that were quite yummy. I give top marks to the chips and salsa as well.

Oh, I forgot to mention, they offered flavored mimosas during brunch..... we got Pomegranate Mimosas......they were top notch! And a for a DOLLAR each - yes, I said $1! They had other drinks that were part of the brunch happy hour - so when you go yourselves, be sure to ask about them. We just got stuck on those mimosas!

We cannot wait to go back. We checked out the brunch, lunch and dinner menus and they all offer lots of delectable sounding goodies...... Mexican Lasagna, homemade spinach tamales topped with pork stew, brisket enchiladas and tacos, Pollo en Mole, soups, seafood dishes, tortas and more.....

On Monday nights, they have $7 beef or chicken fajitas! Tuesday nights, the special is enchiladas or tacos for $4! Good grief! Have I made you hungry yet???

Now, Frankie's IS slightly off the beaten path and we wouldn't have found it if we weren't in the shopping center where it's located to find another business there. But I don't think you will be disappointed if you decided to explore and make your way there.

Find it in the old Canyon Creek Shopping Center on Custer Road between Lookout and Renner Road, which has been beautifully re-done:

Frankie's Mexican Grill

2701 Custer Pkwy Suite 807
Richardson, TX 75080

(972) 231-8667

Calendar of Events - December 2010

2010-11-26T22:04:00Z

Nov. 25 - Dec 31, 2010 - Prairie Lights (Grand Prairie)
Prairie Lights is a two mile stretch of decorations and festive fun featuring over 4 Million lights, hundreds of new displays, an all-new Holiday Magic light show, new walk-through lighted displays, pictures with Santa, seasonal food and family fun. About halfway through the drive, Holiday Village has Santa, carnival rides (rides are included with the cost of admission), snacks, and souvenirs. Cars with up to eight people in them cost $15 Mon-Thu, $20 Fri-Sun and holidays. http://www.prairielights.org/

Nov. 26 - Dec 23, 2010 - Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer (Fort Worth)
Experience the timeless tale of Rudolph and friends live at Casa Manana in Fort Worth. www.casamanana.org

Nov. 26 - Jan. 2, 2010 - Holiday in the Park (Arlington)
Six Flags Over Texas turns into a winter wonderland each year. http://www.sixflags.com/overTexas/events/CalendarEvents.aspx

Dec. 2 - 3, 2010 - Marvin Hamlisch with Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Chritsmas Pops (Dallas)
Morton Myerson Symphony Center. 8pm.

Dec. 2, 2010 - Jazz in the Atrium (Dallas)
Arlington Jones Trio, Dallas Museum of Art, 6pm-8pm. Free admission.

Dec. 4, 2010 - The Children's Medical center Holiday Parade (Dallas)
10am beginning at The Adolphus Hotel (Parade is also being broadcast on Ch 8). www.childrens.com/parade

Dec. 4, 2010 - A Holiday celebration (Richardson)
A Holiday Celebration. Your favorite Christmas and Holiday works performed by the Richardson Symphony Orchestra, Chorus and soloists. Eisenmann Center for the Performing Arts 8pm. 972-234-4195.

Dec. 4, 2010 - Winter Holiday Festival (Mesquite)
The multi-cultural festival will feature over 50 Artisans and Vendors, Holiday Foods & Treats, Pioneer Oaks Merchants, Balch Springs Visual and Performing Arts Alliance, Unique Gifts, Photos with Santa, Children's Crafts, Live Music, Prizes and much, much more! Pioneer Oaks Shopping Center , 4000 Pioneer Road , Mesquite, TX 75180

Dec. 5, 2010 - White Rock Marathon (Dallas)
Full & Half Marathon. Start & finish lines have been moved to Fair Park.

Dec. 5, 2010 - O Holy Night - Turtle Chreek Chorale (Dallas)
Turtle Creek Chorale's holiday production "Oh Holy Night." Wednesday, December 15, 2010 at 8 p.m.; Monday, December 20th at 8 p.m. and Wednesday, December 22nd at 8 p.m. Morton H. Myerson Symphony Center. www.turtlecreek.org

Dec. 5, 2010 - Colleyville Women's Club Holiday Home Tour
Several area homeowners graciously open their lovely homes to the public for one day only to help raise funds for charity. The Tour attracts over 1,000 visitors to its prestigious homes each year. The Tour showcases a variety of homes and lifestyles, from magnificent mansions to homes with interesting interiors and unique architecture. http://www.c-w-c.org/

Dec. 8, 2010 - Annual Holiday Fine Art & Gift Show (Dallas)
Shop for the perfect and unique gift, enjoy a glass of wine and listen to live music all at the same time! Eight to ten local artists displaying all hand made fine art and gifts. Art ranges from fine jewelry and accessories, ceramics, stained glass, paintings and more! Lakewood Theater, 1825 Abrams Rd, Dallas 75214

Dec. 9, 2010 - Christmas on the Square (Garland)
Come watch the city of Garland attempt to set a new record for the world's largest cup of hot chocolate at the city's annual Christmas on the Square festival! The free event will take place from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Dec. 9 in Downtown Garland at Main and State streets.

Dec. 10, 2010 - Kwanzaa Celebration (Dallas)
10am. Bruton Theatre, 650 S Griffin Street (On Corner of Canton and Akard), Dallas, TX 75270

Dec. 11-12, 2010 - The Promise of Christmas (Glen Rose)
Four Free performances will be offered, as well as pictures with Santa, performances by local music artists, and much, much more. Texas Amphitheatre, 5000 Texas Drive, Glen Rose , TX 76043 Venue Phone: 254-897-3926

Dec. 11 - 24, 2010 - The Nutcracker (Fort Worth)
Bring in the holiday season with Ben Stevenson's critically acclaimed story of Clara and her magical Nutcracker Prince as they embark on a thrilling adventure. Bass Hall, Fort Worth. www.basshall.com

Dec. 12 - Yo Gabba Gabba Live: There's a Party in My City (Frisco)
Shows at 2pm and 5 pm. At Dr. Pepper Arena, 2601 Avenue of the Stars, Frisco

Dec. 15, 2010 - 9th Annula Holiday Sing-a-Long (Denton)
On Dec. 15 from 12:15 to 1pm, the Courthouse on the Square will host the 9th Annual Community Sing-a-Long. 110 W. Hickory, Denton, TX

Dec. 21- Jan. 3, 2010 - Polar Express & Santa vs The Snowman (Fort Worth)
The family tradition continues when two holiday film classics return to the Omni Theater, an IMAX dome at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. http://www.fortworthmuseum.org/

Dec. 21- Jan. 3, 2010 - Lost Egypt: Ancient Secrets, Modern Science (Fort Worth)
LOST EGYPT: ANCIENT SECRETS, MODERN SCIENCE takes guests on an immersive quest for knowledge that reveals how archaeologists use modern science and technology to uncover and understand the ancient civilization of Egypt. Through hands-on challenges, authentic artifacts and guidance from real archaeologists, visitors will unearth the mysteries of Egypt, its culture and its people. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. http://www.fortworthmuseum.org/

Get your claw....and popcorn....ready!

2010-10-06T17:32:00Z

HUGE Rangers fan here..... just wanted to say "Congratulations, Division Champs!!!!!" to my boys and "Good luck", "Break a leg", "Best wishes", "Get clawing" or whatever it takes.

I am watching Game 1 and am as excited as a little kid. I am so proud of what the Rangers did this season.

Go, boys, go!

Jorge's Tex-Mex - One Arts Plaza - Downtown Dallas

2010-08-27T17:47:00Z

I'm embarrassed to admit this but I had no idea how cool the Arts District in downtown Dallas is. There's been so much growth in that area lately and I really haven't kept up. RJ and I had heard about Jorge's downtown but didn't know for sure where it was located so we set off last weekend to find it. Turns out it's in One Arts Plaza. Now, I HAVE heard of that - I listen to WRR on the radio and know they broadcast some of their noontime shows from there. I see why. It's a beautiful area and there are several other restaurants occupying One Arts Plaza besides Jorge's. I'm sure the businesses around keep them filled at lunchtime and the goings on in the Arts District and the apartments & lofts close by top them off at night. The plaza itself has a gorgeous fountain. All the eateries have patio dining. Jorge's has a very ample outside dining area, with plenty of umbrellas and mister fans, in case you want to venture down there now.
	Inside, Jorge's is very nice - lots of classy, dark wood, lots of cherubs and angels (I don't know the significance of them but they are everywhere & pretty) and a good-sized bar. We opted to eat indoors - even though we were there early for breakfast, it was already a scorcher. Jorge's serves breakfast all day but they do open at 10am on Sundays and have a nice selection of egg dishes- Huevos Rancheros, Huevos a la Mexicana, Breakfast Tacos, etc. RJ chose Huevos Ranchos, pictured here - delicious, delicate eggs, sunny side up, placed on a corn tortilla and topped with a yummy red salsa.
All breakfast dishes come with beans, terrific potatoes sauteed with peppers and onions and crowned with a couple of pieces of bacon, and warm tortillas. I spotted Huevos Montados on the menu- described as 'flat enchiladas with two eggs on top". Sounded interesting. It was outstanding and I highly recommend it. The eggs were sunny side up and layered on corn tortillas with chile con carne. It was one of the best breakfast dishes I had anywhere. I also eyed something else that peaked my curiosity - boiled Mexican coffee....I HAD to try it and it was absolutely wonderful - very smooth with a slight hint of cinnamon and very authentic tasting.
	If you are downtown and ready for some fine eating, check out Jorge's. We'll be going back soon and we'll also be trying the other restaurants at One Arts Plaza too! Jorge's Tex-Mex Downtown Dallas 1722 Routh Street One Arts Plaza Dallas Tx 214-270-2211 Visit Jorges Tex-Mex web site

Perot Museum of Nature & Science Community Open House, August 28th

2010-08-26T15:00:00Z

The Museum of Nature & Science invites you to drop by between 1 - 3pm to see the latest developments in the building model, building and exhibit designs, and renderings for the future Perot Museum of Nature & Science at Victory Park.

Museum Construction Center at Victory Park
1155 Broom Street, Dallas, Texas
(future site of the Museum)

Perot Museum of Nature & Science
Community Open House
Saturday, August 28, 2010
1-3pm

Parking available across Broom Street under Woodall Rodgers Fwy.

For more information, visit: http://www.natureandscience.org/expansion/default.asp

Calendar of Events - October 2010

2010-08-26T14:58:00Z

Oct. 1, 2020 - Shakira (Dallas, TX)
American Airlines Center 214-221-8326

Oct. 2, 2010 – 6th Annual Plano International Festival (Plano, TX)
www.planointernationalfestival.org

Oct. 8, 2010 - Fall Indie Fest (Grand Prairie, TX)
Uptown Theater 972-237-8786

Oct. 8, 2010- Sugarland (Dallas, TX)
Superpages.com Center 214-421-1111

Oct. 9, 2010 - 9th Annual Pottery in the Park (Fort Worth, TX)
Lockheed Martin Recreation Association 817-732-7731

Oct. 9, 2010 - Carrie Underwood (Dallas, TX)
American Airlines Center 214-221-8326

Oct. 16, 2010 - Jon Anderson (Dallas, TX)
Former Yes lead vocalist Jon Anderson performs live. 214-793-3370

Oct. 16, 2010- Pirate Days of Texas (The Colony, TX)
Stewart Creek Park 972-625-1240

Oct. 22, 2010 - Boo at the Zoo (Fort Worth, TX)
The Zoo's 19th annual Halloween festival is all new! Boo at the Zoo will be held from noon to 5 p.m. over two consecutive weekends: Friday, October 22 — Sunday, October 24 and Friday, October 29 — Sunday, October 31. http://www.fortworthzoo.org/

Oct. 23, 2010 - Lord's Acre Fall Festival (Garland, TX)
Buckingham United Methodist Church of Garland, Texas will host the Lord’s Acre Fall Festival Saturday, October 23, 2010. The festival is from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on the church grounds and will be held rain or shine. Buckingham UMC is located at 1212 West Buckingham Road, two blocks east of Garland Road.

The Lord’s Acre Fall Festival is a community event that has something for everyone in the whole family, featuring children’s activities, live music, Texas BarBQ, craft booths, rummage sale and more. The festival runs in conjunction with Buckingham’s annual Pumpkin Patch so it will be the perfect opportunity to have a great time and buy pumpkins.

The Children’s Area at the Fall Festival will include pony rides, a magic show, petting zoo, bounce house, games and other activities. The Music Patch will feature the Garland Children’s Chorus, Irish/Celtic/Folk band 5-Second Rule, a bluegrass jam and numerous other performers.

Along with all the activities at the festival, some of North Texas’ best BBQ will be available at the Food Court. It will be a great time to shop for the holidays at the numerous craft booths and the rummage sale. In addition, the Garland Fire Department will have a fire engine at the church and representatives of the Garland Police Department will also be present.

Oct. 23, 2010 - Fall Festival in the Japanese Garden (Fort Worth, TX)
Fort Worth Botanic Garden and Conservatory 817-871-7686

Oct. 24, 2010 - Vicente Fernandez & Paquita La Del Barrio (Dallas, TX)
American Airlines Center 214-221-8326

Oct. 29, 2010 - Anna Bolena (Dallas, TX)
Winspear Opera House 214-443-1000

Oct. 30, 2010 - Fort Worth Alliance Air Show (Fort Worth, TX)
Featuring The US Navy Blue Angels, the US Air Force F-22 Raptor and the US Army Golden Knights.
Alliance Airport 817-890-1000

Oct. 30, 2010 - Trek or Treat at Watters Creek (Allen, TX)
Watters Creek Shopping Center 214-339-7867

Oct. 31, 2010 - Symphonic Spooktacular (Dallas, TX)
http://www.dallassymphony.com/Ticket/ProductionDetail.aspx?perf=18017&selected=813

Calendar of Events - September 2010

2010-08-26T14:53:00Z

Sept. 1, 2010 - The Music of Michael Jackson - Morton Meyerson Symphony Center (Dallas, TX)
214-692-0203

Sept. 2, 2010 - Dallas Cowboys vs. Miami Dolphins - NFL Pre- Season Game. Cowboys Stadium (Arlington, TX)
817-892-5000

Sept. 4-5, 2010 - Bedford Bluesfest (Bedford, TX)
http://www.bedfordbluesfest.com/

Sept. 4, 2010 - Cowtown Indie Bazaar (Fort Worth, TX)
Enjoy live music, free crafts for children provided by Van Grow Art Studio, free photo booth provided by Rarmai Photography, food. Will Rogers Memorial Center. 817-392-7469

Sept. 4, 2010 - John Mayer (Dallas, TX)
Superpages.com Center. 214-421-1111

Sept. 4, 2010 - Cowboy Classic: Oregon State Beavers vs. TCU Horned Frogs (Arlington, TX)
Cowboys Stadium 817-892-5000

Sept. 10, 2010 - Nick Cannon (Dallas, TX)
House of Blues Dallas 323-769-4600

Sept. 11, 2010 - 16th Annual Dog Day Afternoon (Dallas, TX)
A fun and free festival that celebrates dogs! Featuring unique vendors with samples, free goodie bags, canine contests. Flag Pole Hill at White Rock Lake. 972-428-3822

Sept. 11, 2020 - The 11th Annual Arts, Antiques & Autos Extravaganza (Denton, TX)
http://www.dentonmainstreet.org/

Sept. 11, 2010 - Dave Matthews Band (Dallas, TX)
Superpages.com Center 214-421-1111

Sept. 12, 2010 - Jonas Brothers (Dallas, TX)
Superpages.com Center 214-421-1111

Sept. 16 - 19, 2010 - Grapefest (Grapevine, TX)
https://www.grapevinetexasusa.com/festivalsandevents/grapefest/tabid/228/default.aspx

Sept. 16 - 19, 2010 - Addison Oktoberfest 2010 (Addison, TX)
http://www.addisontexas.net/events/Oktoberfest/

Sept. 16, 2010 – TX Tough Grand Prix III – USA Crits Finals (Dallas, TX)
www.txtgrandprix.org

Sept. 17, 2010 - Stockyards Championship Rodeo (Fort Worth, TX)
Cowtown Coliseum. 817-625-1025

Sep. 18, 2010 - Flights of Our Fathers Fly-In (Terrell, TX)
Flights of Our Fathers Fly-In at the BFTS Museum/Terrell Municipal Airport in Terrell, TX. The BFTS museum is hosting a Fly-In to honor the WWII British pilots who trained here and the American officers and civilian staff who assisted with that training. Call 972-524-1714 or email: no1bftsmuseum@yahoo.com

Sept. 18, 2010 - Mariachi Festival (Dallas, TX)
Lynn Creek Park on Joe Pool Lake 972-237-8100

Sept. 18, 2010 - Kiss (Frisco, TX)
Pizza Hut Park. 214-979-0303

Sept. 18, 2010 - Autumn at the Arboretum (Dallas, TX)
Thru November 14 http://www.dallasarboretum.org/special_events/AutumnAtTheArboretum.html

Sept. 19, 2010 - Pixies (Grand Prairie, TX)
Verizon Theatre 972-854-5111

Sept. 24, 2010 - State Fair Of Texas 2010 (Dallas, TX)
Runs thru Oct. 17th 214-565-9931

Sept. 24-25, 2010 - Greek Food Festival (Dallas, TX)
http://www.greekfestivalofdallas.com/

Sept. 24, 2010 - McKinney Oktoberfest 2010 (McKinney, TX)
Downtown McKinney 972-547-2660

Sept. 25, 2010 - All About Uptown Festival (Dallas, TX)
Uptown Dallas 214-341-0613

Sept. 26, 2010 - Rush (Dallas, TX)
Superpages.com Center 214-421-1111

$2 Movies at the UTA Planetarium

2010-07-13T15:26:00Z

The Planetarium at UTA is still offering those fantastic movie deals this summer.

Summer movies are a great way to cool off from the heat, so stop by to see one of the great family movies showing every Wednesday and Friday at 5:30 and Saturdays at 2:30. Tickets are just $2 each!

July 14, 16, 17 - Alice in Wonderland

July 21, 23, 24 - Where the Wild Things Are

July 28, 30, 31 - Toy Story

August 4, 6, 7 - Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

August 11, 13, 14 - Fly Me to the Moon

August 18, 20, 21 - Where the Wild Things Are

August 25, 27, 28 - Alice in Wonderland

For more information, go to: http://www.uta.edu/planetarium/shows/2-dollar-movie.php

Best of Texas Expo at Market Street - Free Family Fun!

2010-07-13T15:07:00Z

Market Street Grocery Stores will take guests on a cowboy-style cattle drive stopping to enjoy their favorite foods and Texas-grown produce on their next shopping trip during its Best of Texas Expo. The expo will feature a variety of meats from across the state, sauces made with special Lone Star ingredients & locally grown fruits and vegetables.

You will see farmers, cowboys and store keepers offering you free samples of homegrown and home-cooked Texas foods. So round up your family, dress the kids in their favorite cowboy and cowgirl gear, saddle up your SUV and head to a Market Street near you!

July 31 (11am-5pm) and August 1 (1-5pm) at all DFW Market Street locations:

Allen 985 W. Bethany Dr. Allen, TX 75013 Phone: (972) 908-3830 Colleyville 5605 Colleyville Blvd. Colleyville, TX 76034 Phone: (817) 577-5020 Coppell 700 N. Denton Tap Rd. Coppell, TX 75019 Phone: (469) 322-6800	Frisco 11999 Dallas Pkwy Frisco, TX 75034 Phone: (214) 872-1500 McKinney 6100 West Eldorado Parkway McKinney, TX 75070 Phone: (972) 548-5140 Plano 1929 Preston Road Plano, TX 75093 Phone: (972) 713-5500

Allen
985 W. Bethany Dr.
Allen, TX 75013
Phone: (972) 908-3830

Colleyville
5605 Colleyville Blvd.
Colleyville, TX 76034
Phone: (817) 577-5020

Coppell
700 N. Denton Tap Rd.
Coppell, TX 75019
Phone: (469) 322-6800

Frisco
11999 Dallas Pkwy
Frisco, TX 75034
Phone: (214) 872-1500

McKinney
6100 West Eldorado Parkway
McKinney, TX 75070
Phone: (972) 548-5140

Plano
1929 Preston Road
Plano, TX 75093
Phone: (972) 713-5500