Experiencing  good Mexican food is like watching a sunset, it’s one of those “you had to be there events.” You’ve seen 1000s of sunsets, but they all start to blend together in your mind after a while. You try and capture that one special sunset you’ve seen many times before in a photo, but it never quite illustrates the mouth dropping, awe-inspiring feeling you got when you saw it live.

This is the same with taste bud memories. Mexican food and Tex-Mex are made from the same ingredients, ground beef, tortillas, flour, corn, and cheese, yet some places mix it better than others.

With Texas being so close to the border, it makes sense that we would have our share of Mexican restaurants. Dallas is home to many popular, and well-known Mexican restaurants as well as ma and pa taquerías.  Food, much like art, is something you can definitely get a lot of opinions on. After surveying 1200 Facebook friends, and 3000 Twitter followers and receiving 27 responses on Facebook and six responses on Twitter, I came up with a list. This list is brought to you by my friends on Facebook and Twitter.

This survey took place previous (March 2010) to all the new taco places which popped up in Dallas: Rockin’ Taco, Rusty Taco, the Urban Taco in Uptown, many of which aren’t full fledged Dallas Mexican food restaurants . Enjoy!

“El Mercado and Cocina Mexicana. The restaurant is located in downtown Dallas, in the heart of the Farmer’s Market on S. Pearl, between Marilla and Taylor Streets and convenient to Central Expy. Concina Mexicana  is the sister restaurant of Dos Panchas,” mentioned Gregg Hollis.

“For a basic chain I like El Fenix. They have good cheese and onion enchiladas, and their Tres Leches is pretty authentic actually. I do like some local stuff but not in Dallas proper,” said Janice A. Sloan Moran

“Luna de Noche…makes my mouth water just thinking of it ,” commented Kristen Ogle Krager

“My top picks are javier’s, matittos or uncle julios,” says Brian Biggie Small.

“Ojedas on Maple. Killer margaritas,” stated Rafael De La Cruz

“Urban Taco at Mockingbird Station is really good. More authentic Mexican cuisine as opposed to the Tex-Mex,”commented Maria Hernandez

“There is a whole in the wall place called Mexicali’s at the corner of Jupiter and NW HWY. They have the best table salsa and great fajitas,” exclaimed Rachel Hall

“Cantina Laredo is delish! (Located at Preston and Royal),” according to Dallas Socialites

“Mias off lemmon Ave. Next to bobs chop house. Looks like an old house. Been around forever. Really strong margaritas. Great food fast service,” commented Levi Hilton.

“I would strongly say Mia’s, Desperados, and Matt’s Rancho Martinez. Mia’s: straight awesome food and a great family/chill vibe. Matt’s: cool vibe and also good fam/laid back vibe. AWESOME patio in the summer/spring! Desperados: the Desperados Tacos………..best thing ever! You can split them with a friend for like $8 with a delish cerveza or rita. So awesome,”explained Lindsey Paine-Mcgehee

“CHUYS Rocks! They have both a fresh as well as a warm roasted salsa, home made tortillas, the Chica Chica Boom Boom Enchiladas and I’m pretty sure Elvis would approve of the DEEP FRIED AVACADO!!! YUMMMMMM,” according to Pegasus Dallas

“Chuy’s and Nacho Bar are Totally awesome because they have a fun and colorful atmosphere, Good drink specials, and Nacho bar was free during certain hours and loaded with anything you could imagine,” says Melissa Matheson. She also loves the taquitos & rice.

Best Dallas Mexican & Tex-Mex Food: Editor’s Picks

Below is a list with a quick review of each of the best Dallas Mexican & Tex-Mex restaurants and what makes them special. I’ve sampled and frequented these places often since moving to Dallas five years ago, each for different reasons, so I feel they are consistent with what they offer.  There is something special about the way these particular places mix these. Each have their own special dish I’ve tried to highlight below.

Pepe’s & Mito’s Mexican Cafe – Their Wine Chipotle Enchiladas make cheese taste like a delicacy fit for a king. (no website) Yelp

Manny’s Tex-Mex Restaurante – Great tortilla chips, cool patio, and cheese tacos to dye for. website.

Mattio’s Cafe Mexicano – Amazing all-you-can-eat Mexican buffet and bottomless mimosas for Sunday brunch. Inexpensive beef fajitas for lunch. website

Desperados Mexican Restaurant- This place has the best value for beef fajitas in town. They don’t charge extra for cheese, guacamole, or extra corn tortillas.  website

El Fenix – The fastest and best service when you’re in a rush.  El Fenix is also very inexpensive.  website

Photo Credit: CookingwithKimberly.com

By Kristen Kouk

1. Marfa, pop. 2,000
Best known for the Marfa lights and the movie set of Giant, Marfa has become an oasis of West Texas. This little city has attracted some West Coasters seeking open spaces and unique art. Make sure to visit Marfa for a one of a kind experience.

2. Port Arthur, pop. 57,000
My favorite part of Port Author? The other worldy accents. And by other worldly I mean, not West Texas slang but East Texas drawls. Beautiful beach town with friendly natives.

3. Denton, pop. 120,000
The up-and-coming Austin? Maybe, but for now it’s a quaint college town with a burgeoning music scene. Check out the stellar downtown book store and attend a University of North Texas football game.

4. Weatherford, pop. 19,000
Headquarters to some of the state’s best Texas country music, Weatherford is also the home to many cowboys who commute to Cow Town during the week.

5. Lajitas, pop. ? (it’s that small)
A personal fave, this little resort town has grown tremendously over the past ten years. Make sure to say hello to the mayor… a beer guzzling goat named Clay Henry.

6. Llano, pop. 3,300
Watch the Llano River peacefully pass by while you chow down on Inman’s Barbeque. If you happen across Llano in the spring? Stop for the community-wide Crawfish Boil which benefits local charities.

7. Magnolia, pop. 1,100
One of the fastest growing communities surrounding Houston, this previously quiet one stop sign town has now become a bustling and developing city. One interesting bonus? The Texas Renaissance Festival is held from September to December.

8. San Marcos, pop. 53,000
Now San Marcos isn’t the only place to float the river, but it’s definitely the most interesting. Home to Texas State University, this college town will definitely blow you away with country nightlife and relaxing river options.

9. Waco, pop. 120,000
Home to the Dr Pepper Museum and the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, Waco has much to offer as a stop on your next road trip between Dallas and Austin.

10. Tyler, pop. 84,000
Besides grabbing some quality vino in East Texas, make sure to check out the rose capital of Texas, Tyler. Also makes an ideal city for antique hunters.

Photos courtesy of flickr

Irish "Stew" Line. Pun intended.

I attended the 2010 North Texas Irish Festival with my girlfriend Bev, held in Dallas at Fair Park last Friday to sample Irish foods, experience Celtic culture, and make fun of large burly men wearing kilts. While attending, we got our fair share of food, folks, and fun, chowing down on Irish Stew, chatting with vendors, and letting Rocco (Bev’s French Bulldog) commune with other dogs (including two a 3 1/2 foot tall Irish Wolfhounds). I went for the grub, but left with some food for thought and a dose of culture I won’t soon forget.  It was a last minute decision to attend the 2010 Dallas Irish Festival on Friday instead of Sunday, like we had originally planned. After researching the North Texas Irish Festival website, we found that from 5-7pm on Friday there was no charge for admittance into the festival. We decided free was better than the $35 – $125 cost for Savor Dallas. We spent $10 to park, but we spent the rest of our festival budget on food and drinks.

Featured Food & Drink from North Texas Irish Festival

Bev and I hadn’t eaten all day, so we were highly anticipating  some Gaelic delicacies. After perusing the first few stands, then walking the extent of the food vendors, I hit the jackpot. I saw a big sign saying, “Irish Stew.”

From a distance, all I could see  were workers serving from converted cooler kegorators of Irish and American beer. At that point, I thought the sign was a metaphor calling beer, “Irish Stew.”  Fortunately, this was not the case and they did have beef and vegetable stew in bread bowls.  Unfortunately, I did not get a photo of the Irish stew. Throughout the night I also sampled many other foods: an Italian sausage sandwich, four ground beef tacos, and a roasted corn cob. Bev had a potato twister, and a pulled pork sandwich.  We also shared some German roasted nuts.

The People of the North Texas Irish Festival
We saw green spiky Mohawks, large red and green beards, black fishnet hose,  and kilts, lots of leather and plaid kilts.  Irish festivals seem to draw the same sort of oddball bohemian crowds as Renaissance fairs. These are definitely not the type of people you would see on a given night in Uptown, which is cool. It was fun to see who came out of the woodwork. I have been to Greek, German, and crawfish festivals in the North Texas area, as well as throughout the state, but this festival unlike others remind me more of a punk concert where not only was the musical talent entertaining, but the people are fun and dressed for the scene.

Dallas Irish Festival’s Musical Entertainment
Speaking of punk rock, soon after getting some food, we watched an Irish Punk/Rock band playing lots of old Irish drinking songs only with distorted guitars, a violin, and bass guitar instead of pianos and mandolins. The last time I had seen anything of the sort was when I attended the 2003 or 2004 Vans Warped Tour where I saw an Irish parody punk band named Flogging Molly. I’ve heard the Dropkick Murphy’s have a similar style as well. I used to see a lot of bands when I worked part time at Superpages.com Center, formally Smirnoff Music Center during the two summers before graduating from college. I have seen several more low key Irish/Celtic bands playing at Trinity Hall, an Irish bar located at Mockingbird Station in Dallas.

Looks like I will be missing Dallas’ Annual St. Patty’s Day Greenville Avenue Parade event. I’ve only missed one in the past four years. Two of those years I watched The Toadies perform. Supposedly, it was going to be their last concert the first time, and then again the next year. I saw them play in May 2009 at the Richardson Wildflower Festival.  This year, Friday actually, I’m headed to South By Southwest Interactive conference. I had the opportunity to go two years ago, but declined. I digress. Back to the 2010 Dallas North Texas Irish Festival review.  Another interesting part of the night was speaking with and seeing what local vendors had to offer.

North Texas Irish Fest Vendors

We encountered several vendors selling knickknacks from wooden swords to esoteric pagan symbols emblazoned on bronze and silver medallions. These necklaces were made on site using some sort of a weight on a pulley system which  dropped like a guillotine and by sheer gravity imprinted your choice of pagan god, secret society symbol, or Knights of Malta cross. He claimed they were 100% silver and bronze and he was selling them for $45.  At $17.30 a ounce, he was probably selling the medallions for $27 over the price of its worth. Recently I bought twenty Liberty Half dollars for $200 at $9 a piece, and $20 shipping. Besides their numismatic value, they are only worth about seven dollars a piece melted down. My goal is a buy one Liberty tenth of an ounce gold piece every month  for the next year. I’m a bit of a patriot and feel our monetary system based on green IOUs will fail sometime in the future, but that’s another rant. Either way, I plan on stocking up gold and silver. These medallions we’re a little overpriced. I’ll stick with pieces created by many of the U. S. Mints.

The Petting Zoo at the North Texas Irish Festival

I recently watched an episode of a How I met Your Mother and they were discussing how often women and men have a backup plan when it comes to relationships and they like to keep someone hanging on they he/she knows likes them for a rainy day, even when the feelings are recpirical. They keep going on dates, accepting gifts and attention, but never plan on dating the person exclusively. When he/she is asked to get serious, they add a statement which keeps the other having hope. ” I can’t be with you…right now.”  The last part keeps the other hanging on for the future, so they keep pursuing taking on dates, and giving gifts. Jason Segel’s character made Alyson Hannigan’s character say, “I can’t be with you” to a tea cup pig pretending it was a male cafeteria worker who she had said “I can’t be with you …right now.” She couldn’t do it because the pig was too cute. I was just thinking that I wanted to see one of those Tea Cup Pigs.  At the 2010 Irish Festival petting zoo I hung out with some piglets, some baby goats, a huge rabbit, duck, and some sheep. These may not have been tea cup pigs, but they were very young and small. I tried to hold on, but they squealed and ran away, then when I sat down, they curled up by me for warmth.

Encounters of the Wolfhound Kind at the Dallas Irish Festival

There was also an inside exhibit and boy was I glad, because it started getting cold. Inside there were vendors, clubs, and more than one pseudo-gemologist.  Each had reams of books of last names in which you could look up the origin of your surname. I found out Lemons, my father’s last name, and Vickery, my mother’s maiden name were both English. The highlight of our trip inside was meeting some Irish Wolfhounds. Irish Wolfhounds are the tallest dog breed on average according to Wikipedia. Also, according to Wikipedia they are easygoing animals, that are usually quiet by nature. They have a very peaceful personality and are good with children.

Short History of Irish Wolfhounds

The breed is very old; there are suggestions it may have been brought to Ireland around 3500 BC by early settlers, further genetic testing may help clarify a point of origin. These dogs are mentioned, as cú (variously translated as hound, Irish hound, war dog, wolf dog, etc.) in Irish laws, which predate Christianity, and in Irish literature which dates from the 5th century or, in the case of the Sagas, from the old Irish period – AD600-900. The word “Cu” often became an added respected prefix on the names of warriors as well as kings denoting that they were worthy of the respect and loyalty of a Cu. Ancient wood cuts and writings have placed them in existence as a breed by 273 BC.

We finally made our way home that night. We were going to hang out in Exposition Park after the fair, but decided to head on home.

Read more about the history of North Texas Irish Festival in Dallas.

Official North Texas Irish Festival Website
North Texas Irish Festival Info on About.com
List of Texas Celtic Festivals
More on Irish Wolfhounds

1. The Alamo
   1. Well… it had to top the list. This is where we were almost created. This was our Mayflower and Santa Maria. The character of the people of Texas today is a direct result of the individuals who sacrificed their lives at the Alamo to create a free state. The celeb list includes Davy Crockett, Jim Bowie and William Travis. Looking for a raccoon cap? Seeking a courageous story of a woman strengthened through battle? Read about Susannah Dickinson before you head there and walk into the Alamo to browse. Make sure to stay at the Menger in San Antonio and read up on their legendary ghost stories. The riverwalk won’t make the top ten, but its romance will seduce you.
2. The State Capitol
   1. Go a little farther north and you’ll find the biggest state capitol in America. Everything is bigger in Texas, including the amount of pride we have for our state. I highly encourage you to walk inside the capitol and discover its beauty. Sure it’s Texas limestone on the outside, but its pure state history and pride on the outside.
3. Gruene Hall in New Braunfels
   1. Arguably – and I mean arguably – the best place to two step in Texas, Gruene Hall is not only an infamous dancehall, but also a historical Texas landmark. Make sure you bootscoot on over to New Braunfels and enjoy the Gristmill River Restaurant.
4. Natural Bridge Caverns
   1. Yes we’re proud of our state, but we should be, it’s beautiful. Number four on our list may not be the first visit on your trip, but should definitely be included due to its grandeur.

   

5. Cowboy Stadium
   1. Chandeliers in a football stadium? Totally normal at Jerry Jones’ Cowboy Stadium home to the Dallas Cowboys. This year the stadium will hold not only hold football games, but basketball games and wrestling matches. Bringing in millions of revenues for the local communities, this stadium is a must see if you’re in the area.
6. Galveston Sea Wall
   1. The place where Texas meets the Gulf can on occasion look littered with oil refineries and barges; however, there is a place on the coast that inspires songs, books and thousands of people to trek there every summer. Galveston, having survived yet another disastrous hurricane, is the indisputable beach home for Texans seeking surf and sand.
7. Fredericksburg
   1. How can you not love the combination of wineries, bed and breakfasts and antique shopping? Well maybe men don’t love it, but let’s send them to the WWII museum while we hunt for furniture in the quaint little German town of Fredericksburg.
8. Big Bend National Park
   1. Not much attention is given to this part of the state, yet it happens to be the most scenic views the country has to offer. Dip your foot in the Rio Grande after hiking in this jaw-droppingly beautiful national park.
9. Buddy Holly Center in Lubbock
   1. Buddy Holly was much more than just the widely recognized eyeglasses, he was a legend. And he also just happened to be born in Texas. Although Lubbock as a city has been critiqued for its rare cow manure scent and lack of vegetation, this city is booming and should have a day dedicated in your itinerary. It may be a slow town, but it created some pretty mean rock n roll.
10. Corpus Christi/Port Aransas
    1. Another popular beach locale that couldn’t be left out of the top ten due to its warm water, friendly locals and consumer-friendly prices. The hotels and condominiums in the area aim to please families and pleasure seekers. Stay out of the spring break schedule, but make sure you step on a sand dune while drinking a Shiner and watching the sunset.

(Photos courtesy of flickr)

In honor of Fat Tuesday last week which marks the end of the week-long celebration of Mardi Gras, I thought I would put together a list of some of my favorite restaurants and bars in Dallas seasonally serving fresh steamed crawfish. Anyone who knows me, knows I could eat seafood seven days a week, but not just any seafood. I have a particular fondness for Cajun-style crawfish.   In 2001, I was walking the streets of New Orleans around Bourbon Street, and my friends decided to get our palms read. In a past life I was a fisherman, according to the street palmist who was an ex-professor and PHD academic. This may have something to do with wanting to work with my hands for my food. After five years of living in Dallas proper and five years of living near Dallas (Denton), I feel I’ve eaten my share of mud bugs to have an educated opinion. This list is a mixed bag, yes there are some chain restaurants and bars listed as well as one which may not be considered a “cajun restaurant.” When crawfish are in season and a restaurant or bar offer them, I don’t care what they are listed under in the Yellowpages.

• Nate’s Seafood and Steakhouse - This place is known for their crawfish. Located north of Dallas in Addison, every weekend people of all cultures, colors, and creeds pack their doors and get on their waiting list for some of the most authentic mud bugs. You have to pay extra for the turbo spice, but it’s worth it with all the extra add-ons which come complementary (hush puppies and well-oiled crispy bread loaves). If anyone asks me where to get the best crawfish in town when in season, I tell him/her Nate’s. It’s a well-rounded place with something on the menu anyone can enjoy.
• Al’s Hideaway (**Edit: Location Closed**) - For a bar, this place has hands-down the best crawfish. They get major points mostly because every order does not only come with corn and potatoes, but comes with garlic cloves which really add to the experience. They have managed to cook the bugs in a way which doesn’t disintegrate the meat while spicing it just enough (Pappadeaux’s over-spices their crawfish to a point of awkward annoyance). Like Nate’s Al’s Hideaway is also located in Addison.
• Dodie’s- Excellent etouffee any time of the year, Dodie’s is a Dallas, Greenville Avenue fixture I read about for years on the Internet before giving it a try. After discovering their wide selection, friendly staff, and of course, excellent crawfish, I’ve been back many times since .
• Razzoo’s – This chain restaurant may have a Richardson address, but it’s classic and has all the fixins’ of a mom and pop restaurant. For years I would drive with friends to the Razzoo’s in Lewisville every other weekend while crawfish were in season when I lived in Denton.
• Hooter’s – Not necessary known for their seafood or crawfish, this wing-centric restaurant and bar may not have crawfish for very long, but Hooter’s does a great job of cooking clean, fresh mud bugs with little regard for cheesy alligator toys.

***2/25 Update: I won’t erase my error and act like it never happened. I apologize for steering anyone the wrong way with my Al’s Hideaway recommendation. They truly were one of the best, but the place is closed. I need some input with this. Shuck N’ Jive does not have crawfish currently. What other places are actually serving good crawfish besides Pappadeaux? I had them on the Sunday before Fat Tuesday and although I can recommend them for other cajun delicacies, I cannot for fresh crawfish. It could just be the season, but then it could be the way they were cooked. These other four are solid choices for crawfish in Dallas in 2010. ***

After attending Oktoberfest in Addison, Texas (a suburb of Dallas), in 2008 and 2009 I’ve learned what to expect and how to get the most fun for the least amount of money. I’m looking forward to attending Addison’s 2010 Oktoberfest this September because I will be prepared. I wrote this post as a brief guide to the festival for travelers, first timers and those wanting to optimize his/her experience.

Here are Five Tips for Having a Great Time at the 2010 Addison Oktoberfest

1. Come hungry- Get yourself a German sausage plate with kraut and potatoes. This is the most authentic food they sell at the festival.

2. Keep your glass – If you go more than one day, or plan on attending the next year, keep your glass and you’ll get a discount on beer.

3. Get your tickets early off-site -  You can save $5 if you get your ticket at Tom Thumb rather than buying it at the gate.

4. Go on Friday – You won’t have to go to Tom Thumb if you go on the first Friday it’s open. It’s half price.

5. Don’t go crazy on the tickets - You have to buy tickets for transactions whether you’re buying food, beer, or riding one of the classic festival rides.  It’s better to go under then over on the tickets, otherwise at the end of the night you might be stuck with some extra tickets and wasted money.

Below are 14 Commonly Asked Questions About this Popular Texas Beer Festival

QUESTION: Where is the Addison Oktoberfest?
ANSWER: Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle Drive

Dallas is the 4th largest metroplitan area in the U.S. and the only city grant the right to use Metroplex as a proper noun, describing Dallas and Fort Worth.Recently I created a list which appeals anyone who lives in Dallas or who wants to visit. It was originally posted on a friend’s website ILiveInDallas.com.

Most of the things to do in Dallas listed below are a) strictly in Dallas b) FREE or cost less than $15 c) year-round or available most of the year.  In line with the theme of this the website, many are arts-oriented and encourage patronizing local businesses. Most are also family-friendly or suitable things to do with kids or as a couple.

• Be a Conspiracy Theorist – Since 1989, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza has welcomed more than 6 million visitors from around the world—people of all ages seeking information and understanding about the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963. Did you know that the infamous window from which Oswald shot Kennedy sold on eBay for more than a million dollars? I’ve heard that the “X” on the street moves every year. How’s that for a conspiracy? Check out the plaza and the museum and judge for yourself. Cost: $13.50 per person
• Take the Trolley Tour – The M-Line’s air-conditioned and heated trolleys run 365 days a year, providing local transit service to Dallas’ vibrant Uptown Neighborhood. All rides, except charters, are free. There is a voluntary fare box, and I’m sure contributions are welcomed. Mr. Rogers and San Francisco don’t get to have all the fun. Get the trolley schedule. Cost: Free (donations accepted)
• Digitally Tee Off – This isn’t your grandpa’s driving range. Top Golf  is a revolutionary sports entertainment complex combining games with great food and an environment you can enjoy year-round with friends and family of all skill levels. Top Golf features computerized microchips in every golf ball that track your shots’ accuracy and distance while awarding points for hitting targets ranging from 20 – 250 yards away. The food isn’t half bad either. Find your inner digital caddy shack. Cost: $3.80 a game 9am-3pm, $5.80 a game 3pm-close

Read the whole article and get 28 More Fun Things to Do in Dallas.

Last week, I stopped off in Roanoke, Texas, to grab a quick bite to eat before I met with my host family in Keller, Texas. This was just  one stop on my small town couchsurfing excursion. I like to make every trip an adventure, and can always find value in what some may feel is an ordinary place.  Read the rest of this post  about one of my small town trips where I discovered more than I bargained for and laid the ground work for future adventures.

More About Roanoke, Texas

Located in Denton County, Roanoke is ten miles east of  Denton, and the town has a huge personality despite its size.  According to City-Data.com Roanoke has a population of 4,235, which is a 50% increase since 2000. According to Wikipedia, the main east-west road through town, State Highway 114 Business, was named “Byron Nelson Boulevard” in honor of the legendary golfer who resided in the community. Although, I live in Dallas, I like small Texas towns because I never want to deny my roots, and they all have something unique to offer, whether it be hole-in-the-wall restaurants, parks, unique consignment shops, or structural art.

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House

Babe’s is one of my favorite chicken fried steak places ever. They consistently win awards and seem to keep adding new restaurants all over North Texas with each year of its success. On this Roanoke detour, I had planned on eating at Babe’s Chicken Dinner House, having many fond memories on several occasions there when I was in college. According to their website, on April 22, 1993, Paul and Mary Beth Vinyard opened the first Babe’s in Roanoke, Texas, in a warehouse building built in 1908. “Babe” is Mary Beth’s nick name; she developed the recipes so they named the restaurant Babe’s. Over the years they have developed a broader menu, including many of the items they now serve in the eight other Babe’s locations. From what I remember on my first visit circa 2001, you only had the main course choice of chicken fried steak, chicken fried chicken, or catfish. They have since added several more main course items. What makes this place unique and they have always had is there all-you-can-eat sides and the way they serve them. They have a tasty house salad with a vinegar/oil dressing of the likes I’ve never had anywhere, biscuits with honey, corn off the cob, and homemade mashed-potatoes with skin, all served pass-around home-style for you and your party.

After seeing several people hanging out on the street complete with their BYOB coolers waiting for a table at Babe’s, I decided to head elsewhere and save Babe’s for another day where I would try one of their other locations in Garland, Carrollton, Frisco, Sanger, Burleson, Cedar Hill, or Granbury.

Twisted Root Hamburger Co. in Roanoke, Texas

While walking Roanoke’s unpaved dirt Oak Street (in essences their Main Street),  I discovered  there was a Twisted Root Hamburger Company location. I have been to the one in Deep Ellum several times. Just like the Twisted Root in Deep Ellum, the Roanoke location is packed during lunch and dinner. After this restaurant appeared on Guy Fieri’s Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, the relatively new Dallas burger joint’s popularity went off the charts. After seeing the long line, realizing how much time I had left and my wavering on hunger pangs,  I ended up eating at a  locally- owned Mexican restaurant called Tortilla Flats. This is where I took the last photo and shot a video (to be posted later).  The atmosphere at Tortilla Flats was quite festive with pastel glass art and colorful patio furniture.  I love the summer and everything which comes with it, so I always take the opportunity to sit on a patio if the temperature is more than 75 degrees outside. It may be awhile before I make it back to Roanoke, Texas, but I’m glad to have had the experience in the town of Roanoke, Texas, post-college. Make sure you check out their historic downtown if you are ever in the area!

When I was younger, I had my fair share of family vacations– snow skiing trips, Disney Land, World, New Mexico. Some were closer to home with other families like the Bishops like Six Flags or Wet N’ Wild (Hurricane Harbor). In retrospect, some of my favorite trips were the ones we took within Texas. In the summer of 1989, when I was eight years old, my family, brother, mother, and father (my sister wasn’t born yet), loaded up in our Astro Mini Van and headed to Canyon, Texas, 25 miles outside of Amarillo. The point of the trip was to watch one of “the world’s most popular outdoor musical dramas ” TEXAS,” and to take the Palo Duro Canyon tour.

The Canyon Tour

Palo Duro Canyon State Park , located outside the main city of Canyon, Texas, and considered to be “the Grand Canyon of Texas” opened to the public in July 1934. It contains 26,275 acres is 120 miles long and is as much as 20 miles wide. With a maximum depth of 800 feet, its elevation at the highest point is 3,500 feet above sea level. Some say Palo Duro Canyon is the second largest canyon in the United States. The largest, the Grand Canyon, is 277 miles long, 18 miles wide, and 6,000 ft. deep.

The actual tour was breath taking. We surmounted the rocky terrain rode in one of those 30 – 50 tourist mobiles driven and narrated by our guide. He pointed out some memorable scenes and rock formations, but I was more excited about the roadrunners and lizards I saw for the first time. After the tour, and while awaiting the performance we spent time in the gift shop where my father let me buy my first pocket knife. I still have it.

TEXAS – The Musical

After the tour we watched, TEXAS, the musical. After the popularity of Oklahoma!, the Pulitzer Prize winning Broadway musical by Rodgers and Hammerstein which was later made into a motion picture in the 1950s, it seems Texans felt they needed a musical too. TEXAS was born and the musical drama, as they call it, has been performed since the early 1960s. The play reminded of another I had seen three years earlier celebrating the sesquicentennial of Texas, 150 years of statehood. The most memorable part in my eight-year old mind was when simulated lightening struck the amphitheater’s rim. My father told me they probably used dynamite. It rattled my little body, and I felt a little sick the rest of the show. I am sure I would appreciate live special effects more now, much like the live Batman show at Six Flags.

On the way back from Canyon, we stopped alongside the historic Route 66 in Armadillo to see the Cadillac Ranch – an artist’s commentary on the US’s Golden Age. Ten Cadillac shells with body styles from 1949 through 1963 stand nose first in a field for spectators to admire. The cars are completely graffitied, but it is still amazing, especially for an eight year old. In 1997, they had to be moved two miles west due to progress and development. That trip to Palo Duro Canyon was definitely not the last family trip, but it was a memorable one. Texas has its attractions and its oddities, which makes me proud to live here.

Two weeks ago, I had an brilliant idea. I decided I wanted to start exploring some of the smaller cities around the Metroplex each weekend, find their points of interest, and blog about them. The only catch — I have to meet someone from each city before and sleep on his or her couch in order to get the insider’s tour. Sound crazy? It is a little bit. Over the last few weeks I’ve been to: Comanche, Denton, Glen Rose, Keller, Las Colinas and Roanoke. I want to visit Ennis this weekend (*update: didn’t make it).

Last Friday night, I couchsurfed in Las Colinas. Last Saturday, a family in Keller, Texas. I won’t mention their names for the sake of anonymity.

How did I do it?

I started by putting an ad out on CouchSurfing.com offering up some services in exchange for one night on someone’s couch. While some people may offer house cleaning or cooking, I got a little creative and offered a little more unconventional labor. Plus, I’m not really good at cooking or cleaning anyway.

Couchsurfing Tip #1 : Offer something of value in exchange for your stay. This is something of value to your host, not you. It does not have to cost money. Think of everything you are good at and enjoy doing for others and make a list of services, which most would consider valuable. This may sound obvious, but don’t offer anything you are not really willing to do, because he/she may take you up on your offer. This means, if you hate washing dishes, do not put it on your list! Put a dollar value on your time. Most all of these services I could do in one hour and I put a $50 value per hour on my time.

See the slightly HILARIOUS list of services I offered inside: