Meddlesome Moth’s beef bone marrow – Photo by DishTrip.com

Learn 22 more things to do in Dallas this weekend.

I thought I would share it, since it’s a high quality article.

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My process began with a list of eleven hotels for unannounced visits. If the hotels offered hospitality and a reasonable amount of amenities for a staycation I went back for another visit. Below is the list of the top six Dallas boutique hotels ranked by the amount and degree of hospitality that I experienced throughout the unannounced and announced visits. In this article,  I will be sharing with you some of the unique amenities that made these particular hotels worth a staycation for me as well as what might make each of these six Dallas boutique hotels worthwhile and interesting to you.

#1 Warwick Melrose at  3015 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75219…(214) 521-5151

Our Visit:Visited the Melrose unannounced for lunch. The hotel is home to The Landmark, a restaurant that is a AAA Four Diamond restaurant. I ate at the Landmark Restaurant about three years ago and it was great!  Being a teacher now,  we made a B-line for The Library Bar that is located just to the right of the entrance. The bar feels like something out of NYC with many authentic touches (no faux here). I later learned from the GM,  the bar had undergone a $500,000 renovation with $50,000 spent just for the beautiful blue lapis stone bar top. Everything was unique at the Melrose and I found the Melrose staff exemplified caring in reams.

From the doorman to the bartender, who served us lunch,  the Melrose employees could not have been any kinder. The bartendar was great with my young son and genuinely seemed to have the caring DNA gene in droves.  The food was great and service was seamless! At a subsequent visit with the GM, I shared the best part of the visit was my son’s meal. The GM smiled…..but watching my son manage the six inch strings of cheese from crust to mouth with his three-cheese grilled sandwich was funny!  The employees throughout the hotel are “real” as I said to the GM, Larry McAfee. You know, many times we visit expensive restaurants and/or hotels and the caring comes across as systemized caring that is trained. Not at the Melrose. I spoke  with the front desk person about a shared concern regarding our children. On my way out I ran into one of the Melrose associates who greeted me as he crossed the street from the pharmacy, the Melrose set the standard for caring on my short list.

Learn about five more boutique hotels in Dallas, Texas.

This is a guest post by Alyssa Gardina.

Knox/Henderson are nice, but sometimes you want something a little different. Discover ten places for date nights in Dallas not in Uptown or on Knox/Henderson.

One of the great things about the many restaurants we have in Dallas is finding things that are a bit off the beaten track. And, so, as a follow-up to Josh’s article of the most romantic restaurants in Dallas, I’d like to put forth a list of date night destinations with a different perspective, with some locations that will make your date (him, her, whatever) say “wow.”

1. Lucia
If you’ve got the time to plan ahead, and you’re really looking to impress that certain someone, Lucia is the place to go. A newbie to the growing Bishop Arts District dining scene (no comments about the neighborhood’s safety here, thanks), Lucia’s wine list, authentic Italian menu selections and amazing service have pushed it to the top of the date night list for many Dallas foodies. Caveat: they’re already booked for June, so if you’re looking to head there sometime soon, you’re better off heading to the bar or hoping for a cancellation. The wait, though, is totally worth it.

Learn about nine more Dallas date restaurants.

You only have one chance to make a first impression as my Old Man always used to say. So why, why, why do guys STILL insist on mediocre dinner & a movie dates to take ladies out for the first go-around? Or even worse, the dreaded, “Let’s grab a cup of coffee” dates. Sure, sitting there antsy with a case of the runs & the shakes is EXACTLY how I want my date to go back to her friends and describe me as. No. Here in Dallas, we have more restaurants per person than New York friggin City, so we’ve put together a comprehensive list of some of the most romantic restaurants in the Dallas, TX, that’ll leave her wondering what’s for dessert, instead of where’s the check. Check it out.

Here are nine more romantic restaurants in Dallas, TX.

March 5, 2011 at DFW Adventure Park
Supporting Operation Once in a Lifetime

www.runthewoods.com or www.facebook.com/runthewoods.

This is a reblog from TheSocialsDallas.com.

As you all know, The State Fair can get quite expensive. Here are some ways to get around paying full price and to keep some mula in your pocket. Here are 12 ways to get reduced admission prices at the State Fair of Texas.

• Opening day, September 24th, you are able to bring a full 20 oz CokeProduct (it can even be Capri Sun or Dasani Water) for a donation to the North Texas Food Bank. This will cut your admission to only $4 per person who donates.
• $3 Tuesdays: Every Tuesday of the Fair, bring in an empty Dr. Pepper and enter for only $3.
• $2 Wednesdays: For every person that brings 3 cans of food (which is donated to food banks in the area) and enter for only $2.
• $4 Thursdays: Bring an empty 20 oz bottle of a Coke product and enter for $4.
• Like movies? Have a ticket stub from Cinemark? Use it to get in Free on Thursdays.
• Senior citizens over the age of 60 also get in free on Thursdays – sponsored by Mature Texas Magazine.
• Kiss FM Fridays at the Fair: Hop on over to Kiss FM’s site and print off a coupon for 1/2 price admission and 1/2 price rides after 5pm on Fridays.
• Members of the Museum of Nature and Science get in FREE. You should have received your vouchers already, if not give them a ring. You can still join to reap the benefits of free admission.
• Neighbors GO is giving away FREE tickets, all you have to do is register. You’re able to register every day to increase your chances. Each winner will win a family 4-pack valid all days of the fair.
• Participate in the “Cease The Grease” campaign taking place at Two Podners Restaurant. Drop off 1 liter or more of used grease or oil and receive 2 FREE tickets. (Only the Robert B. Cullum location is participating). – Examiner
• On Thursday, September 30, sport your Dickies clothing or shoes at the tent outside the admission gate and receive a voucher for FREE admission on that day.
• Every year, school districts in the area send children home with FREE admission tickets. Be sure to use and take advantage of them.

Photo Credit: Flickriver

Related Posts:
2010 State Fair of Texas Opening Day in Dallas

For more information on Discounts on the State Fair:
CBS11tv.com/state-fair
Dart.org/state-fair
TexasDiscoverygardens.org/state-fair-exhibits

Other State Fair News:
BigTex.com
Dallas News State Fair Blog
Dallas Art news – Big Tex Goes Up

Big Tex

Today marked the 124th year of the opening of the State Fair of Texas grounds. I’ve attended the State of Texas approximately a dozen times within my 29 years on the earth. From auto shows to live product demonstrations, to fun houses and ferris wheels, I’ve had my fair share of experiences. In recent years,  I went with a friend who had media passes for free admittance. We would go just for lunch and sample tamales, fajitas, tacos, alligator, turkey legs, Fletcher corn dogs, funnel cakes, but I never tried many of the bizarre fried foods the fair is now famous for creating. Read on to get a little bit of history of the State Fair of Texas, the foods,nostalgia, and some advice from those who have gone before.

A Brief History of the State Fair of Texas

Here’s a little history I’m paraphrasing from Pam Wagner. When the first State Fair of Texas opened in 1886. Back then, the fair didn’t even have Big Tex, the 52-foot-tall talking cowboy that is the fair’s instantly recognizable symbol. In 1886, the fairgrounds only covered 80 acres, and 14,000 people showed up on opening day.

By 2002, about 3 million people visited the State Fair each year, now located at the 277-acre Fair Park in Dallas. The Texas State Fair is the largest fair in North America, according to Amusement Business magazine’s annual survey. The advance publicity promises that among other things the fair will feature celebrity chefs, wine tasting, product sampling, gardening tips and exhibits from the Texas food and wine industries.

The Logistics of the State Fair of Texas

Such an enormous job requires a year-round, permanent staff of about 40 employees who work for a 55-member nonprofit corporate board, State Fair of Texas Inc., and a 15-member executive committee.
Some employees help ticket sales go smoothly; some are responsible for amusement rides, games and entertainment; some work with more than 8,000 animal entries for the fair’s livestock show; and some coordinate about 7,000 entries competing for blue ribbons in creative arts such as jams and jellies, quilt-making and photography. The fair always opens with a parade in downtown Dallas.

“What are your favorite things to do/see at the State Fair of Texas?”

This was the survey question I asked to 1200 Facebook friends.  I received ten responses, nine of which I’ll
post here:

“Taste the crazy new fried foods ” – Danielle Glick

“I love riding the shady rides on the Midway. The fact that you don’t know if you’re going to survive or not makes them that much more exciting!” -Christina White

“Haven’t been in 50 years, but would love to try the new deep fried Frito Pie this year! Maybe you can try one for me!” -Nancy Ogle

“The people. i LOVE people watching at the fair. oh that and corn dogs ” – Stephanie Norsworthy

“Eating fried foods!” – Kimberly Thornburg

“I love taking photographs. It’s a fascinating place both for architecture and people pictures.” – David Swinney

“Auto show!” – Debbie Bjelica

“Cars..” – Cody McGehee

“Midway carnival rides! Oh wait…I haven’t been since I was a child.” – Aaron Lemons

Food & Attractions of the State Fair of Texas

The fair offers food and drink to visitors at about 200 different locations on the fairgrounds and on the midway, patrons can spend the fair’s 50 cent coupons on about 75 rides and amusement attractions, such as Tina, the world’s tiniest horse, or the tallest Ferris wheel in North America, the 212-foot Texas Star.

Ferris Wheel at the State Fair Named "Texas Star"

Or patrons can pay cash to play about 75 different games ranging from modern video games to such old-time, carnival favorites as knocking down milk bottles to win a prize. College football games also attract visitors to the fair.

The largest single-day attendance record for the fair was set in 1966 with 345,469 visitors, according to the Handbook of Texas Online, an online encyclopedia of Texas sponsored by the Texas State Historical Association and the University of Texas.

Battle of the Bands at The State Fair of Texas

Speaking of the State Fair of Texas in the late 1960s, my father used to tell the story of his high school rock band, the Mind’s Eye and how they played at the State Fair of Texas in 1967 for a “Battle of the Bands” contest. I don’t think they won, but here’s a picture courtesy of previous band mate Carroll Fuller. Those pictured are: Gary O’Neal (lead guitar & vocals), Mark Finley (rhythm guitar), James Morris (bass), Larry Lemons (organ), Karen Nunneley (vocals) & Carroll Fuller (drums). I found out later through a Facebook thread that my grandmother, Alta Lemons, made their shirts. They were double breasted buttons ala Monkees style.

The Mind's Eye - Texas State Fair - Oct. 1967

The staff of the State Fair no longer tracks attendance because the number of people who enter the gates with a ticket doesn’t reflect how many people attend the fair each day. Many attendees, such as school children and senior citizens, get in free on certain days. Other days, you can go to the State Fair of Texas at reduced admission prices.

Bizarre Fried Foods of the State Fair of Texas

It seems my friends were right. Since the invention of the Fletcher’s Corny Dog, fairgoers have often ranked food as one of the top reasons for attending the annual State Fair of Texas. In 2005, Fair organizers  organized the first annual Big Tex Choice Awards contest for food vendors.

The  entries must be new and unique to the Fair.  In mid-summer, an invitation is sent to all contracted State Fair vendors with details about the contest. Interested concessionaires submit menus to a committee for review and consideration. Often the committee will request samples for taste testing before choosing the finalists for the contest. On Labor Day, judges are brought in for the final round of competition.  The winner for most creative in this year’s contest went to Fried Beer™ while Texas Fried FRITOS® Pie won the trophy for best taste.

Here’s the last five year’s Big Tex Choice Awards contest winners, which has mostly consisted of unconventionally fried foods and beverages.

2005 Most Creative: Viva Las Vegas Fried Ice Cream
2005 Best Taste: Fried PB, Jelly and Banana Sandwich
2006 Most Creative: Fried Coke
2006 Best Taste: Fried Praline Perfection
2007 Most Creative:  Deep Fried Latte
2007 Best Taste:  Texas Fried Cookie Dough
2008 Most Creative: Fried Banana Split
2008 Best Taste: Chicken Fried Bacon
2009 Most Creative: Deep Fried Butter
2009 Best Taste: Fernie’s Deep Fried Peaches & Cream
2010 Most Creative: Fried Beer™
2010 Best Taste: Texas Fried FRITOS® Pie

State Fair of Texas Revenue & Expenses

The fair earns revenue from a variety of sources. The event’s organizers receive no funding from the federal, state or local government, and they decide how much to spend each year to put on the fair by estimating how much revenue they expect to take in that year added to whatever is set aside for operating funds from the previous year. In 2002 the fair organizers anticipated spending $40.5 million to put on the event and expected $44.5 million in revenue.

Any money left over after paying expenses each year is reinvested in improvements and preservation projects at Fair Park, which the city of Dallas owns. The fair’s representatives and city officials jointly decide which improvements–such as building renovations, roof repair or air conditioning–have the highest priority.

About 54 percent of the fair’s revenue comes from admission, parking and miscellaneous sources. About 32.5 percent of the fair’s annual income stems from the fair’s share in the gross revenue from amusement ride operators and food vendors. The percentage of the fair’s take varies according to the individual contracts signed. The fair also obtains annual revenue from exhibit rentals. Fair Park attracts 7.5 million visitors annually and is already one of the top tourist attractions in Texas.

For more information:
BigTex.com
Dallas News State Fair Blog
Dallas Art news – Big Tex Goes Up

Photo credit 1: MyBellRingers
Photo credit 2: Carroll Fuller
Photo credit 3: mallaryjeantenore.wordpress.com
Photo credit 4: Blogcdn.com

Much like oysters, chili, crawfish, and beer, mushrooms are a consumable that people seem to rally around. We’re fortunate to have the biggest mushroom festivals in Texas coming up in Oct.

Activities

* Gala Dinner: Enjoy good food and stirring conversation at a champagne social. dinner and auction– a culinary kick start to the festival held one day before the event.

* Cooking Demonstrations: Chefs will impart their epicurean expertise during a cooking showcase featuring Monterrey mushrooms. Ticket holders can also sample wines from the Lone Star state and take home a commemorative wine glass and a program brimming with recipes.

* Shiitake Run: Slim down on the same day that you chow down during a 5K run/walk around Lake Madison Park.

* Dance: After a day filled with food for the body, enjoy some sustenance for the soul as you move your feet to the beat of FM 2865.

* Auto Showcase: A variety of vintage vehicles will add flavor to the festivities.

* Photo Contest: Take a look at images that capture the essence of life in Texas.

When: October 23, 2010

Where: Downtown Madisonville.

For more information:

* visit www.texasmushroomfestival.com

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  next Thursday,  September16th,  because I will be prepared this year. 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 Six 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 Albertsons rather than buying it at the gate.

4. Go on Thursday – You won’t have to go to Albertsons if you go on the first Thursday  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.  You might even be tempted by the call of the carnie to throw rings on milk bottles for a large panda. When buying tickets,  it’s better to go under then over, otherwise at the end of the night you might be stuck with some extra tickets, wasted money, and tinge of guilt about not going back to spend them.

6. Consider the VIP – If you’re really into the German experience, get the VIP ticket and included comes some of the finest of Bavarian full-service dining featuring an expanded Oktoberfest menu of either: Brathaenchen, Braised Pork, or the Sampler. For dessert you have your choice of either an Apfeltarte, warm apple lattice tart with cinnamon ice cream, or Black Forest Parfait, Kirschwasser-infused cherries layered with Bavarian cream and shaved chocolate. And of course you also get a stein filled with Spaten or Franzikaner beer, soda or water. For VIP, a reservation is required.

Below are 13 Commonly Asked Questions About this Popular Texas Beer Festival

QUESTION: Why is the Addison Oktoberfest held in September?
ANSWER:  They schedule the Addison Oktoberfest to coincide with the opening of the world-renown Oktoberfest celebration in Munich, which is a 16-day festival that ends on the first weekend in October.

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

QUESTION: When is the Addison Oktoberfest this year?
ANSWER: Thursday, September 16, 6:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.
Friday, September 17, 6:00 p.m. – Midnight
Saturday, September 18, 12:00 p.m.(Noon) – Midnight
Sunday, September 19, 12:00 p.m. (Noon) – 5:00 p.m.

QUESTION: How much is admission?
ANSWER: Admission for ages 4 and older is free on Thursday; $5 before 5 pm on Saturday and all day Sunday; and $10 on Friday and after 5pm on Saturday. Admission to the festival may be purchased at the gate. Discount tickets will be available at all DFW Albertsons closer to the event.

QUESTION: Will I be allowed to leave and return later?
ANSWER: Yes, they stamp your hand before you leave and you may return free of charge on the same day.

QUESTION: Where do I park?
ANSWER: There is free Parking at NW corner of Dallas Parkway and Arapaho Road.

QUESTION: Is parking available for the disabled?
ANSWER: Yes, at the DART Station located off of Arapaho Road and Quorum Drive. Parking will be located at the far East end of the lot.

QUESTION: Will an ATM be available on-site?
ANSWER: Yes, there are on-site ATMs.

QUESTION: May I bring a stroller, child’s wagon, or a motorized wheelchair to the festival?
ANSWER: Yes, you can bring a stroller, child’s wagon, but bicycles, skates and scooters are not allowed.

QUESTION: May I bring a cooler to the festival?
ANSWER: No, a cooler is not allowed and alcohol is not permitted to enter or leave the festival grounds.

QUESTION: Can I bring my pet to the festival?
ANSWER: No, pets are not allowed on the grounds. Service animals for persons with disabilities are welcome.

QUESTION: What are Addison Oktoberfest event coupons?
ANSWER: Food, drinks, carnival rides, midway games, and wine tasting are purchased with festival coupons. There will be several locations throughout the park to purchase Oktoberfest event coupons.

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/a925photography/2875937816/

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.

Best Dallas Mexican & Tex-Mex Food Restaurants in 2010

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