Category Archives: Date Night Ideas
Need Summer Time Ideas?
YAY! It’s Summer Time!! Schools out and the Sun is shinning I LOVE this time of year. However, if your kiddos are like mine I start to hear, “Mom, I’m bored” and “What are we going to do today?” to which I am usually stumped. This year we have come up with a great list of ideas to help you plan and ENJOY this great city we live in with your family.
Dallas World Aquarium, Dallas
Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park
Dallas Zoo, Dallas
Fort Worth Zoo, Fort Worth
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose
Frank Buck Zoo, Gainesville
Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch, Pilot Point
Hawaiian Falls – Colony
White Rock Lake, Dallas
NRH2O Family Water Park, North Richland Hills
Trinity River Kayak/Canoe Expeditions, Dallas area
Dr Pepper Star Center, Euless, Farmers Branch, Frisco, McKinney and Plano
Galleria Ice Skating Center, Dallas
Top Golf, Allen, Dallas and The Colony
Six Flags Over Texas, Arlington
Rangers Ballpark/Rangers, Arlington
Dallas Arboretum, Dallas
The Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary, McKinney
Dallas Children’s Theater, Dallas
McKinney Performing Arts Center, McKinney
Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Dallas
Plano Children’s Theatre, Plano and McKinney
Windmill Stables of Spring Park, Richardson
Need more ideas? Check out 181 Places to See & Things to Do in Dallas-Fort Worth
Larry Likes Food: Mash’d
A Monthly Review of Restaurants, Pubs, and Other Eateries
By Larry Brantley
I know. I write my first restaurant review, I get a great response, and then I vanish
from the face of the planet. Where did he go? you were asking yourselves. What if
he’s in trouble? Like, what if he’s trapped under something heavy? Or was kidnapped
by a cult? What if he finally had to enter the Witness Protection Program? WHO’S
GOING TO TELL ME WHERE TO EAT?!?
Relax. I’m alive, I’m (relatively) safe, and this is where you need to have your next
meal:
Mash’d
3401 Preston Rd Ste 1
Frisco TX 75034
214.618.9440
You had me at “Moonshine.”
Mash’d is the brainchild of a fella named Robert Wechsler, one of those
entrepreneur types who start more businesses than I have brain cells. Anyway, he
used to dine out a lot at another joint in Frisco, a Mediterranean-Italian place called
TruFire, run by David Kazarian and Jay Clark. I’m not sure exactly how they came up
with a restaurant concept centered around 30 plus different flavors of moonshine.
But my sincere hope is that they were all hanging out one night, and decided to
watch Burt Reynolds’ brilliant performance of back-country moonshine maker
“Gator” McClusky in the 1973 film White Lightnin’. Because that kind of inspiration
would be awesome.
Probably that’s not how it happened. What matters is that, at Mash’d, it’s not just
about the moonshine. It’s also about the food. Me and a couple of close friends
dropped in recently – and we drop in as often as we can. Here’s just a couple of the
things we tried this time around:
I am an unapologetic queso snob. Mash’d makes some of the best I’ve ever eaten –
but don’t think Mexican, or even Tex-Mex. Think: New Orleans. To wit: cheese (duh),
Abita beer, Andouille sausage, pickled pepper relish, with house-made seasoned
tortilla chips for dipping (we added the pretzel bites to our order, because my friend
John is nutso for them), accompanied by three stout cocktails: a Pineapple Bomb,
an Illegal Endeavor (it’s not on the menu, you have to know about it, and you’re
welcome), and a 2 ounce shot of Midnight Moon 100 Proof Apple Pie Moonshine. I
will pause here, to allow you time to mop up the saliva on your screen…
By the time my entrée arrived, I was already in a very happy place. However, I
was skeptical about what I’d ordered, because it’s simply called House Pasta. My
experience has been, any time a restaurant uses the term “house” in a dish name, it’s
either going to be spectacular – or spectacularly awful. I wasn’t even going to order
it, but our server (Josh, ask for him, he’s awesome) talked me into it. And that is why
I will now take a bullet for Josh, if the need arises.
Because this. Right here.
The House Pasta is a campanelle (Italian for little bells), served with big ol’ Gulf
shrimp, chunks of grilled chicken, Andouille sausage (yes, I had it in my entrée, also:
don’t judge me), all topped with parmesan, and all swimming in a – wait for it –
brandy sriracha butter cream sauce? Yeah. These mad geniuses combined a 14th
century European liquor, and a spicy Southeast Asian hot sauce. With butter. They
should have called it Mad Genius Sauce. Ask for a couple extra pieces of French
baguette, because you’re going to want to sop.
You might be wondering what I had for dessert, so I’ll tell you. I had another 2 ounce
shot of Midnight Moon 100 Proof Apple Pie Moonshine. Don’t. Judge. Me.
A few weeks ago, Mash’d started serving Sunday brunch. Not happy to shovel out
the traditional, let’s-take-everything-we-couldn’t-sell-this-week-and-make-it-into-a-
cassarole fare, the dishes are all original. And yummy. I had the Benny’s Pot, a twist
on Eggs Benedict served in a cast-iron pot. Look up the description on their website,
because I’m probably already way over my word count for this article. Better yet: go
try it yourself.
Mash’d is a comfortable, friendly, upscale sports bar – which is how the owners
describe it. But it’s a lot more. At least for now, they haven’t skimped on anything.
And that includes service. When I find a server (or servers) that really make my
dining experience a complete one, I tend to marry them, in a way. They’re who I ask
for, and I happily become a regular. Ask for Suzanne (she serves, tends bar, and is a
floor manager), or Josh (the guy I’d take a bullet for.) If all of the staff at Mash’d are
half as awesome as these two, you’ll always come back.
I’m gonna see if I can convince them to do a “Gator” McClusky Night…
Where will you celebrate National Margarita day
Pretty weather and a great patio… Life doesn’t get much better! Rather you want to enjoy a margarita or just a glass of ice tea we have put together a list of some of our favorite restaurant patios (that happen to serve margaritas) in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, Fairview, Carrolton, Allen and Prosper.
Hope you can find some time to enjoy this beautiful weather and some great company on one of these patios this weekend!
Bayou Jack’s – Great Cajun food in McKinney Texas
Larry Likes Food
A Monthly Review of Restaurants, Pubs, and Other Eateries
By Larry Brantley
Let’s get one thing straight, right at the beginning. I like food. If pressed, I might admit to being a “foodie,” but more and more these days, that moniker is taking on elements of snobbishness, superiority and elitism that make me uncomfortable. I blame cable television. I also blame any person with the bass-ackwards notion that really good food has to be really expensive, and must be presented as artwork in a very pricey location. That kind of experience has its place, but rarely for me. Partly because I don’t own a tie and coat, and mostly because I look in my wallet and see two dollars, an expired coupon for cheese, and a couple of dust bunnies.
My friend Keisha York asked me if I’d be willing to write a monthly column for her newsletter / blog / whatever-else-she’s-using-to-communicate-with-people, and since I both write and eat (sometimes, daily), I said, “Yes.” Then, when she offered to pay for these excursions, I said. “Hell, yes.” So, I shall endeavor to experience and report each month on a local eatery, being as open-minded as I can, and calling it like I see it. With all that said, here’s the first review:
Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill
218 E Louisiana Street #300
McKinney TX, 75069
(972) 388-7665
www.bayoujackscajungrill.com
I like me some Cajun and Creole food, y’all. I’ve been waiting for Bayou Jack’s to open ever since I saw their banner go up next door to Mellow Mushroom. I’d never been to their original location in Roanoke, but had heard good things from friends over that way. In the interest of full disclosure, I’ll tell you that I dined there on a Wednesday night, when the place was barely half-full, and so the wait staff was exceptionally attentive.
The interior of the place is sparse and roomy; bare brick walls, concrete floor, chalkboards with hand-written adverts for specials, or some of Bayou Jack’s best-sellers. And you had better enjoy some zydeco, because that’s what’s playing in the place. I heard some American standards intermixed (Fats Domino, George Thorogood, and Huey “Piano” Smith), but mostly it’s the washboard-scratching, accordion-slapping, fiddle-burning music that is original to Louisiana. And I like it.
Know what else I like? Beer, and Dirty Balls. (Yeah. Some of you just went THERE, didn’t you?) This is what I’m talking about:
Dirty Balls are Jack’s riff on traditional boudin balls, with chunks of cubed Cajun sausage, celery, rice and spices rolled into balls, dredged in flour or meal, and fried. They’re served on a bed of tomato and pepper sauce (with a little more boudin for good measure), and topped with queso. Yes, I said queso. Don’t judge me. It was awesome. Add to that the Abita Andygator beer I was drinking, and I could have stopped right there and called it a good evening. But I was on assignment, so to speak. So – to the entrée!
Crawfish Etouffee, baby. With etouffee, it’s all about the roux, that lovely brown gravy that underscores many Cajun and Creole dishes. In French, “etouffee” literally means “smothered,” and that’s a good thing. My crawfish were plentiful and tasty, the roux was deep, nutty and a little spicy (I added a couple shots of Cajun Chef Hot Sauce to my meal – which is NOT an insult to the chef. They put that stuff on the tables), and I had plenty of rice, and even a couple pieces of toasted baguette for sopping. And believe me, you will want to sop. I finished off my second Andygator beer, and felt just fine, dawlin’.
If you go online to check them out (http://www.bayoujackscajungrill.com), be aware that they haven’t updated their menu, nor do they list prices. Don’t let that scare you off. The menu is reasonable, the atmosphere is family-friendly (this is McKinney, after all), and I finally have a place to go for Fat Tuesday this year.
Bon temps rouler, y’all.
Larry Brantley is a professional actor, writer, and comic. He lives in McKinney. And he doesn’t actually speak French.
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LOOKING FOR WEEKEND IDEAS IN ADDISON, DALLAS, MCKINNEY and PLANO TX?
Rain… Cooler temps… Can I get out my jacket and sweat shirts yet? This should be a great weekend to get out and enjoy the cooler temps and relax! There is quite a bit going on Around town this weekend. I thought I would pick a few biggies that you may not want to miss! Be sure to click on the links to get more info.
I know I know it is not October yet but… The Addison, TX October Fest is this weekend. It is always a TON of fun!
This weekend is the opening weekend for The Cat in the Hat at the Dallas Childrens Theatre. They always put on a great show that both children and the adults enjoy.
You DO NOT WANT TO MISS the Plano, TX Balloon Festival.
Autumn at the Dallas Arboretum starts this weekend. My favorite seasons at the Arboretum, great place take fall pics!
Saturday only… If you are a bargain shopper you will want to check out the McKinney Ladies Association Community Wide Fall Yard Sale in McKinney Texas.
Hope you enjoy your weekend and get to take advantage of the cooler temp!
Blessings!
Keisha
If Customer Service, Market Knowledge and Professionalism is what you are looking for in a Real Estate Agent, Keisha York is who you want to call. She specializes in residential Real Estate in McKinney, Frisco, Allen, Prosper, Plano and surrounding areas. Keisha York: 469-853-9798 or keisha.york@gmail.com.
ATTENTION ALL FOODIES!!!
Just another reason McKinney, TX is a GREAT place to live!!!
Downtown McKinney has joined the rankings of Bishops Art District, Knox Henderson and Uptown as one of the BEST Foodie neighborhoods according to the Dallas Morning News. I was a little surprised Sauce, Spoons and Cafe Malaga were not mentioned in the below write up. They certainly make he list of local favorites!
“Other than Rick’s Chophouse, there’s not much in the way of high-end dining. But if you like to cook, it’s hard to beat downtown McKinney for shopping. One of the area’s best farmers markets sets up Saturday mornings at Chestnut Square. Locally raised grass-fed beef and lamb, pasture-raised chicken and pork and more are for sale at Local Yocal (which supplies many of Dallas’ top restaurants). At Patina Green Home and Market, you’ll find gourmet goodies, sandwiches and gotta-have-it tabletop items. Want a great burger and fine Texas microbrew? Head to Square Burger. Amazingly, all that is right on the square. Nearby, Cadillac Pizza Pub makes a fine pie, and Hutchins BBQ just earned a coveted spot on Texas Monthly’s list of 50 best barbecue joints.”
Read entire article at http://www.dallasnews.com/news/community-news/best-neighborhoods/20130601-best-foodie-friendly-neighborhoods-quality-abounds-from-bishop-arts-district-to-mckinney.ece
What are you doing this weekend???
YEAH!!! It is Friday. Do you have any plans this weekend? Our calendar is pretty full but I am always looking for new fun things to do…
Tryout out one of DFW TOP 4 Burger joints : Chop House Burger, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Angry Dog and Maple and Motor. I would love to hear who you think is best. Last year Angry Dog won bragging rights to DFW Best Burger.
Fun Night at the Dallas Zoo: “Kid To Do at the Dallas Zoo”- On 6/1 from 5:30pm to 8:30pm. Sounds like a Fun night at the zoo with the youngest giraffe, Jamie, guiding the way as the Safari guide, bounce houses, DJ, face painting and unique animal encounters.
Work on that Beach body while helping out those impacted by the tornadoes in Moore, OK: Run Moore for Relief, it’s OK to walk 5K/10K-Cooper Craig Ranch will host a not-for-profit 5K/10K Run MOORE for Relief, It’s OK to Walk on Saturday, June 1 at 8 a.m. at Cooper Craig Ranch. Registration and additional information is available at coopercraigranch.com. The race will host a moment of silence and a balloon release for every life lost. All proceeds from the race will go to the Tulsa Community Foundation, Moore/Shawnee Relief Fund and the Oklahoma City Animal Shelter.
Hope you have a GREAT WEEKEND!
Saturday on the Square
Looking for a great idea for a date night or an early Mothers day celebration? Second Saturday on the Square in Downtown McKinney, TX sound FUN!
“Enjoy an evening of art, music, food and spirits every second Saturday in Downtown McKinney, TX. Guests can explore local art galleries, listen to great local and regional talent and taste some of the area’s best eateries. Many places in Downtown McKinney will keep their doors open from 7 to 10 p.m.”
Can’t go wrong with pretty weather, live music, great atmosphere, yummy food and shopping!
Sauce…. YUMMMMM
What’s for lunch? Sauce in historical downtown McKinney! This fabulous Italian home kitchen offers traditional Italian comfort foods using farm raised ingredients that provide the ultimate flavor! Pizzas, pastas, salads – you will love them all!
112 E. Louisiana St., McKinney, TX
Pretty Weather and LIVE Music….
What are you doing this weekend? Watters Creek has started up their concerts by the Creek events. Sounds like a great Saturday night out to me! Enjoy one of the YUMMY restaurants in the Watters Creek Area then spread out a blanket and enjoy the great atmosphere and music.
Around Town 
