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Taking the Kids to Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

Knight at Medieval Times

Posing with “Our” Knight

Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament is a restaurant filled with experiences you’re not likely to find outside of a Renaissance Faire.   Dashing knights swinging broadswords, a lovely princess and galloping horses.

We took the girls to the Medieval Times in Dallas during a recent trip.  I admit to being a bit hesitant prior to our arrival.  Would the kids balk at the food?  Would the sword fighting be too violent for them?  Would they be bored?

I needn’t have worried.  As we left the girls were already asking to return the next time we will be in Dallas.

Arriving at Medieval Times

You’ll know you’re at the right place as soon as you pull into the parking lot.  A massive castle fasçade stands behind a moat, heavy wooden doors open and welcoming.

Though you may be able to walk in for a show, it is recommended that you make a reservations.  This will assure that your party can all sit together.  You also need to arrive, or wait to be seated, as a group.  Seats are given first come- first served, unless you pay for VIP front row seating.

Your tickets are exchanged for paper crowns in your knight’s colors and tickets showing the row in which you will be seated.  Have a professional photo taken with royalty before entering the open waiting area.  While you’re waiting you can browse the gift shop or enter the torture chamber.

The doors to the arena open a few minutes before show time and the entire room move, en masse, toward their entry.  Seating is actually quick and organized- I was really impressed how well the servers handled the crowd!

Dining at Medieval Times

Food and drink choices aren’t plentiful, though there is a bar available (additional charge) if your drink preferences run beyond Pepsi, iced tea or water.  Your smiling wench or page will introduce you to your knight, though you have to listen carefully as the crowd is noisy and each section has a server doing the exact same thing!

There is no ordering from a menu, your napkin outlines the evening’s feast:

Medieval Times Menu

Items are served throughout the first half of the tournament and, I must admit, it was quite tasty.  The tomato bisque was warm and creamy and the chicken was perfectly roasted.  Probably the best part- for the kids, anyway- was that there is no silverware!  yep, you eat with your fingers; not even a dagger to remove meat from bones. 

Meal at Medieval Times

The Tournament at Medieval Times

Andalusian Stallions at Medieval TimesIt would be very easy for the entertainment at Medieval Times to come off as “campy”, think ‘A Knight’s Tale’, but other than a few scripted lines that are meant to elicit groans, the show is entertaining and exciting.  The Tournament pits six knights against eachother; 3 from the East and 3 from the West.  As you cheer and jeer the knights compete in tests of skill, tossing flowers to the ladies of their court after each competition.  The weapons used by the knights are real, the swings of the swords and tumbles from horses are well rehearsed and natural looking.  The sharp clangs of metal meeting metal are accompanied by real sparks, not a trick of light.  The beautiful white Andalusian horses are breathtakingly graceful and full of joy as they perform.  The destriers that carry the knights as they joust are fluid in their movements.    The horses are pure pleasure to watch.

Swordfight at Medieval Times

Though dinner at Medieval Times isn’t someplace you would visit weekly, it is an adventure out of the ordinary and great fun during a family vacation or for a special occasion.

Tips for Visiting Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament

 

 

Disclosure:  We would like to thank Medieval Times Dallas for hosting our family.

 

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Plan a Getaway With Friends in Grapevine, Texas

Grapevine, Texas is a shining jewel often overshadowed by its big neighbor, Dallas. Mere minutes from DFW airport, a quick hop on a shuttle will have you at a fabulous resort like the Gaylord Texan or Great Wolf Lodge, or more budget friendly dwellings near Grapevine Mills Mall.

With all there is to do in Grapevine- and the handy visitors shuttle to take you from place to place for a mere $5 per day- this town offers everything you could need for a fabulous Girl’s Getaway.

 

Historic Downtown Grapevine, Texas

Historic Downtown Grapevine is filled with unique boutiques, funky art galleries, local wineries and delectable dining.

To help plan a girls getaway for the ladies of the BlissDom Conference, I wrote a tips piece about what to do in Grapevine.  Even if you’re not attending Blissdom, it will give you plenty of ideas!

Arrive at the beautiful Gaylord Texan, check into your room, unpack, relax a bit, then head down to the grand lobby, grab a coffee from Java Coast or a drink from the Sliver Bar and sit beside the fireplace in a posh leather chair as you await your friends.

Read more of the article “Planning a Girls Getaway in Grapevine, Texas“….

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A Great Family Getaway in Grapevine, Texas

It’s likely you’ve not heard of Grapevine, Texas though, if you’ve ever flown into DFW airport, you’ve technically been there.

This suburb of Dallas is home to fabulous family friendly resorts, kids friendly activities, and a historic downtown filled with scrumptious restaurants and unique shops.

In short, it’s a great place for a fun family vacation.

Kids Camp Room at Great Wolf Lodge, Grapevine, TXEnjoy resorts like the Gaylord Texan and Great Wolf Lodge, kid friendly activities like LegoLand Discovery Center and SeaLife Aquarium, historical activities including the Grapevine Vintage Railroad and the twice daily gunfight on main street. 

Are you intrigued?  View the photo slideshow to see what makes Grapevine, Texas a great family getaway!

Disclosure:  This post links to an article written by me and published at Blissfully Domestic on November 30, 2012.

 

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Food for the Family Near Phoenix

Cupcake from The Coffee Shop at Agritopia, Gilbert, Arizona

Sprinkles & Sparkles? Best. Cupcake. Ever.

To wrap up 2012, I wanted to share my 10 most popular posts of the year. Post #7 proves that family travelers love food!

Originally published March 27, 2012, this post takes in the culinary delights near Phoenix, Arizona.  From Italian to hyper-local cuisine that legends are made of, we explored the Best Bites Near Phoenix- Restaurants the Entire Family Will Love.

Finding great family restaurants when you’re traveling can be tricky. Thankfully the SunnyAZ CVB directed me to quite a few restaurants near Phoenix that were both family friendly and incredibly delectable!

I take you all over the area known as “Sunny Arizona”- Chandler, Tempe, Apache Junction and Gilbert- tasting local favorites and family friendly chain restaurants.  It’s a delicious trip and timely if you’re heading down to visit any “snowbirds” this winter!

Read more of the popular article Best Bites Near Phoenix – Restaurants the Entire Family Will Love…

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Never Pass By a Hot Dog Stand: Johnny’s WeeNee Wagon in Markham, Illinois

If there is one thing our travels have taught us, it’s to never pass by an interesting looking restaurant.

Such was the case during our trip to Chicago’s Southland.  We were in town for the Gaelic Park Irish Fest and were looking for a place to grab lunch.  We had passed Johnny’s WeeNee Wagon on our way to the hotel, noticing the patriotic hot dog outside.  Intrigued by the boldness of the humble dog, we decided it was exactly the kind of place we wanted to experience.

Johnny's WeeNee Wagon in Markham, Illinois

We’re suckers for a patriotic hot dog.

This small building, though larger than the “wagon” in it’s name, is home to some of the best food we’ve had in a while.  The menu was much larger than expected, serving a wide variety of hot dogs as well as burgers, brats, chicken, gyros and even steaks.

Huge Menu at Johnny's WeeNee Wagon

It took us quite a while to decide what to order- and even with guidance from the staff, we second guessed our choices. 

Check out those onion rings!

This photo does no credit to our meal….  There is no way an image can show you how fresh the ground beef in the hand cut burgers tasted, or how tasty the brat was (my only complaint is that there was no sauerkraut).  But the real treat was the onion rings.  Hand cut and thick, these were the kind of rings you can only find in small town diners.  Absolutely incredible.

Dining al Fresco

As we were enjoying our meal under a canopy outside,  John Cappas, the Johnny of the WeeNee Wagon came out to join us.  He has owned the restaurant for three years and is passionate about the quality of the food served.  As we ate, John told us how he learned about food quality in culinary school and his desire to serve the best quality food for the best value.  Even as I was eating my mouth was watering, wanting to try one of the chicken breast sandwiches- the chicken is marinated for 24 hours.  And as he described choosing the best beef for steaks- which he hand cut personally- I knew this was a man as dedicated to food quality as  he was to restaurant success.

The frozen custard is available in 64 flavors
The quality extends to the ice cream served at Johnny’s WeeNee Wagon.  Technically it’s custard, which is much creamier than traditional ice cream, due to 10% cream.  Last year the restaurant purchased a special machine that infuses the custard with one of 64 different flavors- making this the perfect spot for a family who loves an evening cone!

I wish we could have returned to Johnny’s for dinner- I really wanted to try their chicken.  I suppose that means we’ll have to make a trip back!

About Johnny’s WeeNee Wagon

  • Located just off I57 in Markham, Illinois- a Chicago suburb.
  • Indoor seating is very limited, and the area can be crowded with people waiting for their meals.  Make your order and designate your “pick up person” while everyone else heads outside for a table.
  • Drive up is available.
  • Expect it to be very busy during the lunch hours on a week day.
  • Future plans include a dining room to focus on evening dining.
  • Visit on a Wednesday in the summer to enjoy “Cruise Night”.

Have you eaten at Johnny’s WeeNee Wagon?  What was your favorite part of the meal?

 

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A Taste of Ireland in Ames, Iowa at Dublin Bay

It’s no secret, I’ve a weakness for a good Irish pub.  During a recent family outing to Reiman Gardens in Ames, Iowa, we decided to take lunch at Dublin Bay Irish Pub, not far from the ISU campus.

As soon as we entered the parking lot, I knew we were at a pub that had Irish roots.  The low slung building could have been set in any Irish village and not been out of place.  Old bicycles with baskets and overflowing planters marked it as a true public house.  Once inside heavy beams and brick walls lined with photos and Guinness ads welcomed both locals and travelers.  The pub is surprisingly large on the inside, chopped into small rooms scattered with tables and snugs.

Traditional Irish Fayre at Dublin Bay

Boxty Dishes at Dublin Bay Irish Pub in Ames, Iowa

Banger Boxty and Corned Beef Boxty with Gorgonzola cream sauce

Boxty is most easily described as an Irish potato pancake.  Fried in a pan or on a griddle, boxty can appear in a variety of thicknesses.  The last time I had boxty served thin and wrapped around meat, much like a crepe, was at Gallagher’s Boxty House in Dublin, Ireland.  The simple presentation of the meal, with Killarney potatoes on the side and warm brown bread with butter, understates the flavor that bursts from the Gorgonzola cream sauce.  This is a meal I will return for.

Of course you can’t visit an Irish pub without someone ordering fish & chips.  On this trip my daughter ordered the Lil Leprechaun plate.  The smiling fries were a fun change from regular chips and the fish was hot and perfectly flaky.

Kids Fish & Chips at Dublin bay in Ames, Iowa

Kids Fish & Chips

But the real treat came with our appetizer.

You can never go wrong with a spinach artichoke dip.  And while the dip was good, it was the thinly sliced, crisp toasted brown bread that made it exceptional.  In fact, the tortilla chips were rather a disappointment after the flavor of the toasted bread.

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Toasted Brown Bread

Spinach and Artichoke Dip with Toasted Brown Bread

With all that food we really didn’t need dessert, but my husband and girls are on a mission to try every bread pudding that may come their way.  This one was fluffy and filled with raisins.  Served hot, the melting ice cream, whiskey caramel and chocolate created a delectable sauce that had my youngest running her finger along the bottom of the empty dish to get every last bit.

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel and Chocolate Sauce

Bread Pudding with Whiskey Caramel and Chocolate Sauce

We’ll be sure to return to Dublin Bay and will attempt to try some of the other items on their menu – if I can manage to overlook the boxty.

Boxty Dishes at Dublin Bay Irish Pub in Ames, Iowa

Banger Boxty and Corned Beef Boxty with gorgonzola cream sauce

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Finding Romance in Kansas City

I love how much we travel with our girls.  Near or far, it’s always an adventure.  But sometimes we adults need some time to get away and remember just why we fell in love.

Doug and I recently had an “adults only” getaway to Country Club Plaza in Kansas City, Missouri.  The Plaza holds special memories for us as Doug surprised me with a weekend getaway there when we were early in our relationship and we took a long weekend there when we got married.  It was the perfect getaway to reconnect and enjoy a little romance.

raphael hotel front

The Raphael Hotel, Kansas City Most Romantic Boutique Hotel

The Raphael, Kansas City’s Romantic Boutique Hotel

The minute you arrive at the Raphael Hotel you know you’re somewhere special.  The elegant brick structure brings to mind a time when buildings were built with care, each brick an important piece of the finished work.  As your vehicle rolls to a stop your door is opened and you are welcomed with a flourish by the impeccably dressed doorman. As the doors open and you enter the gilded lobby you know you’ve stepped back in time to a day when luxury hotel stays meant you dressed for dinner and guests were treated as more than bodies in a room.

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Suite at Raphael Hotel

Most of the rooms in the hotel are suites featuring a roomy sitting area with desk and television and a separate sleeping area.  I love this type of room as I am an early riser and Doug loves to sleep in when he can.  I enjoyed tea made in the Keurig and utilized the free wireless internet at my leisure- so relaxing with no little ones interrupting.  A light breakfast delivered from the on-site restaurant made my morning complete.

While the hotel, itself, is an incredible treat it is the staff that makes it truly special.  Every coming or going is recognized with a greeting, wishes for a good day, or offer of assistance; it feels like every member of the staff wants your stay to be perfect.

The Chaz Restaurant

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

Smoked Salmon Benedect & Bananas Foster French Toast

With live music practically every evening and an eclectic variety of dishes, it’s no wonder Chaz on the Plaza has become one of Kansas City’s favorite dining spots.

The restaurant is small and quiet which made it perfect for pre-dinner drinks and a small appetizer.  The Braised Veal Cheek Sliders are a must, the incredibly tender meat so well accompanied by the salty mildness of the Emmentaler cheese.

The breakfast menu had a decidedly French feel with omelets, Benedicts and a Bananas Foster French Toast that was simply heavenly.  The only disappointment was the Chicken Fried Steak.  While good, it was almost as if the meat was too nice of a cut and the breading too light and not crisp enough.   (Yes, I know, how sad is it to say a piece of meat was too good?)

Enjoying Country Club Plaza as a Couple

Country Club Plaza was created to resemble Seville, Spain.  Statues, murals, tile mosaics and beautiful buildings make this a perfect area for strolling, hand in hand.  Upscale shops attract your eye and dozens of restaurants are available to please you palate.  My top picks for romance:

Best place to relive Lady & the Tramp’s Spaghetti Scene:  Buca di Beppo

This Italian restaurant is popular with large groups for their family style dining, but small, private boots are perfect for your romantic evening.

Best place when the cost doesn’t matter: McCormick’s & Schmick’s

Known for their steaks and seafood, M&S serves only the very freshest food available.  The chefs are known for their incredible variety and perfect presentation.  For a truly private dining experience reserve a snug.

Best for couples who can’t agree on what to eat:  Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Roasting Meat at Fogo de Chao

Meats slowly cooked over fire.  And a salad bar that even salad haters will love.  Gauchos who bring the meat, on the skewer, to your table and slice it off right in front of you.  And tasty side dishes that include caramelized bananas and warm cheese bread that is lighter than air.

Most romantic for dessert:  The Melting Pot

Chocolate fondue.  Need I say more?  OK, chocolate fondue and champagne.

Best place to relax on a beautiful afternoon:  O’Dowd’s Little Dublin

Ploughman's Platter, O'Dowd's Little Dublin, Kansas City

Bangers, cheese and toasts

Head directly for the only rooftop deck on the Plaza.  Relax with a drink, nibble on the Ploughman’s Platter, talk, flirt, and remember what life was like before kids.

Kansas City is one of our favorite destinations, both as a couple and as a family.  With so much to do, so many things going on, it’s no wonder one of our favorite sayings is “Kansas City Here We Come!” 

 

 
Disclosure: This getaway was fully paid for by Doug & I. 

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Best Bites Near Phoenix – Restaurants the Entire Family Will Love

Finding great family restaurants when you’re traveling can be tricky.  Thankfully the SunnyAZ CVB directed me to quite a few restaurants near  Phoenix that were both family friendly and incredibly delectable!

Best Restaurant for Feeding a Hungry Family

The Old Spaghetti Factory, located at the Chandler Fashion Center, is the perfect stop to fill your hungry family.  One of Parents Mazine’s 10 best family restaurant chains, you’ll find large portions at a reasonable price.  Dinner entrees for kids and adults are complete meals, served with fresh bread, soup or salad, a drink and spumoni for dessert.

Fountains at Chandler Fashion Center

After enjoying an Italian meal the fountains are fun to watch

Tip:  Enjoy the water show in the fountains outside the restaurant or treat the kids to a stop in the Lego Store in Chandler Fashion Center.

Best Meal With a Show

Family Style Sides at the Mining Camp Restaurant, Apache Junction, Arizona

Baked Beans, Coleslaw & Fresh Baked Rolls

If you find yourself in Apache Junction, near the base of the Superstition Mountains, you’ll want to make reservations at the Mining Camp Restaurant.  All You Can Eat meals, served family style, begin with hot rolls or homemade raisin bread.  For a real treat smother them with Cactus Jelly.  Roast chicken, oven baked ham and barbeque ribs fill the table, barely leaving room for the accompanying pots of coleslaw and baked beans.

The Mining Camp Restaurant- Dinner & a Show

The McNasty Brothers put on a fun show while you eat

Tip:  Call ahead for reservations- the Old West Musical Luncheon is very popular!

Best for Breakfast

Breakfast at BLD in Chandler, Arizona

Bacon Studded Waffles, Silver Dollar Pancakes & Breakfast Burrito with Braised Short Ribs

Though the name stands for Breakfast Lunch Dinner you’ll really want to come to BLD in Chandler for your morning meal.  Try the Breakfast Burrito with Braised Short Ribs, the Bacon Studded Waffles with Fried Chicken or the almost sinful Monte Cristo.  The kids will adore the Silver Dollar Chocolate Chip pancakes (hint- silver dollars are BIG in Arizona!)

Wikki Stix figure made at BLD in Chandler, AZ

So much better than crayons….

Tip:  Kids are given a packet of Wikki Stix instead of the traditional crayons.  Best. Thing. Ever.

Best Traditional Mexican

Prickly Pear Margerita

Totally yummy!

Serrano’s, a family-owned Chandler institution, is incredibly popular- especially on the weekends- so come early or be plan to wait.  Everything is prepared fresh and comes to you sizzling hot.  Try the Prickly Pear margarita- with or without alcohol- it’s delicious.

Paletas at paletas Betty in Chandler, Arizona

A sweet treat made of real fruit.

Tip- If you’re dining at the original Chandler location skip dessert and head to the opposite side of the town square for a sweet at Paletas Betty.  These handmade fruit or cream pops are irresistible.  Fruit flavors are seasonal; try the arroz con leche, a traditional rice pudding dessert made with freshly ground canela.

Best Hyper-Local Cuisine

Only the freshest food at Joe's Farm Grill in Gilbert, Arizona

BBQ Chicken Pizza & Sonoran Dog

You can’t get much more local than growing the restaurant’s food just outside your door, which is exactly what makes Joe’s Farm Grill at Agritopia worth the drive to Gilbert.  Items that aren’t produced in Agritopia’s lush gardens are local, organic or natural.  The food is beyond amazing, portions are large enough to share and Joe’s popularity has people from miles around standing in long (long) lines for amazing, fresh food combinations.  Hint:  if you go on a weekend call ahead to place your order.

Cupcake from The Coffee Shop at Agritopia, Gilbert, Arizona

Sprinkles & Sparkles? Best. Cupcake. Ever.

Tip-  Try not to eat too much, or plan to walk around the farm, because you’ll want one of the cupcakes from The Coffee Shop at Agritopia.  Created  by Jessica Cuff and Jenna Flowers, winners of Cupcake Wars, these treats are as pretty as they are delicious.

Best Place Lose Yourself

Filet at Mionti's Casa Vieja in Tempe, Arizona

A perfectly prepared steak

Located in the first home built in Tempe,  Monti’s La Casa Vieja has become a sprawling mansion of deliciosity.   Home to one of the finest steaks you’ll ever eat and the Monti family’s famed ‘Roman Bread’, this is one of Tempe’s most popular restaurants for groups and celebrations.  The Filet Mignon will melt in your mouth.

Tip:  Your place mat is a ‘self guided tour’ of the restaurant, complete with history.  Be sure to ask your server about family secrets and the ghost.

Best Midwest Comfort Food

 

Pork tenderloin at Iowa Cafe in Mesa, Arizona

Famous Pork Tenderloin Photo Credit: Roadfood.com

It’s a joke here in Iowa that we lose half our population every winter to Arizona.  And, really, it’s not that far from true.  So it just makes sense that the Iowa Café’s small, hometown ambiance is one of Mesa’s most popular restaurants.  People come from as far as, well…  Iowa, for their Famous Pork Tenderloins and homemade pie.

Tip:  Breakfast, lunch & supper are served all day.  And, yes, you can have pie for breakfast.

Best Place to Use as Bribery to Make the Kids Behave

Sweeties Candy of Arizona

Aisles of candy! Photo credit: Sweeties Candy of Arizona

Sweeties Candy, the largest candy store in Arizona, stocks the widest variety of candy you’ll find anywhere!  From seasonal treats to crazy large bulk items; if you can’t find it here, you won’t find it anywhere.  Looking for a favorite treat from childhood?  If it’s still being manufactured you’ll probably find it.

Tip:  This is a great bribery tool when traveling with the kids.  Just beware- walking through the aisles is likely to make them as hyper as if they had eaten all the candy!

Share your favorite Phoenix area restaurants in the comments!

Family Rambling thanks the Sunny AZ CVB for sharing their favorite restaurants with us- and treating us to a few meals!

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Defining a Good Pub

project 52 p52 weekly photo challenge my3boybarians.comThis week’s theme for p52 is “hunger’.  And while I could have shown you the meager diet I am eating this week as an effort to reset my body to healthy eating after weeks of travel, I thought I’d take a different twist on the topic and share a food that I hunger for- when it’s prepared correctly.

Be it right or wrong, I define a good pub by a single meal…  Fish and Chips.

Fish & Chips at the Dubliner in Kansas City

Fish & Chips at the Dubliner in Kansas City

If the fish is too greasy, the batter not crispy enough or, heaven forbid, the fish is cold,I’m not likely to return any time soon.

My most recent Fish & Chips experience was at the new Dubliner Irish Ale House & Pub in Kansas City’s Power & Light District.  As you can see the fish is lovely and crisp, the sides aren’t too large and the presentation is attractive.  Big bonus- it was still sizzling when it arrived at my table- no small task as the pub was packed with NCAA fans.  The cod was perfectly flaky and the sauce was a tasty change from traditional tartar sauces.  I’ll be returning to The Dubliner after March Madness is over to check out their full menu.

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Cuisinious Fort Worth Dining

Cuisinious: Food that looks, smells and tastes delectable. (Urban Dictionary)

Fort Worth is filled with fabulous restaurants. Truly. A quick Google search yields nearly 350 highly recommended restaurants. Too many for me to choose from!  So I turned to the pros on all things Fort Worth: the Fort Worth Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, who recommended two restaurants that “wowed” us with ambiance, customer service and delectable food.

Joe T. Garcia’s, Where Fort Worth Goes for Mexican

From the front Joe T. Garcia’s appears to be an intimate restaurant, not flashy nor overly large.

Appearances can be deceiving.

Poolside Dining at Joe T Garcia's, Fort Worth

Poolside Dining at Joe T Garcia's

While the interior of the restaurant may be all those things, the incredible patio- stretching a city block- is, in a word, phenomenal. As we meandered through tables filled with lunch time diners Brenna took my hand and said, “Mom, it’s like we’re eating in a castle.”

Patio Path at Joe T Garcia's, Fort Worth

Wandering the gardens at Joe T Garcia's

The high stone walls surrounding the patio look like a match for the Missions in San Antonio. Fountains, cabanas and pools wait around every turn of the path, twisting walkways lead you through an oasis of flora, seemingly never-ending. Though the patio can seat well over 500 people, the garden setting feels incredibly intimate, almost secluded in spots.

The mixed scents of flowers and Mexican dishes is intoxicating. Over freshly made tortilla chips and salsa made in-house we took out eyes off the surroundings long enough to choose our meal. The menu, perfected over 70 years of business, isn’t large but has enough offerings to please everyone- even the kids.

Lunch at Joe T Garcia's, Fort Worth

Beef Fajitas and Chicken Flautas

Everything at Joe T. Garcia’s is handmade. You can tell from the first bite. And, while you can’t go wrong with anything you order, allow me to highly recommend the Chicken Flautas. Trust me.

Know before you go:
Open at 11am daily.
Monday- Thursday the restaurant closes at 2:30pm, opening again for dinner at 5pm.
Credit cards are not accepted. Average entree $10; $

Upscale Southwestern at Romantic Reata

When initially entering Reata in downtown Fort Worth the vibe is very Texas. Leather, dark woods, comfy chairs in the lounge. As you walk through it begins to feel more luxurious, romantic and special.

From the beginning we knew dinner would be memorable. As she led us to our table our hostess chatted with my little cowgirls about their new cowgirl hats. A birthday card, signed by the staff, was waiting at the table for Doug. And our server, Ashley, was the epitome of Texas charm.

Dinner at Reata, Fort Worth

Tender filet and grilled shrimp; Elk

The menu had so many choices, each sounding more delicious than the last. We ended up ordering our entrees from the nightly specials; I enjoyed a beautifully prepared filet with shrimp while Doug tried the game special: Elk. The girls split some incredible Macaroni and Cheese- agreeing to share because they had spied the dessert tray as we entered.

Desserts at Reata, Fort Worth

Apple Cobbler, Bread Pudding Tamale, Banana Pudding and Dessert Tacos

While dinner at Reata is outstanding, I would go just for the desserts. They all looked so good that we each ended up ordering our own! Doug and my little cowgirls’ dessert plates may have arrived with special chocolate designs, but my Bread Pudding Tamale (seasonal) stole the show for presentation.

Before waddling out of Reata we took the elevator to the 4th floor and wandered around the incredible rooftop patio. The next time we are in the area I predict the girls will spend an evening with their grandparents while Doug and I enjoy a romantic date.

Know before you go:
Dining on a weekend or during an event? Make a reservation- especially for the rooftop patio.
Valet parking is free!
Entrees average $27; $$$

 

 

Disclosure:  The Fort Worth CVB made our reservations for these dining experiences and the expenses were covered.  We did, however, tip our servers handsomely as they were fabulous!  Photos and thoughts are my own.

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