Fort Worth Date Night: Frogs that go bump in the night (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG
October 28, 2009

Do you really need suggestions for something to do this weekend? Seriously? It's Halloween. I'm sure you've got your costume already laid out and your weekend planned. There is the annual Halloween party or, perhaps, you are headed to one of the area's great haunted houses. Or, maybe your idea of fun is to stay in and pass out candy. Whatever you decide, it will be the right choice with all that is offered up for this festive weekend.

But, maybe none of the above tickle your fancy. Fort Worth happens to be hosting another big celebration this weekend. It is TCU's Homecoming weekend. Since the Horned Frog's football team is currently ranked #6 in the country, you know they are going to do it up big. Football mixed with Halloween...it doesn't get much better than that!

Festivities start Friday night, October 30, with a Homecoming Parade and Pep Rally. According to TCU's website, "Enjoy the parade as it travels down Stadium Drive. Then join other Frog fans at the pep rally in the University Campus Commons area where FrogFest activities area taking place."

FrogFest begins at 6pm. This is a perfect Date Night to bring along the little ones, if you have some. There will be plenty of activities for them. Some of these include: bounce houses, pumpkin patches and carnival games. However, you don't need offspring as the big kids will enjoy running into old friends, jamming to a live band and sipping on some purple margaritas.

On Saturday, October 31, from 1-3 p.m., with reservations, you can enjoy what they are calling "one of the biggest tailgates in Texas." While soaking up the Saturday afternoon pre-game activities, TCU's website claims you will "enjoy a tex-mex buffet, featuring fajitas from Uncle Julio’s, a festive fall atmosphere and a cash bar featuring purple margaritas to get you in the mood to cheer on the Horned Frogs as they make the UNLV Rebels yell!"

Then, at 3 p.m., watch the kickoff of the TCU vs UNLV game. So, in less than 24 hours, you can be witness to a parade, a band, one of the top-ranked football teams in the country and still have time to celebrate Halloween in your own style on Saturday night. Hopefully, it will be in a fashion that is reminiscent of your youth. Where you rush home after a night of knocking on doors with a large bag or container. This, so eloquently summed up by author,Steve Almond, when he wrote, "Nothing on Earth so beautiful as the final haul on Halloween night."

TCU's official website is: www.tcu.edu

Fort Worth Date Night: Taking your relationship to new heights! (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

October 22, 2009

Can you believe it has been 23 years since the movie, Top Gun, was released? If you are a guy, you remember how cool it was to don a leather bomber jacket and feel as if you were in the cockpit of a fighter jet. I'm pretty sure the female faction all remember the fine acting and the amazing landscapes which make for a great backdrop to the movie. Who am I kidding? You guys are still talking about the "volleyball" scene.

Regardless, Top Gun introduced us to what really goes on in the planes and behind the scenes. Fortunately, this weekend, Fort Worth has the opportunity to experience some of those planes firsthand.

This Saturday and Sunday, October 24-25, marks the return of the Fort Worth Alliance Air Show. According to their official website (www.allianceairshow.com/), "The US Navy Blue Angels and the US Army Golden Knights are coming to North Texas. Bring the family for a full-day of daring aerobatic maneuvers, static displays (including Warbirds, helicopters and jets), simulators, children's activities, fun food and more."

Two perfect fall days are scheduled for this weekend. This is another one of those Date Night recommendations that is off the beaten path. It is not your normal "dinner and a movie." This air show is one of those dates that might start a tradition. If nothing else, it's a way of celebrating our men and women in uniform and the honorable work they do. Not to mention, you two, outdoors, experiencing a great time together.

Also, according to the air show's website, "Admission is FREE. Parking is $20 per vehicle. Gates are open from 9 am to 5 pm. The same show is held from approximately 10 am to 5 pm both days. The Fort Worth Alliance Air Show is a non-profit event with the goal of raising funds for beneficiaries in Fort Worth and Tarrant County."
This is one of those weekends where you need to be on the same page. You both have to want to participate. It just wouldn't be the same if one went solo. After all, like Maverick was told in Top Gun, "You never, never leave your wingman!"

Fort Worth Date Night: The solution to marital bliss...and world peace (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

October 15, 2009

There is one common, unsolicited complaint I have heard over the last few weeks. It has nothing to do with the economy, politicians or Chicago not being awarded the Olympics. Personally, it is one of those pet peeves that no one has any control over. I usually embrace the issue or don't give it much weight. Others, not so much.

Of course, I'm referring to the weather. We've all been hearing the moaning about the rain and the groaning about the cold. People often have short memories. Was it not just a few weeks ago everyone was complaining about the heat or that it was too dry? Perhaps, one of the downsides of living in Texas. Yes, the elements, as of late, feel like Seattle. I get it!

However, I will give the naysayers one tip of the hat. The cloudy, cool, rainy weather can eventually take its toll. Perhaps, it may even cause a few blues. And, as we all know, the blues are not conducive to romance or a happy relationship. Fortunately, in Fort Worth, we have several places that dish up just what the doctor ordered.

Sure, I could recommend some of the obvious solutions. Prozac? Maybe. The gym? Sure. Sugary bites of deliciousness? Done!

Cupcakes seem to have medicinal value. I have not checked WebMD for what all they cure, but, in my own blind study, cupcakes are pretty remarkable.

For that "I don't want to get out of bed" kind of day, head to Sublime Bakery (5512 S. Bellaire Drive, #A). Catherine Ruehle and her team make a chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing. Sounds pretty standard, right? Think again. Much like finding a prize in a box of Cracker Jacks, this cupcake has one, too. Let's just call it a dollop of chocolate ganache. And, when you find it, you will know. More importantly, your taste buds will love you for it. Just writing about chocolate ganache and thinking about how amazing that first bite is, I'm already starting to feel better.

Another great choice is Cupcake Cottage (5015 El Campo Ave.). I'm a big fan of the cookies and cream cupcake. How can you not be? To not like anything even remotely resembling an Oreo is probably in the same vain as burning the flag. Or, not liking puppies. You get the idea.

If you haven't heard about j.rae’s (935 Foch St.), you are missing out. Everything there is uber delicious. But, when it comes to cupcakes, I'm sticking with my favorite...the red velvet! One bite and your heart will melt. I would liken it to your first kiss or the first time you laid eyes on your future spouse. You'll stare at it a little longer and you'll get butterflies in your belly. This is the perfect choice to bring home when you say the wrong thing or upset your better half. Seriously, no one can stay mad after eating one of these red velvet cupcakes. Come to think of it, I may win the Nobel Peace Prize for discovering the possible solution to world peace...the red velvet cupcake from j. rae's.

Lastly, I can't forget Central Market. I love to support the small business owner. However, I've come across a cupcake at Central Market that should be illegal. If not, it might be banned, much like cell phones, while driving or operating heavy equipment. It is the tiramisu cupcake. First of all, the cake-to-icing ratio is perfect. Perfect, for me, that is. Primarily, because they are extremely generous in their portions. Next, is my love for tiramisu. An Italian dessert that literally means, "Pick me up." Once you've eaten one of these gems, you'll understand why it was so appropriately named.

Cupcakes are an important element in today's society. As you've read, they help with depression (please check with your doctor to verify these claims), they may lead to solving world peace (please check with your United Nations to verify these claims) and they just put a smile on your face (true). More importantly, cupcakes should never be underestimated or taken for granted. This is best summed up by a dialog that took place on The Simpsons:

Bart: It was an accident, ma’am!

Judge Constance Harm: “Don’t spit on my cupcake and tell me it’s frosting!”

Homer Simpson: (angrily) “What did she say about cupcakes?”

Fort Worth Date Night: The grass is always greener on the other side (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

October 08, 2009

We should all be familiar with old proverb, "The grass is always greener on the other side." This means that while we may love what we have, because we already have it, someone else's "whatever" is more appealing. Let me clarify this in culinary terms.

Have you ever been to McDonald's and just ordered a burger? However, your friend ordered a burger and fries. Being the kind friend, he or she offers you a fry or two. "Wow!" comes to mind as this may be the best fry you've ever eaten. Is it really the best fry? Or, are they that good because you didn't order any and should have?

Fort Worth has been abuzz lately about Paco & John Mexican Diner (1116 8th Ave, Fort Worth). So abuzzed that I met an old friend there recently to see what all the fuss was about. Based on the wait at lunch during the week, apparently Fort Worth is in the know.

My problem with food is that once I start thinking about it, I'm ready to eat right there; right now. This is why Mexican food restaurants are genius. Immediately upon sitting down, a very nice person, perhaps an angel from heaven, delivers chips and salsa. This is definitely a selling point in my decision-making when it comes to a dining locale. Paco & John's did not disappoint in the "chip" department.

Ordering was fun. Lots of great choices. Breakfast foods or lunch foods? And, the torta (Mexican sandwich) selection was fairly extensive. More importantly, what I saw being brought out to the tables was Ginormous! Let's just hope that quality trumped quantity.

So, I went with the chicken flautas and mi amigo went with the Cuban Press. What's a Cuban Press you might ask. It's a sandwich on the torta bread that is, according to Paco & John's menu, "Ham, roasted pork loin, cheese, pickles, heated." Our first thought when the Cuban Press was sat so eloquently in front of him, was, "Holy Smokes! That thing is huge!" He immediately began cutting into it and offered me up some of the goods.

Based on the ingredients, this would not be a sandwich I would normally order. However, after eating my first bite, what happened next might be described as a "religious experience." Harps were playing, angels were singing...I believe I even saw a strong, white light summoning me.

Did I have lunch envy? Absolutely! However, I do look forward to returning to check out much of their other offerings, from the great breakfasts to the higher-end entrees at dinner. Just make sure if you invite me, be fully prepared to share. As I have learned, the grass is often greener on the other side of the table.
www.pacoandjohn.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Pizza, Pinot and Patio: Alliteration at its best! (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

October 01, 2009

A crucial element of dating is all in the planning. Knowing where you are going, when you are going and all the details help alleviate problems later on when it's time to actually go on your date. However, it is fun occasionally to just see where the night takes you.

Which is exactly what happened to me recently. Someone close to me that we'll refer to as Plus One (+1) asked if I'd go with her to an upscale kitchen store to buy a wedding shower gift. How could I say "no" to that? What I did discover is that I make an awesome holder of the printed wedding registry. Apparently, I'm also very good at carrying the large, wrapped box to the car. Afterwards, our plan was to find somewhere to eat. Preferably, a place with a patio. So, off we go.

Our first stop was to a well-known, high-end wine bar & pizzeria. What we found was a long wait. Then, it was agreed upon that the dining destination would be Central Market. On the way there, +1 commented....correction...was adamant about "NEEDING" salad and pizza. Bingo! We are a block away.

What started off as a uncharted journey turned out to be finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. We ended up at Brix Pizza and Wine Bar (2747 S. Hulen, Fort Worth). Close your eyes for a second. Well, after you read this. The sky is clear. The weather is perfect and hovering around the low 70's. The small, but, romantically lit patio is inviting and a table summons us to sit down as if it had been waiting all day for us to arrive.

I'll get to the food in a second, but, equally impressive was our server. Leo...correction...Leonardo. "Leonardo" said with a strong Italian accent. He would go on to make our evening a great one. But, it was late and what did we come for? Food!

Opting for salads to start, me with the Caesar and +1 went with the Brix Salad. Both excellent choices. While their menu is somewhat extensive, deciding was easy as this had been discussed en route. We were going with the Margherita pizza. But, the menu threw us a hitch in our giddy up. Right below the Margherita was the Brix Signature Pizza. On the menu, both are listed with the exact same ingredients...Tomato Sauce, Mozzarella and Fresh Basil. After getting clarity from Leo, the Brix Signature Pizza was the way to go. The only difference was that this one was prepared with fresh, homemade mozzarella. Oh my!

What came out was a pizza that was reminiscent of being in Italy. A thin, crispy crust topped with the freshest ingredients and Brix had two happy campers. While full might be what my stomach was telling me, something prompted me to ask Leonardo about dessert. He mentioned three amazing-sounding options. Those being Tiramisu, Cannoli and Nutella Pizza. I believe I even whimpered when "Nutella" was mentioned, but, it was his reaction to the Cannoli that led us to that one. Like the rest of the meal, it did not disappoint. And, like the rest of the meal, there were no remnants of food left on the plate.

This was definitely one of those evenings where the planets were aligned. Perfect weather, inviting atmosphere, wonderful food and an ambiance that screamed 'Date Night!" Thank you, Universe, for delivering all of the above-mentioned. And, thank you for Brix!
http://www.brixpizzeria.com

Fort Worth Date Night: You had me at "chicken-fried steak!" (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

September 25, 2009

On a recent birthday celebration with my "random" group of friends from high school, I learned that friends should never be taken for granted. In the same lightbulb moment, it also struck me that food also should not be taken for granted. Like an old college entrance exam question, can I now deduce that food is equal to a friend? I've always known that food is my friend. And, in sad or down times, perhaps, even my best friend.

In my world, there is no better comfort food than anything fried. The State Fair of Texas is nearing and much of the media focus is on the fried offerings from the Fair. Mouth-watering selections such as fried Snickers, fried peanut butter and jelly and this year's all abuzz about fried butter. My first thought was, "Yech!" That is, until I saw it being made on a morning show. Now, my opinion has changed. I'm actually looking forward to trying that artery-blocking concoction.

But, I'm a little more traditional. I am partial to the good ol' chicken-fried steak (CFS). Very simply, a steak that is breaded and fried. While I try to watch my girlish figure, every few months I crave chicken-fried steak. Well, my yearning has been yelling at me, as of late. Thank goodness for a friend's birthday celebration to fill my unanswered prayer.

We recently found ourselves at Grady's Restaurant (2443 Forest Park Blvd.). Well-known restauranteur and chef, Grady Spear's, newest eatery. As a lifelong resident of Fort Worth, I was immediately brought back to the days of when Le Chardonnay filled this locale. Even as a youngster, I always loved this space. It was quaint, quiet and the ambiance was soothing. Grady's has not lost that. On a rainy, stormy night, it was calm, cozy and comfortable.

Upon perusing the menu, could I really have anything else but the chicken-fried steak? C'mon! This is what Grady is known for. Besides, my buddy, Big Dave, was just as excited about the chicken-fried steak as a kid waking up on Christmas morning. We had to do this together. We had to have a male bonding moment and share the CFS experience. Much like two fraternity brothers going through pledgeship together.

So, the CFS arrives and it really was picture-worthy. If the statement that everything is bigger in Texas is true, then, the CFS from Grady's won't disappoint. This bad boy is massive. But, forget about the size. What about the taste and quality? I'm going to have to go with two big thumbs up. Wow! Great quality steak, perfectly breaded and topped with a perfect cream gravy. Not to mention, it was all resting comfortably on a bed of green onion mashed potatoes. Big Dave and I left no evidence of our gluttony. For any of you who were Friends watchers, we definitely needed the maternity pants that Joey wore when he bet that he could finish the Thanksgving turkey.

Everyone else loved what they ordered. Some went with entrees and others loaded up on appetizers. If you are looking for a fantastic meal, a romantic setting and an environment that will allow you two to really connect, Grady's will be the perfect choice. I'm pretty sure the famous foodie, Charlie Trotter, summed up my experience precisely when he said, "All four elements were happening in equal measure – the cuisine, the wine, the service and the overall ambience. It taught me that dining could happen at a spiritual level."