Fort Worth Date Night: Power Hour

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 19, 2010

One of the most commonly asked questions I get is, "What if we never have time for Date Night?" My answer to that is "You have to make time for Date Night." It's much like wanting to get in shape, but, not having time to get to the gym.

A big misconception about "Date Night" is that it has to be a full evening on a weekend or a swanky night out. I often suggest it can be during the week, at breakfast or whenever you two decide. That is the beauty of being the co-boss of your relationship. You just have to plan something.

Let me introduce you to something I've coined called "Power Hour." This is like speed dating, but, not in the sense that you are familiar. Power Hour is a mini-date that lasts no longer than 60 minutes. It's designed to get the two of you alone, out of the house and to enjoy some quality time when a full evening just won't work. And, no, going to the local home improvement store doesn't count.

Here are my Top 5 Power Hours to do in Fort Worth:

1) Ol' South Pancake House (1507 S University Dr.) - This is a staple in Fort Worth. Under new ownership, the place has gotten a facelift, the menus have been changed and I think the food is better. Don't know what to get? They are known for their German Pancakes. Much like a folded massive crepe, it is stuffed with a buttery, lemony, powder sugary concoction that will make your eyes roll in the back of your head.

2) Artisan Bakery (4900 White Settlement Road) - Perhaps Fort Worth's best kept secret. Gwin and her staff do an amazing job of baking the freshest, tastiest goodies. Their scones are scrumptious. From ones with fruit to jalapeno, bacon and cheese, you just never know what they'll drum up. As an admitted chocoholic, the Triple Chocolate cookie is inexplicably the best! Stop by Artisan, pick up some goods and find a nice park bench to enjoy. They can also be found every Saturday morning at the Cowtown Farmers Market on Alta Mere (Traffic Circle).

3) Curly's Frozen Custard (4017 Camp Bowie Blvd) - Strategically placed on the Camp Bowie bricks, Curly's is a great place to get away for a treat and some relaxation. With the amazing spring weather, I can't think of a better hour spent than with your +1, nursing a Curly's Crunch and listening to the slow trickle of their courtyard fountain. As a bonus, Curly's is dog-friendly and this is one date you are allowed to bring a third wheel.

4) Japanese Garden - Nestled in Fort Worth's Botanic Garden, the Japanese Garden is perhaps the most tranquil date you two will have. Unless, of course, you plan a spa day. But, that would defeat Power Hour, right? Just meandering through these gardens will drop your blood pressure, make you appreciate one another and, the best part, it's not even necessary to talk. Just show up, walk around, breathe and enjoy your surroundings. And, don't forget to bring quarters. You'll have a blast feeding the massive Koi.

5) Donation Dash - This is not a restaurant or a 10K run. This is another "Mike-ism" that allows you and your significant other the opportunity to give back. How does this work? For 30 to 45 minutes (set your timer), you simply clean out your garage, a closet, a drawer...whatever it is that needs to be purged or organized. When your time is up, load up your car and head to your nearest donation station. Whether it's a kiosk or a storefront, many are open 7 days-a-week. This, perhaps, will be your most satisfying and rewarding date.

Fort Worth Date Night: Mother's Day Out

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 12, 2010

Rev. Larry Lorenzoni once joked, “Birthdays are good for you. Statistics show that the people who have the most, live the longest.” Just a couple of weeks ago, I was fortunate enough to celebrate another year in existence. I’ve always enjoyed having a birthday in February. Not that I had a choice. But, I often hear people complain of their birthdays. “It’s too close to Christmas.” “My sister’s birthday is the same week.” “My birthday almost always falls on Thanksgiving.” I just don’t get why people complain about things they have no control over.

Back to me. My birthday is always at the end of February. A few years ago, a good friend recommended spreading out the celebration and it was expanded to “Birthday Week.” Lunches and dinners with friends throughout the week was a brilliant idea. It has become so popular, that it has been dragged out past just the week. This year I started a week early with a trip to Austin to visit the sister and, while it has slowed down to a trickle, it is still going on.

One of the birthday lunches that I most look forward to is the one with my mom. Yes, she usually cooks a great meal on or around the actual day for me and my family. In hindsight, I should probably be the one cooking for her. After all, she did all the work on that February night many years ago. I actually had the easy role. Nonetheless, she also insists that she and I have a “Date” and we do lunch.

This year was a nice surprise. Surprised in that when she mentioned where we were going, I was surprised that it was still open. It had been a dozen years since I had been to China Jade (5274 S Hulen St). My first reaction was, “Really?” To which Mom said, “Yes, really.” Being the guy who loves to try new (old) places, I was ready to revisit a blast from the past.

We went during the week and walked in to a nice crowd, but, it was not a problem to get a table. We were greeted with a lunch menu with a ton of choices and at a great price. Most dishes were under $6. The lunch includes: soup, an eggroll and a biscuit, the entree, rice and a fortune cookie.

I went with the beef and broccoli. Everything was super fresh and hot. This was one of my favorite dishes as a child and reminded me of that. A little bit ironic because I was with my mom. She opted for her favorite, chicken chow mein. It also was prepared with fresh vegetables, tender chunks of chicken breast and, because we were celebrating my birthday, a little bit of extra love.

China Jade is open for lunch and dinner. If you two are looking for traditional, tasty Chinese food , then I’d sure suggest China Jade. One other thing. I opted for using utensils. When it comes to the “other” choice, I tend to side with the sexy and sultry Miss Piggy when she so eloquently stated, “You do not sew with a fork, and I see no reason why you should eat with knitting needles.”

Fort Worth Date Night: Food, romance on Forest Park

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 04, 2010

In a way, part of me feels a little bit sorry for the restaurants that have been open in Fort Worth for years and years. Not just your everyday spots, but the upscale, romantic, “we’re going here on our anniversary or special occasion” restaurants.

A slew of new eateries have and will continue to invade Fort Worth over the next couple of years. Some are good; some not so much. Nonetheless, people are flocking to them. Which is great for the business owners, the community and for competition. But, I just can’t help but to think about the staples that have been loyal to Fort Worth.

Recently, I revisited one of these staples. Ruffino’s Restaurant was one of my favs back in the 90s. I don’t recall ever having a bad meal or poor service. We just grew apart over time. I believe I owe Ruffino’s an apology. I’m sorry for leaving you. I promise I won’t do it again.

What I experienced at Ruffino’s was not your typical “it was OK” or “sure, I’d go back.” As much as it is overused, my meal was “amazing!” Let’s start with the obvious. From an aesthetics point-of-view, it can best be described as quaint and romantic. From a diner’s viewpoint, the customer service was outstanding and very attentive.

But, isn’t it all about the food? I can’t tell you how many times my mouth and stomach thanked me the day of my visit. My food tour started off with a creamy tomato basil soup. The soup would have been perfect by itself. Let’s just say that the crispy, smokey bacon strip gently laying on top was like a crown on the king’s head. I’m pretty sure I lapped up that bowl as if I was a German Shepherd and just finished a seven-mile run in the middle of a Texas July. It was that good.

Next up, a Caesar salad. The fresh lettuce, the perfect dressing and the uber tasty croutons all worked together beautifully. Little did I know what I was in for next – a pan-seared salmon nuzzled up against a bed of risotto. The salmon was perfectly prepared, slightly crisp on the bottom while super tender on the inside. The risotto didn’t disappoint, either. The two just danced together on the plate as if they were performing a perfectly choreographed routine onDancing With The Stars. Of course, this judge gave them Perfect 10’s.

Lastly, and perhaps, most important, the desserts. While our table was given several options, we ended up with the flourless chocolate cake and a piece of Tiramisu. Both were brilliant. So different, yet, so the same in that forks were jumping from one treat to the other...and back again. Asking which one was my favorite is like asking a parent which child he or she loves more. It’s just not possible.

I can remember being a guy in my 20s. Often dating a perfectly great girl and then moving on without reason. Throughout the years, you often think about her or refer to her as “the one that got away.” I’m just glad that I found Ruffino’s again. No words had to be spoken; no explanation needed. I didn’t even have to apologize. But, after my meal, there was the inference of, “this better not happen again.”

For complete information on Ruffino’s, as well as, a complimentary glass of wine, visit their Web site www.ruffinosftworth.com.