Fort Worth Date Night: Quit monkeying around

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

May 21, 2009

One of the greatest aspects of growing up in Fort Worth is all that it has to offer.  It has great restaurants, a diverse culture, warm people and for me, great memories. For some, many thoughts from the past are triggered by smells. For example, I clearly remember driving down Interstate-30 when Mrs Baird’s Bakery was still there. Rolling down your window was not necessary to smell that fresh-baked bread. If it wasn’t on a freeway, it would have been so great just to stop and smell the bread as if it was a bouquet of freshly picked flowers (or, since I’m a guy, a hot-off-the-grill burger from Kincaid’s).

Some smells are not as remarkable, but, still prompt the remembrance of great experiences. For example, depending on where you were around the Fort Worth Zoo, it would most certainly be better to be upwind than downwind. No need to go further into detail; I believe you catch my drift (pun intended). Still, it doesn’t mean that the zoo wasn’t a huge part of my childhood. And, many memories there are ones I’ll have forever.

Fort Worth has always had a great zoo. And now it is even better. Did you know that we have one of the top-ranked zoos in the country? The improvements and additions in the last few years make it difficult to pass up. The zoo is broken up into 12 different permanent exhibit areas:  Penguins, World of Primates, Asian Falls, Raptor Canyons, Cheetahs, Flamingo Bay, Meerkat Mounds, Australian Outback, African Savannah, Parrot Paradise, the Herpetarium and Texas Wild!

A favorite guilty pleasure is watching Meerkat Manor on Animal Planet. These animal shows know how to hook you. You’re flipping through the channels and before you know it, an hour later, you are expert on the reproduction of an African wasp. Meerkat Manordoes the same thing. These little critters are so cute, yet fascinating at the same time. Which is why I probably spend the most time at the Fort Worth Zoo watching the meerkats. Their exhibit is great. Where else can you practically get eye-to-eye with a family of them and be a voyeur into their fascinating world?

But let’s not forget the classics of the zoo, either. Elephants, gorillas, penguins, cheetahs, hippos and so much more. In Texas, the daily temperature is quickly rising. You may not want to be out in the heat in the middle of summer. Most animals sure don’t. So, right now, the Fort Worth Zoo makes for the perfect date.  There are animals for him and ones only she could adore. Block out a couple of hours and take a stroll through this great animal sanctuary that Fort Worth has shared with us. And, remember…bring a camera, pack sunscreen, turn off your iPhone and, ladies, you are not allowed to purchase and/or take home any of the tenants of the zoo.

For complete information on the Fort Worth Zoo, please visit their website. www.fortworthzoo.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Café Aspen hits the Big 2-0! (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG
April 15, 2009

English writer, Aldous Huxley, once wrote, “Facts do not cease to exist just because they are ignored.” The fact remains that Café Aspen is still here. Fort Worth has seen its share of eateries come and go. The only thing Café Aspen has done over the last 20 years is expand in size and maintain its fan base.  With the 747 (approximation) new restaurants either already opened or planning to open this year on the west side of Fort Worth, the odds are stacked against them. To be open 20 years in the restaurant industry is impressive.

What started off as a small restaurant on West Seventh Street exactly 20 years ago is now an established fixture on Camp Bowie.  Like many businesses, it has gone through several overhauls. It has arguably one of the most quaint, romantic bar areas in town. Also impressive is their newest addition added a few years back, their outdoor patio/bar. 

Back to the facts. The fact that owner, David Rotman, is not from Fort Worth should not be held against him. Originally from Austin, he’s more or less a Fort Worthian.  I’m not sure we could get rid of him if we tried. He was not only a TCU Horned Frog, but, a little known fact is that David was a cheerleader while attending. GO FROGS! The fact that Rotman has an amazing support system around him also speaks volumes for Café Aspen. Dedicated and loyal staff…check.  Loving and amazing wife, Andrea…check.  Beautiful and adorable daughter, Lucinda…check.  You can’t argue with the facts.

Since this week marks a milestone for Café Aspen and Mr. Rotman, David has decided to give back to the community as a sign of appreciation for 20 years of patronage. Through April 18 you can get the Pepper Crusted Beef Tenderloin for only $12.95.  One of Aspen’s best sellers, the menu describes this beef dish as “Pepper crusted beef tenderloin, pan seared and finished in the oven. Topped with a roasted garlic and bleu cheese sauce.  Paired with grilled portabello mushrooms and roasted fingerling potatoes.”  If this alone doesn’t draw you two in for this week’s Date Night, I’m not sure what will. 

Since April 17 is the actual anniversary date of Café Aspen, there is also this one-day offer that is equally generous.  Friday only, all entrees are 20 percent off.  Let me repeat that.  All entrees are 20 percent off. This doesn’t mean the total bill, drinks, desserts, T-shirts or anything else.  Just the entrees.  Also, there will be no double-dipping.  If you take advantage of the $12.95 beef tenderloin, you cannot take 20 percent off that.  David is generous; he’s not stupid.

If you have never been to Café Aspen or it has been a while, please stop by and give it a try. At the least, congratulate David Rotman on an accomplishment that very few in this town have been able to achieve.  Not many people stay in their jobs for 20 years. Most marriages don’t last 20 years. And, we all know the usual fate of a new restaurant. But, Café Aspen has done it. And, done it with class, grace and consistency. Great job, David!  Salud!

Fort Worth Date Night: A little fuzzy & a little fishy (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 26, 2009

Many, many years ago, I found myself in Puerto Vallarta.  Well, perhaps, I wasn't really lost, I was with friends during a college spring break. A beautiful hotel, the ocean, open markets...this was going to be a relaxing week.

Upon arrival to the hotel room, my friend, Pigeon, and I immediately began to unpack. Midway through the only work planned for the week, I see Pigeon lose his balance and he and his suitcase go flying across the room. As a naive college lad, I chalked it up to too many Dos Equis on the flight over. But, about the time of his tumble, I felt something, too. As it turns out, we had experienced a minor earthquake. Perhaps, a foreshadowing of the week to come.

We enjoyed the beaches during the day and were off to the clubs at night. On one of our first nights, we were invited to a "fiesta" at a local hotel.  Let me set the scene. A pool, a bunch of tables with chairs, a buffet and a mariachi band.  To gain entrance to this party, two things must take place. First, you pay 10 bucks. Next, and this should have been the red flag, we were given a homemade shot glass, tied to a lanyard, put around our neck and this "art project" is filled with tequila. Mind you, we are not talking about a tequila considered "high grade." 

Over the next couple of hours, it was all about eating, shots, dancing, shots, more eating and, then...shots, shots and more shots. At some point, I remember donning a sombrero, a beautifully woven Mexican sarape and jumping on stage with the Mariachi band. I'm not sure many of the band members were actually in sync as they were laughing too hard from me continuously yelling, "Borracho!" (see Spanish dictionary) The pictures have been destroyed and, until writing this article, so were the memories.

The next morning, we found a local cafe and I was introduced to one of the greatest dishes. It was fish tacos.  Warm corn tortillas filled with lightly fried white fish, white cheese and homemade salsa. This was a big plate of love and, more importantly, helped in making the night before go away.

Since then, let's hope that I've grown wiser and more mature. I still don't partake in tequila to this day. However, I have not lost my affinity for fish tacos or fish burritos. Which is why Fort Worth is so lucky to have Fuzzy's Taco Shop (2917 W Berry St., Fort Worth).  Their menu is extensive.  Whether it be one of my favorites, the potato, egg and cheese burrito or my VERY favorite, the tempura fish burrito...everything I've consumed at Fuzzy's is fantastic. Let's get back to the fish burrito. A giant burrito filled with delicately cooked tempura-coated fish.  I prefer mine with only guacomole, lettuce and cheese.  Fuzzy's is very accomodating and will prepare your dish to your liking. 

Fuzzy's Taco Shop is located near TCU, not far from the intersection of Berry and University. It is very casual and extremely affordable. More importantly, you'll feel as though you are dining in an authentic Mexican eatery. The perfect place no matter if you are on a date or recovering from one. And, should we meet there, I can guarantee that I will not be the one wearing a sombrero.  A lamp shade, maybe...but, definitely not a sombrero.  Buenos Dias!

Fuzzy’s also has locations in Denton, Arlington and on Race Street in northeast Fort Worth. www.fuzzystacoshop.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Chocolate...shaken, not stirred (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 18, 2009

I'm not sure why I like chocolate. Actually, I'm not sure why I love chocolate.  From the moment it crossed my lips as a young child...I was hooked.  It would have been nice for it to just have been a passing fad...much like pet rocks, sea monkeys or MC Hammer pants. But, it never went away. It only became stronger; more intense. It has turned into a love affair!  It can best be defined by a very famous author, Anonymous, who once said, "Forget love ... I'd rather fall in chocolate!"

On a recent outing with some friends that date back to my high school days, I discovered something I didn't even know I was looking for. A random group met up for drinks first. Most went with the typical, frosty beer. I ventured out of my box a little and chose the Blue Moon on draught (with the orange wedge). Good call!  But, it only gets better.

Much like a scavenger hunt, we all got in our respective cars and drove around until we found an agreed upon Mexican eatery. Again, most of us going with the traditional beer as our dinner drink selection.

After dinner, it was time for one more stop. Little did I know my life was about to change (cue the dramatic music).  The group decided on Michael's on 7th St.  We found a table in the bar.  Expecting to go with a glass of wine to top the evening off, when it came time to order, a question emerged from the tip of my tongue that would forever change my existence.

I looked up to see our server, a blue-eyed girl with a very cool, trendy, short and somewhat disheveled haircut. When she asked for our drink orders, for whatever reason, I merely inquired, "How is your chocolate martini?" Her reaction was genuine and priceless.  In what appeared to be slow motion...her eyes closed, the eyelids fluttered and I believe she let out a barely audible "Mmmm."  A little different, but, a reaction much similar to the "I'll have what she's having" scene in When Harry Met Sally.  No need for discussion.  "I'll have one of those."

As I muttered those words, I failed to realize that sitting next to me was David D., an old friend whom I've known since elementary school but, just recently reconnected. When you look up "Dude" in the dictionary, David's picture prominently appears...along with golf clubs, a John Deere tractor and some raw meat. He was speechless and looked at me as if I had just summoned her to be bring me a pink ballet tutu and a copy of Cosmo. I'd bet he has never been around a women who had ever ordered an alcoholic beverage with chocolate as the primary ingredient, much less, a guy. Commence the ribbing.

So, the drinks arrive and I'm like Pavlov's dog...my mouth foaming more than the actual martini.  I was not led astray.  This may have been one of the best chocolate martinis ever to meet my palate.  As a usual dessert person, this more than sufficed.  Needless to say, I grasped onto to my Man Card due to the fact that, as I finished my martini, I noticed something red and round at the bottom of the glass.  Before I could conceal it, the "Dude" next me realized it was a cherry.  As if the drink wasn't feminine enough?

If you are a chocolate lover, this martini will hit the spot. And, Michael's is more than glad to have you for dinner or just a nightcap.  So, if you are planning a date around chocolate or just using it as a pick-me-up, I leave you with this.  Dave Barry, well-known humor columnist, summed it up perfectly when he once wrote, "My therapist told me the way to achieve true inner peace is to finish what I start. So far today, I have finished two bags of M&M's and a chocolate cake. I feel better already."

Fort Worth Date Night: Oh Goody! (FW Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 11, 2009

There is something to be said about choices.  Every single day we are confronted with them. For many of us, it's what to wear, what to eat, who to date and with whom to spend the rest of our lives. It can be overwhelming. What once was an easy decision, a trip to a fast food restaurant can now have you staring at the menu like a puppy that hears an odd noise and turns its head sideways.

I recently had the overwhelming feeling when I visited a liquor store in the southwest part of Fort Worth. It's called Goody Goody Liquor (4740 SW Loop 820). The overwhelm quickly turned to "impressed" as I strolled through the 40,000 square feet of this "Adult Beverage Superstore!"  It's like a Toys-R-Us for grownups. Let me preface this by saying that I am in no way encouraging the consumption of alcohol.  Do not shoot the messenger! This is just hardcore reporting at its best. Back to the libations.

From the parking lot, you will think you are just walking into any ol' store in a strip center. This will quickly go away when you physically enter Goody Goody. The finish out is unlike any I've seen in a liquor store. And, the sheer size of the locale and volume of selections is impressive. So, you start through your wine journey.  The wines are separated by regions. Each "room" is designed as if you are in a specific wine's origin. As you meander through this maze of VinoMania, there is a good chance that you’ll actually think you are in Tuscany or Bordeaux.

I'm a wine lover. Red wine, white wine, champagne....whatever!  And, have often bought a bottle I've never tried based on the appearance of the label.  This is the reason that I have picked Goody Goody Liquor as an actual Date Night selection. You and your significant other will have a blast perusing the vast offerings. If you have no place to be, then, you guys will get lost in time walking in and out of the different rooms and up and down each aisle.

And, I haven't even mentioned that they are a full liquor store. So, if it's beer or the harder stuff you are in search of, there are plenty of choices for you, as well.  The staff are friendly, knowledgeable and readily available. And, once you make your selection, don't forget you are super close to Palio's Pizza Cafe or Prima's Pasta & Pizza...both BYOW (Bring Your Own Whatever!).

The Bachelor: After the Final Rose! The Most Controversial Blog Post EVER!

It's been a week since America "officially" found out about who The Bachelor, Jason Mesnick, picked as his final choice.  Well, so we thought.  I've been going back and forth on whether to write this blog entry.  I finally gave in.  So, here it is.  I am happy for Jason from this season of The Bachelor.

 

As not popular as this is, it's my blog and I can write if I want to.  Trust me, I've seen the status updates on Facebook and heard the radio call-ins.  People are pissed.  Especially, the female gender.  Anyone who knows me knows that I have tons of female friends, usually side with women and often see things from the girls' angle.

 

I also loved Melissa from The Bachelor.  She's one of those unique girls where guys want her and girls want to be BFFs with her.  She's a guy's girl.  Naturally gorgeous, loves sports and is totally fine with hanging out.  And, her goal in life is to have a family, marry her best friend and please him.  Sign me up!  She's in Dallas and I'm in Fort Worth.  The demographics work out perfectly.

 

I guess I should back up if you didn't watch The Bachelor this season.  The producers picked the runner-up from The Bachelorette the season prior.  His name is Jason.  One of the reasons I was so interested in watching this season is that Jason reminds me a lot of me...a good guy.  Not edgy, not dangerous...not boring, but, responsible and genuine. 

 

So, Jason dates 25 girls throughout 6 weeks or so and, by the end of all this, hopes he finds his wife and future step-mother to his young son, Ty.  Fast forward to the end of the show.  He's left to pick between Molly and Melissa.  He goes with Melissa.  Drops to one knee, pops the question, finally tells her he loves her...the whole nine yards.  Fast forward 6 weeks.  Jason has a change of heart at the reunion show and breaks up with Melissa and picks Molly.  The world is pissed!  You would have thought that someone told President Obama that he wasn't the president of the free world any longer and McCain has taken his spot.  At any time, Ashton Kutcher comes out and punks the president.

 

So, at this final reunion show, Jason officially breaks up with Melissa and tells her he still has feelings for Molly.  Melissa is livid, gives the ring back, yadda, yadda, yadda...commercial break...Molly comes out.  Jason tells her he still loves her, she's is shocked, they talk...ride off into the sunset like an old western.

 

Let me say that I was, and still am, a huge fan of Melissa.  Dude...she's hot!  But, so sweet and you just rooted for her.  It was obvious that Jason was crazy about her, too.  So, why did he pick her if he wasn't going to stay with her?  And, embarrass her on national tv?

 

That was not Jason's intent.  However, these relationships begin and end on the most bizarre circumstances.  Who has a first date where you are flown to another state and get a helicopter tour of the city, wrapping up with a celebrity coming out to give you a private concert?  Oh, and I did I mention that these contestants are living in a mansion?  Who wouldn't get completely engrossed in all that?

 

Here's what I'm thinking...  Jason shouldn't have proposed.  But, hindsight is 20/20.  At the time, I believe that is what he felt.  Then, the cameras were off and they really got to know each other.  Something clicked in his head and thought, "I can't go through with this."  You have to commend him for following his heart.  Did it suck that the breakup was on national tv?  Absolutely!  Was it horrible that he broke up with America's newest sweetheart, in general?  Yes!  The ironic part of that was that week in and week out, we rooted for Jason to break up with some of the girls.  Some of us yelling at our TVs. (not me)

 

There is also a buzz going around that Jason and Molly had contact between them before the actual reunion show.  I'm guessing..."probably happened."  Apparently, Jason broke up with Melissa a week before the reunion show.  And, officially ended things on the show.  Now, everyone is mad at Molly.  "Homewrecker!"  People...give me a break!

 

Molly wasn't my favorite.  However, after watching all that transpired, Jason and Molly belong together.  And Melissa can't be too heartbroken.  She apparently is dating someone from her past.  Ironically, his name is "Ty."  Sound familiar?  What's strange is that Melissa talked about never picking the right guy and now she's gone back to someone in her past.  So, maybe Jason did make the right choice.

 

Now, Melissa is rumored to be a last-minute fill-in on this year's Dancing with the Stars.  So, if she is completely hurt and devasted, then, she is getting over it by throwing herself back in the limelight.  It sounds like Melissa is going to be just fine. 

 

Here's the real question to ask yourself.  Why does this show strike such a nerve?  Do people watch and are displacing their personal feelings towards Jason based on their past.  Without going into psychology, displacement can best be described as you've had a long day, traffic sucked coming home and you had a flat tire. You're livid!  You get out of the car, are greeted by your sweet cat and with one swift kick, the cat goes flying over the house.  You weren't actually mad at the cat, but, you took it out on the cat.

 

Perhaps, Jason's actions have prompted the same emotion in millions of people.  He represents the guy who dumped you for another girl, the husband who didn't want to be married any longer or the "typical" male that gives so many guys a bad name.  Or, it could be that since we had preconceived notions that Jason was a good, decent, genuine nice guy, we are doubly disappointed in him?  And, throw in the fact that we all loved Melissa and it makes for a messy situation.

 

We have to remember that is "reality" TV.  Because what we see on TV is real, right?  Not!  I was fortunate to have done a reality show a couple of years ago.  Fortunate because it took place in Bora Bora.  But, the experience was not all that great.  I can remember spending 2 hours driving around Santa Monica.  For the first hour, I had the camera man next to me and the producer in the back seat.  All while I had fake phone conversations on my mobile phone.  Then, more of the same for the next hour so they could get a different angle, the producer was in the passenger seat and the camera was in the backseat.  Over the next 5 days, this scenario was played over and over again.  I have no doubt that it wasn't any different for The Bachelor.  And, I won't even get into editing.

 

Here's what I wish for...  (1) Jason, Molly and Ty live happily ever after. (2) Melissa and her "Ty" live happily ever after.  And, if not, and you know Melissa, please give her my contact info and (3) that the month of May would hurry up and get here because I can not WAIT until The Bachelorette starts and we get to see Jillian go through this process all over again!  I LOVE her and I LOVE this darn show!!!

Fort Worth Date Night: It’s all about ME! (Fort Worth Business Press)

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 05, 2009

Last Friday was my birthday.  I’m not the type to get excited about birthdays.  Everyone around me gets excited.  Me...not so much. A few weeks out, the questions and e-mails started, “Are you looking forward to the big day?”  And, this wasn’t even a big one. I suppose that, growing up, I never wanted to look forward to something just in case I was disappointed. This transferred over to adulthood. I’m very baseline when it comes to the excitement level in regards to my personal celebrations.

Back to last Friday.  PR Chick asked me weeks out to take me to lunch on my birthday. Her birthday actually fell the day after, so, we were looking at a mini-combination celebration. However, since lunch was transpiring on my actual birthday…the focus was on me. PR Chick lives in Dallas and we decided to meet in Fort Worth. After much thought, I chose Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia. I’ve heard about this place, read about it, sent clients there, but, had never personally experienced what all the fuss was about.

So, last Friday was the big day. I arrive to see PR Chick holding a huge “birthday-looking” gift bag. I already love Lili’s. It’s not a big place.  And, everyone in Fort Worth must have gotten the same memo as there was a bit of a wait.  I’m not a big fan of waiting, but, we were already there, that was the plan and nothing was going to change. I’m eating at Lili’s!

After we were finally seated and given menus, I did what anyone else would have done. I ripped into my birthday bag. Then, it was time to focus on the matter-at-hand. It was time to order. The menu is diverse, but, EVERYTHING on it sounded amazing. People waiting around us talked up the burgers.  I was really leaning towards the Tilapia tacos. However, when it came time to make the decision, I went with the sesame seed chicken. As long as the wait was, the order seemed to come out pretty quickly. I was not disappointed.  And, the portions are huge. Two of my favorite things…large portions and great food! 

The perfectly-crusted chicken was sitting on a bed of rice. However, one of the most impressive parts of the plate was what came with the entrée. A basic lettuce wedge with a Gorgonzola dressing and bacon crumbles.  Sounds pretty ho-hum, right?  PR Chick and I both agreed that we could have eaten just a large plate of the salad. By the way, PR Chick ordered salmon and was “Mmmm-ing” equally as much as I was. However, the “Mmmm’s” turned to “Ahhhh’s” when dessert arrived.

We went with the Rocky Roady Fudge Torte. Words can’t really do it justice.  Perhaps, the menu says it’s best… “Chocolate chip cookie crust, Belgian chocolate, butter, cream cheese and almond middle, and a cream cheese frosting top. Drizzled with chocolate ganache.” My first bite was pretty intense.  So many things going on at one time. It was time to turn our lunch into a CSI crime scene and unlock each mystery layer one-by-one. After dissecting this cake and sent walking with a full belly and a bag of birthday presents, there was only one thing that could top lunch at Lili’s Bistro on Magnolia…a birthday nap!