Fort Worth Date Night: The Art of Date Night

by Michael Bloomberg
October 6, 2010

"Beauty is in the eye of the beholder" is often used to describe that no one can truly define what is beautiful. It is a definition that only lies within ourselves. This term is most widely familiar with art.

Unless you are an artist, the thought of creating a masterpiece might seem unattainable. Picture a canvas marked up only by the tip of your brush hanging on your wall like it belonged in a gallery. It might even seem laughable that a house guest would ask when looking at said artwork, "Who is the artist of that piece?" Such joy you'll have in replying, "That would be ME!"

A stone's throw off of Camp Bowie at 5714 Locke Ave. lies a Date Night locale that is sure to inspire you both. It recently opened and is appropriately called, "A Piece of Work." To give you an idea, they say it's "where Merlot meets Masterpiece." You two will be creating the art. What makes it "datey?" Wine, of course.

Actually, you bring the beverage of your choice. Food or snacks are even allowed. They will supply wine openers, ice buckets and cups. Complimentary water and soft drinks are always available. Do remember you must be 21 years old to consume alcoholic beverages.

The obvious "datey" part is the actual creation of your work of art. When you register, you will know beforehand what you will be creating. Their website has a picture which correlates to a particular day on the calendar. However, no artistic experience is required. A local artist will guide you step-by-step to create your own masterpiece to take home at the end of class.

This would make a great first date. Equally impressive would be for an anniversary. Here are the pros: Quality time together, meeting new and other fun couples like yourselves, having something to show for your time and energy, laughing, creating and just being. The cons: There are none. You might think getting paint on your clothes might be one. They've got you covered. Literally. Aprons are provided. So, get online and check out A Piece of Work. If you think you can't do this or won't be very good, think about what Ralph Waldo Emersonsaid, "Every artist was first an amateur."

For complete details on A Piece of Work, please visit: www.apieceofworkonline.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Getting out of the Downward Dog House

by Michael Bloomberg
September 29, 2010

It is often said that those who experience excitement and adrenaline together as a couple, keep an emotional bond for longer periods of time than those who don't. Not every twosome is going to jump out of a plane, run a marathon or enjoy skiing. What about the couples who just love each other without the frills? Perhaps, they just need some time away, but with a quiet, peaceful, more solemn approach.

Friday evening, October 22, you will have the opportunity to become one with yourself, one with nature and, as a bonus, become one with each other. How can it be possible to become one with yourself and with another at the same time? If you have never experienced yoga in an outdoor setting, this will be your opportunity.

You might be asking, "What if we've never tried yoga before?" Perfect! This evening is for the inexperienced to the most advanced. Miranda Davis, of PerfectFit studio, in Fort Worth, is finally making a vision she's had for years come to fruition with a workshop so aptly dubbed, "Full Moon Yoga." An outdoor yoga workshop held during, from a weather point-of-view, one of the most amazing times of the year.

According to Davis, "I feel it is going to be a very intimate, creative, and celebratory time of Yoga practice. Every detail is very important from the playlist, to the mood, to the setting, aromatherapy used, type of tea served…etcetera. I want my participants to feel completely cared for in all aspects."

Here's how the evening will go for you two. Pre-registration is required and beginning promptly at 6:15pm, class will begin. All that is required is to wear comfortable clothing, a yoga mat, a large towel and water, if desired. This workshop is open to the public, but, is limited to 35 participants. While I personally think this will make a great date night, individuals are also welcome.

Think about this. You've had a long week. Maybe you haven't seen much of each other. It's time to reconnect. A quick change into some comfortable clothes and off you two go. And, according to the PerfectFit website, you will "allow nature to be a source of inspiration as we breathe, move and connect under the glowing gaze of the stars and a full moon. Invoke breathing techniques to slow down the mind, enhance awareness, and de-stress the body. This Viniyoga (therapeutic) practice will focus on opening our major muscles and joints via twists, bends, binds, deep holds, and soft flows. Our meditation time will include star gazing and positive visualizations. We wrap up our time with refreshing warm towel therapy and a calming cup of Zen tea."

Now, picture yourself after. Fully relaxed. Completely simpatico with one another. All in the world is good. Absolutely no reason for arguments or disagreements. Because, according to one of my favorite philosophers, Anonymous, "Blessed are the flexible, for they shall not be bent out of shape."

For complete details on Full Moon Yoga and PerfectFit, click on: http://www.1perfectfit.com or contact Miranda at miranda@1perfectfit.com.

Fort Worth Date Night: Taking Flight on Date Night

by Michael Bloomberg
September 22, 2010

When you think of Fort Worth and art, there are a few names that might immediately come to mind. Sid Richardson and Amon Carter are sure to be in the top tier. What about Cyrus Rowlett Smith? C.R. Smith? Not ringing a bell?

American Airlines, with so much history, has a great flight museum. The name of the museum? The American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum. This is definitely an experiential locale that will reach out to all of your senses. But, it's the name that dons the museum that is so interesting.

According to the museum's website, "On May 13, 1934, Cyrus Rowlett Smith was elected president of American and, except for a period during World War II when he served asDeputy Commander of the Air Transport Command, continued as chief executive officer until 1968 when he was named Secretary of Commerce by President Johnson." Smith was also an avid art collector like his contemporaries, Sid Richardson and Amon Carter.

This collection has been housed at the Blanton Museum of Art at the University of Texas at Austin. The AA Museum has borrowed 15 selected works from this collection of western art and will be open to the public from October 2 through November 13. It's being called "The American West: A Collection of Western Art from a Man who Loved to Fly."

In honor of this exhibit, The AA C.R. Smith Museum is hosting a very special preview on Friday evening, October 1 at 7pm. Not only is the art motivation enough to attend, the museum has brought in wines from 10 different wineries from around the world. Selected hors d'oeuvres and live music will definitely go beautifully with the vino.

If you are a member of the museum, tickets are $25 each or $40 per couples. Non-member tickets are $30 each or $50 per couple. The C.R. Smith Collection of Western Art, as we say in Texas, is "rarely in our neck of the woods." This special event will be a great way to see the exhibit before everyone else. While you are there, you can learn everything you've ever wanted to know about American Airlines and it's history. Throw in food, wine and music, and this Date Night is sure to take your relationship to new heights.

For complete information on this event and the American Airlines C.R. Smith Museum, please visit: www.crsmithmuseum.org

Fort Worth Date Night: Just a Taste

by Michael Bloomberg
September 16, 2010

One of my favorite memories of my childhood was my grandmother. We called her "Nanny." A sweet, caring woman whom I also considered a dear friend. She taught me my love of cooking and simply being in the kitchen.

I can clearly recall spending countless hours sitting on the counter in our kitchen watching her bake. And, as soon as the electric mixer was done with its job, I knew my work would kick in. "Fine....I'll lick the bowl." It was usually something chocolatey.

One important lesson I learned from her was taking time to smell the roses. From an early, age, I would go to nice restaurants with Nanny. Unlike most meals eaten with family, these dinners lasted a while. Sometimes up to three hours. It always started off with a cocktail (or two), an appetizer, the entree and, of course, dessert and coffee. To this day, one of my favorite things in the world is to be with friends and partake in long dinners with wonderful food, great wine and tons of laughs.

My grandmother had a saying that often cracked up the rest of the family. If my parents were cooking at home or we were eating out and someone offered her some of their dish, she would simply say, "Oh, just a taste." Often, the "taste" ended up being multiple bites. Much like when offering your partner a "bite" of dessert when he or she didn't want their own and, the next thing you know, half of it is gone and you weren't the culprit.

Nanny would be all about this week's Date Night recommendation. Mainly because it would involve many tastes. This coming Saturday night, September 18, from 5pm - 8pm, you may want to head south on 35 for the 2010 Taste of Burleson. Tickets bought in advance are $15 and $20 at the door.

Since the Burleson H-E-B grocery store is about to open, they are proudly taking on the role of the title sponsor. With that, H-E-B will be heavily involved in this event. They'll have several tents, give out great food and prizes and are even providing some special guests. H-E-B's nutritionist and culinary specialist, Chef Rosie, will be on hand. Also, from H-E-B's Cooking Connection, Chef Justin will be in attendance.

Taste of Burleson is hosted by the Burleson Area Chamber of Commerce and will take place at the RE/MAX complex at Renfro Square, 133 S. Scott St. Organizers are shooting for 25 restaurants, wineries and vendors to participate. So, in honor of Nanny, I ask that if you decide to utilize this Date Night recommendation, you stop by each vendor and just "have a taste."

For complete details on the 2010 Taste of Burleson, please call 817.295.6121 or visit www.burlesonareachamber.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Road Trip!

by Michael Bloomberg
September 9, 2010

Growing up, if your family was anything like mine, you know that traveling with four children can be tough. For weddings, celebrations and vacations, we didn't often fly. Rather, my parents would load us four kids in the car and down the highway we went. It didn't matter if it was to Austin, Missouri or somewhere in the middle, automobile was their transportation of choice.

This is a great time to throw in that I was the third of three boys. Then, just to mess up my perfect role of being the baby, the parents had a girl. Move forward to the family trips. For whatever the duration we were in the car, it meant being tortured by my two older brothers. Either physically, mentally or both. Seriously, who wouldn't enjoy ten hours of continuous Wet Willies? (Google it)

Fortunately, there is a different kind of road trip coming up that is much more exciting. It starts in one of my favorite cities (Austin), involves one of my favorite foods (BBQ) and includes one of my favorite beverages (cold beer). For this event only, Date Night is being changed to Date Weekend.

The lovely ladies over at Texas Toast Culinary Tours are at it again. You might know them from their local "Feeding Frenzy" progressive dinners. As famous chef, Emeril Lagasse, would say, they are "kickin' up a notch" with their next installment in the "BBQ & Brew Tour." All you have to do is get to Austin. They've taken care of the rest. According to their website, the trip is as follows:

Friday, Sept. 17, noon
* We'll depart Austin from the Holiday Inn Austin Town Lake, right off I-35, south of downtown. It's free parking and if you're spending the night in Austin, it's extremely convenient! We'll be in a luxury motorcoach, so get ready to kick back and be chauffeured.
* First stop: Southside Market in Elgin. This smokehouse makes some of the best sausage in Central Texas.
* Next: Pointing the bus toward Shiner, Texas. We'll tour Spoetzl Brewery where deliciousShiner Bock comes from. You'll get to taste test their whole family of beers. We're a little partial to Shiner Black right now.
* Final: We're off to Gonzales for sublime lamb ribs, fresh tortillas, avocado and a dash of hot sauce from Gonzales Market. Once back in Austin, you can enjoy the city’s legendary live music.

Saturday, Sept. 18, 9 a.m.
* You better wake up hungry because we're headed to Lexington for brisket at Snow's, ratedTexas Monthly's No. 1 Barbecue. Snow's is only open on Saturday and only as long as they have meat!
* Next: Louie Mueller in Taylor has some of the best peppered brisket. This joint has been featured in one of our favorite movies "The Rookie" and also was where Stevie Ray Vaughanwas photographed for "Family Style."
* We're off to Lockhart for Smitty's BBQ. You get to wind through building and see the open fire pits. We're partial to the Blue Bell ice cream cones they serve. We'll stop by Kreuz Market, as well.
* We'll finish up the afternoon with some homemade pie from Pies Galore in Bastrop. Our return to Austin gets you back in time to rest up for an evening out. We can recommend a number of distractions for those in search of music and dancing.

Trip cost: $225 per person, which includes transportation, food and beer on Friday and Saturday; gratuities; and tour guides.
Friday only - $100
Saturday only - $175

For complete details and registration info on this road trip and all of the Texas Toast Culinary Tours, please visit: http://www.texastoastculinarytours.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Stirring the Pot

by Michael Bloomberg
September 2, 2010

A few summers ago, on a trip across Colorado, we randomly happened upon a local metal fair going on. Many artists creating the most amazing works out of steel, iron, aluminum and all other metals. Even better, since it was a fair, this meant that fair food was not far away.

It was here that I discovered the greatness of Kettle Corn. This is popcorn attentively cooked with both the predictable required salt, but, paired with the sweetness of sugar. A big bag was purchased followed immediately by a big bag of this amazing concoction disappearing. Equally impressive as the taste was the sheer size of what the Kettle Corn was prepared in.

I'm guessing it was a cast iron bowl with a diameter somewhere between three and four feet. I had never seen anything like it. Until recently, when I attended a paella party. The paella pan was easily three feet across. They say in Texas that "bigger is better." When it comes to food, I tend to think that "better is better."

On Friday night, September 10, there will be a paella party that only you are invited. Shhhh!!! Don't tell anyone. It's being held at D'Vine Wine in Grapevine. They refer to it as "Paella Night." Others simply call is "YUM!"

What exactly is paella? Most definitions describe it as "a saffron-flavored Spanish dish made with varying combinations of rice, vegetables, meat, chicken, and seafood." The paella pansin which this tasty dish is prepared run the gamut as to sizes.

A good rule of thumb is for a home stovetop, the maximum size is usually 20 or 22 inches. In an oven, the largest is usually 17 or 18 inches. A large outdoor grill can usually handle up to a 26 inch pan. If you're looking for precise control over the heat and maximum flexibility, a gas paella burner is ideal, which can be used with any size pan up to 40 inches.

On the night of September 10, expect D'Vine Wine to impress you with their paella prowess. Planned for the evening is Paella Valenciana. A paella medley of chicken and a variety of seafood (shrimp, calamari, mussels, clams, scallops, crab and fish), vegetables and, of course, saffron. A fresh green salad will accompany this tasty dish. And, please don't forget where this is being held. There will be wine.

D'Vine is great because of their selection of wines, their knowledgeable (and super friendly) staff and reasonable and generous wine tastings. When you find one you like and just a glass won't suffice, full bottles are available for purchase and can be enjoyed at their location or taken home for consumption at a later date.

You can expect this Date Night to cover all the senses:

Taste: Have I mentioned it's paella?

Sight: Watch as the paella is prepared right in front of you by their official "Paella Chef."

Sound: Listen as everyone in attendance will be laughing, drinking, eating and enjoying a perfect evening.

Touch: Sitting next to your culinary partner in crime, holding hands, lost in your surroundings.

Smell: Have I mentioned it's paella?

D'Vine Wine is located in Grapevine at 409 S. Main St. To make reservations for Paella Night, please call 817.329.1011. Their website is: http://grapevine.dvinewineusa.com

Fort Worth Date Night: Night at the Museum

by Michael Bloomberg
August 26, 2010

When you hear the name "Leo," who do you think of? What about "Leonardo?" Gotcha! Your first thought was Leonardo DiCaprio. Admit it. In actuality, I was talking about the one and only, Leonardo da Vinci.

Da Vinci is most well-known for the creation of some of the greatest art in history, particularly,Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. He was a man before his time. Living most of his life in the 1400's, he was considered technologically advanced as his designs foresaw the helicopter, the tank, a calculator and many other inventions that later came to fruition hundreds of years later. Being a painter, sculptor, architect, musician, scientist, mathematician, inventor, botanist and so much more, to say he was a Renaissance man would be an understatement.

On Saturday evening, September 4, the two of you will get to experience da Vinci at his finest. And, believe or not, this will all take place while you are on a date with a whole host of other cool adults at the new Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. The event has an alluring, seductive title, "Da Vinci After Dark." Sounds inviting, right?

One of the cool elements of this after-hours evening is that from 6 - 10pm, all attendees will have the museum to themselves. When is the last time you had a museum to yourself? “Da Vinci After Dark” will include live music by Invicible Czars and a DJ, as well as a roving juggler and other “renaissance” performers throughout the night. A wine tasting featuring fine Italian wines will be held in the Museum’s Heritage Courtyard. A cash bar and snacks will be available.

Texas Sky Tonight Live; Fragile Planet: Searching for Other Earths; and Black Holes: The Other Side of Infinity will be shown in the Noble Planetarium every half hour from 6:30 to 9 p.m. The Omni IMAX^® Theater will present Van Gogh: Brush With Genius at 7:30 p.m., and Adrenaline Rush at 6:25 and 8:35 p.m.

In addition to physics demonstrations, the Museum’s Innovations Studios will offer hands-on creative activities including sketchbook creation, catapult construction, mask making, and mirror writing.

Current exhibitions to be enjoyed include the following:

§ Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius is a spectacular exhibition that reveals the ingenuity and brilliance of a man ahead of his time.

§ Let’s Take the Streetcar: Journeying Through Fort Worth’s Past, follows the rise and decline of city and interurban rail travel in Fort Worth from the mid-1870s to the mid-1930s.

§ DinoLabs is a 3,700-square-foot-gallery where guests can experience the immensity of the State Dinosaur of Texas for the very first time: Paluxysaurusjonesi.

§ The Cattle Raisers Museum is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the vital history and science of the cattle industry.

§ Energy Blast brings physics, technology, and innovative thinking to life as guests are asked to explore geophysical formations, calculate drilling depths and directions, and to experiment with new resources.

§ The Native American Gallery features items ranging from beaded dresses and vests, to beaded moccasins from the far corners of the country, weapons, musical instruments, and important examples of basketry and pottery of the Southwest.

The da Vinci exhibition closes Monday, Sept. 6, 2010. To say that it will be leaving in style is an understatement. On Saturday night, the 4th. the FWMSH will be the place to see and beseen. Another little known fact about Leonardo (we're now on a first-name basis) is that he is often quoted. He once said that, "Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." Can you think of anything more simple than showing up at a museum with your Date Night already lined out for you? And what could be more sophisticated than hanging out in Fort Worth's great cultural district studying one of our greatest minds in history. Simplicity. Check. Sophistication. Check. Date Night. Check.

“Da Vinci After Dark” is free for Museum members. Cost for nonmembers is $10. Planetarium costs are $5 per adult and Omni film prices are $7 per person. Tickets can be purchased in advance online at www.fortworthmuseum.org, by calling 817-255-9540, or at the door.