Fort Worth Date Night: Double-Header

by Michael Bloomberg
August 12, 2010

When applied to sports, the dictionary defines a "double-header" as "two games or events held in succession on the same program, especially in baseball." As we head toward mid-August in North Texas, perhaps a double-header of baseball is not the ideal Date Night.

What if there were a double-header held indoors and it involved food? Would that make your ears perk up? On Friday night, August 20 and Saturday morning, August 21, Fort Worth's Central Market is holding a major league double-header fit for athletes and foodies alike. Friday will cover the quintessential "Date Night" theme with a cooking class called "Couples: Perfect Picnic Basket."

Nothing says romance like a picnic. In this couples class, you will learn how to "pack for a romantic picnic for two." On the agenda, you will learn how to prepare Thomas Keller's Fried Chicken; Blue Cheese Bacon Potato Salad; Deviled Eggs; Black-eyed Pea Salad; and Peanut Butter Brownies. (Note: At the time of writing, there were only a handful of spots still available).

Perhaps, Friday nights are difficult for you guys. What about 10am on the following Saturday morning? This might be the greatest class ever with the most stellar subject matter ever. You might not have thought about it, but, who wouldn't love to attend "Death By Doughnuts?"

Brilliant. A class dedicated to the sweet science of doughnuts. You might have a guy who would never consider a cooking class. This is the perfect way to introduce him. And, when you two discover what doughy, sugary delicacies on are on the menu, you may want to head straight to their website and click on the "register" button.

Death By Doughnuts, according to Central Market's website, was "inspired by the recent doughnut craze that is spreading across the country." The very first doughnut in the description floored me in two words. Bacon Maple. Seriously? Bacon and maple somehow paired with a doughnut. I'm not really sure life gets any better than that. Then, I kept reading. NY Cheesecake; Not-so-Average Glazed; Boston Cream-filled; and Cherry Buttermilk Cake Doughnuts. If it's possible to gain wait simply by typing about doughnuts, then, bring on Jenny Craig. Every virtual calorie is so worth it!

These two classes are sure to fill up fast. If, by the time you decide to register, these classes are full, please explore the other offerings. It is seriously one of the best dates you two can share. If you are the romantic type or just need a little romance, the Picnic Basket will be perfect. If you are a Saturday morning, roll out of bed and want to indulge in the sweeter things in life, the Doughnuts class is for you. After all, it was the articulate Homer Simpsonwho so eloquently stated, "Is there nothing doughnuts can't do?"

For a complete list of all of Central Markets cooking classes, please visit:

http://www.centralmarket.com

Fort Worth Date Night: The Date Night Buffet

by Michael Bloomberg
July 22, 2010

Mark Twain once joked, "It usually takes me more than three weeks to prepare a goodimpromptu speech." As a big advocate of planning dates and/or Date Night, last-minute is good, too. Last week, I found myself craving dessert after an early dinner on a Sunday afternoon.

I'm not sure of the exact federal law, but, apparently, sweets taste better and are less fattening when you eat them across from someone. Seriously, look it up! Knowing this sweet toothwas quickly approaching, I texted my friend, Lindsey. Texting her to meet me for dessert is like the "In case of emergency, break glass" sign. What seemed liked hours (really 15 seconds), she responded with, "What are you thinking?" Thirty minutes later, about 5:30pm, we found ourselves at Central Market (I-30 & Hulen).

Let's start with what I love about Central Market. I'm in a t-shirt, shorts and flip-flips. Lindsey informed me that she'd be donning an "I'm a Pepper" t-shirt. A Halloween costume would have sufficed. Going out in public without getting dolled up is a bonus. As we enter, my mind started to wonder. What sugary concoction was going to be my conquest?

I opted for Tiramisu. It wasn't as easy choice. Seriously, there are too many options and all are great. I walked around for about 10 minutes vacillating between the bakery showcase and the cooler next to it. Just back and forth. Forth and back. I'm guessing I probably had that look the first time a kid walks through the gates of Disney World.

We found ourselves upstairs at a table. Talking for a couple of hours, on a Sunday night, shoveling in dessert and not sure where the time went. Then, it hit me. Central Market is a hotel and spa away from being the mecca of date locales. Here's my rationale. We've already covered the attire. It doesn't matter if you go mid-week in the morning for fresh juice and a muffin. The food will be fresh and tasty and the atmosphere conducive to staying.

How about a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night? With Fridays and Saturdays being the Burgers and Bock series. You can sit outside, listen to a great band, eat dinner and have a drink (or several). What happens if you run out? Easy. Get up, go inside and you're now faced with one of the best selections of beer and wine in the city.

Perhaps, your ideal date would be learning how to cook. Did I mention they have a first-classcooking school with a ton of class offerings? Or, perhaps, you can't go at night. No worries, they even offer some lunch hour classes. These people have thought of everything.

Oh, yes, did I mention we even did an impromptu wine tasting on that Sunday night after dessert? I love this place so much I now office there a couple of days per week. Besides the free rent and complimentary wi-fi, if I get hungry or thirsty, I'm just a stone's throw away from solving that problem.

So, the next time you guys can't figure out what to do, you always have the ultimate impromptu destination in Central Market. Let's say she is in the mood for a California Roll, a red velvetcupcake and a couple of glasses of Prosecco. Also, let's not forget that before she leaves, she'll need to pick up some fresh Buffalo Mozzarella and some hydrangeas. And he may be in the mood for a Margharita pizza, a couple bottles of Rahr Blonde Lager and a fresh chocolate chip cookie or just a slice of cheesecake for dessert. Whatever your culinary desires, Central Market can deliver. And, if you've just come from the gym or happen to be wearing pajamas with cowboy boots, no one will even bat an eye.

For all the "goings on" at the Fort Worth Central Market, please visit:

http://www.centralmarket.com/Stores/Fort-Worth.aspx