Fort Worth Date Night: A Star-filled Party

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

April 22, 2010

It was Edward Young who said, "Those who build beneath the stars build too low." This is very similar to famous radio personality, Casey Kasem's famous sign-off, "Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars." These quotes and many more are simply little quips to remind us to think bigger for ourselves and our dreams.

What is it about these sparkly, little mysteries in the sky that we find so fascinating? I've been on a beach at midnight, looked up and the universe was literally putting on a show for me. All the constellations were right above as if they were being presented in hi-def. Or, maybe you have been on a ranch or out of the city limits late at night to experience the same view. Often seeing shooting stars like they are showing off.

Have you been to the new Fort Worth Museum of Science and History? This massive undertaking is now complete. The Omni Theater is still there, but, contains a whole new everything else after their recent renovation. Not to mention, one of the world's finest planetariums, the Noble Planetarium. But, it's not the stars inside that will draw you to the FWMSH this weekend. It's what is outside. Which leads us back to the stars.

The FWMSH continues on Saturday, April 24, with the popular, entertaining and highly educational Star Parties. These free monthly parties are hosted by the Noble Planetarium staff and by members of the Fort Worth Astronomical Society. After you enjoy a nice dinner at any of the numerous restaurant options in the Montgomery/7th Street/Camp Bowie area, head over to the FWMSH.

The monthly Star Parties are held in the parking lot, just south of the Museum (corner of Montgomery Street and Harley Avenue). There will be no need to bring your own Hubble telescope or astronomical equipment or software. Everything is provided. You can just show up. The parties begin at dusk, weather permitting, and last until approximately 10:30 p.m.

When you think about it, a "Date Night" doesn't get much better when it includes nature, stars and is free. This week you can have all that without flying to a beach or driving to the country. Vincent Van Gogh obviously had a fascination with stars. One of his most famous works isStarry Night. He once stated, "For my part, I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream." As the Spring season morphs into Summer, perhaps, this week's outing will cause you two to start dreaming about what your next few months of "Date Nights" are going to look like.

Fort Worth Date Night: Good Grief: A "Wild" Date Night

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

April 15, 2010

Margaret Mead once wrote, "When a person is born we rejoice, and when they're married we jubilate, but when they die, we try to pretend nothing has happened." There is a place in Fort Worth, that for more than 20 years, has faced grief head on.

Of course, I'm referring to The Warm Place. Perhaps, one of my favorite organizations in the whole world. The work they do and the lives they touch are indescribable. Often times, The Warm Place flies under the radar and without anyone knowing the angelic feats they achieve.

According to their website, "The WARM Place was founded in 1989 and now, more than twenty years later, we continue our mission of providing grief support services to children ages 3-18 and their families, as well as young adults ages 19-25, who are trying to find a new way of living after the death of someone they love."

So you may be asking, "What in the world does this have to do with "Date Night?" Everything! On, Friday, April 23, The Warm Place is holding the 8th Annual "Friday Night at the Zoo." While this event at the Fort Worth Zoo is kid-friendly, it's also one of those dates that will bring out the kid in the both of you.

Some of the events planned are: Treasure hunt, party games, hair painting, face painting, Wild Wonder animal show, carousel rides, Texas weather barn and the train ride. You can expect a silent auction, a live auction, a taco bar dinner and a cash bar. And, perhaps, the coolest of the cool, for the 3rd year, the classic rock band, King Creole, will be playing your favorites from the 60's, 70's and 80's. There's also a rumor they will throw in some chart-toppers from the 50's and 90's, as well. So, there is something to enjoy for everyone.

Friday Night at the Zoo is offering up some very sweet raffle items. Three different packages will be offered. First up, an instant wine cellar! This is 50 bottles of fine wine including Merlot, Pinot Grigio, Syrah, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon and much more.

Package #2 is from Cowboy Cuisine Chef, Grady Spears. Grady will come to your home and prepare dinner for you and 10 of your closest friends. How cool is that? Can you think of a better "Date Night?" Oh yeah, all the is food is included and the package also consists of several bottles of wine.

Package #3 is an amazing weekend at Possum Kingdom Lake. Enjoy two nights for a family of four at the Harbor on Possum Kingdom Lake's 18-room boutique hotel. Included in this package is a Continental breakfast, lunch and dinner for four at The Grille. Horseback rides for two should make your stay complete.

Rarely do you find a "Date Night" that is o.k. to include the kids. This one is one of those rare occasions. But, by all means, if you are kidless, you guys will also have a blast. Great food, great entertainment and great people. But, the biggest reason to go is because of The Warm Place. The word "great" doesn't even come close to describe the importance of this organization. Mother Teresa once wrote, ""There are no great things, only small things with great love. Happy are those." And, happy are those who have attended The Warm Place, worked at The Warm Place or volunteered at The Warm Place.

For complete information on Friday Night at the Zoo and The Warm Place, please visit: www.thewarmplace.org

Fort Worth Date Night: Appreciating the grape

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

April 08, 2010

One reason couples don’t often succeed is that it becomes too easy to take each other for granted. Life either becomes too simple or the difficulties become bigger than a relationship. Sometimes this wisdom comes with age, experience, a death, a birth or a life-changing event.

As I’ve matured, I’ve started to realize the importance of simply being grateful. To not focus on what I don’t have, but, rather, how rich my life truly is. This may be one of the keys to a successful relationship. Willie Nelson, who is known to have had an interesting life, really summed up this point best when he said, “When I started counting my blessings, my whole life turned around.”

You can start with the easy ones. Family, loved ones, kids, a job, a house and so on. But, be creative. I’ll get you started. I am thankful for chocolate, especially, Peanut M&M’s. I’m grateful for Thai food. There’s something about eating that perfect dish of Pad Thai. I’m even thankful for wine. Wine? Yes, wine. And, apparently, I’m not the only one. Grapevine has devoted a whole weekend to the showing the city’s appreciation for the stuff.

Over the weekend of April 16 and 17, Grapevine will be celebrating its 18th annual Blessing of the Vines and New Vintage Wine & Gallery Trail. What does this all mean? A lot of sampling of wines! There are many activities going on during this annual celebration. Some of these include actual blessings at wineries, an actual Wine Trail, which involves a trip through historic Grapevine, wineries and several others events.

However, the most “date-rific” activity might be the New Vintage Jazz Wine Trains. Such a brilliant idea to combine food, wine and live jazz all while cruising along in a train. According to the Website, “The popular Jazz Wine Train will run on two evenings - April 16 and 17 - at the Grapevine Vintage Railroad, located at Grapevine’s historic Cotton Belt Depot at 705 S. Main Street. The captivating excursion features several Grapevine wines, delicious dinner and live jazz entertainment in each passenger car. The Jazz Wine Train boards both evenings at 6:40 p.m., departs at 7 p.m. and returns at 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person.”

Often times in relationships, experts say that if you don’t want to lose your partner, you better “get on board.” Perhaps, this Jazz Wine Train is a metaphor for the ideal couple. For those in need of a night out and for those who still date regularly. Just remember that while you are blessing the wine, take a moment to also be thankful for who you are sharing this experience with. Salud!

For complete information on the Blessing of the Vines,

visit: www.grapevinetexasusa.com/newvintage

Fort Worth Date Night: A taxing date with a huge refund

BY MIKE BLOOMBERG

March 29, 2010

Benjamin Franklin once said, “The only sure thing in life is death and taxes.” In a couple of weeks, one of those two will rear is annual ugly head. The deadline to file your taxes is April 15. I’ve never been a big fan of Franklin’s saying. While it may be true, it’s somewhat of a downer. In fact, I think we need a paradigm shift in our thinking.

What if we could have a positive outlook on taxes? What is paying taxes could bring about the same excitement as that of birthdays? After all, they both come around once-a-year. But, I guess this needs more thought. One is sometimes about paying out. While birthdays are usually about receiving. What if we could combine the two? Or, at the least, celebrate the middle of April, rather than dread it.

Fortunately, for those in Fort Worth, our prayers may have been answered. On April 18, Tarrant County welcomes the 31st annual Big Taste of Fort Worth. By far, one of my most favorite events to attend each year. From a giving point-of-view, the event benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters’ youth mentoring programs. From a competitive angle, it has the best of the area’s finest restaurants battling for “Best of Big Taste” bragging rights. But, from a selfish approach, it is a “roll up my sleeves; no holds barred” Eat-a-Rama!

Each year, the list of dining establishments who participate just get better and better. This year is no exception. Fort Worth newcomers Eddie V’s and Cowtown Diner are joining in on the fun. Last year’s winner, Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse, along with the likes of Ferre, Ruth’s Chris Steakhouse, Lambert’s, Michael’s, The Covey and Tokyo Steakhouse are just a few of the amazing eateries scheduled to share their tasty offerings at this year’s Big Taste of Fort Worth.

Once again, the super talented, Trey and the Tritones, will be the featured entertainment of the evening. Seeing these guys live would be, in itself, worth the price of admission. You can also count on a fantastic silent auction. Tickets can be purchased for just the main tasting or for the tasting along with the VIP Wine Tasting held just prior. For complete details on the Big Taste of Fort Worth, visit the official Web site at: www.bbbs.org/taste or contact 888-887-BIGS.

Can you think of a more efficient date? Where else can a couple pay one reasonable price, go to one location and have the Best of the Best food all under one roof? Actually, all in one room? More importantly, the cost of admission will be helping a great cause, Big Brothers Big Sisters. It will be like paying your taxes knowing that a refund is on the way. At the least, a gastronomical one.

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.