Author Archives: Diana

About Diana

Canadian-Vermonter, Texas transplant. Cowboy boot wearing, maple syrup connoisseur, music lovin', wine and micro-brew drinkin', two-steppin' traveler who loves finding all the hidden gems the world has to offer. Come join me on the ride!

Twisted Root Burger Company

The weather is getting warmer and its time to get out the grill, unless you never put it away that is. However we all run into the nights where we don’t want to cook or just want something a little different. Let me introduce you to Twisted Root Burger Company. It’s a small restaurant known for their specialty burgers and original beverages. If the fact that they have locations popping up all around the DFW area isn’t an indication on how popular they are becoming then walking inside and seeing the steady stream of fans is.

My first time at Twisted Root – I wasn’t sure what to expect. One look at the menu and it was obvious that this wasn’t your normal burger barn. If you are into trying different burgers, different types of meat – this is the place for you! On the menu, you will find everything from your typical hamburger to buffalo burgers to game meats (venison, elk, ostrich) – you see, not your typical burgers! They also have specialty burgers such as Peppercorn Ranch and Bacon, Blue Cheese and Jalapeno and their Classic Swiss and Mushroom Burger, just to name a few. Now if you happen to be near a Twisted Root and want to try it out but aren’t necessarily in the mood for a burger – you are in luck. They also have hot dogs! Oh yes – 100% Black Angus beef hot dogs. This is what I went for – yea yea, go to a burger place and I get hot dogs. And yes – of course these also come in specialties like the burgers.

Now, if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, it just gets better – beverages. What’s so special about beverages, well for starters, they make their own drinks. You say what?! Yes, in addition to having the normal sodas, they also make their own root beer which you will find on tap along with a specialty root beer that they have conjured up. When I went it was amaretto root beer but I’ve heard they’ve had watermelon root beer and will come up with pretty much any flavor you can think of. They also have their own ice teas, lemonades, milkshakes, alcoholic milkshakes and alcoholic beverages. What’s better than a beer with a burger?!

So once you have finally made up your mind and paid for your food, you are handed a ticket that’s called when your meal is prepared. If the above was any indication, you shouldn’t be surprised when they hand you a ticket with a question on one side and a celebrity on the other. To make the experience a little more exciting, when your meal is done they’ll throw something out there like “Feeling a little blue” for LeAnn Rimes or ” Lucy, you got some ‘splainin’ to do!” for Ricky Ricardo. And to hear what they’re going to say for the other customers is pretty entertaining (and makes everyone pay attention) as well.

How was the food? … Delicious of course. If you haven’t been satisfied by their creativity in the kitchen then you will find another chance when you sit down at your table. The condiments. Horseradish Dijon, chipotle ketchup (a little kick to your normal ketchup) and BBQ sauce (we are in Texas after all).

And finally how can I forget – the atmosphere is so unique. The decor is something to be admired, especially if you are into the southern country decor. I’m not going to tell you much more about it other than you should find the nearest TRBC and make your way down there and check it out yourself. Enjoy!

For More Info: Twisted Root Company

Is it a ‘Driving Range’ or a ‘Practice Range’?

I think it all depends on who you ask. Some just like hitting a golf ball as hard as they can and see that little thing fly until you can’t see it anymore. Some, actually go to practice – I know, I know… just rubbish. Frankly, hitting the ball as hard as you can is quite fun however since I’m going to be joining the LPGA in the near future I figured I should probably try to learn how to hit the ball where I would like it to go, and what better to do on a Saturday morning (or any morning rather) than to head on down to Coppers Golf Park!

Coopers Golf Park is a small driving range in Euless, Texas. It’s a getaway from the world.

The golf balls are decently priced (we got two huge buckets for $10.00). The guys who run the place are extremely friendly and even throw out some pointers every once in a while.

They also provide lessons one or two times a week for $20.00.
And if putting is your problem…. well they have new putting greens just for you!
If you are ever in this area and are looking for a place to drive that ball (or practice) – this is a great place. Check it out!

Something Sweet

Considering this past weekend was Maple Weekend in Vermont, I find it appropriate that I touch upon my roots.

Some of my earliest memories take place on my grandparents old farm, just down the street from where I grew up. To give you a sense of how young I was, they sold the farm when I was three. The fact that I have memories of this beautiful time amazes me. (Especially considering I have a hard time remembering things from last week.) Each spring they would tap the trees, hang the buckets and boil that sweet sap.

One of my earliest memories was in the middle of the woods. My Pepere had a wagon with a huge sap tank hooked up to the tractor. We were going thru the woods, collecting the sap from the buckets to bring back to the sugarhouse. I happened to fall off the wagon and just saw them driving away. I started screaming, I mean – I thought they were going to leave me out there! Who in their right mind would leave such a cute little girl?! Then my Uncle Mario came and swept me up and brought me back to the wagon. Aww memories.

Then there are the memories of hanging out in the sugarhouse. Sitting on my great memere’s lap, surrounded by great aunts, great uncles and cousins. The heat from the wood stove, keeping the sap boiling and the chill in the air from the cold Vermont winter outside. Having that first taste of hot maple syrup, piping fresh! Close family and friends gathered together, passing the time, telling stories and catching up on life. Sugaring season is a season of its own. It’s special in so many ways. It brings people together and bring everyone the sweet treat of maple syrup.

Maple Syrup is made throughout the Northeast, Canada, as far west as Minnesota and as far south as West Virginia. When the snow starts to melt, the sap starts running and you better believe that the sugarmakers are getting excited.

If you are around the maple syrup region, be sure to keep an eye out for open houses, festivals and if you are really interested just stop by a sugar house. Sugarmakers are proud of what they do and I’m sure that they wouldn’t mind showing you around and teaching you about how they make the stuff that we all love! And if you are lucky, they will pour you a cup of hot, fresh maple syrup!