Category Archives: Beverages

Farina’s Winery & Cafe

Before we attended the Grapevine Christmas Wine Train last week, we had dinner at Farina’s Winery and Cafe on Main Street. I had never been here before and have I ever been missing out.

Once you walk in, you will know exactly what I’m talking about. First of all, the atmosphere is amazing. Exposed brick, rustic, warm colors, decorations, and check out the lighting (above). It’s one of those places where the size of the restaurant is just right, you feel so comfortable. We sat in a room off the back, check out these photos. Love, love, love! Let’s bring a little history into the restaurant!

Now, to be completely honest, I think I knew I was going to like this place as soon as I walked in so it’s probably a little bias but we all know the food is the real taste test! Heck, we didn’t even start off with food, we started off with a frozen sangria. Now, I’m just going to say – try one and tell me how you like it. It was better than it looks (and it looks pretty darn good)!

I’m a fan of the menu size. Not too big, not too small with a good variety – just right so you don’t feel overwhelmed with the options but each and every one sound so good that it still makes it a little hard to pick from! I went with the Shrimp Scampi and a house salad. I recommend the house salad just so you can get the dressing, it’s so delicious. I’m pretty sure you can put it on anything.

The Shrimp Scampi. The Alfredo sauce on the pasta is so creamy. It literally feels like it’s melting in your mouth. The shrimp… I don’t even know where to begin. The shrimp is coated in bread crumbs and sits in a garlic butter sauce. The sauce is made to perfection. It doesn’t feel really buttery or oily, it’s the perfect combination and provides a savory taste to the shrimp.

If you are looking for a place to catch up with friends or a new place for date night, head on over. I have a feeling you won’t be disappointed.

Christmas Wine Train, Grapevine, TX

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(Picture Courtesy of Grapevine CVB)

Grapevine, Texas has a vintage train. It is amazing and I’ve wanted to ride it since the first time I found out about it. Although there are trips that run throughout the year from Grapevine to Fort Worth, the town of Grapevine does an amazing job incorporating the train into tons of events all year long. During the holiday season, they have the North Pole Express for families and the Christmas Wine Train for the adults. I had the pleasure of checking out the Christmas Wine Train last week.

The Christmas Wine Train is great for adults. For a girls night, date night, double date or even just to relax, there is a place for everyone! Something that I love about the train is ‘keeping it local’. Each wine train presents a different winery in the area. Su Vino winery was featured on the train that I went on and this upcoming Thursday is D’Vine Winery.

It doesn’t stop there. On the Su Vino train, Main Street Bistro and Bakery had appetizers and desserts. Although, we happened to eat dinner prior to boarding the train, we still tried a few items. One thing is for certain, if you happen to try one of the macaroons you are in trouble. They are beyond delicious!

I hope you got to see my previous post about the decorations in Grapevine this time of year. It’s truly magical. The train is no exception. The inside of the train car is filled with Christmas decor, holiday music is playing throughout the entire trip. You are even visited by Santa and the staff is kind and very friendly. What amazed me the most was how absolutely relaxing the trip was. Honestly, I thought the train would run a little faster but it was the perfect pace. Along our route, we could see homes decorated with lights in the coziness of the train car. I cannot describe how relaxing the trip was, you almost want to snuggle up with a blanket and shut your eyes for a few minutes.

The wine! I tried the Chardonnay and the Toasted Snowman – both delicious in their own way. Do be warned, if you try the Toasted Snowman, it is VERY sweet. It’s dessert within itself. Heather, tried the Almond Sparkling Wine and loved it. I don’t think you can go wrong with any wine that was featured on the train and it also allows you to taste the options for a great last minute holiday gift!

If you happen to be in the Grapevine area, by all means buy your ticket and head on over. The trip is just the right amount of time to unwind after a long day, catch up with your girlfriends or even snuggle up with your love. Treat yourself, it’s one of the best things to do and we all need it every now and again!

Facts:

The Christmas Wine Train boards at 7:30pm and returns at 9:00pm.

Parking is free and convienent, nearby.

Each train features a different winery and winery representative.

You will receive a Christmas Wine Train glass and a ticket for one glass of wine to choose from the selection available. Additional glasses can also be purchased on board.

Tickets can be purchased here.

Disclaimer: I was not compensated for this post, however I did receive free admission to the event in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are 100% my own.

Paradise Bistro & Coffee Shop

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One of the things that I love doing the most is taking a drive. Sometimes I feel like I can just drive and drive. It’s relaxing, it clears your mind and you get to explore the world while you’re doing it.

Last weekend, I took a drive out towards the Hill Country region. Once out of the metroplex area, you are soon surrounded by absolutely nothing and to me that is one of the most relaxing and peaceful sights.

Soon down highway 377, I found myself in the small town of Granbury. I’ve been here before but the Christmas spirit was all around this time. One of the things that I miss about Vermont is all the small coffee shops, especially in small towns. I can’t seem to find too many down here that doesn’t involve a huge chain name. Although, I don’t drink coffee, I love small coffee shops. The smell. The relaxing atmosphere. The people. So once I spotted this place, I had to go in, find a non-coffee flavored beverage and just enjoy a few moments to myself.

I found my way to Paradise Bistro & Coffee Shop.

Right in the town square, this is a quaint, relaxing coffee shop with very friendly staff. Not only do they have a coffee bar but you can also order food. If you like their Facebook page, you save 20%. Can’t beat that. I tried out a vanilla frappe. Cold and rich with vanilla flavor, can we just say Yum! It hit the spot on a sunny Saturday afternoon!

If you happen to be passing thru Granbury, whip on into the town square and head on in. Treat yourself to a beverage of choice, like them on Facebook and save a bit of money and just enjoy the day!