Category Archives: Travel

Turnpike Troubadours, Billy Bob’s 2013-02-02

Once upon a time, there was a girl who fell in love with a band. Not just the band, more so the lead singer Evan, who she wanted to marry. (This would be a good time to interject that this girl isn’t me, but a friend.) She would catch every single show that she could, with friends and her future husband (who isn’t Evan). That’s right, future husband. It’s a common joke that she was going to run off with Evan and get married and leave her fiance. Her husband-to-be isn’t worried.
This past Friday evening, we found ourselves at the World’s Largest Honky Tonk, front row reserved seats (thanks to another good friend) with Evan directly in front of us and one excited bride-to-be. It’s quite entertaining how excited she gets with this band but they’re that good that we all get excited about seeing them too and encourage the “running off with Evan before your wedding” story. It’s all in good fun! She’s not going anywhere.
Maybe you’ve heard me talk about the band before (here) – Turnpike Troubadours!
Turnpike is what we like to call a good ole Texas Country or Red Dirt band. They hail from Oklahoma and travel all over thru Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana and now more throughout the South. If you’ve seen ’em, you’d love ’em. They’re songs are genuine and pretty soon you’ll find yourself singing along and looking for a partner to two-step.
Videos are a little shaky since I took them with my iPhone. Check out my YouTube page for more videos from the show (I’ll be uploading the rest tonight and tomorrow).
Now, the night wouldn’t have been complete without a proposal. No, it wasn’t between my friend and Evan, although that WOULD’VE been a sight to see. (I say this like it happens all the time at Billy Bob’s…. this is the first time I’ve seen a proposal on stage here.) Turnpike finished their performance and out walks this guy. You could tell he was a bit nervous and she was nervous to get on stage. After she said yes, we could see her say “You’re crazy!” to the man. Good job! Hope you guys are able to see this or at least a better video! Congrats!
It was a great show as usual. A little hard to get a beer but great company, awesome seats, even better entertainment. See you at the next show! (And Evan, you still have until March 30th to meet up with my friend!)

La Familia, Ft. Worth

Mexican food, is oh so good! This past weekend was fun filled with lots of “Texas” events but our first stop was dinner on Friday night at La Familia in Fort Worth. I had never been here before and knew absolutely nothing about the restaurant but quickly fell in love.
Reason #1: Get a margarita.
Why?
Because they light them on fire! Well, not literally. Whether you get one on the rocks or frozen, they will bring it out, place a sugar cube on your lime and poof! Up in flames! I’m not exactly sure “why” but it makes the presentation pretty awesome and who doesn’t like fire?! The margarita is perfectly made by the way!
Reason #2: Chips and Salsa
I’m going to admit, I’m a bit nervous at trying the salsa at some Mexican restaurants. More or less, I’m scared it’s going to be too spicy but I’ve found the diamond out of them all! This salsa was some of the freshest salsa I’ve ever had at a restaurant. The chips were crispy, fresh and non-oily. This just proves that La Familia stays true to their word that all items are made fresh daily. Who doesn’t like that?!
Reason #3: Atmosphere
Exposed brick (oh I love the exposed brick). Southwest decor. Black and white vintage photos. Need I say more?!
Reason #4: Food
I know I’ve already discussed the chips and salsa but the main course was delicious.
(Above) Veggie Quesadilla’s
(Below) Sour Cream Chicken Enchiladas (my order).
My meal was delicious and I couldn’t finish it. Plenty of food for a good price. My friend had the above order and it was agreed, you can’t go wrong!

If you are in the west, Fort Worth area and are looking for some good Mexican food. I would suggest swinging on over. I’m going to warn you, parking is a little tough but as soon as you find a spot, hopefully you will agree that it was worth it! Don’t forget to try a margarita!

Sweet Tea Recipe

Sweet tea = hot tea + lots of sugar, poured over ice cubes and chilled.

Southerns will most likely find this post absurd but for others it could be informative.
Alright, so here it goes… in the South there is a beverage called Sweet Tea. (See description above.) I’ve come to learn that those from the South think sweet tea is both delicious and easy to make. I’s a necessity, like Dr. Pepper. To this Yankee, I will agree that it’s delicious, but not so easy to make. Until now.

The first lesson I received in sweet tea making was when I first moved here. I sat on a stool in our friends kitchen while he boiled water in a pot. Once it boiled, he threw in some tea bags then poured in sugar right out of the bag. Stirred until it was dissolved and then poured it over ice. “That easy! Can’t mess it up!” So when I finally tried it, it was not “That easy!”. My tea was bitter. It was awful. I didn’t give up! Apparently messing it up wasn’t that hard, haha!

Leah came along and showed me the ropes…. and it really is “That easy!”

Sweet Tea Recipe:

8 cups water
4 tea bags
1 cup sugar
Ice cubes

1. Boil 8 cups of water (pretty easy).
2. Once water is boiling, pour into pitcher and add 4 tea bags. Allow to sit for 3 minutes.
3. Remove tea bags and stir in 3/4 to 1 cup of sugar, until dissolved.
4. Add ice until pitcher is full (I use a gallon pitcher).

Pour and enjoy or store in the fridge!