Category Archives: Travel

Fireside Pies – Yum!

When I find yourself living in a place other than where I grew up, I think I’m always subconsciously keeping an eye out for some of my favorite items from home. Especially, when it comes to food. This is a prime example of success!
Vermont has American Flatbread
Wood fired ovens.
Flatbread pizza.
Fresh ingredients.
Microbrews to go along with the pizza.
Rustic atmosphere.
Absolute deliciousness.
Texas has Fireside Pies
Wood fired ovens – check!
Flatbread pizza – check!
Fresh ingredients – check!
Microbrews – we had wine but they have them too – check!
Rustic atmosphere – check!
Absolute deliciousness – check!
Sold! Diana was in flatbread heaven! It’s always nice to find some comfort away from home.
I actually came across Fireside Pies on a girls night last year. Super delicious and more recently they have been opening up more locations throughout the metroplex. Handy, considering one recently opened up not too far from me. So the other evening, I said to myself, “Let’s have some pizza!” So I ordered to go and it was just as good as being in the restuarant.
 

I went with the “Triple ‘Roni”.
Basic, simple, can’t go wrong.
“Pepperoni, Fresh Mozzerella, Hand-Torn Basil and Truffle Oil”
The “Pie” was fresh, light and oh so good. Now, we should talk about the basil because it was indeed my favorite part. Now, the basil came on the side in a little container, since I got it to go. To be honest, I kind of just threw it on so I could take a picture (I was starving! It’s hard driving home and smelling the goodness!). When I went to actually eat each slice, I tore them into some smaller pieces. The basil brings a kind of sweet kick to your slice. If you go out or make homemade pizza’s, experiement and try it for yourself. I loved it.
If you are into trying new things, be sure to check out their menu as it has many variables. Appetizers, salads, desserts, they even have soda floats!
If you are a little more daring then myself, you can try out something new:
Molten Meatballs with Roasted Red Onions and Roasted Red Peppers.
Homemade Spicy Sausage, Roasted Garlic-Herb, Whipped Ricotta & Chopped Tomatoes.
or you can try
Peta Pie – Mont Chevre Goat Cheese, Balsamic Mustard Portobellas, Arugula, Roasted Red peppers, Roasted Pinon Nuts & Charred Tomato Vinaigrette
The pies are a little pricy so plan on spending between $12-$15 for a pie. It’s a nice way to treat yourself is how I see it. Parking – it’s quite a popular spot so be patient with parking spots and possibly waiting on a table. Keep in mind – if it’s busy, it must be pretty good right?!

Railhead BBQ, Willow Park, TX

When my parents were here to visit, we decided to hit two birds with one stone – BBQ and live music. (Dad sure does love his live music and I don’t think we ever get enough of it…. next time we’ll have to plan ahead a little better.) We headed a little west of Fort Worth and ended up in Willow Park at Railhead BBQ.
Railhead BBQ is a chain so you will find a few around the area however this location has live music quite regularly (we found out not all locations do). Being a family friendly restaurant, there were couples, friends and families alike all there to enjoy good food and great music.
The food was good and plentiful. (BBQ sounds pretty good at this very moment, now that I’m writing this.) I opted for the usual – chopped beef with coleslaw and potato salad. The sandwich was good however it needed some BBQ sauce (which we had on the side). The potato salad was a little too mustardy for my liking however that seems to be the way that it’s done in the South. If that’s your thing, well you would probably love it.
Sy opted for a two meat plate – chopped beef and turkey with the below sides. By far he LOVED the turkey. I snuck a bit – it was delicious. He wasn’t kidding around. Yummy!
The band was situated outside where you could sit under a covered area, or not. I wish I could remember their name of the band, so if you do – let me know! We were there on June 22nd. They were great and very entertaining. The three ladies at the front table sure enjoyed them as well!
Railhead BBQ provided for a relaxing place to go for a night out, that isn’t too wild and crazy yet “you’re not at home watching TV”. Coming from the Dallas / Fort Worth area, we were able to out of the city, enjoy some nice Texas country scenery, listened to some great local music and filled up on an enjoyable meal. It was a great Texas evening!

Dallas Derby Devils Roller Derby, 2012-06

When my parents come to visit us, we try to bring them to something they’ve never been to or something they wouldn’t typically get to see back in Vermont. This year we brought them to a bout of roller derby with the Dallas Derby Devils. This wasn’t Sy and I’s first derby, (ok so maybe it was only our second) but we enjoyed the first one so we thought this would be a good event to bring them to.
Location: Nytex Sports Center, North Richland Hills, TX
Price: Tickets were $13.00 (This was with a $2.00 coupon so check out their website for deals) and it was for two bouts.
The Track: The girls skate on quads on a flat track. For those of you that have seen the movie Whip It, it’s a little different but same concept.
Venue Info: It’s quite a popular event so be sure to get there a little early. There’s dollar drafts and jello shots and the derby girls are all over so if you’re looking for a picture, you will get one! It can get a little warm in there but you can always swing over to the ice rink on the other side of the building where there’s ice hockey to cool off a little bit.
If you think this is for you – be sure to check out the Dallas Derby Devil’s website for their schedule. It looks like it’s once a month during the summer. If sitting in the stands just isn’t enough for you – you can always try out (keep an eye on their website for announcements). If you’re a guy – I hear there’s a men’s league too so you’re in luck! It’s a good time if you’ve never been to one! Be sure to check out a bout! It’s lots of FUN!