Category Archives: Texas

North Main BBQ, Euless, TX

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If you asked me a few years ago if I thought food would ever change my life, I probably would’ve said only maple syrup. Turns out moving to the South introduces you to BBQ and man oh man did they get me hook, line and sinker. 
I love it. I love the BBQ sauce, I love how sometimes its so good you don’t even want the BBQ sauce, the juiciness of the meat, the flavor straight from the smoker. Trying out different variations never gets old, it just makes you work out a little more.
Let me introduce you to North Main BBQ, in Euless, TX. Founded in 1981, you better believe this place is still more popular than ever for a reason. It’s delicious! If you are ever looking for it, just look for the giant pig out by the sign but be careful, they are only open Friday, Saturday and Sunday’s. I’m pretty sure they do this only so we can crave it more during the week.
When you walk into the restaurant you will be amazed by the memorabilia on the walls. Banners, trophies, pictures from every BBQ competition you can think of from all over the country. It’s pretty amazing.
 These don’t cover 1/8th of what’s in there!
On your way out you will notice the wall and bulletin boards near the door. This is the visitors galley so to speak. Signed photographs and notes from celebrities who have come to visit, including football players, actors, comedians and musicians. Ted Allen (the host of the Food Network’s Chopped) claimed North Main BBQ to be the best BBQ he’s ever had!
North Main offers two plate options. 1 – Sandwich only. Choose your meat, they’ll put it on a bun. Sides are extra. 2 – All you can eat. What kind of meat you ask? Chopped brisket, sliced brisket, chicken, sausage and ribs. (They are known for their ribs). BBQ sauce is available for your liking. Sides include beans, potato salad, coleslaw. Sweet and unsweetened tea are on the house. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, its also BYOB. To top it all off, they have a “help-yourself” soft serve ice cream machine, if you have room!
 A plate of the all you can eat!
My personal favorite is the chopped brisket sandwich. The meat is moist, juicy, smoked and its perfected. It’s so good, I find no need to add extra BBQ sauce. I just grab a heaping spoonful of potato salad and I’m good to go. So delicious and filling.
I’ve got to stop talking about all this food, it’s only Wednesday! See you this weekend North Main BBQ!

Prairie Festival, Ft. Worth, TX

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A friend of mine informed about an upcoming event at the Tandy Hills Natural Area in Fort Worth, the Prairie Festival. I didn’t know a lot about this, only that it was at a local park / hiking trail and they were promoting sustainability and the environment. With that being said, I was instantly intrigued. I would love to work for a company promoting sustainability and environmentalism. We don’t see this in Texas as much as we do back in Vermont (I’m not really sure, a ton could be done considering how many people live here…I’ll leave this for a different discussion). I had to check this out, not only out of curiosity but in hopes that I would be exposed to a company that would hire me.  
I arrived, mid-afternoon, missing the morning crowd. Parking – parking is on the street. The traffic being forced in one direction only, side streets closed. Took the first stop I could find, walked three blocks. Heck, walking is good for you! Soon enough I found myself arriving upon the festival. I saw a ton of tents, tables and a stage! Wait a second, what’s that I hear, bluegrass, could someone really be playing bluegrass?! I think at this point I began to walk a little faster.
Walking around I saw a ton of exhibitors, ranging from artists, photographers, cassette tape wallets, energy efficient electric companies, Rahr beer. You name it there was something for everyone.
(3L Photograhy – I absolutely LOVED her prints!)
There were two stages, one near the entrance with a solo performer, Jeff Gibbons and the larger stage with my bluegrass band, who turned out to be the Blackland River Devils.
I found myself sitting in front of the solar powered stage, listening to the band, surrounded by hippies, drinking beer, with the hiking trails in the background. I thought I was back in Vermont there for a few seconds. I could’ve been fooled.
 
On the way out I was sure to check out the silent auction table. They had great items supplied from various exhibitors at the festival. Rahr bicycle, wooden rocking chair, organic dog food, a photograph, birdhouses, the list goes on!
 
If you have free time, be sure to check out this event next year, or if you can’t wait that long, check out the Tandy Hills Natural Area. If you enjoy the outdoors, being earthy and environmentally conscious, you are bound to love this area. In the meantime, if you happen to hike the area, let me know how it is!
Info:
Cost: Free
Location:

3400 View Street, Ft. Worth, TX
Pets, Children are welcome.
Parking: Free (Street Parking)  

Olenjacks’s Grille, Arlington, TX

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Thru the grapevine, we heard of this place called Olenjack’s Grille. The only things we knew about the restaurant was that its won a few awards around the DFW area and they had a mean burger – we had to check it out.

We were pretty excited / hungry people when we pulled up the restaurant Saturday night. Granted, Kenny Chesney was playing for thousands of fans right now the street at the Cowboy’s Stadium, you wouldn’t know it as there wasn’t any traffic. We got out of the car, walked into the restaurant and man did it look nice. It seriously looked like we had walked into a high end, fine dining restaurant that a man would need to have a suit jacket on to get in. Granted – you don’t by any means. The place just makes you feel like you are one of those important people!

Olenjack’s atmosphere is superb, it’s really amazing. It’s not a huge restaurant but its not a place that you would consider a “burger joint”. Olenjack’s Grille is a fine dining restaurant that has made a name for itself using the freshest, local ingredients. Check out the menu for yourself! There’s no need for me to describe the food to you when your mouth will start watering just reading over the menu. Now, I would say some of the items are a little on the expensive side, however the food you are ordering, is a far cry from Wendy’s. What you are paying for is a damn good meal, the best / friendliest service and an absolute great time! (We ate at the bar, the bartenders were friendly and definitely provided great recommendations.) It’s well worth it.

Let’s get down to business… what did I say about a burger? That was the main reason we were there right?! Yes! The burger is called the Kitchen Sink Burger. Haha – you are thinking what I thought, “wth?”. Let me describe this bad boy – it’s a 1/2 pound hamburger, piled with ancho pulled pork and red onion strings, the perfect amount of cheese and you also get to choose a side. I selected to have roasted garlic mashed potatoes – creamy, delicious, savory and beyond filling. The burger, oh man. To be honest, I wasn’t sure about this but I’m all about trying out signature dishes these days so I had to and, well, my mouth is a little watery right now from just thinking about it. It was beyond delicious. I think it was the greatest burger I’ve ever eaten, in all seriousness. The pork- pork on a burger? The pork was so good on its own that it basically melted in your mouth and to have it in this mix, well its pure genius. You get a huge bite of cheese with every bite. The red onion rings is just the icing on the cake. They are thin, crispy and its like a little piece of heaven on a plate (or burger). And as a Heize ketchup lover, this burger needs no ketchup. That’s right, I said it, none. It’s that good! The only issue was – how am I going to be able to take a bite of this?… I managed!

If you are ever in the Arlington, Texas area whether its for a football / baseball game, concert, or just driving thru and you find yourself really craving something just down right delicious. Make sure you swing by Olenjack’s. (If you are on the way to a game, they do provide transportation if you want to grab a bite to eat, leave your car they’ll take care of you!) The food is fantastic, the service is superior and you will leave with full belly! Most importantly, you won’t be disappointed.