Category Archives: Texas

DFW Roller Derby

The Roller Derby always seemed like one of those things that you heard was so awesome but you were never quite sure if it was just “that” awesome or if it even existed. Maybe it was just something that people talked about but had anyone ever seen a live Roller Derby? Kind of like unicorns, right?

First, you envision these rough looking women with the old school, four-wheeled skates, skating around a ring with fishnet stockings, high socks, short shorts, tank tops/t-shirts, tattoos, wild hair and crazy ass names. Definitely have to have crazy names. Have you seen the movie ‘Whip It’? (If you haven’t, you should….) But is it really that awesome?…

Last August, I came across an ad for the Championship Roller Derby for DFW at NYTEX in North Richland Hills, TX. We HAD to go. When we arrived, it was amazing how large the following is for these gals. The place was absolutely sold out. Every seat in the bleachers were filled, you could bring your own chairs to place around the ring (packed) – standing room only. Here’s to hoping that you’re not short!

Found on Flickr

The ring was different than I had pictured. I always pictured the elevated oval ring, but in this league the ring was flat and smaller than I had anticipated. We didn’t know the rules of the roller derby – (obviously this was new to us) but with helpful fellow fans, we picked it up pretty quickly. Long story short, one person from each team has to try to get thru all the other people, each person they lap, they get a point. (I’ll let you research this further, no sense ruining all the fun!) And the names are just as amusing – “Venus Thightrap”, “Jackie O’Nice Ass” and “Amazon Assassin” to name a few.

Soon enough we saw ladies flying around the ring on their skates! The game was intense. Pushing gals aside, jumping over people, just barely squeezing in between to get ahead. Fast paced, intense and entertaining as ever! Unfortunately for us, it was the last name of the season (…hense ”championship”…) and we left praising the latest, coolest thing that we had found and couldn’t wait up until the season started again (and Sy begging me to join).

Now the time has come! It’s Roller Derby time in DFW ladies and gentlemen! The season kicks off this weekend with the 2011 Clover Cup Tournament in Dallas. If you have time, check it out for sure. If not, keep an eye on their schedule and make sure you catch a game (if not in the DFW area, in your area). It’s more popular than you think. Final determination: Roller Derby is kick ass. Check it out! You won’t be sorry.

Here is the link to the Dallas Derby Devils and the Assassination City Roller Derby.

Be sure to check out other teams in your area.

Twisted Root Burger Company

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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’?