Tag Archives: Food

Traveling with Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #JuicyFruitFunSide #CollectiveBias

#JuicyFruitFunSide @Walmart #shop #cbias

 

This time of year brings a lot of new opportunities. School is about to start, summer vacations or getaways, concerts galore and even going out to spend time with friends and family. There’s so much going on that sometimes it’s hard to keep track of what’s going on and tough to stay on my game. Through it all, one of my travel must have’s is carrying along some chewing gum wherever I go.

Juicy Fruit chewing gum was a part of my childhood. I remember going to the store and looking at all the different flavors wondering how in the world I was going to pick just one flavor. Walmart is carrying Juicy Fruit’s new variety called Soft Chews (sugar-free). They’re packaged in these convenient bottles that I could essentially take anywhere! With the summer heat in Texas, I don’t want to leave anything in my car that is prone to melting or blowing up. Problem solved with this great packaging. What’s even better is, it’s so small that it’ll essentially fit wherever I’m going! The sweet and fruity burst of flavor is still fully packed into the original and Strawberry flavors and I get to feel like a kid again (when no one is looking).

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Between this past week and this upcoming week, there’s so much on my plate that I look forward to everyday! With constantly being on the go, convenience and size of what I need is key. I know that I’ll be able to easily incorporate and include the new Juicy Fruit chews on all of my adventures!

Concerts…

Grady Spencer 012

Spending time on the water…

Lake Austin 242

My birthday and (fitting into my suitcase and carry-on) traveling home to Vermont…

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And traveling on those nice little road trips to unknown destinations!
(The container is great to throw in the cooler for safe keeping!)

Juicy Fruit 024

Where will you bring your Juicy Fruit Chewing Gum?

“The Best Chicken Fried Steak In Texas”

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

If you know me, it’s no secret that I’ll find any excuse to go on a drive and explore something new. Chicken Fried Steak on the other hand, that’s just an extra incentive! For the past couple years, I’ve been hearing that the BEST chicken fried steak can be found at Mary’s Cafe in Strawn, Texas. It was about time that I checked this one out!

Chicken Fried Steak (in Texas) is a big deal. Honestly, I had no idea what it was before I moved to the South and then my life changed forever. A thin steak, coated in fried chicken batter, cooked to a crisp and smothered with white gravy. The batter is usually flavorful, with a kick of seasoning. The gravy allows the steak to simply melt in your mouth. Yum! I’m getting hungry just thinking about it!

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

Upon finding Mary’s, we soon realized that this was the most popular place in town. Upon entering, everyone was so incredibly friendly and gracious – our waitress was the best. The menu was pretty amazing as well. I was there for the chicken fried steak but this caught Sy’s eye…

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern CookingStrawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

We like to watch out waistlines in Texas!

Don’t let your eyes or stomach fool you – you get what you pay for and more. The portions are pretty large and the prices are reasonable. The chicken fried steak is pretty huge, meaning as big as your plate. They come in three sizes (small, medium, large) – I ordered a medium. Wrong choice. I needed help.

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

I’m not exactly sure where the proclamation of the “Best Chicken Fried Steak in Texas” came from but Mary’s is holding it’s own. It’s different than many other chicken fried steaks that I’ve had in the past – the batter not as thick and flaky, however very flavorful. The mashed potatoes were delicious! Let’s just say, I could’ve eaten them all day!

Mary’s Cafe has to be the biggest deal in this tiny town. I’m pretty certain it is as people come from miles and miles away to have a famous chicken fried steak. What’s the verdict? It’s pretty darn good!

Once you go – you can check this one off your Texas Bucket List!

Strawn, Texas, Chicken Fried Steak, Food, Southern Cooking

Have you ever been to Mary’s Cafe?

 

Mary’s Cafe
119 Grant Ave
Strawn, TX 76475
(254) 672-5741

DFW Bucket List: BBQ at Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ

BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, Brisket Sandwich

The number one item on the DFW Bucket List is the BBQ! There’s no argument and I have the perfect spot for you!

February 2013 – I took a drive outside of Fort Worth and came across a building stating ‘BBQ, Opening Soon’. The building itself was awesome however I was a little disappointed it wasn’t yet open.

Fast forward to the end of 2013. One of my co-workers and I are chatting about a new BBQ place he came across that was phenomenal. The catch was, when he was describing it’s location, I knew it had to be the place I previously came across. The rest, is history – I have found the best BBQ around!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Fort Worth BBQBilly’s Oak Acres BBQ has everything you’re looking for in Texas BBQ. The location and atmosphere screams Texas (and the Texas pride that comes with it) and the food is just phenomenal. Heck, I’m getting hungry as I’m writing this. More so, the owner is one of the nicest, most personable chefs that I’ve come across. I love being able to walk in, be greeted and know that I’m in a place where “everybody knows you’re name”. Ok – that was cheesy but you know what I mean.

In late April, I had Vermont friends come into town to visit. I took them to Dallas to eat the Pecan Lodge, as it’s suppose to be “the best” and later took them to Billy’s because they just had to have it. Billy’s won them over.

The atmosphere is just incredible. Although, the restaurant is located right off Highway 820, you’ll soon think you’re in the middle of nowhere Texas. Across the street you’ll see horses grazing in the pasture. Inside, you’ll be surrounded by pure Texas decor. There’s also a pool table, if you’re looking to get some practice or need a release on your lunch break. Take a look – tin ceiling, a ton of art on the walls, large windows overlooking the back acreage. Just sit back, relax and be ready to fill your belly!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListPerhaps this restaurant rings a bell? He’s recently been on Spike TV’s Hungry Investor. If you’ve seen the show, there’s proof that he doesn’t need to be told how to cook his meats. They’re delicious, tender and perfectly cooked. My personal favorites are the chopped brisket and chicken fried steak.
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Chicken Fried Steak BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket List, Pulled PorkBe sure to leave room for dessert as the Pecan Cake will ‘blow your mind’ (as the waiter told me on my first visit).
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListI’ve never heard a complaint, always tons of praise and I guarantee you’ll think the same!
BBQ, Texas BBQ, Texas Bucket List, DFW Bucket ListThanks Billy (as always) from the three Vermonters! See you soon!

Billy’s Oak Acres BBQ
1700 N Las Vegas Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76108
817-367-2200

DFW-Bucket-List