There is a traditional Russian Bathhouse in Dallas. Who knew??? 3 of us found the Banya yesterday. We intended to only stay about 3 hours. It ended up stretching to about 4. Who noticed??? http://russianbanyaofdallas.com/
There are three types of saunas at The Banya, Turkish, Finnish and Russian. I had never really thought about “wet” saunas as being “Turkish” and “dry” saunas being “Finnish”, but that is how I will think of them from here on out. Turkish saunas are relatively cooler with higher humidity. Finnish saunas are all about heat, with no humidity at all. Russian saunas have less heat than the Finnish saunas with more humidity. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Banya_(sauna)
One of the things that makes the Dallas Banya unusual is that it uses a traditional wood-fired stove to heat the banya. There is this wonderful, vaguely smoky smell to the place that made me think about being in the mountains in winter.
Everything in the Russian sauna is hot. You have to wear flip-flops or your feet will be uncomfortable. The wooden seats are hot enough that you have to bring in a plank from outside to sit on. I made the mistake of wearing a bathing suit that had a metal ornament on it. That metal heated up. I kept waiting for the underwires in the suit to become a problem. They might have eventually, but I shucked off the suit before that happened. The Banya is better in the buff.
We bought a Venik, a bundle of oak branches, with the leaves intact. The management soaked the Venik for us. Using it in the Banya added another layer of sensations to the experience.
The Banya has a Rosemeade address but it fronts on Marsh. I spent an extra 10 minutes or so trying to locate the place. Rosemeade is the dividing line between Dallas and Carrolton, so the street numbers on the south side of the road don’t match up with the numbers on the north side.
I had a massage. The guy is good. Next time, I will schedule the massage ahead of time and set it up toward the end of the process.
The vast majority of the time at the banya is spent sitting outside, waiting to go back in. You have to cool off a little before you can take more heat. Bring a book. Bring your knitting. Bring a friend. Order a snack and some tea. It is all good…
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Yogurt Cheese
I have been making yogurt cheese for years. It is a lot like other fresh cheeses such as fresh mozzarella or ricotta. I mix it with mayonnaise and use it in salads. It isn't hard to make. I have a drip coffee filter that I use. I line it with a paper filter, fill it up with yogurt, set the filter into a container that will keep the filter in an upright position, cover the entire rig with plastic wrap, and let it sit in the refrigerator over night.
Here is Alton Brown's recipe for it. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/yogurt-cheese-recipe/index.html
The liquid that remains is called "whey". Using it up is more of a challenge. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/353018 I substitute it as the cold water part in making jello. I use it in oatmeal. It can be used in any baked-good substituted for the liquid.
I came across an interesting recipe several days ago using the cheese. It preserves the cheese using olive oil. Preserving with oil is just another way to keep things from going bad without refrigeration. For an over view of this (and other) preserving techniques, see http://campfire.theoildrum.com/node/4858
The recipe? Make the cheese. Put about a cup of olive oil into a clean jar. Add garlic cloves to taste (I did about 5 large cloves, but, then I really like garlic). Then create walnut-sized balls of the cheese and add them to the oil, being careful to completely cover each ball with the oil (to avoid having them stick to one another). Once the jar is full, put the lid on the jar and refrigerate.
To use, let it come up to room temperature. The olive oil is going to do that funny thing that olive oil does in the refrigerator.
I am going to use the cheese as a spread on crackers or bagels, or an addition to pasta and marinara sauce (once it is on a plate and ready to serve). And, the oil is going to take on the garlic flavor and can be used in cooking or as a dip for slices of baguettes.
And, I just bet there are going to be lots of other places to use this new way to flavor and save Yogurt Cheese
Here is Alton Brown's recipe for it. http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/yogurt-cheese-recipe/index.html
The liquid that remains is called "whey". Using it up is more of a challenge. http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/353018 I substitute it as the cold water part in making jello. I use it in oatmeal. It can be used in any baked-good substituted for the liquid.
I came across an interesting recipe several days ago using the cheese. It preserves the cheese using olive oil. Preserving with oil is just another way to keep things from going bad without refrigeration. For an over view of this (and other) preserving techniques, see http://campfire.theoildrum.com/node/4858
The recipe? Make the cheese. Put about a cup of olive oil into a clean jar. Add garlic cloves to taste (I did about 5 large cloves, but, then I really like garlic). Then create walnut-sized balls of the cheese and add them to the oil, being careful to completely cover each ball with the oil (to avoid having them stick to one another). Once the jar is full, put the lid on the jar and refrigerate.
To use, let it come up to room temperature. The olive oil is going to do that funny thing that olive oil does in the refrigerator.
I am going to use the cheese as a spread on crackers or bagels, or an addition to pasta and marinara sauce (once it is on a plate and ready to serve). And, the oil is going to take on the garlic flavor and can be used in cooking or as a dip for slices of baguettes.
And, I just bet there are going to be lots of other places to use this new way to flavor and save Yogurt Cheese
Monday, November 9, 2009
Chain E-mails and Snopes
About once a week someone will ask me how it is that I know the things that I know. They frequently have this puzzled look on their face that will tip me off that The Question is coming.
And, of course, the answer is that I have already made that Mistake at least once. In some cases, once was not enough. I had to go back and try it again. Having done it wrong, I am in a position to report to those who are on the verge of perhaps making the mistake themselves.
Many years ago, I learned the hard way to not take those chain e-mails at face value. I hit the forward button and sent on an email telling people to delete a file off their computer. It was a hoax. It caused massive amounts of trouble for me as well as for several people who received the forwarded message from me. That experience taught me to be more careful. That is also when I learned about Snopes!
http://www.snopes.com/
The main value of Snopes is that they have invested the time and energy in chasing down the background of a number of these chain-emails. Lots of times, there is absolutely no basis for the email. It is just another urban legend. If I find the email in Snopes, that is the end of it for me. I do NOT pass it on.
If I don't find it in Snopes, I will cut and paste the first sentence into the search box on Google and see where that leads...
The main problem I have had is what do I do to tip off the person who sent it to me? The Universe has given me graphic proof over time that it is NOT my assignment to straight everyone out. So, usually I just leave these emails alone. Not always. Just usually. I had an office manager at one point who was not a very sophisticated email user. She would step off into one of these email traps about every 3 months or so. I finally went around the corner and physically showed her how to find Snopes on her computer. The emails stopped.
And, of course, the answer is that I have already made that Mistake at least once. In some cases, once was not enough. I had to go back and try it again. Having done it wrong, I am in a position to report to those who are on the verge of perhaps making the mistake themselves.
Many years ago, I learned the hard way to not take those chain e-mails at face value. I hit the forward button and sent on an email telling people to delete a file off their computer. It was a hoax. It caused massive amounts of trouble for me as well as for several people who received the forwarded message from me. That experience taught me to be more careful. That is also when I learned about Snopes!
http://www.snopes.com/
The main value of Snopes is that they have invested the time and energy in chasing down the background of a number of these chain-emails. Lots of times, there is absolutely no basis for the email. It is just another urban legend. If I find the email in Snopes, that is the end of it for me. I do NOT pass it on.
If I don't find it in Snopes, I will cut and paste the first sentence into the search box on Google and see where that leads...
The main problem I have had is what do I do to tip off the person who sent it to me? The Universe has given me graphic proof over time that it is NOT my assignment to straight everyone out. So, usually I just leave these emails alone. Not always. Just usually. I had an office manager at one point who was not a very sophisticated email user. She would step off into one of these email traps about every 3 months or so. I finally went around the corner and physically showed her how to find Snopes on her computer. The emails stopped.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Homestead Affivit Scams
Well, maybe calling it a Scam is over kill.....How about "Creative Capitalism"?
In January, there are companies who will send out copies of the homestead affidavit to everyone who bought a new house in Texas during the prior year, offering to take care of filing the affidavit for the new homeowner "for the modest cost of $_______".
There isn't a cost to file the Affidavit. But, these people are making a nice living doing it for people.
To file a homestead affidavit, just print out the Affidavit, sign it before a notary, and mail it to the Tax Assessor in your county. To find a notary, call your bank or go back to the title company where you closed the purchase of your home.
In January, there are companies who will send out copies of the homestead affidavit to everyone who bought a new house in Texas during the prior year, offering to take care of filing the affidavit for the new homeowner "for the modest cost of $_______".
There isn't a cost to file the Affidavit. But, these people are making a nice living doing it for people.
To file a homestead affidavit, just print out the Affidavit, sign it before a notary, and mail it to the Tax Assessor in your county. To find a notary, call your bank or go back to the title company where you closed the purchase of your home.
Homestead Affidavit
Property tax exemption status is determined on January 1 of the tax year. If you live in the house as your principal residence as of January 1, then you are entitled to a Homestead Exemption for that tax year.
The Homestead Exemption will reduce the total tax bill by an amount between 15% and 20%. We are talking serious money here.
Sometimes new homeowners get so overwelmed by the process of homeownership, they may miss out on filing the Affidavit the first year. All is not lost. The taxing authority will apply the exemption to one prior tax year. The critical thing is to get it filed!
The affidavit has to be signed before a notary. Once it is on file, that it it. The taxing authority assumes that you continue to use it has your principal residence until you sell the property.
To print out the form go to: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/50-114.pdf
The Homestead Exemption will reduce the total tax bill by an amount between 15% and 20%. We are talking serious money here.
Sometimes new homeowners get so overwelmed by the process of homeownership, they may miss out on filing the Affidavit the first year. All is not lost. The taxing authority will apply the exemption to one prior tax year. The critical thing is to get it filed!
The affidavit has to be signed before a notary. Once it is on file, that it it. The taxing authority assumes that you continue to use it has your principal residence until you sell the property.
To print out the form go to: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/taxforms/50-114.pdf
How much is the Homestead Exemptions
Because every taxing jurisdiction decides how much they are going to allow for the Homestead Exemption, there isn't an easy answer for how much the Homestead Exemption will reduce your tax bill. In the dark ages when I first got exposed to this information, the Exemption was a flat dollar number. At some point, it got shifted to a precentage of value. Expect that precentage to come in between 15% and 20% of the total assessed value.
Texas is one of the few states that doesn't cap the valuation.
For a good overview on the Homestead Exemption, go see: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/exmptns.html
Texas is one of the few states that doesn't cap the valuation.
For a good overview on the Homestead Exemption, go see: http://www.window.state.tx.us/taxinfo/proptax/exmptns.html
Monday, October 26, 2009
Gonzales Mexican Food in Oak Cliff
Fresh home-style tortillas. What more does anyone need to know?
OK, how about they have the best tomitillo sauce in town.
My idea of a perfect meal at Gonzales? Chicken enchilladas with tomitillo sauce.
I always use their neon sign as a landmark. I drive down Jefferson until that sign comes into view. Then I begin looking for parking. Parking can be something of a problem. Be prepared to park on a side street and walk back around the corner. Also, I am not very fond of their salsa. It just isn't to my taste. But, the tortillas and the tomitillo sauce.....oh my.....
367 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208(214) 946-5333 www.gonzalezrestaurant.com
OK, how about they have the best tomitillo sauce in town.
My idea of a perfect meal at Gonzales? Chicken enchilladas with tomitillo sauce.
I always use their neon sign as a landmark. I drive down Jefferson until that sign comes into view. Then I begin looking for parking. Parking can be something of a problem. Be prepared to park on a side street and walk back around the corner. Also, I am not very fond of their salsa. It just isn't to my taste. But, the tortillas and the tomitillo sauce.....oh my.....
367 W Jefferson Blvd Dallas, TX 75208(214) 946-5333 www.gonzalezrestaurant.com
Panini Bakery & Cakes
I love this bakery. It is just around the corner from my office. I drive past and the steering wheel of my car begins to shake in my hands, as if the car was about to turn into the parking lot against my wishes! As if I needed more bad habits!
It is obvious that the bakery is run by a family. Just talk with them. Clearly they are passionate about quality and service, a novel thing in this day and time. They don't try to be all things to all people. They don't have a Cake-of-the-Day. They just do what they do and what they do they do very, very well.
The first cake of theirs I ever sampled was the white chocolate raspberry. The memory of that taste is what first got me to walk in the doors of their bakery. Later, they made the grooms cake for my son's wedding, a truly wonderful chocolate cake that people still are talking about. They sell cake by the slice, but what they do best are whole cakes. Worth the price. They will do fondant, but their butter cream is absolutely everything icing is supposed to be.
You will need to get there before 3 p.m. because they close up and go home (which makes my drive home safer.....)
6063 Sherry Ln Dallas, TX 75225(214) 363-1225 www.paninicakes.com
It is obvious that the bakery is run by a family. Just talk with them. Clearly they are passionate about quality and service, a novel thing in this day and time. They don't try to be all things to all people. They don't have a Cake-of-the-Day. They just do what they do and what they do they do very, very well.
The first cake of theirs I ever sampled was the white chocolate raspberry. The memory of that taste is what first got me to walk in the doors of their bakery. Later, they made the grooms cake for my son's wedding, a truly wonderful chocolate cake that people still are talking about. They sell cake by the slice, but what they do best are whole cakes. Worth the price. They will do fondant, but their butter cream is absolutely everything icing is supposed to be.
You will need to get there before 3 p.m. because they close up and go home (which makes my drive home safer.....)
6063 Sherry Ln Dallas, TX 75225(214) 363-1225 www.paninicakes.com
Dennis Road Automotive
These people are in charge of my cars. My car is too big an investment to just let anyone mess around under the hood! I have been going into their shop for about 4 years now. I have started getting the oil changed there too. The shop is clean. The floors are clean. They call me several days after the work to ask for feedback.
Martha Stewart may not have decorated their waiting area, but I don't go there to get decorating tips. The coffee is good and the magazines are current. And, the bathroom is clean. Who cares about Martha?
When these people fix my car, they charge me a fair price and they say funny things while I am in the office paying my bill. How can I not like them?
Martha Stewart may not have decorated their waiting area, but I don't go there to get decorating tips. The coffee is good and the magazines are current. And, the bathroom is clean. Who cares about Martha?
When these people fix my car, they charge me a fair price and they say funny things while I am in the office paying my bill. How can I not like them?
Jannie's Nails on Mockingbird
I live up by Central Market. I have tried every nail place in the area. Jannie's is the place I always come back to. It is cheap, cheap, cheap. Not much English, but there is enough English spoken to communicate. I have never had an appointment and I have been using them on a regular basis for years. I have always just walked in. I have never had to wait more than 10 minutes.
Parking looks as if it could be a problem. Every parking place available has a sign that says that it is reserved for Campisi's and that they are going to tow my little Buick someplace far away if I park there for 7 minutes. Scary. Dangerous. My solution to the parking problem is to come during the hours that Campisi's isn't likely to care much about cars in the parking spaces...in other words, during the week, during the day and not during the lunch run!
Have you ever wondered why and how nail salons tend to be run by Vietnamese? It all began with Tippi Hedren. http://en.wikipedia.or...
5600 Mockingbird Ln Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 828-2303
Parking looks as if it could be a problem. Every parking place available has a sign that says that it is reserved for Campisi's and that they are going to tow my little Buick someplace far away if I park there for 7 minutes. Scary. Dangerous. My solution to the parking problem is to come during the hours that Campisi's isn't likely to care much about cars in the parking spaces...in other words, during the week, during the day and not during the lunch run!
Have you ever wondered why and how nail salons tend to be run by Vietnamese? It all began with Tippi Hedren. http://en.wikipedia.or...
5600 Mockingbird Ln Dallas, TX 75206 (214) 828-2303
Sole Therapy Chinese Foot Massage
What a great thing to do for yourself! This massage shop does Chinese Foot Massage, an hour-long massage for $35. English is navigated, but not very deeply. My massage person didn't understand that I wanted a full hour, at least not at the beginning. It took some work on my part to communicate. We got there! She did a great job working all the pressure points on my feet and shins. Part of the hour massage is some neck, back and shoulder massage.
They also do chair massage and traditional full-body massages. They are open until 11 at night, so it is possible to finish work for the day, get in a workout and then go get a massage. The perfect ending to a great day!
Appointments recommended.
10455 N Central Expy Ste #114Dallas, TX 75231(214) 234-0551
They also do chair massage and traditional full-body massages. They are open until 11 at night, so it is possible to finish work for the day, get in a workout and then go get a massage. The perfect ending to a great day!
Appointments recommended.
10455 N Central Expy Ste #114Dallas, TX 75231(214) 234-0551
Cedars Mediterranean Mezza
A Mediterranean buffet in Preston Center? Shawarma, kababs and fresh pita within easy reach of my office? Whats there not to like? I need to round up some of my vegetarian friends and walk them through the doors at this place! Really good, fresh food, buffet style. Lots and lots of well seasoned vegtables. The meat entrees looked good. The desserts display was really very inviting but I managed to resist that siren song ("hold me back, please! Hold me b-a-c-k!!!").
I had the falafel platter...a generous scoop of Hummus and Babaghanouge, a very lemony tabuli. After a while, the waitperson brought me a very nice platter with 4 falafel patties, carmalized onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a really nice yogart sauce. It was a whole lot of food.
I am a big fan of Fadi's buffet. This place measures up well to Fadi's. Their website has a coupon tab. As of today, there was a coupon for "buy one entree, get 2nd at half-price".
6125 Berkshire Ln Dallas, TX 75225(214) 363-1717 www.cedarsmezza.com
I had the falafel platter...a generous scoop of Hummus and Babaghanouge, a very lemony tabuli. After a while, the waitperson brought me a very nice platter with 4 falafel patties, carmalized onions, tomatoes, lettuce and a really nice yogart sauce. It was a whole lot of food.
I am a big fan of Fadi's buffet. This place measures up well to Fadi's. Their website has a coupon tab. As of today, there was a coupon for "buy one entree, get 2nd at half-price".
6125 Berkshire Ln Dallas, TX 75225(214) 363-1717 www.cedarsmezza.com
Texas de Brazil Express
I have been eagerly watching this storefront as the building was updated for this new concept for the Texas de Brazil chain...The idea is exciting...all that really great meat, done fast... The mother-restaurant of the chain is such a total total total pigout (remind me to tell you the story about going there the night before doing a distance run.....).
6101 Luther Lane Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 378-1200 www.tdbe.com
I had a sandwich made from chicken medallions wrapped in bacon. The counter-person sliced the medallions right there while I watched. I got to pick the bread and the trimmings and the sauce. It should have been wonderful. It was close to wonderful. All that kept it from being wonderful was that the meat tasted as if it needed salt. Or something. I'm not sure what it would be other than salt.
I will go back. It is only 2 very short blocks from my office. The quality of the ingredients is impeccable. Next time I am going to give the beef the chance to win my heart!
6101 Luther Lane Dallas, TX 75225 (214) 378-1200 www.tdbe.com
I had a sandwich made from chicken medallions wrapped in bacon. The counter-person sliced the medallions right there while I watched. I got to pick the bread and the trimmings and the sauce. It should have been wonderful. It was close to wonderful. All that kept it from being wonderful was that the meat tasted as if it needed salt. Or something. I'm not sure what it would be other than salt.
I will go back. It is only 2 very short blocks from my office. The quality of the ingredients is impeccable. Next time I am going to give the beef the chance to win my heart!
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Lenders
People who work in the Mortgage industry tend to be some of the smartest people in the real estate industry. They have to retain massive amounts of information about all the different loan programs. And, they have to have better than average problem solving skills. They have to be able to change directions when they encounter an obstacle.
There are two kinds of lenders. There are Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Companies.
Mortgage Brokers function as a kind of money clearing house. They match up borrowers with people who have money to lend. The Broker has no relationship with the mortgage after closing. Someone else is going to be servicing the loan. It costs more to close a loan with a Mortgage Broker because that is the only possible point at which they can be paid for their services. Don't let that scare you. They earn their money, believe me!
Mortgage Companies typically lend their own money. It costs less to borrow from them because they are going to make their money off the interest charged and the fees collected while the loan is being serviced. Mortgage Companies tend to do best with "clean" borrowers, people with good credit, a W-2, no foreclosures, no financially challenging situations. Having said that, don't assume that they can't help you. If they can help you, it will cost you less money out-of-pocket to close. That is always a good thing! You want to run your loan application through a Mortgage Company even if you think there may be something in your credit history that might not be easy to work around.
There are two kinds of lenders. There are Mortgage Brokers and Mortgage Companies.
Mortgage Brokers function as a kind of money clearing house. They match up borrowers with people who have money to lend. The Broker has no relationship with the mortgage after closing. Someone else is going to be servicing the loan. It costs more to close a loan with a Mortgage Broker because that is the only possible point at which they can be paid for their services. Don't let that scare you. They earn their money, believe me!
Mortgage Companies typically lend their own money. It costs less to borrow from them because they are going to make their money off the interest charged and the fees collected while the loan is being serviced. Mortgage Companies tend to do best with "clean" borrowers, people with good credit, a W-2, no foreclosures, no financially challenging situations. Having said that, don't assume that they can't help you. If they can help you, it will cost you less money out-of-pocket to close. That is always a good thing! You want to run your loan application through a Mortgage Company even if you think there may be something in your credit history that might not be easy to work around.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Babe's Chicken Fried Steak
Babes does everything well, too well for my waist line. They serve family style on everything other than the meat, which means that it is possible to founder yourself on the sides. Biscuits. Cream gravy. Mashed potatoes that might make your Granny jealous. And, don't get me started talking about their desserts. It would be possible to get as many calories in one meal at Babes as you can get at Thanksgiving dinner!
For some reason, I tend to go to the Babe's in Carrollton more often than any of the other locations. They have shops all over the metroplex! You can also eat at a Babe's in Roanoke, Garland, Frisco, Cedar Hill, Sanger, Burleson and Granbury.
http://www.babeschicken.com/Babes-Chicken-Dinner-House-Carrollton.html
I have wonderful friends who managed to have their rehersal dinner at the Carrollton Babe's. You can't reserve the space. They don't do special events at Babe's. What my friends did was that they had the wedding party there when the doors opened to seat people for dinner and they just took over the part of the Carrollton restaurant called "The Chicken Coop".
For some reason, I tend to go to the Babe's in Carrollton more often than any of the other locations. They have shops all over the metroplex! You can also eat at a Babe's in Roanoke, Garland, Frisco, Cedar Hill, Sanger, Burleson and Granbury.
http://www.babeschicken.com/Babes-Chicken-Dinner-House-Carrollton.html
I have wonderful friends who managed to have their rehersal dinner at the Carrollton Babe's. You can't reserve the space. They don't do special events at Babe's. What my friends did was that they had the wedding party there when the doors opened to seat people for dinner and they just took over the part of the Carrollton restaurant called "The Chicken Coop".
Bubba's Biscuits
The first time I bit into a Bubba's biscuit, I just shut my eyes and knew that the angles were going to start singing any minute. My tastebuds were telling me that I was clearly in heaven. Bubba's is just that. Biscuit heaven.
The fried chicken is perhaps the best in town. They do a great chicken-friend steak, but I don't go there for CFS. I go to Bubba's when I want one or two pieces of fried chicken and a biscuit.
They do breakfast. I have been told about their cinnamon rolls. I haven't had the courage to go find out how good it is. I don't need any more bad habits.
They do more carry-out than dine-in. If I wanted to do carry-out, I would definitely call ahead. Failing that, park and go in to order. The drive through is always long enough to use up more gallons of gasoline than a drive to Shreveport in an RV!
http://www.babeschicken.com/bubbas-dallas.html
The fried chicken is perhaps the best in town. They do a great chicken-friend steak, but I don't go there for CFS. I go to Bubba's when I want one or two pieces of fried chicken and a biscuit.
They do breakfast. I have been told about their cinnamon rolls. I haven't had the courage to go find out how good it is. I don't need any more bad habits.
They do more carry-out than dine-in. If I wanted to do carry-out, I would definitely call ahead. Failing that, park and go in to order. The drive through is always long enough to use up more gallons of gasoline than a drive to Shreveport in an RV!
http://www.babeschicken.com/bubbas-dallas.html
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Baths at The Arlington
For the first time in my memory, there is a new bath-house in Hot Springs, Arkansas. And, now, for the first time in my memory, The Arlington has changed up the services offered in their Bath-house. They have gone modern. It used to be that the massage was more of a slap and tickle. They are now offering real massages, along with things like hot rocks and mud baths.
The bath-house services are at the bottom of the page at this link:
http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/spaexp.htm
Other things are still the same. The actual bath-house is still what it has always been. Years and years ago, The Arlington was my first bath-house experience. Like all first loves, it has a special place in my heart. The tubs are enormous cast-iron and enamel beauties. They are long and deep. The bath attendants put this contraption into the water that has always reminded me of a trolling motor. They turn that thing on and leave you alone in the bath, alone with your thoughts. Pretty close to perfect as far as I can tell.
If you want to go on the weekend, you will want reservations. Another consideration is the light. The bath-house has lots of wonderful natural light. The interior is high-ceilinged and all white-tile surfaces. I like it best by morning light.
The bath-house services are at the bottom of the page at this link:
http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/spaexp.htm
Other things are still the same. The actual bath-house is still what it has always been. Years and years ago, The Arlington was my first bath-house experience. Like all first loves, it has a special place in my heart. The tubs are enormous cast-iron and enamel beauties. They are long and deep. The bath attendants put this contraption into the water that has always reminded me of a trolling motor. They turn that thing on and leave you alone in the bath, alone with your thoughts. Pretty close to perfect as far as I can tell.
If you want to go on the weekend, you will want reservations. Another consideration is the light. The bath-house has lots of wonderful natural light. The interior is high-ceilinged and all white-tile surfaces. I like it best by morning light.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Royal Sweets
This shop is basically a snack food place with a lunch counter. It is always filled with people. When I first started ordering off their menu, I only knew two things...samosa and dosa. So, I would order those two things. To read about dosa, go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dosa
Then I would ask the ladies behind the counter to order for me. They have always been kind and helpful and I have enjoyed the things that they have suggested for me.
I like the mixed chaat a lot.
I have eaten at two shops, one in Richardson the other in Carrollton. I usually go to the one in Richardson. It is a little hard to find because it is in a strip center that faces a side street off of Beltline. http://www.royalsweets.net/
The other thing that they do are snacks. They have one case of sweet snacks and another case of savories. I just like the way the choices are arranged. It is visually really pretty, just to look at! My experience with Asian sweets is that their definition of what taste "good" is not exactly in line with my definition. Having said that, over time and with experimentation, I have learned what to buy from the two snack cases. If you ask, they will put your choices into a pretty candy box. I have used their sweets as my contribution to a covered dish event or as a hostess gift.
Then I would ask the ladies behind the counter to order for me. They have always been kind and helpful and I have enjoyed the things that they have suggested for me.
I like the mixed chaat a lot.
I have eaten at two shops, one in Richardson the other in Carrollton. I usually go to the one in Richardson. It is a little hard to find because it is in a strip center that faces a side street off of Beltline. http://www.royalsweets.net/
The other thing that they do are snacks. They have one case of sweet snacks and another case of savories. I just like the way the choices are arranged. It is visually really pretty, just to look at! My experience with Asian sweets is that their definition of what taste "good" is not exactly in line with my definition. Having said that, over time and with experimentation, I have learned what to buy from the two snack cases. If you ask, they will put your choices into a pretty candy box. I have used their sweets as my contribution to a covered dish event or as a hostess gift.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
The Clay Pit
If people tell me that they have never had Indian Food, I start them off at The Clay Pit. I don't do the lunch buffet, I take people for dinner and order a la carte.
http://www.claypit.com/ On the southside of Beltline between east of Midway. The restaurant looks as if it were built to be a Blackeyed Pea.
Try the stuffed Naan. Naan is a flat bread, sort of like a pita but larger. I like the naan stuffed with onions. I also like the naan with spinach and paneer (a soft, fresh cheese sort of like ricotta). You can order an assortment of three types but don't order it unless you are there with more than two or three people (unless you want to carry it home).
Korma is a cream sauce made from almonds and cashews. Anything "korma" is wonderful.
Order a curry. Many people think that "curry" can only taste like the curry powder sold at the grocery story. Like chili powder mixes , curry is a spice blend that can be very different based on the region it comes from. Think of the difference between a Ft Worth Chili Powder and a New Mexico Chili Powder. Curry is like that too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_powder
Order something with paneer in it. They do a spinach and paneer entree that is very good. Korma with paneer is pretty good, too.
Periodically the Clay Pit will do a weekend special menu that is buffet based. They always offer something a little different than they do from the menu.
http://www.claypit.com/ On the southside of Beltline between east of Midway. The restaurant looks as if it were built to be a Blackeyed Pea.
Try the stuffed Naan. Naan is a flat bread, sort of like a pita but larger. I like the naan stuffed with onions. I also like the naan with spinach and paneer (a soft, fresh cheese sort of like ricotta). You can order an assortment of three types but don't order it unless you are there with more than two or three people (unless you want to carry it home).
Korma is a cream sauce made from almonds and cashews. Anything "korma" is wonderful.
Order a curry. Many people think that "curry" can only taste like the curry powder sold at the grocery story. Like chili powder mixes , curry is a spice blend that can be very different based on the region it comes from. Think of the difference between a Ft Worth Chili Powder and a New Mexico Chili Powder. Curry is like that too. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curry_powder
Order something with paneer in it. They do a spinach and paneer entree that is very good. Korma with paneer is pretty good, too.
Periodically the Clay Pit will do a weekend special menu that is buffet based. They always offer something a little different than they do from the menu.
Central Market Bargains
I live so close to Central Market that I can (and do) treat the store as my personal walk-in pantry. I know their inventory. There are lots of bargains and good deals over there. One just needs to know where to look.
It is possible to spend an obscene amount of money at Central Market. I stood in the meat department with a friend while she spent over $100 on meat for 2 for only 3 meals. I was shocked. All I could say was at those prices I hope those cows died happy.
HEB House Brands tend to be less expensive than the house-brands at Tom Thumb or Krogers. They haven't been driven all over the continental US. People in other parts of our fair state can just go to their HEB to buy these products. In Dallas, we have to rely on Central Market to provide them to us. So, look for the HEB house brands. I am notoriously fond of their frozen fruits (a 3-cup bag of Mango chunks for $1.80, a 13-cup bag of peach slices for about $8). House-brand pasta, crackers, butter, milk. It is all good.
Bulk items. Why buy a pound of powdered sugar if you only need a cup? Bulk teas are a great deal. I have had people balk at the teas because they looked at the price per pound and stopped there. When I have coaxed them forward to actually putting the teas into a bag and they saw how much volume they were getting, they became converted.
Spices. Bulk spices. Central Market has changed my life in the spice department. I haven't bought a bottled spice since Central Market opened in Dallas. I keep a list of standard spices I want in my kitchen. Once a year I throw away all of those spices and I start over. I spend 15 minutes in the bulk section bagging and weighing small amounts of bulk spices. It may cost me $5 to replace all my spices.
It is possible to spend an obscene amount of money at Central Market. I stood in the meat department with a friend while she spent over $100 on meat for 2 for only 3 meals. I was shocked. All I could say was at those prices I hope those cows died happy.
HEB House Brands tend to be less expensive than the house-brands at Tom Thumb or Krogers. They haven't been driven all over the continental US. People in other parts of our fair state can just go to their HEB to buy these products. In Dallas, we have to rely on Central Market to provide them to us. So, look for the HEB house brands. I am notoriously fond of their frozen fruits (a 3-cup bag of Mango chunks for $1.80, a 13-cup bag of peach slices for about $8). House-brand pasta, crackers, butter, milk. It is all good.
Bulk items. Why buy a pound of powdered sugar if you only need a cup? Bulk teas are a great deal. I have had people balk at the teas because they looked at the price per pound and stopped there. When I have coaxed them forward to actually putting the teas into a bag and they saw how much volume they were getting, they became converted.
Spices. Bulk spices. Central Market has changed my life in the spice department. I haven't bought a bottled spice since Central Market opened in Dallas. I keep a list of standard spices I want in my kitchen. Once a year I throw away all of those spices and I start over. I spend 15 minutes in the bulk section bagging and weighing small amounts of bulk spices. It may cost me $5 to replace all my spices.
Jimmy's
Oh, lets sing a song of the happy lunch, a sandwich from Jimmy's will make that happen. I love Jimmy's. It is a Guy Lunch Place. The noticeable majority of the people who walk in the door to buy lunch are guys. The first time I ate there, I ordered a muffuletta. Eating that sandwich was an incredibly sensual experience because the olive oil has a way of escaping from the sandwich and running down one's hands and arms!
Jimmy's is actually an Italian grocery in East Dallas. In addition to the lunch counter, it is possible to get a wide range of Italian grocery products. The store is on the northwest corner of Bryan and Fitzhugh. 4901 Bryan St, Dallas, TX 75206; (214) 823-6180
Standing at the lunch counter, waiting for my sandwich, reading the list of other things available, I saw that they sell pizza dough that can be taken home and turned into home-made fresh pizza. That inspired me to search out other ways to make pizza dough at home, a great winter home activity.
The family who runs the store has a long and interesting history of being in the grocery business in Dallas. They ran a grocery on 2nd before moving to the present location in 1966. The store burned in 2004. It took 13 months to get the store back to operational.
http://jimmysfoodstore.com/
Jimmy's is actually an Italian grocery in East Dallas. In addition to the lunch counter, it is possible to get a wide range of Italian grocery products. The store is on the northwest corner of Bryan and Fitzhugh. 4901 Bryan St, Dallas, TX 75206; (214) 823-6180
Standing at the lunch counter, waiting for my sandwich, reading the list of other things available, I saw that they sell pizza dough that can be taken home and turned into home-made fresh pizza. That inspired me to search out other ways to make pizza dough at home, a great winter home activity.
The family who runs the store has a long and interesting history of being in the grocery business in Dallas. They ran a grocery on 2nd before moving to the present location in 1966. The store burned in 2004. It took 13 months to get the store back to operational.
http://jimmysfoodstore.com/
"My Listing Agent Hasn't Shown My House"
A very common complaint I hear from home owners is that their agent hasn't shown their house. More than anything else, that tells me that the listing agent hasn't done the important job of exploring the client's expectations. Buyer's Agents show houses. Listing Agents almost never show the house they have listed.
What the listing agent does is market the house. That is done by getting the house in front of the buying public as well as brought to the attention of buyer's agents. The most effective way to get a home in front of the public is on the Internet. 80% of all buyers begin their search on the Internet. Getting the attention of those buyers is all about pictures and the written house description. The reason that written description is call the "romance" is because it needs to be filled with emotional words that will bring the reader in closer where they can fall in love with the home.
If the home is being shown, that tells me two things. The first is that buyer's agents are seeing the property. The second is that it is priced right for the neighborhood.
If the home is not being shown, it is almost always about price.
What the listing agent does is market the house. That is done by getting the house in front of the buying public as well as brought to the attention of buyer's agents. The most effective way to get a home in front of the public is on the Internet. 80% of all buyers begin their search on the Internet. Getting the attention of those buyers is all about pictures and the written house description. The reason that written description is call the "romance" is because it needs to be filled with emotional words that will bring the reader in closer where they can fall in love with the home.
If the home is being shown, that tells me two things. The first is that buyer's agents are seeing the property. The second is that it is priced right for the neighborhood.
If the home is not being shown, it is almost always about price.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Royal Thai
My default choice for Thai. The interior finish-out is all this wonderful carved mahogony. The dishes have a lovely celadon glaze. You can buy stems of orchids at a modest cost on your way out the door. I love almost all the appetizers, the soups, the curries. The chicken dish "flying angel" is the one that I keep coming back to. The chicken is served on a bed of cooked fresh spinach (whats there not to love?).
http://www.royalthaitexas.com/
http://www.royalthaitexas.com/
Publish Post
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Pre-Paying Mortgage Principal
Consider prepaying your mortgage principal. The faster you repay the principal, the less of each payment is interest.
Interest is "rent" being paid on the money you are being loaned. When you buy a house, you aren't renting space any more.....but, you are renting the money.
The first time I saw the total amount paid over the life of the mortgage figures on a Truth-in-Lending form I almost choked. It was back in the Bad Old Days when interest under 12% was considered favorable lending terms. I assumed a VA loan one time that had 16% interest. At the time, I was thrilled to get it. Thrilled. And, I made lots of money off that deal, too!
Play with the following chart and see how $50, $75, $100 per month impacts the total cost of your loan. http://www.vlender.com/cgi-bin/calc/prepay.cgi
People tell me that they don't want to prepay the mortgage because they aren't going to be in the house that long. My response to that is to ask if they have access to a place to put the money that will pay them as much as the interest rate on the mortgage "pays" them. View the interest being paid as a kind of reverse of a savings account.
People ask if they should get a shorter-term mortgage. I suggest that people get a 30 year mortgage and then treat it as if it were a 15 year mortgage. You don't have to make the higher payment if you aren't able to.
For a pro-and-con discussion of pre-payment , see http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/04/realestate/your-home-debate-over-prepaying-on-mortgage.html
Interest is "rent" being paid on the money you are being loaned. When you buy a house, you aren't renting space any more.....but, you are renting the money.
The first time I saw the total amount paid over the life of the mortgage figures on a Truth-in-Lending form I almost choked. It was back in the Bad Old Days when interest under 12% was considered favorable lending terms. I assumed a VA loan one time that had 16% interest. At the time, I was thrilled to get it. Thrilled. And, I made lots of money off that deal, too!
Play with the following chart and see how $50, $75, $100 per month impacts the total cost of your loan. http://www.vlender.com/cgi-bin/calc/prepay.cgi
People tell me that they don't want to prepay the mortgage because they aren't going to be in the house that long. My response to that is to ask if they have access to a place to put the money that will pay them as much as the interest rate on the mortgage "pays" them. View the interest being paid as a kind of reverse of a savings account.
People ask if they should get a shorter-term mortgage. I suggest that people get a 30 year mortgage and then treat it as if it were a 15 year mortgage. You don't have to make the higher payment if you aren't able to.
For a pro-and-con discussion of pre-payment , see http://www.nytimes.com/2001/02/04/realestate/your-home-debate-over-prepaying-on-mortgage.html
Sunday, August 2, 2009
How To Look At A House
Ignore Paint Color. Ignore the furniture. Ignore the family photos. Your job is to see the bones and only the bones!
Make notes as you go. If you see more than 3 in a day the details are just going to run together. Another trick to help you remember is to name the house. Stand in the entry hall on your way out of the house and give the house a name.
Look at the size of the rooms. Most updating doesn't involve moving the walls around. Some people are comfortable in smaller spaces, some people in larger. You have to decide which one works best for you. Do you want one large room or two smaller ones? Are you happiest with one living area or two? Do you want to have the "mess" of your office out in the middle of things or do you want to be able to close it away out of sight?
Think about "flow". Think about how you could use the space. A room that has a wall of windows and doors on each of the other three walls is going to be difficult to use. There aren't any walls against which to put furniture! A kitchen that is a narrow galley with only one way in or out is going to be a bottle-neck when you have parties!
Look for the light sources. Usually the reason that skylights get installed is because someone felt that the room didn't get enough light. A north-facing room that only has windows that face north is never ever going to get direct light. A window over the kitchen sink is a nice thing to have. Think about what sort of light you like to have in your home. I know someone who built a home that has only the bare minimum of windows required by city code. He doesn't like strong light. (He doesn't like drop-by company either so there isn't a doorbell on his house). I have a child who follows me around turning off the lights because he prefers it to be darker than I do. So, he turns off the lights. I follow him around turning the lights back on! We laugh about it!
Look at the storage. The older the house, the less storage there usually is. Attic storage is pretty much useless. It is too hot up there to be able to store things. The heat just ruins things.
Make notes as you go. If you see more than 3 in a day the details are just going to run together. Another trick to help you remember is to name the house. Stand in the entry hall on your way out of the house and give the house a name.
Look at the size of the rooms. Most updating doesn't involve moving the walls around. Some people are comfortable in smaller spaces, some people in larger. You have to decide which one works best for you. Do you want one large room or two smaller ones? Are you happiest with one living area or two? Do you want to have the "mess" of your office out in the middle of things or do you want to be able to close it away out of sight?
Think about "flow". Think about how you could use the space. A room that has a wall of windows and doors on each of the other three walls is going to be difficult to use. There aren't any walls against which to put furniture! A kitchen that is a narrow galley with only one way in or out is going to be a bottle-neck when you have parties!
Look for the light sources. Usually the reason that skylights get installed is because someone felt that the room didn't get enough light. A north-facing room that only has windows that face north is never ever going to get direct light. A window over the kitchen sink is a nice thing to have. Think about what sort of light you like to have in your home. I know someone who built a home that has only the bare minimum of windows required by city code. He doesn't like strong light. (He doesn't like drop-by company either so there isn't a doorbell on his house). I have a child who follows me around turning off the lights because he prefers it to be darker than I do. So, he turns off the lights. I follow him around turning the lights back on! We laugh about it!
Look at the storage. The older the house, the less storage there usually is. Attic storage is pretty much useless. It is too hot up there to be able to store things. The heat just ruins things.
Location Location Location
Things to think about.....Almost no one wants to live in a house if it:
1. Fronts or sides to a major street. Sometimes things have been done to ameliorate the problem of backing up to a major street, such as fencing or landscaping. But, still, backing up to a major street is almost as bad as fronting or siding to it.
2. Backs up to or is adjacent to a commercial strip or office building.
3. It is one or two blocks away from the busiest stretch of an interstate in the community. Think what it would be like to live next to I-635 in Dallas (aka LBJ Fwy). I have sold a condo that backed up to LBJ. I found a buyer, but I am a trained professional after all. It wasn't easy.
4. Is adjacent to a major power line. The fear here is cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/magnetic-fields
And, there are people who would prefer to not live in a house it if.....
5. Is next to a cemetery (these people don't even want to be able to see it down the street!).
6. Is next to a creek (they think snakes and mosquitoes in addition to flood water).
7. Across from a school (they want to be close to a school but not THAT close).
1. Fronts or sides to a major street. Sometimes things have been done to ameliorate the problem of backing up to a major street, such as fencing or landscaping. But, still, backing up to a major street is almost as bad as fronting or siding to it.
2. Backs up to or is adjacent to a commercial strip or office building.
3. It is one or two blocks away from the busiest stretch of an interstate in the community. Think what it would be like to live next to I-635 in Dallas (aka LBJ Fwy). I have sold a condo that backed up to LBJ. I found a buyer, but I am a trained professional after all. It wasn't easy.
4. Is adjacent to a major power line. The fear here is cancer. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/risk/magnetic-fields
And, there are people who would prefer to not live in a house it if.....
5. Is next to a cemetery (these people don't even want to be able to see it down the street!).
6. Is next to a creek (they think snakes and mosquitoes in addition to flood water).
7. Across from a school (they want to be close to a school but not THAT close).
Routine Maintenance: HVAC Mechanical Systems
The HVAC Mechanicals are the 2nd most expensive thing most homeowners may have to replace. Only the roof is more expensive. With the change in energy standards, the new equipment has pushed prices up to the point that a new HVAC mechanical system can be more expensive than a new roof, depending on the roof!
For a good overview of the system, go see: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-maintain-an-air-conditioner.htm
I recommend that all my clients hire an HVAC company to come clean and service their mechanicals. Most companies do a twice-a-year come-and-clean-it for about $100 per year. Having the system cleaned and serviced will substantially lengthen the life of the equipment. Substantially. Because the equipment is functioning as well as it possibly can, the utility cost will be as small as it possibly can be, given the age and type of equipment.
It falls into the Just Do It school of Home Maintenance!
For a good overview of the system, go see: http://home.howstuffworks.com/how-to-maintain-an-air-conditioner.htm
I recommend that all my clients hire an HVAC company to come clean and service their mechanicals. Most companies do a twice-a-year come-and-clean-it for about $100 per year. Having the system cleaned and serviced will substantially lengthen the life of the equipment. Substantially. Because the equipment is functioning as well as it possibly can, the utility cost will be as small as it possibly can be, given the age and type of equipment.
It falls into the Just Do It school of Home Maintenance!
Home Inspections: Post Closing
The Home Inspection Report give the Buyer a road map of repairs that the Buyer really needs to do after closing. Many of the things in the report aren't all that major. Many of them can be done during the TV football game commercial breaks. The point is that as a Home Owner, you are going to want those things fixed.
When you start thinking about selling, go find that Inspection Report. Consider having the Inspector come back out and do another inspection before you list the house. At a minimum, use the Inspection to walk through your home and look at the items on the Report. It is cheaper and easier to fix those things leisurely before the home goes on the market than it is to get them fixed in a hurry after there is a contract on the home.
Most Home Inspection Companies include a check list of post-purchase routine maintenance items as part of the Inspection package. Even if you don't feel competent to do those maintenance items, it is possible to hire a handi-person by the hour or by the day. It is a whole lot cheaper to pay to have something maintained than it is to wait and have to replace it later!
When you start thinking about selling, go find that Inspection Report. Consider having the Inspector come back out and do another inspection before you list the house. At a minimum, use the Inspection to walk through your home and look at the items on the Report. It is cheaper and easier to fix those things leisurely before the home goes on the market than it is to get them fixed in a hurry after there is a contract on the home.
Home Inspections: How It Works
Once the Buyer has decided which Home Inspection Company to use, I confer with the Buyer to see what day and time of day is going to be the most convenient for the Buyer. Then I call the Home Inspection company and see what days and times work for them.
Most Home Inspectors have the ability to get the house key out of the Supra Key Box. They use a special code that I get from the Listing Agent. Some Inspectors don't have a Supra. They rely on me to get access to the house. That is why I have to be the person who sets up the inspection time.
The Home Inspector gets out to the home at the appointed time. It takes them about 2 hours to do the inspection. The Buyer and I arrive at the home in time to get a report, after the inspection is finished. For example, it is common for the Inspector to arrive at 9 a.m. and give a report to the Buyer at 11 a.m.
The Home Inspector gives the Buyer a printed copy of the Inspection Report, with pictures usually. A copy of the report also gets e-mailed, usually.
Most Home Inspectors have the ability to get the house key out of the Supra Key Box. They use a special code that I get from the Listing Agent. Some Inspectors don't have a Supra. They rely on me to get access to the house. That is why I have to be the person who sets up the inspection time.
The Home Inspector gets out to the home at the appointed time. It takes them about 2 hours to do the inspection. The Buyer and I arrive at the home in time to get a report, after the inspection is finished. For example, it is common for the Inspector to arrive at 9 a.m. and give a report to the Buyer at 11 a.m.
The Home Inspector gives the Buyer a printed copy of the Inspection Report, with pictures usually. A copy of the report also gets e-mailed, usually.
Home Inspections: The Basics
The Home Inspector is hired by the Buyer and reports directly to the Buyer. The Buyer selects the Home Inspector. The Buyer pays the Home Inspector directly. The Inspection Fee is in addition to the closing costs discussed with a lender. That cost is not included as one of the Closing Costs.
A Home Inspector will tell you if the structural systems of the home appear to be functioning within a normal range. Structural systems are the roof, the foundation, the wiring, plumbing and heating/cooling system.
If the Home Inspector thinks that something is NOT functioning within a normal range, a suggestion will be made that an expert be consulted.
Who are the experts? A licensed HVAC person. A licensed electrician or plumber. A structural engineer. It is common for there to be a charge for that expert to come say grace over the house. That fee ranges from $100 to $350.
If an expert says that the system is functioning just fine, then it probably is.
All of these inspections happen during the Option Period. Buyers say that it gets expensive to get the house checked out. I tell them that it is better to have as complete a picture as possible.
Even with all that, not all problems with a structure become apparent prior to closing. These people are all going to give their best advice. But, they can't foresee all future problems.
A Home Inspector will tell you if the structural systems of the home appear to be functioning within a normal range. Structural systems are the roof, the foundation, the wiring, plumbing and heating/cooling system.
If the Home Inspector thinks that something is NOT functioning within a normal range, a suggestion will be made that an expert be consulted.
Who are the experts? A licensed HVAC person. A licensed electrician or plumber. A structural engineer. It is common for there to be a charge for that expert to come say grace over the house. That fee ranges from $100 to $350.
If an expert says that the system is functioning just fine, then it probably is.
All of these inspections happen during the Option Period. Buyers say that it gets expensive to get the house checked out. I tell them that it is better to have as complete a picture as possible.
Even with all that, not all problems with a structure become apparent prior to closing. These people are all going to give their best advice. But, they can't foresee all future problems.
Why Make A Back-Up Offer?
Why make a Back-Up Offer? Because half the time you end up getting to buy the house. That is a good reason!
It takes time and trouble to go through the exercise of making a Back-Up Offer. Lots of agents won't do it. From a Buyer's Agent's perspective, I like making Back-Up Offers. Lots of times it is possible to negotiate more favorable terms for the Back-Up because the Seller assumes that the contract in first position is going to close and so they really don't have to pay all that much attention to our deal. Right????? Wrong...Seriously, half the time when there is a Back-Up Contract, it is the Back-Up that gets closed!
From a Listing Agent's perspective, I love having a Back-Up Offer. Having one of those in the file takes a lot of the drama out of negotiating repairs during the Option Period. It is a great way to shield my Seller-client from the emotionally wringing process of repair negotiation. We just have to decide what we are willing to do. We let the First-contract-buyer know what our position is and then they just have to decide if they can live with those repairs or not. Very cut-and-dry.
It takes time and trouble to go through the exercise of making a Back-Up Offer. Lots of agents won't do it. From a Buyer's Agent's perspective, I like making Back-Up Offers. Lots of times it is possible to negotiate more favorable terms for the Back-Up because the Seller assumes that the contract in first position is going to close and so they really don't have to pay all that much attention to our deal. Right????? Wrong...Seriously, half the time when there is a Back-Up Contract, it is the Back-Up that gets closed!
From a Listing Agent's perspective, I love having a Back-Up Offer. Having one of those in the file takes a lot of the drama out of negotiating repairs during the Option Period. It is a great way to shield my Seller-client from the emotionally wringing process of repair negotiation. We just have to decide what we are willing to do. We let the First-contract-buyer know what our position is and then they just have to decide if they can live with those repairs or not. Very cut-and-dry.
Back-up Offers
Once a home is under contract, no one else on earth has the right to step in and take that deal away from the Buyer as long as the Buyer moves forward to closing. The Seller's Agent will eventually instruct MLS to show the property as having a change in status. They have a short period of days to report the change in status. It is common for Buyers to check their new home on-line and then become distressed because it continues to show as "active". The Seller has an absolute right to continue to show the house and to encourage people to bring offers. However, any offer that comes in is a "Back Up Offer". It just sits there and waits. The Back-Up Offer is in 2nd position, after the first contract. It doesn't matter if the Back-Up Offer is for more money and better terms, as long as the Buyer keeps moving forward, they get to buy the house. Period.
Where things get tricky is when the Buyer with the first contract is negotiating for repairs during the Option Period. A Seller with a Back-Up Offer is not going to be very motivated to negotiate good terms on the repairs.
A Seller has to tell you if they have a Back-Up Offer in place.....but, ONLY if asked directly.
Where things get tricky is when the Buyer with the first contract is negotiating for repairs during the Option Period. A Seller with a Back-Up Offer is not going to be very motivated to negotiate good terms on the repairs.
A Seller has to tell you if they have a Back-Up Offer in place.....but, ONLY if asked directly.
Offer vs Contract
Just because my Buyer Client has signed papers does not mean that the house is under contract.
"Contract Formation" occurs when both sides have agreed on each and every term and have signed and initialed everywhere on all the papers. The process takes a lot of ink. At that point (and not a minute before), the house is under contract.
In Texas, the date that Contract Formation occurs is also called the Effective Date of the contract. Most of the dates in the contract are counted from the Effective Date, such as the Option Period and the Financing Period.
"Contract Formation" occurs when both sides have agreed on each and every term and have signed and initialed everywhere on all the papers. The process takes a lot of ink. At that point (and not a minute before), the house is under contract.
In Texas, the date that Contract Formation occurs is also called the Effective Date of the contract. Most of the dates in the contract are counted from the Effective Date, such as the Option Period and the Financing Period.
Making An Offer
It is very common for a first time home buyer to be a little fuzzy about how an offer gets made. I routinely deal with buyers who think that I am going to be able to phone up the Listing Agent, describe our deal, and then get a response. I do call the Listing Agent to let them know that we are getting serious about the deal, but I don't give them the terms of the offer until later in the process.
To be enforceable, an offer for the purchase of real estate has to be in writing. It has been that way since 1677, when the British Parliament passed what is referred to as The Statue of Frauds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_frauds
What that means as a practical matter is that when a Buyer gets ready to make an offer, I spend an hour or so in front of a computer, preparing the forms and documents for the Buyer to sign. After the Buyer has signed those papers, I then send a copy to the Seller's Agent, along with a copy of the Earnest Money Check and the Option Fee Check. 75% of all Seller's Agents will not present an offer unless there is some document that addresses the question of how the purchase will be paid for. That means that I have to also send along a letter from a lender (either a Pre-Qualified Letter or, better, a Pre-Approval Letter). If the Buyer is going to be paying cash, I have to submit what is called "Proof of Funds".
To be enforceable, an offer for the purchase of real estate has to be in writing. It has been that way since 1677, when the British Parliament passed what is referred to as The Statue of Frauds. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Statute_of_frauds
What that means as a practical matter is that when a Buyer gets ready to make an offer, I spend an hour or so in front of a computer, preparing the forms and documents for the Buyer to sign. After the Buyer has signed those papers, I then send a copy to the Seller's Agent, along with a copy of the Earnest Money Check and the Option Fee Check. 75% of all Seller's Agents will not present an offer unless there is some document that addresses the question of how the purchase will be paid for. That means that I have to also send along a letter from a lender (either a Pre-Qualified Letter or, better, a Pre-Approval Letter). If the Buyer is going to be paying cash, I have to submit what is called "Proof of Funds".
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
The Meadows Museum
The Meadows Museum is the largest collection of Spanish Art outside the Iberian Peninsula. It was a gift from the Dallas Oil Man, Algur Meadows. It is said that in the early 1950s he went to Spain in search of oil and the oil that he found was on canvases.
I love the museum. The building is a classic box-style museum, very symmetrical, with a massive stone staircase in the middle of the building.
http://smu.edu/meadows/museum/
Admission is free on Thursday nights. They also have a nice program of free lectures that are frequently also on Thursday. The programs are listed on the website.
The Museum is tucked away on the southern end of the SMU campus. Parking is under the Museum. The entry to the parking garage is on the south side of the building. If you miss it the first time, just circle around and come back and try again!
I love the museum. The building is a classic box-style museum, very symmetrical, with a massive stone staircase in the middle of the building.
http://smu.edu/meadows/museum/
Admission is free on Thursday nights. They also have a nice program of free lectures that are frequently also on Thursday. The programs are listed on the website.
The Museum is tucked away on the southern end of the SMU campus. Parking is under the Museum. The entry to the parking garage is on the south side of the building. If you miss it the first time, just circle around and come back and try again!
Multiple Offers
I spent time this week being one of two offers on a property that had been languishing for months. No offers for months and then... Wammo.....2 within a 12-hour period.
Buyers frequently think that the Seller is making up the other offer, that it really isn't happening. Buyers may not actually come right out and say what they are thinking, but I can read what is on their faces. They suspect that perhaps the Seller is not being truthful, that there really isn't another offer.
I can't see into the hearts and minds (or the files) of the other agent. There is a chance that the other agent doesn't have the ethical standards that I expect from members of a profession that I love. There is always that chance. However, that isn't my experience. My experience is that these things just happen. They really do just happen. It is part of The Zen of Real Estate.
In the recent past, I represented a buyer who was one of three offers made in the first 6 days that a home went on the market. Our offer was not the highest offer. The Sellers chose us anyway because we offered something besides money that the Sellers needed and wanted. Deals are not always just about money. The reason Buyers are asked to make their "Highest and Best" offer is that it isn't just about money. The only limit to a deal is the human imagination. Figuring out what sort of terms and conditions of sale might appeal to the Seller is what the "Best" part of that phrase is about.
From a Listing Agent's perspective, getting multiple offers is tricky. About 30% of the time, what happens when a Buyer is contacted and ask to make their "highest and best" offer is that Buyer walks away. Keeping all parties in the boat requires some pretty careful negotiation.
Bottom Line? With a multiple offer, put your prettiest offer out there and wait. While you wait, avoid day-dreaming about where you are going to be putting the furniture!
Buyers frequently think that the Seller is making up the other offer, that it really isn't happening. Buyers may not actually come right out and say what they are thinking, but I can read what is on their faces. They suspect that perhaps the Seller is not being truthful, that there really isn't another offer.
I can't see into the hearts and minds (or the files) of the other agent. There is a chance that the other agent doesn't have the ethical standards that I expect from members of a profession that I love. There is always that chance. However, that isn't my experience. My experience is that these things just happen. They really do just happen. It is part of The Zen of Real Estate.
In the recent past, I represented a buyer who was one of three offers made in the first 6 days that a home went on the market. Our offer was not the highest offer. The Sellers chose us anyway because we offered something besides money that the Sellers needed and wanted. Deals are not always just about money. The reason Buyers are asked to make their "Highest and Best" offer is that it isn't just about money. The only limit to a deal is the human imagination. Figuring out what sort of terms and conditions of sale might appeal to the Seller is what the "Best" part of that phrase is about.
From a Listing Agent's perspective, getting multiple offers is tricky. About 30% of the time, what happens when a Buyer is contacted and ask to make their "highest and best" offer is that Buyer walks away. Keeping all parties in the boat requires some pretty careful negotiation.
Bottom Line? With a multiple offer, put your prettiest offer out there and wait. While you wait, avoid day-dreaming about where you are going to be putting the furniture!
Sunday, July 26, 2009
The Oasis Cafe on Greenville
When I think about comfort food, Mac and Cheese isn't on the list. My list is really short. Chicken Fried Steak. Biscuits. Period.
OK. Sweets. The entire category of sweets is on the list, too. But, I am working on learning how to say "I just don't like sweets" without giggling like a hyena.
Where to go get good biscuits? Go do breakfast at The Oasis. They run out of biscuits, especially on the weekend. Try and get there before 10 a.m. But, then again, if you haven't had breakfast by 10 a.m. maybe we need to be having a different conversation entirely.
The Oasis produces a biscuit that is a contender. Babes/Bubbas may be the Gold Standard in the biscuit department, but The Oasis is definitely a contender.
http://oasiscafedallas.com/home.html
OK. Sweets. The entire category of sweets is on the list, too. But, I am working on learning how to say "I just don't like sweets" without giggling like a hyena.
Where to go get good biscuits? Go do breakfast at The Oasis. They run out of biscuits, especially on the weekend. Try and get there before 10 a.m. But, then again, if you haven't had breakfast by 10 a.m. maybe we need to be having a different conversation entirely.
The Oasis produces a biscuit that is a contender. Babes/Bubbas may be the Gold Standard in the biscuit department, but The Oasis is definitely a contender.
http://oasiscafedallas.com/home.html
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Walking at Northpark Mall
It is too hot to walk outside. Besides, the air quality has been Orange almost every day for a month...and it was Red one day. So, I'm walking at Northpark. The trick is to get out of there without buying socks or some such.
http://www.northparkcenter.com/walkingmaps.html
http://www.northparkcenter.com/walkingmaps.html
Thursday, July 23, 2009
South Dallas Cafe & The Cedars
Lunch today was at the South Dallas Cafe, located at 3126 Grand Ave. They are located on the east side of Grand, going south from Fair Park. Like old-fashioned home-style cooking? Well, stop talking about it and go have some! They may have the best greens I have ever put in my mouth. The hotwater cornbread is pretty good.
We got there early for lunch today. The Chicken-Fried Steak had been held too long on the steam table. No one cooks CFS the way it needs to be cooked. Everyone does deep-fried these days, which is a pity. I haven't had a real CFS since Jeanie's Bishop Grill closed (years ago now...the space is now Hunky's in the Bishop Arts District).
The vegtable choices today had 2 types of sweet potatoes. I avoid any sweet potato that is cowering under the protective cover of miniature marshmallows. Their other sweet potato is candied but my hope was that the candied concept was perhaps less aggressively applied than with the other choice. It was interesting. I think it had crushed pineapple in the sauce. Pumpkin-pie spices and crushed pineapple.
They also have a store out in Oak Cliff. I keep meaning to go to that one. It is the one with the website. It is a little confusing because there is no mention in the website of the original store, located in South Dallas! http://www.southdallascafe.com/index.html
If you go, take a drive back through The Cedars. There is always something new being done down there. You need to go take a look! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedars,_Dallas,_Texas
We got there early for lunch today. The Chicken-Fried Steak had been held too long on the steam table. No one cooks CFS the way it needs to be cooked. Everyone does deep-fried these days, which is a pity. I haven't had a real CFS since Jeanie's Bishop Grill closed (years ago now...the space is now Hunky's in the Bishop Arts District).
The vegtable choices today had 2 types of sweet potatoes. I avoid any sweet potato that is cowering under the protective cover of miniature marshmallows. Their other sweet potato is candied but my hope was that the candied concept was perhaps less aggressively applied than with the other choice. It was interesting. I think it had crushed pineapple in the sauce. Pumpkin-pie spices and crushed pineapple.
They also have a store out in Oak Cliff. I keep meaning to go to that one. It is the one with the website. It is a little confusing because there is no mention in the website of the original store, located in South Dallas! http://www.southdallascafe.com/index.html
If you go, take a drive back through The Cedars. There is always something new being done down there. You need to go take a look! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cedars,_Dallas,_Texas
Did you know that there is a US mint in Ft Worth.! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bureau_of_Engraving_and_Printing
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has a Western Currency Center located at 9000 Blue Mound Rd in Ft Worth. For information about their tours, go to http://www.moneyfactory.gov/locations/section.cfm/25
Basically, they are open during the week from 8:30 until 5:30. Tours for individuals are done on a first-come-first-serve basis. They want you to arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins to be able to do a security clearance. Tours are every half hour. They also have 2 floors of interactive exhibits.
The Currency Center would make a nice add-on to having lunch at The Classic Cafe in Roanoke.....
The Bureau of Engraving and Printing has a Western Currency Center located at 9000 Blue Mound Rd in Ft Worth. For information about their tours, go to http://www.moneyfactory.gov/locations/section.cfm/25
Basically, they are open during the week from 8:30 until 5:30. Tours for individuals are done on a first-come-first-serve basis. They want you to arrive 30 minutes before the tour begins to be able to do a security clearance. Tours are every half hour. They also have 2 floors of interactive exhibits.
The Currency Center would make a nice add-on to having lunch at The Classic Cafe in Roanoke.....
Classic Cafe in Roanoke
I was part of a group of people who spent time yesterday riding around in Southlake. We went to real estate offices to talk with office managers about the dfwRealtor.com Leadership Academy. They needed to hear about how the Leadership Program can become an effective Agent Development Tool. We told 'em. Some of the people we spoke with actually heard what we had to say. Some others will eventually hear the message (we will be back).
Part of the trip was a nice lunch. A nice lunch can undo the impact of a fair amount of Cold Calling. We went to the Classic Cafe in Roanoke. http://www.theclassiccafe.com/home.html I hadn't eaten there since the mid 1990s. Lunch was a $21 prix fixe meal that included a Chef's Choice item (it was bacon-wrapped pork loin yesterday).
As a destination, I don't know that it would be enough on its own. However, coupled with something else (for example, doing garage sales in Southlake or The Trophy Club, or perhaps coming back from Texas Motor Speedway), it would make a nice addition to a daytrip out from the middle of Dallas!
Part of the trip was a nice lunch. A nice lunch can undo the impact of a fair amount of Cold Calling. We went to the Classic Cafe in Roanoke. http://www.theclassiccafe.com/home.html I hadn't eaten there since the mid 1990s. Lunch was a $21 prix fixe meal that included a Chef's Choice item (it was bacon-wrapped pork loin yesterday).
As a destination, I don't know that it would be enough on its own. However, coupled with something else (for example, doing garage sales in Southlake or The Trophy Club, or perhaps coming back from Texas Motor Speedway), it would make a nice addition to a daytrip out from the middle of Dallas!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
How to Shop at Sam Moon Store
There are Rules and Procedures for how to shop at Sam Moon. For a sample of what you can expect to find in the store, check out their website at http://www.sammoon.com/web3/
I can't tell you how often I have shared my shopping system with people, taken them into the store and watched them go absolutely bananas over the inventory. They spend an absurd amount of money. Months later, they will sheepishly tell me that they should have listened to me. And, of course, the way this system was developed is that I did it the other way first. As my old Daddy used to say, hard heads require hard lessons.
Rule Number One. If there is no place to park, don't go in. It is best to go by Sam Moon's during the week rather than on the weekend.
Rule Number Two. Only take the money you plan to leave there. $20 to $30 is a good number. Spend much more than that and you will be sorry.
Rule Number Three. Don't worry about trying to match something to an outfit. Just look for good design. Good design is timeless. Good design will never go out of style. And, good design from Sam Moon's stops traffic. Trust me on this one.
Procedure for Shopping. Again, just humor me and do it my way. You have your money, so lets go.....
Decide how much time you are going to invest in looking.
Get a basket.
If it catches your eye at all, put it in the basket. You aren't making a purchase decision at this point, you aren't trying to decide if it matches your new suit. Your only decision is "do I like it?" and/or "is it good design".
At the end of your allotted time, tump out the basket contents on a counter. Pick out the best pieces you can get with the money you decided to spend.
Hand the rejects to the cashier (I know it is rude, but you will never be able to put them back).
Pay for your purchases
Go home.
My system.....
I can't tell you how often I have shared my shopping system with people, taken them into the store and watched them go absolutely bananas over the inventory. They spend an absurd amount of money. Months later, they will sheepishly tell me that they should have listened to me. And, of course, the way this system was developed is that I did it the other way first. As my old Daddy used to say, hard heads require hard lessons.
Rule Number One. If there is no place to park, don't go in. It is best to go by Sam Moon's during the week rather than on the weekend.
Rule Number Two. Only take the money you plan to leave there. $20 to $30 is a good number. Spend much more than that and you will be sorry.
Rule Number Three. Don't worry about trying to match something to an outfit. Just look for good design. Good design is timeless. Good design will never go out of style. And, good design from Sam Moon's stops traffic. Trust me on this one.
Procedure for Shopping. Again, just humor me and do it my way. You have your money, so lets go.....
Decide how much time you are going to invest in looking.
Get a basket.
If it catches your eye at all, put it in the basket. You aren't making a purchase decision at this point, you aren't trying to decide if it matches your new suit. Your only decision is "do I like it?" and/or "is it good design".
At the end of your allotted time, tump out the basket contents on a counter. Pick out the best pieces you can get with the money you decided to spend.
Hand the rejects to the cashier (I know it is rude, but you will never be able to put them back).
Pay for your purchases
Go home.
My system.....
Hot Springs Hotels
I love Hot Springs, Arkansas. It is fast and easy to get there from the Metroplex. And, it is possible to get your attitude adjusted and be back home in just a weekend. What I like to do in Hot Springs is take a Mineral Bath, get a massage, eat, take a nap and begin the process all over again.
Where to stay?
I like The Park Hotel. http://www.parkhotelhotsprings.com/ It is cheaper than the Arlington. It is also smaller. It has more of a boutique feel to it. The lobby is very high-style Deco. This hotel is old enough and quirky enough that the rooms are almost all different. Ask for an assortment of rooms to inspect when you are checking in. Go upstairs and pick out the one that you like best!
I also love The Arlington. It was my first choice for years. http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/ Stay here at least once. There is an elevator that only goes to The Spa. Check out the stain glass in the elevator that goes from the guest floors directly to The Spa. The main reason I stay in The Arlington is to be able to go hang out in one of the largest hot tubs in the known universe. It is built into the side of the hill behind the hotel and seats a crowd. I have been in that hot tub during Thanksgiving weekend when the air temperature was perhaps 38 and the water was steamy and delicious.
Where to stay?
I like The Park Hotel. http://www.parkhotelhotsprings.com/ It is cheaper than the Arlington. It is also smaller. It has more of a boutique feel to it. The lobby is very high-style Deco. This hotel is old enough and quirky enough that the rooms are almost all different. Ask for an assortment of rooms to inspect when you are checking in. Go upstairs and pick out the one that you like best!
I also love The Arlington. It was my first choice for years. http://www.arlingtonhotel.com/ Stay here at least once. There is an elevator that only goes to The Spa. Check out the stain glass in the elevator that goes from the guest floors directly to The Spa. The main reason I stay in The Arlington is to be able to go hang out in one of the largest hot tubs in the known universe. It is built into the side of the hill behind the hotel and seats a crowd. I have been in that hot tub during Thanksgiving weekend when the air temperature was perhaps 38 and the water was steamy and delicious.
Berry Picking Daytrip!
All three of the following places are located between Gainesville and Sherman.
Pick-your-own Blueberries/Blackberries. They open at 9 a.m. They will tell you to "eat all you want, pick the rest..." Take a cooler to bring home your berries in style! After you pick the berries, the staff at the Berry Patch will run your berries through a machine that will vacuum and shake away stems and such. Bring the berries home and freeze in a single layer, unwashed. http://www.txberry.com/
Pick-your-own Lavender. http://www.lavenderridgefarms.com/ They have a great gift shop, too.
Peaches http://www.redriverpeachorchard.com/
If you go through Gainesville, stop into the Fried Pie place off The Square. They are good. The reviews on this website makes it sound as if they are perhaps the best thing ever. They aren't THAT good. They are worth making a stop. http://tinyurl.com/muexmz
While you are there, there are lots of other interesting shops in the historic downtown. http://www.shophistoricgainesville.com/
Other things to do in Gaineville? The Outlet Mall. http://tiny.cc/Fqcxc .
The Frank Buck Zoo. http://www.frankbuckzoo.com/
Pick-your-own Blueberries/Blackberries. They open at 9 a.m. They will tell you to "eat all you want, pick the rest..." Take a cooler to bring home your berries in style! After you pick the berries, the staff at the Berry Patch will run your berries through a machine that will vacuum and shake away stems and such. Bring the berries home and freeze in a single layer, unwashed. http://www.txberry.com/
Pick-your-own Lavender. http://www.lavenderridgefarms.com/ They have a great gift shop, too.
Peaches http://www.redriverpeachorchard.com/
If you go through Gainesville, stop into the Fried Pie place off The Square. They are good. The reviews on this website makes it sound as if they are perhaps the best thing ever. They aren't THAT good. They are worth making a stop. http://tinyurl.com/muexmz
While you are there, there are lots of other interesting shops in the historic downtown. http://www.shophistoricgainesville.com/
Other things to do in Gaineville? The Outlet Mall. http://tiny.cc/Fqcxc .
The Frank Buck Zoo. http://www.frankbuckzoo.com/
Siegel's Wine Tastings
Siegel's does free wine tastings. I usually go to the ones held at the Greenville Ave store or the store down on Fitzhugh. Both of those locations are easy for me!
I have told management that their "free" wine tastings have cost me a small fortune. I walk in the door, try a few samples. Everything is just fine until I fall in love with something. Oh My.....
To get the email notices, go to http://tinyurl.com/l56jz5. Just review the opportunities as they come out and RSVP for the ones you want to go to. Some have a charge, so just watch for that with the RSVP.
The other approach is to go to the Greenville Avenue store (just north of Lovers on the west side of the road). Ask for Dave Waddington. Tell him that you want him to recommend bottles under $15 each. You will be in reliable hands. You don't even have to tell him I sent you!
I have told management that their "free" wine tastings have cost me a small fortune. I walk in the door, try a few samples. Everything is just fine until I fall in love with something. Oh My.....
To get the email notices, go to http://tinyurl.com/l56jz5. Just review the opportunities as they come out and RSVP for the ones you want to go to. Some have a charge, so just watch for that with the RSVP.
The other approach is to go to the Greenville Avenue store (just north of Lovers on the west side of the road). Ask for Dave Waddington. Tell him that you want him to recommend bottles under $15 each. You will be in reliable hands. You don't even have to tell him I sent you!
Good Tofu is not an Oxymoron
I didn't know until a few years ago that it was possible for Tofu to taste good. It doesn't have to be nasty. Freshly made it is a thing of Joy and Beauty. Tofu, after all, is a fresh cheese, just like Ricotta or Yogurt. It just starts off with a different category of "milk".
It is possible to buy fresh tofu in Dallas. Tuyet Tofu 9780 Walnut St, Dallas, TX - (972) 889-8638. North of LBJ, east of Central. Corner of Audelia and Walnut, tucked away into a tiny store-front in a large strip center. Almost no one speaks English. They will sell you 4 cakes of fresh tofu for $1.
It has a substantially better flavor and taste than any other tofu I have ever encountered. I tried to find a website,but there isn't one. They just have an address. In addition to Tofu, they sell other food items. I haven't had anything there that I enjoyed, but my Foodie BFF Vanessa, just raves about the balls with the red bean filling.
If you go, consider also making a run through the gia-mormous Asian grocery in the same strip center. Lots of really beautiful produce.
It is possible to buy fresh tofu in Dallas. Tuyet Tofu 9780 Walnut St, Dallas, TX - (972) 889-8638. North of LBJ, east of Central. Corner of Audelia and Walnut, tucked away into a tiny store-front in a large strip center. Almost no one speaks English. They will sell you 4 cakes of fresh tofu for $1.
It has a substantially better flavor and taste than any other tofu I have ever encountered. I tried to find a website,but there isn't one. They just have an address. In addition to Tofu, they sell other food items. I haven't had anything there that I enjoyed, but my Foodie BFF Vanessa, just raves about the balls with the red bean filling.
If you go, consider also making a run through the gia-mormous Asian grocery in the same strip center. Lots of really beautiful produce.
Jessica's Baby Shower Recipes
I have had people ask for the recipes I used at Jessica's Baby Shower.
Combine in Food Processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.
1 package(10.5 oz) goat cheese
1 package cream cheese (8 oz) softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Line a 2- or 3- cut glass bowl with plastic wrap, allowing 3" to hang over sides.
Spread half of cheese mixture into bowl; top evenly with 1/2 to 3/4 cup Pesto (I use the Pesto from the deli case at Central Market...I used to make it from scratch, but their is better than any pesto I have ever made).
Top with remaining half of cheese mix. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Invert chilled torta onto serving platter. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish if desired. Serve with baguette slices.
____________________________________________________
The next recipe came to me from Judy Cole. She got it from her daughter in Plano, Melissa Henson. I have absolutely no idea who Laura is, but I intend to ask if she has more recipes this good!
I have used the leftovers as a salad dressing on plain salad greens. I have also used it on cold pasta for a really nice pasta salad. I have used it on cold cooked chicken, again for a really nice salad. Good stuff.....
1 can mild Rotel -- drained
1 small flat can sliced black olives -- drained
1 jar (5 oz) sliced green olives --drained
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup Italian dressing (don't use lite)
Combine. Let sit for 24 hours to allow the flavors to combine. Serve with sliced baguettes.
Goat Cheese Torta
Combine in Food Processor until smooth, stopping to scrape down sides.
1 package(10.5 oz) goat cheese
1 package cream cheese (8 oz) softened
4 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Line a 2- or 3- cut glass bowl with plastic wrap, allowing 3" to hang over sides.
Spread half of cheese mixture into bowl; top evenly with 1/2 to 3/4 cup Pesto (I use the Pesto from the deli case at Central Market...I used to make it from scratch, but their is better than any pesto I have ever made).
Top with remaining half of cheese mix. Cover and chill 8 hours.
Invert chilled torta onto serving platter. Remove plastic wrap. Garnish if desired. Serve with baguette slices.
____________________________________________________
The next recipe came to me from Judy Cole. She got it from her daughter in Plano, Melissa Henson. I have absolutely no idea who Laura is, but I intend to ask if she has more recipes this good!
I have used the leftovers as a salad dressing on plain salad greens. I have also used it on cold pasta for a really nice pasta salad. I have used it on cold cooked chicken, again for a really nice salad. Good stuff.....
Laura's Christmas Dip
1 can mild Rotel -- drained
1 small flat can sliced black olives -- drained
1 jar (5 oz) sliced green olives --drained
1 bunch green onions, chopped
1 cup Italian dressing (don't use lite)
Combine. Let sit for 24 hours to allow the flavors to combine. Serve with sliced baguettes.
Indian Preserved Limes, Preserved Lemons
Several years ago, precious Vanessa and I were at the Dollar Grocery Store. She spotted something, an Indian condiment, a preserved lime. She put a jar in my basket and told me to take it home with me. It took me 6 months to work up the courage to open the jar. I am glad I did. But, it took me a while to build up the courage to try it.
Vanessa is perhaps the most adventurous eater I have ever known. I have her buy stuff in ethnic grocery stores where there was no way to tell from the label if she was buying a dessert or shoe polish. She is good.
I have made batches of both of the pickles below. The Lime pickles recipe is the condiment that Vanessa introduced me to. I now know that it is a standard. It shows up on the side of dishes that I order at Royal Sweets or The Clay Pit. Good stuff. I am going through the Lime recipe fast enough to justify a second batch. It is out on my 2nd floor patio right now. I give it a good shake every day when I am out there watering the plants. It took about 2 weeks in this Texas heat.
To help decode the recipe ingredients, "methi" is another name for fenegreek seeds. "hing" is asafoetida.
Indian Lime Pickles
http://indianfoodrocks.blogspot.com/2006/08/make-lime-pickle-sans-oil-while-sun.html
I am not so certain about the Lemon Pickles. I am waiting for my other BFF Foodie, Jennifer, to get back to town to help me decide what I should do with it. For the short term I think I will try using it under the skin of a chicken being roasted. I know that will work.
Indian Lemon Pickles
http://indianfoodrocks.blogspot.com/2006/05/lemon-pickle-without-oil-picture.html
Vanessa is perhaps the most adventurous eater I have ever known. I have her buy stuff in ethnic grocery stores where there was no way to tell from the label if she was buying a dessert or shoe polish. She is good.
I have made batches of both of the pickles below. The Lime pickles recipe is the condiment that Vanessa introduced me to. I now know that it is a standard. It shows up on the side of dishes that I order at Royal Sweets or The Clay Pit. Good stuff. I am going through the Lime recipe fast enough to justify a second batch. It is out on my 2nd floor patio right now. I give it a good shake every day when I am out there watering the plants. It took about 2 weeks in this Texas heat.
To help decode the recipe ingredients, "methi" is another name for fenegreek seeds. "hing" is asafoetida.
Indian Lime Pickles
http://indianfoodrocks.blogspot.com/2006/08/make-lime-pickle-sans-oil-while-sun.html
I am not so certain about the Lemon Pickles. I am waiting for my other BFF Foodie, Jennifer, to get back to town to help me decide what I should do with it. For the short term I think I will try using it under the skin of a chicken being roasted. I know that will work.
Indian Lemon Pickles
http://indianfoodrocks.blogspot.com/2006/05/lemon-pickle-without-oil-picture.html
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Event Alert!
For inexpensive access to a wide range of live performance venues, add your name to the Event Alert! email list. They discount last-minute tickets to events and performances all over the Metroplex. All you have to do is send in your email to EventAlert@EventAlert.org and request to be added.
I continue to buy my season tickets to several different Venues even though Event Alert! tends to have tickets to those Venues. I want to support those local resources by being a season ticket holder. If something is really good, I have used Event Alert to go back!
How to use Event Alert! effectively:
1. After a while, you will see a pattern as to which venues are most likely to dispose of extra tickets with Event Alert. I went onto the Venue websites and put their events in my calendar in pencil with two question marks. Half the time, those events have shown up as being available, 2 or 3 days out. Because I had them in my calendar, I didn't book something else into that time slot, so I was able to take advantage of the ticket service.
2. When I have had out-of-town guests for the weekend, I begin looking for the Event Alert mailer about Wednesday or Thursday. Notices go out as they get tickets. They also send out a summary of what events they have tickets for. I just pick out the thing that my company is going to be most interested in seeing.
I continue to buy my season tickets to several different Venues even though Event Alert! tends to have tickets to those Venues. I want to support those local resources by being a season ticket holder. If something is really good, I have used Event Alert to go back!
How to use Event Alert! effectively:
1. After a while, you will see a pattern as to which venues are most likely to dispose of extra tickets with Event Alert. I went onto the Venue websites and put their events in my calendar in pencil with two question marks. Half the time, those events have shown up as being available, 2 or 3 days out. Because I had them in my calendar, I didn't book something else into that time slot, so I was able to take advantage of the ticket service.
2. When I have had out-of-town guests for the weekend, I begin looking for the Event Alert mailer about Wednesday or Thursday. Notices go out as they get tickets. They also send out a summary of what events they have tickets for. I just pick out the thing that my company is going to be most interested in seeing.
Furniture Places
A friend recently asked me where should go to buy (or sell) furniture.
Craigs List, of course. http://dallas.craigslist.org/
My favorite furniture resale place is Dulce on Oak Lawn. Very high-style, very good quality. Don't expect Garage Sales prices. Prices are very reasonable for what you are getting. http://www.mydulce.com/
The Salvation Army on Inwood has great furniture and lots of it. This store is The Mother Ship for the Salvation Army's operation in the Metroplex. They have a room in the back for the donated vintage/antiques. I have friends who make it a point to go by this store once a week when they are looking for a specific type of furniture piece. It is truly amazing what sorts of furniture shows up at this store! If you go on Wednesday, all the clothing is half-price.
As you walk into the store, there is a desk to the left of the door. Usually there is a store manager standing at that desk. Ask him (I don't think I have ever seen a woman standing there) to explain their mark-down policy. They have a schedule for reducing the prices on the furniture.
The Salvation Army's website doesn't make it easy to find their stores. The store does show up on Google Maps. 5554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas 75235- (214) 630-5611
Craigs List, of course. http://dallas.craigslist.org/
My favorite furniture resale place is Dulce on Oak Lawn. Very high-style, very good quality. Don't expect Garage Sales prices. Prices are very reasonable for what you are getting. http://www.mydulce.com/
The Salvation Army on Inwood has great furniture and lots of it. This store is The Mother Ship for the Salvation Army's operation in the Metroplex. They have a room in the back for the donated vintage/antiques. I have friends who make it a point to go by this store once a week when they are looking for a specific type of furniture piece. It is truly amazing what sorts of furniture shows up at this store! If you go on Wednesday, all the clothing is half-price.
As you walk into the store, there is a desk to the left of the door. Usually there is a store manager standing at that desk. Ask him (I don't think I have ever seen a woman standing there) to explain their mark-down policy. They have a schedule for reducing the prices on the furniture.
The Salvation Army's website doesn't make it easy to find their stores. The store does show up on Google Maps. 5554 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas 75235- (214) 630-5611
Monday, July 13, 2009
Wineries Downtown
There are three wineries that are, pretty much, in downtown. One is off Lemmon and Inwood. Another is in Deep Ellum. The third is in the Design District.
Farqua Winery is run by the extremely affable Lee Farqua. Their tasting room is easy to find. Just follow the signs off Lemmon. http://www.fuquawines.com/
The winery in Deep Ellum is run by a charming young Frenchman named Benjamen Calais. When you go, make sure you have change for the parking meter. It is in Deep Ellum after all! Young Ben's mission is to produce wines that are not so expensive that people hesitate to treat it as a beverage. I think he is successful. http://www.calaiswinery.com/
Inwood winery is a little hard to find. It is easy to become convinced that as you continue to drive into the office/warehouse complex that any second you will reach the absolute end of the earth. The effort will be rewarded. Just keep going until you find it!http://www.inwoodwines.com/
Farqua Winery is run by the extremely affable Lee Farqua. Their tasting room is easy to find. Just follow the signs off Lemmon. http://www.fuquawines.com/
The winery in Deep Ellum is run by a charming young Frenchman named Benjamen Calais. When you go, make sure you have change for the parking meter. It is in Deep Ellum after all! Young Ben's mission is to produce wines that are not so expensive that people hesitate to treat it as a beverage. I think he is successful. http://www.calaiswinery.com/
Inwood winery is a little hard to find. It is easy to become convinced that as you continue to drive into the office/warehouse complex that any second you will reach the absolute end of the earth. The effort will be rewarded. Just keep going until you find it!http://www.inwoodwines.com/
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