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!
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
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/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
