W Hotels ‘Sounds of Summer’ Party Kicks off Pool Season

Your first Memorial Day party invite is here, and it comes courtesy of W Hotels and the W Dallas Victory Hotel. The brand is kicking off the summer season with a poolside soiree that is sure the keep things cool in the Texas heat.

The summer celebrations will begin with a pool party on Memorial Day, May 26 and a toast stretching across the South at 1 p.m. (CT). The soiree will feature DJs spinning all afternoon and a signature ‘Sounds of Summer’ cocktail.  ‘Sounds of Summer’ at W Dallas – Victory is open to the public for $25 per person and free to hotel guests and residents. Tickets for non-hotel guests and residents may be purchased at the door.

Guests are invited to engage and share their favorite ‘Sounds of Summer’ moments on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram at the parties by tagging #WSOSUMMER as the DJs count down to the biggest toast of the summer.  Connecting guests across hotels, each property will feature a live, outdoor projection screen that will capture all of the #WSOSUMMER social media activity and bring the party across state lines. Following the kickoff events, a complete list of WET Deck activities happening all summer long at each participating hotel will be available a www.whotels.com/soundsofsummer (scroll down for Dallas).

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Thinking about taking the party back to your suite? W Dallas has you covered with an all inclusive package:

SOUNDS OF SUMMER HOTEL PACKAGE

  • For the ultimate summer escape, guests can book the ‘Sounds of Summer’ package at any of the nine participating W Hotels in the South from May through August. The package at W Dallas – Victory includes the following components:
  • Stay in newly renovated guest room (required to stay Monday, May 26, 2014)
  • Two Sounds of Summer Signature cocktails
  • Complimentary guest room Wi-Fi
  • Two Signature Sounds of Summer wayfarer sunglasses and terry velour pool towels
  • Complimentary access to WET Deck Pool Party*

See you by the pool this Memorial Day, Dallas!

Soak in the Rays: Poolside Guide

We’re getting our first taste of the heat wave to come in the Dallas area, and with that comes the opportunity skincare seriously. Guys who think they are too cool to get a sunburn and gals who know the boys that are going for that golden glow without skin protection, listen up. If you turn on the TV or read reports online, this Summer in Dallas is due to be a blazer and you’ll probably find yourself by a pool or body of water soaking in the rays. I’ve put together my top 5 ways for guys in the know who want to look cool, stay cool and get the color without the negative side effects. 

The list is perfect whether you are trying to stay hydrated, prevent the lobster look or avoid being the guy who ‘ouches’ his way around work after the weekend.

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(1) Protect the skin you’re in. I’m a local guy who loves local brands and when a great product comes into that mix, well you just can’t go wrong. My first pick? Jack Black Skin Care Sun Guard Sunscreen SPF 45 Oil-Free & Very Water Resistant LotionI absolutely hate when a sunscreen product has that self tanner or toxic smell that you catch a whiff of at the pool or outdoors. Enter Jack Black who has created a sun protection product that gets it. The vitamin-enriched, oil-free, very water- and sweat-resistant lotion absorbs quickly without greasy or heavy residue so theres no worries about the white caking on your face or skin. Perfect.

(2) Lip Work. My friends know me as the guy who always has a product on me in order to protect my lips from dryness. My favorite product to do the trick poolside? Kyoku Lip Fuel (SPF 15)It’s a one application wonder that counteracts uncomfortably dry, chapped lips and sunburn. Your lips are often forgotten in the midst of margaritas, music and mayhem at the pool but you’ll thank me when you use this minty mouth saver that’ll save you from cracked lips later.

(3) Best Face Forward. You don’t allow wrinkles in your closet, why would you allow them on your face? Worry no more with my favorite face lotion thats bound to keep the hydration in your face after a long day of sunning. Pick up Anthony Logistics For Men Facial Moisturizer Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 30. Sugarcane, sugar maple, orange, and lemon extracts work in tandem to tighten the skin and keep the harmful rays out. All different kinds of skin types can use this nourishing face saver and that is why I always use it when I know I’ll be out in the sun.

(4) Beer, Margaritas…Beer-itas. The drink of choice when poolside if often something that’ll have you dragging later, no matter how tasty. I’m not opposed to those beverages but I was looking for something to incorporate in between the adult imbibing. Another local company that is keeping my thirst quenched Koa Organic Wateris a flavorful approached to getting H2O back into the program. It’s water with 10 minerals and 9 vitamins! Cheers!

(5) Shade shade shade. You won’t be able to see that hottie crossing the pool area if you are being blinded by the sun. Why not do it in style? My pick for this upcoming pool season is the Ray Ban Teardrop Aviator SunglassesThe chic goldtone metal frames reflect the suns rays while the lenses provide 100 % UV Protection. Grab a pair while they last in stores, friends.

Happy pool season!

Cowtown Cravings: Brunch at AF + B

Industrial, modern and chic are the first descriptive words that come to mind when you step inside Consilient Hospitality’s latest opening, AF + B. This Fort Worth newcomer is detailed in style and appeals to the eye in every way. With small touches of its surrounding city worked in, the space really lends itself to the local offerings on the menu and overall rustic feel of Fort Worth. 

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AF+B is a lively neighborhood tavern that thrives off the celebration of American food and beverage today. I was invited in for brunch recently, and I found that celebratory spirit to live true. Comeback Creek Farm, Black Rooster Bakery items and more give diners a glimpse into the localized efforts of Chef Jeff Harris and his team.

We began with an assortment of fresh breakfast pastries that included scones and a delicious nutty banana muffin. The pastries paired well with deliciously whipped butter and seasonal strawberry preserves. It was really a treat to have a bite of warm scone and really taste the bits of strawberry running throughout the jam. The pastry spread was truly a fresh and wholesome start to the meal. Of course, any good brunch has it’s beverages and the table side french press was a delightful partner with the basket of carb filled goodness. A rich and dark blend of beans made for a great pot of joe.

Next we sampled the Chorizo Scotch Eggs which came with a confetti of oil cured chiles and cilantro. A bitter bite of pepper went well with the salty egg and chorizo. I assumed this appetizer would spoil my appetite, but it was a shared plate that left enough room for more.

For mains, we decided upon the classic french toast with whipped creme fraiche, strawberries, rhubarb, toasted hazelnuts and maple syrup. Gigantic slices of local brioche took center plate and with each slice, the smooth tart-sweet blend of rhubarb and strawberry worked nicely. Crunchy hazelnuts and a dab of syrup caused this indulgence to be well worth every calorie. A recommended second main dish, the American breakfast was the savory punch I was looking for.  Comprised of soft scrambled farm eggs, house-made bacon and to-die-for rosemary hash browns, the plate was simple yet the modification and addition of local herbs and produces into the components made it quite perfectly different.

I know I’ll need to try the Smoked Brisket Hash and Egg Sandwich next time I visit, but AF + B has a way of charming during this quintessential weekend meal.

The service (ask for Jen!) was enjoyable and knowledge filled about purveyors used and the overall brunch experience is worth the drive from Dallas or around the corned in Fort Worth. Don’t miss this new favorite of mine, and browse the city while you’ve got the chance.

 

Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe Adds Fourth Truck to Cheesy Fleet: El Cuatro

You know it, you love it. The grilled cheese sandwich is an classic sandwich that we thought couldn’t be topped, until Ruthie’s came along. Now, Ruthie’s Food Truck fleet is expanding to become the largest gourmet food truck company in Dallas. I got the exclusive scoop on whats in store with ‘El Cuatro’.

Launching in 2011, Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe took Dallas by storm when this food truck introduced a gourmet grilled cheese sandwich that would soon become known as “The best grilled cheese in Texas.” The delicious cheesy grilled creations sold by the thousands and Ruthie’s achieved a cult following overnight.

Due to Ruthie’s popularity and fast growth, the company soon added a second gourmet grilled cheese truck, called Ruthie’s,Too. With this addition, the team could chill and grill with twice as many people and be in two places at one time….literally!

Ruthie’s third food truck, Ruthie’s Rolling Creperie’, serves up French cuisine Texas style: big and hearty. The crepe menu is extensive and delicious….offering both savory and sweet treats to delight your taste buds. The menu includes classic ingredients and creative combinations that will excite even the most selective.

Tomorrow, Ruthie’s adds a fourth food truck to its rolling gourmet truck fleet…Ruthie’s Party Truck, El Cuatro! If you are hosting a private party of any kind, this is the truck for you. Wrapped in popping bright colors and adorned with the most precious party hat- wearing-pig, this food truck screams “Celebration!” Perfect for any kind of party: birthdays, corporate events, team parties, weddings, school carnivals….El Cuatro WILL be the life of the party when it rolls in…giving new meaning to Ruthie’s widely used and popular phrase, “There ain’t no party like a grilled cheese party!” 

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Fireside Pies Celebrates 10 Years

In 2004, Consilient established Fireside Pies in an old cottage on historic Henderson Avenue in Dallas, Texas.

On Tuesday, May 13, Fireside Pies celebrates their tenth anniversary of serving outstanding artisan pizzas made in hot wood-fired ovens with $10 pies and $1.10 sangria at the original four Fireside Pies locations. That’s right! It’s a heck of a deal if you are a pizza fiend like me and you know lines will be long, so get there early!

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OPEN AT 5:00 PM DAILY:

Fireside Pies Henderson

2820 North Henderson Avenue, 214.370.3916

Fireside Pies Inwood

7709 Inwood Road, 214.357.3800

Fireside Pies Plano

5717 Legacy Drive, Suite 110, 972.398.2700

Fireside Pies Grapevine

1285 S. Main Street, 817.416.1285

Feliz Cinco de Mayo!

Close to a Texans heart, Cinco de Mayo sneaks up on us every year with more reasons the celebrate. This year, the event list is bursting at the seams and I am giving you a full rundown of the fun headed your way beginning this weekend. Salud!

Lazaranda is throwing a three-day Cinco de Mayo fiesta Saturday, May 3 through Monday, May 5. Guests will enjoy Cinco Tacos, five carne asada and poblano tacos, for $15 and two tropical tostadas, with marinated tilapia and shrimp in key lime juice and spices, red onion, pineapple, mango, a touch of ginger and cilantro, and sliced avocado, for $8. House frozen or on-the-rocks margaritas and draft beer pints will be $4. Guests can listen to live music on the patio Saturday evening starting at 7 p.m.

Cinco de Mayo celebrates the Battle of Pueblo, not Mexican Independence Day as is commonly thought.  Regardless, Mexican-American communities across the United States celebrate the holiday as a fiesta of uncommon proportion.  In recognition of this, Cantina Laredo locations have added two specialty margaritas available now through May 5.

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Alamo Draft House in Richardson is celebrating the occasion with a ‘Three Amigos’ Quote-Along showing. (Everyone attending will get tiny sombreros, maracas and there will be a piñata contest along with fun themed games before hand.)

Specialty Cinco de Mayo Food options will also be available:

Three Amigos – Mix & Match Tacos.

Black Bean Avocado Taco (The Dusty Bottoms)

Bacon Egg Queso Taco (The Ned Nederlander)

Spicy Picadillo Taco (The Lucky Day)

Cinco de Mayo Drinks:

Santa Poco (Casamigos Reposado, Lemon, Sugar, Peach Bitters, Club Soda)

My Little Buttercup (El Jimador Blanco, Campari, Grapefruit and Orange Juice)

The Invisible Swordsman (Casamigos Blanco, Lime Juice, Creme de Cassis, Ginger Beer)

Cinco de Mayo Celebration at Cubiertos will include Live music with specialty dishes and drinks served in the colors of Mexican flag.
Saturday May 3rd: New Flamenco music by Russ Hewitt 6:30 pm-10 pm
Sunday May 4th: Mariachi music by Aguilas de America 12 pm- 3 pm
Monday May 5th: Spanish Guitar by Helio Portales 6:30 pm – 10 pm
Specialty Menu items May 3rd-May 5th
Puebla Margarita ($5)
A cocktail to commemorate the Battle of Puebla where the Mexican Army defeated French forces
Created with a layer of melon, lime and pomegranate and with 100% blue agave tequila, premium orange liqueur and fresh squeezed citrus
Shrimp and Pineapple Salad ($5)
Fresh baked shrimp and pineapple cocktail topped with chopped jalapeno, shaved coconut and fresh strawberries, dressed with spicy crema
Chiles en Nogada ($23)
A dish that was created to entertain Agustin de Iturbide in Puebla by the Santa Monica convent Nuns after signing the Declaration of Mexican independence in the southern state of Veracruz.
Made with flame grilled poblano pepper stuffed with sweet carne showered with pecan cream and topped with fresh pomegranate seeds and parsely.
Lime Lemon Strawberry Sorbet ($5)
Hand crafted sorbet with fresh juices, fruits and agave nectar.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse Dallas (5251 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas, TX 75254) and Fort Worth location (812 Main St, Fort Worth, TX 76102) features a Margetini for Cinco de Mayo sipping with a twist. Avion Silver Tequila, Cointreau, house-made sweet & sour, agave nectar, sea salt rim

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Del Frisco’s Grille Southlake (1200 E Southlake Blvd, Southlake, TX 76092) The Pomegranate Margarita made with Camarena Reposado Tequila, Cointreau, Pom Juice, Splash of Fresh Lime Sour

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Buda Juice Cleanse and Expansion News

It’s hard to keep track of all the juice centric storefronts popping up around town. With so many to choose from, I’d found myself confused as to how each of them is different. Then I found a new juice religion, Buda. I recently had the opportunity to try a 2-day cleanse from Buda Juice and I can honestly say it was one of the most enjoyable solid food-less experiences I’ve had.

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I have featured Buda Juice on the blog before, but with a recent expansion to Uptown Dallas (more on that in a bit) I needed to get my hands on the cleanse. Two days of clean, healthy juice filled energy was the mission at hand. Let me remind you of my love for sweets, meats and everything in between. This was no easy task, but the surprisingly full feeling I was left with after every 16oz serving kept me going.

The Buda Juice cleanse consists of 4 juices, a soup and almond milk:

+ No 01: Green Juice (Spicy ginger. Tangy lemon. Hint of sweet apple.)

+ No 04: Blue Lemonade (Chill cucumber. Ambrosial apple. Lemon.)

+ No 02: Red Juice (Apple, Beet, Celery, Ginger, Parsley)

+ No 04: Blue Lemonade

+ No S1: Buda Basilato Soup (Basil, Cucumber, Olive Oil, Sea Salt, Tomato)

+ No M1: Buda Almond Milk

Each day I started with the veggie packed green juice that with the tang of the lemon was a nice morning “snack”. The Blue Lemonade, though green in color, became a real favorite of mine because of its simplicity and sweetness. A spicy and sweet kick from the red juice jumpstarted my afternoon just when I needed it most. A lot of the cleanses I’ve tried in the past (both homemade and not) had me hungry between each bottle, but Buda Juice was different.

As I approached the late afternoon, the second Blue Lemonade was a tart, tangy splash of flavor and would go perfect with a splash of vodka in my opinion. Right, that’s totally not allowed. Now for the real difference, soup! Yes, people. You actually get to consume something other than juice. The Buda Basilato soup is chilled but as someone who isn’t normally into that I slurped this sh-tuff down. Refreshing and delicious, soup for the win. My nightcap came in the form of unsweetened almond milk each evening, made in house by the folks over at Buda.

My vote is a confident yes if you are looking to spend a couple of days out of your week truly hitting the reset button on your weekend or weekly liver damage. I felt full, happy and the opposite of hangry with this cleanse and I highly recommend it to anyone looking to try something different!

Now, for the fun part. Buda Juice has stores open in Plano, Frisco and they just announced a third location coming late May in West Village located in Uptown Dallas! They are moving into what was formerly known as TuLu’s Bakery and I’m sure it will be a success!

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To find out more about Buda Juice you can visit their website.