Dallas' worst playground

Within walking distance of the house, there's a cute urban park. TheKiddo loves to take 'gran aventuras' to play there.

TheBetterHalf and I, however, worry about her playing on the toys. They're solid metal, so they're scorching hot in the Dallas summer sun. Plus, they seemed to have been designed by people who've never actually seen children at play.

Dallas Parks and Rec missed badly on the development of this.

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Norma's Cafe is Dallas' best diner

Go to Norma's. Get the pie.

I know there are several spots in DFW that people swear by when it comes to diner food. I won't name them, because I personally think they are horrendous - especially the outrageously over-priced one on Oak Lawn(you know who you are).

Granted, TheKiddo™ and I are fans of breakfast at the Original Market Diner - http://www.originalmarketdiner.com - but the comfort food and pies at Norma's Cafe - http://normascafe.com - are sublime.

With portions large enough to make you check your waistband, and prices low enough to make you check your eyesight, Norma's Cafe is simply outstanding.

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I highly recommend the fried pickles and chili-cheese fries as appetizers (but don't order both unless you have a horde to feed). And I've not found a better chicken fried steak anywhere. I've even tried to convince some food snobs it's a must-have (though none have acquiesced as of this writing).

Save room, or make some room, for the sky-high pies. They are as delicious as they are daunting. In fact, the pie alone is worth a trip to Norma's Cafe.

Next time you want some food that is big on taste, comfort and value, but low on pretense, grab some grub at Norma's Cafe. Fair warning: Consider wearing something with an elastic waistband when you do.





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Catch an MLB game

TheBetterHalf and I decided to take TheKiddo to see the Yankees vs the Rangers at the Ballpark in Arlington. We picked the evening game because fireworks were scheduled to follow the game.

First pitch was at 7:05, so we figured we'd be done with the game and fireworks by 11. Didn't happen.

Instead, the game went into extra innings and the Rangers set a record (not sure if it's team or MLB) for using 11 pitchers. Pitching changes seem to add years to the length of a game.

The Ballpark is a wonderful place. And even sitting high in the upper deck, we had a great view of the action. (That was not a successful steal of second, by the way.)

Granted, concession prices are outrageous. That's simply a fact of life at any professional sporting event.

TheKiddo enjoyed it, but not nearly as much as a Dallas Mavericks home game. Don't know that we'll do it again. Especially since we had to bail before the end of the game and didn't see fireworks. But it's definitely worth doing once.

And the Midnight stop at IHOP was fun. Though I didn't expect to see Kraft mac & cheese on the menu for 5 bucks a pop.




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Great Italian grub in Dallas

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I were casting about for a place to eat on a recent Thursday evening. We figured pasta was a good way to go, since TheKiddo rarely refuses noodles in any form. From lasagna and lo mein to pad thai and spaghetti, she's open minded.

A friend of ours suggested Patrizio's in Highland Park Village. http://www.patrizios.net

It was incredible. If you're looking for delectable Italian cuisine in DFW, you must try it.

The interior was quite loud, so despite the scorching heat in BigD, we sat outside. The fans kept it bearable, and the smaller crowd outside probably enhanced the service we received.

We'll be going back on a regular basis. Look for us. We'll be outside.

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Free Fun At Lakeshore Learning

Every weekend offers an opportunity to enjoy some arts and crafts at Lakeshore Learning. http://www.LakeshoreLearning.com

This weekend, TheKiddo and I had a chance to make a crown for TheBetterHalf. It was great fun. And TheBetterHalf loved it.

TheKiddo and I return frequently. Maybe we'll see you there.

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Day-trippin To Dinosaurs

Though we love DFW, and have yet to explore a fraction of the diversions available, TheBetterHalf and I wanted to get away--at least for a day.

As we looked around for destinations, Dinosaur Valley State Park caught our attention. http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/dinosaur_valley/

The fact that TheKiddo is fascinated by dinosaurs made the choice simple.

The trip to Glen Rose was a simple drive down Hwy 67, and took less than two hours. We did add to that by traveling to Stephenville for some forgettable barbecue at Hard 8. (I'll recount that disaster in another post.)

Despite the heat (and a lack of swim suits which are a must-have if you go) it was great. We splashed, we played, we saw dinosaur tracks and we learned.

What a great day.

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Avoiding summer heat in Dallas

Today, we went in search of something fun to do in order to avoid being outside. So we became mall rats for a little while.
We had seen billboards for The Art of The Can http://redbullartofcan.com an exhibit of artwork created from Red Bull cans at the Galleria. Free art is always a wonderful thing. And some of the work was extremely interesting.
Then we wandered up to the children's play area on the upper level. This is always a hit with TheKiddo, albeit a bit crowded on a hot summer day.
Next time you're looking for an interesting way to play and beat the heat, swing by the Galleria.
You should check out the Red Bull art if you get a chance. And give your kiddos a place to wear themselves out, without the worry of heat stroke.
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Build And Grow at Lowe's

Most months, the first Saturday of the month involves hammering at Home Depot. That, however, is not enough time with a hammer.

So on the second and fourth Saturdays, TheKiddo and I head to Lowe's for more hammering.

It's fun. It's free. And it's usually followed by a trip to Chik-fil-A for some snacks and running around.

That's the best part of living in Dallas. There's free or inexpensive kid-friendly fun around any corner you turn.

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Food and fun at Central Market

Every weekend without fail, TheKiddo requests a trip to "la tienda para muchas cosas." (She wants to go to the store for many things.)

She doesn't particularly care which store we visit, or what things we look at once we're there. She just doesn't want to be sitting idle at home.

Often, a trip to Target, Kroger or even a 99 Cent store is enough to sate her wanderlust. Yet there is one store we visit each weekend, because it is sure to delight: Central Market.

From the moment we walk in and select our balloon color (purple or green), we are off on an adventure. We sample a variety of foods on display, discover recipes to try, and savor flavors that are heretofore unknown to us. It's a trip I look forward to as soon as the weekend arrives.

The two "kitchens" are a must visit, and I think we've become easily recognized and appreciated at least at one of them. Well, TheKiddo is at any rate, and the staff is always kind enough to listen to whatever story she has to tell.

Of course, we never leave empty handed beyond the balloon. Without fail there's a loaf of bread, a hunk of cheese, the ingredients for a recipe, or some fresh produce tucked in the cart before we finally reach the back door. This week, we discovered a tasty cheddar that TheKiddo loved.

Granted, the other patrons annoy us at times with their inability to not turn the sampling stations into a buffet, and their air of superiority and pretentiousness. (Who drives a gas-guzzling luxury SUV and then snorts in disgust when I ask for plastic bags, anyway? I've got to pick up dog poop with something.) The staff, however, is incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful.

So whether you just want to sample some food, or you want to do some serious shopping, grab the kids and head to Central Market on Lover's Lane in Dallas. Both your family and your tastebuds will enjoy it.


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Home Depot Kids Workshops are free fun in Dallas

The first Saturday of each month brings a host of free activities to kids and parents in Dallas.

There's free admission to the Nasher Sculpture Center, and free admission to the Crow Collection of Asian Art. Yet the most fun TheKiddo and I have involves swinging a hammer at Home Depot.

This month, we got to build a beautiful pencil holder that had stickers to make it look like a school bus.

Granted, our fingers ended up covered in wood glue, but that's a very small price to pay for a fun time. Glue does wash off easily.

Wonder what we'll make next month. Or next weekend at Lowe's for that matter.

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IKEA = fun in Frisco, TX

With super-summer upon us and temperatures climbing over triple digits every day in Dallas, everyone needs some cool indoor fun. Finding some that's both affordable and different can be a challenge.

TheBetterHalf, TheKiddo and I have one word for you: IKEA.

It's a diverting way to pass some time, play, check out furniture and home furnishings, and grab a snack. All in a refreshingly cool environment.

I could call it free indoor amusement for the kids, but that would be a lie. Between the drive, the snacks, and the unrelenting pull of the various items for sale, we never escape without spending something. It's never much, but more than zero.

Go check it out for some cool indoor fun during the Dallas super-summer. You'll have more fun than you think you will.

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