LIFE in Review (s): January 2014

Sunday, January 26, 2014

I actually didn't stay here, although I'm sure the rooms are great and I plan to do a "Stay-cation" here someday after visiting. I was actually just coming in for an interview for a job that I decided wasn't a good fit for where I am in life right now. But after having visited, I felt the need to share it with you.

Parking in the garage is paid parking, even if you are just coming in for a quick bit to eat or go to an interview. You walk inside the front door and are greeted by a beautiful lobby. But that's just the start. You walk past the lobby into a fully enclosed atrium.

The high glass ceilings allow sunlight in without letting the cold of winter in. We were visiting when it was 30*F outside and inside this atrium it was 75-80*f. There are flowers, trees, and streams inside. A large miniature train display. There is a walk way descending next to a river leading to a fountain blowing high into the air. The feel of much of the architecture is ancient, but the entire place has a certain class.

I find myself wanting to go there, buy lunch and sip coffee by the streams. Which I would on a regular basis if parking wasn't paid. That part irks me. In fact, it's the paid parking that makes me say 3.9 and not 4+ for rating.

Cost

The parking was $12 from 0 Minutes

As of today, they are quoting prices of about $170-$300 a night. As far as resorts go, that's not bad.

Kids

The kids really enjoyed walking around, seeing the river inside of the Lobby, and visiting the gift shops.

Final Thoughts

I'll probably update this once I either stay here, or a close friend or family member stays here. My thoughts for now, are that I would be happy to make this a place to go!

Lego Model of Gaylord Texan Hotel

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Urban Spoon: Life In Fort Worth

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Life In Fort Worth by Darrell G. Wolfe

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. I may also have received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” A Big Thank You to Michael Hyatt for helping us Bloggers with these new legal disclosure requirements.

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Monday, January 6, 2014

Pei Wei Asian Diner - Southlake Texas

Pei Wei Asian Diner
Southlake, TX

Rating (1-5 Being the Best)

5+

Overview

I can't think of a place we enjoy more if we're in the mood for high quality Asian-American food. Take Out or Eat In, it's fun.

Their menu is simple not pages and pages of things. It's as though they pick one item to represent each part of Asia, or mix it up with a few specialty items. Despite it's simplicity there are enough items to choose from, small plates, bowls, and more.

They are Asian-American. They have the Asian flavors I love, but the high quality and clarity of great American food. Sometimes "Authentic" can be another way of saying "Sloppy" or "hole in the wall place without any eye for presentation". In that sense, this place is NOT Authentic, but it is fresh, with clear bold tastes and image. It's on the level with a California Pizza Kitchen in that sense.

Many items are spicy, watch for that. You can customize that if you need to.

Atmosphere:

Pei Wei has a seating area much like a full service restaurant, real plates and silverware. Food Runners. Bussers. But no servers. They bring your food to you, and clean up when you go, and if you happen to need something they will be MORE than happy to help. Other than that you pick a seat, go to the soda bar and get what you want to drink and refill as you please. This is a new trend called Fast Casual.

Kids:

For Kids it's great because they are a mix between fast food and sit in. I have one child that will eat almost anywhere, he's my Master Chef Jr! I have another child who basically has his top ten things and won't even fathom eating anything not on his pre-approved list. It's all mental because I've gotten him to admit he likes things and then change his mind when he hears what it is. Never-the-less, we buy separately for him. So when we go almost anywhere we're looking for a place that doesn't mind that we brought a McDonald's bag, or something else he likes. They don't seem to mind at all. So we order in, order food for 3 out of 4 people, but four drinks, and leave a great tip!

Cost:

$ The cost is about the same as Panda Express, quality much higher, most items about $5-$10. If you sit in there is a person that is more than a busser less than a server. They bring your food to you and utensils and clean up after you. Bring you anything you need. Bring a tip if you dine in.

Conclusion:

My Master Chef Jr, My Wife, and I come back here as often as we can. It's a fun, fresh, clean, crisp, and lovely place to.

PS RAVE:

I had to come back and update this post. We came in again and this time we met the district manager, got a tour of the restaurant and talked at length about his background and why he came into the restaurant business. The District Manager and Asst Store Manager made great suggestions which we enjoyed. They have new smaller plate items if you are dining for one instead of two, or need to eat lighter. Even easier on the budget. Had a great time, even more loyal now... which is hard because we were already raving about the place before! Jan 2014

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Texas Hill Country

Texas Hill Country Facebook Page

Texas Hill Country has produced one of my favorite Facebook Pages. They show the most interesting photos from the Hill Country, as well as many other fun things about Texas, and to do and see in Texas.

I put this here to share their fun and laughter with you too! I also put this here because I WANT TO GO! They are a great resource for understanding what Texas has to offer.

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Sunday, January 26, 2014

Gaylord Texan Hotel

Gaylord Texan Hotel