Two Nights at Two Restaurants. How'd we do?

The tried and true worked again. Ruffino's and Mi Cocina's.

For many years our family has gone out for dinner on Christmas eve. It started when the children were young, because, we thought, getting them out of the house, fed and maybe a little tired would help later getting them to bed and to sleep. And also for the simple reason that everyone had been busy preparing for the holidays, especially mom. It's also a nice lead up to midnight mass nowadays and gets everyone in a calm, more Christmas-like frame of mind (the Cabernet doesn't hurt either).

For the last 10 years we have gone to the Macaroni Grill on University because it was open and no one else was. This year we arrived around 7:30 and found a waiting list of 45 minutes. My daughter loves Ruffino's so we changed plans and drove south and east about a mile to Forest Park. The food was great, as usual. The restaurant was busy but well staffed. Our table and its setting were perfect. Four of us ordered the Roasted Chicken Tagliatelle, a breast of chicken with pasta in a creamy mushroom sauce -- and served very hot. Ruffino's is a good restaurant in a dining atmosphere and everything is done well . . . except the rolls, which taste like a store bought variety. They lack flavor, texture and temperature -- bad idea at an Italian restaurant. Total tab after tip, about $165, including a beer or two, one glass of wine and no dessert. A much better choice than Macaroni Grill and well worth the extra expense.

Second restaurant -- 5 days later, at Mi Cocina's downtown. 6 adults, 1 child. Friday night, 15 minute wait. Great food, great service. Good price. Mi Cocina's is a good restaurant, too. Not great, but good. They know who they are and what their patrons want: hot tasty Mexican food, fresh corn chips, good salsa. The server was perfect and the other staff make it a great evening eating out. A little less expensive at $130 with tip, including a few bottles of beer and a Mojito ... (one guess who had that).

I love trying new restaurants but during the Christmas holidays, I stay with what I know everyone will enjoy.

------------------------------
The picture is Trastevere in Rome (across the Tiber), a great place for restaurants in Italy.

17 Ways To Get Free Books

Every once in a while you stumble upon a website that has interesting and helpful information in a easy to read package. I think The Frugal Panda is one of those sites. What first caught my attention was their headline advertisement (see my headline above) . It has all the basic components of piquing curiosity:

• everyone stops at the word "free". It doesn't have to be at the front of the sentence. You still see it and stop.
• men like lists, and "17 ways" incites list curiosity.
• the word "books" shows that it's not just a tease to attract me to the site. If I like books, I am interested, if I don't, I move on. You could change the word to "furniture" or anything else and the people interested will continue. But, "17 Ways to Free . . ." doesn't work for me because it is not specific enough, especially for internet advertising.
  

But as important as the headline, the site delivered as promised. At first glance and in the detail. Here's the link:

17-ways-to-get-free-books

What do you think?

Taquiero San Antonio

On the western side of Camp Bowie Boulevard is an old Taco Bell or some-such that has been converted into a pretty good Mexican restaurant.

We had lunch there yesterday, and if it weren't for the fact that I live on the exact opposite side of town I would go again. Order-at-the-counter and limited seating, but good tacos, with beans and rice at a very reasonable price. If you're looking for made-at-your-table guacamole or unlimited chips, salsa and pico de gallo, go elsewhere. Taquiero San Antonio reminds me of the restaurant you pull into when traveling in mainland Mexico -- good, homemade, inexpensive food and friendly service.

Just as we were leaving I noticed what most people were ordering to go: piping hot, home made tamales. They looked very good.

The menu is as expected: tacos, enchiladas, quesidillas, tamales, with your choice of 5 or 6 meats. They all looked fresh. The tortillas weren't the best I have had at like restaurants but good enough. Chips and salsa are extra and probably not worth it, the salsa is the chili-sauce and not great for dipping tortilla chips. Again, stick to what they do well.

Try them next time you are on the west side of Fort Worth. I will go back for the tamales, especially.

Taqueria San Antonio
7905 W. Camp Bowie Blvd.
Fort Worth
817-560-8000

The image is unrelated except that it is Christmas season; it is The Adoration of the Shepherds, by Caravaggio. You can see a larger and clearer image at http://www.artbible.info/art/large/433.html

I Used to Eat Dirt . . . and other food trends.

If you were born between the years 1950 and 1960 it is altogether possible that you, at some time or other, took a taste of your front yard. Why kids before then and kids after then didn't, I don't know, but my scientific inquiries into the matter have led me to conclude that the 50's was the period of children eating dirt. I was one of them.

Now we find that those 50's kids were cutting edge food enthusiasts. According to many reports of health and food trends, pro-biotics is considered at the top of the hip food list http://bit.ly/eeVWJU. For those not in the know, pro-biotics research suggests that bacteria found in healthy soil is an important element to a healthy stomach and intestine, which are critical to overall health. Want to meet girls in the pro-biotics world? Use the phrase, Gut Flora, it gets them every time.

Yet another food trend is salt. Not the Morton's blue cylinder box. The kind from the Himalaya's or the Dead Sea or some other far off place. Central Market in Keller has dozens of choices including many colors and textures. I'm just glad I can eat salt again of any kind. But I would like to meet the marketing guys who decide where their salt is going to come from and what story to tell of its healing properties.

Water is a trend, although a downhill one -- actually, not the water but its bottle. The landfills are filled with them, making drinking a bottle of Fiji Water in Austin as dangerous as wearing mink in New York. Soccer mom beware, you may be spray-painted mid-sip by a crazed (and thirsty, no doubt) eco-terrorist. Then again, if you acquire status from drinking a $2 bottle of water you probably deserve it.

Anyway, the next time you see your child eating something from the front yard go easy on him, who knows, worms may wriggle their way to a food trend yet.

Merry Christmas

Fort Worth, Texas. We have much for which to be thankful.

Don't eat too much.

Scratch that, today is guilt-free food and beverage of choice day.

Merry Christmas to you and yours.

Thanks for reading and for your comments and suggestions.

--------------------------------------------------------------
(Oh, and I am surprised by the Christmas tree poll. Artificial trees are used in more homes than real trees. Of the 29 that have a tree 17 chose artificial, 12 real. I would have guessed the other way around. But . . . and I hate to admit it, for the first Christmas in 32 years, we have one. Yes, we have a plastic Christmas tree. The prophetic line from "The Graduate" continues to be true.)

A Favorite Christmas Dessert.

Is it possible to remember a piece of pie eaten 45 years ago? I think so, I can still remember my grandmother's cheesecake, made and served at Christmas dinner that many years ago.

This was no cream-cheese-with-a-crust pie mind you. This was pie perfection.

My grandmother's ricotta cheese pie was a thing of beauty. Before a knife dented its tender surface it displayed a warm brown-white-yellow patina. The light brown flour pie crust on the side stopped at the cheese top. There was no lip of crust. It was unadorned, otherwise; no fruit or other superfluous decoration. Its place was always at the end of the table, grand-dessert that it was, a kind of diva greeting the diner at the very end as if to say, "I follow no other." There was only one pie. You had better get a slice early.

When you bit into into it you sensed two textures, a thin pie crust with a little crunch and then the ricotta cheese filling which is like the cheese itself but mellowed and sweetened somehow by the cooking. It was firm, not at all runny, and not overly gelatinous. You could see the distinct ricotta texture.

The taste was barely sweet, like the first taste of some beers just hinting at sweetness, with a tiny taste of vanilla, a little more of egg, and the almost nutty flavor of ricotta cheese. Simple and perfect. It was served at room temperature, somehow appropriately.

I look forward to it at this time of year, even knowing that the cheese cake is no longer at the head of the dessert table, but the memory is there, saying maybe that some good things, especially during the Christmas season, can be enjoyed a long time in their remembrance and are better left that way.

101 Simple and Good Appetizers

Like Christmas appetizers? NYTimes, Food and Wine section has some beauties.

My favorite: Sliced goat cheese with salt, pepper and bread crumbs sprinkled on top. (Andrew, I know what you're thinking).

See all 101 at: http://www.nytimes.com/pages/dining/index.html

Best Chinese Restaurant Suggestions . . .

I don't write about Chinese restaurants very often because I'm not a big fan. I like Thai, I don't care too much for Vietnamese, and Chinese, well, most of the dishes taste the same to me. I may not have been to good restaurants or it may be that it is just a personal preference but when its my time to choose a restaurant, in Fort Worth, it's either Mexican or Sushi.

But many people like Chinese food and Fort Worth has some favorites. My daughter likes Szechuan. I am going to include a Chinese restaurant in the January 2008, Best of Fort Worth and I am taking all suggestions. I'll take the two most suggested, visit with my wife and daughter (who like Chinese), and make a decision.

Please if you like Chinese and have a favorite, let me know.

Starbucked, the book.

Fans of PJ O'Rourke and enemies of Starbucks will like Mr. O'Rourke's book review of,

STARBUCKED
A Double Tall Tale of Caffeine, Commerce, and Culture.
By Taylor Clark.

See the NY Times magazine December 16, 2007.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007

Jeromey, if you're still out there -- let me know what you think.

USA Today's fun "Who should I vote for President " quiz.

Mike Huckabee has come from the back of the pack to be a front runner in Iowa. Polls did predict him doing well in the Iowa caucus many weeks ago but the media has just caught on. Because of his ascendance and the descendance of others I have issued a new poll. See poll to the right.

And if you want to take a fun and graphically impressive quiz on who you most agree with on major issues, click this USA Today site.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/election2008

My "suggested candidate" after taking the quiz was R. Guiliani (for whom I will not vote), then Mike Huckabee, followed by Mitt Romney.

For those interested in presidential politicals: New York Times Sunday Magazine, lead article on Mike Huckabee. http://www.nytimes.com/pages/magazine/index.html

Just an Observation about Middle Eastern Crowds.

The front page had yet another newspaper picture from the Middle East -- And I have a question (I have noticed it on television, too).

Middle Easterners don't have any sense of crowd paranoia. Every group photo I see there are hundreds and sometimes thousands of men (another interesting point, where are the women?) jammed in close to one another. It looks hot, they are sweaty and upset about something. And everybody seems alright with it. Just another day in Tehran.

I wonder sometimes if it's the same people, and if they aren't paid to stand in this one Mosque-surrounded square and act upset when the cameras go on. At the end of the day the director says, "okay guys, that's it for today, see ya tomorrow." Do they go home after the fete', have dinner and watch a little TV? Grab the wife and kids, "See me there, honey? Look at that arm pump."

Imagine being thrown into that crowd. Westerners have a different take on group activity. We need more space around us or something.

Any thoughts?

Fort Worth Italian Restaurants, the winner is:

A post by Regular contributor, Rebecca:
--------------------------------------------------

I would like to give some input on a few Italian restaurants I have visited lately, here goes:

Nona Tata - The food was fresh and good, but not really worth all the hype. In fact, my favorite part of the meal was the meat and cheese plate that we got as an appetizer and the desert. The main course was fine ( pasta with shrimp and scallops), but I was disappointed in the size of the shrimp - they were miniscule and barely made any impact on the dish at all. Also, it is almost too small for comfort. I probably won’t go again soon.

Ruffino's - Absolutely fabulous! I love this place and with half price bottles of wine on Thursday’s, it is truly at the top of the list as far as great food and atmosphere.

La Piazza- Does anyone know when they are ever open?? What’s the deal with them anyway?

Macaroni Grill - Always a good experience. The food is good and as long as you don’t mind waiting on a Friday or Saturday night, you won't be disappointed.

Sardines - I loved going there when they were on Camp Bowie! Somehow they have dropped into the background a bit, but my meal was delicious. I think they overdo it on the garlic (I can’t believe I am saying that) but it is always a good date night.

My favorite and I think the Best of Fort Worth: Ruffino's.

Our Prayers are With . . .

Those effected by a death or injury in the recent Colorado shootings.

We will return to our usual uninspired commentary of Fort Worth soon.

Thank you.

A Date Which Will Live In Infamy

December 7, 1941. The day Pearl Harbor was attacked by the Japanese Air Force.

Franklin D. Roosevelt the next day in his address to Congress, described December 7, with that memorable phrase, the date which will live in infamy. The United States Congress declared war on Japan that day, December 8. December 11, 1941, Nazi Germany and Mussolini's Italy declared war on the United States. But, the "sleeping giant" had been awakened.

The die was now cast for a generation of young men and women and in some ways for their children.

Live Christmas Music, the next two weeks . . .

I suggest any recital by the Schola Cantorum. They perform in Tarrant County three times this holiday season, December 9 - 11, including a performance at St. Stephens Presbyterian Church, near TCU. http://www.scholatexas.com/

Take in a performance of Dickens', A Christmas Carol. This year, Casa Manana performs a Broadway version that has been was well received. Performed at Bass Hall, December 21 - 29. http://www.casamanana.org/



Orpheus, considered the best chamber choir in the area, performs in Dallas this year. I know it's a drive but if you like choral renditions of Christmas music, you will find no better than this. December 18, at St. Thomas Aquinas Roman Catholic Church, Dallas, Texas. http://www.orpheuschambersingers.org/


Recommendations are made for one reason: I have gone to the performances and liked them.

The Rules of the Road

Traveling is the great equalizer. Rich, famous, poor and unknown, everyone gets pretty much the same bad treatment. Frequent travelers do get a little better treatment, but only if you are a high mileage traveler and even then the industry has gotten so competitive that frequent travelers get knocked around.

We all complain about crowded conditions, extra charges, and poor service, but cost is driving the industry and you can't have budget flights and premier services. Today, airplanes are just flying bus and taxi-services. They are low cost, easy to access and bad at service. Why? The public prefers low price to high service. I just can't complain about a $200 round-trip flight to Philadelphia when it would cost me $500 to drive and take me 4 times as long. I just shut my eyes and ears and embrace the 3 hour pain.

Here's what I do to increase my comfort and lower my cost:

• Look for "Last Minute Deals". Flights from DFW to Philadelphia (PHL) roundtrip run anywhere from $200 - 600, depending on how early in advance you book and what the demand is. Last week I was looking for a last minute flight from PHL - DFW round trip for a long weekend home. $600. Then I noticed on the Travelocity tab a little button that said, "last minute flights": $315 plus 3-day car. I hit the tab thinking there must be a catch somewhere. But to my amazement, I got a direct flight on American plus a car with Alamo for around $350 including tax. By the way, the American Airlines website showed nothing under $600 round trip.
• I have used Priceline for hotel rooms but don't like them for flights because of the weird flight hours you get.
• Arrive early at the airport and ask for an exit-row seat. The extra foot makes a big difference if you are 6 feet or over.
• Enterprise Rent A Car has great rates, great service, and if they aren't busy they will often upgrade you for free.
• If I'm in a hurry and on business I like Hertz. No waiting in lines, on-line booking and your car is waiting when you arrive.
• Call me crazy, but I wear a coat and tie when I travel and I get treated better than people that don't.
• If possible travel light so that your luggage is above your seat. It saves time and will have your luggage lost eventually if you don't.
• God's gift to the noise sensitive: foam earplugs. Great for the airplane and hotel, and inexpensive. Just try it on the airplane next time you travel. The noise level on an airplane is very high, the earplugs will relax you immediately.
• TripAdvisor. I get a lot of help by reading the hotel reviews on Tripadvisor. One piece of advice though. Not every complaint is legitimate. Look for repeated complaints on the same issue.
• I promise you this: a new low-price hotel is often better than an old high price hotel. In hotels, age matters.
• Check the weather at the departure, arrival and connecting cities: my sister had to go to Des Moines recently and flew through St. Louis instead of Chicago. Good thing, Chicago had bad weather and delayed flights.
• International travelers especially should look into sites like boo.com for advice and reviews. Another interesting site is VibeAgent.com, a kind of of Facebook for travelers.

Finally, some day I'll introduce you to my son and have him tell you about traveling the buses and taxis in Ecuador. You'll never be tempted to complain again.

Thanks for the sandwich advice and ....

An all new "Best Of" soon to come. First the sandwich: Carshon's. It's good. I had the Rebecca in honor of my favorite daughter. It was good to very good. I'm not going to make any suggestions to what could be better because they are personal preferences that I will ask the waitress about next time I go . . . which will be soon. Thanks to the half-dozen readers who suggested Carshon's. By the way, the chocolate pie was as good as the sandwich.

As to the "Best Of" . . . there was a time when if I was asked about a restaurant in the DFW area I could probably say I had been there -- at least once. Not anymore. First, I don't have the opportunity and second there are just too many. Restaurants, like anything else are dynamic enterprises. What was good yesterday may be bad today. I have some places on my list that will be removed and I will be adding some new places, and there are places I don't even know about in the Greater Fort Worth area (I don't visit Dallas much anymore). All suggestions are being taken but nothing will go on the list without being visited by someone from the F&FW staff.

Thanks for the suggestions, so far.

Wild Thing on PBS?

I'm embarrassed.
Saturday night I flipped on the TV and KERA-Channel 13 was having one of their concert-fund-raising deals. That alone is enough to ruin my evening since it usually involves a Yanni-esque character performing in a purple-hued canyon, telling us how noble we all are. I don't know about you but I don't feel noble.
But this was a 60-something, wispy-gray-haired, overweight guy with a guitar, playing a song from the 60's . I was hooked to see who it was. Well, it was the lead singer for The Troggs and the song was Wild Thing.
Here's the embarrassing bit: this guy looked about as ready to take on a "wild thing" as I am to climb Mount Everest. Yet, on and on the song went, how this female, wild-child moved him. I loved the song in the 60's. I felt it's pain . . . but it's over. The audience, KERA, and the whole 60's generation, blue pills notwithstanding, needs to recognize one thing -- it's 2007, not 1967, deal with it.
After that, and to make matters worse, Jerry and the Pacemakers . . . a fitting name at this time of his life . . . gets up there and barely gets out the words to his song, Ferry Cross the Mersey, at which point I had to turn the TV off before I hurled -- but just as I was turning it off -- they panned to the audience and everyone is holding hands, swinging back and forth, singing along. This is the same group of people that slid down mud-slides naked and stoned at Woodstock. Now we're swinging back and forth like a bunch of traumatized hospital patients. It's sickening, I tell you.
The 60's generation is 60 and is embarrassing us all.
Get over yourself.

A Fort Worth Exclusive: Picturing the Bible

Anyone interested in history, art or religion should take the time to visit the Kimbell Art Museum in the next few months. We are privileged to have a collection of artistic treasures, including the Statuette of the Good Shepherd, a 3rd century marble piece, and a beautiful, jewel-encrusted gold cross presented by the emperor Justinian to Pope John III, circa 590 AD. I especially liked the Sarcophogus with the Traditio Legis, a 3rd century carved marble sarcophogus.

Two descriptions from the Kimbell website:

" A spectacular display of many of the greatest treasures of early Christianity from around the world, Picturing the Bible includes major loans from the Vatican, the Bargello and the Laurentian Library in Florence, the British Museum, the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, and a number of other international institutions. A landmark event both for scholarship on the Early Christian era and for the broader appreciation of this crucial period in world history..."

"Picturing the Bible brings together a wide range of material in an attempt to help clarify the questions of how Christians in the Greco-Roman period illustrated their religious beliefs, including frescoes, marble sculpture and sarcophagi, silver vessels and reliquaries, carved ivories, engraved gold glass, bronze sculpture, seals in semiprecious stones, illustrated Bibles, and decorated crosses. "

Fort Worth is the only host of this collection, thanks to the folks at the Kimbell. Congratulations.

Place: Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, Texas
Cost: Peak times $14 / off peak $7
Dates: November 18, 2007 -- March 30, 2008
Website: http://www.kimbellart.org