Benito's: a Very Good Breakfast

We went for an early lunch at Benito's last Sunday. After we were seated, I noticed that the table next to us was being served breakfast -- and it looked good.

So the four of us ordered breakfast. And it was good.

I had Huevos con Chorizo (delicious), my son Andrew had the Chila Quiles, which he said was the best he has had. Beans and rice are served with the dishes. Here's the kicker: about $6 each dish, for a meal that is enough to last you all day.

We have always enjoyed Benito's for good, local Mexican food but the breakfast was a surprise.

When I go to Benito's for lunch or dinner I always get the pork tacos. We also like a side of fresh, warm, corn tortillas. Benito's is a locally owned family restaurant and best of all, the management, servers, and staff seem to appreciate you being there.

Benito's: 1450 W. Magnolia Ave. (at Fairmount Ave.) Ft. Worth, TX 76104

Cranes!

When was the last time a major hotel was built in the immediate Fort Worth area? We've had some re-development, such as the Courtyard Marriott downtown, but nothing like this in my memory.

Omni Hotels brings Fort Worth a great hotel and the ability to attract larger and better conventions. Currently, we are attracting conventions in the lower levels of medium size and competing with Grapevine and Arlington to get them. Dallas is in another category. The really big shows go to Las Vegas, San Francisco, Hawaii, Chicago, New York, and until Katrina, New Orleans. The Omni, directly across from the Convention Center, helps a lot in our category.

The Omni will have around 600 rooms. Add to that, the old Plaza Hotel, soon to be Sheraton with 400 rooms and a $50 million renovation and we're getting close to respectable. Plus, River Plaza on University and I30 has a planned $110 million hotel/shopping/office complex. Completion date: 2010.

I haven't seen this many cranes in Fort Worth for years. 7th Street, center-city downtown, Trinity river downtown and Arlington's Dallas Cowboy's Stadium has a crane or two as well.

Not bad for a recession-like economy. Somebody's betting on growth.

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Another question: Lancaster Boulevard downtown looks great, but I thought we were getting more of a promenade look. Where's the promenade?

Mayfest

Mayfest is a relatively recent Fort Worth tradition, recent that is, compared to the Fat Stock Show. Started in 1968, it quickly became a necessary pre-summer activity for families with young children. In the 80's, my wife and I took our children at least once during the four days it is open. Most locals have a Mayfest story of some kind, many with the memory of the 198? hail storm that drove everyone for cover.

Mayfest is a place for local, young performers to have a chance to go on stage, for kids to enjoy rides and for everyone to enjoy fair-type food. If the weather is good (it often isn't) the setting is perfect.

Mayfest
May 1 - 4
Trinity River at University and I30.
http://mayfest.org/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1

Cost
$7 entrance fee plus coupons for rides. Discounts tickets are available

Parking:
Free parking and shuttle from TCU (north of stadium)
$5.00 park and walk at Farrington Field