2014

Pirch (Kitchen.Bath.Outdoor.Joy.) | Northpark Center (Mall) North Dallas Texas

Monday, December 22, 2014

Pirch Kitchen.Bath.Outdoor.Joy.

Northpark Center (Mall) in North Dallas Texas.

Overview

I'm going to start by paraphrasing their own pamphlet: "Do you remember back when shopping for appliances and plumbing was a relaxing and enjoyable experience? Neither do we... so we decided to change that..." Praphrse.

WOW! One of the reasons I enjoy reading +Seth Godin is because he understands, is even on the cutting edge, of what it means for companies and corporations to leave behind the industrial model of cookie cutter transactions; instead, to create a connection and experience. Pirch is to HomeDepot what the iPhone is to a 1950's rotory phone.

Even that pales in comparison. Everything is so clean and pristine. Many of the sink and shower features actually work, you can see the shower turn on, and how the water would flow. They have a waterfall faucet! Amazing!

The store is much larger than it first appears, it just goes on and on. They have two walk up bars where they serve complimentary drinks and fruit (apples, strawberries, blueberries). I had a Mocha Latte. Not only did I receive this complimentary, not what I was expecting when I walked in, but the Latte was frothed with the skill of the great barrista's, not just slopped together.

There are so many things to touch, and experience, it nearly overloads the imagination. By the time I was ready I was completely re-thinking my imaginations on what it would mean to remodel our home, or build a new one.
I give you an excerpt from their website, which hints to their culture:

OUR MANIFESTO:
One part Passion, One part Conviction, One part Macaroni and Cheese.

Would you like to know the secret to life?
Okay, but If you don’t mind, we’ll dispense with the drumroll, and just get on with it.
Which, by the way, is the secret to life: GET ON WITH IT.
Live it now, with all your might. Use it up. Wring it out. Leave it gasping in a corner, asking “Did anyone get the license plate number?”
Please remember, there is no second act. Life has no back-button. No rewind. We simply journey through moments, and then those moments are gone.
Poof.
But what’s that got to do with buying a tub, or a grill, or a range? What’s that got to do with a “Battle Cry”?
Well, we wrote it to remind us of our daily mission. And our mission is to make moments count.
That might take the form of a candle-lit bubble bath. Or game-day steaks with lifetime friends. Or, the world’s best mac & cheese, made by a dad for his three little girls, who will remember that moment for the rest of their lives.
Make no mistake: moments are everything.
And that is the secret to life.

Cost

Unkown - These are high end components that they sell. If you are looking for cheap plastic things that will tide you over, head to HomeDepot. I didn't notice prices listed, which means that this is a high end store. But if you have money to spend, and you want to do your house right, this is a must visit place.

If you are not doing anything yet, and you are just dreaming at this point... at any price point... you need to spend an hour (or more) dreaming here.

Kids

Despite the high end nature of this place, it was quite kid friendly. They got the kids some water and fruit, and they were able to turn knobs and they enjoyed dreaming as much as we did.

But keep your eye on them, there are so many walls, knooks, and crevices, you could loose them easily.

Tips to enjoy it better...

As you walk in, head to the left up to the bar, and confidently ask for a... whatever you see that you want. Mocha Latte?

Final Thoughts

I'm expanding my vision of being a home owner... I don't just want to own a house, I want to own a home. I want to rip out the builder supplied base level appliances and hardware, and upgrade. It's time to take dominion over my domain... how about you... ready to dream bigger and nicer?

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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* This information is AS IS. I make no assumptions to know everything, or be up to date. I am a fellow traveler passing on what I learn to you. If you need official assistance from a professional, please get that help from them.

*Affiliate Links may be included. In some instances I make money from the reviews of products or services I do here. In some cases I get a few freebies as well. Nevertheless, I only leave my honest reviews. This is how I see it. They can pay me to review, they can't pay me for how my review turns out. Please see my full disclosure list at: Start Here - About.

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Uptown Popcorn | Northpark Center (Mall) in North Dallas Texas

Monday, December 15, 2014

Uptown Popcorn

Northpark Mall, North Dallas, Texas

Overview

Quaint Little Spot. This small corner boutique is on the top floor of the Northpark Mall in Dallas Texas, just outside the Macy's entrance into the main mall. The inviting colors and unique flavor combinations are sure to delight.

Cost

It's a bit on the expensive side, but hey... it's gourmet pop corn, if you wanted the stuff from the Grocery Store, you'd go there.

Kids

There are flavors I'm positive most kids would avoid, such as Dill Pickle or Southwest Jalapeno, and some that they would flock to, such as Pink Cotton Candy and Cookie and Cream!

Tips to enjoy it better...

They have Holiday Tins and Gift Boxes for those looking for something original to give.

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Truthical - The Role Is Yours | @GatewayPeople Southlake Texas

Sunday, December 14, 2014

Truthical - The Role Is Yours (Musical)

+GatewayPeople Gateway Church, Southlake Texas

Overview

I'm sorry to be writing after the weekend is over... next year I should go on Friday and write so that other will still have time to know. Maybe you'll find this next year and plan to go in December 2015 (and beyond).

This is a musical play, written, directed, and produced by and for Gateway Church, in Southlake Texas. This was put in annually on Fri, Sat, and Sun. The musical takes paradies from some of the best known plays, musicals, sitcoms, and cartoons... stories of any kind... and weaves them into a beutifal "meaning on Christmas" and "meaning of Christ" message. I was laughing and crying, which is not common from someone as stoic as I try to be.

If you ever find that Gateway has put on a play or musical production, it is a MUST go, even if you are not a church goer... maybe especially if you are not.

Cost

FREE... or, "your life". If you had been there, you'd get the reference.

Kids

I brought the kids into the show, instead of taking them to children's church, and they enjoyed it as much as I did. There was fog, and lights, and fireworks, and explosions... funny parady excerpt adaptations of plays such as Cats, and Fiddler on the Roof. Maybe adaptation is the wrong word. Maybe Homage, or allusion, would be a better word?

Tips to enjoy it better...

Do not go at 10:45 am on Sunday. That is the busiest service. I suggest going Friday or Saturday.

Final Thoughts

I was left profoundly impacted... I was left with a feeling that has been with me no 24 hours...

Is this it? Is there more? Is this my only role? So I accept Jesus and die and go to heaven... what about life now? Is there more to my purpose and calling on this planet now? The answer is yes... the WHAT... now THAT is the question!

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Kincaid's Hamburgers

Friday, September 19, 2014

Attribute: Screen Shot of Kincaid's Website (Go There)

Kincaids Hamburgers

Heritage Trace, Alliance, Fort Worth, TX

(this is my location, there are others)

History: Grocery Turned Burger Joint

This place has an interesting story. To sum it up, this was a small town type grocery store. In the back, at the meat counter, the butcher would grill hamburgers to sell. Local kids would go there at lunch time, and parents followed suit. Eventually, the burger business had a line out down the isles.

Every so often a business that does one primary thing well, but does not really stand out from the competition, will have a choice to make. Do we continue to be average, and get average results? Or do we branch out, do something new, etc? In this case, it became apparent that they were an average grocer, but an outstanding burger place. So they closed the store, and because a fast food joint. They kept a few isles from the store as a memory of their heritage.

Sometimes there are places, like Kincaid's, or Ruth's Chris, or In-n-Out, that tell a story, beyond the product itself. For a native Southern Californian, the experience of an In-n-Out transcends the burger itself. If you visit a Ruth's Chris, ASK the server the history, they were trained to tell it. It's part of the experience. Kincaid's is the same way. Just a need experience, nostalgic.

The Burger

Now, story aside, the burger is good. Sure, there will be people who had bad experiences in any restaurant, or have personal preferences not aligned with a style... But this is one I really enjoy. You order, they mark off what you want on the bag, and then you sit down at pick-nick tables in the restaurant.

The burger is decent size, texas style, greesy, whatever you want on it, type burger. You can have mayo, ketchup, 1000's mustard, BBQ sauce, whatever. They even have Jalapenos for your spicy folks.

Sides

Another interesting feature is the sides choices. The crinkle cut fries, friend okra, deviled eggs, etc.

Cost

It's actually a bit expensive. Three Adults, Two Kids, tonight... $43.00. That's not a price I can frequent right now. But it's good food, and a fun novelty experience.

Tips

If you are going to go, be prepared to spend a bit of money, see above.
It's a self serve place, order at the counter, go find a seat, they call your name when it's ready, served in white paper bags.
Take a moment to appreciate the nostalgia around you. They have product ads all over from the 50's.
There's a TV if you want to watch the game.

Kincaid's on Yelp

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Whataburger - Local Favorite?

Sunday, June 29, 2014

Whataburger

Las Colinas - 2900 N Airfield Dr.

Whataburger - 2900 N Airfield Dr. Irving Texas

Rating (5 Being the Best)

I say 2.5 stars. My wife says 1 star. I'll give it 2?

In Full Disclosure

The following experience was not unique, but typical of my experiences at Whataburger's around DFW. This particular trip simply inspired me to finally write about this local favorite. Nearly every native Texan I meet swears by this place... I'm not sure why.

That having been said...

It was a long day at the end of a long week. The Hurst Library Summer Reading Program gave free Whataburger Jr coupons for the kids. It had been awhile since I tried this place, I figured I'd give it another shot. This particular location was inside a Shell gas station.

Overview

The wife and kids stay in the minivan, all playing hand held games and fully engrossed in their game of choice. I walk in, because I personally detest all drive through experiences unless absolutely necessary , irrespective of the restaurant or brand (it's just a thing with me). I'm already a little tense, because of previous experiences with this brand in other parts of DFW. So I take a breath and smile bigger than usual.

As I enter the the door, I'm greeting by the familiar look of a restaurant that was probably very popular... in 1985... and never had a make over. I'm greeted by the half-smile of a person who really has no passion for what they are doing, but hey it's a job. It's the same non-smile I've seen on every employee, manager, and GM I've met at a whataburger, except the GM at Roanoke. I think he actually might enjoy his job. However, he's the exception.

I hand her the coupons and explain "I'm here to get the free items from the Library Program, the kids are in the car." She looks at them with a strange face, and walks away, without explaining why. Her look tells me I've confused her.

The shift leader comes over and looks at the coupons, then me, and asks where the kids are. I tell her that they are in the car, and I point to the window where that they are just outside of. (*Note to restaurateurs everywhere - this creates a REALLY poor customer experience, but I already wasn't expecting much, so I didn't let it bother me too much). The cashier mentions a third time, "I just needed to find out if I could do it without the kids here"... they are in the car, just outside the window, which is what I said in the very beginning. That's "here" in my book.

I order their Whataburger Jr's and I figure I'll get one too since I'm here. They charge an extra $0.50 for cheese... really? Is this 1985 or 2014? As I'm leaving, I ask for a dipping sauce they have enticed me with through effective counter top advertising. That'll be another $0.48. But I've already swiped my card earlier, never mind.

We eat our mediocre flat dry meat with too much pepper, on decent buns. The Produce is ok, but I'm not calling it farm fresh. The onion were probably chopped a few days ago and kept in a cool but not cold place during the day. (I used to work restaurants).

Here's the thing. It's not junk. It's decent. I've had better at a park BBQ made by volunteer firemen, but I'd say it's better than McDonalds. It's not anywhere NEAR In-N-Out, possibly the antithesis of it. It actually reminded me of a Burger King burger, but not quite up to par with Burger King, plus Burger King doesn't charge me extra for cheese.

Cost

Their drinks are more expensive, adding things that are normally free elsewhere cost here. All and all, if other people wanted to go, I'd go, buy something, and be happy. But it's not my first choice... probably not my tenth. Maybe my eleventh.

Kids

My burger eating kid liked it. But he too, would rather eat at In-N-Out.

Tips to enjoy it better...

Mentally prepare for mediocre service and paying extra for everything. It's a decent burger, it's not bad, but it's nothing I'd endorse by any means, or throw out as a suggestion unless it's the only place open. Which brings me to my closing thought.

Final Thoughts

There is one highly redeeming quality. Convenience-Time. They are open 24 hours! They serve burgers at 6 am! I have to give cudo's to any restaurant that will sell me a burger at 6 am. So between the hours of 2am - 11am this is my burger stop, it is better than a gas station burger!

I have had experiences where the burgers were actually better here, if you load up with sauces and toppings. As a pure burger, they fall desperately short, but in a pinch, I'd still make a stop here.

Tradition - In case the owners ever read this.

I get it, you grow up with something familiar and you assign special attribute to it. It's the place you always went after the big game, the place you and the guys hung out after school, the first date in Jr High. It's the business that sponsored your school event. It was a family tradition to all go down to the XYZ and grab a bite before the movies.

These places exist all over the world. But it's not 1985 anymore. It's 2014. Food Network has created a class of customers called "Foodies". The standards are higher. Look to Wendy's who has made a big come back in a big way with their total redesign of everything from food to ambiance. Look to start-up's like Chipotle and Twisted Root Burger Co who take old concepts and throw a twist to create an experience.

This place isn't quaint, or traditional... it's just lost and forgotten. It needs a face lift. I'm confident that it could be a great restaurant. I think the elements are there. But it needs a total re-imagining. But if you do go for it. Don't half-heart it. Seek out the types of people that will make it a truly successful makeover - and don't forget to actively, passionately, and aggressively seek feedback from your fan base, especially through social media.

A Special Thanks!

The Roaboke GM who works mornings, big happy guy. He's the one exception I've seen to service. He asks all the right questions, he anticipates needs, he does real restaurant work. Hat Tip to you Roanoke Morning shift GM Man. Roanoke - 605 Hwy 114 (Sorry I couldn't remember your name).

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Las Colinas Irving Texas

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Las Colinas Area Irving, Texas

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Overview

Las Colinas is a development within the larger city of Irving. But it's not just a development. It's a city within a city. I wouldn't be surprised if it becomes it's own separate city. I met two guys that live in Las Colinas and didn't know that it was the "City of Irving".

Wiki Expounds:

Las Colinas is an upscale, developed area in the Dallas suburb of Irving, Texas. Due to its central location between Dallas and Fort Worth and its proximity to DFW Airport, Las Colinas has been a viable place in the Metroplex for corporate and business relocation. As a planned community, it has many corporate offices, luxury hotels, landmark office towers, luxury townhomes, distinguished single-family homes, private country clubs, gated enclaves and urban lofts.

What I have found is that as I looked for jobs this community of Las Colinas would come up over, and over, and over. No wonder. There are more office buildings here in one location than anywhere else in the DFW area (except for downtown Dallas and Fort Worth). The difference is that these office buildings don't make you feel like you are in "DownTown" at all. It's a very impressive area, beautiful landscapes.

I did, in fact, end up getting a job here which is why I decided to write about it today.

Food and Fun. There are MANY restaurants throughout Las Colinas. You typical Fast Food chains, like In-N-Out Burger, can mostly be found up and down MacArthur Blvd.

It seems that much of the real attraction is found around Lake Carolyn. In order to keep up with events you can check out their Twitter Feed @LasColinasTex or Facebook.Com/LasColinasTex.

The APT People Mover - Unique Travel

I haven't used it yet, but I found the APT System intriguing. It is a people mover on a raised rail, akin to the Disney Monorail. (Special Thanks to Walt Disney for having this vision!)

It moves from

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/0/0b/Las_Colinas_APT.jpg

http://www.dart.org/riding/stations/lascolinasaptsystem.asp

http://youtu.be/KtABnF158Gg

Cost

Living In Las Colinas could range from affordable to expensive. They have Apartments and Lofts for those on a budget. They have private Country Clubs for those with a bit more expendable income.

Dining In Las Colinas again, could range. They have everything from In-N-Out Burger and McDonalds to the Cool River Cafe (Fine Dining). Check Out Urban Spoons "Irving Romantic Restaurants" list and/or Yelp for more ideas.

Kids

I haven't done this yet... But my kids used to love the Disney Monorail. I'm thinking of taking a trip on the Free APT just for fun, and then doing some more exploring.

Tips to enjoy it better...

There is one thing I can tell you now. Use GPS! I've been turned around nearly every time I came here, thinking I was headed north and I was going east, etc, etc.

The 161 and 114 both got a bit confusing too because they are turning direction right through the area. So take your GPS with you, or a GOOD up to date map.

Final Thoughts

This is an area you could live, work, eat, play. If there was ONE are that everything you needed, and quick access through two freeways to the other places you want to go, this would be it. If I wasn't already a home owner I'd consider this area myself.

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Happy Star Wars Day! May the 4th be with you!

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Today is May 4th. And it's Star Wars Day!

For those of you who are a little slow on uptake with this one; say:
May the Force
Now say:
May the 4th
Aha! I get it!

Sea Life Aquarium Grapevine, Texas

Sunday, April 6, 2014

Sea Life Aquarium

Grapevine, Texas

See On Yelp (Click Here)

Rating (5 Being the Best)

Sea Life Aquarium Sea Stars Attribution DarrellWolfe.Com

Overview

Sea Life Aquarium is small, but a great place of wonder. I used to go between jobs and just sit in the shark tunnel and gaze at the awe inspiring world under the sea.

It's built as a tour type facility. You go into a circular room where a school of silver fish swim around and around you. You are directed on through other exhibits. The highlights are the Ray Tank and the Shark Tunnel. You are 17-19 feet under water in the shark tunnel. Surrounded by fish, rays, sharks, and yes a even a turtle.

You move on to see Jelly Fish, Sea Horses, a fresh water local fish exhibit, and then you end with a touch tank and playground upstairs.

There is also a new interactive video game on the wall near the NEMO and DORI tank. (At least that's what we call it when we pass by).

Before you leave, stop by the on going video room. Adults can sit and kids can see real stories about the rescues they've seen there.

As a man who has a piece of me that misses the California Beaches, it's a great place to visit, and visit as often as I'm near.

Cost

Costs can change CLICK HERE for ticket prices. It's not that expensive, but as I feel with most of these places it's better to get the annual pass unless you are just in town visiting. This makes a great place to visit often.

Kids

The kids REALLY enjoy coming, they especially enjoy the two viewing areas in the big tank, the kids area to climb under the walkway and see inside the ray tank. They also enjoy the rescued turtle tank.

Tips to enjoy it better...

Get the annual pass if you are looking for a fun place to spend a few hours a few times a year.
ONLINE PRICES ARE LOWER, but your tickets/passes online.
It's not big, but it is bigger than you'd think from a place inside a mall. It's packed with fun places to sit and be in awe.

Photos

Sea Life Aquarium Attribution DarrellWolfe.Com

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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16 CFR, Part 255 Disclosure

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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Pirch Kitchen.Bath.Outdoor.Joy.

Northpark Center (Mall) in North Dallas Texas.

Overview

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

Final Thoughts

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Uptown Popcorn

Northpark Mall, North Dallas, Texas

Overview

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

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Truthical - The Role Is Yours (Musical)

+GatewayPeople Gateway Church, Southlake Texas

Overview

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

Final Thoughts

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History: Grocery Turned Burger Joint

The Burger

Sides

Cost

Tips

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Whataburger

Las Colinas - 2900 N Airfield Dr.

Rating (5 Being the Best)

In Full Disclosure

Overview

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

Final Thoughts

Tradition - In case the owners ever read this.

A Special Thanks!

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Overview

The APT People Mover - Unique Travel

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

Final Thoughts

Life In Fort Worth By Darrell Wolfe

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Grapevine, Texas

Rating (5 Being the Best)

Overview

Cost

Kids

Tips to enjoy it better...

Photos

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