Dallas, Texas

We go to the greater DFW area often but hardly ever, actually never have I ventured there without Colin so to celebrate my birthday, I treated myself to a weekend in the Big D!  I was excited to eat at restaurants of my choice and hang out at a couple of museums too without having to hear, "how much longer are we going to be here?"  I was really excited about staying at the Hilton Anatole; the executive lounge, the fitness center, just hanging out and being l-a-z-y!  Oh and the food . . . so here is a recap of a weekend of fun and a lot of calories!  Pecan Lodge in Deep Ellum . . . for some oh so yummy food!  Hey, if the line is out the door, it has to be good right?  The line moved quickly and I thought I knew what I wanted but every table we passed had what they called "The Hot Mess" and I just had to try one too . . .

That is a jumbo sea salt-crusted sweet potato, shredded brisket, chipotle cream, cheese, butter & green onions . . . I barely put a dent in the thing but it was good.  Oh and I also had a side of Mac 'N Cheese . . . with green chilies and bacon too!  As if I wasn't already stuffed, I also topped it off with a Texas Tumbleweed Cookie; oh my was it yummy; peanut butter cookie with chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, and pretzel pieces.

It is no secret that I miss life in Germany and the food too.  So after a little internet research decided to give Bavarian Grill in Plano a visit.  Now I have not had much 'German' food in America that tasted like German food but this place was really good.  The waiter brought the Mittags Karte (lunch menu) and I almost just passed out . . . I was so excited and hopeful this would be amazing!  I ordered the Rahm Schnitzel mit spatzle und gemischtem salat.  They had me at the salad . . .

Oh my goodness it is such a German salad with no lettuce!  I was on cloud nine and well that is the only photo I took because as soon as the schnitzel arrived; it was gone!  The spatlze was awesome!  For so many years the Sims lived close to this place; why had I not ever been?  I will be back!  I often have on the Food Network and one day I saw them at a Neapolitan pizza place called Cane Rosso also located in Deep Ellum so on the list it went too!  The waiter twisted my arm to order the pizza that was featured on the show; Diners, Drive-In, and Dives . . .

. . . it is called the Delia . . . spicy bacon marmalade, roasted grape tomatoes, arugula, with house-made mozzarella . . . oh my that bacon marmalade was amazing!  By this point I swear I have gained several pounds but had one more meal before heading south . . .

. . . I just love In-N-Out Burger . . . we now have one in our town but haven't tried it yet.  This was the first time I have eaten at an In-N-Out in Texas . . . it is usually a California or Arizona treat!  Oh and all these meals took place over a two day period!  So now to what I did . . . places that Colin isn't interested in going . . . museums!  Finally made it to the George W. Bush Presidential Library . . .

A beam from one of the Twin Tours on 9-11 . . .

. . . and the infamous 'hanging chads' from the 2000 election . . .

. . . Oval Office . . .

. . . and to the 6th Floor Museum (no photos inside) too!

. . . it is sort of sad and powerful to stand there and know that the President was shot near that x on the street.  Both museums were good.  I really was fascinated by the 6th Floor Museum . . . really good!  The Bush Library was good too and really different than the other Presidential Museums I have visited.  It was nice to see the personal side of President Bush and his family.  Both were worth the visit.  It was a great weekend but the food was the best part . . . well and the relaxing too!  A great way to celebrate my 42nd birthday.