All Good Cafe. I Have Found the Perfect Pancake!

 

 

All Good Cafe is located in a hip part of town called Deep Ellum, which is located just east of downtown. I never get tired of getting out of my car and walking down the street and seeing that beautiful Dallas skyline just blocks away.  It's an awesome back drop to a cool part of town.

 

This is my second time visiting All Good Cafe and the food lives up to it's namesake. In fact, it was voted one of the twenty best places to eat breakfast in Dallas by D Magazine.  Does that mean something?  Probably not, but who cares? 

 

As I mentioned before, you can always judge a place by how well they handle simple familiar dishes, so I didn't break any new ground when ordering my meal.  I kept it simple and ordered two eggs over medium, bacon, pancakes and a side of oven roasted potatoes.

 

 

Now no offense to IHOP but as far as pancakes go, this place trumps anything they have to offer.  I love pancakes!  And not just strictly as a morning food.  I love places that serve breakfast 24/7 so if I can have it for dinner, I would.

 

Now I don't know what kind of batter they use, but I am sure it came from a magical land of unicorns, elves, and wizards.  They were moist, fluffy, and didn't soak up my syrup like parched dessert earth.  My eggs were cooked to order, the potatoes were full of flavor, and the bacon was crunchy, which is just the way I like it.  Nothing worse than biting into bacon and feeling like I am chewing on rubber bands.

 

Music is the overarching theme of the restaurant.  Since All Good has a stage and bands can play there at night, signed posters from bands and musicians dot the walls.  They have a stereo playing which is surrounded by stacks of CD's.  The most unique feature is the many folded paper butterflies and birds that hang from the ceiling.  This origamic explosion was actually left over from a wedding and I guess they thought it was cool and decided to keep them.  Good idea, in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

Once again, I have come across another gem in the Dallas food scene.  But it doesn't shine because the food is entirely unique, cutting edge, or avant garde.  They just take what you know and make it right.  That's good enough for me to keep coming back.  Of course, I think that would be good enough for anyone.

 



All Good Cafe

One Year Anniversary

It’s hard to believe that one year ago, I made the transition from Kentucky to Texas.  My move to the DFW has been one of the most challenging and most rewarding decisions I have ever made.  To mark this milestone, I thought I would catch everyone up with what has been going on with me lately. 

As most people probably know, I am a full time employee with a company called Health Management Systems.  We are one of the leading companies in the healthcare industry providing innovative cost containment solutions that benefit government and commercial healthcare programs.

I am currently working on the New York project.  I do asset research and recovery for the state’s Medicaid program in estate cases.  Some people may find it dreary or depressing what I do, since all the clients I work with are deceased, but it is actually very challenging work.  I actually didn’t go to school for any of this stuff either.  I went to school to for medical coding which required an understanding of anatomy, physiology, and pathologies.  Since my clients are dead, I guess it doesn’t matter if I know my radius from an ulna.  (Long bones in your forearm.)

My position requires a lot of research for each individual case.  I mostly spend my day surfing the web reading obituaries, researching deeds to property, identifying nursing facilities, and talking to attorneys and family members on the phone.  This is the hardest part since I have virtually no understanding of New York’s law regarding estates and probate.  In the end I walk away feeling satisfied I did the best I could.  Especially when those reimbursements come in.  There’s nothing I like more than to see that message that reads, PAYMENT RECEIVED.

Three months ago, I move out of Kevin and Kristin’s house and got a place of my own.  I moved to North Dallas to an apartment complex called Nantucket Landing.  It’s a small one bedroom, but adequate enough to meet my needs.  It’s just me here.

Though I am happy to have my own place, living here has not been without its frustration and challenges.  When I moved in my apartment has some issues, and needless to say, management was rather unresponsive.  Eventually all my problems were taken care of and things have improved some around here.  Plus I think my apartment complex came under new management, and everyone that worked here when I moved in got fired.

When I moved in, I had virtually nothing.  Thanks to the donations or friends, and my parents, my place feels more like a home.  I actually don’t know where I’d be without all their help.

Church is going well.  I love Watermark.  I have managed to make a couple of good friends since I have been here this past year. 

Thanks to my friend, David, I have joined a group called 2^nd Saturday, which meets in the west end of Dallas, fixing up homes and doing community project for low income families.  It is a fantastic way to spend a Saturday, ministering to these people, fellowshipping and making new friends.

Since I have been at Watermark for about a year, I am exploring ministries I can be a part of in the church.  I contacted a ministry at Watermark called Frontlines, which is the greeting ministry there.  I volunteered to help set up in the morning and serve lunch after the 11 o’clock service.  No one has responded yet.  We’ll see where that goes.  I did look into drama at Watermark but my church is rather light in that department.

All in all, I am enjoying my time here.  I have the privilege of working for a great company, working with great coworkers, going to a good church, and forming new relationships with awesome people. 

I know I have slacked a lot on the restaurant reviews.  Since I have moved out, my finances have gotten a little tighter.  I know that new burger joint may look good, but so does paying the rent.  Hopefully soon, now that I am full time and my health insurance benefits have kicked, I can get a better grasp of my financial situation and get back to doing what I do so well…..EAT!  Until next time……

I've Been Slacking On the Blog

I know that I haven't been writing my blog with regular frequency.  That's the beauty and curse of having a job now.  Before, I had plenty of time to see the sights, drive around town, and eat wherever in between job hunting.  Now that I am employed, not so much.  That's ok however.  If anything, it is an indication that I am settling comfortably in my new state.

My job is going well.  I currently do Medicaid recovery for the state of New York.  I say currently because in the few short months I have been there, this is my third position.  Soon I will be hired on permanently and will get to enjoy all the benefits of an HMS employee, like an actual cubicle and not a fold out table for a desk.  I understand their health insurance is pretty reasonable, as well.

I am in the process now of looking for a place of my own to live.  I've been looking in the north Dallas area for a reasonable one bedroom apartment.  I want to find some place that is located between work and where I go to church.  Kristin and I went browsing for things for my apartment and I started to get really excited.  I'm looking forward to getting my own space.

Church is going well.  Every passing Sunday only deepens my love for Watermark.  I am meeting new people and making new friends.  I enjoy the guys in my community group and look forward to hanging with them and getting to know them better. 

Hopefully, one day, life will slow down enough for me to catch my rhythm and find time to write more often.  I have barely scratched the surface of the DFW's culinary offerings and I'm sure my waistline could stand to expand a little more.

As far as touristy things go, there's still plenty to do, with all the museums, arboretums, zoos, and shows around town.  Not to mention outdoor adventures with all the numerous lakes around here.  Then once, I have worn out Dallas, there's still Austin, San Antonio, and Houston.  I'd say I'll be writing this blog for quite some time to come.

Cowboys Stadium

The mothership has landed

On April 28th the Dallas Opera presented Mozart's last opera, The Magic Flute.  It was performed at the Winspear Opera House in Dallas and simulcast at Cowboys Stadium.  The performance was a resounding success with over 15,000 people in attendence.  I think it helped that tickets to the performance were free, or that it was shown on the largest high definition television screen in the world.  Maybe it was just the novelty of munching on nachos and drinking a Budwieser while enjoying high brow entertainment.

Much like my experience at Rangers Ballpark, I walked into the stadium with the awe of a little kid, blown away by the sheer size of the place. With a seating capacity of over 80,000 people, Cowboys Stadium is huge!

Since I've moved here, it was one of my goals to visit.  I especially wanted to see the ginormous television screens, but going for a game can be a little expensive, especially if you want to park at the stadium.  This event was perfect because it was free all the way around.  There was no way I was going to miss this opportunity.

The Magic Flute was an awesome performance.  Sung in German with English subtitles, it was a comedic story of love and the triumph of reason over darkness and superstition. A screen the size of two basketball courts is the perfect way to enjoy opera.  I'm just wondering where I can get a television that big.  It might be a little pricey, so I'll have to save up for it.

Cowboys Stadium

Rangers Ballpark in Arlington

I've never really cared for baseball.  Especially on television.  Not as bad as watching golf on television, which is an insufferably awful experience, but still dull anyway.  Strangely enough, for America's favorite pastime, there's not a whole lot going on unless someone hits a ball, or a pitcher hits a batter with a ball, then the batter gets mad and rushes the pitcher, then both teams come out onto the field and every body is hitting each other.  Probably won't see anything like that on the Golf Channel.

There is something to be said for going and seeing a game live, however, and experiencing this all American fun in person.  Recently I had the wonderful opportunity to do just that.  One of my friends had a couple tickets to a Texas Rangers game that he couldn't use so he offered them to me and my friend, Kevin.

The Texas Rangers play out of Rangers Ballpark in Arlington, which is a short drive from my house.  It is a beautiful brick and metal structure with reliefs of stars and cow heads on the sides of the building. It sits adjacent a public park and is a stones throw away from Cowboy Stadium.  And not far from there is Six Flags over Texas. 

As we walked closer to the ballpark, I felt my excitement level start to rise.  This was my first major league baseball experience, and like a kid, I stood in awe as we enter the home plate entrance, and walked the ramp into the stadium.  I looked around blown away by the size of the ballpark and the 44 thousand other fans that attended that night.

Me, Kevin, and Liam took the escalators up to the third level to our seats.  Even though we were high up, they were not bad seats at all.  We sat directly behind the home plate and had a good view of all the action on the field.  It was exciting from our vantage point to watch Josh Hamilton and Mike Napoli in action.  Plus it was the debut of the Rangers new pitcher, Yu Darvish, who is currently burning it up on the pitchers mound.

Of course, what would this all American fun be without ballpark food?  After we got out seats, I went to get me and Kevin something to eat.  I got two hot dogs, two fries, and two cokes for 28 bucks.  Kinda steep, but that was to be expected.

We stayed until the seventh inning.  By that time it was getting close to ten o'clock and it was past Liam's bed time.  The Rangers were already well ahead and were in no danger of losing to the Seattle Mariners, which was who they were playing that night.  And the fact that they were ahead only added to the awesomeness of the experience.  My first pro baseball game, and the team I went to root for, won!

I may not be baseball's biggest fan, but this truly was a fun experience, and I can't wait to attend more games. Next time however, I need to look more the part.  I'll need to get a Rangers ball cap or a Rangers shirt.  I'm think something with Napoli on the back.

You're never too young to be a Rangers fan

Torchy's Tacos

I know tacos is in the name but Torchy's Tacos is not your typical fake and fast Mexican joint. The quality and inventiveness of the food is definitely a notch above the rest.  It is a grand fusion of flavor explosions with a South-of-the-border flare served open faced on a corn or flour tortilla shell.  But it doesn't just end there.  The main ingredient is LOVE!

I have eaten here three times and each time it just keeps getting better and better.  The menu is simple.  Torchy's doesn't bother to bog you down with a wide variety of choices.  The limited menu works out great for the ADD crowd or those whose breadth of daily reading may consist of tweets or status updates.  Not a lot to work with, but what they have is absolutely scrumptious

Usually when I go I just get two tacos, which aren't very big but are filling and make a decent lunch.  On my last visit I got the Trailer Park, which was fried chicken, green chilies, lettuce, pico de gallo, and cheese on a flour tortilla.  I got mine trashy so they took off the lettuce and added the queso.  I almost saw a heavenly light shine down on it. 

I also got The Crossroads.  Smoked beef brisket with grilled onions, jalapenos, cilantro, jack cheese, a slice of avacodo, and tomatillo sauce.  I think I heard a choir sing when they brought it out to me.

My two tacos were outstanding, which has been the consistent trajectory of this place every time I've visited.  It's a winning formula that would work just about any where and with any type of food.  Make it simple and make it good.  I believe that Torchy's has accomplished those goals.

The Trailer Park and The Crossroads

Torchy's Tacos

The Things We Leave Behind, Part 3.

Bardstown Road

Like most cities there is that one street or neighborhood where all the elements of counter culture seem to coalesce.  It is a place for one-of-a-kind shops, art galleries, locally owned restaurants, tattoo parlors galore, and coffee shops. The people who live around there are a diverse mix. You have the out-of-towners, the curious, the old hipsters, the wannabe hipsters, the earth worshipers, the partiers, the homeless, the young, the old, the occasional insane person, the street preachers, and the city dwellers who mistake their snobbery for urban sophistication.  Bardstown Road is such a place and for two and half years of my life living off Bardstown, it was the best time of my life.

I believe that I was first exposed the wonders of Bardstown in my early twenties.  Some friends of mine told me about a coffee house called Twice Told.  Before then I wasn't much of a coffee drinker, but I quickly acquired a taste for it.

Twice Told was one of those places that looked like it was put together on a shoe string budget.  I remember it being gritty with tables and chairs that they some how manage to get where ever they could.  They had a seating area in the front with the coffee bar and there was a back room with a small stage for shows and open mike night.  It was like a local dive bar, but without the alcohol.  I loved it!

Over the following years, Bardstown Road became my stomping ground.  I would visit there at least twice during the week and almost every weekend.  I would stay out until all hours of the night.  My best Bardstown experience came when I moved to the Highlands in 1998 and I lived there for over two years.

Many businesses and restaurants came and went over the years, but there were several that stood out.  There was Boombozz Pizza, a local chain that served the best pizza in town.  The Bristol, which was a great place to to have dessert late in the evening. Carmichael's, an outstanding local independent bookstore.  Ramsi's Cafe on the World, which is my favorite restaurant in Louisville. Day's Coffee, Graeter's ice cream, Heine Brothers, Kizito cookies, Kashmir, O'Shea's, The Outlook Inn, and finally, Flanagan's, where I discovered the wonders of Magic Hat #9, the best beer in the world.



Clay and Cotton

The Bristol

Ramsi's Cafe on the World.  My favorite restuarant in Louisville.

Carmichael's Bookstore

La Bamba. Burritos as big as your head

Wick's Pizza

Kashmir. The best Indian in town.

The corner of Eastern and Bardstown.

Cafe 360

Great pizza at Za's

I know that as big as the DFW is, there are plenty of unique shops and restaurants.  In the six months I've been here, I've experienced my share. Nothing beats Bardstown Road, however.  It was the place for good food, great coffee, the best people watching, and the best years of my life.

Cafe Brazil

I am immobilized by choices.  I enjoy variety, but when my options are extensive, I have a hard time making up my mind.  Thankfully Cafe Brazil helped me narrow my focus within their large selection. I naturally gravitate to the breakfast portion of the menu if I know the restaurant serves it all day. French Toast for dinner?  What could beat that?

My buddy, Patrik, decided to take me to this place after church.  It is a chain of restaurants that was started in Dallas and is exclusive to the DFW.  We went to one near SMU, which I am told, was one of the good ones.

I'm so glad I went.  I got the chilaquilas, which were scrambled eggs, tomatillo sauce, onions, jack cheese, tortilla chips and pulled chicken, served with black beans, sour cream and grilled sliced tomatoes.  Since tomatoes are of Satan and the black beans smelled like armpit, I didn't eat those but the rest of my lunch was amazing!  And though I was thoroughly satisfied with my meal, I did happen to notice a french toast dish topped with fruit, creme anglaise(whatever that is), raspberry sauce, and walnuts, that someone else had ordered.  I know what I am getting next time I go.  And there will be a next time.

My chicken chilaquiles

If you want coffee, they offer a coffee bar with a selection of different blends.  I like the idea.  You never have to wait for the server to come back around and get you a refill, but I found there coffee a little watered down.  Next time I might stick with just water or get a darker blend.

My buddy, Patrik

The Coffee Bar

My first visit to Cafe Brazil was a great one, and I really appreciate my friend for treating me to this place.  I am looking forward to going back again hopefully in the not so distant future.  That french toast is calling me.

Cafe Brazil

Freeb!rds

I know this place is a chain.  They have restaurants all over Texas and in California, so this place I visited is not unique in the world of fast, fake Mexican joints.  It's concept is not unique either.  Freebirds is a burrito restaurant along the lines of Chipotle or Qdoba.  And as far as quality and taste goes, on a continuum where Chipotle is absolute crap and Qdoba is awesome, Freebirds falls someone where in between.

I got a naked chicken burrito with rice, beans, salsa verde, lettuce and LOTS of cheese.  That is the extant to which I will bore you with what I ate.  I could basically get that anywhere so I wasn't breaking any new ground.  What made Freebirds stand out to me was the decor and vibe of the place.  Unlike Chipotle(yuck!) or Qdoba, with their minimalist interiors, this particular Freebirds had a hip, 60's, Easy Rider motif going on.  It was fun.  The coolest aspect was that people would take the foil the burrito came wrapped in and sculpt a little piece of art.  There are pieces of this foil art all over the restaurant.  Since I order a naked burrito, I got a styrofoam bowl.  Not much I could do with that.

Anyway, in the realm of fake, Mexican places, Freebirds is nothing to shout from the rooftops about.  Good food, but it a chain none the less.  It's not a place for the out of towner, but for the locals.  The regulars who live here(like me now), who are hungry, but are used to seeing these constants on every street corner or strip mall.

FREEB!RDS