The Little Ranch of the Hills

I work in an area of Irving, called Las Colinas.  I think it's a pretty nice part of the DFW.  Here are a few pictures.  Hope you think so too.

The Mustangs of Las Colinas

You can take a gondola ride.

Walk along the lake

You can walk along the canal

The building where I work

The lobby

The elevators.  I work on the fifth floor.

The view from my window

 Irving, TX





The Stand

The Stand is basically a hot dog joint. Which in and of itself, doesn't really amaze me.  When it comes to hot dogs, my tastes are pretty simple.  I usually prefer a regular store bought hot dog cooked on the grill and  topped with sauerkraut and mustard.  Nothing fancy, but tasty. 

In fact, the only thing that attracted me to this place was the decor.  They managed to saw an Airstream in half and use one as the order counter and the other as the drink counter.  Cool idea, giving a food truck vibe indoors.  I'm always in the mood for eateries with a cool feel, even if the food doesn't always live up to the ambiance.  Can anyone say Rainforest Cafe?

I decided to get the Chicago styled corn dog.  It was a Nathan's beef frank dipped in this kinda sweet, honey batter.  I was hoping that it would be just as good as the corn dogs that I get at the fair.  I don't know where fair vendors get their corn dogs or what they use to make them, but I'm sure it involves angels, fairies, leprechauns, or any happy thing that grants wishes. They are just that good!  The corn dog I ordered, .........not so much.  It wasn't bad.  It just wasn't great.  I'm not a fan of Nathan's hot dogs.  They have a taste and texture that I can't get into.

My tater tots on the other hand was outstanding.  I scarfed those down fast.  They were hot and fresh, and covered with a special seasoning that the manager called Magic Dust.  See?  Angels, fairies, leprechauns......?

Overall, it wasn't a bad experience.  In addition to hot dogs, The Stand also offers hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and chicken wings.  For that, I think it deserves a second chance. I'm sure there is something on the menu that is just as magical as those tater tots.

Taste of Thai

Not every culinary gem can be found in some upscale part of town.  This place, Taste of Thai, is located in an unassuming strip mall in Arlington, not far from where I live. 

When I came down here to visit Kristin and Kevin back in April of last year, they took me to this place.  Thai happens to be one of my all time favorite ethnic food and this place certainly did not disappoint.  Now that I have moved here, I have to priviledge of visiting as many times as I want.

On this particular visit,  I got what I usually get, the garlic and pepper chicken with a bowl of rice and a bottle of Singha.  It is a simple dish of just chicken, cabbage, carrots, and broccoli.  The sauce is what makes this dish so amazing though.  Mix the rice into it, and it makes a hearty meal.  My meal is also served with a small bowl of salad topped with a kind slightly sweet, peanutty dressing.  Not my favorite but it is good. 

Garlic and Pepper Chicken

The best part about places like these is that they are hardly packed.  I'm usually the only one in there when I go so I never have a wait.  I can enjoy my meal in relative quiet with the soft strains of Thai music playing in the background. Win win.