Around Town ~ Ol' Mad

Change can sometimes be difficult to handle but it can also have many rewards.  The changes that have transpired over time at the old Ice House have been transformative.  From a fledgling brewery, creating and brewing a variety of beers to opening their doors to welcome food vendors.  The change has been a time of transition and so worth the wait.  

Ol’ Mad is a wonderful stop for anyone looking to experience food in a creative and tasteful way, for Sulphur Springs.  No one around town has the same menu and features that Ol’ Mad brings to the table.  With the use of as many local products as possible, sustainability and quality are at the top of the list for Chef John at Ol’ Mad.  John brings his culinary skills and creativity from the West Coast, to help challenge your pallet at every bite.

Ol’ Mad is currently located in the same building where Backstory Brewery found its start, at 211 Magnolia Street in Sulphur Springs, their location is primed and ready for the growth that the city has planned for downtown.  While they are closed on Monday and have only dinner service from 4 p.m. - 9 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday, you can find their doors fully open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, with brunch service on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Who could be sad about food now being offered at the brewery location, after all who doesn’t want a little bit to eat when consuming small batch beer.  Have you been wondering like I have where the name comes from, well we found out so that you could know.  Ol’ Mad, in Danish roughly means “Beer Food.” The restaurant is aptly named, since the main focus of the building is to still brew beer.

Since its inception, Backstory Brewery had the goal of reaching consumers beyond the county line, and so you can find their cans in select stores across North Texas.  Don’t forget you can still take home your favorite beer in a growler or if you happen to be out of town and want to share with your friends be sure to look for them at the store.  You never know what you might discover.  But while you dine be sure to grab a pint of your favorite or try one of their signature cocktails with your meal. 

Ol’ Mad is more than just a restaurant, they host and cater events on or off site.  I’ve even heard that the Freedom Ball will be held there in November.  I can’t wait to see what they serve up for their guests.  If you have a special occasion coming up and need some delicious and creative food, be sure to check out their menu to see what they can cook up for you.  

If you haven’t been in to try their food, be sure to do so soon.  We hope to stop in for brunch soon to experience a “brewery brunch”, and possibly a house made Bloody Mary.  You know the choices are good when the chef stated that he eats their burger almost everyday, so that has to be a top choice, as well as their short ribs or pork belly. 

Experience something new at Ol’ Mad and you just might find your next favorite place to eat in town.  The chairs have been upgraded and the atmosphere is perfect for gathering friends, or a quiet evening with your special someone.  We hope you give Ol’ Mad a try, you won’t be disappointed.

Around Town ~ Villa Del Mar

 

        Time flies when you are having fun and that can’t be more true when owning a restaurant.  A new Mexican food restaurant opened just last September and we finally made our way over to check out Villa Del Mar.  Located at 326 Industrial Drive E, Sulphur Springs, and open Sunday - Thursday from 11 am - 10 pm, and Friday - Saturday from 11 am - 11 pm.  On special event  nights they are open later.  Of course, you can hop in for happy hour from 2-6 pm during the week and grab a drink.

Diego and I chatted for a bit before the evening rush to find out what the best dishes are and when the musical talent will be arriving next.  If you have not been inside the building in a while, there is a raised platform towards the front that allows for bands to come and perform.  This Saturday is when they will next have a live band, performing from 8 pm - 12 am.  And then a mariachi band will play on Saturday, February 14.  This Saturday, come and see Pilotos Del Triangulo, no cover fee, order some food and drinks and enjoy the music.  

Villa Del Mar is not your typical Tex-Mex, while they do have some crowd favorites on the menu their focus is more seafood, with that great Mexican flavor.  Think Coastal Mexico, with a variety of seafood choices to fill your plate and your tummy.  By far the favorite dish at the restaurant is their seafood tostadas.  Three fried corn tortillas, topped with a variety of items including some seafood favorites.  The other crowd favorite is molcajete, and their seafood option is the most selected one.  A bowl filled with octopus, shrimp, a delicious sauce and so much flavor.  

Of course I should have asked about the favorites before we ordered but what we ordered was just as delicious.  Shrimp nachos, chicken enchiladas, full shrimp dish and a brisket dish that had a great kick.  If spice isn’t your thing, be sure to ask if you can have your dish a little bit milder, even my spice loving group, was looking for their water glass.  

If water is not your beverage of choice, Villa Del Mar offers a full bar with plenty of beers on tap or in the bottle.  Customize your drink with specialty tequila or grab one to sip on during your meal.  Or ask for some classic mixed drinks such as a Paloma or house made Margarita. You will not be disappointed with your choice. 

We hope that you will stop in and visit Villa Del Mar soon and discover Mexican food from the ocean is just as delicious as that from Texas.  No matter if you are there for just a meal or to enjoy the band, you won’t go wrong with a visit.