Let's Eat ~ Redneck Bar and Grill

 

    I feel like only in East Texas or somewhere in the South would you have a restaurant named Redneck Bar and Grill.  The restaurant's reputation lives up to its name and serves steak, chicken or fish smothered in a gravy or grilled.  

    Redneck is a great downtown dining experience if you are looking for large portions that will fill you up and make your taste buds water in anticipation of what to expect in your dining experience.  We often ask our guests who stay with us at The Oaks, what they want for dinner and direct them to the right options.  Never has anyone come away from Redneck disappointed.  

    In our last visit into Redneck, we both ordered a salad with steak or tuna as our protein option.  Maybe not the best option, for dining at Redneck but both meats were cooked to order and met our expectations. I would have liked the addition of a mixed lettuce selection rather than only iceberg, for a good quality salad.  

    All the other offerings are just what people would expect.  Top Sirloin cooked to your desired finish, smothered hamburger steak, or grilled chicken.  Daily specials are served anytime a patron desires that option.  For example one guest ordered a Risky Chicken, which is a grilled chicken covered in sautéed mushrooms, onions and swiss cheese.  A definite pleasure for the taste buds.

    Redneck also offers a variety of bar drinks, for their patrons to enjoy.  There is a good selection of beer and wine options as well for those who don't want to mix it up.  Since portions are so large they only offer plain cheese cake for dessert.  However, they encourage patrons who want something a little sweet, to walk around the corner to another local option, the Magic Scoop.  

    If you are in need of a space for a larger group event, Redneck has a semi private room available for those functions to utilize as well.  Call ahead and make sure it's available for your special occasion.  Be sure to stop in for lunch or dinner the next time you are downtown.

Scarborough Renaissance Fair

     

    We are taking a little detour this week and checking out the Scarborough Renaissance Festival in Waxahachie, Texas.  The festival runs April - May on the weekends and is fun for the whole family.  No need to wear a costume but if you have one please feel free to wear one.  We personally love to dress up and participate in that small way when visiting the faire.  

    Tickets for faire entry can be purchased at the gate or on-line from their website. Be sure to bring a mix of cash and credit cards, some vendors take only cash but many more are moving towards credit cards as well.  Plus it's always nice to have a few dollar bills for tipping the entertainers and food vendors at the end of a show or purchase.  

    Enter the realm of mid-century England, where there are knights, ladies and pirates abound.  Explore the artisans who have created hand made items for your purchase.  Watch a show about a juggler, a falconer, or a pincushion.  The Renaissance festival is never short on entertainment.  

    One of the best parts about the faire is to see all the costume and just people watch.  It's worth the price of admission to see the creativity and detail people take into creating a costume that fits the desired character they want to display.  Wood sprites, lords and ladies, pirates, and commoners.  Over the years the period costumes have changed to add in more mythological creatures, different fantasy genres, and more as people create costumes that are no longer just medieval in time frame.  

    If people watching is not enough entertainment you can enjoy a sword fight.  There is always a part of the faire where someone is attacking someone else with a sword.  Do not worry no one is harmed in this sword play.   There are foam swords for the kids to try, plastic swords with leather armor and of course, metal swords and armor carried by the actors and used to "play" out a scene for your entrainment.  So pick your poison and enjoy a round or two with your friends and family.  Take out some of your frustration on them in the form of sword play.  

    After you have taken your frustration out on your family or friends, pull up a bench and watch a show.  There are many to choose from and it's a come and go type of participation.  You can come in late and catch up to the display or plan your arrival and watch the show from the start.  Be sure to tip your artist before leaving, it's how they make their money.  You can plan your day based on what show you want to see or just wander around and find someone to enjoy.  

    As you wander be sure to stop in to the artesian booths to find something to take home.  There is something for everyone at the faire.  Add a part to your costume or buy a whole new one.  Hats, jewelry and armor of all kinds.  Leather, metal and cloth to cover or uncover a person as they desire.  There are toys to purchase as well, such as swords, bows and arrows and juggling sticks.  Add to your ladies hair style by purchasing a crown of flowers or having one of the hair braiding booths create a hair style for you.  Face painting and henna art are available as well.  There is something for everyone at the faire.  

   

If you are not interested in bringing home items to keep, there is always the food to enjoy while at the faire.  Turkey legs are still probably the number one seller at the faire, be sure to stop by and grab one.  You can almost travel the world just by food; gyros, crepes and fried items are available.  I really feel like that the faire has come a long way in offering a better variety of food to patrons who might not want to eat meat or have allergies.  There is something for everyone to enjoy, including fresh fruit and sweet roasted nuts.  

    You can't forget the drinks.  Most vendors offer some type of bottled drink, but there are also booths that will sell beer, wine and mead.  Save your bottles from water or fruit juice to refill from water fountains stationed around the park.  Since the faire is during months that can be hot, be sure to stay hydrated and move around to shaded areas.  First aid is available on site, but no one wants to have to use their services, for dehydration or heat exhaustion if they don't have to.  

    You can't forget the games.  Try your hand at archery, "jousting," ax or dagger throwing, and there are plenty of games for kids.  As well as rides, such as swings, rock climbing, pony, camel, or elephant rides, and more.  The entertainment goes one depending upon what you want to experience.  The atmosphere is truly like a festival every weekend in a mid-century village.  

    We hope that you will take a trip to Waxahachie and explore the Scarborough faire with your friends and family.  It is well worth the trip and such a fun adventure, that you do not want to miss.  Check out their website for more information on themed weekends so that you can find your favorite.  Plus they offer special food , and drink experiences as well, for advanced purchase.  Just one more way to enjoy the faire and gather memories that will last a life time.  

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Mint Julep

     

    May has just started and with the beginning of May comes three amazing sporting events the combined, entitled the Triple Crown.  In recognition of one, the Kentucky Derby, our herb infused cocktail this month is a mint julep. 

    The mint julep is now know as the staple drink for the Kentucky Derby but truly had it's start in the south as a morning drink.  The light and refreshing flavor of the mint combined with the bourbon helped to carry people through the day right from the start.

    This drink is truly simple to make.  With just three ingredients you can make this drink more about presentation, and let the taste speak for it's self.  The use of a copper or silver cup, helps to keep the drink cold long after the ice has melted. 

Mint Julep

8-10 Mint leaves, muddled

1/4 ounce simple syrup

2 ounces Bourbon

crushed ice

    Muddle your mint leaves in the bottom of a silver or copper cup.  Add in your crushed ice to the top of the container.  Pour over your simple syrup and bourbon.  Add in additional crushed ice, then garnish with mint leaves.  Enjoy!

    The simplicity of this drinks makes it even more enjoyable with a crowd while watching the fastest two minutes in sports go by, while cheering for your favorite horse.  We used Evan Williams for our drink, but you can use your favorite bourbon to mix this cold and refreshing beverage for your next event.  

    We hope to hear about how you mixed your drink.  Drop us a comment on here or social media and tell us your mixing journey.  As always please drink responsibly and have a designated driver.

Cheers! 

    

May Happenings

     Another month is almost upon us as the days keep flying by towards the summer.  At long last May holds so much fun for the whole family you will not want to miss a minute of the excitement. 

    We will start off with the North East Texas Choral Society's Spring Concert, May 7 and 8th at the High School Auditorium.  Come and hear the wonderful selection of music and the voices of your community in Endless Summer. 

    Don't forget to take in the annual Cinco De Mayo Celebration on the Square, Saturday, May 7.  This is a great time to find some delicious street food and is fun for the whole family.  

    If neither of these events is your cup of tea, be sure to check out the North East Texas Dressage Club and their show going on at the Hopkins County Civic Center.  Take in the amazing "dancing" skills of these horses as the make their way around the area.  

    Up next the Branded Ranch Rodeo will be in town on Saturday, May 14.  Come and check out the action, but watch out for the High Schoolers as they make their way to the dance floor for prom.  The Hunt County Horseman's Association will also be  hosting their monthly event at the Civic Center on Friday and Saturday May 13-14.

    VR Social will be hosting a moon viewing on Saturday, May 14. Grab your friends and head on over to see into space.

    On Thursday, May 18 VR Social will be having a glow bike ride.  Trick out your bike and join the fun with friends and ride through town with a glow.  

    On Saturday, May 21 The Spring Market opens on the Square.  The first market of the season is sure to be a great one.  With local finds of all kinds.  The Market will be every Saturday, until the end of Summer so be sure to check it out, when you visit Sulphur Springs.

    The Hopkins County Freedom ball is set to take place on Saturday, May 21 at the Hopkins County Civic Center.  Step out into the night and show your support for our local veteran community. 

    The USHR Roping Rally will also be held on Saturday, May 21.  Check out the roping skills from Cowboys all over the State at they compete to see who is the best in their arena.

    The Horseman Association of Texoma will also be hosting a show on May 21.  So there is no lack of "cowboy" action in town for May.  One might even say it will be better than the action we will see in the fall.

    The last week of May is filled with Graduation for the High School.  We wish all the best of luck to the Class of 2022 as they make their way across the stage and into the next phase of life.  No matter where they go, we  hope that they will all succeed. 

    Hill Production USA Roping will be on hand May 27-29 at the Civic center showing off their stuff.  Be sure to check out their program.  

    Sulphur Springs Center of dance will host their annual show on May 28-29.  Come see the hard work those kids have put in, as they showcase their talent.  

    

    

Let's Eat ~ Pacific Station

 

    If you have not yet been to Pacific Station while visiting or living in Sulphur Springs, then you are missing out.  They have some of the best Pacific style Mexican food in the state of Texas.  I would even say it might rival some local coastal towns in Mexico.  

    I took a group with me so we could have a variety of food to taste and enjoy when we made our stop at Backstory Brewery and Pacific Station.  Plus a lovely group of local bankers let me sneak photos of their food as well, to broaden our approach for choices.  

    A great starter if you plan to stay a while is the guacamole.  Fresh made, with home made chips, this guacamole is sure to make all avocado lovers rejoice.  It's nice and chunky, perfect for placing on those chips and devouring with a great beer.  

    Now comes the hard part, deciding what type of fish to enjoy.  The choices range from ceviche to whole fish.  Fried fish to grilled fish.  There is something for everyone to select from. We are really big fans of ceviche so we always order at least one of the options they have available.  

    The grilled tilapia is melt in your mouth delicious.  The seasoning and firmness of the fish is cooked just right, so it's not too dry but moist and delicious.

    What kind of Mexican dining experience would be complete without an option of tacos.  Fish tacos, shrimp taco and many more.  They each come with a choice of three, rice and sauce.  The homemade sauce really brings out the fish flavor. 

    If you are looking for a fried fish they have you covered.  The coconut fried shrimp is breaded and flavored just right.  The standard fried fish is well worth the wait for the time it might take to deep fry everything.  Finish it all off with some fries. 

    There are so many great choices on the menu that you could go everyday for a month and still not try it all.  Pair everything with a beer from the brewery, I'm sure they could help you come up with some amazing flavor combinations.  

    Pacific Station should absolutely be on your list for the next place to eat and drink.  Their food will not disappoint!

Travel East Texas ~ Mt. Pleasant

     

    This month in our Travel East Texas exploration, we stopped over in Mt. Pleasant, Texas for a swing around their downtown area to see what there is to do and explore, when visiting their city.  In 1993 Mount Pleasant was selected by the Texas Historical Commission to become an official Texas Main Street City, which is a designation in downtown to a nine block radius.  Mt. Pleasant boasts two large events during the year, the first ever Pinefest a celebration of outdoor recreation on April 28, and Boots and Bells a Christmas festival, held November 5 - December 23.  Through out the year, different organizations and the Chamber of Commerce also hold events for residents and visitors alike.    

    In our exploration downtown we found Laura's Cheesecake, and let us tell you, with the variety of cheesecake offered everyone in your group is sure to go home with or enjoy a tasty treat.  You can purchase cheesecake by the slice or a whole cake to eat and enjoy later.  They also offer a varied lunch menu for visitors with plenty of space in their seating area to find a spot to stop in for a meal.  

    Downtown also plays host to the court house of Titus County.  The court house sits in the center of downtown with the streets moving in a one way direction around the building.  The modern looking structure can't be missed when visiting downtown.

    As you make your way around downtown you can eat and shop for everyone on your list.  There are a variety of shops with a myriad of options to bring home with you on  your visit.  We popped into Seasons to check out what they had and just loved the variety in their store.  Plus they have a Christmas shop built right in so you can always find a new holiday décor item anytime of the year.  

    A few place to eat around downtown is Jo's and Nardello's, who happens to have a great alfresco dinning space on the side of their building.  One of our favorite places to eat happens to be off of the freeway, Thai Lanna's.  Their menu is varied and a great find for East Texas, for something a little different than Bar B Que or Tex-Mex.  Thai Lanna is always a great stop for lunch or dinner when in the area.  

    One of Mt. Pleasants real claim to fame beyond, Pilgrim's and Priefert is Sweet Shop USA.  A family owned and operated, handmade chocolatier with their factory and store serving over 7,000 retailers nationwide.  You definitely want to make the Sweet Shop one of your stops while in town to sample and purchase their delicious and mouthwatering chocolate to take back for friends and family, or maybe just as your midnight snack. 

Image from the Mt. Pleasant Chamber website

    If you are looking to explore and have a more mindful adventure, you should be sure to stop by the Mid America Flight Museum.  They are only opened on Saturday from 8-12, so plan your trip accordingly, but take flight with this location and learn about some amazing warbirds who made history in America.  

    There are plenty of things to occupy your day in Mt. Pleasant, and we hope that our little exploration can help you plan your trip.  We try to find the unique and fun experience for your travels.  Until next time travel safe and enjoy your visit.

Herb Infused Cocktail ~ Hugo Cocktail

    

    Our herb infused cocktail for this month is once again featuring St. Germain, an elderberry liquor, that is just so yummy we had to use it again.  The addition of mint, really helps to bring this drink to the top of the list for Spring time enjoyment.  We plan to make these drinks for our Easter dinner celebration later in the month. 

    I like the versatility of the Hugo Cocktail because you can make it to your taste.  If you want your drink to be a little sweeter then use a sparkling wine more in line with a Moscato.  Now if you prefer to let more of the sweetness come from the St. Germain then I would use a drier sparkling wine such as Gruet Brut NV.  This wine is made in New Mexico, but has roots in France, from where the family came from with the tradition of the Champagne families knowledge of creating sparkling wine.  The drier sparkling wine will really help to make the St. Germain flavors stand out in this drink.  Of course if you want a little bit of sweet with the dry you can never go wrong with a good Prosecco.  A good Prosecco can be used to create multiple drinks to enjoy at most any meal. 

    This cocktail is not only delicious but very simple to make.  No extra time is needed to create a simple syrup or infuse the liquor with the additional flavors of the mint.  It is best to make this cocktail as you go along instead of in a big batch.  So line those glasses up and get ready to create magic with this each drink.

Hugo Cocktail

1 oz. St. Germain

3 oz. Sparkling Wine

1 oz. Club Soda

Fill a glass with ice.  Pour in your portions for the drink, swirl the glass a bit.  Top it off with a sprig of Mint for garnish.  Then enjoy with family and friends.

    We hope you enjoy this cocktail as much as we did.  Please remember to drink responsibly and select a designated drive.  Please share your pictures of your group enjoying this cocktail with us on Social media.  Cheers!