Denton Arts and Jazz Fest

I want to apologize for being gone so long. I’ve been a bit under the weather. Actually, more like under the duvet and propped up with pillows, thank you for asking, but I’m on the mend.

And, to celebrate my return to the living, I ventured out this weekend, with one of my favorite women (never a Dentonista, damn it, but a life long sister) to the Arts and Jazz Fest. Now, I’m sure you already know, without your friendly neighborhood Dentonista telling you, that the Arts & Jazz Fest is one of the things that makes Denton the best. Of course you know it! People come from far and wide, not just to check it out, but to perform and show their beautiful wares.

(I should apologize here for not having pictures for you. I can only say that being out of it for so long has left me weak-limbed and twitter-pated, and I did not think to schlep along my camera.)

However, I found no shortage of goods tempting me to schlep them home, and the soaps from Fleegal Farms won out. Up from Austin, the lovely proprietress was selling huge, handmade bars of super-fatted and super-yummy-smelling soaps, scrubs, and lip balms. I snagged Mexican Chocolate Spice, Peppermint Chocolate, and Lemon Smack soaps.
This soap is all natural as well as so creamy and luscious, that when I got home I was able to easily cut the lemon bar in half, to fit my weirdly small kitchen soap dish. And now I’m treating my butter-coated baker’s fingers to lemon-riffic cleanliness!
Happily my shower soap dish is normal size, so I can embrace the full delicious-ness of that Mexican Chocolate Spice bar. Words can hardly describe how good it smells. Seriously, I’m hoping these amazing soaps inspire me to learn to make my own…
My sister? Took one sniff of the Melalueca Mint bar and was hooked.
You think mint soap sounds weird? Let me tell you, it is the most refreshing yet delicious smell you can sport.

Of course there was no shortage of beautiful jewelry there either. Several artisans had gorgeous displays that sorely tempted me. But, since my days as a gainfully employed office drone are numbered, I womanfully resisted.

I had to resist the really wonderful varieties of pottery available too. I was happy to see two vendors again, whom I recall from last year. (Whose names and businesses I did not record… Again, I’ve been out of it. Sorry.) Both were located in the Civic Center pavilion, and both are older gentlemen.
One, down from Oklahoma, makes the most beautiful vases with what looks to me like kingfishers on them, and this year he also had small covered dishes with chipmunks for handles. That sounds insipid, but they were just perfect. Almost an Arts and Crafts feel to them. The other gentleman is more local, if I recall, and he uses an Indian horse-hair technique on some of his pieces. When fired the horse hair ‘melts’ into the most unusual and visually arresting designs. I also saw a truly local (Dentonisto) potter whose large display included cherry blossom and koi motifs. Really gorgeous. And all these potters? Well priced. Seriously, if you were there, you could have scored some awesome gifties.

Now, I could go on about all the things to tempt the kiddies, but I think I’ll concentrate on the freaks instead. While chowing down on a sausage-on-a-stick (natch), I turned to my sister J and remarked, “It’s nice to see the uniform of teenage rebellion hasn’t really changed since I was in high school.” And my dears, it hasn’t. I was watching a group of teens go by kitted out for a Smiths concert. Or reunion. So perhaps, it would be more correct to say that everything old is new again… Certainly the neo 70s surfer look so many other boys were sporting that day (in land-locked North Texas) pre-dates my teen years… And don’t even get me started on the senior citizens rocking full Highland regalia; they made my day. I admit, I was a tad disappointed to find they were actually a dance group. None the less, they were a joy to behold. The lady in leather pants, though, was a real head scratcher for me…

What else can I say about this fantastic, annual shin dig? Did I mention it’s free? Yup, 100% free. How often does that happen? You can shop, eat, and gawk to your heart’s content, as is my want, or you can kick back and listen to any or all of the roughly gazillion bands and musical performers. This year? The Arc Angels were here! And, of course, those perennial Dentonistos Brave Combo performed.

Please don’t let my weak coverage of this marvelous event be your only impression. Mark your calendars for next year, and get here and do it yourself. I also want to invite anyone who was there to comment and tell me what your favorite part was.

Earth Hour

March 28, 2009 - 8:30 pm local time.
That's rights kids, it's Earth Hour. Time to turn off your lights for one measly hour to show some solidarity for the nice folks at the World Wildlife Fund. Individuals, businesses, governments, and organizations around the world will be turning off their lights for one hour – Earth Hour – to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.
Now how easy is that?
I know clever Dentonistas, Dentonistos, and all other readers can figure out some way to spend an hour in the dark...
Maybe Trivial Pursuit by candle light?
However you choose to spend your hour, show that you're down with the climate by signing up here.

The Pagoda on Locust Street

Last week when I told you that the Pagoda on Locust Street inspired me to write about the north end of Locust, I promised to try to satisfy your curiosity about it.

Well, I must admit, I wondered about it for years before I ever gained entry to the first floor – as a student at The Yoga Hut – but I’ve never been in the apartments on the upper floors. Nor do I have a complete story on the Pagoda’s history, though I do have 3 pretty complete stories, two of which come to me from wise and nearly life-long Dentonistas.

One Dentonista told me a story of a family-style religion that took up residence and built the pagoda and an adjoining vegetarian restaurant, in the late 60’s early 70’s. (The last time I was in that restaurant, Enrique’s Mexican occupied it, and the woodcarvings and stained glass work were fantastic. Most recently, Jonathan’s Bar was there, but I never visited. You can see what’s left from the outside – look for the stained glass and wooden doorway on Congress Street, near Locust.) Apparently the food at the vegetarian restaurant was good, and all the members of the religion, mostly college students, worked there. According to this one Dentonista, many of these students dropped out of college, but did not notify their parents. They did turn their parent-funded tuitions over to their messianic leader. He eventually dropped out too, leaving them on their own…

Now, my other source, another wise Dentonista and yogini, told me the story of a “Kundalini Yoga group that bought up half the land around UNT, and built up that whole corner-- the ashram, the restaurant with the stained glass, and they had a bakery downtown-- all in the 70's. The Rudra Ashram. The leader, Rudi, was from NY. He had gone to India, obtained enlightenment, and founded two colonies – one in Denton and one in New York. Unfortunately, Rudi died in a plane crash in New Mexico, and two members split the property/followers, etc. Stuart Perrin got Denton and was not charismatic. As the 70's died, so did the Rudranandra ashram in Denton.”

A bit of easy research on your friendly neighborhood Dentonista’s part unearthed this additional version:

“Rudra Center emerged in the early 1970’s out of the spiritual need of a small group of seekers in Denton Texas, who happened to meet Swami Rudrananda (Rudi) in Dallas Texas, while attending Swami Mutananda’s first’s tour.
After the…presentation, he was personally invited to Denton by this group. He obliged and the wheels of creation followed him, as he then offered to set up a meditation group for them and established an Ashram (place to study spirituality) in 1971.
To house this spiritual school for study, a small two story plantation house was pulled off the real-estate market at 611 North Locust Street… . He left the rest to be generated and paid for by the students. The work that followed created immense growth potential for all involved.

After Rudi left for his home in Manhattan, New York, the small group of students realized that it would be difficult to maintain these efforts by themselves, at this early stage, and requested a 'teacher' be sent to them to assist in their learning. Rudi then sent one of his leading disciples at the time, Stuart Perrin, to fulfill this role for him.

Rudi would continue to visit Denton, once or twice year, until his untimely crossing in 1973, to promote and assist in the Ashram’s spiritual growth and development. His guidance, and the demands that he placed upon all involved, were the inspiration and the light that nourished this seedling into growing and blooming into its present expression.

Upon Rudi’s crossing, Stuart Perrin assumed the full task at hand in Denton and continued to teach within and build the situation until 1978, when he passed the mantel to Mister Robert Baker (Silver Ra) who has maintained and continued to build upon it until the present time. As the present 'caregiver,' Silver Ra has incorporated many additional spiritual approaches, besides Rudra Meditation- the founding discipline, into the teaching format and has been the vehicle and focus of this Oasis of Awakening since that time. During Silver’s personal learning years with Rudi, his teacher often told him “to create a type of Spiritual University, where many kinds and types of spiritual work could coexist together”. Silver Ra has continued to build upon his ‘God Father’s’ vision to this day as chief instructor and guide for the Rudra Center for Enlightened Awareness.”

Fascinating, no? And, if you compare the three stories, you can see they’re all the same, all true – can’t you? They’re just slightly different versions of the same story.

In the years I’ve been here, the most significant external changes to the pagoda that I’ve noticed were the addition of a thunder bird to the roof, which I don’t think was a positive change, and the further cultivation of the gardens, which certainly is. To see it from the inside, why not check out a Yoga class? Or go to the oxygen bar? You could take some lessons in shamanism. Not for you? How about some purification in the sweat lodge? Or a pipe ceremony at the next full moon? No? At least go chill with some meditation - everybody could do with a little mind-clearing quiet time. Everybody.

Go on; ankle on over and bliss out on the myriad delights Locust Street has to offer, this gorgeous pagoda included!

North Locust Street

You know I think Denton is a city eminently suited to strolling with the historic neighborhoods, interesting architecture spanning over 100 years, and the little nooks and crannies of local shops, restaurants, and weirdness, and today I’ll suggest you walk down the north side of Locust Street, between Congress and University.
“What’s so great about this stretch,” you ask? Well, you already know it's in a great neighborhood. The Greenhouse is on Locust Street, and The Cupboard is just one street west. Of course, one block east is Austin Street and just two streets east is the Emily Fowler Library - reasons enough you might say. However, north Locust has some really great little bits all its own.

One of those, the pagoda, inspired me. Yes – the pagoda on Locust Street. If you’ve lived in Denton for any amount of time, of course you know the building I’m talking about, and I’ll bet you’re as curious as I was. Well, I won’t satisfy your curiosity here, but in my next post.
Why not now?
Iris season has just started in Denton - the only flower your friendly neighborhood Dentonista can grow with any guaranteed success - and I saw those gorgeous white ones blooming in a surprise clump, right by the side walk. I also noticed a few species of bulbs coming up, and I don't want you to miss them. Once they're gone, they're gone for the year.

What else? How about this house? I really like this house.
I don’t have any stories about it, but I would love some information about this architectural style. In fact, I didn’t even know this was a style, until I saw a house just like it, with the bowed front wall and sunrise detailing in Lorena, TX. They could have been twins. What’s in Lorena, TX? Nothing I could see but a tiny little business district (Old Towne), about ¼ of a block and some fabulous old Texas architecture. Sprawling, huge houses, a bit run down, and still residential. One wonders what they might be worth, if they were located in a larger city?
Anywho.
You know how I love shouting, “To the Internet!” right before I research anything? Well, I do, and I think I’m a pretty good researcher. However, I couldn’t find a bit of info about this style of house. I don’t know if architecture is difficult to research, or if I just don’t posses the correct language to pose the queries. So, my dears (Pat C., I’m looking in your direction), if anyone has any info on this style – or know where any others like it are located – I would really love to hear from you.
Look what else I saw, just wandering around. Y'all that is a vintage fire engine. It sits outside a local insurance company's offices. You know, I like that too. If you wander down this street, you'll see lots of great houses (several bungalow style, I believe) that have been restored or maintained as businesses. When you stop to notice, there are a lot of businesses on this street, and they fit in beautifully, for the most part, with their residential neighbors. A really nice example of mixed use space, without breaking new ground or razing existing buildings or trees.
And, on that note, I'll leave you, my dears
Be sure to tune in next week to learn about that awesome pagoda.

All Thaied Up - Andaman Thai

If you were looking for lecherous tales of Thai lovlies, you're at the wrong site.
If you are looking for details on the excellence that Denton, Texas has to offer, read on my dear...

I’ve mentioned that there is currently no good Chinese food to be had in Denton, and you know how much that pains me. Happily, we have an embarrassment of riches when it comes to Thai food, and today we’ll be discussing Andaman Thai.

Located on the east end of Hickory Street, in the gentrifying Industrial Street area (near Fuzzy's Taco Shop), the newly renovated exterior (and interior!) should prepare you for the lovely dining experience that awaits you.

Your first clue might be the unusual persimmon and cinnamon colored interior. This combination would never work in your living room, but somehow works beautifully in this restaurant. It simultaneously lets you know you’re not in Kansas anymore, and prepares you - subconsciously - for a taste adventure that may also be unusual, but will work deliciously.

What do I mean? Well the steamed (and slightly sticky) chive dumplings may sound and look a little weird, but they are delectable. Equally delectable? The pork dumplings, offered fried or steamed. Equally weird seeming? The poached banana dessert. Consisting of sliced bananas cooked in coconut cream, this dish sounds like nothing, right? Tastes like Shangri-La. Believe me.

The crab cake appetizers were phenomenal, but lack of demand caused them to be removed from the menu. Intrigued? Ask the chef about them. Perhaps interest will cause him to reconsider. Until then, the shrimp and chive dumplings might suffice.

Happily, Thai iced-tea is still offered. What’s that? Imagine the strongest, blackest tea you can, into which sweetened, condensed milk has been added, but not blended. The tea is so stout that it doesn’t automatically mix with the milk, but instead causes it to form a sort of cumulus layer. Sounds weird; looks weird; is divine. Divine rocket fuel – this drink will start you up. The curries: red; green; and yellow are all equally fine, and I honestly can’t tell you which is my favorite. And, of course, most of the the mains can be vegetarian friendly, made with tofu. I tend to think the whole fishes are a little overcooked, but they are flavored and dressed so deliciously that they are completely worth ordering.

Lastly, and liquidly, if you’d like something other than the Thai iced-tea, which can also double as a nice dessert, wine and beer – including Thai beers – are available. Perfecto.
Check it out.

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House

In a small corner of far north Denton County, a large barn-like building houses possibly the best fried chicken you will ever eat.

Though just one of the now seven Babe’s, and not even the first, this is the Babe’s I think of as the ‘original one’.
Why?
Simple. It’s the first one I ever went to; it’s still my favorite, and I think it alone keeps Sanger from drying up and blowing away. You know anything that contributes positively to Denton County is cool with me.

Located on 4th Street, in down town Sanger, Babe’s is so influential on its little corner of the world that the gift shop next door stays open late Friday and Saturday nights to catch the spontaneous trade from the folks milling about outside waiting to get tables in Babe’s. And I know that strategy works for them. I saw one dinner companion drop around $200 on some things that just caught his eye. Additionally, a new gallery (art and jewelry – good prices!) opened up across the street, and does the exact same thing! I’d say they’re both lovely places to kill some time.

Now, because your friendly neighborhood Dentonista loves you, I will tell you:
Do not go to Babe’s if you are dieting, or on any sort of ‘eating plan’
Do not go thinking, “I’ll just have one piece.”
You won’t.
Do not think you will be able to pass on the biscuits and honey (or sorghum).
You won’t.
And once you’ve crossed that line, why not have the mashed potatoes, cream gravy, creamed corn, and beans and greens? Even if you could resist round one of the sides, served family-style, you’d never be able to resist when your waitress comes around with refills.
Oh, and do not go thinking you’ll just have some of the Smoked Chicken, to cut down on the calories. The only reason to go to Babe’s is to get down on some fried chicken. (In a pinch, I’ll go you the Fried Chicken Tenders – who doesn’t love boneless? And they come with green pepper-infused honey mustard!) I understand they also serve Chicken Fried Steak, Fried Catfish, and Pot Roast, but obviously I have no first-hand knowledge of those things.

Know what else? Babe’s is BYOB. I'm tempted to suggest some wine coolers or a bottle of Boone’s to go with fried chicken but then, you are not going to Babe’s to slum. You are going there for the honestly good food.
Food like your Mom would cook.
If your Mom was raised on, then moved off, a farm to attend college, get married, have kids and a career.
Yes the mashed potatoes are so-creamy-they-must-be-instant (“You try working all day, then mashing potatoes!”), and the creamed corn comes from a can ("SO convenient!"). But, the beans and greens taste fresh; the chicken is as perfectly fried as any chicken ever will be; the iceberg lettuce salad is dressed with the vinegar, sugar and vegetable oil dressing your grandmother used to make, and the biscuits are lightly crisp on the outside and tender-on-the-inside, in a way only that can only be made from scratch.

Fetching and stepping all this food (and all those refills) takes a lot of hustle, and it is carried out by the hardest working teen-age waitresses you’ll ever see.
YFND did some time in the purgatory called waitressing, and I don’t think I ever worked as hard as these girls work every shift.
Go prepared to tip like a drunken rock star. They deserve it. These girls, these young WOMEN, work hard in a town that doesn’t have many jobs.
Did I mention they sing too?
Oh yes.
A recent visit had a waitress warbling, “Stand By Your Man” to a packed house. No one else seemed to twig to the irony of a teenager singing that particular song.
In 2009.
Whatever.
She DID have a good voice, as do all the singing waitresses there.

And when you’re not enjoying a live floor show, you can people watch (maybe a game of people-watching bingo? Camouflage? Check. Granny-mullet? Check. Overalls? Bingo!) while listening to music from the bubbling juke box. Mostly playing top 40 hits – from the 50s – they are a tad more progressive with the Country music, reaching all the way into the 70s. Oh don’t front; you love it, and you know ALL the words!

One last bit of HIGH praise from you friendly and frugal neighborhood Dentonista – Babe’s is as cheap as it is good. A fried chicken dinner, with a full round of all you can eat sides and their stout ice tea cost like $13.
$13!!
You can’t beat that with a stick. AND you can afford to mad tip that waitress, Big Shot. Go on, strap on the feedbag and see that I’m right.

Texas First Ladies Collection

You know, part of the joy of and the impetus to become your friendly neighborhood Dentonista was to avoid "local malaise".
Know what I mean? Friends come to town and you don't know what to do with them in town (because you can't think of what you do in town), so you end up schlepping to Dallas or Ft. Worth.

Or worse, friends from out of town say, "Denton? Cool! Have you been to/done XX?!" And you have to mumble, "Er, no." Cause why? Because subconciously you think, "Oh yeah, I'll check that out later. There's plenty of time." But later never comes. (True story - I was fourteen [14!!] before I took the Circle Line cruise around the Statue of Liberty. I've still never been inside the Statue of Liberty and, I think, I've only been to the Museum of Natural History once. Pitiful. I am determined not to repeat the mistakes of my youth.)

I also hate missing out on things. You know I made it to The Funky Eclectic before they closed, but I missed the Southern Fried Pie Company and, apparently, the bison tamales at the Cupboard. And, that's a shame.

So, I've heard about Texas Woman's University's (TWU) Texas First Ladies collection for years and never checked it out. Until this summer... I enlisted the company (and camera - mine was on the fritz) of another Dentonista and headed over to TWU's beautiful campus. I want to note, when I called TWU for directions, they were incredibly helpful, and parking was free and close!

Assembled in 1940 by the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution(DAR), the gown collection now belongs wholly to TWU, and is located on the 2nd floor of TWU's Administration Conference Tower (right next to the historic Hubbard Hall). The exhibit displays 17 (of the collection's 46) gowns and corresponding mini-bios for the former owners at any given time, and members of the Benjamin Lyon Chapter of the DAR act as docents and provide other support for the collection. That's an interesting little tie in too, isn't it? Want one more? While I was there, Laura Bush's (Texas) inaugural gown was on display. No matter where you are on the political spectrum, you will certainly agree she was a dull dresser. What you may not know, which that gown amply demonstrates, is that she has an amazing figure, and that makes her satorial blandness a near crime. Let's hope she feels free to cut loose, now that she's out of the White House. Girl certainly could rock some fun threads, and she deserves a rest. Meanwhile, you can use these dresses as historical proof that some Texas first ladies really put on the dog. I certainly hope there are some 80's gowns on display for you, my dears. They were outstanding!

Believe your Dentonista when she tells you, it's worth a trip to TWU just to park and walk around the campus. Be sure to see the Little Chapel in the Woods, the Library, and the gardens. Add this free, historical, and pro-woman exhibit and you have a nice little afternoon.

What more could you want?

The Cupboard’s Customer Appreciation Weekends

I know I’ve sung the praises of Cupboard Natural Foods once or twice, but I haven’t yet mentioned their customer appreciation weekends. I think they have them twice a year, and you do not want to miss out; it's a blast!

Why is customer appreciation so much fun?

Well, does 20- 50% off sound like fun to you? That's music to your Friendly Neighborhood Dentonista's ears. In fact, once I twigged to the huge savings one can rack up during these events, I was completely prepared to buy in bulk the items that will keep on my shelves - vitamins, cosmetics, body care, frozen food, etc. I keep my eyes peeled for gifts too.

So, you like discounts like I do?

Good.

How about free? Do you like free? I looove free, and there is tons of free stuff at these events too. Vendors come with samples of all sorts of things - cookies, soap, wheat grass juice. (No joke, the first time I EVER had wheat grass juice was at the first customer appreciation I stumbled into. It's not nearly as weird as you think it is.) In addition, the happy hippies at the Cupboard raffle off all sorts of thing, every hour on the hour. We've won pet food, resusable shopping bags, and gift baskets of New Chapter vitamins and herbs. Awesome.

Why am I telling you all this now? Because, there’s a customer appreciation weekend this weekend!
Now, be warned, with all the vendors set up and bargain shoppers circling, it will be crowded. Happily, this is a crowd at the Cupboard. Vegans, hippies, moon children, even home-schoolers, tend to be a mellow and affable bunch. You might even enjoy feeling like you're amongst 'your people'. I always do, and I hope to see you there.

 

Lame Fri, Sat. and Sun Night Movies

And Step Show! Just keep reading.
Please note: This Entry Gives Info You Can Use ANYWHERE, Not Just in Fabulous Denton.

Sure, you think you’re all that with plans for Friday night, and places to be Saturday night, and maybe an early dinner out on Sunday. Well sometimes I am too. And sometimes my significantly charming other works nights. (Yep. Working nights is the pits. Working 3 nights a week? Not so bad.) And, when I am solo, I admit, I’m likely to ride the couch and channel-surf Lifetime, ION, TNT, USA, AMC, BRAVO, SciFi (ooooh, come oooon Eureka! marathon!), or now, with Charter Cable (that's the 'Denton connection' - that and 'my couch') cramming free movie channels down my throat, HBO, SHO, or MAX. Bastards.

In fact, a summer-time double feature on Lifetime - Beauty Shop AND True Confessions of a Hollywood Starlet, starring Valerie Bertinelli, inspired this post.
Sure, make fun, but she was a teen star, married Eddie Van Halen (Van Halen people! and has a son to show for it), and is still working! How many women can say that?

The week after that? – Confessions of a Go Go Girl. Seriously.

Now I KNOW you’re thinking, “Dentonista! What’s a woman like you, with all the local savvy, doing on the couch?!”

Sometimes a girl just wants to stay in, mix her own martinis and give herself a facial – maybe a deep hair conditioning too.
(As my mother used to say, “Do I know how to live or what?” Sadly, she didn’t warn me about drunken dialing, texting, or posting… But that’s another entry.)

And I’ll tell you, as energetic and outgoing as I am when I travel (I mean, I have been known to eat dinner and go-to-the-movies-by-myself!), I can be just that inversely sluggish and hermit-y at home.
Why not? My home IS lovely and comfy.
But still…
I know. I KNOW my dears, and I WILL try to be less of a slug.

What else have I seen, while beautifying in front of the TV? Well, you DO gather this is the time to catch up on movies you would never spend money to see, right? In fact, you might not want to be seen seeing?
OK.
That said, I was happily surprised by:

White Chicks – I KNOW! But remember, these are dirty little secrets I’m sharing with you. Don’t judge! The ‘dance off’ scene made me laugh out loud. For like 5 minutes! (Go on, click the link. You'll laugh too.)

I mentioned Beauty Shop – I admit it, I’m always rooting for Queen Latifah. I’d love to get a drink or dinner with her. (Hey – Parliament Funkadelic’s on the sound track! You can’t go wrong there.) And Alicia Silverstone. OK – I always root for her too.

And because I always root for Queen L - Last Holiday.

Stomp the Yard – Come on! A movie dedicated to step show? How're you gonna pass that up? And you know what? This was a good thing. It made me wonder what happened to the enormous convocation for step show, which was held annually at North Texas. I only got to see it once (roommate was a Zeta), but it was very well known.

So, to the Internet!

A few minutes later, I now know that the ladies of Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Eta chapter at UNT have been hostessing the longest running step show in the Southwest! And, it is now called Greek Explosion.

As I mentioned, I haven’t been in YONKS, and I think I’d like to go again. I sent an e-mail to DST and asked for a specific date, but got no response. Later however, I found out "The Zeta Eta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. will host its 38th Annual Greek Explosion at 6 p.m. on March 1st in the Coliseum at the University of North Texas." $15 admission and part of that goes to charity. Seriously, this sounds like a night you don't want to miss.
Anyone interested in going with me?

Lastly, because your FND loves you, she will remind you to beware the drunken dial or drunken e-mail folks! Your friends know you love them; your secret crushes don’t need to! And never, EVER e-mail work from the couch.

That’s all for now, my dears.

Cowboys Welcome Indians

Field Trip Alert! Today we'll be visiting Lewisville, just outside the Denton County line, my dears.

I'm sure everyone in every good town has a wish list of just small additions that would make their own town truly perfect. Even your friendly neighborhood Dentonista, who looooves Denton with her whole heart, has such a list. It's a shorty, I assure you, but it exists. At the top of that list? Indian food. I'm not talking about samp and pemmican; I'm talking about carrot pickles and dosas and jalfrazi and vindaloo. How a city, in North Texas, with two universities has no Indian restaurant is a complete mystery to me.

Happily, there IS quality Indian food available to you (maybe even to pick up on your way home from work) right up the road in Lewisville. Located in a shopping center at the corner of Round Grove Rd. & Mac Arthur Blvd, the extremely talented cooks at Kokila make masala vada just like your mom would make. If, you know, your mom was Indian. Serving both Northern and Southern-style Indian dishes, this is the best kind of "home cooking".
Do you know what I mean?
I mean freshly, freshly made and subtly different each time. I've never been disappointed with anything I've eaten. Take out? Buffet? A la carte? All delicious, and hard to say what's my favorite. I mean, the buffet gives you a ton of choices for making up a plate of choice bits (and the opportunity to eat your fool head off), but the take out (and a la carte) gives you leftovers!
If you go a la carte, be smart. Order at least one dish as thali (Indian for 'blue plate special'). In addition to your curry or main, you'll get rice, naan, two not-so-small soups, dahl, papadum, three or so chutneys, and gulab jamun. All the savory sides are more than big enough to share with a dining companion. If your friend gets an a la carte, y'all are looking at a feast that is easy to dish out and enjoy.

Please be aware, this spread will cover most of your dining table. If you are likely to eat at the 'casual dining table' (your coffee table), as I am, it will completely cover it.
New to Indian food but intrigued? Go for a weekend buffet. (I have it on good authority - weekend buffets tend to be just a bit more "A" game.)
Can't make that? Order a thali butter chicken (which is actually a rich, red sauce) with a side of masala vada and prepare for a life-long but pleasurable addiction.
Think I'm joking?

I was introduced to Indian food years ago, in a small town outside of London.
It was terrifying, featuring, as I recall, some kind of sweet, creamy meat. I may never have repeated the experience.
Luckily, a friendly vegetarian co-worker took me to my first lunch-time Indian buffet, here in NT, and my current passionate desire was ignited.

Much like vampiric blood-lust - I imagine - it has got to be quenched and requires regular feedings to keep it from overwhelming me. In fact, once you are converted, you may think back on your life as 'when I found Indian food' and 'everything before'.

If you're a newbie, you might also like to know that Indian food is traditionally eaten with your fingers (on your right hand). I've never been able to do that with out making a mess, but don't feel like you can't try.
Roll up your sleeves and get in there. Probably your kids (or your inner child) can help you out.
Not going that route? Then feel free to employ forks, spoons, chopsticks...Whatever gets that deliciousness from the plate to your gob.

Just go eat it!

Full disclosure - OK, I had heard tell of a small Indian buffet in an old gas station on Ave C, but a quick trip over there proved fruitless. The atmosphere and displayed food were so unappetizing, I left empty-handed, and just headed up the road to Lewisville. Others disagree though. If anyone with actual tasting experience wants to clue me in, please feel free to comment.

My Local or What's for Dinner?

I know I mentioned previously that Hannah's was my local, go-to restaurant, prior to their price hikes, and I wonder - Did you, dear reader, think that left me local-less? Have no fear my dear, I'll let you in on a little secret; I've always had two locals. Now, I'm down to one: the Green House on Locust St, at Congress, and it's all good.

I know I've mentioned the Green House once or twice in passing, and it's high time I take a moment and give it its proper due. Even though I think they may have the worst gin martinis in town (it's the well gin, I think, not the bartenders), their John B's burger may be the best in town. Add the newest patio in town to their seriously good selection of draft beers, and the thrills of their monthly food\wine\cocktail specials with their very reasonable prices aaaand, ding, ding, ding! We have a winner!

In fact, I've been going to the Green House, pretty much since it opened, and I think they just keep getting better. Comfortable and casual, but dim enough to be romantic too, the Green House even offers live music in the gorgeous bar. That music comes to you Mon. and Thurs. nights, with $2 drafts and wells!

Now I hope you're asking, "But Dentonista, what do you recommend?" because I really do want to tell you.

The caesar salad - I get it with half grilled chicken, half grilled portabello mushroom. If you do too, I promise you won't regret it.

The blue mussels appetizer - Divine. Comes with crostini and is more than enough for a meal.

The John B's burger - I get it with sweet potato fries and balsamic mayo. They will nickel and dime you on these. Go with it; they're worth it.

The Trout - My regular dining companion orders this and jones for it. Honestly, I think it's a bit dull, but that's only one opinion.

The cheese ravioli - Home made, of course, enormous, and delicious.

Their home made salad dressings - In addition to the caesar, they make their own, delicious bleu cheese and roasted red vinaigrette salad dressings.

Special Note

The immensely improved service. If you've ever had spotty service there, in the past, I'm happy to say, I think you can leave that experience behind you. Snaps to the current wait crew.

So, looking for a place to eat tonight? Go there. I guarantee, unless it's homecoming or graduation weekend, and if they're not booked for a rehearsal dinner or an office party, they will be able to get you seated, without too long a wait. And if you have to kill some time in their beautiful (if sometimes smoky) bar, so what? (One of December's drink specials is a Pomegranate Mimosa) Now, lest you think their ability to seat you quickly equates to a big-box dining experience, perish the thought! There are actually 4 separate dining areas - 5, if you count the lovely patio dining on Congress Street. And you should. I know the weather's getting cooler, but I think you can still enjoy relaxed, al fresco lunch-time dining. (Any other nominees for patio dining? Please comment!)

**PS - See the nice picture? That's my caesar salad (with just portobella) and an adult beverage, sitting on a patio dining table. I enjoyed an al fresco lunch with another Dentonista just this week. Tasty lunch, good company, beautiful weather. Ah, yes! I LOVE Denton.**

DFW Airport

I know Dallas Fort Worth International airport (DFW) is not in Denton County, none-the-less it’s one of the things that makes Denton excellent. I may live in a small and tidy city (120, 000 people in about 80 sq miles), but I consider myself half an hour away from the rest of the world.

I know lots of people like to bag on American Airlines (and I know that for all the years I’ve been flying with them – 10+ – I’ve never been upgraded), but their hub at DFW is just another thing that makes this airport, and by extension Denton, fantastic. AA’s hub ensures I can fly direct to just about everywhere in the country and a lot of the world. And, if you’re lucky enough to have a flight leaving from Terminal D (formerly all international flights, now some domestic AA flights too), you’ll have lots of restaurants to eat at, and tons of shopping – duty-free, if you have an international ticket, just fun to look at, if you don’t.
And, of course, you don’t have to fly American to use and benefit from DFW.

If you’re sighing, “Big Deal,” I ask you to really think about it.
Flying is still relatively cheap – cheaper than it was, adjusted, 20 years ago, even if it’s a bigger hassle, and only THINK of what an added drag compulsory holiday visits to family would be if you had to drive two, or three, or more hours to the airport! Think that’s preposterous? I think I mentioned I’m from NY? Well the three international New York-area airports were my airports, and they were still three or more hours away.
I kid you not.
Traffic and distance – three hours.
Yeah.
I’m telling you, I looove me some DFW airport, and, if you think about it, you do too.

The Austin Street Area

This area always strikes me as our tiny, little French Quarter (VC to you LA-ers), and I mean the residential areas - not the puke-slimed streets the drunk fraternity boys roam. In fact, proximity to TWU and the multitudes of sleek felines sauntering these sidewalks (right on, my sisters!) makes me think you'd be hard-pressed to find a boy of any variety, much less a frat daddy. What's not to love?

So, what does it mean when I say New Orleans? Well, check out the wrought iron balcony detailing on the funky and old (but recently renovated) Austin Villas apartments, and imagine them with the original white balconies and yellow shutters...

Now, look up. See the heavy tree canopy?
And then - hear the quiet? Believe me when I tell you, residential NOLA is very quiet.

Are you noticing all the cool, old houses, in various states of renovation? I think they're architecturally interesting, as well as inspiring to anyone who owns (or wants to own) an older house.

Did I mention this neighborhood is a cat haven? Cat watchers and crazy cat ladies will enjoy strolling and trying to entice the kittens to come play with them.

Just check it out - this is a great area in which to go walking; you can even finish up by the Greenhouse and sip a restorative beer on the patio.

Delightful.

Weldon's Saddle Shop and Western Wear

I think I’ve mentioned that I’m a displaced Yankee? I’ll let you in on a secret, I’m not just a Yankee, I’m a New York Yankee.
Oh yeah. The yankiest of Yankees, I’ve been told.

That said, when I tell you Weldon’s Saddle Shop is fun for everyone – you can completely believe me. I mean, if there was ever a woman less naturally inclined to groove to a western wear and tack shop, I’d love to meet her. We could drink (gin) martinis, listen to NPR, and discuss Vanity Fair articles together.
Now, one of the best things about Weldon’s might be the first thing you notice – the pervasive and delicious smell of leather.
Oh man.
This is the smell Ralph Lauren couldn’t bottle.
This is the smell that makes anyone who isn’t a rock star buy hide pants.
This is the smell you want in your new car. (If, you know, you’re not an ethical vegetarian.)
This may be the smell that gets country-bar cowgirls hot and bothered.
If they’d just pump that intoxicating scent out into the square (like Mrs. Baird’s used to pump the smell of baking bread into a Ft. Worth underpass), I certainly would have found my way in sooner. 
As it was, I entered while on a quest for a Stetson.
Not for me! Oh no, no, no, no, nooooo (though I DO think I look rather fetching in one) – for my significant other (SO). A native Texan, and great lover of the outdoors, he has the perennial red neck to prove it. Prior to my entrance into his life, things like sauerkraut, mustard, angst, and sunscreen were unknown to him. As a concession to my constant worrying, he now wears a brimmed hat to work in the yard.
Sadly, that original hat is faded and falling apart, and, when worn with his preferred (shall we say ‘eclectic’) gardening ensemble, makes him look like Woody Allen. Only crazier.

Yep.

No more.

So I suggested, a straw cowboy hat. And why not? Designed to take a beating in a truly tough job, and with a wide wrap-around brim, they’re not just practical, they’re culturally relevant.
And, can you imagine, they’re buy one, get one for a penny, right now!
Turns out they’re moving out the summer stuff for the winter/felt hats.
Go know.
Two hats turned out to be $40.01 for us.
(So it looks like there WILL be one for me to wear, whilst cutting irises…)
Even with that amazing sale, we ended up dropping around $80.
“How did that happen?” you ask.
Well, let me tell you.
Not only do they have hats, boots, and Cruel Girl jeans (don’t you just love that name?), they have a nice selection of kids stuff, appropriate for gifts. And Texas is one place you can still get local-ish gifts. You know what I mean? Even other parts of the country (and world) sort of understand and can be enchanted by the myth of Texas.
So even a non-native will be sending Texas-ana around the country as quick as she can.

**Hanukkah\Christmas Spoiler Alert**

Want to know what I found? HAPPY to share:
Tex and Sugar
L is for Lonestar: A Texas Alphabet

And don't miss the Texas Centennial antiques and life-size horse mannequin, sporting a beautiful sterling silver saddle and bridle. You could be a holiday hero delivering that, if the $15,000 price tag doesn't give you pause. While you're there, check out the vintage lunch boxes. I spotted a Roy Rogers and Dale Evans for $399. Yep - Weldon doesn't fool around with the collectibles! Go on; swing by and talk to him about them. You know that guy has some great stories.

Texas Jack

For those of you who are not native to Denton, to Texas, to the southwest, or, I’ve come to understand to ‘big sky country’, a jackalope is the rare cross between a jack rabbit and an antelope – resulting in a creature that looks like a large rabbit with a set of antlers. Feel free to look it up, if you don’t believe your friendly neighborhood Dentonista. OR, you can take it on faith that such an animal exists, if some artist would go to the trouble of combining barbecue (the national sport and religion of Texas) with the jackalope, to create a working smoker\BBQ altar.

BA-BAM!

Now I know you know I love Denton for the crazies; well I also love the free-spirited artists. And this here is an example not just of art, but craft. Art feeds your soul, but Texas Jack (and his creators) feed your, you know, stomach too.

I wish I could give you a sense of scale for this bad boy... Do you see the bar on his 'saddle' area, above the platform, on the right of the trailer? The platform is for the pit master to stand on, and the handle opens his smoking belly! Now, while you're at it, take a good look at old TJ. Delicacy prevents me from being too specific, but perhaps you’ll notice the grease drain/trap? The, ahem, anatomically correct trap? That’s a buck jackalope there, giving credence to the phrase “pure brass ones”.

I think this sculpture is so noteworthy, that I have been known to drive out of town visitors by. You want to see it too? Swing down Bolivar to Taliaferro Street some time soon, and hope he isn’t off competing in some cage match BBQ smackdown, or being bred by his handlers. Now wouldn’t that be something?

The Seedy End of University Drive

I’m sure you’re asking, “Which end is that?”
Good point.
And, you’re right: Pretty much ALL of University is seedy, but I love it. From the so-vintage-it’s-time warp Catfish King to the Pizza Patron, raising xenophobic ire by accepting pesos.
If you take a minute to check it out, you can see (and eat) some seriously cool stuff there too. For Example:

•  S&S Books – Sure everyone knows and loves Recycled Books – our own purple dinosaur on the square – but have you ever been to S&S? Heavy on the trashy romances, but with a shockingly large collection of vinyl. Go on in; see the videos, comics, and kids’ books too. While you’re at it, why not grab an Italian Ice from:
• The NY Ice King – Truthfully, I think his ices were better last year, but why not? Lighter than ice cream and, let’s be honest, much less white trash than a snow cone. Stick to the lemon. No matter where you are, that’s always the best ice. 
• Right in the same scary parking lot, is Royal East Asian Cuisine – Normally I steer clear of ‘Pan Asian’ places, believing as I do that that is code for 'generic brown sauce, warm sushi rolls, and MSG headache – to go'! However, both the sushi AND the Korean food (the home land of the chef) came highly recommended.

And, as if one place for sushi wasn’t enough, University Drive also gives you:

• I (heart) Sushi – Honestly, I don’t think it’s as good as it used to be, when it was Japango; it’s more of a roll place now. But, in fairness, I haven’t gone in to sit down at the bar and let the chef hook me up. Note to self – Do that!
  Fun fact - It is in a converted Taco Bell – one of the teeny, old ones. You’d never know from the lovely inside!
• A sandwich shop where the employees are 100% guaranteed to be stoned. And not just high, y'all, high as kites! Don’t know which one I mean? Try ‘em all and see.
  Whaaat? You got something against sandwiches?
• Tuesday Morning – Enough said. My go to place for wrapping paper and cocktail napkins.
• The scaaariest $.99 cent store in town – Again, feel free to find it on your own.
• Sally Beauty Supply – I can’t leave there without buying something, and that’s saying something. As you may have guessed, I’m a bit of a greeniac and a bargain-maven, but their juju is just too strong!
• The Denton Movie Tavern – Big screen movies. Comfy, reclining seats. New Castle Brown Ale (the beer that drinks like a meal) on-tap-and-delivered-to-you-by the pitcher. What more do you need?!
  OK, I’d like them to add fried cheese sticks to their menu (*hint, hint*), but their little pizzas are surprisingly good.
  You know what else is good? Their customer service, and that’s worth a visit on its own. If you still need to be sold, did I mention the beer?
  I did?
  Well good.
  Did I mention their extensive selection of other beers on tap and in the bottle, which, weirdly, they don’t list on their Web site? They even have wine, and not just red, white, and pink.
  Seriously – this is a great place to relax with an adult beverage and a movie.
  Not feeling so adult? Try the milkshakes.
  You SO need to go see a movie here. Tonight!
• El Matador – Honestly, nothing special as far as Mexican food goes, but good chips, good beer selection, terrific service - oh and soooo tasty margarita swirls. If you’re looking for a big plate of generically tasty Tex-Mex, with the added bonus of a seriously kitsch gift shop (I'm talking majollica iguanas and sparkle-painted clowns...), this is your place. In fact, I may eat there tonight…
•  The Flagship Pizza Inn – Who knew? Pizza Inn’s corporate HQ is right here in Denton County, so it certainly is right and fitting that we have a flagship store. It’s weird to think we went years without one. Previously, the last remaining Pizza Inn closed several years ago and the building was converted to another University Drive favorite:
•  Frilly’s – A dive-y Cajun food joint. Cold beer. Tilapia. Crawfish. Lots of fried stuff. Surprisingly good salmon salad. The cheaper, older brother of 3 Fins. Definitely eat here soon, if you haven’t already. I can’t think of one thing I wouldn’t eat.

Things I miss from University:

• The Southern Fried Pie Company – Anyone know what happened to them?
• Metzler’s BBQ – Where even your beer tasted like BBQ. Think I’m joking? Go buy a sixer (and some ‘que, of course) from their remaining location on Londonderry. Drink from the can or bottle. If you have a cat, beware, it may never stop rubbing up on your beer.
• The Actual Rayzor Ranch – How great was it to pull off of I-35 onto University Drive (and into Denton) and see actual long horns? I particularly hate the razed, flood-prone landscape that’s left. Wonder what the hold up is? Ask these folks or your council person.
• Payless Video – The last independent video store in town is closing (and selling off their stock), right now.
  Damnit!
  Not only is it within walking distance from YFND’s, its slightly grotty ambiance caused us to refer to it as “Outlaw Video”, and that was just fun to say in conversation around the house.

What's your favorite bit of University?

Blue Grass Beer Tasting

This isn't necessarily a best of - because I haven't drank it or done it yet. In fact, it hasn't happened yet, but I really wanted to give loyal (and accidental) readers a heads up.

FREE BEER AT HANNAH'S THIS THURSDAY, OCT. 23

Here's what the nice folks at Hannah's and St. Arnold's say:

"Join us at Hannah’s on October 23rd for a St. Arnold’s Beer Tasting event. We will have a number of beer themed Chef prepared delicacies such as Beer-Cheese Soup, Chocolate Ale Cake, and a Marbled Guinness and Cheddar Cheese Plate. A St. Arnold’s Beer representative will be on hand to answer any questions about the beer selections and sample everyone on the various portfolio of St. Arnold’s. The tasting will be from 6-9 on our patio (weather permitting). Featuring live music from The Boxcar Bandits as seen in the New York Times. There is no price to attend and everyone is welcome."

I absolutely plan on checking this out!

The Cupboard

If you're a regular at health food or natural grocery stores, the size of Cupboard Natural Foods, "The Cupboard" to locals, won't surprise you. But the first few years I shopped there, mostly for Aubrey Organics, produce, and milk, I thought, "How do they stay in business? They're so small!"

Well.. Years have passed, my Dr. tells me my lab work looks good, and I find not only should I eat organic, whole foods, I want to. Frankly, high fructose corn syrup and hydrogenated oils freak me out. (Though I will not argue against the deliciousness of a Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie - even if there are like no actual food ingredients on the label!)

ANYWAY

Turns out you can shop very nicely at The Cupboard. With the exception of fresh meat, they have everything. And they DO have meat - it's just frozen, but you know I get my meat from Burgundy Pasture.

I think the Cupboard has just gotten better and better over the years. And as my reliance on, and preference for natural food has grown, I find they DO have pretty much everything I need - even Ketchup and sweet pickle relish.

What do I buy there? Well, besides the aforementioned:

Mychelle 

Wolf Creek veggies and herbs; they're local! 

New Chapter Vitamins 

Boar's Head and Applegate Farms cold cuts (and bacon!) 

Bulk nuts, seeds, and cacao nibs - for my trail mix and just for hand-to-mouth snacking 

Nature's Baby conditioner - not just for babies! 

Burt's Bees moisturizer 

The occasional chair massage - from the good folks at the Kneaded Touch 

Rice Crackers - gluten free! 

Ezekiel Bread - low glycemic index! 

Lindt dark chocolate - just delicious! (OK - it's an anti-oxidant too.)

I know Target has a selection of organic produce and frozen food, and while I applaud them, it's way the hell across town, has one of the worst parking lots in the city, and it isn't a local business. And I love that about the Cupboard. Even the hippies, sweet or sour, working the registers are - say it with me - local. And their parking lot? Lovely.

I know I've mentioned the cafe in a previous post, and now they have a new menu! Breakfast Panini? Bison tamales? Oh man! How can you go wrong? If you're feeling like a grab and go, you can always hit the soup and salad bar. Sure, you always feel virtuous getting soup and salad, but now you can feel superior and righteous - eating organic and natural. And y'all, with the heavy vegetarian audience, you know this is a bad ass salad bar.

Also, don't forget to check out the community bulletin boards and hilarious customer comment cards, conveniently located by both sets of doors. Be sure to find the note from the guy I refer to as The Barefooter. You'll know his comments when you read them. And then you'll think, "Oh, I've seen this guy!"

And I hope I see YOU there, my dears.

Burgundy Pasture Beef

If you're serious about your health; If you're serious about the environment; If you're serious about the humane treatment of the animals you will eat; If you're just serious about taste - you want to get to know the folks at Burgundy Pasture Beef.

Now, they are not in Denton, but they DO deliver to Denton County. Not, sadly, into the city proper, but as far north as Corinth. Happily for me, I have a friend in Corinth, and we order together.

Happily for you, they have a delivery spot in Lake Dallas, at Swisher Rd., I believe. Who knows though, if enough Dentonistas and Dentonistos call and ask for deliveries, maybe they'll widen their delivery area. Even once a month would be great.

If you already eat organic\free range meats, you'll know that their prices are in line or cheaper than what you find in the stores, and they're local-ish. Hey - most of my organic produce comes from California or Mexico, so this feels really good to me.

And it tastes amazing. You think you can't tell the difference? Well you can. Maybe not with the ground meats, unless your feeling of confidence (you know, in that you're not fearing e.coli) counts. But with the bigger cuts? You'll be shrieking Hosannas!

Go on, get some ground beef (and lamb!) and that sirloin tip roast. Make the recipe they give you - for company even; it's idiot-proof - and feel the goodness of whole, home made food fill you.

Don't forget to check out the pork, lamb, and chicken they also provide. (And y'all - that's really good lamb.)
Don't know what to do with lamb?
Don't feel like the Lone Ranger, and do try Giada De Laurentis' recipe for Rack of Lamb with Mint Pesto. It is fool-proof, and can be made with other, cheaper lamb chop cuts.
Delish.
And for your ground meat, why not try this chili recipe. Handed over to me by my mother-in-law:

In a large soup\stew pot brown:

1 lrg white onion (I usually use red and white)

Remove from pan and, in same pan, brown

2lbs ground sirloin (I use whatever - sometimes half lamb, half beef, and I use salt, pepper and red pepper)

When browned, add:

1 bell pepper (green or red)

2 cans chopped tomatoes (or same approx amount chopped fresh)

1 can tomatoes and green chiles

1 can chicken broth

2 packages Williams Chili Mix

Simmer an hour or so, then add:

1 can kidney beans

1 can Ranch Style Beans

1 can other beans (I just use 3 cans of Ranch Style Beans with jalapeños)

Heat through and adjust seasonings as you like. I usually add some more jalapeños. (Of course I'm using the jarred, sliced kind.) You add whatever! Half the joy of this recipe is how forgiving it is. Seriously! No tomato sauce? I've used tomato paste and more chicken stock. Still divine. Play around with it, you'll see.

Serve up with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, red, white, or green onions, crackers or Fritos. I think you will love it.

And now my dears, the Dentonista would like YOUR help with 2 things.

1. Ranch Style Beans - I can't seem to find an organic substitute for these b@stards. If anyone can help - please shout out. Please don't suggest I make my own, unless you can provide a recipe that that involves opening a can of organic beans. The other half of the joy of this recipe is its ease.
   
   
2. And, finally, if there are any kitchen-savvy vegetarians reading out there - how would you change this recipe? I have the one odd vegetarian sister, and I would love to make this for her next visit but without, you know, the pesky meat. The fact that her brother-in-law, and grill companion, refers to meat as 'the flavor' hasn't swayed her. Yet.

Ravelin Bakery

I have a sister-in-law who regularly performs in musical theatre, and she tells me a performer’s (any performer’s) pet peeve is when friends, family, and random audience members come up to her after a performance and say, “You were great, and that kid was amazing!”

And I feel like that’s what I just did.

I fell all over myself praising the pastry at the new kid on the block, The Funky Eclectic, without even acknowledging the seasoned pro that helps make my appreciation of their danish possible. I’m talking about Ravelin Bakery.

If you live in Denton (and not under a rock), of course you know Ravelin. You may remember them from their original location, across from The Greenhouse, which they are still supplying with desserts, or you may only know them from their current location on Elm Street, but if you’ve somehow missed them (or are a newbie or visitor), you definitely want to get to know them. I have to admit, I wrestled with mentioning them at all. One already has to get there early, to get a full selection, but in the end, my better self (The FND) won out, and, if you are unfamiliar with Ravelin, you did too.

First of all - and this should go without saying - everything is made onsite and made from scratch. The hunky baker and his lovely wife own this business and they are always there. (What makes the baker so hunky, you ask? Good question! He IS sandy blond and blue, but his tattoo really ices the cake, so to speak. What is it? A skull? A mermaid? Taz?! No, No, and certainly not! He has a tattoo, on one of his forearms, of a fist clutching a sheaf of wheat, with a sunflower, a poppy [and maybe another bit of flora] thrown in for good measure. What else would a bad ass baker have? I know I like him all the more for it. Check it out, next time you visit.)

Now, what does your Friendly Neighborhood Dentonista recommend?  That’s so difficult, and so easy; they have so many excellent things!
Bearing in mind you can hardly go wrong:

The ham and swiss croissants
I love them, and you can fool yourself into thinking you're having a balanced breakfast. Also feel free to try the ham and cheddar, spinach and feta, and mushroom and swiss, if you like.

The chocolate almond croissants
Imagine a fresh croissant filled with dark chocolate and topped with a sliced almond and sugar paste. It is a diabetic coma on a plate, but goes down sweet as sin with a cup of strong coffee.

The walnut or pecan sticky buns
See above, and know the squirrels will fight you for them, if you're taking your leisure on the patio. Oh sweet Jesus.

The muffins
All the muffins. They come in various combinations of berries and fruits, and they are win-wins every time. Weekend guests? Stock up on a variety and be the hostess with the most-est. Men, I am not discriminating; they will work for you too.

And do not miss the fresh bread!
They'll slice it for you there, and each and every variety beats all hell out of any supermarket loaf.

Go on, go! But please, leave some for me.

Oh, and sad news - I've heard from a few folks that The Funky Eclectic is already out of business. I've heard eveything from family illness to a business loan that didn't come through, and I can hardly believe it. No matter what the reason, there IS a for sale sign up.
Drat!
Anyone know the whole story?