The History: The Red River Rivalry a.k.a. the Red River Shootout is the annual battle for pride between the University of Texas Longhorns and the University of Oklahoma Sooners. It is arguably the greatest rivaly in American sports. For both teams, the rivalry is bitterly emotional and territorial in nature relating to the two states’ close proximity, past border disputes and economic and cultural differences. Read More
Bob’s Steak & Chop House against Perry’s, now known as The Place at Perry’s. Both are well-known steak houses in the Dallas area. Comparable ambience, service, and décor. Now, which is the prize cow?
I’ve never understood why Texas makes casinos illegal. With prudent regulation the state could garner millions in windfall, as it already does for the education system with the (rather hypocritical) Texas Lottery. But that debate is for another day. The more realistic question for north Texans looking for a casino thrill is whether to game in Louisiana and Oklahoma. Time for a heads-up showdown.
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American ceremony (left) v. Laotian ceremony (right)
With Spring in the air and wedding season just beginning to bloom, I was fortunate to attend two weddings this past weekend, both completely different in cultural origins. First off, your traditional American wedding, complete with elegant white dress, ridiculously cute flower girl, and traditional vows. Having been to quite a few of these, I think the ceremony itself has become quite stale and repetitive. Not to discredit the new Mr. and Mrs. Smith (real names), the ceremony was nice, elegant and quick. Sweet. But if you’re looking for something spicy… Read More
Cupcakes, the most convenient, cute, and courteous of cakes, have been a favorite of mine for a long time. I even attempt to bake them myself every once in a while for both my own pleasure and putting smiles on others. Put this carefully-decorated, bite-size cake in front of a grump, and see that person instantly transform. Cupcakes make people happy.
For this reason, I am forever on the hunt for the perfect cupcake. Luckily for me, Sprinkles Cupcakes decided to grace Dallas with its store in 2007. I’ve been getting cupcakes there for a long time, and am rarely disappointed. Though the store is cramped and constantly crowded, it gives a feeling comprable to a kid waiting to open his presents Christmas morning. When I finally get my brown box of delight, I can’t wait to devour them. Red velvet continues to be my favorite. Beautiful and tasty.
Then I heard about Society Bakery and how it’s been a rival of Sprinkles since the history of Dallas cupcakes. “It’s the BEST cupcake in Dallas,” I would hear. I had to see for myself. The early closing time was the first disappointment, but I decided to come back and give the cupcakes a chance. I wasn’t impressed with the presentation, but decided to read the book before I judged it. I bought a box of eight to ensure a decent variety. When it comes down to the most important factor, taste, I regret to report, I was wholly disappointed. The frosting was light, more like a whipped cream than a thick frosting should be. The red velvet cake tasted a bit cinnamony. I don’t remember that being an ingredient. And I would’ve appreciated the novelty if it had worked, but it didn’t. The chocolate wasn’t so bad, but Sprinkles still has it beat there. The only one I do like better is the strawberry.
Both places charge about the same price (Sprinkles $3.25, Society Bakery $2.95), but if I’m going to pay anything for cupcakes, I’d like some that didn’t look and taste like I made them myself.
Piggie Pies v. Eddie's Napoli's
We usually post our opinions, hoping people will care enough to read. This time, we want to know what YOU think. Garland folks and friends, Boiling Crab or Cajun Corner?
With taquerías on the brain, DeepUpYourEllum and I had to hit up a new gastro adventure. El Rincon De Villa, located on the corner of Greenville and Park ln., offers the menu selection of a taquería with the environment of a sit-down restaurant. Its (Poncho Villa) themed decor was clever and unique. Though I can not testify for the cow-tongue taco, my usual pastors and barbicoas were quite satisfying.
In contrast to La Michoacana, I just couldn’t buy into the whole experience. El Rincon was just in limbo somewhere between fancy and grass roots. The prices were a bit harsh (fresh oj for $5, no refills) and the atmosphere quite dreary. I liked the hustle and bustle of the market that La Michoacana provided.
VS. 
Coming off a fresh win, La Michoacana stands victorious once again, reigning (thus far) as the best taquería in Dallas. Prove me wrong.
VS. 
Being from Texas, the best Tex-Mex I’ve ever had has been on street corners. Similar to the mobile sno-cone trailers, these mini buildings on wheels are choice for enjoying a wide variety of tacos, tortas, burritos, etc. Less overhead, one or two employees, the costs saved is carried on to us, making everything on the menu extremely affordable. Since moving to Dallas, I have yet to encounter a prized local establishment.
Since my last taquería review I have been to a couple others including La Michocana. Located on Greenville and Blackwell, this meat market offers a wide variety of assorted Mexican eats. I didn’t get a chance to peruse their produce as much, but I can attest that their tacos are fabulosos. At under $2 each, it’s hard to deny the mouthful of awesome for such a sweet price.
Though La Paloma made a good showing, I just wasn’t feeling their CMYK makeover on the gas station that was once there. Inconvenient vehicle access also makes it quite a battle predicting when to exit 75.
With ample menu selections and a full mercado to culturally explore in, the choice is oh so fácil. La Michocana for the win.
Also, check out their sweet website. >> La Michoacana Meat Market
