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.

The Venue: The series began in 1900 and has been played in Dallas since 1912. Dallas was chosen as a “neutral” site since it is situated approximately halfway between Austin, Texas and Norman, Oklahoma — the locations of UT and OU, respectively. Besides being the stomping grounds of local business Victory Sport Taekwondo, the Dallas Fair Grounds really only exists for one reason, TX/OU weekend. Vendors, investors and small business owners alike rely on this Texas phenomenon to propel their sales out of the red. Since the weather in Dallas has been quite gnarly the past week, I’m sure cotton candy sellers are rejoicing all around.

The Atmosphere: Any blindfolded Dallasite can tell you when TX/OU weekend is approaching. The city inherently changes character. Burnt orange and crimson become acceptable work colors and all your co-workers coincidentally disappear after lunch on Friday. You really can’t blame anyone though. For a city that claims itself as a booming metropolis, there really isn’t anything the entire community can get behind. The Dallas Cowboys continue to disappoint and even Joe the plumber couldn’t get tickets to a game if he could afford it. With basketball season in its infancy, post graduates who have flocked to Dallas for jobs have a chance to taste the sweet flavor of college football again this very weekend.

The Importance of being Orange: Since the 2006 National Championship domination commanded by the once golden Vince Young, the University of Texas brand has undeniably increased in merit and credibility. In an economy where times are hard and jobs are being cut without warning, a solid backing of a National Championship school definitely gets your name in the conversation. In short, Vince Young helped me get a job. With the new rise of local country boy Colt McCoy, my diploma is becoming more and more valuable. Yes, I like the game of football. Yes, I’ve been seen in the wave of burnt orange at Darrel K. Royal on more than one occasion. But after those short-lived super Saturdays, I’d like to think my allegiance towards Texas Football went towards something greater, contributions toward a bigger picture. So if you’re out at the Fairgrounds chomping down on turkey legs and fried butter at 10:00 a.m. or snuggied in your bed enjoying your day off, show a little color this Saturday. You never know, Colt Mccoy might be your best referral at your next job interview.

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?

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 or Oklahoma. Time for a heads-up showdown.

Oklahoma gambling starts the contest with a glaring advantage: proximity. The closest Okie casino is a little over an hour’s drive from DFW, making for a much more realistic day-trip adventure. Plus, you might be able to convince a buddy to pick your broke ass up if things get out of hand.

The casinos up north don’t skimp on the pageantry either – there are enough gaudy interior designs, incessant blinking lights and mildly interesting music headliners to keep pace with what Louisiana has to offer.

But that’s where the OK advantages come to an end; unfortunately, there are a myriad of different rules and restrictions that hamper the experience. State laws restrict what type of games can be played in casinos, prohibiting popular choices such as craps and roulette. It seems like an odd prohibition when games like high-stakes poker and blackjack are still allowed. Anyone have an explanation for that one?

OK Casinos are associated with different American Indian tribes, and each comes with its own rules for what kind of alcohol can be served and where it can be served. Many don’t allow drinks on the gambling floor at all, or force you into cordoned “bar areas”. Some don’t even allow liquor at all, leaving you to buy the infamous Oklahoma 3.2% beer. It makes you thirsty for Lone Star.

This is where Louisiana has the decisive edge. Shreveport and Lake Charles riverboat casinos don’t make such demands from its drones, having the full array of table, card, and slot machine games to choose from. And forget drinking restrictions – many of the big casinos actually give you free “you-call its” to keep playing where you sit. How liberating!… and disturbing.

There’s also a uniqueness to Louisiana casinos that is sorely lacking in Oklahoma. Perhaps it’s the state’s long history with gambling, its freewheeling inhabitants, or delicious Cajun food, but there’s a personality here that you don’t get in OK.

I tend to seek a sense of freedom when it comes to gambling, the foolish romanticism with the “anything goes” spirit. It’s a dangerous feeling if you don’t remember that casinos are in the business of losing you money, but if you keep yourself grounded, it can still make for a great evening win or lose.

Oklahoma casinos try to blend acceptable risk and Bible-belt morals. It’s an awkward pairing. You lose double because you don’t have the freedom to lose like you want to lose*. If you gamble heavily, don’t have the time for a weekend trip, or are just scared of Shreveport (which I won’t hold against you), then head north to Oklahoma and get it over with.

If you’re the type who rarely goes gambling and wants to get more of the “experience”, I recommend you make the trip to Louisiana instead. I’d wager you’ll enjoy the weekend more than an Oklahoma day trip, even if you look just as foolish for pissing away your paycheck.

*What a stupid thought. It makes me want to seek Buddha.

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…

Head hens at Laomerican reception

Enter Laos. A small country in Southeast Asia. This group of people are usually overlooked and lumped into the Pan-Asian category save Kahn Souphanousinphone of King of the Hill. This was actually my very first Laotian wedding experience and the tradition was abundant. Upon arrival, the groom was showered with decadence, bombarded with Laotian women yelling at him in tongue. The traditional feet washing before entering the bride’s house was priceless, only to be rivaled by the clueless expressions on the groom’s face. After an hour of monk chants, string tying, and foreign languages being tossed back and forth in the room, the party started. Neighbors from all over little Laos a.k.a. Saginaw, Texas were there to gamble, eat, and drink in celebration.

Videographer J. Logan and his date?

The reception was a cultural shock in itself. With whites and yellows mixing, the awkardness and tension was felt by all.  Predicting such, the groom & bride pre-ordered many cases of Grey Goose and Hennessy (a Laotian favorite) for ice-breaking goodness. Clutch.

Aside from the very ethnic food and 100% Laotian band, I would venture to say every culture parties pretty much the same way: drink, dance, yak in the ladies room and drive home. Cheers Tony and Leng Smith.

I’ll leave you with this.
[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QS5N0B5nzmM&feature=related]

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.

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