Simple Living

Pho Pasteur: The Best Pho in DFW Pho Pasteur is undoubtedly one of the best places for Pho in the entire DFW area. I've had the pleasure of dining at both the original location in Arlington and their second spot in Carrollton, and I can confidently say that both locations deliver exceptional food. The Pho is top-notch, and for the price, you're getting a truly satisfying bowl that exceeds expectations. Don’t miss out on the Spring Rolls , which are excellent, and the Iced Coffee is always a must-have to complement your meal. Overall Rating: 8.5/10 If you're in the area and craving Pho, Pho Pasteur should definitely be at the top of your list.

Ascension Coffee: Disappointing Cappuccino Experience I have to say, my experience with Ascension Coffee has been less than stellar, particularly with their Cappuccino . I've tried both the Addison and Frisco locations, and each time, I encountered the same issue: they consistently burned the milk. On one occasion at the Frisco spot, I did manage to get an acceptable Cappuccino, but during my return trip, the milk was burnt again, leading me to give up on this place altogether. Despite its popularity and appealing decor, I can't trust them for my Cappuccino fix anymore. Cappuccino Rating: 2/10 Update - 9/10/12 I decided to give them another shot (not sure why) and ordered a Macchiato and an Iced Americano . Unfortunately, both drinks were gritty and bitter. It seems this might be a style of coffee some people prefer, but it's definitely not for me.  

Pax & Beneficia: A Delightful Coffee Experience I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Pax & Beneficia at both of their locations—one near Grapevine Mills Mall and the other in Las Colinas . Turkish Coffee Delight One standout for me is their Turkish Coffee , which I absolutely loved. It’s a unique offering that sets them apart from many other coffee shops in the area. Decent Cappuccino I also tried their Cappuccino , and while it’s not the best I’ve ever had, it’s definitely decent and enjoyable. Overall Rating If you're looking for a place to try something different in your coffee journey, I highly recommend Pax & Beneficia . Cappuccino Rating: 7/10    

Hard Eight BBQ: A Solid Choice for BBQ Lovers Hard Eight BBQ in The Colony, conveniently located near Top Golf , has become one of my go-to spots for delicious barbecue. Great Value While there are certainly more acclaimed BBQ joints, like Hutchins , Hard Eight offers excellent value for the price, making it a great option for those looking to enjoy quality barbecue without breaking the bank. Menu Highlights I've dined here multiple times, and I've particularly enjoyed: Sirloin : Tender and flavorful. Brisket : Juicy and well-seasoned. Rib-eye Steak : A satisfying option that did not disappoint. Overall Impression If you’re in the area and craving BBQ, Hard Eight is definitely worth a visit. The combination of good food and reasonable prices makes it a standout choice.

Exploring Fort Worth: A Day of Good Eats and Culture I recently spent a day in Fort Worth, diving into some local highlights. Here’s a quick recap of my adventures: Cattleman’s Steakhouse: A Satisfying Lunch Ribeye Steak : I started my culinary journey at Cattleman’s, where I enjoyed a delicious ribeye . The steak was cooked to perfection and offered great value for the price. If you’re a steak lover, this is a must-try!       Billy Bob's Texas: A Surprise Experience Country Music & Beer : I stumbled into Billy Bob’s , the renowned honky-tonk, and it turned out to be quite an experience. While I was just there for a drink, the lively atmosphere and country music made for an enjoyable stop.   Fort Worth Stockyards: A Taste of Texas History Texas Cattle History : I visited the Fort Worth Stockyards and, although I missed the cattle drive, I got to check out a stagecoach , which was an interesting piece of history. Fort Worth Museum of Science and History: Artistic Exploration

Coffee Tour of Dallas: A Stop at La La Land Coffee No coffee tour of Dallas would be complete without a visit to La La Land Coffee , particularly its original location. Known for its unique ambiance and delightful offerings, La La Land stands out as a must-visit spot for coffee lovers. Sweet Delights While I typically prefer my drinks on the less sweet side, I’ve found the sweet options at La La Land to be quite enjoyable. They manage to strike a balance between flavor and sweetness that doesn’t overwhelm the palate, making them a great treat. Atmosphere The charming decor and cozy vibe of La La Land make it an inviting place to relax, whether you're catching up with friends or enjoying some alone time with a good book. It's a perfect setting to savor a cup of coffee and unwind. Conclusion If you're exploring coffee spots in Dallas, be sure to include La La Land Coffee on your itinerary. It offers a delightful experience that goes beyond just the drinks, and I guarantee you

Fiction Coffee: A Cappuccino Lover's Paradise If you’re in Dallas and searching for a top-notch cappuccino, Fiction Coffee on Bell is a must-visit. I’ve tried it twice, and both times, they delivered consistently good cappuccinos that exceeded my expectations. Vibe and Atmosphere Fiction Coffee boasts a cool vibe with a unique clientele that adds to the overall experience. The atmosphere is both inviting and energizing, making it a great spot to relax or get some work done while sipping on your favorite brew. Cappuccino Quality When it comes to the cappuccino itself, Fiction Coffee really shines. Their attention to detail and skill in crafting the perfect foam and espresso blend has made it my go-to spot for comparison against other Dallas cafés. Final Thoughts With a cappuccino rating of 9.5/10 , Fiction Coffee sets a high standard in the Dallas coffee scene. It’s easily the best I’ve had in the area, and while I’ve had even better experiences in places like San Francisco, Fictio

Winter Visit to the Dallas Arboretum My recent visit to the Dallas Arboretum during winter offered a unique experience, albeit with less vibrant scenery than I expect during the warmer months. The price of admission was incredibly affordable, making it a great opportunity for a leisurely stroll around the grounds. Highlights of the Visit Brisk Walk: The winter landscape provided a serene backdrop for a brisk walk. While the gardens may not have been in full bloom, the tranquility of the space allowed for a peaceful escape from the city. Dining at DeGolyer: I enjoyed a nice meal at the DeGolyer restaurant. The ambiance was pleasant, and it was a great way to warm up after my walk. Looking Ahead This visit served as a valuable reconnaissance mission, giving me a chance to familiarize myself with the layout and offerings of the Arboretum. I’m already looking forward to returning in Autumn when the gardens should be bursting with color and life, creating a completely different atmosphe