With spring blooms happening all about town, I thought I’d jot a few notes down about some of the garden shows I’d like to visit this coming April:
March 7-April 12: Dallas Blooms 2009 at the Dallas Arboretum
April 11: Irises in Bloom at Argyle Acres
April 18: Spring Daylily Sale at North Haven Gardens
208 North Greenville Ave.
Allen, TX 75002
(214) 383-7555Nothing exciting at this Allen town barbecue franchise. Ordered the sampler platter which came with bland and dreary brisket. Tough, dry and no smoky flavor at all! At least the mesquite chicken proved flavorful and a lot less dry. The ribs didn’t taste like anything coming out of a smoker (do they even have a smoker at this location? I couldn’t tell!) but at least were moist and nearly fall-off-the-bone tender. Terribly disappointing amount of onion rings ordered as a side–while and fresh and hot, there just wasn’t enough to elevate this meal above obscurity. Bar-B-Cutie’s only redeeming quality is that it’s located in downtown and has a solid selection of bbq sandwiches (with pulled pork featuring prominently) to satisfy the lunch-going crowd. Just too pricy for the quality and the amount of meat that you get.
My rating: stars
335 Central Expy
Allen, TX 75013
(214) 495-9090This isn’t your typical casual burger eatery, replete with condiment aisle and ice cream/shake dispensers. But JC’s Burger House is a satisfying stop if you’re looking for simple, cooked-to-order burgers. They have a simple grill menu, with burgers and chicken featured as the prime meat sources. There are some salad options–but JC’s is not the place to order them, especially when competing with the likes of “To Die For” Cheese Fries, Beer Battered Onion Rings and Jalepeno Bites, Apple or Apricot Pie, and Homemade Blue Bell Shakes and Malts. The quality of their burgers are one notch above fast food, typical of what you might get from a greasy spoon down the corner. JC’s throws down the gauntlet for any brave souls willing to try out their “Todd-Zilla” burger, a 1.5lb burger with triple cheese and triple patties…you get a spot of honor on their wall and a T-shirt if you manage to conquer this heart-attack inducing monster. On my next visit, I plan on trying out their cheese fries…
My rating: stars
310 Coneflower Dr
Garland, Texas 75040
Phone 972-530-6688Mastergrill will probably be the destination for budget-minded Brazilian steakhouse goers. Their menu prices are very reasonable compared to the big name joints found in the DFW area. However, the lower prices also reflect the lower standards of this budding chain. After several visits (more than 5, less than 10) to their Garland and Frisco locations, I found their meats dry and mostly overcooked (especially during lunch), their salad bar just mildly interesting. Many a time, bread baskets were not refilled and dirty plates sat around awhile before being whisked away (though the Frisco location seemed much more on the ball when it came to service). The digs are upscale enough to host special occasions without being too flaunty, yet the casual suburban locations make it unimposing for neighborhood families with children who just want a comfortable place to dine big. Still, if a meat coma is in your future, and Fogo and Rafain are too much of a drive, then you will be served well at Mastergrill. Just remember to request your meat medium-rare…
My rating: stars
I added to the garden this weekend: a white salvia from Plants & Planters; red and white dianthus, yellow and red/orange french marigolds, and yellow potato vine (Sweet Caroline Sweetheart Light Green perhaps) from Cristina’s Flowers; Sweet Caroline Bewitched Purple potato vine (which actually looks like a Caroline Purple) from Lowes, Devil’s Wine Calla Lily and 2 Purple Flash Ornamental Peppers from Home Depot. The troughs are divided between the yellows/reds and the whites/purples plants. I still have two mini troughs that are begging for attention. I am thinking about adding another rosemary shrub to the garden, and I’m contemplating white hostas.
I made a stop at Gunter’s greenhouse on my way to work today. I had wanted to see if they had anything unusual to add to my patio garden, but as usual, the orchids are the biggest draw. I stepped into the prehistoric jungle and wended my way among the spectacular blooms. Orchids rock! I recommend the place highly if you are looking for something different in plant life.
I potted up a couple of dark red dianthus with my calla lily/jasmine. I also have 3 planter troughs now, sitting on my patio, waiting for paint to dry. I imagine it won’t take much for me to find something to plant in them. Methinks I’ll be needing another bag of garden soil now. I intend to put a mix of garden and potting soil in each of the troughs, to gently remind them that they will find a home in a real garden some day.
Around the apartment complex where I live, the indian hawthorn are bursting with flowers, and the pink and white salvias are starting to show their colors. I plan on stealing a couple of sprigs of white salvia so that I can grow them on my own.
Now where are my cosmos seeds???
Calla lily bulbs are in! Though I’m somewhat disappointed with the size of the Flame bulbs…scrawny compared to Red Sox. I’m wondering if I should have purchased more Flames. The asahi zuru is leafing out nicely…though I’m seeing more variegation in the leaves that get more sunlight. Must get to a nursery to buy potting soil!
