I couldn’t resist. I plan to try my hand at shade planting Asiatic lilies. I shopped online at Brent and Becky’s and picked up 5 each of the following: Navona, Lollypop and Red Alert. I also picked up a 5 pack of the strap-leaf caladium Blushing Bride, which will be added to the front fence bed. I may even reserve one or two bulbs for potting. I could have gone overboard and bought more caladiums, a white strap-leafed variety to be preferred, but I’m not sure where else to put them in the landscape. A new internet source, Classic Caladiums, might persuade me to pick up some White Ruffles.
Hosta and Kalmia
Daunted by the Musser Farm disappointment, back to Forestfarm I went. As much as I desired that lovely Kalmia latifolia Olympic Fire, I instead opted for the Minuet Mountain Laurel, which I hope will thrive in the full shade garden next to the front door. Here’s to hoping they supply us with a large healthy specimen. I also couldn’t resist picking up a Hosta Eternal Flame (at an irresistible tube price of $7.95), which so reminded me of the Fire & Ice that I purchased from Sooner Plant Farm about 2-3 years ago. I plan on locating it in the front fence bed, once it’s been weeded, amended and framed.
Recap on forgotten dining adventures
Sushi Awaji
7835 N Macarthur Blvd
Irving, TX 75063
(972) 869-0663Another all-you-can-eat Asian buffet opens in north Irving. Similar to Tokyo One and Osaka in concept, Sushi Awaji is comparable to Japan House in execution. There is a smattering of passable sushi and sashimi options on the cold bar, and on the hot bar, Korean and Japanese selections along with the predictable hot pot dinner. The staff is polite and quick on refills, though at times, some chafing dishes remained empty. When the check arrived, I suffered a little sticker shock–I just didn’t feel I got my money’s worth like I would have at Tokyo One or Osaka. What’s worse: Sushi Awaji resides in an old pharmacy building complete with sliding glass doorfront (extremely breezy during the winter) and easy-listening music blaring from the overhead speakers.
My rating: stars
Dat’s Good BBQ
1168 W. Main St
Lewisville, TX 75067
(972) 219-2244I didn’t expect much from this hole-in-the-wall BBQ joint in Lewisville. But the fiance and I made the trek to see how Lewisville’s best ‘Que ranks against our favorite. We weren’t wow’ed but we were satisfied. Dat’s proprietors appreciated that we loved our brisket with a nice rind of fat. Their affection for barbecue extended to the juicy and flavorful ribs, which unfortunately was sold out by the time we got there. We opted for sausage and was pleased that it came from a different source. Chicken turned out dry–but not many can pull off a moist barbecue chicken in these parts. What made our trip to Dat’s memorable was the profusion of southern-style sides: cornbread, collard greens, yams, and okra to name a few. For a fine finish, sweet potato pie and bread pudding, along with the typical cobblers, completed their menu. For these menu options and the excellent customer service (the staff displayed great affection for their food and were very welcoming), I’m willing to endure their average barbecue for some great Southern comforts.
My rating: stars
Spring gardening part 1
With the weekend temperatures at a cool 70 degrees, the fiance and I tackled two flower beds, framing them with stone and bricks. We also dug out the weeds and put in compost plus top soil to make the beds receptive to future plantings. Finally, we decided to go with black mulch to better set apart the colorful violas that I finally got around to planting in the front beds. (I had bought another flat of blue violas from Strong’s Nursery that went on sale.) The orange, blues, and whites popped against the dark background. And not to mention, the mulch will be help stifle the weed infestation that overgrew the bare beds. My only regret is that the violas didn’t get more ground time during the last month.
In addition to the new violas, I also planted a bag of lily of the valley, purchased from Home Depot. While the packaging advertised 16 plants, I discovered 2 sprouting bundles in the bag (similar to daylily rhizomes), which I quickly put into the front flower bed. It is supposedly a shade-loving plant, and further research indicated that this plant may actually grow like a weed under optimum conditions.
Speaking of weeds, I went ahead and invested in a spreader, plus a bag of weed killer. Unfortunately the yards are overgrown with weeds, not having enough turf to prevent it. But with the sudden onset of rain this weekend, I haven’t had time to apply it.
I’ve convinced the fiance to try a kalmia latifolia in the corner bed by the door, instead of the originally planned azalea. I had already made an online purchase for the Olympic Fire variety, but soon learned that Musser Forests in Pennsylvania was prohibited in shipping to Texas. Interesting. I’m going to have to find a local source somewhere…
Last thing to report…my japanese maple Asahi Zuru is showing signs of life. Green buds have begun to emerge from their red shells. This is exciting news, given that last year, the maple hadn’t leafed out this early. It seems that sitting by the patio door getting some morning sun has encouraged it to sprout early. I’m contemplating replanting in a bigger pot to help it spread its roots some more.
Biker tested and approved
Redneck Heaven
It’s been said that in recent times, especially during our current economy, the food industry will try to capitalize on any gimmick to draw in the crowds. In order to bolster consumer spending in this area, the industry has been shifting their focus on venues designed to lift sagging consumer confidence by pairing spirits with appealing table-side visuals. Enter the “breast-aurant”. Once upon a time, the field was dominated by only one or two chains and a few local hangouts, Hooters being foremost in this category. Now the pool has considerably grown, especially in the DFW area, with the likes of Twin Peaks and Bone Daddy’s. Redneck Heaven joins the fray, featuring food, booze and games, served up by the requisite scantily-clad waitresses. Redneck Heaven recycles the old concept that bikes, babes and booze go well together, and gambles on this idea by positioning their restaurant in a family-friendly middle-class suburban location.
I must admit a bit of surprise when I first entered Redneck Heaven…I expected the pool tables and a boisterous bar atmosphere. What I didn’t expect was the barely-legal waitstaff, prancing around in skimpy attire, and at least one family with 4 children, lunching here. But I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised…the bar’s exterior vaguely gave off that “M for Mature” vibe. Or is that M for Mischief?
But my fiance and I were here for the food, and in particular, we came for the burgers. I am pleased to report that Redneck served up decent cooked-to-order burgers; no fancy sauces or exotic preparations here. They have a limited collection of condiments, since their burgers come sans dressings: ketchup and mustard, and if you ask nicely, they’ll bring out packets of mayonnaise. My burger was a grilled, medium-rare, hand-formed patty…I requested the bleu cheese burger with no pickles, extra onions and a cup of their broccoli cheese soup. The thick cheesy soup may have been overkill after our appetizer of chili cheese fries liberally garnished with jalapenos, which I’m happy to say tasted fine. The chili seemed to have been a house-made variety, with a good balance of ground beef and beans. A word about the beef–Redneck Heaven likes mentioning that they serve Nolan Ryan beef…and for a local eatery, I have to give them a thumbs-up for partnering with a home-grown legend.
Because the food seemed rendered capably, my dining companion and I both agreed that Redneck’s kitchen deserves a second chance despite the fact that this really wasn’t our type of venue. For those lonely male diners however, Redneck’s is sure to please. But guys, be sure to know your limits or you might just turn off that pretty waitress you’re trying to impress…the house special drink called Minnow Bomb does feature a live fish, and you might end up in the parking lot, hurling up said sushi and whatever meal that preceded it. Don’t say they didn’t warn ya–it’s on the menu.
My rating: stars