Pokka Green Tea w/ Jasmine

Lately, I’ve been trying different cold green teas. It’s healthy (sometimes), and a welcome departure from my normal diet of water, bourbon, or beer. So far I really haven’t found anything worthwhile. That is, until about an hour ago.

Picked up a can of Pokka Green Tea w/ Jasmine at the Whole Foods on Lemmon Ave. It tastes fresh, sweet, and the jasmine is unbelievable. At 72 calories and only 18g of sugar, it isn’t too bad, either. The unsweetened version (another brand I can’t remember that’s also in a can) was a bit too bland, and even a little bitter. This is just about perfect.

Grab one instead of an Orangina. I did.

Texas Sized Donuts

Yesterday I promised donuts. BIG donuts. Possibly the best donuts I’ve ever had. And I don’t even like donuts. Find them at Ma Wilson’s Texas Sized Donuts in Pecos, TX. Just don’t come on Sunday, she’s not open. And while the picture really doesn’t show the scale of these things, if you buy more than one, she’s got to use cake boxes—And I’m pretty sure she can only fit a few in there. With the size, the donut takes on a whole new character. More dough, less sugary crust. Given the caloric consequence, all donuts should be this good.

(more…)

Bolla at the Stoneleigh: A Therapy Session

A couple of nights ago I strolled into the newly redesigned Stoneleigh Hotel for a peek at Bolla, the new fancy pants restaurant that features the cuisine of David Bull. I’m all for progress, but…wait a second, no I’m really not. At least in this case. I have a deep emotional attachment to the Stoneleigh Hotel. My grandfather lived there as did many of my men friends who ended up divorced and homeless. For many years, The Lion’s Den, the dark bar in a nook outside the restaurant, was my home away from home. Long before Joe Miller’s became the media hangout in Dallas, Joe Miller was the bartender at The Den. The drinks and the men were stiff; the women were loose. Even when Joe Miller left to run his own spot (where the Loon is now) many regulars, like Blackie Sherrod, stayed behind and sipped their scotches at the Den. So when I walked in the other night and found the whole space ripped out, it ripped out a part of my heart. It was like going back to the house you grew up in and knocking on the door to ask the current owners to let you go back into your old bedroom. Once you find your former warm and cuddly bedroom has been turned into a shiny master bath, you just can’t help but feel sad. On one hand I’m happy that Dallas has a lovely boutique hotel but the next time I eat at Bolla, I’m taking my blankie. And my mommy. That’s all I need.