Nikki "I'm a Trooper" B.'s Profile

Kevin and I wanted to take a day trip out somewhere for some great 'cue, and after much research we decided on the Hashknife. It's just under 2 hours away from Uptown Dallas and a beautiful drive once you exit off I-20 and hit country roads.

We pulled in around 1pm on a Saturday expecting a crowd. Instead, we found a few locals and one or two fellow "road trippers". The open patio out front has about six or so picnic tables but unfortunately they don't allow dogs on it. Shadow had come along with us (shocking), so we were disappointed when we saw we couldn't eat our lunch with him.

I had read a few reviews about the owners not really liking kids at the joint, but we saw a few kiddos running around (yet well-behaved) outside and no one said a thing. Seems to me you're treated how you act here, which is just fine with me.

The gal who took our orders wasn't super bubbly, but nice enough and was happy to give recommendations and answer our questions. Jim, the owner and pitmaster, came out while we were ordering so I introduced myself. He made a joke or two and was extremely friendly.

On to the food. We both had the one meat combo (meat + 2 sides) -- I chose sliced brisket with pea salad and beans, and we split a pound of ribs. When our food was dropped off at our table, the gal noted that we try the ribs sans-sauce first. I'm so glad we did! The meat didn't fall off the bone (which I actually liked) but came off easily when pulled gently. The char was nice and crusty and the smoke flavor was unbelievable.

The brisket was also delicious but nothing remarkable. I noted to get it chopped next time. My pea salad was tasty as well -- who doesn't like cheese, onion, peas and mayo all mixed together anyway? The beans, soft pintos swimming in a thick sauce, were my favorite side.

Hashknife sells a few beer choices - Dos Equis, Lone Star, Miller Lite, etc. - kept in an ice tub behind the counter. We also saw a guy come in and buy 2 6-packs to go.

Before you leave, pick up an Oilfield Pudding for the road. It's a thick homemade banana pudding with Nilla Wafers; super delicious once your bbq food baby disappears!

Let's just start by saying that my idea of makeup pre-Sephora consisted of tinted moisturizer, a nude eyeshadow and mascara. It took me all of 2.5 minutes to put it on, and most days I didn't care if I had dark shadows by 2pm. Whatevs.

But then I had my makeup professionally done for my bridal shoot by a local salon. BAM! What was this that I've been missing all of these years? Knowing that I wouldn't be able to get a professional makeup artist from Dallas to travel to a remote lake house for our wedding, I resorted to learning how to do it myself.

I popped into this Sephora hoping to pick up some nice makeup essentials. What I didn't know is that I would be bombarded by a fiery redhead who would forever change the way I think about makeup.

She listened to how the salon guy had done it, I showed her a few pictures, and off she went to collect the right colors. Then she proceeded to put makeup on half of my face, showing me exactly what and how as she went along. After she finished, she handed her brush tool belt and supplies over to me so I could do the other half. Y'all, I was scared.

However, she coached me right along and by the time I was done, it looked pretty damn good! Although I spent over $240 that day, I left confident that I knew how to do my OWN makeup for my wedding. And to me... it was totally worth it.

The best part is - I'm STILL using the same techniques she taught me, just on a lighter scale. Thank you Sephora, for forcing me to grow into a real lady.

These folks could seriously not be any more friendly. The store associates (thankfully) left me alone as I browsed the selections, and when I checked out I had the nicest conversation with the cashier. In fact, he and I would totally be friends if we weren't complete strangers. I just know it.

Turns out we have a common acquaintance so we chatted about her business, and he even recommended a few other gift ideas when I told him why I was buying 13 mini spreaders. Who would have thought to pair a wooden spoon with a bottle of olive oil as a gift? Genius!

I love this location and hope I'm brought back here again soon.

I'm not going to lie, I wasn't expecting much after reading some of the mediocre reviews. While Ketchup didn't blow me away, I have to respectfully disagree with some of the other reviews... this burger place is darn tasty and service was great!

I ordered the Ketchup Burger and asked for an Atkins-friendly version without the bun and Millie (my server) happily obliged. I found the burger to be a tad small, but nevertheless VERY juicy, thick and delicious. The sauteed onions on top took it to another flavor level, and I appreciated the ketchup and mustard on the side.

My favorite ketchup flavor was the green tomatillo, but the chipotle was great too. They paired well with my huge $3 basket of sweet potato fries. This baby should be shared by 2-3 people, and I love that they're not covered in cornstarch like most I find in restaurants.

I took advantage of the ScoutMob deal for 50% off and Millie didn't show any signs of disappointment when I presented the offer. Bravo!

The only downsides? No wi-fi to work while I was here. And it's valeted parking. Ugh... but such is a Dallas-wide problem.

Until about noon today when I received an email welcoming me to their "Customer VIP Email Club," I was going to give Social House a great four or five star review (gasp!) based on my experience last night. You see, I gave my business card to a manager solely on BUSINESS intentions, as in "Hey, here's what I do," NOT "Hey, here's my permission to put me on your mailing list." It really irks me when establishments do this -- sneaky marketing, my friend, but I'm not falling for it.

However, my experience last night at happy hour was really pleasant and fun. I had heard mediocre things about Social House, but I decided to see for myself and I'm glad I did.

The drinks were cheap and well-poured (ask for a "VIP" keychain card that gets you $3 Crown&Down drinks all night), and our server was fantastic. We sipped $3 Tito and sodas for several hours while Ian snapped pictures of our table when requested and joked along with us.

We didn't try the food, but the menu looked decent. The place is mostly a dude den, but the few girls there were attractive. Expect to see a lot of older men hitting on the waitstaff as they slam their "expensive" whiskey. (Gross.)

I'll probably be back, but I'll be careful to keep my cards in my pocket. I'd rather not be re-added to their special list.

I wish I could say more for this place, but I guess we're just not meant to be a match made in tapas heaven.

The dishes come out faster than I could have imagined, which makes me wonder how long things are sitting back there. A few comments on some of the dishes we ordered:

- Octopus: too chewy and served cold (FYI), just not my cup of tea
- Scallops: my favorite dish of the night, well cooked and seared nicely
- Veggies: very bland, badly needed a kick of flavor
- Wine: I rarely dislike any type of wine, but I found our Spanish red very tasty

The atmosphere was intimate yet laid-back, which is perfect for a date night with your S.O. Our waiter was outstanding - humorous, gave appropriate suggestions and cleared plates away quickly without rushing us.

Unfortunately, my experience here wasn't as great as others. Maybe it was opening weekend jitters - not sure. Whatever it was, the experience was terrible enough that I probably won't be back.

We arrived on the Saturday before Halloween expecting Stringfellows. The three girls working the hostess stand outside (yes, three) caught us before we could turn around. I was hopeful because of their cheery attitudes and prompt seating.

The menu is small (not sure if they've added to it) and didn't have very many lady-friendly options. Weird, because the garden patio beckons females to sit and enjoy a meal.

We ordered a bottle of pinot grigio but a bottle of pinot noir from the same vineyard came out. I wondered why the waiter didn't ask us to specify when we asked for "pinot" considering they offer both, but my gal pal prefers red so I let it go.

My friend ordered the citrus salad and I ordered the Brazos Caesar with smoked chicken on top. Both salads were missing key ingredients. Mine came without avocado, cojita cheese and I didn't see any cilantro dressing. Instead, I saw shaved carrots and bland iceberg. I was almost positive I had received the wrong salad.

I picked off the chicken and we both left our salads half uneaten. Instead of recognizing it and asking if we didn't like them, the waiter picked them up without a word. Sure, I should have said something but at that point I had lost all hope.

In addition to all of this, they were installing wrought iron gates on the side of the patio -- this was extremely noisy and bothersome. It makes no sense why they scheduled this on a busy afternoon for the Granbury Square when visitors are everywhere and you're trying to impress lunch guests.

Nothing ever survives in this location and if they keep experiences like this up, Brazos Smokehouse won't be an exception.

Signs that this place is a top-notch establishment:

- Tiffany Derry invites you back into her kitchen to say hello and chat for a few minutes
- Lisa Garza is meeting a group of friends for cocktails and bites at the bar
- The bartender makes you a few cocktails "on him" to get you to try different things
- The head bartender, Rocco, remembers your pals who recommended the place to you (and what they drank!)

I'm so glad this place found home on McKinney Ave. On a street filled with pubs with so-so food and sports bars, Private Social is a welcomed addition for those of us who still like to go to happy hour and have fancy cocktails and pay a bit more for great food.

Chef Tiffany was a delight to meet (the introduction was prompted by the bartender) and she seemed genuinely happy to meet with us. I really enjoyed her trio dip - the bean and sage is my fave. We also ordered the Thai mussels, which arrived steaming hot and very flavorful. The broth was so good that I ended up slurping the remainder up with my spoon. And when we suggested that they be served with more bread, the bartenders noted that the kitchen is working on doing that soon. Duly noted!

My thanks goes out to Leigh P who recommended the place - and Rocco the bartender. He was outstanding!

PS - Order the Aviation and the Things That Make You Go Hmm cocktails. They aren't on the menu but are dangerously good.

Don't be fooled by the unassuming residential façade of El Sibil. This place is a bitchin' venue to host any underground party of your liking.

It looks like a modern-cool house from the outside; but I can assure you my friends, this venue has everything you need: a 2nd floor with overlooking catwalk/balcony, a kitchen area with a full-size fridge and stovetop oven and an enclosed bar area for your 'tenders.

You could probably shove 100 or so people in here, and there's even a designated area for a full size band or entertainment show. And the DJ? He/she can set up in the ladder-access only bird's nest above the bar.

The only downside is that the space only has one bathroom - and the door doesn't exactly lock well. Bathroom buddies are a must!

So, I'm getting married.

Woo hoo! Pop the bubbly!

And that means buying the perfect wedding dress. I knew I wanted to try on a variety of dresses, so I figured I would start at the top at Stanley Korshak.

I expected impeccable service, and impeccable service is what I received. Pamela, my bridal consultant, let me roam free to pick out the first round. Then she led me upstairs to my own HUGE, private room to try everything on.

As I picked out things I liked and didn't like about each dress, another round of gorgeous dresses was brought up by the staff. I bet I put on at least two dozen of them. Pamela was so helpful with everything, and so honest with me. I really appreciated that.

Even though they knew I wasn't purchasing that day, it didn't stop them from letting me romp around the store in as many dresses as I liked. I was there for almost 2 hours and felt no rush at all.

And you know what? I found The Dress that day.

Three weeks later, I returned to look at The Dress again with my mom. And we did indeed purchase it. Yay!

What's even sweeter, as a Korshak Bride I get 10% off all things like shoes, jewelry, etc in the store. Louboutin... here I come!