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I was happy to know that Waco’s only boutique hotel, Hotel Indigo is now open. We grabbed a couple of friends and experienced a beautiful hotel and an awesome restaurant. Check out the photos we took. They sure know how to present food! Our appetizer and dinner choices were not only tasty; they were pretty to look at as well! And speaking of new, Lorena has a vineyard all its own. This is not new to owners, Patti and Rick Wendt. They have been working on their vineyards for 10 years! We attended the grand opening recently and the vineyards were so breathtaking. The tasting room is now open so I hope you will take the short drive to Lorena to taste Rick’s wine creations.
eren’t the Bluebonnets just beautiful this year! We took a day trip and traveled the Bluebonnet Trail in Brenham and got into lots of trouble along the way! We visited the first site of Baylor University in Independence, toured Washington on the Brazos, had lunch at Bever’s Kitchen in Chapel Hill, had a glass of wine at Messina Hof Winery and Resort in Bryan and on the way home, tumbled into Cocoamoda in Calvert. Whew! It was a whirlwind tour for sure. But what fun we had! At Messina Hof Vineyards and Resort, we chatted with the owner and winemaker and toured the property which is just gorgeous. I wasn’t aware of the Vintage Restaurant at the Vineyard so it will definitely be one to add to my “review” list. At Cocomoda, we met owner, Chef Ken and sampled some premium chocolate. He gave us a personal tour of the facility where the chocolate is made. Ken designs beautiful chocolate sculptures which he donates to various charities for auction items. Now this is giving back! Going on a day trip is such fun. This month, we showcase Clifton, Texas so you can do just that. I was surprised what this quaint little town has to offer. Read our article and I’ll bet you will find yourself taking the short drive west to experience this historic town.
I did a little twist on my reviews this month and included a music venue. Schoepf’s Old Time Pit BBQ has begun their summer concert series and what a great spot they have to do this! They built a stage and dance floor and their venue offer lots of seating at picnic tables so Texans of all ages can enjoy Texas barbecue and Texas music. I sure have been busy this month to bring our readers lots of places to enjoy. We had a lot of fun exploring so I hope you have lots of fun experiencing all of the wonderful places Central Texas has to offer! As always, check out our website at www.biteofwisdom.com for even more places to eat, drink and be merry! Enjoy!
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Daytripper: Destination Clifton lifton is one of those little towns that draw you in the minute you arrive. It is surrounded by those majestic hills that give a calming backdrop to Main Street. Clifton is known as the Norwegian Capital of Texas which tells me why there is so much history here. But I am a “foodie” of sorts with a magazine that emphasizes such topics. I was surprised to know of how many eating establishments are here, some of which are housed in historic structures. Main Street has the usual Dairy Queen and Subway but off the beaten path is where you will find the little treasures. A pharmacy transformed into a darling breakfast and lunch diner. On a recent visit, Deb, the owner, treated me to her homemade tomato soup and told me a little about her place. Historic features abound here such as the soda fountain, Italian marble, bar stools and stained glass bar back. All the food is made fresh daily and I can tell you from experience, it is mighty tasty. Theresa, the owner and chef is also an artist that explains all the whimsical artwork on the walls and the hand painted zebra rug on the floor. I found the food creations so fresh and unique. Bring your favorite bottle of wine and enjoy dinner on Friday or Saturday nights. Theresa’s culinary artwork can be seen on the website, www.gourmetgrill.com.
owner, Duane Sulak. He had a case full of kolaches and fresh meats ready for sandwich making. He built a fabulous Ruben sandwich for me and wrapped up some Turkey Jerky to go. Delicious! Going hunting? Drop off your “prize” and Duane will take care of the rest.
When I found this bakery, I was surprised to find I knew the
If you are looking for the typical “small town diner” then Johnny’s Place is your destination. They offer a daily buffet full of your southern favorites, an Italian buffet on Tuesday nights and a fabulous breakfast buffet on Saturday and Sunday mornings. I hear the Twister is a must to order. They serve up great Chinese food and you must try their egg rolls! The décor will take you all the way to China and for a while you won’t feel as if you are in Texas at all! www.biteofwisdom.com
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: If you are in the mood for great Mexican food, this is the place. I visited with Luis, the owner and he told me they have been there for over 30 years! Visit Luis and his staff and taste authentic Mexican cuisine from someone who knows all about it!
Weddings Birthdays Tuxedo Rentals Anniversaries Tropicals Gift Baskets Silks
Yes, there is barbeque in Clifton and everyone in the area knows where to go. Bunkhouse Barbeque is known for their large portions and fried green tomatoes but it’s the barbeque itself that brings people in from all over. You will find typical barbeque fare along with a rustic atmosphere and friendly faces.
Your “All-Occasion” Florist and Gift Shop…
For the burger and pizza buffs, there is Jim’s Pizza and Burgers on the west side of Main Street. This place is small but they put out a mean burger which was voted “The Best Burger in Bosque County”. The pizza is also award winning so I strongly suggest visiting this little gem of a place. But the doors are closed on the weekends, since Jim is out on his “bike” riding amongst the hills of Bosque County.
215 N. Ave. D, Clifton 254-675-3444 • 866-675-3444 www.blossomshopetc.com Party rental space available soon!
It was originally constructed in 1922 as a Sinclair Gas service station. The bar was the original parts counter. But the nuts and bolts gave way to a beautifully transformed dining room with elegantly set tables with fresh flowers and soft lighting that greets you when you enter the old station. The menu touts Angus Prime Steaks and fresh seafood. The wine selection has a variety of reds and whites including two of our Central Texas own, Red Caboose and Valley Mills Vineyard. Visit Mitchell’s Grill website at www.mitchellsgrill.com to see the complete menu and wine list.
Sulak’s Czech Bakery & Meat Market
Clifton is home to this fine winery and vineyard. The tasting room reminds me of the Hill Country near my beloved San Antonio. Better yet, travel to Meridian where you can view the majestic hills full of grapevines. Both tasting rooms greet you with a comforting, friendly atmosphere and award-winning wine. Red Caboose boasts they are a “green” vineyard and is the only winery in Texas to cool, refrigerate and chill with geothermal. Many events are held at both locations so be sure to check their website, www.redcaboosewinery.com for details. www.biteofwisdom.com
Kolaches
Fresh Meats
Pies
Buchtas
Sandwiches
Jerky
Breads
Smoked Meats
Sausage
Pastries
Deer/Wild Game Processing
Catering
710 N. Ave. G Clifton, TX (254) 675-2825 Duane Sulak, owner www.sulaksbakery.com 5
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Not only did I find great dining in Clifton, I found a number of businesses unique to the city.
by painting walls and adding fixtures to better suit the business. She is also working on an outside venue for all types of gatherings. Check out their website at www.blossomshoppeetc.com for more information.
: This is Clifton’s only historic Bed and Breakfast built over 100 years ago. In 2001, the empty building was renovated to reveal a charming bed and breakfast where guests can step back in time. Visit their website at www.screendoorinn.com and see the wonderful accommodations Screen Door Inn has to offer. : Adjacent to the B&B, you can catch the latest movie at the historic Cliftex Theater. The theater is the oldest, continuously operating movie theater in Texas and has been showing movies in downtown Clifton since 1916. Their website gives you all the upcoming movies and times at www.cliftextheater.com.
A non-profit cultural art center. Originally the Clifton Lutheran College erected in 1923, a fire destroyed all but the Administration Building which now houses the Art Center. The Center offers a variety of Workshops and Classes and also has accommodations for your special activity. Members of the Bosque Art Center have formed many groups such as the Garden Club, Book Club and my favorite, Culinary Club. There is always something going on at the Bosque Arts Center so be sure to check their website, www.bosqueartscenter.org for details.
This is where Bosque County citizens go for their entire flower and plant needs. The Shop recently relocated into the old VFW building downtown so you can guess that this flower shop has lots of character. Actually, the owner is in the process of renovating the old VFW
: In the mood for a little antiquing? This is not your same old antique store. There are room settings of furniture, glassware and art which make it easy for the shopper to find just what they are looking for. This is one not to be missed.
Hours Mon - Sat 6 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sunday 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Italian Buffet Tuesday Night 5 p.m. - 9 p.m.
254-675-2001 502 S. Ave. G, Clifton, Texas
Breakfast Buffet Saturday & Sunday 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.
New menu with over 30 new items‌ 10 new seafood items! www.biteofwisdom.com
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: This quilting shop is on your left as you tumble into town. The home turned quilt shop is so inviting the minute you pull into the small parking area. It is a typical country bungalow with fresh flowers on the front stoop. If I were a quilter, I’d be here every day. For you who are, the shop holds quilting classes and carries a wide variety of fabric, notions, and patterns. They are pet friendly too! Their website is just as darling as the shop so check it out at www.quiltingcousins.net.
Jim’s
Voted "BEST PIZZA, BURGERS AND FRIES IN BOSQUE COUNTY"!!!!
As you can see, the small unassuming town of Clifton has so much to offer locals and out-oftowners alike. I find myself returning often to soak up all of the history and culture this town embraces. So take a step back in time and stay at a historic Bed and Breakfast, view beautiful artwork, go antiquing, eat lots of good local food and take in a movie at a charming old movie house to round out the day. The best part of this trip back in time is, for just a while, you can forget about the hustle and bustle of your everyday life.
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615 N. Avenue G Clifton, Texas 254-675-4000
Monday - Friday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m. Closed Saturday & Sunday
Call In - Use our drive thru
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came later for dinner, I was so excited to see what other culinary talents awaited me. Let’s start with the appetizers. I loved the unique items that are not seen elsewhere. We chose the Salsa Trio which was presented in a tall vessel of sorts. It was filled with garlic salted tortilla chips accompanied by three types of salsas and all were just delicious. My friend had the Stuffed Avocado which was filled with diced chicken and pico de gallo and could be a meal in itself. One appetizer I spotted coming out of the kitchen time and time again was the Brazos Bleu’s. These are sliced potatoes tossed in blue cheese ranch, bacon and bleu cheese crumbles served up in a martini glass. This will have to be my choice on my next visit!
Waco is now home to the first boutique hotel in the area called Hotel Indigo. Tucked among the business district downtown, Hotel Indigo is a oneof-a-kind showplace! Upon entering the hotel, you will notice the massive multi-colored chandelier hanging from above. The contemporary décor is carried throughout the lobby and into the restaurant. This is where I recently dined with friends in tow. Brazos Bar and Bistro is a stylish restaurant with a sleek bar where patrons can hang out after work or linger over dinner and drinks. Earlier in the month I was able to meet the owner and manager as they were having lunch and was able to view the chef’s culinary talent. So when I
Salad choices called “Going Green” consists of Warm Spinach Salad and a Bleu Cheese Steak salad which are filled with field greens, roasted vegetables, blue cheese dressing with chipotle strip steak layered on top. Part of the dinner menu is called “No Need For a Knife or Fork” which as the name indicates are sandwiches, burgers and pizza. We chose the Shrimp Margarita Pizza which was topped with garlic shrimp, beefsteak tomatoes and queso fresco. Our dinner companions chose the Bistro
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from Waco’s own, Balcones Baby Blue Corn Whiskey and sweet vermouth. Sip on one of these libations after a trying day at the office. Randy Monelongo, the Bistro’s Food and Beverage Manager likes to support the local neighborhood in content and in name. Many selections on the menu are named after our grand Brazos River. Several of these include locally inspired ingredients. The Brazos Beef Ribs and the Brazos Bistro Burger are made with Cherry Dr. Pepper and sandwiches are made with locally baked bread. Queso Fresco, green chilies and fresh made salsas are ingredients used in many dishes we Texans love to see on a menu.
Chicken Pizza. And I must say that both were absolutely delicious. I eyed my neighbor’s dinner which was from “The Main Event” section of the menu. The Filet of Strip is the Brazos Bar & Bistro’s exclusive cut which rests on a tomatillo merlot wine reduction and served with Brazos Valley Havarti mashed potatoes. The steak was a very large cut of beef and looked mouthwatering!
Brazos Bar and Bistro has such unusual items on the menu that I will have to return to savor more of what this restaurant has to offer. Try this new bistro for something completely different!
After eating all of that delicious food, we just couldn’t think of dessert but I hear the Pistachio Crème Brulee melts in your mouth and I will be sure to leave room for it on my next visit. If you are the type for exotic cocktails, Brazos Bar and Bistro knows how to mix things up. Try the Me-Raj Mango Mojito or the Kiss of Jasmine. But it is the C-4 Hatten that steals the show! This is made
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Grapefruit The grapefruit was once described in the late 18th century as the “forbidden fruit”. In America, the tree was originally grown as a novelty and very few recognized it’s fruit. Early settlers to Florida recognized an increasing demand for the fruit during the late 19th century which mainly came from markets in New York and Philadelphia between 1880 and 1885. The grapefruit became the most important crop of the Texas Rio Grande Valley during the 1960’s. Today, grapefruit production in Florida exceeds that of Texas due to more recent severe weather conditions that have impacted the South Texas crops. Other countries that have since entered grapefruit production include Mexico, Argentina and areas of South America.
Fondue A French word meaning ‘melted’ and is also the name given to the melted cheese dish that has it’s roots from 19th century Switzerland. While the Swiss claim the original recipe, Americans, French and Italians have developed their own versions as meat and dessert dishes. Credit is given to the Americans for creating many of the dessert fondues, especially the chocolate fondue.
Cracker Jack Originally introduced by German immigrants to the 1893 Columbian Exposition in Chicago composing of popcorn, molasses and peanuts. In 1912, a toy was introduced into the package and in 1913, Crack Jack was the world’s largest selling treat. By the early 1970’s, Cracker Jack was found in more that 40 percent of American homes.
Diet Soda First appeared during the 1950’s, with Kirsh’s No-Cal being first introduced to America in 1952 and promoted to diabetics and dieters. Nehi’s Diet-Rite soon appeared the following year. The emergence of many of today’s diet sodas occurred in the 1960’s but faced many regulation challenges due to controversial health concerns.
Chicken Nuggets Even though the concept of frying battered chunks of chicken has been around for centuries, McDonald’s first introduced this popular item to the fast food industry in 1980. Original dipping sauces included barbecue, honey, sweet and sour, and hot mustard.
Necco Wafers Introduced to America in 1847 by an English immigrant named Oliver Chase, who is generally considered as the inventor of the first American candy machine. The original flavors consisted of chocolate, licorice, cinnamon, wintergreen, lemon, lime, orange and clove. During World War II, the majority of the wafers that were produced were shipped overseas to American troops. www.biteofwisdom.com
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Where Nostalgia Meets Food oversized bar is perfect for enjoying the special of the day, drinking an ice cold glass of sweet tea or just chatting with the locals. There is a larger room separate from the main dining room that is perfect for a group luncheon or meeting. An old fashioned pie and cake keeper sits in one corner filled with home baked desserts. afé 35 in Temple is one of those places to grab breakfast, lunch or dinner and ‘sit a spell’ while enjoying the nostalgic surroundings and watching people come and go. From the black and white checkerboard floor to the booths that line the front of the restaurant, this classic eatery truly says café but with a twist. From what I understand, the location has been many a restaurant and I think it has finally settled down and put into the right hands. Why do I say this? I had lunch here not long ago and with the classic but updated decor and the traditional yet unique menu, Café 35 can’t help but hang around for hungry patrons to experience for years to come.
The large billboard in front of the building states, “Chef Inspired Home Cooked Food”. I was intrigued by this quote as I looked over the menu trying to
Fresh paint and pictures of an older Temple grace the walls. Updated lighting gives this café a sort of ambiance that makes you feel right at home. Yet sitting at stout tables and chairs and sliding into a booth will take you back to the 1960’s. The
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decide what was for lunch. Since I tend to gravitate toward Chicken Salad especially when it is made fresh daily, this was going to be an option. Café 35
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expectations. This tells me a lot about the Café’s desserts and I will be sure to indulge in a piece of pie myself on my next visit. I took a peak at the breakfast menu and saw this would be the perfect destination for a weekend breakfast. They offer a southern breakfast of Steak and Eggs and Biscuits and Sausage Gravy. Eggs Benedict and 3 Egg Omelets will tickle your taste buds as well. Dinner is also served at the Café and touts grilled items to include steak and seafood. An interesting item is Adam’s Ribs named after the owner’s son. (I see another visit coming!) also offers local favorites such as Grandma’s Chicken and Dumplings and burgers made with ½ lb of beef. For a lighter fare, salads such as the Warm Bacon Spinach Salad and the Shrimp Caesar Salad are available as well. But I see something I have not had in my many years of dining out, Fried Avocado “35”. I couldn’t pass up this “delicacy” so I added it to my lunch order of half Chicken Club sandwich and a cup of Tomato Basil soup. The avocado was sliced and deep fried in a buttermilk batter and when dipped in the chipotle ranch dressing, I was in avocado heaven! Good thing I ordered only half of a sandwich for this delicacy was very rich!
Café 35 is a place you can enjoy for any meal of the day and know you are getting quality food made with quality ingredients just like back in the day. Or stop by for a cup of coffee and a piece of Coconut Cream Pie and you might just find yourself chatting with owner, Hal Martin who can tell you all about this café and lots of history that comes with it. Either way, you won’t be disappointed and like me, you will want to come back for another visit!
The soup and sandwich were exceptional and something else new I encountered was the “35” fries which were so crispy and thin they looked like the laces on my Converse tennis shoes. Thankfully they didn’t taste like laces but were salty and yummy. I didn’t have room for the luscious cakes and pies that were on display but a couple sitting nearby was indulging in a piece of Coconut Cream Pie. They had come in specifically for this on a recommendation and it lived up to their
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Brazos Bar & Bistro
211 Clay Avenue Waco, Texas 254-754-5511
Let’s meet at the Indigo! Lunch 10:30 am - 2 pm Dinner 5 - 10 pm Sun - Thur 5 - 11 pm Fri - Sat Ja
Located in Waco’s Beautiful New Boutique Hotel
Lu n zz Me ch S p Ev eti ng eci er a y Fr Roo ls id m ay Ni gh t!
725 Austin Avenue Waco, Texas (254) 752-5200 Legacy Cafe and Art Gallery Mon-Thu 10-10, Fri-Sat 10-11, Closed Sunday
Coffee, tasty food, art, jazz and free wi-fi!
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723 S. 6th Street Waco, Texas 254-235-8737 Tres Mexican Restaurant Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
615 N. Avenue G Clifton, Texas 254-675-4000 Mon-Fri 11-8, Closed Sat & Sun Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
925 W. McGregor Drive McGregor, Texas 254-236-0045 Open Daily 11am - 9pm www.coachsbarbque.com Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
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5900 Bosque Blvd. (By Drug Emporium) Waco, Texas 254-399-9736 Open Mon-Fri 9am-5pm Expires 9/30/2012 Not Valid With Any Other Offer
725 Austin Avenue Waco, Texas 254-752-5200 Legacy Cafe and Art Gallery Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
215 N. Avenue D Clifton, Texas 254-675-3444 www.blossomshopetc.com Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
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725 Austin Avenue Waco, Texas 254-752-5200 Legacy Cafe and Art Gallery
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215 N. Avenue D Clifton, Texas 254-675-3444 www.blossomshopetc.com
615 N. Avenue G Clifton, Texas 254-675-4000 Mon-Fri 11-8, Closed Sat & Sun
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925 W. McGregor Drive McGregor, Texas 254-236-0045 Open Daily 11am - 9pm www.coachsbarbque.com
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100 B New Road Waco, Texas 254-776-2600 Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight U-Swirl Waco
1226 Webster Waco, Texas 254-752-6286 Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 10-1 Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
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Richland Mall Waco, Texas 254-776-7623 www.facebook.com/wacochocolate
710 N. Avenue G Clifton, Texas 254-675-2825 www.sulaksbakery.com Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
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100 B New Road Waco, Texas 254-776-2600 Sun-Thurs 11am-11pm, Fri-Sat 11am-midnight U-Swirl Waco
1226 Webster Waco, Texas 254-752-6286 Monday-Friday 8-5, Saturday 10-1 Expires 9/30/2012 One Coupon Per Visit Not Valid With Any Other Offer
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Richland Mall Waco, Texas 254-776-7623 www.facebook.com/wacochocolate
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he word itself sounds unappealing. When yogurt first arrived on the scene, it was gloppy and not very tasty. Then the yogurt companies began adding all kinds of things hoping for a more appealing product but it jeopardized the nutritional value. Fast-forward 20 years, frozen yogurt has become the fun treat to eat. The product as we know it today is now a nutritionally sound and tasty treat we all can feel good about consuming. Then came September 2011 when U-Swirl arrived in Waco Texas and everything changed. Oh, I was aware of other such yogurt shops but none like U-Swirl. And to tell you the truth, I never frequented such places and was happy with the small containers of yogurt with fruit in the bottom. So upon my first a visit to this new establishment, I was enlightened. First, the shop was very large, bright and colorful. The décor was cheery and above all very clean and tidy. As I walked over to the yogurt dispensers, and grabbed a very large cup, I thought, “I could never eat this much yogurt!” As I walked toward the dispensers, the enlightening ensued. I had never seen so many flavors and so many ways to combine them. This was going to be fun!
the toppings and with that, my yogurt adventure had come to an end. It was weighed, paid for and set in the front seat like a passenger as I drove toward home to share this treasure, maybe, with my husband.
As I “swirled” my way from flavor to flavor, my very large cup became very full! Never fear, my hubby was here to help consume my newly found treat so I carried on my with yogurt adventure. As I came upon a plethora of toppings it became clear there were too many choices and not enough room!!! (My cup wasn’t so large after all.) I went easier on
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I have never tasted anything so good! And as I found out, my husband thought so too and we ended up “duking” it out over this silly cup of yogurt! We have visited many times since and I never tire of the cold, sweet taste of U-Swirl yogurt. So what makes U-Swirl yogurt different from the others? I spoke with owners Stacey and Jeff. They told me that U-Swirl is made with a milk-based yogurt where others are made with a powder-based yogurt. The milk-based yogurt insures you get all the good stuff yogurt has to offer such as probiotics and calcium and it just plain tastes better! Anyone can eat U-Swirl yogurt since there are many types of yogurt such as dairy-free, no sugar added, and gluten free and most are fat-free. The sorbet is perfect for those who are lactose intolerant. parties are welcome here as well. For a $25 deposit, the party comes complete with party favors, balloons, and Hawaiian leis. A fun promotion USwirl does each Wednesday is called “Guess the Weight”. Guess the exact weight of your yogurt cup, it is free! U-Swirl likes to give back to the community by offering fundraising activities for schools, churches or other organizations for those in need of something new and different to raise funds.
U-Swirl offers 18 flavors and 70 toppings, which is by far more offerings than other yogurt shops. The toppings consist of candy, chocolate, nuts and fruit cut fresh every day. They rotate over 100 different flavors of yogurt in the course of a year to keep things interesting. They also make their own flavor creations and the company is constantly developing new ones. One thing for certain that Stacy and Jeff wanted when opening up their yogurt shop was to make it a family-friendly destination, not a “come and go” kind of establishment. This was accomplished by building large seating areas and setting many smaller tables throughout the shop. Church groups often gather here as do groups of all kinds. They now have karaoke night once a month. Birthday
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I believe Stacy and Jeff accomplished what they set out to do. U-Swirl is a place for everyone to enjoy. It just might be the most perfect food served in the most perfect environment. Come on over to U-Swirl, grab a cup of yogurt and relax knowing you are eating a treat that is healthy for you and your family.
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Include your business card in our publication. Call 254-722-9832 for details. Chips Queso Salsa Tamales Taco Shells Tortillas 1226 Webster Avenue Waco, Texas 76706
Monday - Friday 8-5 Saturday 10-1
254-752-6286
Limo Service Proms Concerts
(254) 715-8525 Aclassactlimotx@aol.com
Date Nite
Aclassactlimotexas.com
Wine Tours
Everyone welcome! Family owned & operated
Casino Trips
Hours of Operations: Mon. & Tues.: Closed Weds. & Thurs.: 11-2 and 5-10 Friday: 11-2 and 5-12 Saturday: 11-1 a.m. Sunday: 12-6
Bachelor(ette) Wedding Packages
254-597-1100 320 N. Third • Cranfills Gap, Texas W 97.82700 N. 31.77500 www.HornyToadBar.com Owen & Sandi Carlson
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by Jennifer Vickery with JoCo Builders So, you are going about your day racing against the clock to get everything done. You think of that blissful moment when you walk through your front door; hoping your spouse will cheerfully greet you with a glass of white wine, fresh strawberries, a hot bubble bath, and a pair of fluffy slippers.
room in the house that you loathe and despise with every fiber of your being! The thought of crawling on all fours before falling into a fetal position briefly crosses your mind. Instead, you spend the next few minutes in a feeble attempt to justify why you cannot cook tonight. Ultimately, you make the call to your local pizza delivery guy.
Instead, you walk through your front door; reality crashing into you. The kids look like they have bathed in strawberries, your spouse tells you the tub drain is stopped up and you will need to call the plumber, the dog is chewing on your slippers, and you just remembered you do not own any wine! Suddenly, the unthinkable happens, your whole family is talking to you at once. You see their lips moving but you try to block out the words. However, it’s no use, you will have to face it sometime, the question rams through your ears like a speeding train coming to a halt, “What’s for dinner?”
Feeling a sense of guilt over your long term relationship with the pizza guys, you know you will need to face your kitchen remodel one day but procrastination has worked so well for you this far. Let’s face it, we all dream of having a big glorious kitchen where we can stretch out to enjoy spectacular culinary freedom; however, no matter how small, whether you are preparing homemade fettuccini or opening a bag of Ramen, the key to a great kitchen is having access to everything within a few steps for a cooking experience that doesn’t cramp your style!
The walls of your small kitchen begin to close in around you, and now at the end of a hard working day you are expected to cram yourself into the one
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Here are some remodeling tips for small kitchens to assist in creating a more user friendly space:
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move around. If you just need to spread out more, then consider a peninsula with hinged drop down sections.
• Rejoice in your small kitchen! Smaller cozy kitchens are step-saving however, to maximize your space try to borrow a few extra square feet from an adjoining room. If that is not an option then, you can open up your space by adding a window or enlarging an existing window, or installing a skylight.
• Keeping colors light and simple throughout your kitchen gives yours kitchen a larger look. Still like those bold colors? Then let them show in your dishes, towels, and fixtures. A white kitchen really pops when you add splashes of red.
• Make the most of your storage space by running cabinets all the way up to your ceiling. Opt for pull-out drawers in base cabinets rather than reach-in. If you're retrofitting existing cabinets, have pull-out trays installed. Make use of your additional ceiling space by adding pot racks or hooks for cookware. If you do not have a pantry the additional cabinet space will come in handy. • Including drawer inserts is another way to maximize your space and keeps your organized too! • Don’t get stranded on your island! Having an island with casters gives you the freedom to www.biteofwisdom.com
• Finally, if you have some room to spare, have a slim version of a snack bar installed with a longer overhang on the countertop so you can neatly tuck away stools. Hopefully these tips will help you reconcile with your kitchen so you can enjoy many happy years together. Just tell the pizza guy you found another kitchen, he’ll get over it. Article is provided by Jennifer Vickery of JoCo Builders, Waco, Texas.
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t is not often that I write reviews on a music venue but this looked like too much fun to pass up. Luckily for my readers, this is a barbecue restaurant as well. So I’ll write about the restaurant first and move on to the entertainment. Schoepf’s Old Time Pit BBQ has been around for 18 years and well known for great barbecue and now, great music. All kinds of meat choices are available from the mesquite coal-filled pit which includes chicken, brisket, ribs and even quail. The sides are the traditional choices of cole slaw, pinto beans and potato salad. You must try the cobblers! I’ve not seen such a mired of fruit cobbler choices in one
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place. Complete your meal with soda, iced tea or cold adult beverage. Searching for a place to set your plate of mouthwatering barbecue? The layout of the restaurant reminds me of a house where you have
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www.schoepfsbbq.com. You won’t want to miss your favorite country singer! In addition to tasty barbecue and free concerts, Schoepf’s also caters and opens up the backroom and backyard for parties, meetings or other special events you may have. Live out of town but can’t get enough of Schoepf’s barbecue? They will ship your favorite’s right to your door.
several rooms to choose from. I love the back room, especially since the large windows overlook Schoepf’s Backyard. This is where the music entertains patrons while they savor the flavor of pit barbecue. Thursday night is when Schoepf’s holds their Schoepf’s BBQ Texas Music Series starting in April and concluding in August. With performers such as Stoney LaRue, Gary P. Nunn and Kyle Park, you can bet this place gets mighty packed. The night I was there, Jason Boland entertained the crowd which included families, college students and giggling teenagers. I love this aspect of the evening since all can enjoy free music while gobbling up scrumptious barbecue.
And now you know why I chose to write about a music venue such as Schoepf’s Old Time Pit BBQ. This is a destination where Texans of all ages can gather to enjoy Texas barbeque and Texas music. Now that’s my kind of a “Texas Two-Step”!
The tree covered backyard has large picnic tables scattered throughout, a large bar for beverages and a special area to purchase barbecue if you choose not partake of indoor seating. The large stage is positioned so the entertainer can easily be seen from any location in the yard. A dance floor right below is perfect for dancing the Two-Step or to just get a closer look. Check Schoepf’s website for a list of concerts to come at
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I Love to Eat
Waco, Texas The Waco Downtown Farmers Market is a year round riverside market featuring the best local agricultural producers and artisan vendors within 150-miles of Waco. Open every Saturday 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. www.wacodowntownfarmersmarket.com
4/7 - 5/28/2012 Weekends Waxahachie, Texas View shows on 21 stages, visit hundreds of shops, enjoy games and rides, and sample a variety of foods. Open Saturdays and Sundays and Memorial Day 10 a.m.-7 p.m. 2511 F.M. 66. www.srfestival.com
Belton, Texas Don't miss hometown fun and shopping every third Saturday of the month at Belton Market Days! www.downtownbelton.com
5/4/2012, 6/1/2012, 7/4/2012 Indian Spring Park, Waco, Texas Enjoy music, food and drinks on the banks of the Brazos River. Begins at 7 p.m. Indian Spring Park, 113 S. University Parks Drive. www.waco-texas.com/cms-brazos-nights
Troy, Texas The Troy Farmers Market is held on the 4th Saturday of each month starting at 8:00 AM. Offering a variety of items from local farmers and vendors. Dedicated to supporting the local economy by offering a variety of items, such as fresh fruit and vegetables, meat and cheese, and arts and crafts. www.troyfarmersmarket.net
5/5/2012 New Braunfels, Texas The 9th Annual Wein & Saengerfest will be held beginning at noon in historic downtown New Braunfels. Along with wine and beer tasting, this event offers a host of entertainment and activities that include continuous live music, a grape stomp, art market, food seminars, a Chef's Showdown, and activities for the kids culminating with a street dance at Main Plaza! www.weinandsaengerfest.com
Schoepf's Barbecue, Belton, Texas Hang out under the shade trees and listen to some great music. Thursday evenings this Spring/Summer. 7:00-10:00 PM. www.schoepfsbbq.com
5/4 - 5/5/2012 Brenham, Texas Enjoy one of the oldest German festivals in Texas. Colorful parades, spectacular Walburg Restaurant, Walburg, Texas performances, “all you can eat” Blue Bell ice cream with the Noon Lions Club, German food, Enjoy live music at the Walburg Restaurant Biergarten. Every Friday and Saturday this live entertainment, quality arts/crafts & kid’s Spring/Summer. Opens at 6:00 PM, music starts activities at “hands-on” German Village! Free at 7:30 PM. May get crowded, so get there early. admission & shuttles. www.maifest.org www.walburgrestaurant.com www.biteofwisdom.com
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5/3 - 5/6/2012 Trinity Park, Fort Worth, Texas Features live entertainment, arts and crafts, food and more. www.mayfest.org
5/12/2012 Cranfills Gap, Texas Horny Toad's 3rd Annual Niki de Mayo benefiting Niki Covers the Cold - The Remains Band - $5.00 Cover. Join us for a day of fun and help us restock for next year’s distributions!! Some items we collect: new or used clean blankets, sleeping bags, coats, hoodies, backpacks, and re-useable bags. www.hornytoadbar.com
5/5 - 5/6/2012 Sixth Street, Austin, Texas Free, bi-annual arts and crafts festival held on 6th Street featuring artisans from all over the United States who display and sell homemade art and craft work. Festival goers can find paintings, sculpture, woodwork, candles, jewelry, cowboy hats, home decor, games, and other useful and whimsical household items. Local musicians provide entertainment on three stages. The festival is the largest art festival in Central Texas, attracting over 300,000 people per event. www.oldpecanstreetfestival.com
5/11 - 5/12/2012 Eddy, Texas Barbecue cook-off, arts and crafts, food vendors, auction and more. Exit 318A on the I-35 service road between Bruceville and Eddy.
5/18 - 5/19/2012 Cameron, Texas Celebrates the blooming of the Dewberry with a Classic Car Show, arts and crafts, entertainment and a youth fishing tournament. Saturday features a full day of arts and crafts, the Classic car show, children's activities, a Dewberry cobbler and cake bake-off and lots of food including delicious dewberry cobbler and ice cream! Join us at historic Wilson-Ledbetter Park. www.cameron-tx.com/d/10194761_85396.htm
5/11 - 5/12/2012 Salado, Texas 1st Annual Salado Music Weekend. www.saladoevents.com
5/12/2012 Irving, Texas Irving Convention Center. www.northtexasbeerfestival.com
5/19/2012 Hico, Texas Backyard chefs from all over the Southwest compete to see who cooks the best steak in Texas. This event has been featured by Food Network, Texas Monthly and Rachel Ray Magazine as the largest steak cookoff in the Southwest. Also enjoy live entertainment, wine tastings and shopping. Downtown. www.texassteakcookoff.com
5/12/2012 Allen Parkway, Houston, Texas 25th Annual Houston Art Car Parade Weekend, powered by the Orange Show Foundation. Over 300,000 people line Allen Parkway to witness 250 magnificent rolling works of art. The route opens to the public at 9:00 AM to give everyone a chance to be up close and personal with the cars. Entertainment on the Free Press Summer Fest 2012 Stage will start at 11am, and the parade rolls from 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. www.orangeshow.org/art-car
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5/26 - 5/27/2012 Cranfills Gap, Texas The first Horny Toad Bar and Grill CASI Chili CookOff benefiting Niki Covers the Cold. www.hornytoadbar.com 30
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5/19/2012 Mount Vernon, Texas Wine tastings from the Wineries that make up the Piney Woods Wine Trail in East Texas. Live music, food, and arts & crafts. Admission is $5 and tastings are $1 each. Come join the fun! www.pineywoodswinetrail.com
6/14/2012, 7/12/2012 Messina Hof Winery, Bryan, Texas Includes lessons, tips, tricks, recipes, how to pair food and wine, and more for beginners and more seasoned cooks. Participants receive a tote bag filled with goodies, a recipe book. Call (979) 7789463 or toll free (800) 736-9463, ext. 234 for more information. www.messinahof.com
5/25/2012, 6/29/2012 Red Caboose Winery, Meridian, Texas Every last Friday of the month with live music. Bring your own food, first come first served. No outside alcohol. 7pm-10pm. www.redcaboosewinery.com
6/21 - 6/24/2012 Luling, Texas Includes a parade, continuous live entertainment, world championshipseed-spitting contest, arts and crafts, and a carnival. Downtown and Watermelon Thump Pavilion, 305 W. Davis St., Luling, Texas. www.watermelonthump.com
5/24 - 6/10/2012 Kerrville, Texas International songwriter's festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands with concerts, a songwriting competition, seminars and workshops, arts and crafts, food and camping. 9 miles south of Kerrville, 3876 Medina Highway. www.kerrville-music.com
6/16/2012, 6/23/2012 San Gabriel Wine Trail, Texas Georgetown Winery, Rising Star Vineyards, Salado Creek Winery & The Dancing Bee Winery. Wineries will be providing 3 wine tastings each, receive a souvenir glass, cheese themed food pairings (not a meal) and a gift certificate to one winery. June 16th is Drive Yourself day, $30 per person or June 23rd is Charter Bus day, $60 to ride the bus. Tickets must be purchased in advance. www.sangabrielwinetrail.com
6/6 - 6/9/2012 Lockhart, Texas Western celebration with carnival rides and games, horse shoes & washers, auction, live music concert & dances, arts/crafts & food vendors, all at City Park . Saturday is a Grand Parade downtown. www.chisholmtrailroundup.com
7/13 - 7/15/2012 Fair Park, Dallas, Texas The largest outdoor food festival in Dallas includes restaurant and retail booths, and music on three stages. Fair Park, 1121 First Ave. www.tasteofdallas.org
6/9/2012 Waco, Texas 20th annual Cattle Baron's Ball June 9, 2012 at MCC Highlander Ranch. www.wacocattlebaronsball.org
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When I have time to relax, I grab a tasty treat and my favorite magazine, Bite of Wisdom!
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