Flemings - Restaurant Review

If you are wanting a delicious experience, great environment, nice ambiance, a feeling like a million bucks, great service, and the ability to try it anywhere in the nation this is a restaurant for you. They label themselves as a steakhouse and wine bar, however at the location we've gone to and enjoyed I honestly have enjoyed more their seafood dishes more! My personal review of this establishment is based off of the location in Plano, TX in the Shops of Legacy area; so I don't know about the other locations around the nation, I can only speak on behalf of this one.

The first time I went was with my sister for her birthday and we had my oldest (who was very little walking at the time) and I was already pregnant with my youngest. It was the Christmas season and the lobby entrance of the restaurant was beautifully decorated. Not only at this first visit but all others thereafter they always have a nice display for selfies and any group photos that may be desired to be taken; honestly a cool setup they have for before and/or after your meal. Moving on! So I'm not being biased by my oldest has always been well behaved and I make sure she's not one of those snot nosed brats running all around the table or restaurant with parents that always like to say "oh they're just kids being kids!" Needless to say even my knowing how well behaved my kiddo was I was still self conscious because a place that looked this nice made me wonder how the environment and ambiance was going to be, at least towards my kids. The world is cruel and likes to generalize so I was dreading how they might treat us thinking that my kid was like all the other snot nosed kids of the world...The waiter was so patient and even tried carrying conversation with my oldest (who really was just starting to use complete words), truly a calm and delicious meal!

With how lovely the entire evening was of course we returned! We've now gone about five times now and let me tell you! The consistency of their food prep, cooking, and meals are impressionable. Their flavors and menu items are all deliciously satisfying and an experience in themselves. Family members of mine have ordered some of their steak menu items but as I mentioned earlier, I have continually been deliciously satisfied and impressed with their seafood items! Below are the pictures of the items that are my favorites! 😁

I can't express enough how delicious this place is, but don't take my word for it and try it yourself! 😉 whether for an intimate dinner for two, traveling or work and wanting to eat at their bar lounge area, or a special family dinner - they won't disappoint https://www.flemingssteakhouse.com/locations#location-overlay

Here we have the crab cakes as an appetizer:

The next three images are of their seafood tower, mouthwatering delicious and oh so fresh!

This is my personal favorite as an entree, their chilean sea bass!

Their chocolate lava cake

Their cream brûlée

 

Let me tell you that I have been happily pleased and impressed with how phenomenal the staff is from the hostess down to the busboys! Hands down a 5-star feel with reasonable prices for the quality of food and all of their menu items from appetizers and drinks to their desserts and after drinks. More importantly, they are always wonderful, patient, and understanding of my little kiddos every time I bring them in. So to all at the Plano, TX location a HUGE thank you for how you have treated myself and my family at your establishment! Continue that wonderful feel and service! 

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Taverna - Restaurant Review

So I've been to this restaurant now twice and as deliciously as it may be, I have to say I'm not really impressed with it. The first time I went it was with a group from work and though the menu items shared between the crew was delicious, I found myself more excited for the drinks and desserts than the entrees themselves. Don't get me wrong they are delicious but I supposed I was expecting more than what I got considering the place wasn't some hole in the wall mom pop Italian spot...So the highlights of this meal were the drink I ordered which was the Lavender Refresher and their dessert of Tortino Al Cioccolato. Actually I lie, I think what was both appreciated and delicious was a pasta dish that was ordered and while the dish was hot, it got rolled into the full cheese truckle. So many flavors in that one bite of the pasta I had after taking a taste...

When a family member suggested it for dinner well of course who am I to say no when I was invited and wasn't going to be paying the tab-however the fact that I grimaced when I heard where we were eating says it all for someone like me. For those of you who know me I'm not some serious food but I do LOVE my food and take appreciation for delicious flavors, textures, and food items no matter what they are. SO for me to have grimaced when this restaurant was suggested, yea was NOT one of my places to frequent nor suggest to someone. Knowing what I knew from the previous visit to the establishment, I went with another food item and played it safe with my kids order with ordering them one of their pizzas. Unfortunately though you can't even really order a simple pizza at their location because they don't have the family friendly ingredients some families might need. Thankfully, my kids are super well rounded and their palettes are eccentric enough that they made due with the pizzas that we had ordered. On this specific visit, I ended up playing it safe and ordered there I ended up ordering their Salmone Ella Capricciosa. Both disappointed in their presentation and their flavors weren't all that great...My salmon was nowhere near the ounces anticipated from what their menu description and image depicts and to make it worse I ordered it medium, only to have received it more charred and crusty than I would have liked. The service that day was already horrible because we literally had to always flag our waitress down for every little thing and since I was hungry figured it was easier and faster to just eat it and then wash it down with my drink as opposed to complaining, waiting for it to come out, and then be able to eat. We didn't know what was up with our waitress but every plate that came out that day (September 3rd, 2022 to be exact) was cold or luke warm. We had better progress when we would waved down one of the buss boys-shoot even for refills for simple water!

What to take away from this are listed: 1)not family friendly or oriented so if you have no control of your kids or their actions this isn't the restaurant for you (you know which of you I'm talking about so don't be shocked that I even said it!) 2)the ambience and colors are commendable and enjoyable 3)with #2 having been said, I would say this is more a good location for single individuals in an event group or just to catch up, perhaps some girlfriends hanging out with wine, couples who like Italian and are looking not to get rushed, or perhaps you're just wanting to try something out solo 3) drinks are pretty good but I wouldn't say a must to go to this restaurant 4) their pasta dishes are impressionable so if you do make it out to their location order a pasta entree to make it worth your while

Otherwise there are better and more delicious joints to frequent in Legacy West and more delicious Italian cuisine spots in the DFW area when you're in Texas. Again it's just me and my opinion though...

This restaurant does have a website with the option of menu items to go. So if you don't want to stroll in for their pretty chill ambiance then try a bite at the comfort of your own home ;) https://www.tavernabylombardi.com/

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Gaylord Texan - General

If you're thinking of visiting Texas or perhaps need to plan something indoors with lots of options The Gaylord Texan in Grapevine is the place to be. On a stormy day, holiday, vacation, or just simply during a hot Texas summer day the Gaylord is a place to visit and/or frequent. Here's more specifically why :)

The resort by far has some great accommodations for couples and families alike. They are very family friendly not just in the mannerism of the staff of the resort but also in the activities that they also have; activities that are planned in advance and scheduled in their calendar of events. Their paths indoors and out (from the parking garages to the entire facility) are also family friendly for strollers or large wagons that families have for their kids, in turning also providing ample accessibility for handicapped family members as well, especially those in wheelchairs. They are plenty of restrooms to accommodate the potty breaks and also the diaper changing ages. There so many things to do as a family both inside and outside of the resort.

Now there are no kitchens in the rooms but whether your staying over night or even just for the day to pass the time, they have plenty of restaurant options within the resort that you needn't bother with leaving the premises. You can walk along the indoor "river walk" to see what restaurants you prefer, have room service, or yes you can leave the hotel for some nearby delicious Grapevine restaurant spots that are delicious and memorable. There is of course the Glass Cactus for the night life/restaurant/adult entertainment. (image below is not mine but from a google search of the Glass Cactus).

They're something both chaotic but peaceful when walking the grounds of the Gaylord Texan resort. I say that because it is a popular spot during the major holidays because they tend to plan and have these events for all age groups so it can get pretty crowded, yet there are some trails inside the main dome area of the resort that allow moments of peace and the sound of the water flow, making you almost feel as if you were out in nature instead of a man made/created indoor trail and nature walk. Whether you're inside looking throughout or perhaps in one of your rooms looking out, there are great views everywhere you stop. (image below not mine and is from a google search for "exterior view of the gaylord texan."

With the resort being next to the Grapevine Lake, you have the ability to venture out of the resort (if you're having an overnight stay) to have a day on the lake with the dock area nearby the resort where you can both take your boats and rent boats for the day. The cool part of the resort and the lake views is also the beautiful display of lights and colors during their major national holidays. For example on the 4th of July, there is a beautiful display of lights in the sky with sunset as many wait for the 4th of July fireworks to begin. They have their tradition to display the fireworks for all over the lake. It's not only a memorable display but its also serene in its own way with the reflection of the fireworks against the water (the Grapevine lake). So you don't have to feel stuck just using their workout room and their large poolside accommodations but you can explore the lake events as well during your stay and/or outing. (image below is not mine and was found with a google search for "gaylord resort and grapevine lake").

The Gaylord Resort has a vast schedule throughout the year and as I mentioned before, the holidays are also where the Gaylord tends to shine. Specific ones I can attest to and have been in attendance would be; Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Christmas Season both in their decorations and their special events like the ice sculptures and the Christmas adventure they host in the convention center area of the resort. There's also Thanksgiving and New Year's Day along with some other national holidays. There's always something going on at their location.

I have not personally had a staycation to be able to elaborate on the rooms themselves, however I've seen the pictures of the room accommodations and they look nice/pleasant for the needs of those staying. Personally only seen the room accommodations in passing but there have been good review on their rooms. Guess I'll have to stay there in order to provide and update on their room service and their room accommodations. 

I mentioned briefly about the indoor trails that the resort has and the "riverwalk" but it's hard to do this facility justice by my writing to explain truly how awesome the trails are and the extensive steps you can enjoy all indoors within the AC (during the summer) in the warmth of being indoors (during the winter). From the main entrance all the way into the convention center areas of the facility, it's all connected and can be explored whether you're just stretching your legs and trying to get steps in or you're on a mission to enjoy every facet of the event that the resort is hosting. You won't be disappointed. 

Hey some of these pictures don't really do it justice so feel free to take a day out there to explore yourself!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman 

Fossil Rim Wildlife Center - Family Life/General

If you're looking for a place to enjoy the outdoors, stay inside your vehicle, and yet make it a fun filled day Fossil Rim Wildlife Center is the place for you! Granted when I went it was warmer weather but there's plenty to do on foot at the main entrance building facility and there's so many animals to see on the route throughout the wildlife trail. It's a very nice experience for any age group and it's beautiful sights on the drive there (if you don't live in the Fort Worth area) and the drive back home.

If you have been to this location I truly recommend it and encourage it! It's a great idea for field trips whether you're homeschooled or not. Don't take my word for it though, go yourself and let me know what your experience was like!

Sincerely,

A Distinct Woman