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Hit the Highlights of
the Metroplex With a Pro
Two years ago Kevin Mench was an Oklahoma Redhawk. Now he's a Texas Ranger
and an expert on the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
It’s
only been two years since Texas Rangers outfielder Kevin Mench played
his last game with
the RedHawks and left Oklahoma to make the Metroplex his home. He’s
used that time well, bringing his average to .320 and finding the
places that he likes best.
Next time you’re in Dallas, Arlington, or Fort Worth, pay a visit
to some of these places, and maybe you’ll see him there!
1. The Ballpark in Arlington (Arlington).
It’s no surprise that the Ballpark tops his list. “It’s
my home and the best place to play baseball,” says Kevin. The Ballpark
celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, but it hasn’t rested on
its laurels. Last year players got a new clubhouse, paneled in cherry wood
with state-of-the-art equipment. Go for a game or take a tour and you’ll
see why Kevin likes his work place!
2. The Legends of the Game Museum (Arlington).
This interactive museum is more than just a display of baseball memorabilia.
When you’re done viewing the old uniforms, gloves, and photos of
teams from baseball’s early days, head upstairs. Here you can play
catcher to Nolan Ryan’s pitch, test your knowledge of history,
science, and math, and much more. The computer-based games can be
adjusted for all
skill levels making it as much fun for kids as for adults.
3. American Airlines Center (Dallas).
This new arena is home to the Dallas Mavericks, Stars, and Desperados. “I
love hockey,” says Kevin, “and this is a great place to watch
the game. It has a great atmosphere.” The Big 12 Tournament
was held here in 2003 and 2004, and it will host the NCAA Finals
in 2006.
Maybe
the 8-sided scoreboard is what makes it so popular for sporting events!
It’s also quickly become a favorite venue for touring acts from Beyonce
to Bette Midler, the circus, Disney on Ice, and many other events. It seats
up to 20,000, including 8 suites you can rent for the night, and there
isn’t a bad seat in the house.
4. Steele Restaurant (Dallas).
“
This is my favorite sushi place,” says Kevin. “It has excellent
food and a good atmosphere. I can really relax here and enjoy the food.” You
will too. Steel describes itself as Indo-Chin Cuisine, but if that leaves
you scratching your head just try the Vietnamese “Shaken Beef” Sauteed
Tenderloin. The tasty morsels practically melt in your mouth. If you prefer
seafood, try the Miso Sea Bass. This large portion of flavorful fish is
marinated 24 hours before it’s baked to perfection. Most dinner entrees
are available at lunch, and the Bantu Box lunch offers a full meal (California
roll, salad, egg roll, Japanese pickles, and your choice of main dish)
for just $15. Steel is also one of the few places you’ll find
speciality cocktails made with Shochu, the latest trend! Or have
a private dinner
in the wine room surrounded by over 400 bottles.
5. Chisolm Club (Fort Worth).
Kevin thinks this popular restaurant has great steaks and great atmosphere,
and you’ll agree. Voted “Best Place to See a Celebrity” by
Fort Worth Magazine in 2003, this is a great date spot. Chef Grady Spears’ Texas
roots show up in dishes like Dr. Pepper Marinated Skirt Steak Tostadas,
Prime Dry-Aged Beef Ribeye with Buttermilk Onion Rings, and Barbequed
Quail with Smoked Onion Grits. Every Sunday all 170 bottles of wine
are 1/2 price.
You can even take a cooking class and learn how to prepare everything
from game to desserts.
6. Javier’s (Dallas).
Forget everything you think you know about Mexican food. When Javier
opened this Dallas landmark in 1977, he was determined to bring authentic
Mexico
City cuisine to north Texas. The food owes its influence to the Aztecs
and Europeans from the days of Cortez. Is it good? You won’t
get in on weekends without a reservation!
Javier’s also boasts a large, comfortable cigar bar. Roomy
club chairs and a full bar make this a popular place to relax, talk,
and
enjoy a fine
smoke. The rest of the restaurant is smoke-free.
7. Six Flags Over Texas (Arlington).
“
They have the biggest roller coaster in Southwest,” says Kevin. “It’s
a good place to have fun.” There’s something for everyone — tree-shaded
walkways, little kids’ park, virtual reality games, Wild West
Show, and more than 100 rides and attractions on 212 acres.
8. Hurricane Harbor (Arlington).
“
This is a great place to cool down from the Texas heat,” says Kevin.
Ride the surf at Boogie Beach, float around the park on the Lazy River,
or sit back while the kids play at Hook’s Lagoon. This water
park is a favorite summer spot for kids of all ages.
9. The Galleria (North Dallas).
“
Everything you need is here,” says Kevin, and he’s right. In
three levels of shopping under a dramatic glass barrel vault atrium you’ll
find Nordstrom, Macy's, Saks Fifth Avenue, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Cartier,
Tiffany & Co., Gianni Versace, MaxMara and nearly 200 more world
class stores. A 4-star hotel, an ice rink and 28 restaurants and
eateries make
the Galleria a complete urban marketplace.
10. Capital Grille (Dallas).
“
This is one of the nicest places I’ve eaten,” says Kevin. “It
has great steaks and wine.” This Dallas location is part of a national
chain. It’s a popular power-lunch spot known for its 22 oz
bone-in ribeye steaks and Stoli-Doli martinis.
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If You Go...
Texas Rangers
(817) 273-5100
www.texasrangers.com
Ballpark in Arlington
(817) 273-5222
http://museum.texasrangers.com
Legends of the Game
(817) 273-5600
http://museum.texasrangers.com
Six Flags Over Texas
(817) 640-8900
www.sixflags.com
Hurricane Harbor-A Six Flags park
(817) 263-3356
www.sixflags.com
The Dallas Galleria
13355 Noel Road, Dallas
(972) 702-7100
www,dallasgalleria.com
American Airlines Center
2500 Victory Avenue, Dallas
(214) 665-4217
www.americanairlinescenter.com
Steel Restaurant and Lounge
3102 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas
(214) 219-9908
www.steeldallas.com
The Chisolm Club
222 Main Street, Fort Worth
(817) 210-2222
www.thechisolmclub.com
Javier’s Gourmet Mexicano
4912 Cole Avenue, Dallas
(214) 521-4211
www.javiers.net
The Capital Grille
500 Crescent Court, Dallas
(214) 303-0500
www.thecapitalgrille.com
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