BRAXTON'S BEST OF GUIDE

★ FEATURED BEST ★

TOPGOLF IN THE COLONY: 121 Toll on Colony / Frisco Border

If it’s a Friday or Saturday Night and you are tired of going to the same old sit down restaurant with the girlfriend or boys, you need to go down the street to 121 on the Frisco/Colony border. Offering the newest trend to driving range fun with carnival flare. This place is buzzing on weekends so call ahead before you go. You can also get the Platinum membership and skip all the lines. Don’t stay downstairs though, the best view is from up top on the 3rd story. Once the sun goes down it lights up like a firework and the games become twice as fun. (And twice as expensive). They have a variety of beer on draft and a good liquor selection. Head to the top bar and see my buddy James, he’s the best bartender in the place. Ask him make you one of his strong John Daly’s or pour you a Lagunitas . I like to get a seat on the far right side, I’m near the bar but also the live band they have on the patio near those stations.

The food is good, no man will complain and most ladies wouldn’t either. The Bacon Mac n Cheese Spring Rolls are my favorite to start with then I follow with the Buffalo chicken flatbread or the Chicken & Waffle Sliders. They have several different games to play with the course, but after a several games TopGolf and TopShot our fun level is at it’s peak. If you still have time afterwards head across the street to the Drunken Donkey. They have over 75 craft beers on draft and is a great place to wind down the night with a capper.

★ FEATURED BEST ★

SAMUI THAI CUISINE: Shops at Legacy

If there is one thing I love it is spicy ethnic food and Samui has become a staple for my clients and me for lunch appointments. The décor is modern and fresh. The high ceilings give an airy light feel to the rooms which help make for an open and positive ambiance during our meeting. If Kim is working ask for her. She is super friendly and very professional, she also always has new suggestions you can’t find on the menu. The Monsoon Rolls are to die for but for just a little more money you can get a nice starter sampler that brings out everyone’s inner fatkid. Their Curry dishes are some of the highest quality I have ever had and after trying all of them, the Panang is my personal favorite here. Paired with a Nutty Chicken Salad I am guaranteed not only a successful client meeting but also leftovers to put in the office fridge for the following day. It does get packed during lunch hours so call ahead if it’s a priority client or parties over 4 and enjoy the experience.

★ FEATURED BEST ★

MUTTS DOG PARK: Uptown on Lemmon Ave.

I love this place, in face I still keep a membership even though I have moved away. Any time Canon and I are on appointments in this part and have a break, we come by. I sit in the shade under the tall oaks and typically sip on a Deep Ellum IPA draft while he runs around annoying the other dogs best he can. They have two sides to the park, a Big and then Small Dog section. The Big Dog sections can get a little intimidating for him because of it’s sheer size so he spends most of the time at the Dog Bath (An oversized kid pool where they cool off) or in my lap. He enjoys dog watching. They have food as well; though we typically don’t eat. There are too many places nearby that have dog friendly patios with amazing food; but we love this place for a drink and play time. The dogs have always been well behaved as have their pets(owners). Servers bring your drinks into the community gardens (That’s right, you don’t even have to leave the pup to get your Moscow Mule or Cuba Libre. It does get fairly busy right after work and many 25-40 crowd come out to let their pups mingle. If youre a single professional male with a dog, bring a book and you’ll never make it past page two.

If the Mutt’s gets to be too lively for you, take a stroll down Lemmon Ave. to the Turtle Creek Park. You’ll find this relaxing, well-manicured park to be an oasis in the concrete desert.

★ FEATURED BEST ★

TURTLE CREEK PARK: Uptown

This Beautiful area spans from the American Airlines Center almost to University Park. After living in this area for many years I can tell you that this is the perfect place for a Sunday Afternoon. Whether you spend the day with a loved one on a romantic picnic or with the family for some fishing and kite flying this is the place for it. When it comes to Dallas, this is the closest I have found to Georges Seurat’s famous painting, “A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte”. One of my favorite sections is directly across from Robert E. Lee Park. There is connection to the Katy Trail, an almost hidden area to play horseshoes, several levels of scenery all with benches, pond fountains, garden statues, beautiful landscaping and flowers, large 200+ year trees and some of the greenest Bermuda grass your feet will ever step on. If it were not for the tall buildings you would forget you were in the city. It is Dallas’ own tiny Central Park, and all can enjoy it.

★ FEATURED BEST ★

GLORIA'S

When it comes to Dallas Area Staples there is none more a personal favorite than Gloria’s. This Salvadorian restaurant was started by a family whom are personal friends of mine. They have take their single location in Oak Cliff where they were held at gun point many times to a concept with more than 30 locations. If you are looking in the area, do not fret there is most likely one near you or only minutes away. If you are looking in the Addison area, there is a great location just off Beltline and Dallas North Tollway. This one was just recently renovated and has a great feel to it. If you are looking for some salsa or bochette dancing it turns into a nightclub every Friday and Saturday night. This is the only location that does so and gets max occupancy quick so show up early, 10p.m.

I first met the Fuentes family with my magazine BlissfulDish, and what delightful people they are. When it comes to service and quality they never falter. The whole family, Gloria, Jose, Glendita and Nancy uphold the highest standards in the family recipes they take such pride in and it shows. When girlfriend and I are sitting and thinking of a nice patio for a summer afternoon, the Glorias in Addison instantly comes to mind. Their margaritas are strong (it took Jose a few tries to get it right, but man o man did he succeed!) and their food delicious. The first dish Gloria ever personally made for me was her choice, and it was the Carne Asada with Chimichhurri sauce, plantains and two pork & cheese pupusas on the side (If you’ve never had a pupasa, go try one. You’ll thank me) I have been in love with the dish ever since and find it hard to break away; though when I do I can always be secure with the Pescado A La Gloria or a staple the Sopa Siete Mares. This last is a seafood soup that Gloria has prepared several times for me and it always leaves me wanting more; though I’ve no idea how because the portions are huge.

CONTACT

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BRAXTON TINSLEY

3915 McDermott Rd., Suite 100
Plano, TX 75024
Mobile: 214-205-1417
Office: 972-459-1925
Braxton@TinsleyRealtyTeam.com