Razzoo's Cajun Cafe

     If you are ever in the mood for a trip to New Orleans but can't go, head to RAZZOO'S CAJUN CAFE (3904 Dallas Parkway) to at least get a "taste" of it :)  If you go soon, you can indulge in a craw fish boil--a pound of craw fish cooked in a delicious broth that comes with a choice of two levels of heat.  It also comes with red potatoes and corn on the cob.  We paid $6.49 for this today!  As this is a seasonal creature, it is only available a limited time, which I believe is through May.
     Lots of seafood choices on the menu and at fair prices.  I had the bacon-wrapped shrimp for lunch, and it kept me pretty busy--8 shrimp with a spicy cheese dipping sauce, dirty rice, veggie and garlic toast.  For landlubbers, also a selection of salads, pastas, etc.  Great deals on weekday lunches, with most choices around $8--and what a delicious departure from a burger or sandwich if you are so inclined.  A fun atmosphere, theme music and friendly service as well--check it out :)

Blue Bonnets

    I will never me mistaken for a horticulturist, and I can't keep a plant alive to safe my life--but it is hard not to appreciate the spring-time abundance of the Texas state flower--the Bluebonnet.  It seems that the peak of the bloom usually occurs in April, and it is not to be missed.  Several communities advertise their areas as being good places to visit to see these blooming fields.  There are Bluebonnet Festivals and Bluebonnet Trails--recommended driving routes to see the best displays.  We chose to visit Ennis, TX and drive part of their trails.  Other than the fuel to get there, it is a pretty budget-friendly way to spend the day, and it is suitable for the whole family.  It is also neat to see the little towns along the way that you would otherwise miss.  Take a break from your electronic attachments, go out and see something beautiful on the best 3D screen you will ever have, and recharge all of your batteries :)

Out of the Loop Fringe Festival

   

     If you like to be entertained, as I do, you can not miss the OUT OF THE LOOP FRINGE FESTIVAL at the Water Tower Theater (15650 Addison Road).  Held every spring, this 10-day festival features a great variety of acts at outstanding prices.  With three stages, the water tower theater hosts a series of dramatic, musical and comedic performances.  Individual ticket prices run in the $10-$15 range which is great in itself, but if you plan on attending several shows, consider a pass.  This year's pass was $60, and entitled the pass holder to see each of the roughly 20 acts one time.  Most acts do multiple shows, so there are a lot of show times to choose from as well.

    Not only do the format and pricing of the festival make it accessible, you will find parking to be easy and the staff and volunteers to be friendly and accommodating as well.  No huge theaters here either, so you have the ability to choose a seat where you can see and hear well.  We enjoyed all of the ten or so shows we attended--even the cabaret singing that we didn't think we would.  This is a great opportunity to sample different art forms you are not sure about as well.  We are partial to comedy, and thought "Miranda Sings" and "The Screw You Review" were fabulous, although definitely not PC.  If you are able to be offended, the latter show would not be for you, but it was a riot.

    For the gory details:  After we purchased the pass, we received a full program schedule.  From that schedule, we selected the performances and performance times of our choice.  Tickets were picked up at the box office prior to each performance.  Just don't show up too close to show time as they may give your seat away if it is close to show time and others are interested in purchasing tickets.  For complete details just check it out online, and hope to see you next year :)

Houlihan's

   

     Looking for a new place for after work?  Give HOULIHANS (5225 Beltline) a shot--(pun intended).  A lively place featuring drinks with funny names, an extensive menu and a great atmosphere.  Catering to even the most picky eaters, there is something here to please almost anyone, including those on gluten-free and vegan diets.  Houlihan's can satisfy any appetite as well, offering a nice selection of small plates, steak dinners with all the fixin's and everything in-between.  Favorite small plates so far are the salmon and the scallops.  The perfect size for those wanting to sample an appetizer first, or for those saving room for one of their irresistible desserts.  A nice patio for those wishing to dine al fresco on a beautiful evening is another plus.  Check out their website for happy hour specials, vegan choices, gluten-free items, nutritional info and more :)  

Collin College

   

     Many people might not think of college as fun, but if you check out the offerings at COLLIN COLLEGE (4800 Preston Park Blvd.), you hopefully will feel differently.  While they do offer two-year degree programs and continuing education courses, there is a great selection of classes geared more towards recreation and personal enrichment.  Just scanning the menu of classes should spark your interest--creative writing, digital photography and genealogy are just a few examples.  If you have always wanted to start your own business, there are a lot of resources available to you here at the Small Business Development Center.  Volunteers from a variety of backgrounds provide free mentoring to help you get the information you need to start and run your business successfully.  Call the SBDC for info and to schedule an appointment to meet with a mentor.  Sometimes the parking lot gets a little full, so plan to arrive a little early.  Also, there is a screen in the lobby near the elevators with a list of some of the  classes and what rooms they are in.  With such a large selection of low-cost and no-cost classes to choose from, you should be able to find something to entice you--and it never hurts to learn something new :)

Snookies Bar and Grill

     Simply put, SNOOKIES (5181 Keller Springs Road) turned out to be the answer to our quest to find a new neighborhood hangout :)  It was discovered doing an internet search for happy hours in the area.  On our first visit we found friendly people, and good food offered up quick at good prices.  We still have more menu-sampling to do, but our favorite so far is the juicy, satisfying poblano burger with sweet potato fries as a side, washed down with a nice cold beer or a $2 well drink (check online for drink specials).  The menu has plenty to choose from besides their great burgers--appetizers, salads, sandwiches and dinners.  Although we have yet to try it, they are known for their chicken fried steak--just another reason to go back!  Open late-night, giving you plenty of opportunity to stop in.  If you don't have time to stop, do yourself a favor and at least roll your window down as you drive by :)