twisted root burger co. // dallas, tx

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As it warms up outside, there's nothing quite like burgers and beer in the Spring and Summer months. Mr. H and I love a good burger joint and one of our all-time favorites is Twisted Root Burger Co. in Dallas. Their gourmet burgers, spiked milkshakes, and deliciously fried sides (sweet potato chips are our pick) will make any burger lover drool. 

Twisted Root was started by two friends who went to culinary school but never left their passion for the American staple - a great burger. After taking the typical post-cullinary school route, they found their way back to the basics and started Twisted Root. Their creative culinary experience added something to a burger that you can't find at any ol' burger joint. Their burgers quickly gained fame and Twisted Root began to pop up in other locations of the DFW metroplex. 

Although it's now a chain, I discovered Twisted Root when its only location was the flagship store in Deep Ellum. I fell in love with the homemade ketchups, pickle bar, killer toppings, and the awesome quirkiness that comes along with anything in Deep Ellum. The other locations serve the same amazing burgers, but if you're going to Dallas I don't think you can beat the Deep Ellum location. This time of year, I'd give anything to be transported to Dallas on a perfect Spring day and sit on the rooftop patio, enjoying a burger, a beer, and finishing off the afternoon with a milkshake. 

-mrs.h 

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{above images via}

Local's Look @ Dallas | Peyton Riley

Today is a good day! Not only is it Friday (TGIF), but we also have Peyton Riley on the mr.&mrs.h guide today! Peyton is a college friend of mine, a Dallas girl through-and-through, and a never ending source of inspiration and creativity. Her blog, meetpeytonriley.com, focuses on design. If it's beautiful, Peyton's probably talking about it... from flowers to interior design. And, since travel is what we eat and breathe here at mr.&mrs.h, we are always excited when Peyton talks hotels and restaurants like her posts on The Washington School House and BG Restaurant (Sidenote: Kelly Wearstler's BG Restaurant is my favorite restaurant design of all time. If you've never been here or seen images of this heaven on earth, give yourself a treat and head over to Peyton's blog to see it asap!) 

As they say everything is bigger in Texas. Dallas is a big city with a big personality. There are so many different sides of The Big D that it can be hard to get a true taste of the city in a short trip. After living there for four years, I still didn't get to experience everything that it has to offer. But, thankfully I had people like Peyton to make sure I got to soak up as much of Dallas as I could during my time there. If you're heading to Dallas soon, chances are you'll only have a few days at most. Not to worry, with Peyton's guide you can get a full taste of what this awesome city has to offer! 

-mrs.h

MMH: To start, what do you love about Dallas?

PR: It's not because of the beautiful skyline, that includes Reunion Tower. It's not because of the professional sports teams, although they provide great entertainment. It's not because of the restaurants, although there are many outstanding ones and are packed every night. It's not because of the truly authentic Mexican restaurants, which I frequent often. I LOVE Dallas, because of the friendly people and neighborhood charm. More often than not if you live in Dallas, you will hear your fair share of "sirs" and "ma'ams," and in a culture where manners are becoming extinct, this is very refreshing. I love Dallas' Southern hospitality!

MMH: Food+Beverage: Favorite _______?

PR:
➺ Breakfast 

Bistro 31. Amazing omelets, honey roasted granola, and ham and gruyere galette.  Bistro 31’s breakfast breads are pretty tasty too!

Kozy Kitchen. Meats are grass-fed, seafood is wild, breads are homemade, and many items are gluten-free. My favorite breakfast menu items include the BET Sandwich (Bacon, Egg, Tomato), fluffy omelets, and ginger buttermilk pancakes.

➺ Brunch

Parigi. Savory baby buttermilk biscuits covered in Italian sausage gravy or a sandwich of bacon, arugula, cherry tomatoes, cheese, and eggs in a flaky, buttery croissant.

{Rise No. 1 // image via}

➺ Lunch 
Rise No 1. Charming soufflé bistro. Must try the Marshmallow Soup and the signature Rise No. 1 salad.

T Room at Forty Five Ten. Adorable restaurant behind a super chic home and fashionista boutique in the Knox-Henderson area. Come dressed and ready to see and be seen, as well as eat light salads and perfectly portioned panini's.

➺ Dinner 
Neighborhood Services. There is a reason why this has been voted #1 in Dallas the past 2 years in D Magazine. The place is always packed. Fortunately they now take reservations.

➺ Coffee shop

Drip Coffee. The beans are roasted on-site in small batches, which makes for the freshest coffee in the city. Best vanilla latte’s I’ve ever tasted too.

{The GEM // image via}

➺ Health/Wellness 

Juice -The GEM. My favorite flavor GEM juice is Shine and Sparkle made with apple, celery, spinach, parsley, and jalapeno. The jalapeno gives it a Texas-sized kick!

Food – Company Café. Company Cafe has spearheaded Dallas' gluten-free revolution. Their focus emphasizes fresh, locally procured and organically grown ingredients with portion control.

➺ Bakery

Celebrity Café & Bakery. Has 2 locations in Dallas, one at Highland Park Village and the other at Preston Royal Shopping Center. This is also one of my favorite lunch spots.  Love their sandwich trio, chicken apple walnut panini, soups, and of course their famous iced sugar cookies.

Mercat Bistro. Amazing French pastries. My favorite is the delicious chocolate croissant.

{Empire Baking Co // image via}

Empire Baking Company. Known for their artisan bread and boxed lunches. Everything is very fresh! Love the tuna salad, chicken salad and pimento cheese sandwiches.

➺ Sweet spot 

I have the biggest sweet tooth ever. You must try JK Gourmet’s microchip chocolate chip cookies. AMAZING!!

JD’s Chippery. Another spot with 5 star cookies. I’m quite a cookie connoisseur and have to say that their semi-sweet chocolate chip cookies and oatmeal raisin cookies are to die for. Be sure to bring cash (no cc’s).

➺ Neighborhood spot

Rex’s Seafood Market. Offer’s the freshest seafood in Dallas.

Sammy’s Bar-B-Q. By far the best BBQ in Dallas. Only open for lunch.

{Highland Park Pharmacy // image via}

➺ Dive 

Highland Park Pharmacy. Old-time soda fountain shop is the perfect spot to have lunch. If you're craving a grilled pimento cheese sandwich, homemade chicken salad, or a limeade, chocolate milkshake, or root beer float, this is the place. Grab a bar stool!

Louie's Pizza. Known for their pizza, but you end up going back for the entire menu.

Wild About Harry’s. Craving a hot dog, Frito pie, or frozen custard, Wild About Harry’s is your spot!

{Peyton's perfect Saturday... shopping at Highland Park Village}

MMH: Favorite shops? What are their goods? 

PR: Cabana. Merry Vose owns this Bohemian beach bungalow inspired by the Harbor Island cottages she adores. Nearly everything — cocktail dresses, comfy blouses, skinny pants — is irresistible.

Blue Print Store. You will find a wonderful array of antiques, modern light fixtures, art, and accessories.

Forty Five Ten. Offers unique designer fashions, accessories and decorative items for the home. Love their coffee table books and Jan Barboglio pieces made of forged iron, wood or glass and is naturally aged yielding a rustic, yet sophisticated look.

Avant Garden. Floral design shop with elegant florals, gifts, books, jewelry, and art located in Highland Park Village.

{Bishop Arts District}

MMH: Your favorite area in Dallas (neighborhood, part of town, etc) and why? 

PR: Bishop Arts District. It’s a charming neighborhood with adorable one of a kind shops and restaurants. The area has so much character. Be sure to drive up Kessler Park to view the array of historic and modern homes. The street offers larger lot sizes and the neighborhood also has more hills than your typical flat Dallas areas.

MMH: Your "must see or do" while in The Big D...

PR: In the Fall, you must visit the State Fair of Texas, which is held in the same place it has been for more than 100 years, the historic Fair Park. It opens at the end of September and will run til the end of October. The State Fair of Texas is also home to the tallest cowboy in the state, Big Tex. There really is something for everyone at the fair. The fair showcases unique foods (lots of fried treats), exciting carnival rides and games, livestock and car shows, concerts, football games, shopping and so much more.

MMH: Are there any cool markets?

PR: St. Michael’s Farmers Market (opens again in April)

{Peyton enjoying the food trucks at Klyde Warren Park}

MMH: What's your favorite greenspace in your city?

PR: Klyde Warren Park. Dallas’ “Central Park.” It is an urban green space built over the recessed freeway between two major streets in downtown Dallas. Klyde Warren Park is always a highly active space home to Dallas’ premier food trucks. The park mostly hosts outdoor concerts and films, but this winter they constructed an outdoor ice skating rink. Very fun!

Your perfect Saturday in Dallas would look like...

PR: Morning Pilates or Spin Class at Beyond Studios. Upbeat music, encouraging and very knowledgeable instructors, and by far my favorite workout in Dallas.

Golf. Dallas has some amazing courses both public and private. My favorite public courses are The Tribute, Doral Tesora, Bridlewood Golf Club, and Castle Hills.

Top Golf has also become increasingly popular and is very beginner friendly. A great place to come with a big group.

{S&D Oyster Co // image via}

Lunch at S&D Oyster Company. New Orleans themed atmosphere with checkered tablecloths, old wooden chairs and servers wearing barbershop quartet-inspiring garb. They have a new outdoor courtyard.

Shopping in Highland Park Village. Highland Park Village is actually America’s first shopping center. Fabulous collection of premier shops and also restaurants. Great people watching too.

Drinks and listening to live music (Jazz, Soul, R&B) at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek.

MMH: Is there a touristy spot that's actually worth the visit?

PR: George W. Bush Presidential Library

➺ I love this museum. You can walk around the "Oval Office" and even sit behind the President’s desk and have your picture made. The 9/11 exhibit is especially moving. Loved the video with his daughters... reminded me that he truly was just a regular US citizen!

{Nasher Sculpture Center // image via}

Nasher Sculpture Center

➺ The museum was a long-held dream of the late Raymond and Patsy Nasher, who together formed a comprehensive collection of masterpieces by Calder, de Kooning, di Suvero, Giacometti, Hepworth, Kelly, Matisse, Miro, Moore, Picasso, Rodin, and Serra, among others, which continues to grow and evolve.

➺ Must attend ‘til Midnight at the Nasher, which is every third Friday of the month. The Nasher hosts special live outdoor concerts featuring the best in regional music talent and film screenings in the garden.

Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Gardens

➺ You could spend all day in the garden and still not see everything - it is massive! I love the way that each garden has a theme. Great spot for a picnic.

AT&T Performing Arts Center

➺ An architectural gem is one of three Texas landmarks touted among the best architecture in the world. Each year, the Center hosts a variety of Broadway shows, opera, dance and music performances.

Claire McCormack Photography | dallas

{portrait | Kelly Rucker}

We had the privilege of interviewing one of our favorite food photographers, Claire McCormack Hogan of Claire McCormack Photography. I love Claire for so many reasons... she's an incredibly talented artist, she's an open-hearted lover of people and life, and she's also one of those amazing dreamers who was courageous enough to pursue her dreams. Claire's work is captivating and Mr. H and I are also inspired by the way she lives life. She's so down-to-earth and celebrates life/people in such a humble, sincere way that it can be shocking when you find out her clientele includes: Superbowl XLV, The Ritz Carlton, Maggiano's Little Italy, Stephan Pyles, The Big 12 Conference, Weight Watchers & Jennifer Hudson, DuJour Magazine, The Scout Guide, Daily Candy, and Southern Living to name a few. 

We're honored to have her on the mr.&mrs.h guide today. If want to be inspired by beauty or need some inspiration for going after your dreams, read on because Claire's insight and art will do just that...

MMH: What led you to food photography?
CM: Art directors and editors looked at my website and encouraged me to focus on doing one thing really well. Food was what I loved most. I love the food scene and I've always had a passion for food. I love what food brings out in people. Growing up, instead of playing fort I played kitchen. I always wanted to be a food writer or chef. Food photography allowed me to be in the food world without the mean critiques. It was my happy medium.  

MMH: What was the biggest learning curve in taking on the world of food photography?
CM: I didn't go to school for it, so having to teach myself about owning a company, being in a technical art, and running a business has been a such a learning experience. But,  it's come naturally in the sense that it combines the things I love the most - people, relationships, and creativity. 

Now that I have a few years under my belt, it's definitely gotten easier. But, when you are an expert in a field or, in my case, trying to become one. You are always learning and I can get that wave of feeling like I'm drinking out of a fire hydrant. But, instead of focusing on that I've learned to love the experience of learning. 

MMH: Perks of the job?
CM: In the food industry, chefs are clearly passionate about what they're producing and I'm passionate about what I'm producing. That's an exciting element, to play off of each other in a sense. 

My favorite part, though, is the relationships I get to build.  It's great to get to know people and love on their individual creativity, understand how they work, and how they like to be responded to. Whether, it's the assistants, or the PR team, or the media, or the publications, or the chefs themselves, or their management team, I think it's really fun to get to know all the people that make it run because it's never just one person.

Another thing I love about food photography versus fine art photography is seeing work produced and in print or online. I love seeing it come to life with all the other elements whether it's the the text, the typogragphy, or the story. It's really fun to see the whole thing come together because I'm just a piece of it.  

MMH: Toughest part of the job?
CM: Confidence. There's so much technically to photography. I'm always striving to learn and there's always going to be someone who's better. When you're putting your work out there for criticism or likes and dislikes. You have people who like your work and people who don't like it.You have to be confident in what you are producing. But, you can't be all things to all people. That's one reason I finally picked a niche, that's why I did food photography

Also, comparison. There's always going to be someone who's better. But, comparison is a thief of joy. And, I love what I do. I love the clients I get to work with. I love the relationships I get to build and those are going to be unique to me. I think confidence and comparison are always challenges as an artist. But, it's worth it in the end. I love getting to do what I do, I wouldn't want to be in a office all day or under a big corporation. But, you do have to have a strong inner-voice. 

MMH: Do you have a "most memorable" shoot? If so, why?
CM: There are a lot of different ones for different reasons. But, right after I decided to focus food photography a magazine out of New York hired me to shoot the Food and Wine Festival in Austin. I remember being there for 4 days, shooting food for 10 hours a day, meeting some of the best chefs in Austin - really from all over - and it was such a cool feeling. I remember being exhausted but thinking, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe I get paid for this." It was such a sweet memory of realizing this is what I want to do and I'm actually here. 

But, honestly, in every shoot, I love hearing the chefs' stories. And, even on the littlest shoots, I look around and think, "Wow, I get to do this for a living."

{all images courtesy of Claire McCormack Photography}

MMH: Claire, thanks so much for taking time to share your passion, insight, and art on the mr.&mrs.h guide! We are so inspired by your work and the way you live life. 

{To see more of Claire's delicious photography, head over to her website & her blog. Also, if you're heading to the Lone Star state any time soon, don't miss Claire's favorite spots to eat+drink in Dallas, Austin, and Fredericksburg, Texas.}

-mr.&mrs.h

Sneak Peek // Claire McCormack Photography

Before we left for Europe, I had the pleasure of interviewing one of our favorite food photographers... Claire McCormack Hogan of Claire McCormack Photography. During the interview I asked Claire for her top 10 places to eat and drink in Texas. Of course as a lover of all things food, she had much more than ten suggestions. Her list was waaaay too good to cut down. So, I decided instead of cutting her list down, I'd give you her F&B guide this week and her interview next! 

Claire's photography tells a story. She captures the beauty of food, the heart of the people making it, and the atmosphere where it's created.  Instead of just getting a glimpse into a moment, Claire's work transports you to an entire experience. Isn't it incredible?  

You'll see more of Claire on the mr.&mrs.h guide next week when we post her interview. But, as an aperitif, here's a sneak peek of Claire's work and her restaurant guide to Dallas, Austin, and Fredericksburg. 

-mrs.h

{www.clairemccormack.com}

Claire's favorite spots to Eat+Drink in... 

Dallas :: 

Oddfellows (Brunch) 

Eno's (Fun Bar & Great Dinner) 

La Duni (Awesome Brunch or other meals) 

Company Cafe (Brunch) 

Neighborhood Services (Dinner)

Ascension (Wine or Coffee) 

Kozy Kitchen (Brunch)

Origins (Coffee) 

Celebration Restaurant (Old school Dallas but great!) 

Eatzi's (Quick Market Food) 

Dive Coastal Cuisine (Lunch)

Fernando's (Mexican- great Happy Hour) 

Blue Goose (Mexican) 

BuzzBrews (Late Night) 

Stampede 66 (Texas Cuisine- Dinner or Lunch) 

Coalvines (Great Pizza) 

Tillman's (Great Dinner)

Breadwinners (Brunch)

The Old Monk (Great bar with great food!) 

Austin :: 

Contigo (Texas Ranch Food - our favorite place to eat in Austin!)

Ranch 616 (Dinner and Lunch- Texas Cuisine) 

Walton's Fancy & Staple (Great Lunch) 

Uchi & Uchiki (Sushi)

Epicerie (French Market- lunch/dinner & speciality items/coffee etc) 

Foreign & Domestic (Dinner - amazing) 

Olivia (Amazing Brunch)

Lucy's Fried Chicken (great casual eating) 

Vespaio (Great Italian)

The Bonneville (Great Bar and Dinner) 

Home Slice Pizza (Down to Earth Pizza Joint) 

Moonshine (Great Brunch) 

Z Tejas (Staple Austin - all meals)

JP's Java (Coffee)

Clark's Oyster Bar (Great for After Dinner Drinks or Oysters) 

Parkside & Backspace (Pizza and Wine) 

Second Street Restaurant District has a lot! 

Fredericksburg :: 

Hondo's (Burgers & Music)

Bejas (Tex/Mex infused cuisine on mainstreet - Breakfast Taco's/Lunch & Dinner) 

Otto's (Refined German food done awesome!) 

El Milagro (Great Mexican Food)

Hilda's (Breakfast Taco's - get there early) 

The Nest (Dinner) 

August E's (One of my favorite for dinner & bar) 

Alamo Springs Cafe (Top 3 Texas Burger) 

Vaudeville (Coffee & Snacks) 

Navajo Grill (Dinner or Drinks)

Hilltop Cafe (Texas cuisine) 

Warner Feed Store (Lunch/Coffee/Bakery)

Lot's of Great Winery's 

Local | Dallas

fried green beans

mr.h: Have you ever had a great meal in a really cool place with the best company?

Local in Dallas certainly fits the bill. During college, I went to visit Mrs. H in the Big D and I was falling hard. Local was the perfect place to take my future bride. I saved a lot of pennies to go, but I was determined to live it up.

We sat at the best seat in the house - right in the front window. We felt connected to one another, the city, and the space at large. 

We went back a couple of years later, and the staff remembered details about our previous visit. In hindsight, it reminds me of the excellence we learned at Blackberry Farm.

champagne drink with grapefruit, rosemary sorbet

mrs.h: Mr. H is dead on -- every detail at Local exudes excellence from the cocktail mix you get when you sit down to the decor. The restaurant is in the old Boyd Hotel, which used to be one of Bonnie and Clyde's hotspots when they roamed the streets of Deep Ellum. Today, Eames chairs sit against the peeling, painted brick wall creating the perfect mix of modern-minimalism and character that the personality of the old hotel brings.

No matter what you order, I can confidently tell you that you can't go wrong. But, my "musts" on the menu are: short order - fried green beans, tall order - sea bass, side order - mascarpone mac & cheese, drink - the champagne drink (grapefruit, rosemary sorbet floating in rotari = heavenly), dessert - all of them!!

Hope you enjoy!
-mr.&mrs.h

mi cocina - highland park

HP's Tex-Mex Mecca

If everything is bigger in Texas then it's really big in The Big D! Dallas will always have a special place in my heart. I lived there for four years and had so many wonderful adventures and memories during that time! Since leaving Dallas, I've realized there are some things that no state can offer other than The Lone Star State. The top item on that list is Tex-Mex. To me it is the perfection of Mexican-American cuisine and no state can rival it. Even California with it's strong Mexican roots can't hold a candle to Tex-Mex. 

Mambo Taxi = ¡Delicioso! 

I have several favorite Tex-Mex spots in Texas... some are hole-in-the-wall dives and others totally reflect the upscale glamour of cities like Dallas and Houston.  Today's highlight is definitely the latter. Mi Cocina (a.k.a. "Mi Co's") is sexy Tex-Mex. From the atmosphere to the clientele, it oozes a sleekness that is fitting for the Highland Park Village vibe. (Mi Co's has several different locations now, but my go-to was always HP Village, so I can't speak for the rest.) And, the food... the.food.!! It's what I still crave on a weekly basis even after being gone for more than four years. 

HP Village, how I love thee!

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Below, I've listed my top picks from their menu. You really can't go wrong though. And, don't leave without getting a Mambo Taxi -- Mi Co's most famous concoction. It's a heavenly mixture of frozen margarita and Mi Co's special sangria. But, don't drink too many Mambo Taxis or you will be taking a taxi home... they are potent. Here's another tip: After dinner, stroll on over to the Village Theater for their paciugo gelato! Then catch a movie or get the gelato to-go and do a little "window shopping walk" around the Village (that's always my favorite).
-mrs.h


Mrs. H's favorites at Mi Cocina:
App's
- guacamole
- chile con queso (mouthwatering goodness)

Entree's
- Nachos al Carbon (They are officially an appetizer, but I always order them as my go-to entree. 
  Also, I usually order half chicken and half beef fajita. Two can spilt this if you don't want to be stuffed.)
- Lucy Changa (a.k.a. the Cocina Changa)

Drink
- Mambo Taxi

Paciugo at the Village Theatre... mmm, mmm good!

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