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.

Birthday Dinner :: Oxheart | Houston

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Mr. H: Mrs. H and I were in Houston with some friends for my birthday, and they suggested that we go to Oxheart for dinner.

To give a bit of context - I wish I was one of those people who didn't care about their birthday. I actually try to convince people around me that I don't care, but as my loving wife can tell you, I secretly care. I secretly want it to be the best day of the year. I secretly want great food, good company, and yes, lots of attention. So although our friends didn't know it, there was a lot at stake.

{We love that Oxheart takes "local" a step further by using locally made knives, ceramics, and aprons.}

I don't know if Mrs. H slipped them some reconnaissance on the side, but they sure did know how to do it right for the big 28. I love everything about Oxheart - the drive to a strange part of town, the cool corner building, every single item on the tasting menu, and last but not least, our waiters suggestion for where to get the best Chinese in China Town (more on that in a future post). 

{Mrs. H: I love the random vignette with chinese cats, canned goods, and favorite cookbooks. The industrial-chic interiors mixed with strange odds and ins totally appeals to my weird side.}

Mrs. H: And, now it's my turn to interrupt... you know there are those rare times on the blog when we both have to get our two cents in. Usually that happens because we love a restaurant or hotel experience so much we both want to talk about it, which is exactly what's happening now. So, here's Oxheart from my perspective... Oxheart has one of the most creative menus I've ever experienced. They take unlikely local ingredients - like muscadines - and turn them into  some of the most interesting dishes I've tasted (the muscadine dish mimicked the flavor of gummy bears. Strange, I know. It was one of the craziest textures and tastes I've tried and I loved every bite of it.) . My personal favorite was the pancake with beef fat. Ladies, I know what you're thinking... sounds gross, but it was heaven in your mouth. 

{above images via}

Oxheart's originality didn't stop with the dishes, the drink pairings included a Texas beer and an orange wine among others. Every course brought a new experience for the senses. It's not easy to find a restaurant that offers tastes you've never experienced, but Oxheart does just that. Our meal at Oxheart was undoubtedly one of the coolest "tasting adventures" I've ever had and I can't imagine a more perfect way to celebrate Mr. H than taking a "tasting adventure" with people we love!

{if you aren't heading to Houston anytime soon, but would love to try the tastes of Oxheart, check out Bon Appetit's "How - To Host Your Own Pop Up Restaurant with This Tasty (and Affordable) Tasting Menu"  featuring Chef Justin Yu from Oxheart.}
-mr.&mrs.h

hoffman haus | fredericksburg, tx

{Stella Alesi Photography}

Remember our trip to Fredericksburg, Texas a few months ago? It was such a great trip, we were there working with - and staying at - the incredible Hoffman Haus. It was one of our best trips this year because the vision behind Hoffman Haus is so unique, the staff is amazing, and everything about it takes a Hill Country getaway to a whole new level! (Christmas is a week away. If you're still looking for a last minute Christmas gift, a few nights at the Hoffman Haus would be a perfect gift!)

Hoffman Haus is Fredericksburg's premier Bed & Breakfast. The property is only a block from downtown. Yet, when you're in the garden, you feel like you're miles away from the rest of the world. Hoffman Haus is made up of several historic buildings including an incredible, German stone dogtrot from 1871, a Sunday House from the 1900's, and a Farmhouse from 1905. These structures have been lovingly restored by Hoffman Haus's owner and visionary, Leslie Washburne. Leslie has also added several beautiful, new cottages to the property.  No matter where you choose to stay, each room has it's own story and they've each been carefully designed to reflect that story.

The service at Hoffman Haus is outstanding. (Mr. H and I don't throw that word around lightly!) After training at Blackberry Farm, which was named No. 1 in Service in North America by Travel & Leisure, we take service seriously. All that to say, we can confidently recommend Hoffman Haus because the staff is always willing to go above and beyond. 

Breakfast at Hoffman Haus is a treat. It's delivered each morning to your room in a picnic basket so you can enjoy a cozy, delicious breakfast in bed! The kitchen staff are always happy to meet any dietary requests and they thrive on finding new, creative recipes to meet guests' needs. Breakfast and dinner are not served at Hoffman Haus, but not to worry Otto's (our favorite dining spot in Fredericksburg - see our review) is nearby.

{all images via Hoffman Haus unless otherwise noted}

The art of the Bed & Breakfast is one that many fall short of; however, Hoffman Haus captures it in every way. If you've always wanted the romantic, welcoming Bed & Breakfast experience paired with the luxuries of a boutique hotel, Hoffman Haus is just the place for you. We hope you enjoy Hoffman Haus and tell the team hi from Mr.&Mrs.H!

-mrs.h

otto's german bistro | fredericksburg, tx

Although many of our readers are foodies, I'm sure most of you aren't German food connoisseurs. (My hometown was settled by Germans, but I can count on one hand the number of times I've ever eaten German.) And, for those of you who think "German food" and have images of bad sausages, bland sides, and less than appetizing presentations, you aren't alone. 

{courtesy of Claire McCormack Photography}

Having said all that, don't write German food off until you've eaten at Otto's German Bistro! During a recent trip to Fredericksburg, Texas (a charming German town nestled in the Hill Country), Mr. H and I ate dinner at Otto's. It was of the most memorable meals I've had this year. Because it's German cuisine it's something so different from any other meal I've eaten. Annnd, not only is it German, but it's creative, cutting-edge and completely unique! It's was so fresh and incredibly tasty. I'm craving a Flammkuchen (the amazing German flatbread, which for all practical purposes could be described as a "German pizza") just thinking about Otto's. Not only is the food wonderful, but the drinks are out of this world as well. Seriously, do yourself a favor and ask John (the owner/amazing mixologist) to surprise you with one of his creations... you won't be disappointed!     {images are by the incredibly talented Claire McCormack - check out her interview on the mr.&mrs.h guide}

-mrs.h

tiny boxwoods | houston

Growing up my parents were always loading us up in the car and taking us somewhere for the weekend. Although I loved traveling, I hated how long it took to get to our destination. Thus, I decided I wanted to invent a machine where you pressed a button and were transported instantly to your destination. Twenty years later, I still wish that machine existed. If it did, I'd transport myself to Houston, grab my friend who lives there, and we'd hit up Tiny Boxwoods for an afternoon snack. This spot is one of the places we went to on our recent trip to Houston and I'm obsessed! 

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I love the decor. I love the menu. I love the concept. I love the drinks. And, I love the food. Clearly, I'm a fan. Seriously, the atmosphere feels like you've stepped out of Houston and into a hidden greenhouse in Europe. They pay attention to all the details - from the chalk board fonts to the hosts' and hostesses' uniforms. The House Cheese and Meat Plate and the French Picnic are two of the best cheese plates I've ever had. And, the lemonade is so fresh and full of herbs that make it hands down my favorite lemonade in the U.S. And, there aren't words to describe the deliciousness that is the chocolate chip cookie (they've been named one of Houston's 10 Best Cookies). Bottom line, if you are in Houston and want a great afternoon snack - or a late lunch, you HAVE to go to Tiny Boxwoods!

TINY BOXWOODS // mr.&mrs.h's Late Afternoon picks: 

House Cheese and Meat Plate

French Picnic

Chocolate Chip Cookie

Brownie

Lemonade

-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 

Revival Market

On a recent trip to Houston, Mrs. H and I walked from our friends' home in The Heights to Revival Market for a quick cup of coffee. 

Upon entering, we were both incredibly impressed with the clear vision, fantastic display, and cool vibe. 

Greg aka "Dragon"

My attempt to snap an undercover pic of the barista was unsuccessful, which meant I had to introduce myself. The first two times the poor fella said his name, I thought he said "dragon," but it turns out he is actually just Greg. Dragon seemed cooler, so I'm going to stick with it. 

Flat White

Dragon introduced us to the delicious, Australian inspired Flat White, which is similar to a latte but has a higher proportion of microfoam to coffee. The drink itself was delightfully creamy but still strong enough to provide some pep in our step for our walk home. Interestingly enough, when Mrs. H and I flew to Europe the next day, we were confronted by Flat White's at every turn. Looks like Dragon, and Revival, are bringing some much needed Euro-flave to Houstonia. 

-mr. h

el cosmico | marfa, tx

El Cosmico in Marfa, Texas is the newest addition to my dream list. El Cosmico combines a few things I adore: 1) airstreams, 2) an environment where my inner "gypsetter" can let loose, 3) Texas, 4) creative hospitality concepts and design, and 5) nostalgic travel.

In a word, my feelings about El Cosmico: obsessed. You have your choice of the following "shelters": tepees, airstreams/vintage trailers, and tents. Rates start at just $80 a night. However, El Cosmico is not for the faint-at-heart... it's definitely camping. Par exemple, there's no AC in any of the shelters and no private baths in the tents and tepee's (although, they do have communal bath house with quote, "a few electrical outlets"). There's also a list of recommended items to bring which include: a flashlight and extra blankets for your bed if you are staying during the winter. Clearly not lux travel, but still "glamping" (definition: glamping—n. a form of camping in which participants enjoy physical comforts associated with more glamorous types of holiday.)

Even without the luxuries of a typical vaca, I can't wait 'till the day I pull up into El Cosmico and spend the night in a tepee. (I've always had a inner desire to be an Indian Princess and it seems that El Cosmico is the ticket for this Pocahontas.) 

-mrs.h

{images linked to source}