“Six Flags Over Texas” Theme Park Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Ever notice that when you take a day off that you really do not have the day off? There is always something to do. In this case my day off-not off took place this past weekend on Saturday. By that I mean, as fun and relaxing as it was, this was my mothers birthday weekend (age withheld to protect the offspring) and the goal of this day was to make sure that this birthday outing was the best she could have had and at the same time I was thinking how I could turn the venture into a review for class. Nothing short of having a great time, the weather was almost perfect, lines were short, people were friendly, and the goals were accomplished.

Allow me to preface that it has been several years since I have actually been back to Six Flags and although a lot has changed over many years, there are a lot of memories and it is much the same as well. This season at Six Flags Over Texas marks the 49th Anniversary of its’ opening since 1960. Apparently, as we discovered, there was a section of the park that was made last year that marked the 48th Anniversary with images of a time passed. It was amazing and memorable to see all those images and the old map of what Six Flags use to be like. Even for myself, I remembered a lot of the rides and events that use to be there from when my mother took me as a kid. For my mother it was a real blast to the past. Ironically not long before we found this section, located near the entrance, going toward the “France” area, we had just finished riding The Runaway Mine Train – a ride that my mother reminisced about having rode on the day of its opening when she was six years old. If nothing else, this outing was a history lesson. In addition, the staff of Six Flags itself were a delight as well. We had the pleasure of conversing with a few while waiting in lines or just general lounging about.

As for the park today? Bigger and better than ever. As stated before, this weekend was the perfect time to have visited. There were hardly any lines at all. I believe our top waiting time was somewhere between 15-30 minutes and I would bank on going with the lowest. The weather having cooled down and a slight breeze in the air made it even more bearable when having to stand in line for rides. On top of all that, people everywhere were very friendly. Patrons were courteous by holding doors, some allowed us to move forward in the line (the “birthday girl” sticker might have had something to do with it), and many were conversational. One particular instance I was very pleased with, while waiting in line for the Superman: Tower of Power, was having a conversation with a few of the younger generation that were about 13-14 years old. Very polite, inquisitive, and full of energy, they reminded me of  myself as a kid visiting Six Flags.

With the exception of a few things that were closed – either undergoing renovations or preparing rides and attractions for the next Six Flags holiday event “Fright Fest” – Six Flags lived up to what a good theme park should be made of – FUN! If it is ever a very busy day when you decide to visit Six Flags Over Texas, I would recommend paying extra to obtain the Flash Pass which allows you to pretty much move straight to the front of the line or receive a return time (depends on the crowds) at which you will be granted immediate access to the ride. Also, do make sure that you secure everything on your person. The park has cracked down on making sure articles that you carry are all secured when riding a lot of the rides. If you have lot of stuff with you, I would recommend renting a locker. It is easier. Oh, and if you are like me and are in constant need of something to drink, invest in the roughly 13 dollars for the Souvenir cup as it allows you to receive free refills on all beverages. Great for constant need of water. Also, should you ever return to the park as well as Six Flags Hurricane Harbor park, and purchase the 99 cent wrist band, you can use the cup again just like the day you purchased it. A good investment for sure.

I do hope that you have an opportunity to visit Six Flags Over Texas before the 2009 Season is over. As for the 2010 year, we were privy to some inside information that there are a lot of special plans for the 50th Anniversary of Six Flags opening. One is that the Texas Giant a massive wooden roller coaster will be shut-down for the entire season to undergo a 10 million dollar renovation. Though, as that could be a disappointment for some, there apparently are a lot more things that will be going on that will make up for its absence.  What are you waiting for? Go have meet the fun that awaits you with thrills and speed that the rides provide as well as good family fun with events and games all around.

“Edohana Sushi” Restaurant Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Whenever the gods of Greek and Roman mythology spoke of “Ambrosia,” I have always personally believed that they were speaking of sushi and not fruit. Now I know that seems to stretch the idea of what it was and the fact that sushi is a Japanese dish rather than of Greek or Roman. Seriously, almost every culture throughout time has depictions of the people serving fish in a raw form, why would not something so wonderful have at least been part of it? I have to admit, I am a bit biased when it comes to sushi. I mean, I really love it. However, that also means I am quite particular and picky when it comes to choosing where I would indulge in such goodness for the mind, spirit, soul, body and taste buds. Eating sushi is not about filling yourself with raw fish. Eating sushi is an experience–some say a ritual–that involves all your senses. Serious sushi can only be eaten at the bar because that is the only place where you will see the colors, inhale the aromas, share the laughter, and taste the food fully immersed in the environment. Though sometimes, depending on how busy it is, you may have to sit at a table. In either case plan on a one and a half to two hour meal.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with sushi, allow me to provide you with a few simple terms of the Japanese lingo you will encounter. Sushi in America is generally used in a broad term to describe the type of food that it is, however in actuality sushi is vinegar rice aka sushirice, usually topped with other ingredients, such as fish, egg, or vegetables. Sliced raw fish alone is called sashimi, as distinct from sushi. If you want to try and impress your friends when you out next time to show off your knowledge, in the spelling sushi its’ first letter “s” should sometimes be replaced with “z” when a prefix is attached to describe the type of sushi you will be ordering such as nigirizushi which means hand-formed sushi which is the more popular visual of what sushi is. Sushi served rolled inside or around nori (dried and pressed layer sheets of seaweed or algae) is makizushi.

Many people have told me they do not like sushi and I learned that the place where they ate it was far less from ideal. It is sad to think that many people cannot enjoy sushi because of a bad first experience. The usual culprit for this is a combination of lack of tradition in the place where they ate and poorly prepared fish. All fish swim in the ocean, but not all fish are suitable for sushi because how the fish is handled, from the water to the sushi bar, greatly influences its quality.

Now imagine walking in, you greet the itamae (sushi chef) and even if you do not eat at the bar, greet him anyways. The waitress, typically, will bring you an oshibori (hot towel) as sit down at the bar. Wipe your hands with this towel before touching the food or otherwise. If for nothing else, it just feels good. You sit, looking into a long refrigerated case full of some of the most exotic types of fish meat you can imagine. You place your order: Hot agari (green tea, my preference more often than not), miso soup for starters, and a selection of some of the most freshly prepared sushi rolls, sashimi that you will ever have throughout the state of Texas. The place of choice? Edohana Sushi. A small restaurant located in a small strip at 2704 S Hulen Street in Fort Worth, Texas.

In the most traditional and beautifully prepared presentations of geometric shapes or fun animal depictions on occasion (for fun by the itamae when you become a regular), at Edohana the sushi is served on minimalist Japanese-style, geometric, wood or lacquer plates, in keeping with the aesthetic qualities of the cuisine. Typically, as a sushi enthusiast, it is difficult encouraging people to go to a chain restaurant for sushi because honestly a chain will not usually have very good sushi. However, while Edohana belongs to a chain throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex, they actually set themselves FAR apart from the rest. While all of the other Edohana establishments are sushi and habachi, Edohana Sushi is just primarily sushi. The staff at Edohana Sushi, with what seem like permanent genuine smiles, are the most friendly and delightful people you will have the pleasure of meeting. They know why you are there and they want to make sure that your experience with them is best that it can be. If it is your first time to visit, let them know and they will take care of you. Become a regular and you will be greeted with firm handshakes, great conversation, and positive energy.

Where many sushi restaurants are overpriced, unpersonalized, and poor quality there stands but a few in the Dallas-Fort Worth area that I would highly recommend as one of the best and Edohana Sushi is one of them. Kampai (Cheers) and enjoy!

“Sonny’s Diner” Restaurant Review… (Writing for PR & Promo)

Sometimes you just crave a particular kind of food and while often I am known to almost always favor sushi, my taste-buds will occasionally desire other flavors. Yesterday was that day and along with my fiance and roommates we walked about a block and nestled in the upscale stretch of Camp Bowie Blvd. (just off of Interstate 30 in Fort Worth, Texas) near Le Madeline’s, Cafe Aspen, and other dining locations, is the shining beacon of low cost culinary perfection and simplicity known as Sonny’s Diner. Sonny’s is by far one of the best Vietnamese restaurants in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area and in my humble opinion could be the best that I have ever had.

Although Sonny’s Diner has only been around since 2006, it has been the dream and labor of love for both Sonny Vuong and the entire Vuong family for a long time and their popularity has grown above expectations over the last few years. Where the best of the Vuong’s family recipes are brought to the table they prove committed to present their visitors the best of Asian cuisine made with the finest ingredients, served with quality, and expeditious service. Whether visitors stop by for a quick lunch or a quality family dinner, Sonny’s Diner provides their customers with delicious meals and satisfying dinning experiences.

Adding a bit more perspective, the most expensive meal is only 12 dollars, a very affordable and far comparison to other restaurants in the area.  Most entrées range more between six to eight dollars and you are prepared a very hearty serving that, at least for myself, will you almost never finish and may have to take what is left-over back home. I ordered the Pho with shrimp.

Pronounced “fuh” in English, Pho is a traditional Vietnamese noodle dish composed of a thin white rice noodle in a clear beef broth, with options of adding thin cuts of beef, tendon, tripe, meatballs, or other ingredients, in addition to or for the more Vegetarian inclined, such as broccoli, green onions, white onions, cilantro, basil leaves, lemon or lime, bean sprouts, or chilies. Word of warning, some of the dishes can be considered “spicy,” so pay attention to what you are ordering, but if you are like me and love that kind of food, then your options are vast in choosing. The ingredients of every dish are fresh, low in fat, and cooked to perfection. In addition to the dish, for my beverage I ordered the Piña Colada smoothie, which is very delightful, tasteful, and a perfect cool-down for the Texas heat. Although, you have many choices of other smoothies, alcoholic beverages, and a tea beverage of recent East Asian origin that derives its name from the fact that it is shaken before serving and produces a frothy, or bubbly texture known as Boba tea. Also referred to as “Bubble” tea, it generally contains chewy tapioca balls (boba), or “pearls,” and the beverage is consumed with the use of a wide straw.

If you are in the mood to try something new or love the fine-dining of Asian cuisine, then I highly recommend Sonny’s Diner where your meals are offered up in a setting that screams out harmony and inner peace. Perhaps ‘scream’ is the wrong word when describing harmony and peace, but the place is spotlessly clean, service is subtle and prompt, and the food is fresh and delicious.