Day 1 – Ft Worth Stockyards, Sushi Axiom and J.Blacks

Fort Worth Stockyards

It’s hard to think of new things to do and places to go when it’s 110 degrees outside, but I managed to find something that NYC had never seen before and that was the Stockyards in Fort Worth. I know it’s a big tourist attraction, but it’s an area that every Texan should see because how can you possibly get more TEXAS than the Stockyards and Billy Bobs, which she had never heard of either. I know…. a girl from Texas, who has never heard of Billy Bobs??? It’s hard to believe, but what can you do….moving on. The little street in Historical Fort Worth that’s designated the Stockyards really does bring you back in time and makes you feel like you are on the set of a John Wayne movie. Now, because it was hotter than freakin’ Haiti’s outside, we started out with a margarita at the nicely air conditioned and well decorated White Elephant Saloon. The wooden swinging doors, rows and rows of Cowboy hats all over the place, and the giant Longhorn head above the bar definitely fit in with the Stockyards overall theme. Next, we make the sweltering trek down the street to building where the Grapevine Train stops, which was surprisingly there waiting to board. FYI, the train is not air conditioned. I felt sorry for anyone riding on that train that day. They also have a nice little wine shop there in between all of the cute touristy souvenir shops, so we had to make a stop to get a frozen Bellini….to cool us off….again. Finally, our last stop at the stockyards was Billy Bobs, which is $1 cover during the day. If you want to act like an Urban Cowboy then you definitely need to make a trip to Billy Bobs and ride a stationary bull for pictures, a mechanical bull, or even a real bull (on Friday and Saturday nights). Then make your way to the dance floor (underneath the western saddle chandelier) while watching or listening to someone play on the giant stage. Or you can play games in the arcade, shop in the gift shop, eat some grub, or simply just drink at the bar. It will definitely provide you with some good entertainment! On the way back to my truck, we were surprised with a small cattle drive going through the Stockyards, which is something that I’ve never witnessed before. It was quite amusing! Next stop….Sushi Axiom on Henderson in Dallas for dinner with the girls.

Sushi Axiom

http://www.sushiaxiom.net/

Rating: B

Location: 2323 North Henderson Avenue, Dallas

Category: Sushi

Pricing: $$$
Favorites: Ambience/Decor and Midori Roll English
Comments:

First impressions are great with the swanky décor inside, then we were sat at a booth, which are big and tall, so you have some good privacy for a big group outing or a small intimate meal. We started off with an affordable bottle of wine and a big bowl of edamame, then dove straight in to the sushi rolls, which were all fairly tasty. The major consensus at the table was that the Midori Roll had the best flavor because of it’s uniqueness and freshness. Instead of using nori it was wrapped with cucumber around tuna, salmon, crab and avocado. NYC was not a big fan of the Stardust Roll because she thought it tasted too fishy. Other than that, Sushi Axiom was a good experience, but nothing really exciting as far as the food. Our next stop was J. Blacks, which is basically next door.




J. Blacks Feel Good Lounge


http://www.jblacks.com/
Rating: B+

Location: 2409 North Henderson Avenue Dallas

Category: Bar/Lounge

Pricing: $$$

Favorites: Ambience and Decor

Comments:

When you first walk in to J. Blacks you are completely drawn by the large bar in the middle of the room that acts as a centerpiece for this place. We had 5 girls in our group, so we wanted to make our way over to the side where the cooshi couches and chairs are located, but they were all occupied, so we got situated at another side bar. After being bombarded with a group of guys clearly there enjoying a long happy hour after work, we were offered a great spot to lounge in. I made my way to the bathroom leaving no longer than a few minutes, but when I returned Sister NYC was getting hit on by a 25 year old guy. Then, not giving up quite yet, the now very happy group of blue collar guys bought us a round of shots. I’m always astonished by this process because 3 of us are married and very obviously blinging our rings around so they are able to notice them. Do they care?? Absolutely not….Most of them usually ask “How long have you been married?” and then if you respond with anything under 5 years they move on to “Do you have any kids?”…as if that makes a difference. Well I guess it does because when you say “No” they think they have a chance. I’ve even had guys give me there card and tell me to call them if it doesn’t work out. First of all…How dare you….and Really?? Do you actually think I’m going to call a sleeze bag like your self after that comment? It’s appalling! Oh well….they eventually gave up. NYC and I had to make our trek back to McKinney aka “The Ranch” (it’s not really a ranch, but that’s just what we call it because McKinney is so far north of Dallas), so we left after 2 drinks. Overall, I really loved the atmosphere at J. Blacks. It’s really cool and cozy inside, so I would definitely go back.