Dallas, Texas: Where to Eat with Your Tween

Guest blogger, Julie, at Henk's -- her favorite bakery in Dallas.
This week I have a guest blogger, Julie. Julie is eleven years old, and she spends her summers in Dallas, Texas.  She also writes her own blog as a way of keeping up with her family and friends while she is on the road.  I know many of you make your way to Dallas for work or for pleasure, and Julie has some great restaurant recommendations for you today.  

Hello, my name is Julie, and I am eleven. When most people think of Texas, they think HOT! And it is, that's why it's a great place to go for a vacation. When I'm in Texas, these are the places I love to eat at!



Henks: 5811 Blackwell St.

Even though the Netherlands lost the world cup, The spirit is still bright at Henks European Deli and Black Forest Bakery. (214-987-9090) When I go there I always get there famous wiener dish! And I never forget to stop at the bakery at the back of the restaurant!

Peggy Sue's: 6600 Snider Plaza
Next is Peggy Sue BBQ. At Peggy Sue you get barbecue ribs Texas style. And don't forget to get the fried okra! The number for Peggy Sue is: 214-987-9188. You will not be disappointed with Peggy Sue!

If you are in the mood for pizza, i Fratelli is the place to go. On every Wednesday in April if you kiss your dog you get a free large cheese pizza! Cool huh? I love their pepperoni pizza. It's to die for. The number for i Fratelli is: 214-891-0600.
There are nine i Fratelli locations in Dallas.

Fuddruckers: 5500 Greenville Ave.
Lastly, if you want a hamburger, Fuddruckers is a good choice! Whenever I go to Fuddruckers, I always get the Hamburger and fries. What will you get? There's so many choices, and at the end of the meal, kids get a free cookie! I love their cookies. The number for Fuddruckers is: 214-360-9390.

Hope you enjoyed my post! Check back next time when I talk about great things to do in Texas! See you next time,
Julie (Age 11)

Thanks, Julie! 
Later this week, Julie will be blogging about what to do and where to go with your tween in Texas.  If you have questions for Julie, leave them in the comments.
Note: All photographs courtesy of Julie and her dad.   

Florence in the News

The Duomo in the heart of Florence
I've been reading a lot about Florence lately which only makes me wish I was there.  If you are headed to my favorite Tuscan city soon, you should check out these articles:


36 Hours in Florence by Ondine Cohane (New York Times): recommendations on where to go, what to do, where to stay, and what to eat on a short trip to Florence

A Weekend in Florence (New York Times): a photo essay by Dave Yoder that accompanies Ondine Cohane's article

A Museum Display of Galileo has a Saintly Feel by Rachel Donadio (New York Times): review of the newly-renamed Museo Galileo in Florence and their exhibit of Galileo's remains. 

Hotels in Florence by Jessica (Why Go Italy): a roundup of hotel recommendations at a variety of prices

Famous Gardens in Italy (My Melange): includes both Boboli Gardens, near the Pitti Palace in Florence, and Villa Gamberaia, found in the hills outside of Florence.

Florence: A Visit with Michelangelo by Angela Nickerson (EuroCheapo): free or nearly-free places to see Michelangelo's work in his hometown. 

Are you headed to Florence? What are your plans?  And what resources have you found most useful lately?

An Irreverent Curiosity Out in Paperback

So, there I was in my local bookstore tonight, and what did I see on the travel shelf? David Farley's fabulous book, An Irreverent Curiosity, is out in paperback!

What? You don't know about An Irreverent Curiosity? Well, the incomparable Mr. Farley stopped by last year when his book debuted to do an interview, and I reviewed his book as well. Trust me, it was a book worth buying in hardback, and now it is a steal in paperback!

Here's a snippet of my review:
I grew up in Texas and was raised in a Protestant church. On my first trip to Rome, I found one thing most shocking: the prevalence of relics. Growing up in a Southern Methodist church, I had never thought that perhaps the heads of John the Baptist or St. Valentine might be hanging around – or that they might have spiritual significance. But I quickly learned. 
Author David Farley has a leg up on me in the relics department. He was raised in the Catholic church, so at least the concept of relics and their adoration was not so foreign for him. And in his new book, An Irreverent Curiosity (Gotham Books, 2009), Farley takes his readers in search of “the church’s strangest relic in Italy’s oddest town.” Namely, Farley is off on a hunt for the Holy Foreskin – as in the foreskin of Jesus.


And check out my interview with David Farley including his recommendations for how to get into the Vatican Library and what to do if you, too, decide to visit Calcata in search of the Holy Foreskin.

Congratulations, David!