Texas...

[johnpalmer]

So, tomorrow I'm flying out to Texas. Las Colinas/Irving, for training at the Microsoft offices out there. It's near the DFW airport - and not too far from Dallas.

Microsoft is flying me out - but they won't rent me a car. And honestly, I'll have Monday night, and Wednesday night, to use the car anyway - so going carless is probably best anyway.

I don't think I'll have time for touristy stuff but - anyone know of any good cuisines to look for, and any good places in that area? I have a generous meal budget. I wouldn't mind trying Texas chili or barbecue while I'm down there. (There's a good barbecue place near me that calls itself "Texas barbecue" but how can you trust Texasness in Washington?)

Of course, I wouldn't mind just finding a good restaurant of any type. It's just, I'd hate to pass up an opportunity if it presents itself. I'm not likely to travel to Texas all that often for other reasons.

Comments

[anne]

Las Colinas doesn't have much transit or sidewalks. Call your hotel and find out if you can walk to the training--or do Street View and make sure there aren't any freeways to cross. And the same for area restaurants. You can't take it for granted that you can walk places in Texas.

Watch the weather, too--it's already been 80 where my mom is, and DFW isn't famous for its good air quality.

[johnpalmer]

I believe that the MS office *is* walkable from my hotel - but I think you just put your finger on a curious thought I'd had. They mentioned that the hotels they'd recommended were all within a mile of the office, AND (my hotel) was walking distance. I'll have to keep that in mind!

Air quality... hah. I'm glad that I've given up on aerobic exercise. I better check a 5-day forecast - I don't want to be known as "that long-haired guy sweating like a pig".

[rickvs.livejournal.com]

Do I understand correctly that you'd be using Uber or Lyft to get around, or that you're looking for places within walking distance of Microsoft?

If you're just looking for someplace drivably close, I would recommend the Red Hot & Blue in Irving -- officially, it's Memphis style barbecue, for whatever that's worth. If you don't mind driving north on 35 for a bit, I'd also give high marks to Fat Cow BBQ in Lewisville.

[bkwrrm-tx.livejournal.com]

No help at all, but I hope you enjoy your trip.

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

You know, I should have thought about Uber and Lyft - and maybe I should have risked a longer walk. I was thinking of walking out to Red Hot and Blue but it was always muggy and the one completely free night was threatening thunderstorms (with massive hail possible). I know some folks did get together for a more famous barbecue place - one of the downsides of fatigue is not being "in" with the crowd enough to catch those things! Ah well.

I should at least check out what level of sun exist down there - it might be a place to try to shake off some of the SAD that afflicts us Washingtonians next winter!

[johnpalmer.livejournal.com]

Thank you! It was exhausting, but then, what isn't? :-).