Trinity Groves

Trinity Groves

My Recent Visit...

I recently was hired to be a bartender at a new restaurant opening in West Dallas called Resto Gastro Bistro.  The owner and general manager Linda Mezzei was so excited to tell me about this new area that is being built.  She told me about the application process and the key financial players that were working tirelessly to create the next big thing in Dallas dining.  Restaurateurs have to create a business plan with an exciting and new concept and approach the financiers for approval.  Once approved, they will back the owners of the restaurant 100 percent.  This financial support includes all the  construction expenses, inventory, salary, and supplies.

The new area is located at the first light after exiting the Margaret Hunt Hill bridge on the west side.  This area was known as "Oak Cliff," and was an industrial and less desirable area to visit.  The building that houses these restaurants was an old trucking company and many of the restaurants sit in the old loading docks that belonged to this company.

With the opening of the Bishop Arts District, many people began traveling to this undeveloped area for a new experience in food and beverage.  Prominent restaurateurs and "mixologists" brainstormed and decided to help spark innovation and capitalize on this growing area.

Trinity Groves consists of an outdoor mall styled shopping strip that is lined with restaurants.  Each has it's own patio with signature awnings and patio furniture.  The top of the strip mall has each restaurant's logo in neon lights.  The front of the complex has an ornate tower with cascading water and a torch flame coming out the top.  It has bright, multi-colored lights that illuminate it at night.  There are also saplings with white market lights that provide landscaping aesthetics.

Many people that I spoke to actually live close to the Trinity Groves complex.  They go for happy hour or dinner a few times a week because most of them are single or in young relationships without children.  Many of them are also interested in the local beer craze that is extremely popular across the country.  Four Corners Brewing is within walking distance of LUCK and most of the people I spoke to at this beer kitchen have toured most of the North Texas breweries.

I can't wait to see what else is planned for Trinity Groves.  I love trying new things and having options for dining.  The chefs that are working at these concepts have worked really hard to change up classic menu items and bring something new to the table.

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Revolver Brewery

Revolver Brewing

As a bartender, you see many trends that come and go.  For a while everyone ordered Irish Car Bombs, then it was Jager Bombs, then Fireball whiskey.  Usually it is always a shot or a twist on a shot that gets the drinkers out and spending their money.  Now?  It is Revolver's Blood and Honey. 

The Blood and Honey beer is their take on an unfiltered wheat-ish beer.  It resembles Blue Moon, barely, but packs almost twice the punch.  At seven percent alcohol by volume, it is stronger than most of the popular beers.  My new found favorite beer made me curious to see the Brewery it came from.

I had a birthday coming up, so it seemed like a great time to ask friends and family to make the drive to Granbury, home of Revolver Brewery.  We parked in a field and walked up to a block party with picnic tables and a stage.  There was a pasture right next to the picnic area with friendly horses that attracted the kids.  The seating area also had a bean bag toss game and a giant Jenga set. 

We walked up to the garage style door and paid our $10.  We got a wrist band and a glass with their logo.  We walked up to the taps and ordered our first beer.  The woman who was working the tour used a Sharpie to make a tally on my wristband.  She told us, "You get four.  You can order four of the same or try all four flavors!"

We played games and listened to the band and before we knew it, it was last call. The people we talked to said they come out a couple of times a month and time always sneaks up on them too.  As I scrambled around the brewery looking for the tour guide, who had promised an exclusive, I ran into a man carrying a mini keg.  He stopped and said he wanted to give me a little history about the company.  We chatted for a few minutes and when he said goodbye, he said, "It was nice to meet you, I'm Rhett the owner."

I heard that the employees at Revolver were easy to work with and cared about their product, but I didn't realize how nice they would be.  They are celebrating their one-year-anniversary and I hope I can make it back out to Granbury.

See more coverage of Revolver at #RevolverBrew1113 and follow me on Twitter @JQueppet