Jackie, Debbi, Britt and Kalani
Ok, I confess, this was my first TB meet up with a group and I was a bit intimidated. I was sure how everyone would interact, would they recognize me from my photos on line, and would they even show up? I know that all sounds kind of childish, but that what was going through my mind as I drove into Dallas for the meet up. I found the restaurant alright, but being one of the first ones there, I walked through the restaurant a couple of times hoping to recognize at least one person. I would see a group of people laughing and joking at a table on the patio, but they didn’t recognize me. Ok, maybe I had the wrong place. I went back to the car and check on my phone to assure myself that I was at the right place at the right time on the right day. I was.
Debbi and her Texas Salsa
On the way back from my 2nd trip to the car, I ran into Debbi. Yes, Debbi, actually notice me. She smiled and spoke to me, ok things were getting better. We talked a moment and introduced me to here grandson, Kalani. What a gentleman. We had a great conversation as we walked back toward the restaurant. Yeah, we had to go move our vehicles to a place less likely to tow us. We both noticed this guy in black, getting out of a white car. It had to be Mark. Debbi, with her easy going personality decided to approach him and introduce herself. She did it with such ease and tact. He acknowledged us and everything just started to fall into place.
We found out that children were not allowed into the restaurant and so Debbi went into the place to just meet the others including Willem, Nicole, Lola, Jackie and Delmia.
Here we are
I would stay out and interact with Kalani. We both and a great little time getting to know each other. Within a few minutes, both Mark and Debbi came out and said that we would change restaurants so that we all could hang out. Wow, I was glad that we would all get to enjoy getting to know each other. We all walked across the street to a place called The Porch. This was a very nice restaurant. Clean, crowded, cozy and most of all, welcoming. We didn’t wait very long before they had a table for all eight of us. While waiting, Julie bought the first round. Wonderful. Kalani and I were both entertained with coloring crayons and a nice chair. It seemed that all the employees were concerned with our comfort. It was a really great thing to see. The food and the service here was just great. We enjoyed ourselves and had a chance to take many photos, share our food and just laugh about all the things that had happened to us over, at least, the past 12 hours.
Me and Kalani
Stories of traffic jams, missed calls and family fun were just a few of the topics we discussed.
The evening went well past Kalani’s bedtime and he was a little trooper. He sat up at the table and never complained, but he did tell me that he didn’t take his nap on Friday, so he was a bit tired. Numbers were exchanged, plans were made and all of our belongings were gathered up as we headed to our cars and went to our place of residence for that evening.
I invited Jackie to stop by for lunch on the way back home on Monday. She agreed and I am really looking forward to seeing her again. This was a great meet-up. It was a great time to see and hear the voice behind all the photos. This was really a chance to keep the spirit of Travbuddy alive. I am grateful to be a part of a friendly lively and trustworthy community of fellow travelers. Thanks guys.
Somewhat typical Hotel
I was a little surprised to find this hotel a little less up to the standards of other Staybridge hotels. I was a little disappointed to find a bathroom with dirty grout between the tiles. This property wasn't always a Staybridge, which would maybe explain the layout. We do become creatures of habit. The service was good, the manager was very friendly and the breakfast lady was very accommodating. They serve a free breakfast every morning and have a happy hour Monday-Thursday with free food and free wine and beer. The grounds were nice and welcoming. They did have quite a few amenities including and outdoor pool and Jacuzzi. The business center wasn’t that good, just a closet with a computer and a desk, but they do offer free wifi throughout the building.
The rooms were pretty nice with very comfortable beds. The kitchens are well stocked with dishes, a stove top, microwave and a fridge. They even have a dishwasher, now how is going to wash their dishes at a hotel. The coffee, Wolfgang Puck brand, is excellent. Ask for a couple extra packets to take home. I am sure you will love it.
the front of the property
the front desk
the pool area
Breakfast area
Fresh fruit and cereal
The living part of the room
The comfty beds
Looking towards the bathroom
An American Melting Pot of Cusine
I was really impressed with this place. It was a Friday night, the placed was pretty packed, but they still seemed to get us seated within a reasonable time and they were just so friendly. They had a big bowl of Starburst at the hostess counter that took a bite out of our hunger. The Bartenders were all into their job and seemed genuinely interested in us. We had a child with us and they brought him out crayons and some coloring sheets to keep him engaged while we waited for our table. Great!
Just like our American food culture, The Porch menu was a culinary melting pot combining a broad range of classic urban tavern, neighborhood bistro, boulevard cafe, corner bar and grill and home-style favorites. I had the fried shrimp and fries, they were great. There was such a variety, we all ordered various dishes and shared with each other. Everyone seemed full and satisfied with the meal. Always one who loves to check out the wine list, theirs was a globe spanning, easy drinking treat for both the novice and the experienced to enjoy. The 45' bar features hand crafted cocktails including retro classics and neo-classics with house made syrups, infusions and fresh juices. The atmosphere is a relaxed one and the service style is friendly and well informed.
Come as you are, bring an appetite, be thirsty and they will take care of the rest. One of my criteria for a great restaurant is always, how clean are the floors. These beautiful wooden floors were so clean, that we actually got down on them and colored. The restrooms were just as clean. They were just feeding and taking care of people....just like home. I would recommend this place without any hesitation.
clean inside
The outside porch
