All posts by Discover Farmers Branch

RED STIX ASIAN STREET FOOD ADDED TO MUSTANG STATION

Restaurants, , , , , , , ,

Red Stix Asian Street Food has been announced to be added to the Mustang Station restaurant and retail park set to open at the end of the year. The Vietnamese fusion-concept eatery closed down at Legacy Hall in Plano and shared plans to open two new locations. The Red Stix near Southern Methodist University opened this summer and the Farmers Branch space is currently in development. Foodies will discover that the new 1,550 sq. ft. restaurant at Mustang Station is expected to comfortably seat about 80 guests inside and on the spacious patio.

Red Stix Asian Street Food in Farmers Branch Mustang Station

Both new locations feature interior styling from design partner Ink and Oro, that advertises, “a design vision that pairs comfort with luxury, spontaneity with sophistication and blends local culture with global inspiration.” Laotian Chef Uno Immanivong explained that comfort and homey-ness were her main objectives for the atmosphere of her new locations.

The branding concept of the logo was developed through the crowd-sourcing platform 99Designs. The yakitori “red sticks” represent a traditional Japanese method of grilling meats on sticks. The contest generated 97 entries from 16 designers, but only one winner was selected with the final concept.

Red Stix Asian Street Food chop sticks design 99 Designs 99Designs

The brand and overall vibe of the eatery has been further curated by Chef Immanivong, who uses the Red Stix Instagram account to feed followers mouth-watering images as a preview of the menu.

As far as the history of Red Stix, the concept was developed by Chef Uno Immanivong, who appeared on ABC’s The Taste in 2013, and thereafter opened Chino Chinatown at Trinity Groves before deciding to test the Red Stix concept at Legacy Food Hall in West Plano, and was one of the first eateries to join the hall’s lineup.

At the end of 2018, several chefs decided to close up shop at Legacy Hall and find other solutions, due to high overhead costs, according to Dallas News. Immanivong, who decided to relocate from the hall in March of 2019, joined chef John Tesar of Knife Burger, chef Tim Byres of Tight Quarters, chef Tom Fleming of Chez Dip, and others who had recently bowed out.

Chef Immanivong has described her Vietnamese Fusion menu as an “Asian Chipotle” that, while at Legacy Hall, served rice bowls, bahn mi sandwiches and skewers. The restaurant’s two new locations will be introducing an expanded menu that will include crispy pork belly fried rice, drunken and dan dan noodles, pho, crispy pork belly banh mi, and grab-and-go bento boxes, as revealed to dining guide Eater Dallas.

Anticipation is high for this up-and-coming Asian fusion eatery. Prepare to discover Red Stix Asian Street Food located within Mustang Station on Valley View Lane in Farmers Branch.

Farmers Branch Bike Rodeo For Kids Gussie Field Watterworth Park

FARMERS BRANCH BIKE RODEO FOR KIDS

Community, Events, , , ,

Farmers Branch Bike Rodeo for Kids is September 14 from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Gussie Field Watterworth Park Pavilion.  This community event is free, designed for kids ages 4 to 12 and features a bike safety course, safety checks, bike skills and games, helmet fittings and trail ride.

Presented by the Farmers Branch Sustainability & Public Health Department and the Farmers Branch Police Department, the Farmers Branch Bike Rodeo encourages bike safety.  The safety course begins at 9:00 a.m. and the organized trail ride starts at 11:00 a.m. Kids should bring a parent, bike and an approved helmet in order to participate in the activities.  

Photo courtesy of the Farmers Branch Police Department
Photo courtesy of the Farmers Branch Police Department Facebook page.

Saturday, September 14, 2019 | 9 – 11 am
Gussie Field Watterworth Park Pavilion (next to City Hall), 13000 William Dodson Parkway, Farmers Branch, Texas.

Pre-registration opens August 1 and on-site registration is also be available the day of the event. Discover more details about the Farmers Branch Bike Rodeo for Kids by visiting: www.farmersbranch.bike, on Nextdoor, and Facebook event page.  

Farmers Branch Bike Rodeo For Kids
Farmers Branch Walk Bike Hike
Barney Wood Bark Park Farmers Branch

BARNEY WOOD BARK PARK

Community, Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation, ,

Hot diggity dog, the Barney Wood Bark Park is the coolest place for humans and hounds to run around together. The Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation officially opened the first dog park in Farmers Branch in July 2019. Admission is free for everyone wanting to use the park all year long, except for City-sponsored special events.

Mayor Robert Dye cutting the ribbon at the Barney Wood Bark Park grand opening in Farmers Branch.
Mayor Robert C. Dye cutting the ribbon at the Barney Wood Bark Park grand opening in Farmers Branch. (photo credit Stephanie Johnson)

The 1.44 acre located at 14090 Heartside Place, was previously known as the Barney Wood Football Field at Don Showman Park. This fun public park is open Tuesday thru Sunday, between 6:00 a.m. until 10 p.m., and closed on Mondays for maintenance. The recommended age to enter the park is 10 and children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.  As with all public parks in Farmers Branch, staff does not provide supervision of visitors. You and your pet are responsible for each other.

Located next to the Farmers Branch Community Recreation Center, this dog park has been revitalized into large dogs (over 30 lbs) and small dogs (under 30 lbs) areas. Each section has doubled-gated entry, splash pads with bright yellow fire hydrants that spray water, lighting, and ample seating – if your dog lets you sit. Puppies under the age of four months are too young to bring to the Barney Wood Bark Park and must wait until they are old enough to safely socialize.

Barney Wood Bark Park Farmers Branch dogs
Barney Wood Bark Park Splash Pad in Farmers Branch (photo credit: Stephanie Johnson)

The park itself is not available to rent, but you are welcome to rent the pavilions for dog birthday parties and other pet-related celebrations. Please contact Jessica Alvarado at the Recreation Center for details, 972-247-4607.

Who is Barney E. Wood? This long-time resident was a respected mainstay of the Farmers Branch Parks and Recreation board for 29 years and served 13 years as chairman. Barney’s steady hand and leadership contributed to the emergence of Parks and Recreation and the development of youth sports in Farmers Branch. From the construction and maintenance of the fields, to coach and league coordinator, Barney was there! On October 12, 2002, the City of Farmers Branch honored Barney’s exemplary service with the dedication of the Barney E. Wood Athletic Complex. Barney’s legacy continues to be shared with citizens of our community and their four-legged friends.

  • Barney Wood Bark Park Farmers Branch splash pad
    Barney Wood Bark Park Farmers Branch splash pad

Have a question about the Barney Wood Bark Park? Discover the answers in their FAQ or review the Rules of the Bark Park below.

Barney Wood Bark Park
14090 Heartside Place, Farmers Branch, Texas 75234
www.farmersbranch.dog

Barney Wood Bark Park Farmers Branch Rules
Barney Wood Bark Park Rules (photo credit: Stephanie Johnson)

Rules of the Bark Park

We want everyone, including you and your dog, to have a happy and safe experience while visiting the Bark Park! Courtesy is contagious, please abide by these rules so all dogs and humans may enjoy this park. 

  • Hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The dog park is closed Mondays for maintenance.
  • The City of Farmers Branch is not responsible for injury or damage; enjoy at your own risk. Dog owners are responsible for all actions of their dogs.
  • 10 and under are strongly discouraged from entering the park. Children ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Dogs must remain on a leash at all times outside the designated play area.
  • Dogs must be off leash in the play area.
  • Dogs must display current rabies vaccination tags.
  • Dogs that have been declared aggressive and/or dangerous by any Animal Services Agency shall not be allowed in the dog park.
  • Dogs that are aggressive, ill, or in heat are not allowed.
  • If aggression occurs, the aggressive dog must be leashed and leave the off-leash/play area immediately. If an injury occurs the aggressive dog owner must release correct contact information with all parties involved. If the owner is not cooperative please contact the Farmers Branch Police Non-Emergency at 972.484.3620.
  • Puppies under four (4) months of age are not allowed.
  • Handlers must not run with or chase after dogs in the dog park.
  • Strollers, bikes, skateboards, and in-line skates are not allowed.
  • The small dog area is only for dogs less than 30 lbs. Small dogs may play in the large dog area at their owner’s risk.
  • Handlers must remain in the park and keep their dogs in view at all times.
  • Handlers are required to pick up and dispose of their dog’s feces.
  • Limit of three (3) dogs per handler.
  • No food (dog or human) allowed in the fenced area.
  • Smoking, vaping, alcohol, and glass bottles are not allowed.
  • Digging is not allowed.
  • No events can be conducted on park property without prior approval of the Director of Parks and Recreation Department.
  • The dog park may close without prior notice due to weather or maintenance.
  • Dog water fountains are shut down and winterized from November 15-March 15.
  • Water features operate daily during select times, weather permitting. Times are subject to change, refer to water feature signage for times.

PLEASE REPORT ANY SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY TO 972-484-3620
Chapter 50 of Farmers Branch, Code of Ordinance

You can become a Friend of the Barney Wood Bark Park and get your name on the donor board by making a $100 donation through the online form (limited availability). Sponsorship is also available for dog park benches, doggie doo bag dispensers and fence panels. All donations are tax deductible.

Barney Wood Bark Park Friends in Farmers Branch
Friends of the Barney Wood Bark Park (photo credit: Stephanie Johnson)
All-inclusive playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park

ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAYGROUND AT GUSSIE FIELD WATTERWORTH PARK

Community, Farmers Branch Parks & Recreation, , , , ,

“There are so many reasons to love Farmers Branch, the City in a Park, and Gussie Field Watterworth Park is one of my family’s favorite spots in our city, says Rori Harrington who has lived in Farmers Branch her whole life. Rori is passionate about the community and a dedicated contributor to the Dallas Moms Blog, a site uniting moms since 2011.

In Spring of 2016, Farmers Branch opened the fully-accessible playground at Gussie Field Watterworth Park. The Rotary Club of Farmers Branch, the Rotary Club of Carrollton-Farmers Branch and the City of Farmers Branch partnered to open the updated playground.

The Gussie Field Watterworth Park Pavilion area includes 11 picnic tables and two large grills. Playground equipment, park space, basketball courts, tennis courts, and restrooms are open to the public. Rental rates begin at $40 for residents with a four-hour minimum.  Hours of availability are Monday – Sunday from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. with a 2 hour window between reservations. Pavilion reservation applies to the pavilion features only. Park amenities are open to the public. View the list of Pavilion Rules for more information.

Gussie Field Watterworth Park
Gussie Field Watterworth Park

The largest playground structure includes a wheelchair accessible ramp leading to more play areas. There are multiple sensory rich features as well that will engage kids of all ages. There are echo tubes, unique textures and educational sections as well. It’s easy to spend several hours at Gussie Field Watterworth Park.

“My daughter loves going down the slides and pretending to captain her own ship in the playground. She also loves sitting in the swing and watching the fountain in the creek. I’m so grateful we have this beautiful park in our city. It’s honestly a hidden gem in Farmers Branch. My son absolutely loves walking through the wooded trails behind the play area along the creek. There are swinging benches that we always stop by along the trail. We usually stop to skip rocks on the creek or walk across the pretty bridges along the way as well. “

Gussie Field Watterworth Park
2610 Valley View Lane
Farmers Branch, TX 75234

Read the full article featured on the Dallas Moms Blog site and find Rori Harrington on Instagram at @MadeByRori . For more information about Gussie Field Watterworth Park Rotary Playground, please call 972-919-2620.

Gussie Field Watterworth Park Features Inclusive Playground in Farmers Branch
The Cultured Cup in Farmers Branch

THE CULTURED CUP IS A WORLD OF TEA WITH SIP OF CHOCOLATE

Restaurants, , , , , , , , , , ,

We Texans love our tea. We mostly drink it iced, and we mostly drink it in the summer. Some of us like it with lots of sugar; some of us like it plain. But let me let you in on a little secret: those tea bags that you buy in the yellow box at the grocery store don’t even begin to scratch the surface of true tea.

Kyle Stewart of The Cultured Cup is passionate about revealing the mysteries of tea. He actually studied music at Northwestern University, but when a professor brought him a cup of oolong, he fell in love with tea and recognized his calling.

The Cultured Cup photo courtesy of D Magazine
The Cultured Cup photo courtesy of D Magazine

As he told D Magazine writer Eve Hill-Agnus, “‘I saw the world of tea in front of me’” while visiting the world-renowned gourmet tea shop Mariage Frères in Paris. ‘“And I thought, this is what I want to bring to Dallas.’”

And yes, he did bring it! He and partner Phil Krampetz have been operating The Cultured Cup in the Dallas area for over 23 years. They recently moved to their current location in Farmers Branch on Omega Road, where they offer a cozy tasting bar for their teas and coffees—they have about 150 teas and 50 coffees. General tastings are open to the public and are held each Saturday; private tastings, by appointment only, can be arranged during the week.

The Cultured Cup in Farmers Branch
The Cultured Cup photo courtesy of Facebook

But don’t worry if you don’t know much about either tea or coffee, or even if you want to expand your horizons but don’t know what to try. Krampetz relates, “One of our missions is to educate people and broaden their tea and coffee experience. This is particularly true for our Saturday general tastings, where we attract people of all backgrounds and levels of knowledge of coffee and tea.”

Stewart’s most important rule, as he told The Dallas Morning News contributor Tina Danze, is to ‘“drink what you like.”’ Together they enjoy matching customers’ preferences with a tea or coffee that’s perfectly suited to their tastes.

As seen featured in the Dallas Observer, photo credit Kathy Tran.

So, how do you even begin to choose from their selection of beverages curated from around the world? Stewart advises to start with your reason for drinking said beverage. Is it for your health? To relax at the end of a long, crazy day? Or is it to harness energy and focus as you gear up for a new day? Whatever your desire, Stewart and Krampetz are certain that they can find your ideal brew.

And, oh—did I forget to mention the sweets offered at The Cultured Cup? After visiting the famous Paris tea house Angelina, the partners knew they needed to offer a drinking chocolate. If you’ve ever been to Angelina, then you know that just one sip will change the way you think about hot chocolate forever. The immense popularity of The Cultured Cup’s Signature Drinking Chocolate inspired them to offer two additional sweets, both of which pair well with either tea or coffee: the Texas Tortuga, which is a Texas pecan praline surrounded by sea salt caramel, covered with dark chocolate and dusted with cocoa powder; and three flavors of melt-in-your-mouth French Butter Caramels.

The Cultured Cup receives “Best Retail Tea Shop” Award at 2019 World Tea Expo
The Cultured Cup receives “Best Retail Tea Shop” Award at 2019 World Tea Expo

Discover what you never knew you were missing at The Cultured Cup in Farmers Branch located at 13731 Omega Road. Call 972-960-1521 or visit www.theculturedcup.com for more information.

“The Cultured Cup Is A World Of Tea With Sip Of Chocolate,” discovered and written by Maridee Dietzel, a freelance writer and owner of Princess Greeting Cards.