Our first morning in Dallas started off with breakfast at the hotel. I made waffles using their waffle making machine! The waffles turned out to be so awesome they became my daily staple in Dallas. If I hadn’t grown fat from all the food I would have bought a waffle maker the minute I returned to Singapore!
It was a really cloudy day, so cloudy we couldn’t even see the top of the tall buildings! It was as though they were reaching into heaven! What a magical sight! I thought it would be a daily occurrence and neglected to take any pictures. Damn!
There certainly were many interesting architecture in the downtown area. My favourite is this castle-like building with all the turrets.
It’s no castle of course, I can only dream. It is too small to be a castle anyway and is in fact a courthouse, affectionately called “old red”. But more on that later. We finished doing our work and it’s time for lunch. Dallas is somewhere near Mexico, which probably explains the abundance of Mexican restaurants in the area.
el fenix, since 1918! That’s quite a bit of history, isn’t it? As it had a huge parking area for customers, we thought it would be an expensive restaurant, the kind that shows up as $$$ in travel guidebooks. As we explored the city further, we came to realise that practically every restaurant or café had its own dedicated parking area.
The decor of el fenix was simply outstanding. Waiters could be seen carrying trays measuring three feet across with ten plates of food using just one hand. No sweat at all! How do they do it? I was damn impressed!
I ordered a frozen moonlight margarita and was id’ed. Apparently in the states, it’s a restaurant regulation to ID anyone who looks under 30 and wants to order alcoholic stuff.
For the main course I had pollo a la parrilla which in English is grilled chicken breast served with refried beans and Spanish rice, topped with chilli and cheese. Sounds yummy doesn’t it? I was a first-timer at Mexican food and it was instant love! The weirdest thing was that I actually loved the refried beans more than the chicken itself!
After the meal it was time to head to the mall of course. I had done my research beforehand and knew exactly where to go. Somehow I even managed to convince my boss (male) to go shopping! The galleria was one of the two biggest shopping malls in Dallas and I was thrilled to find a whole slew of brands there available to Singapore only via internet order.
Abercrombie & Fitch!
Hollister co.! This is the sister brand of Abercrombie, of course. Plus old navy, banana republic, etc. All the brands that had always appeared unattainable were suddenly within reach! This is exactly the kind of stuff dreams are made of! Ahh!
The mall was really spacious with very few shoppers around, which was totally unlike the crowded malls in Singapore. I went berserk with the shopping! And so did my boss!
There’s claire’s accessories, a chain of purple and pink stores dedicated to jewellery and accessories. I spent a really long time in there which turned out to be very fruitful. My favourite item bought from there was this dove pendant necklace.
In fact I liked it so much I bought two of it! If anyone wants to buy the other from me, let me know! (Update: the necklace has been sold.)
Shopping consumes a whole lot of energy. Luckily we had that nice Mexican meal right before we came. I ended the evening with a visit to nestle toll house café. Well according to monica from the friends TV series, nestle toll house serves the best chocolate chip cookie in the world. Needless to say I had to have one freshly baked from the oven!
And that was day 2. All happy days should end with shopping and chocolate.
Nov 21, 2006
hey..
guess we were just few hundred km apart..was in huston while transitting back to singapore just 2 days back from mexico..:)
didn’t get to see the city, but looks like u’r having a good time..enjoy!
cheers
andy
Nov 21, 2006
3472
mexico! now that’s another place i would love to visit!
Nov 21, 2006
2
Hi
I am interest in buying the dove necklace from you, how much are you selling it ?
Nov 21, 2006
3472
Mailed ya!
Nov 21, 2006
1
Hi, I’m interested in buying the necklace, is it still available? =)
Nov 21, 2006
3472
Hi Lynn, the status is still pending. Will let you know when it becomes available!
Nov 23, 2006
182
Hi, thanks for sharing your recent trip and photos with us here. The dove pendant necklace looks nice and special, but I shall not ask for it. I don’t have a fancy for jewellery, and will not buy any for myself.
Nov 23, 2006
3472
In some ways I almost envy you. My indulgence in jewellery and making jewellery has cost me quite a bit of money that can be better put to other uses.
As for the pictures, it has always been a pleasure to share them, like what you have been doing on your own blog as well!
Apr 10, 2007
1
I am very intrested in buying the dove neclace if it is still available. My grandfather loved doves. Unfortunatly, he died. Well, If it is still available, I am intrested. Thanks!
Apr 10, 2007
3472
I am so sorry dear, the dove necklace has been sold.
And I think you are very sweet. Very sorry about your grandpa too. It’s apparent that he’s very much missed and loved.
May 17, 2007
1
hi i luv ur store i luv everything from there! i always shop from there! bye! kisses
Jan 24, 2008
2
hey how are you i like your store and nice neckless……. for a gurl
Jan 24, 2008
2
hey how are you i like the nice neckless……. for a girl
Jan 11, 2009
9
i know what you mean about the refined beans i love them as much as the main dish.
Jan 21, 2009
1
the abercrombie is berry prety:)
Jul 10, 2009
1
My Daddy was born in Dallas! He told me he has been going to El Fenix his whole life. When we went on vacation to Dallas we went there and I thought it was like the best Mexican food i’ve ever had! :-) You dont have Hollister or Abercrombie in Singapore? Next time you come to America I suggest Florida! :D
K, well PEACE!
Cool necklace btw ( by the way)
Jul 10, 2009
3472
Wow! I know El Fenix is good, but I didn’t realise it’s THAT good! We really stumbled upon the right restaurant. Thanks for letting me know and helping me feel good about it lol!
Nope, we don’t have Hollister, Abercrombie, Victoria’s Secret or Juicy Couture here. We love the products, so we would get it online!