#229: Cattlemen's Steakhouse (pg 692; Listed as Oklahoma City's Cowboy Culture in 2nd Ed, pg 852)

Oct. 7, 2018

We drove to Oklahoma City from Dallas and headed to Cattlemen's Steakhouse for dinner.

We checked in with the Hostess and they handed us a buzzer and told us to head up to the "Waiting Room".  It was a huge room with a (closed) bar and we were the only ones up there.  So we kicked it for 10 minutes or so until our buzzer buzzed and we headed to our table.

 The menu.

I chose the the Small Filet.  All steaks come with a salad, baked potato and homemade roll.

The history

The dining room

Bon appetite!

The plate in the middle was full of toppings (whipped butter, cheese, bacon crumbles, sour cream) for the baked potatoes. Yum!

Here's my analysis of the food..... I ordered the steak medium well.  I debated between medium and medium well. I like a "little pink" but sometimes when I order medium, there's way too much pink for my liking and sometimes when I order medium-well, there's no pink at all, so I always debate what to order.  So I basically said as much to the waiter hoping it would come back perfect!  It didn't. It came back with no pink at all.  It was definitely well done. So, if I ever go back, I'm definitely ordering medium!  Anyway, regardless of the steak being a little too well done, it was seasoned to perfection and tasted delicious.  The salad was "fine" (nothing to write home about, but fine).  The baked potatoes and toppings were yummy.  The rolls were dry and didn't really taste homemade.

The vinyl bench covers could use some refurbishing....

The Open Seating/Counter area

And they even have the book on display!

Verdict: No.  The steak was yummy and there's some definite history in this place.  I love that it's located in the middle of the Stockyards.  But, honestly, I have no idea how it earned a place in 1000 Places to See Before You Die.... because it's not. Not even close.  Maybe in 10, 000 Places to See before you die?  Maybe.  But not 1000. No Way.  It's just a good steakhouse with a very casual, somewhat charming, historical atmosphere. 

Note:  The new edition mentions this restaurant as part of a broader entry under "Oklahoma City's Cowboy Culture" which talks about the Stockyards (where we stayed) and more.  And while I think this is a much more appropriate entry, it's still not a must-do before you die.  As I've mentioned about some other sites, this would be a more appropriate entry in the 1000 Places in United States and Canada but I don't think it should make the top 1000 in the world list. 

#228: The Mansion on Turtle Creek (pg 715, Listed as The Dallas Arts District in 2nd Ed, pg 877)

Oct. 6, 2018

The Mansion on Turtle Creek is just a 15 minute drive from the Dallas Love Field airport, which worked out great for me since my flight landed at 11:30 and I had 12:30 Brunch reservations.

We pulled up promptly at 12:30 and Valet (complimentary) was waiting and parked our car.

The Mansion is a 5 star hotel and also a restaurant. 

They serve Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner M-F and Brunch and Dinner on Sat and Sun.

We went for brunch.  The first thing they did was bring out a basket full of rolls.  There were 5 different kinds and we were told they bake them fresh and switch them up on a regular basis.  We of course tried them all and the winner is.....

The scone!  This was the best scone I've ever tasted.  It was warm and buttery and oh so flavorful!  It was cranberry/citrus flavor.  They said they change their scone flavor on a regular basis and if you have a particular favorite, you can call ahead and they will make it for you.  Talk about service!

They are famous for their tortilla soup.

And here's what I have to say about it..... It was very tasty.  Even though it was delicious, it still isn't the BEST tortilla soup I've ever tasted......

But it was by far the best presentation!

They bring out the bowl with fresh avocado and other ingredients and then pour the broth/base over the ingredients as they serve it to you.

And the salad with the citrus vinaigrette dressing was 👌

The dining room was beautiful - there is indoor seating, patio seating, outdoor seating, private rooms and a bar area.

I always check out bathrooms in places like this and they were as I expected - beautiful.  Each sink was a separate vanity with linen cloths.

My college roommate lives in Dallas, yet this was her first time visiting The Mansion.  I'm guessing it won't be her last!

We of course also checked out the beautiful hotel area.

The entrance to the restaurant. 

Verdict:  No, this isn't something you have to do before you die.  It's a lovely hotel and a beautiful restaurant with delicious food.  But I've been to many lovely hotels with great restaurants, so you don't need to go to this one in particular before you die.  BUT the service was spot on (our server was Barbara and she was lovely) and if you ever find yourself in Dallas, then I highly recommend!

Note:  This is listed under the wider topic of "Dallas Arts District" in the 2nd Edition, which is more appropriate.  Dallas is not a country bumpkin city!  There are so many nice hotels, restaurants, museums, concert halls, etc.  So, Dallas is a pretty cool place to visit.  I'm still not sure I'd place in the must-do-before you die category, but it's definitely higher up the ranking when viewed at as a whole rather than this one specific hotel/restaurant. 

#227: Montreal's Summer Festivals (pg 771, 2nd Ed, pg 936)

June 20, 2018

I go to Montreal in the SUMMER and read all about their Festivals and figure that as long as I'm not picky about what festival I go to, then I'll hit one because there are dozens of festivals all summer long! But alas, a few nights before arrival, I researched what festival(s) I will be going to (by default of when I will be there) and discovered that sadly, several festivals (Fringe Festival, Mural Festival, Montreal Folk Festival) just ended 3 days ago and the Jazz Festival is getting ready to start next week, so I was super bummed that I just missed a festival on either side of when we are here (the one I REALLY want to go to is the Fireworks Festival from July 7- Aug 8th!)

So, anyway, I had to settle for going to the Place Des Arts on Sainte Catherine St where it all goes down.  We walked all around and saw them taking down and setting up for the festivals that just were and are about to be and got a feel for it all.

 Montreal Museum of Fine Arts

And went to the closest "festival -type experience" I could find. 

Across the street from the Museum of Fine Arts (and just up the road from Place Des Arts where all the festivals take place), I came across opening night of this Moving Dunes temporary exhibition.  Because it was opening night, there was music and food and a bar and people and a festival-type atmosphere.  So, I'm counting it!  The Montreal Summer Festival of the Moving Dunes inauguration!

Verdict:  No.  I totally get why this is a great place to see festivals.  The Place Des Arts on Sainte Catherine Street is absolutely built for festivals.  Huge open spaces.  Several big stages.  A convention-center type building.  Open areas, closed areas.  And on either side of all of this are streets lined with restaurants and shops and such.  But even so, I don't see why seeing a festival here is a must do.  I don't think seeing a festival here versus somewhere else is a "must do before you die."  But if I ever do come back here in the summer, rest assured, it will be during the Fireworks Festival!

Price:  Varies depending on what festival you go to. Some are free.  But this area is open and a pretty impressive place clearly built for the festival experience. 

#226: Vieux Montreal (pg 773, 2nd Ed pg 937)

June 20, 2018

Notre Dame Basilica

The Notre-Dame church was built here in 1672.  By 1824, the congregation outgrew the church and the cornerstone for this beautiful basilica was laid in 1824 and when it was completed, it became the largest church/cathedral in all of North America and remained so for over 50 years!

This is also the place where Celine Dion and her husband Rene Angelil were married and also where Rene's funeral was held.

Enjoying the beautiful weather in Place d'Armes Square

Meeting Duke

And once you meet the horse and know his name.....

You end up on the buggy riding around the town!

What a fun way to see Old Montreal!

St Paul Street.  A fun, cobblestone street in Old Town with lots of fun restaurants and shops.

Verdict:  No.  Maybe it's because we came here straight from QC and all liked QC so much more.  But whatever the reason, none of us fell in love with this city.  It didn't have the European charm that QC had.  It's a nice city and has a lot to offer, but it's not a must-do.

Price: Notre Dame Basilica is $6/adults and $4/children.  Ages 0-6 are free.  The horse and buggy ride is $45 American or $53 Canadian.  Cash only.

#225: Carnaval in the Heart of the New France (pg 775; Listed as Vieux - Quebec in the 2nd Ed, pg 940)

June 18-20, 2018

Quebec City!

The monument that marks the historic conference that took place here in QC between the heads of the US, British and Canadian government during WWII.

Crepes!

We felt like Crepes were a must do while in QC, so we went to Casse-Crepe Breton.

And while I still think crepes are a great food choice while in QC, I wouldn't recommend this place.  They were just "okay" - nothing to write home about. 

Ella with the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac as a backdrop.

Le Chateau Frontenac and the Chamberlain statue in the center of Old Town.

Strolling the Terrasse Dufferin

Heading down to the Lower City.

We all LOVED this mural that depicts town life then and now merged together. 

And my favorite of all the streets in QC!

Poutin!

Another "must do" when in QC, but I'll be honest.... it's a one and done for me!  And all 5 of my other family members agree! I guess my American palate is just way too used to ketchup with fries instead of gravy!

And you can't go to QC without visiting Montmorency Falls, just outside the city.  It is the 2nd most visited site in QC outside of Old Town.

And even if you take the cable car up (like we did to avoid the nearly 500 stair climb with little kids!), you HAVE to take the stairs down.  And when you come to the point where you can turn left to stay dry or turn right to get wet - turn right!!

The view from above - pretty impressive, considering it's higher than Niagra Falls!

And there's no better way to end a day in QC than to stop for ice cream....

And head to the water fountains in the middle of town.

Verdict:  Yes!!!  We all LOVED QC!  Here's a hint:  Stay in Old Town.  Nearly everything you will want to see and do (aside from Montmorency Falls) is in Old Town, so it's worth it to stay there.  You won't want to leave.  It is literally Europe transported to North America.  Everything you see, hear, taste and smell feels like Europe.  It's amazing!

Side note:  I'll be honest..... I debated whether to "count" this or not because the title of "place to see" refers to the Carnaval, which takes place in winter and we were obviously there in summer.  But in the end, I decided to count it because, if you read the description on pages 775-776, only 2 paragraphs talk about the Carnaval while the rest of it jus refer to Quebec City and Old Quebec in particular.  And we saw and did and tasted everything there is to see and taste and do in Old Quebec! So, I'm counting it!  Although, I loved it so much, you wouldn't have to twist my arm to come back and when I do, I'll do it in the Winter!

Price:  We stayed at an Air BnB in Old Quebec.  The location was FABULOUS and it was ~$150/night.  If you are American, the $ is strong at the moment ($1.00 = $1.30 Canadian), so it makes everything a little more affordable.  Montmorency Falls is Free.  You only need to pay for parking ($10) and if you want to take the cable car (it was $45 for our family of 6).