Tag Archives: drinks

Hero in Victory Park Is What You Hope For When Mixing A Sports Bar and an Arcade

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Located right outside of the American Airlines arena in downtown Dallas, Hero is a hip new restaurant and bar with an arcade!

They say everything is bigger in Texas and Hero is no different. The main dining room boasts 2 beautifully designed bars, seats 540 guests and includes a quirky trinket shop from the Dallas based custom T-shirt company, Bullzerk. There is also an indoor/outdoor space with games like air hockey, Pac-man and NBA Jam, not to mention the huge 24-foot television for all of your sports viewing needs.

When imagining an arcade restaurant, good food may not be at the top of your list of expectations but, Hero does not disappoint.

Hero_Drinks

From left to right: Froze, 14 oz. Creamsicle Swirl, Old Fashioned, Bourbon Peach Cobbler and an Aperol Dreamsicle

Naturally, we ordered drinks first and the beautiful photo does not do them justice. The drink menu has a variety of classic cocktails with a Hero twist and of course a summer favorite, Froze.

The meal started with pulled pork nachos, crab rangoon dip and delicious jalapeño hush puppies. First, because of allergies in the group, we subbed out the pulled pork for chicken. It was a great decision. The chips were fresh, the cheese was REAL and the jalapeños provided just the right amount of spice. The jalapeño hush puppies were fluffy and tasty without being too dry.  All amazingly delicious and none of the flavors overpowered the dish itself (which I was afraid of with the jalapeño hush puppies).

As for the main course, I decided on the steak frites (if you know me, you know I’m a steak and potatoes kind of gal). The meat was cooked perfectly medium with the tenderness and juiciness I was hoping for and the food came out hot and timely.

Hero_SteakDinner

Medium 8 oz. butcher’s cut steak with pecorino-herbed frites

Everyone in the group thoroughly enjoyed their meals and unfortunately there was no room for dessert but, the menu includes brownies, an Oreo cookie ice cream sandwich and other classic post-meal favorites.

Hero is now open Sunday- Thursday from 11am until midnight. Friday and Saturday they are open from 11am until “late” (as listed on their website).

Hey Ms. Bartender

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Bartending is one of those trades that looks simple but, it is a whole lot more than just slanging drinks and collecting a tip. Since I’ve been going through a bit of a transition lately, I decided to go to the Professional Bartending School in Arlington, Virginia. I have to say, it was a great experience and they are fully committed to making all their students amazing, KNOWLEDGEABLE bartenders.

I walked into the Professional Bartending School one Friday and signed up that afternoon. The first thing I saw was a student conducting her speed test. It was awesome, and slightly intimidating, to see her move so quickly behind the bar and she ended up with an amazing time! The convincing factor was the amazing testimonies I received from the students who were around. Some were practicing, others were waiting for the next class to start but, they all said they were learning so much and having more fun than they imagined. To hear first hand how great current and former students felt the program was really helped convince me that the Professional Bartending School was for me.

I learned to make a variety classic cocktails and a variety of drinks that I didn’t even know existed. Once we completed the lecture part of class, we were able to practice and perfect making each and every drink. Once you complete the course, you have to take a written test and a speed test. I have photographic memory so, I wasn’t too worried about studying for the written test but, as the speed test got closer and closer, I got nervous. Although I practiced every day and studied as much as possible, I couldn’t shake the nerves. I took the written test to calm myself down and it worked! I did well on the speed test and even did it in a faster time than I had even hoped for!

If you or someone you know is considering bartending school or just want some more information, check out their website or feel free to contact me.