By Rainey, on February 22nd, 2012
Margarita Day IS a holiday!
And P.S….one of our favorite!
After Texas Independence Day (March 2nd), National Beef Day (May 8th), Mother’s Day (May 14th), and National Waitstaff Day (May 21st), the celebration that begins (and ends) with a lime and a bottle of your best friend, tequila, is still….the one for this Texas gal.
 Genuine Texas This year got me to thinking. Are we doing all we can for our un-official state drink? Don’t get me wrong…the Roadhouse and No Bull (our frozen Roadhouse’s half-sister) ‘Rita’s are great. Amazing, even. I’ve even put the recipe here for you (no holiday should be without a gift exchange).
1. Two parts Jose Cuervo Tradicional Tequila
2. Half part…plus a dash…Grand Marnier
3. Two parts fresh lime juice. Vital that you hand-squeeze!
4. Half part simple syrup.
5. Pinch of salt. Very little will go a long way… alternatively, rim the glass with coarse salt.
Mix with a bunch of ice cubes in a shaker and shake VERY WELL for about 15 seconds. (Until your cocktail shaker is way too cold to hold.)
The best way to ask at a bar for a really cold rocks margarita? Ask them to “crack the ice.”
Where should we go next? What Margarita says “genuine Texas, home-made, but simple, and southern comfort,” all at once? I’ve started out on a perilous adventure, trying some rustic southern takes on the Mexican original. I’m willing to go to all extents to get this right.
• A pickled okra Margarita? (Was good with a ribeye…had some substance).
• Jalapeno Margarita (I loved it with Brau Chips and Sweetwater Shrimp).
• Skinny Margarita…( I could drink these ALL day…lol).
• Texas Grapefruit Ruby Red Rita (It is our state fruit.)
Tell me where the next “can’t miss” can be found! What’s your favorite Margarita flavor? Any hints for the Hoffbrau?
By Rainey, on February 13th, 2012
I woke up today, barely able to believe…it snowed. And it’s near freezing. (Ok…a little dramatic…but I thought we missed winter!)
Hard to believe it’s Dallas, Texas. For those of you, like me, who can’t imagine not racing right back home after work to warm up and cuddle…here’s my favorite way to bring some Hoffbrau home. The recipe is fairly quick, low mess, and will make a great dinner.
Steak…not included.
Hoffbrau’s Broccoli Cheese Jalapeño Soup Recipe
Serves family of 4.
 "Warm Me Up" Soup – Corn Starch – ½ cup (mix w/1/2 cup cold water). Cold water is key here, otherwise you’re corn starch will clump. Even throw an ice cube in before you mix for best results.
– Fresh Broccoli – 30 ounces (crowns and stalks; equal parts). This is about 2 pounds.
– Processed soft cheese – 2 lbs (Velveeta is a great choice, but you can substitute any soft cheese as desired. Flavor will define outcome here! Sometimes, I get really culinary and throw in Havarti or another great, flavorful cheese choice to kick it up a notch. )
– Cheddar Cheese Soup in a can – 1 can (Campbell’s makes a great one!)
– Jalapeno’s – 2 ounces (Use canned here, and blend. Cut of jalapeno is unimportant; as you will blend completely. Try out fresh for extra daring….)
– Water – 2 quarts
1. Place jalapenos into a blender with a small amount (1/4 cup) of water. Use blender to chop very fine, and set aside to incorporate later.
2. Bring water to a boil (2 quarts)
3. Slice and dice all of the fresh broccoli into small pieces to taste.
4. Place broccoli into a microwave safe container and cover tightly with plastic wrap. Place in microwave for about 5 minutes on high.
5. As the water comes to a boil, cut the cheese into 1 to 2 inch cubes and set aside.
6. Whisk the cheddar cheese soup can into the boiling water.
7. Slowly, as you whisk, add the corn starch mixed with COLD water (COLD is important!) to the pot of cheese.
8. Turn heat off.
9. With the heat off, slowly add the cheese cubes to the boiling water; stirring constantly.
10. Next, add the steamed broccoli to the soup.
11. Mix in the blended jalapenos to the soup.
By Rainey, on February 6th, 2012
 Love...Hoffbrau Steaks Style No single holiday has more associated expectations than Valentine’s Day. For every woman, just sure that this “romantic poem” of a day, made just for expressing your “feelings,” is a BIG deal, I’ll show you a red-blooded man who believes, “Valentine’s Day should be every day.” (He also JUST wants to not get it wrong.)
Valentine’s Day Etiquette
So what IS right? How much should we spend? Personally, before I give you a bit of the rights and wrongs, and a few great ideas, I’m going to start and end by telling you that if Valentine’s Day is about love, than a heartfelt letter…or even a “moment” is all you need. (Go watch Jerry Maguire for inspiration.) And a great steak dinner.
• Just Started Dating-Nada. This is a day…for lovers. Two dates, with a ton of potential, does not equal children’s names or wedding plans. Keep it simple, stupid. If you get a small item, make it a gesture, and expect NOTHING in return.
• Two, Maybe 3 Months In-Smaller’s Better. I wouldn’t even expect to make this a mandatory “date” night. Again, a small, or reflective gesture is great; a “beer of the month club” enrollment, a great steak house gift certificate, maybe a dozen roses…In reality, many folks spend more than 3 months looking at what kind of car to buy. It’s a compliment when we consider “spouse shopping” with the same diligence.
• To Propose…or NOT to Propose-Don’t. It’s clichéd. Even more: ladies, don’t expect it.
• Married-A funny thing happens here. All of a sudden, we all relax. She’s wearing pajama bottoms and sweatshirts, gifts and date nights are “optional,” and sports programming/Housewives of (Fill in Blank) is more intriguing than your betrothed. Shame on you. Date FOREVER. Now, let loose the big plans and the great gifts.
• Friends-Don’t forget your friends. Valentine’s Day is for everyone you love. Often, these folks are your greatest….soul-mates.
Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas
• Couples Massage (lots of places offer a great 1st time deal….$49 each.) You’re in a room together, it comes with the soft lighting and soft music. You’ll feel better and together, you’ll feel great.
• Find a great small jar, and fill it with small pieces of paper with all the things you love about your “other,” special memories, and just great thoughts.
• Photo’s in a frame of you together. Always a WOW.
• Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Dinner. (Just saying)
 Pepper Crusted and Made WIth Love! • Burn a CD of great music you both love. So 1980’s….but….the “mix” is timeless.
• Take a dance class together. A lot are free. You’ll remember how much you enjoy laughing, at the least…
• Personalized wine bottle. Just another way to say how much you love each other.
• Flowers? If you order NOW and pay in full at your local supermarket, you’ll pay half the price.
• Scavenger Hunt…who knows what you can find.
Just remember that Valentine’s Day is a celebration, and you can’t go wrong.
What’s been your most memorable Valentine’s Day gift or memory?
By Rainey, on January 25th, 2012
How to take care of Guests
 Best Restaurant Service! Whenever a new server, cook, busser, or manager joins us at Hoffbrau, I ask them each to read my thoughts on guest care. Who better to hear how it should be…than from MY guests. Compiled from comments, letters, conversations, and just the thoughts of the great folks who have dined with us for almost 20 years, I’ve written this “letter” that says it best…
Simply, my hope is that our guests are cared for as if they were each me. Or as they would be, by me, in my own Texas home.
I AM OUR GUEST
I am a more sophisticated guest now, than I was just a few years ago. I eat out several times a week. I’m perfectly willing to spend more money with you and I have more money to spend, but I insist on quality to match your prices. I am, above all, a human being. I’m sensitive, especially when I am spending my money. I can’t stand being snubbed, ignored, or looked down upon. I’m proud. I need a friendly, personal greeting from you. It’s important that you recognize my own importance, and that you appreciate my business.
I’m actually really easy. If you WOW me, I will reward you. I will start by becoming increasingly loyal to you, coming to your great steakhouse several times a week; feeling like I belong too. I will take your suggestions, tip you (which is a big thank you-not an entitlement). Give me a little something extra…any attention or friendly touches you can dream up, and I will become a walking advertisement for your restaurant.
Where food is concerned, I demand the strictest sanitation measures. If I detect such signs of carelessness as dirty fingernails, sticky sugar caddies, or sloppy Heinz ketsup bottles, you probably won’t see me again, ever. My families’ health depends on it.
Ask me how I like it!
When I criticize your food or service (which I certainly will do whenever I don’t get what I paid for), listen carefully. I’m not trying to make your day harder, but the source of it lies in something you have failed to do to make my lunch or dinner as enjoyable as I deserve to find it. It is up to you to find the source of my displeasure and eliminate it – or else you will lose my business and the business of everyone whom I will tell (many, many people).
I insist on my right to dine slowly, or be in a hurry, according to my mood, schedule or other circumstances. I refuse to be rushed and I hate waiting. This is an important privilege that my money buys from you. If I am not spending big money with you this time, if you treat me right and make me happy, I will be back later with a larger appetite and more money to spend as well as a number of friends.
 How to get me back again, and again
Do not forget that while I may be your guest today, but each time you meet me, you must prove to me again and again that I made a wise choice in selecting Hoffbrau Steaks over all the others. I can, after all, eat at least 4 other restaurants nearby…
Sincerely,
“Our bread and butter”
Our Beloved Guests!
This is my handshake with you. If it doesn’t feel this way, give me a call. (972) 554-7270 extension 113. I love your thoughts. My team and I care about each other, and about you.
|
-
|
FOLLOW US ON