Last night, Granbury TX was hit with over 10 tornadoes, killing 6 people and injuring many more.  (To learn more please visit Dallas Morning News  or Fort Star-Telegram)

 Hoffbrau Steaks is proud to be part of this wonderful community and our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors in Granbury.  This tragedy has touched everyone in Granbury   in some way. Our manager, Andrew lost his home but thankfully his family is safe. We’ve also learned that another employee suffered some losses.

To keep up to date with the efforts in Granbury please follow us on our Facebook page.”

Our prayers and thoughts are with everyone in Granbury.

Happy National Chocolate Chip Day!

I swear, we don’t invent days to celebrate pickles and chocolate chips over here at the ol’ Ranch house, but what better for a bunch of foodies to celebrate?  Around here, it’s hard for us to see past people and food….our two favorites.   Whenever possible, in fact, we take our people, and go eat dessert…first.  Almost the best part about being an adult.  So, of course we’re jumping all over this one, and our Chocolate Chip Bread Pudding is the perfect way to celebrate.  Made fresh in each of our stores, and topped with a delicious Patron Dark Chocolate Tequila sauce that we make to smother it in, it’s about two steps from being purely wicked.  

Ever wonder where they came from?

Of course, it features that delicious little nugget that we’ve come to love as a flat-bottomed chip.  Originally invented in 1937 when Ruth Graves Wakefield of the Toll House Inn in the town of Whitman, Massachusetts added cut-up chunks of a semi-sweet Nestlé chocolate bar to a cookie recipe. The cookies were a huge success, and Wakefield reached an agreement in 1939 with Nestlé to add her recipe to the chocolate bar’s packaging in exchange for a lifetime supply of chocolate. (Best deal EVER!)  Initially, Nestlé included a small chopping tool with the chocolate bars. In 1941 Nestlé and one or more of its competitors started selling the chocolate in chip (or “morsel”) form. The Nestlé brand Toll House cookies is named for the inn.

Eat Yours First!

Even if it’s Momma’s home-made Banana Pudding, or crispy cinnamon crusted Peach Cobbler instead, the best way to honor the day is to start with the sweet stuff.  In the immortal words of an ex-president,

“You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans. ”― Ronald Reagan. 

We’re pretty sure that covers all desserts! What sweets do you crave?  We’re working our own little elves in the Ranch house kitchen right now on a brand new dessert. Any family faves or great suggestions? 

Hoffbrau Andrea’s tip:  ALWAYS ask for extra Blue Bell.  We’ll throw another scoop on for next to nothing.  My cobbler’s always taste better when I have two!

What do you think we should add? 

Now that we’ve lured you in…the most important  thing we have to say is…thank you.  To two of the most wonderful women we know.  Some of the most incredible women in Texas assist us every day here at the “Bunkhouse.” Without our amazing support staff, Jan and Kathy, we would never give quite as many steaks….or smiles. From our whole Hoffbrau family, we sincerely love and appreciate you!

Without Further Ado….Why You Should Come Straight to Us…With Your Supporters for Lunch!

Two words….free dessert. For your greatest supporters! In some countries, sugary snacks are just another way to say “thank you.”  All week long, we’re giving them away at lunch!

The car ride there and back is the perfect time to tie up loose ends on that pesky quarter two budget. Win-Win!!!!!!

You’ve “multi-tasked” your way right into forgetting a lunch reservation? No problem! We’ve got you covered! Come straight in, we’ll get you sat quick as can be.

We’ll spell out “You’re the Greatest Administrative Professional Ever” in onion strings on your Texas Two Step for you. (except it’s in an unrecognizable language….just take our word for it….it really says that.)

No one has to lift a finger. We’re just WAITING to serve you, hand and foot!!!

Home-made Macaroni and Cheese. It’s a reason for ANYthing.

C’mon. We know who’s booking those holiday parties….Let us say thank you, too!

Click here to view the video on YouTube.

 Hoffbrau Andrea’s tip: Life’s too short not to say thank you….or to eat dessert first.  Start with a BlueBell topped Peach Cobbler.  Yummm….

Steak Out a Patio Spot…!

 Today it’s going to be 81 degrees in most of the metroplex, with a soft, pretty breeze that speaks of the promise of sundresses, margarita’s, and SPF!!!!  As we round that last base before Texas ushers in the heat we’re famous for, it’s that all too brief, but lovely time to enjoy Nature’s bounty.  From a comfy seat. 

As you head out the door for lunch or dinner, a few friendly facts.  First, most restaurants have a different waiting time for the patio than they do for their dining room.  Try an adventure, and ask specifically for seating outdoors.  Have a big party?  Patio tables are often a bit more flexible-ask for the patio if you have ten or more!  Sometimes, this will save you a lot of  wait time.  Second, we have patio seating in our Ft.Worth, Dallas West End, and Granbury locations.   Our patio’s are all full-service, and one of the funnest ways to enjoy our Texas friendly atmosphere.  Last, our patio’s are all pet friendly.  Feel free to bring your furry “baby.”  We’ve got a water dish with his or her name on it!

When you do find your own slice of sunshine, there’s no better way to enjoy than with a real Texas margarita. Fresh lime and a hard “hand-shaken” are hard to “pass by.”  (Unless it’s for a cold Shiner…)

You can check out all of ours at your favorite Hoffbrau, but do you know who invented the Margarita? Actually there are many stories and the true origin is really unknown. Of course, since we are here in Texas, our favorite is the one that gives credit to Margarita Sames, a prominent Dallas Socialite. Sure, she was in Mexico at the time having a party at her vacation home when she decided to throw together whatever liquor was available behind the bar for her guests. And of course the magic concoction this time (apparently this was a favorite pastime) was tequila, Cointreau and lime juice. Her friends loved it and took it stateside to share with friends. And the rest is history, so to speak. Of course most people who believe that version of history are probably in Texas.

While we’re at it….let’s give a thumbs up to our friend Mariano Martinez for his invention of the frozen Margarita in the 1950′s and then;  the wonderful frozen Margarita machine in 1971. Let’s face it, people from Texas know their Margarita’s!! Thanks Margarita and Mariano. (Don’t you just love Texans?)

Hoffbrau Andrea’s Tip:  Come for Happy Hour, 3 to 7 p.m. Mon-Fri.  Our house margarita features a 14 oz margarita, frozen or on the rocks, for just $3.50.  It’s so good!  Inside or out….!

Hoffbrau Steaks Offers Healthy Meal Choices for Weight Training Enthusiasts

Do you love squats? Do your abs of steel set off airplane detectors?

Is going to the gym a regular part of your routine?

Are you looking to build lean muscle and following the right diet to make sure that you give your body the tools it needs to grow stronger after a workout? Recent studies have shown that exercising on an empty stomach is the best approach if you want to burn fat. After you have left the gym, you will need to fuel up quickly with something that will get you through until you have time to take a break for a relaxing lunch. An excellent choice is to combine a handful of finest oats with water or milk in a container and blend them like a shake. You can get the nutrition you need on the go without having a midmorning crash or slump, and you will be ready to slide into a chair at the Hoffbrau Steak House at lunch time to sample one of the tasty and succulent items waiting for you. You definitely won’t be disappointed.

Plenty of Protein on the Menu…and Get It Your Way

If you want your body to build muscle, you need to make sure you feed it protein. The menu at Hoffbrau Steaks has a number of fresh and tasty offerings for your consideration. Consider a simple lunch of grilled chicken and steamed broccoli.  Also, we’ll make it fresh, and just the way you want it.  No sauce?  Avoiding salt?  No big!  We have no MSG in any of our food, and anything can be made fresh and simple…no additions.  Want no butter?  Ok…just tell us!  No sides?  Just the meat?  Great!!!

On the other hand, if you want a real treat (and this is a steakhouse, after all), you should consider ordering some red meat. All the steaks served at the Hoffbrau are U.S.D.A. certified corn-fed beef. The meat is hand-cut, aged and seasoned. You can get it grilled EXACTLY the way you like it.

The smoked sirloin is offered in a 12 oz. gents’s cut and an 8 oz. ladies’ cut. It is a thick cut of meat that is hickory smoked and slow cooked to perfection. The restaurant specializes in Ribeyes; both bone in and without the bone. Steak and eggs is also on the menu, so you don’t necessarily have to choose between breakfast and lunch food when you visit.

 Comfort Foods Provide Post-Workout Carbs

If you are looking for post-workout carbs, check out the selection of Sidewinders on the menu. It features favorites like 3 Cheese Mac N’ Cheese, mashed potatoes, steak fries, spicy black eyed peas, sweet potato, corn on the cob (in season), and other favorites. These delicious side dishes come included with many lunch and dinner specials or may be added to a meal.

Since the post-workout time is when you would want to load up on carbohydrates, choose your favorite items and enjoy them with gusto. Every one is prepared with the same attention to detail as the other items on the menu. The Hoffbrau cares about the quality of the ingredients for each meal it serves to its guests and works hard to make every occasion a memorable experience.

Don’t Forget the Salads in your Healthy Eating Plan

Hoffbrau Beef Does a Body Good!

Salads definitely are an important part of a healthy diet, and the Hoffbrau hasn’t forgotten to include them on the menu. All the salads at Hoffbrau are prepared fresh each day, right down to cutting that delicious salad greens blend.  In fact, most of our locations even receive the produce as fresh as you can get it.   We offer a selection of dressings, including Creamy Ranch, Chunky Blue Cheese, Spicy Ranch, Thousand Island, our Famous Hoffbrau Steaks Vinaigrette, Honey Mustard and Fat Free Italian; all made fresh.  That means, we know all the ingredients and can help you with restrictions.  Want it even more natural?  Ask for oil and vinegar..we have cruets available at each Hoffbrau. 

Rainey’s Favorite Salad includes grilled or crispy chicken served on fresh greens with bacon, egg and mixed greens. The restaurant also serves a steak salad and a Talapia salad. Our Tenderloin Blue Cheese Salad features thin strips of filet medallions served over a bed of fresh greens with blue cheese crumbles. It’s the perfect way to get some protein and salad at once for lunch or an early dinner.

The Hoffbrau Steak House has a number of tasty selections on its menu that would fit in very well with your weight training routine. You don’t need to stop going out to eat simply because you are trying to get (and stay) fit when you can find restaurants that offer great food that fit in with your diet plan.

Hoffbrau Andrea’s Hint:  You can order any of our protein items ala carte.  Ask your bartender or host, and we’ll happily whip you up two chicken breasts, freshly grilled. (Or Hill Country Smoked Sausage, or even better, any of our amazing steaks.   Additionally, we season ONLY when you order, so “changes” like no sauce or salt is ….well…simple! 

Contributed by Lily Turner

At a Steakhouse?  

You might not think of a steakhouse for seafood, but some of the greatest “catches,” could truly be found “swimming” in our waters; right alongside our world famous Texas cuts of beef.  

Not Just for Lent!

As Texas celebrates the beginning of spring and the end of Lent, with warmer temperatures and more thoughts on a lighter fare, our menu has some incredible choices…starting at just $6.50.  One of our best lunch specials, our Friday choices of Pan-Grilled Tilapia, and my personal favorite, our not-to-be-missed hand-breaded catfish (oh my….those hushpuppies!), are only $6.50 until 4 p.m…..and that’s year-round.  Not just Lent!  :)

Surf and Turf more your sport?

Come try our filet and shrimp.  With five delicious jumbo shrimp alongside two filet tenderloin medallions; you’ve got the best of both world’s.  Or, you can just add sauteed shrimp (even jalapeno bacon-wrapped!) to any regular entree for one low price.  

One of our local families, the Atkinson’s came in for a visit this week to celebrate their beautiful twins incredible school grades, and I treated them to a seafood “buffet!”  I was hoping to get a family’s point of view on some of our seafood options.   In their words, “amazing!”  We love our DFW families, and especially at Easter, when we host our annual Easter Egg hunt in Haltom City, and all of our stores will be giving special filled Easter eggs to all of our smallest diners!  

 What are your Easter plans?  How do you and your family celebrate?  

Hoffbrau Andrea’s Hint:  Ask for an extra side of hushpuppies, or try them as an appetizer!  They’re too delicious not to indulge!  

Happy National Chili Day!

I hope you’re celebrating somewhere, with a delicious cup (or bowl) of steamy goodness, topped with melting cheese somewhere.  In case you haven’t found the perfect blend yet….the 1st Annual Hoffbrau Texas Chili recipe contest might be just what you need.  

Our kitchen elves (distant cousins of the North Pole ones) were up into the wee hours last night, chopping, slicing, and dicing.  Crying over onions, and measuring peppers.  They prepared all of your entries….every last one.  Finally, they brought a taste of each to Aron and Rainey.  Below is their hand-picked winner.  

Real Texas Chili…Lore

Real Texas Chili

But first…a little tease.  (Everyone knows you have to wait a little for gr8 chili, right?)  

Chili is full of lore, and most of stretches back, or came straight from the Union’s gr8test state.

In 1977, the Texas legislature officially proclaimed chili the official “state food” of Texas “in recognition of the fact that the only real ‘bowl of red’ is that prepared by Texans.” It is said that Jesse James (1847-1882), outlaw and desperado of the old American West, once gave up a chance to rob a bank in McKinney, Texas because that is where his favorite chili parlor was located.

“Next to music there is nothing that lifts the spirits and strengthens the soul more than a good bowl of chili.”

Harry James (1916-1983) band leader and trumpeter

Our Winner…

No more torturing you.  Without further ado…our winner.  One of our favorite regulars from Cowtown (and sometimes Haltom City), and with a big hello and congrats from our cutest daytime FTW bartender, Karen….the winner is Olen Rutherford!  

Olen’s recipe is passed down from his Mama, and our favorite part has to be the two 12-ounce beers.  We’ll take it a step further and suggest Rahr Ugly Pug or Shiner Bock.  Mmmm…mmm!  

Olen’s Mama’s Chili recipe

2 pounds hamburger meat

Salt and Pepper to taste (Or can be left out if desired)

4 Tablespoons Cumin

4 Tablespoons Chili Powder

2 Tablespoons Paprika

2 Teaspoons Dried Oregano

2 12-oz Beers (Whatever is on hand. Dark is better)

32 ounce jar of Pace Picante Sauce Hot (this contains all others ingredients like onions, garlic, peppers and tomato)

About half a jar maybe more of water

Place hamburger meat in deep pot and cook on high heat until browned. Drain meat and replace back in pan.  Add salt and pepper if desired. If salt and pepper is added let cook for about 1 minute more. Add the the jar of Pace Picante sauce into pot and and some water at this point. Next add Cumin, Chili Powder, Paprika and Dried Oregano.

Let simmer about 2 minutes before adding the beer. Stir and test for proper consistency. If too thick add more water if thin then add a bit of masa.  Once proper consistency is achieved then reduce heat and simmer for about 30 minutes.

Hope you love it like we did!  If you don’t have time to cook it, remember to come on down today to our house, where you’r free cup is just waiting, hot, and naked.  Ready for you to dress it up with cheese, onions, jalapeno…or anything else.  Wanna see more?  Curious what our other entries looked like?  I’d be happy to share them…based on popular demand.   So, get demandin’…!  

Some 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 (I know where you can get a gr8 deal , 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

• Read a book together. Buy two copies, and Presto! You have a date night for each chapter!!!! Hoffbrau’s friendly librarian suggests one of our faves (The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Families, The Last Lecture, or Fierce Conversations.) Although perhaps not traditional “relationship” self-helps, these books are HB guaranteed to make you a better friend, lover, and man or woman.

• 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.

• Almost all photo outlets (Costco, Sams, Walgreens, Walmart, CVS, etc…) have begun printing canvas from print, compilations from Facebook, etc. These are a relatively inexpensive and wonderful way to celebrate time spent together.

• Pepper Crusted Prime Rib Dinner. (This is a BIG hint of things to come!)

Have you had yours?

• 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.

• Scavenger Hunt…who knows what you can find.

Just remember that Valentine’s Day is a celebration, and you can’t go wrong.