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Fall Concert Series at Levitt Pavilion: Free Outdoor Concerts “Under the Stars” Begin Thursday

August 31, 2010 by arlingtoninsider

The opening week of the free outdoor Fall Concert Series at the Levitt Pavilion in downtown Arlington begins Thursday, September 2nd with Brave Combo and also features a Saturday night (Sept 4th) performance by Ray Wylie Hubbard!

Levitt Pavilion Fall Concert Series
Thursdays thru Sundays, 7:30pm
Admission: Free; Lawn Seating (bring blanket or lawn chair)
100 W. Abram Street (downtown, across from City Hall)
(817) 543 4301
www.levittpavilionarlington.org

The Levitt Pavilion in downtown Arlington brings free music and the performing arts to Arlington during their Fall Concert Series – available to everyone to enjoy under the stars. The pavilion provides free concerts with a broad-based, eclectic list of performers with local, regional, national and international musical acts from world music to jazz and reggae and country to hot Latin rhythms.

All concerts are free admission with open lawn seating. To make the most of your evening at the Levitt Pavilion, bring a lawn chair or blanket for relaxing, plus snacks or a picnic dinner, and beverages (beer and wine are allowed, but no glass containers) Some concessions are available at the pavilion.

Performances during the Fall Concert Series take place Thursdays through Sundays and begin at 7:30pm. The concert calendar is listed below. The EcoFest event on Saturday, September 18th will begin at 6:30pm.

The Levitt Pavilion is located in downtown’s Founders Plaza (100 W. Abram Street) at the corner of Abram and Center streets, directly across the street from City Hall. Click here for driving directions and a map: http://www.levittpavilionarlington.org/YourVisittotheLevitt/DirectionsParking/tabid/81/Default.aspx

For additional information, please call 817.543.4307 or the 24-hour information line at 817.543.4301.

FALL CONCERT SERIES SCHEDULE:

Thurs, Sept 2nd at 7:30pm: BRAVE COMBO (everyone’s favorite mosh-pit polka band)

Fri, Sept 3rd at 7:30pm: JONATHAN TYLER & THE NORTHERN LIGHTS (electrifying rock that’s meant to be experienced!)

Sat, Sept 4th at 7:30pm: RAY WYLIE HUBBARD (legendary Texas troubadour and master story-teller)

Sun, Sept 5th at 7:30pm: BEATLEGRAS (favorites from the Fab Four with bluegrass flavor)

Thurs, Sept 9th at 7:30pm: HAVANA NRG (a new breed of colorful Latin music)

Fri, Sept 10th at 7:30pm: NELO (21st century pop with a touch of Texas)

Sat, Sept 11th at 7:30pm: KELLY WILLIS (alternative country’s golden goddess)

Sun, Sept 12th at 7:30pm: THE TEXAS GYPSIES (swing, gypsy jazz and rockabilly – Texas style)

Thurs, Sept 16th at 7:30pm: RATTLETREE MARIMBA (Blue Man Group meets AfroPop)

Fri, Sept 17th at 7:30pm: TELEGRAPH CANYON (passionate alt-country layered with rock and folk)

Sat, Sept 18th **Note: 6:30pm start for Ecofest: KATSUK (a world-beat, tribal funk rock experience)
8:00pm start for: GUY FORSYTH (powerful vocals and energetic yarns)

Sun, Sept 19th at 7:30pm: BOBBY DUNCAN (a hometown rising star on his way up!)

Thurs, Sept 23rd at 7:30pm: SPOONFED TRIBE (persuasive percussion and melodic mood manipulation)

Fri, Sept 24th at 7:30pm: MARCIA BALL (southern boogie and rollicking, roadhouse blues)

Sat, Sept 25th at 7:30pm: CADILLAC SKY (bluegrass without boundaries)

Sun, Sept 26th at 7:30pm: BOB MINTZER & THE UTA JAZZ ORCHESTRA (Grammy-winning big band jazz with a world-renowned saxophonist)

Thurs, Sept 30th at 7:30pm: INCENDIO (a volcanic burst of flamenco jazz fusion)

Fri, Oct 1st at 7:30pm: BIG SAM’S FUNKY NATION (funk-charged rock that gets the party started)

Sat, Oct 2nd at 7:30pm: ASLEEP AT THE WHEEL (9-time Grammy winning kings of Texas swing!)

For more information on the individuals artists/bands, click here: http://www.levittpavilionarlington.org/ConcertCalendar/tabid/55/Default.aspx One your on that page, you can click on the list of artists/bands to read bios and learn more about their music.

For information about the concert schedule, the venue, or in case of inclement weather, call the 24-hour information line at (817) 543-4301.

Because Texas weather is unpredictable, it’s a good idea to call the info line if there’s threatening weather. If there’s lightning, hard rain or anything that would put the audience/performers/crew in danger, the concert will be cancelled or possibly moved down the street indoors to J. Gilligan’s. You may also check The Levitt Pavilion’s FACEBOOK and TWITTER pages/account.

Also, please note that the Levitt Pavilion is available for rental for your group outings or special occasions through the Arlington Parks & Recreation Department. For rental rates, available dates and more info, please call (817) 459-5473.

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PACQUIAO vs MARGARITO @ Cowboys Stadium: National Media Tour Stop is OPEN TO THE PUBLIC on Friday, Sept 3rd

August 28, 2010 by arlingtoninsider

Cowboys Stadium is rolling out the red carpet and the public is invited as champion boxers Manny Pacquiao and Antonio Margarito join promoter Bob Arum for a national media tour stop. The free event is Friday, Sept 3rd at 11:30am at Cowboys Stadium. The World Superweight Championship will take place November 13th at Cowboys Stadium.

Manny Pacquiao vs Antonio Margarito
National Media Tour Stop—Free and Open to the Public
Cowboys Stadium-East End Zone Platform
Friday, Sept 3rd; 11:30am
stadium.dallascowboys.com
Bout: Sat, Nov 13th @ Cowboys Stadium
Ticket Info: T.B.A.

The best pound-for-pound fighter in the world, Manny Pacquiao, returns to Cowboys Stadium in Arlington on November 13th to take on Antonio Margarito. In order to promote the upcoming bout, the boxers and promoter Bob Arum are conducting a national media tour which will stop at Cowboys Stadium on Friday, September 3rd.

Boxing fans are invited to attend Friday’s media tour stop. The event is open to the public and will begin at 11:30am on Friday, Sept 3rd and take place in the East End Zone Platform of Cowboys Stadium.

Pacquiao, the pride of the Philippines, is now a congressman in his native country. He along with Margarito (the “Tijuana Tornado”) have combined for 10 world titles. Their bout at Cowboys Stadium on Saturday, November 13th will be part of a fight card that begins at 8pm central. The bout will be produced and distributed live on HBO Pay-Per-View.

Announcements of ticket sales for the bout will be made at a future date.

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Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant

August 24, 2010 by arlingtoninsider

Piccolo Mondo, one of the best and most popular Italian restaurants in all of North Texas, is right in the heart of Arlington. Whether it’s a ‘date night’ or get together with friends or business colleagues, Piccolo Mondo serves the finest northern Italian cuisine.

Piccolo Mondo Italian Restaurant
829 Lamar Blvd East (in the Whole Food Shopping Center)
Lunch Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-2:15pm
Dinner Hours: Mon-Thurs 5:30pm-10:15pm; Fri & Sat 5:30pm-11pm; Sunday 5pm-10pm
(817) 265-9174
http://piccolomondo.com

You can’t call it a “best kept secret” because locals have known for more than 25 years that Piccolo Mondo is one of the best Italian restaurants in the metroplex. Zagat Restaurant Guide recognizes it with ratings of ‘high excellent’, ‘one of the Top 10 for Food’ in the Ft Worth area, and ‘one of the area’s finest restaurants’. D Magazine recognizes Piccolo Mondo among ‘best restaurants’, ‘best atmosphere’, and ‘where the locals eat’.

Okay, sounds good.  But how authentic can it be? Well, an Order of Sons of Italy in America cited Piccolo Mondo with a ‘citation of Epicurean excellence’ and said it ‘exemplifies the fine art and traditions of Italian cuisine’.

So obviously the food has won awards. But the atmosphere is great, too. Upscale with a full service bar and a grand piano in the middle of the room because there’s live music during dinner on Tuesday’s through Sundays (Tues-Thurs, 7:30pm-10:30pm; Fri-Sat, 7:30pm-11pm).

If you are looking to impress business clients (or maybe your in-laws), consider Piccolo Mondo. And if your group needs an upscale place for its meeting or a special occasion like an awards ceremony, a special occasion banquet room is available (maximum capacity 50 persons). For info on renting the room and/or menus for groups, call (817) 265-9174.

To be honest, Piccolo Mondo doesn’t look fancy from the outside. It’s in the middle of a strip shopping center, between Whole Foods and Boston Market. But step inside and it’s all table linens and fresh flowers on each table. And the service? These are long-time, professional servers, not a bunch of high school kids with part-time summer jobs. A full bar and wine list is available.

Lunch menu entrees start at $7.75 (Spaghetti Bolognese) and go up to $23.75 (New York strip). Most of the lunch “Pasta” entrees are $9.75 with the chicken or veal or shrimp lunch entrees at $14.75.

Samplings of the lunch menu: fresh tomatoes & mozaarella salad $7.75; chicken salad or shrimp salad $9.75, soup of the day $3.75, carpaccio $7.75, linguini & clam sauce $10.75, lasagna Bolognese $9.75, capelli d’angelo pomodoro e basilico $9.75, tortellini della Nonna $9.75, shrimp marinara $14.75, eggplant parmagiana $11.75, veal scalloppine marsala $14.75, shrimp provinciale $14.75, chicken forestiera $12.75.

That’s a sampling, there’s more (of course!). And there are daily specials which will always include a couple of seafood items (maybe tilapia or cod) and some chicken specials.

All lunch entrees are served with your choice of soup or salad. On my most recent lunch visit, I enjoyed the veal scalloppine marsala (the white wine sauce) and a cup of lentil soup.

The Dinner Menu, with the larger portions, has expanded options and nightly specials. Pasta and/or House specialties start at $12.75 (spaghetti aglio e olio, spagehetti Bolognese) and range up to $42.75 for Mare e Terra (surf & turf). The most expensive item is the two Lobster Tail Isabella (2 lobster tails) for $64.75.

A sampling of the Dinner Menu: Caesar salad $3.75, prosciutto e melone $10.75, calamari I umido appetizer $10.75, lasagna alla Bolognese $13.75, fettucine Alfredo $13.75, baked maniccoti $13.75, veal scallopine alla parnigiana $23.75, beef tenderloin $31.75, New York strip $30.75, shrimp marinara $21.75, chicken rolatine $18.75, broiled chicken and sautéed mushrooms $17.75.

Don’t forget to leave room for dessert! If you can’t pronounce it, it must be good! Profitterol al Cioccolato is $6.75.  Same price for crème caramel, cappuccino pie, cannoli, cheesecake, tiramisu, spumoni and sorbet.

Dinner Hours are Monday thru Thursday from 5:30pm to 10:15pm; Friday & Saturday evenings from 5:30pm to 11pm; and Sunday from 5pm to 10pm. Lunch hours (weekdays only) are Monday through Friday, 11:30am to 2:15pm.

You don’t have to make a reservation, but I would recommend them for weekend evenings. For reservations, call (817) 265-9174.

Piccolo Mondo is located at 829 Lamar Blvd East at the northwest corner of Collins St at Lamar (one block north of I-30). The restaurant is in the middle of strip shopping center of the Whole Foods shopping center. From I-30, exit Collins St. (Hwy 157) and go north for one block.

Click here for a Mapquest map: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Arlington&state=TX&address=829+E+Lamar+Blvd&zipcode=76011-3504&country=US&latitude=32.765714&longitude=-97.098435&geocode=ADDRESS

Piccolo Mondo is closed major holidays including: Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Labor Day.

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“Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” features new Michael Jackson display

August 21, 2010 by arlingtoninsider

Fans of the King of Pop will want to visit “Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” to see the new display of three Michael Jackson wax figures which encompass the singer’s career: young Michael of The Jackson Five, white glove days of Billy Jean, and ‘Thriller’.

“Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not”
Location: I-30 at Beltline Rd (4 miles east of Six Flags)
Summer Hours: Daily 10am-9pm (box office closes 8pm)
Prices: Adults $16,99 & up, Kids $8.99 & up; Money-Saving Combo Passes Available
(817) or (972) 263-2391
www.PalaceOfWax.com

Three wax figures of Michael Jackson, each displaying a different period of his amazing career, are on display at “Louis Tussaud’s Palace of Wax & Ripley’s Believe It or Not” on I-30 in Grand Prairie, just four miles east of Arlington’s Entertainment District and Six Flags. A compilation of Michael’s hits will get your toes tappin’ as you take photos of the King of Pop. And for fans of the “Twilight” saga, wax figures of Edward & Bella are located at the entry to the Palace of Wax.

Over 200 likenesses are on-display. The Michael Jackson, Twilight, and Johnny Cash wax figures are the latest to join a collection that also includes a life-sized wax figure of President Barack Obama. It took wax artist Sonya Vazquez four months to create the Obama figure which joined the previous commanders-in-chief in the Hall of Presidents.

Movie and television stars make up the largest amount of figures, including classic stars like Marilyn Monroe, John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, The Three Stooges, original cast of Star Trek, The Rat Pack and characters from The Wizard of Oz. But long-time favorites are also joined by modern-day stars like Johnny Depp, J-Lo, Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, Britney Spears, Denzel Washington and Demi Moore.

Harry Potter is joined by his friend, Ron. You can sit on a chair next to Oprah Winfrey or David Letterman, or check out Jay Leno’s chin and Dr Phil’s moustache.

The wax museum is arranged in themes including Movies, Fairy Tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Peter Pan, Little Red Riding Hood, Quasimodo, etc), Wild West (Jesse James, Annie Oakley, Geronimo, etc.), and The Bill of Rights (Ben Franklin, J. Adams, Washington and Jefferson), and “Pilgrimage, A Journey Through the Life of Christ”.

In a not so subtle section called “Spirit of Man”, evil figures are on one side of the room (Hitler, Stalin, Nero, Saddam Hussein & the Ayatollah), with the good on the other side (Nelson Mandela, Gandhi, Mother Teresa, Walt Disney).

There is a optional section called “Museum of Fear” complete with soundtracks and strobe lights. It is definitely not for little kids who get squeamish. The section includes: Jack the Ripper, Dr. Blood, Hannibal Lecter, Freddy Kruger, Alien, Predator, and a scene from The Texas Chainsaw Massacre. It would be fun for Halloween, but probably a little too scary for younger visitors.

Within the same building as the Palace of Wax is “Ripley’s Believe It or Not Odditorium”, one of only 8 worldwide (England, Australia, San Francisco, Niagra Falls, Branson, San Antonio).

What do you see in the Odditorium? A ‘vampire killing kit’ circa 1840 which was sold to people sailing to Transylvania; a replica of a 42-lb lobster, shrunken heads, a replica of the world’s tallest man (8’ 11”), and interactive displays.

There’s an area to watch videos of the old Believe It Or Not show in which a cat eats its food with spoons and chopsticks, a man swallows whole lemons & live mice, and a man who can blow up a balloon by blowing air through his eye sockets. It’s odd, for sure.

There is also an “Enchanted Mirror Maze” which is the third attraction on-site. Near the concession stand, you’ll find the challenging “Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race”, an interactive climb/crawl through a small room lined with laser beams. Good luck getting to the other side of the room without tripping one of the lasers! The faster you move, the more lasers you avoid, the higher your score. It’s $5 per game, but you’ll probably do it at least twice because you’ll want to try it again and improve your score.

Altogether, there are four attractions inside the building. You can buy tickets to the individual attractions ($16.99 adult or $8.99 kids ages 4-12), but the better deals are the “Combo” packages. The 4-Way Combo includes: Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, Enchanted Mirror Maze, and Ripley’s Impossible Laser Race. The “3-Way Combo” includes Palace of Wax, Ripley’s Believe It or Not, and Enchanted Mirror Maze. The “2-Way Combo” includes Palace of Wax and Ripley’s Believe it or Not.

Prices:
*Adult 4-Way Combo $29.99; 3-Way Combo $27.99, 2-Way Combo $21.99, Single $16.99
*Child (ages 4-12): 4-Way Combo $19.99, 3-Way Combo $17.99, Combo $12.99, Single $8.99
*Children ages 3-and-under are free.
*Group Discounts available (12 or more people in group, call ahead to 972-263-2391)
*Free parking
*Snack Bar and Gift Shop on-site (pizza $4, hot dog $3, funnel cakes $2-$4. dippin dots $3.50)

You can save $2 off any combo when you purchase tickets on-line. Click here for link: https://tickets.ripleys.com/grandprairie/

Also, be sure to check out the on-line daily specials which provide big discounts and keep you up to date on special events. Click here: http://grandprairie.ripleys.com/ripleys-summer-of-joy/?utm_source=Joy_of_Summer&utm_medium=side_banner&utm_campaign=Summer%2Bof%2BJoy

Is the extra money for the Combo worth the price difference? Yes, absolutely, especially if you want to walk through the Enchanted Mirror Maze. Although it’s a very short walk, it’s definitely an interesting sensation to walk through a hall of mirrors. You’ll be given plastic gloves to wear so that your fingerprints don’t smudge the glass. You have to feel your way through, otherwise you would walk face-first into the glass.

A fun souvenir is to stop at the “Wax Hands” counter and buy a wax figure of your own hand. A mold is made of your hand, then the wax hand can be dipped in various colors. The price is $7.95 per hand, plus $1 for each color. It’s $5 extra if you want glaze and $6 extra is you want glitter glaze.

Directions: the physical address is 601 Palace Parkway in Grand Prairie. From I-30, exit Beltline Rd and go north one-half block. Turn left on Palace Parkway (the stoplight next to the gas station). The Palace of Wax is two blocks west of Beltline Rd. Parking is free.

Click here for Mapquest location/directions: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Grand+Prairie&state=TX&address=601+E+Palace+Pkwy&zipcode=75050-2322&country=US&latitude=32.761871&longitude=-97.002082&geocode=ADDRESS

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FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO at Arlington Highlands launches Diaper Drive

August 20, 2010 by arlingtoninsider

Freebirds World Burrito is active in helping the Arlington community. Now through Sept 19th, Freebirds is asking customers to drop off new diapers for a Diaper Drive supporting Captain Hope’s for Kids, benefiting homeless children and their families.

FREEBIRDS WORLD BURRITO
Arlington Highlands
4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd
Hours: Sun-Thurs 11am-10pm; Sat & Sun 11am-11pm
(817) 468-5300
www.freebirds.com

Freebirds is collecting diapers for Captain Hope’s for Kids now through September 19th. Please bring diapers and/or wipes to Freebirds’ Arlington Highlands location so that the diapers can be distributed to local homeless children and their families. Captain Hope’s provides 10,000 diapers per week to those in need, and now they need our help to keep up with demand.

The Diaper Drive is just one of Freebirds’ many projects in Arlington. Freebirds supports the Arlington Animal Shelter not only through food drives, but the employees also volunteer at the shelter every other Tuesday. Freebirds also supports the Fender Music Foundation which provides musical instruments to lower income schools and school kids. As you know, music programs are among the first to get cut when the budget axe falls. And if there is a Special Olympic event taking place in town, it’s a good bet that Freebirds is helping with the event and/or providing food.

That’s what I respect about a company like Freebirds. They’re socially conscious, but don’t hit you over the head with it. Bring some diapers? No pressure. You certainly don’t have to, but they’ll make it easy for you by collecting the goods for distribution to the local homeless kids. Will you receive a free burrito or free guacamole for bringing diapers to the diaper drive? No, but you can feel good about helping. They’re making it easy for us. And did you know that Freebirds recycles everything possible, including burrito wrappers?!?!

You can find discounts and the latest promotions through Freebirds’ Facebook page and Twitter account. So check those out to save a few bucks and see the latest menu additions.

Speaking of the menu…have you ever seen one of the “Super Monster” burritos? On a recent visit I was talking with Tree (yes, her name is “Tree”…I told you they were socially conscious) and she said her store’s record for the biggest “Super Monster” burrito is 8 pounds. One burrito, eight pounds!! Hey, you create your own burrito, so you can stuff anything you want in any size you want.

Burritos come in four sizes: “Hybrid” ($4.69 to $5.49), “Freebird” ($5.39 to $6.29), “Monster” ($6.19 to $7.79), and “Super Monster” ($11.39 to $12.99). The price depends on your choice of veggies or meat: fresh veggie, fire-grilled chicken, slow-roasted carnitas (pork), or fire-grilled steak.

You have the same choices for Tacos. Prices are: single taco ($1.59 each); taco deal of 3 tacos & fountain drink ($4.99); or taco meal of 2 tacos, chips & salsa & fountain drink ($6.49).

Menu selection also include Quesadillas ($5.39 to $6.29), Nachos ($5.79 to $6.69) and Burrito Bowls ($5.69 to $6.59).

There are 7 choices of sauces and they range in spicy from 0 to 10 (“calm to feisty”). The most mild is lime juice (0), then “salsa” (1), then “Bad *ss BBQ” (2), then “mild tomatillo” (4), then “hot tomatillo” (7), then “death sauce” (9) and, finally, “habanero” which rates a 10.

If you order the burrito or quesadilla, the tortillas are so large that the staff prepares them on big pizza trays. You tell them what you want, and they stuff your burrito or quesadilla or taco or burrito bowl or nachos with rice or lettuce or tomatos or guacamole or peppers, etc. No two items are alike…you tell ‘em what you want and they make it to your order.

Don’t be fooled by the dessert menu. The “pot brownie” is named for the fact that they are individually wrapped and sitting in a pot near the cash register. It’s not that kind of “pot”.  Hey, just because there are motorcycles above the entrance and above the cash register, this is not that kind of place! There are families here, for goodness sakes!

Speaking of families, if you have smaller kids instead of a teenage boy who can eat the “super monster” by himself, there’s a menu item called the “Little Monster” (6” cheese quesadilla w/chips, $2.59).

If you’re in a hurry and/or know exactly what you want on your burritos/tacos, you can take advantage of Freebirds’ “On the Fly” on-line ordering. Go to www.freebirds.com to order on-line.

Catering has become a big part of Freebirds business because of the convenience and money savings. They can set up a buffet for you (a “build your own burrito/taco/salad bar”) or provide full-service catering. There are also Party Platters as well as Box Lunch Specials (burritos, chips, cookie pre-packed per person). For more info about catering, call 888-392-2287.

Freebirds’ Arlington location is within the Arlington Highlands Shopping Center on the northeast corner of I-20 at Matlock. The physical address is 4000 Arlington Highlands Blvd and here’s a Mapquest link: http://www.mapquest.com/maps?city=Arlington&state=TX&address=4000+Arlington+Highlands+Blvd&zipcode=76018-1152&country=US&latitude=32.680459&longitude=-97.109509&geocode=ADDRESS

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