Mississippi has it ALL and we LOVE IT!

Mississippi here we come!

That should be the NEW tag line because they have it all in Mississippi and we love it. Soon as you cross the state line you’re met with those beautiful Mississippi views that are unforgettable. Yes, it’s where BLUES started and people who know music know that what we know as blues music started right outside of Cleveland at Dockery Farms. Back in the day, Mr. Dockery was one of the few plantation owners that allowed music to be played on the weekends and so blues music began to be refined and sprung up around the gin. Who doesn’t love the BLUES and if you LOVE the BLUES then you have to love history because HISTORY defines the BLUES. In fact without history we have no BLUES at all. Cleveland Mississippi is where it all began! 

Austin’s NEW Paradise for Relaxation – Renaissance Austin

Howdy Travel Partners!

As we travel the USA coast to coast in search of comfortable and unique destenations we’re sometimes extremely surprised but what we discover. That’s exactly what happened when we checked into the NEW Renaissance Austin located in North Austin. We discovered a world of bliss and beauty so perfect that it took us by total surprise. From the time we entered the front doors our weekend was filled with plush accommodations, tasty craft cocktails, delicious chef driven eats, beautiful views of the Texas Hill Country, and an outdoor entraining mecca complete with two pools.

The hotel went through a BIG and COMPLETE restoration, modernizing the guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations are simply stunning, colorful and vibrant, featuring stylish décor, local artwork, and thoughtful amenities. Everything is TEXAS chic, and represents Texas music, fun and an active life style. From the hanging guitars to the cattle and livestock artwork, it’s TEXAS BEAUTIFUL, but also extremely inviting and very comfortable to enjoy a long weekend.

 

You can enjoy all-day dining with chef driven farm-to-table cuisine and craft cocktails at the Knotty Deck and Bar. There is dining available in the beautiful dinning area, at the bar or outdoors on one of the multiple decks. Oh, and you can’t forget the LUCKY PONY for poolside Texas inspired craft cocktails or fresh snacks. We found the dining and snacking options to be truly unlimited and always fresh and delicious.

Let’s talk about all of the incredible outdoor entertainment areas. They have four different patio areas on different levels, complete with fire pits, lounging areas, swinging chairs, games… all shaded with trees and landscape. A great feature was the mist machines in the trees, keeping you cool when you’re not enjoying the NEW pool area.  Speaking of which, they have two pools. Yes, two pools! One is located inside with a hot tub and the new pool is outside, offering a sundeck, hot tub and plenty of lounging areas to enjoy the outdoor life. They’ve added a fantastic music system to enjoy some good tunes with fresh craft cocktails so you can chill and get lost in time. When you spend time outside it’s like your miles away from the big city, even though it’s right there. The outdoor area is made for relaxation and good times, which allow you to recharge and enjoy life and that’s exactly what we did!

There is so much to discover at the NEW Renaissance Austin because it’s close to many venues and surrounded by Hill Country scenery. It offers North Austin charm and it celebrates the local character of Austin and the state of TEXAS. You can enjoy Savor Texas-inspired American fare at Knotty Deck & Bar, or lift your spirits with coffee, tacos and tequila from Choza. Enjoy the fitness center with the state-of-the-art Peloton room, 24-hour fitness room or one of our two sparkling pools. The scenic outdoor spaces are ideal for large or small events. You can easily explore North Austin from the hotel, just minutes from the Domain, the Austin Greenbelt and downtown Austin. A refreshing and unforgettable hotel experience awaits you at this four-star Renaissance hotel in North Austin, Texas. 

They’re a NEW officially approved Trey’s Chow Down Travel destination and a MUST Visit for anyone looking for a overnight, weekend, or a staycation with family and friends. It’s Austin’s NEW paradise for relaxation, fun or entertaining. Hope to see you poolside soon enjoying North Austin’s beautiful Hill Country.

Travel well and stay hungry!

Trey & Jana (Travel Hounds)

Austin’s NEW Paradise – Renaissance of Austin!

Howdy Travel Fans – Welcome to the Renaissance of Austin!

If you’re like us and you travel a lot, sometimes when you reach your destination you get a very pleasant surprise. That’s what we got when we rolled into the NEWLY RENOVATED Renaissance of Austin, located in North Austin, Texas. We were just blown away from the front door to the outdoor entertainment paradise.

The hotel went through a BIG and COMPLETE restoration, modernizing the guest rooms and suites. All of the accommodations are simply stunning, colorful and vibrant, featuring stylish décor, local artwork, and thoughtful amenities. Everything is TEXAS chic, and represents Texas music, fun and an active life style. From the hanging guitars to the cattle and livestock artwork, it’s TEXAS BEAUTIFUL, but also extremely inviting and very comfortable to enjoy a long weekend.

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel/rooms/

Let’s talk about all of the incredible outdoor entertainment areas. They have four different patio areas on different levels, complete with fire pits, lounging areas, swinging chairs, games… all shaded with trees and landscape. A great feature was the mist machines in the trees, keeping you cool when you’re not enjoying the NEW pool area.  Speaking of which, they have two pools. Yes, two pools! One is located inside with a hot tub and the new pool is outside, offering a sundeck, hot tub and plenty of lounging areas to enjoy the outdoor life. They’ve added a fantastic music system to enjoy some good tunes with fresh craft cocktails so you can chill and get lost in time. When you spend time outside it’s like your miles away from the big city, even though it’s right there. The outdoor area is made for relaxation and good times, which allow you to recharge and enjoy life and that’s exactly what we did!

When you get hungry you can enjoy some fresh poolside snacks, or some chef-driven chow from the KNOTTY DECK & BAR. Lunch, brunch, dinner, and snacks are all very delicious and the offerings always served #HF&D hot, fresh and delicious. The fresh craft cocktails are prepared using only the freshest and finest ingredients to create some creative and tasty cocktails. All the food we tried was great, and the service was first class.

If you’re traveling to the Austin area, I would HIGHLY recommend booking a room and staying at the NEW RENAISSANCE of AUSTIN. You’re going to fall in love with this amazing property. They’re a NEW, officially APPROVED, Trey’s Chow Down Travel destination for all travelers to enjoy.

Click link below for photos, rooms, information and reservations

https://www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/aussh-renaissance-austin-hotel/overview/

Thanks, and please follow our social media platforms as we travel the USA in search of creative chefs, tasty eats, savory sweet treats, and unique travel destinations everyone can enjoy.

Trey & Jana

Unique Texas Hill County Travel Destination With A… CASTLE & Cool VIBES!

Hello Y’all!

Wine Castle “The Chateau De Chase” on 290 On HILL.

If you follow our travel, food, chef and cocktail adventures then you’re aware that I’m like an OLD HOUND DOG always on the HUNT. Searching for Creative chefs, delicious eats, savory sweet treats and UNIQUE Travel destinations. THIS IS ONE OF THOSE DISCOVERIES. Get ready for an AWESOME Experience! Let’s GO!

There we were, cruising down highway 290, headed to Fredericksburg when Jana blurts out, “Trey did you see that castle?” On the phone I replied by asking her if she had already started drinking wine, even though it was only 8am. Turns out it WAS a castle – a big, beautiful castle, with a new hotel right beside it. I thought, if that’s not intriguing, I don’t know what is. A castle on a hill, in Texas, with a NEW HOTEL right beside it. That just screams UNIQUE!

The next week we made reservations for the NEW Bentley Hotel on 290, adjacent to the Wine Castle. Making the reservations was a good call, because the Bentley Hotel is absolutely an incredible – a true destination that’s not only unique, but inviting, relaxing, charming and comfortable. You truly don’t need to leave once you check in for the weekend.

They’re a twelve room and two suite boutique hotel featuring a resort-style pool and an outdoor wine cabana bar, complete with all of your wine cocktails and culinary delights! Enjoy a wine cocktail after check-in on Friday night, then take a dip in the lounge pool and hot tub and order a pizza for dinner on Saturday. You can visit the Wine Castle just up the hill and enjoy some tasty wines and snacks, then learn about wines in a cozy and inviting castle atmosphere.

They have twelve king-size rooms with private balconies, two two-story Suites with living rooms and double private balconies. Each room tells a story through its name, and no matter which one you choose they’re all warm, cozy, colorful, classy and extremely comfortable. We stayed in the CLINT EASTWOOD ROOM and LOVED IT! ABSOLUTE PERFECTION!

They have a BIG resort-style pool with private lounge cabanas and beautiful pool furniture. A Texas-centric wine cabana bar that’s shaded, and a kitchen that’s open 5pm to 9pm, offering Incredible customer service. The lounge pool is open 10am to 9 pm.

If you’re looking for a Truly UNIQUE Texas Hill Country Travel destination offering a one of kind experience, including a castle, then The Bentley Hotel on 290 is the place to be. Make your reservations and when you get there, walk through the little black gates and leave your troubles behind. That’s what we did and I HIGHLY RECOMMEND you do the same.

Until next time my friends! Enjoy a unique travel experience, enjoy something deliciousness, be happy, and always love your neighbor. We need more love in this world and of course unique travel experiences like the The Bentley Hotel on 290!

Hope to meet you at a table soon!

Adios Y’all!

Delicious Coastal Cuisine In Texas!

Ahoy My Texas Mates and Mate’its!

Some months back on a sunny afternoon I saw a sign that read The Dock Coastal Cuisine hanging when I walked into the NEW Food Hall On Crockett Row in Fort Worth.

If you’re anything like me, when I see a seafood place or new restaurant open in the DFW area I always wonder how fresh and delicious the cuisine will be.

Anyone can create a brand and open a restaurant or a catering business. It takes someone with drive, dedication, and talent to make it successful. Especially when it involves seafood and the total concept is centered around nothing but seafood.

Deliciousness from The Dock.

Seafood is not only tricky to source, but your supplier must have the same drive, dedication, and pursuit of quality that the restaurant owner has.

Seafood has to be handled with love and care or it can be a disaster for everyone.

Well, my friends, I have to tell you that Chef Brett, owner of The Doc Coastal seafood restaurant and catering truck has definitely got it figured out.

The menu is creative and loaded with fantastic menu items. Everything I’ve tried has been fresh, delicious, and colorful.

The presentations are so good they look like artwork more than they do food to eat.

I interviewed Chef Brett on my food show Trey’s Chow Down Live for an hour. We discussed everything about his life, career, and what drives him to serve some of the best seafood in the Fort Worth and Dallas area.

First and foremost, I learned Brett grew up on the coast and loved seafood. He moved to Texas after he had traveled and worked in various restaurants. He also attended culinary school so he could learn how to master his craft.

After Brett moved to Texas they started The Dock Seafood Truck and Catering Company. As they say, my friends, the rest is history.

The Doc offers some amazing seafood you will fall in love with. I’ve tried three of the sandwiches and the delicious mouth-watering “Crab Chips” with their house prepared sauce.

Dibs on Victory Park Plaza GRAND OPENING 26th & 27th

Dibs on Victory Park Makes Highly-Anticipated Debut

New refined concept is set to celebrate its grand opening on April 26-27

 – Dibs on Victory might have a familiar ring to it thanks to the fact that it has been named one of Dallas’ “Most Anticipated New Restaurants of 2017, 2018 and 2019.” But it’s now open and ready to rock and roll.

So, highly-anticipated is far from an understatement. This & That Co. – the folks that brought you neighborhood staples like High Fives, The Whippersnapper, Tiny Victories and Ferris Wheelers – are excited to bring its newest concept, Dibs, to Victory Park.

The new multi-level restaurant, located across from the W Hotel, will celebrate its official grand opening on Friday, April 26 and Saturday, April 27. Doors will open for dinner and drinks at 4 p.m. and the party starts at 10 p.m. with DJs playing until 2 a.m.

Tarrant Area Food Bank!

TAFB Community Kitchen Tarrant Area Food Bank (TAFB) Community Kitchen is a 16-week program that provides free culinary job training to men and women from all backgrounds.

Students learn from a TAFB professional chef, receive coaching in life skills and job readiness and showcase their new skills at on-site catering events for TAFB. Regular demonstrations are given by local professional chefs who generously donate their time. Before graduation, each student also takes part in a two-week internship at a local food service institution.

The TAFB Community Kitchen gives students an opportunity to give back to the community. Throughout the course of the program, students prepare meals that are delivered to TAFB Partner Agencies serving people in need.

Since its inception in 2007, more than 80 percent of Community Kitchen students have continued to be employed at least one year after graduation.

Tarrant Area Food Bank’s mission is to empower communities to eliminate hunger by providing food, education and resources through innovation and collaboration. Tarrant Area Food Bank continuously explores ways to reach people in need with greater quantities of nutritious food in its 13-county service region.

Piattello-I think He’s Italian!

Good Day Chow Hounds,

Trey & Chef Marcus

Two years ago, my buddy and creative genius – Celebrity Chef Marcus Paslay, told me he had an idea for an Italian restaurant. As most of you may know, my family owned an Italian restaurant and my father Barney married an Italian lady twenty-five years ago. Half of my family consists of genuine, authentic Italians. They speak Italian, live in Italy, raise children in Italy, have businesses in Italy, and we have a family home in Italy. I’ve traveled all over Italy. I’ve gotten to eat and chow down on some of the most amazingly fresh Italian food you could possibly have by some of the most incredibly talented Italian Chefs of the world. One of them-my father Barney, dedicated his life to studying the history, food, and general way of life in Italy.