Local, Near and Far: Our journey of exploring the world.

Tag: Texas (Page 4 of 8)

History of Fort Worth

Every Friday we take a break from our regular blogging schedule to allow the authors an opportunity to feature a certain topic they are passionate about. In the past you’ve read about art, studying abroad, experiencing culture through food, and the great burger adventure. Through this and other future posts we hope you’ll enjoy reading, we hope to share with you our personalities, passions, and interests on a more personal level.

Did you know I enjoy history? I do. Knowing and understanding the history of something helps me to appreciate art, people, buildings, cities, culture, and traditions all the more. Today I want to share with you a brief segment on the history of Fort Worth. I’ve muddled through a few different resources and have condensed the information to be able to share it with you today.

I should also note: I’m a timeline person. It probably has to do with being instructed to “make a timeline” with pictures when I was a child plus, I appreciate the linear format for easy reading/understanding. Here goes nothing! Continue reading

Sudie’s Catfish House

A couple of weeks ago, David and I went to Pasadena and Deer Park, TX.  We traveled there to be able to honor a beloved teacher in a retirement celebration.  I have never been able to share that area of Texas with David, so it was a special time for me in many ways.  We drove by my old schools and the house I grew up in, and forgotten memories flooded my mind and heart.  I am sure I did not stop talking for hours…But David is used to this by now…

5 Piece Fried Catfish Dinner

5 Piece Fried Catfish Dinner

One of the places I knew I had to take David was Sudie’s Catfish House.  I tell you there is no better place to eat catfish in the world, or at least that I know of, than Sudie’s.  I remember as a little girl, my family saw the structure built and wondered what it was going to be.  We all had theories, but alas, the sign was installed, a catfish house!

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Cy Twombly Gallery

Located across Branard Street from the The Menil Collection, a small stone building with an interesting roof showcases works from American painter and sculptor Cy Twombly. Stepping inside the peacefully quiet Cy Twombly Gallery, it seems impossible that you are still in Houston!

The Entrance

Cy Twombly began an interesting career in art in the mid-1950s. With plenty of modern art movements around him in New York City, Cy created his own distinctive brand of art. Words such as “free scribble” and “graffiti” are often used to describe his works. Born in the United States, Twombly chose to live in Europe for the majority of his professional career, dying in Rome in 2011.

In general, you will probably love his art, or you will hate it.

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The Menil Collection

Although I called Houston home for the first 18 years of my life, my first trip to The Menil Collection was on a college architectural field trip. Growing up, my family had always visited the more popular Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. I was surprised to find such a gem in my hometown!

Curved Roof Panels

Curved Roof Panels

On this first trip, my classmates and I examined this thoughtful building. Renowned architect Renzo Piano designed the main building, as well as the adjacent Cy Twombly Gallery. Piano also designed the recent expansion of the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. The challenge of any art museum is bringing natural light inside to illuminate the artwork without damaging them with harmful UV rays. At The Menil, Piano used curved roof panels to safely direct and filter the light into the spaces below, creating a distinctive rhythm throughout the structure. In addition to the roof panels, I love the long wood plank flooring that make the galleries seem even longer. The heavy wearing of the wood reveals the countless number of people who have enjoyed this space previously.

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Shannon Brewing Company

What should I do with a free Saturday?  Rebekah was volunteering, and I was looking for something to do.  I know…check out a new local brewery or two!  I called my good friend John, and we planned on doing just that.  We started with Shannon Brewing Company, and then closed out the day at Bearded Eel Brewing Company (now closed permanently).  First, Shannon Brewing Company…

Shannon Brewing Company proudly brews wholesome Irish-influenced Texas craft beers with old world techniques.  Proud of their old world style, Shannon Brewing markets their brews as “Fire Brewed Beer”.  Instead of using steam jackets for heating like conventional breweries, Shannon Brewing uses fire, via liquid propane, for all heating required in the brewing process.  Fire brewing caramelizes the sugars, which in turn influences the beer’s texture.  This statement made more sense when comparing fire brewing to cooking on a gas cooktop instead of an electric cooktop.  Sure, both cooktops heat things up, but the end result is very different.  In addition, all of their beers are unfiltered and unpasteurized, but are transparent as a result of Shannon’s old word brewing process. Continue reading

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