Soccer Playing Large in Texas

Saturday Morning in Ft. Worth

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On my last day in town, I had a breakfast meeting at the Hilton Hotel. The Hilton is the other "anchor" hotel to their convention center, located at the far end, approximately four blocks from the Omni Hotel.It was a lovely morning with clear skies but with a noted crispness. I enjoyed my early morning walk, amazed to see lots of other people out and about at 7:00am. I was greeted by a most friendly man, seemingly knowing exactly why I was there and where I needed to go for my meeting.Hosted by one of the national vendors that my association utilizes, our breakfast was a scrumptious plated affair. I really expected that we'd have the typical hotel meeting continental "break...Read More

On my last day in town, I had a breakfast meeting at the Hilton Hotel. The Hilton is the other "anchor" hotel to their convention center, located at the far end, approximately four blocks from the Omni Hotel.

It was a lovely morning with clear skies but with a noted crispness. I enjoyed my early morning walk, amazed to see lots of other people out and about at 7:00am. I was greeted by a most friendly man, seemingly knowing exactly why I was there and where I needed to go for my meeting.

Hosted by one of the national vendors that my association utilizes, our breakfast was a scrumptious plated affair. I really expected that we'd have the typical hotel meeting continental "breakfast". I was very impressed with the effort extended with the nice eggs, sausage, breakfast potatoes and bread basket. With orange juice, coffee and hot tea to drink, it really was a very nice meal.

With the business of the morning behind me, time to get out and enjoy the stroll over to the convention center for a couple of educational seminars being conducted by US Youth Soccer. As I exited the Hilton Hotel, there were people lining both sides of Main Street and dozens of runners in the street. I asked someone nearby what was going on and was told it was the annual Cowtown Marathon race. In researching the event a bit on the internet, I learned that the event was actually a series of running races including a full marathon, half marathon, and a 5K & 10K; the main goal being to get people up, out and moving.

There were people running, folks walking with their dogs, adults and kids. It was quite the festive atmosphere with street vendors selling warm beverages and bar-b-que. YES bar-b-que at 9:00 in the morning! At the end of Main Street where the convention center is located, there was a band playing southern country rockabilly. The Uncle Billy Roach Band was blasting Main Street alright.

The city was alive and humming with people. I got a great feel for the community and her people through just this one experience. Ft. Worth is a pretty city . . . a clean city and one that I felt safe in even when out and about after dark. Molly the Trolley was a nice feature, providing free transportation throughout this area of one-way streets. If you have a car, leave it parked and take the trolley, keeping in mind that it only runs until 10pm nightly.

For more information on the Cowtown Marathon and related events, check them out at: http://www.cowtownmarathon.org/default.aspx.

Even Molly the Trolley has her own website too: http://www.mollythetrolley.com/.
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Omni Fort Worth

Hotel | "Warm Texan Hospitality"

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This year's US Youth Soccer Workshop was held in Fort Worth, Texas at their downtown convention center. The Omni Fort Worth was the headquarters hotel, which was the perfect location directly across the street from the main entrance to the center.The Super Shuttle from DFW Airport was a 45 minute ride at rush hour on a weeknight. Not bad, considering that the airport is pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. To taxi here would have been about $50 each way so the Super Shuttle at $32 roundtrip (pre-bought via internet) was a bargain!Check-in was swift and efficient. It was nice to see the bellmen, valet parking guys and front desk staff all wearing US Youth Soccer shirts....Read More

This year's US Youth Soccer Workshop was held in Fort Worth, Texas at their downtown convention center. The Omni Fort Worth was the headquarters hotel, which was the perfect location directly across the street from the main entrance to the center.

The Super Shuttle from DFW Airport was a 45 minute ride at rush hour on a weeknight. Not bad, considering that the airport is pretty much out in the middle of nowhere. To taxi here would have been about $50 each way so the Super Shuttle at $32 roundtrip (pre-bought via internet) was a bargain!

Check-in was swift and efficient. It was nice to see the bellmen, valet parking guys and front desk staff all wearing US Youth Soccer shirts. Even our room keys were branded for the USYSA Workshop. Nice touch!

I was given a room on the 13th floor (out of 15). I had an interesting view over the convention center and across the way to the train station. Beyond that, not much really to see but it was nice to sleep with the curtains wide open . . . I love a city's night lights shining through.

The standard double room was very spacious with two double beds and a nice work area. Like most hotels today, there was a large (probably 40+ inch) flat screen television on top of a decent sized dresser. My room had a small apartment sized refrigerator and an in-room coffee maker. Free WiFi and a compact safe were nice additions.

The bathroom was also large, although the lighting wasn't optimal, especially for putting on make-up in the morning. Not really sure if it was the low wattage or poorly place fixtures; maybe both.

The special group rate for the room was $164, which is about $100 below what I found to be their "best available" rate for the week before and after our event. I can't imagine paying nearly $300 per night (including taxes) but I guess that is their price.

The hotel is a full service convention center property with two very large ballrooms. Our Friday night awards gala was held in one, with the "after party" in the other. Given the size of the event, it did require two very large spaces with plenty of prefunction space. In addition to the two ballrooms on the second floor, there were also several meeting rooms. On the third floor were more meeting rooms.

While on the third floor you can check out their 24 hour fitness room and outdoor swimming pool. Given we had snow on our first day in town, I'd say it was too cold to be taking a swim in February . . . even in Texas!

On the lobby level of the hotel there are a couple of restaurants including the fine dining option of Bob's Steak & Chop House. I did have a couple of meals at their Cast Iron Restaurant, which was your typical hotel food service establishment. The hotel has a couple of lobby bars including the Whiskey & Rye offering plenty of TV's to take in the Olympics. The placed will jammed packed each night I walked by.

All in all, this was a very nice local with comfortable surroundings. Unfortunately, other restaurants were eight or more blocks away, however. The Molly Trolley does pick up right in front of the hotel, making it very convenient to head to an area where there were several dining choices available to guests.

Everyone I came in contact with was kind and very helpful. The bellman . . . front desk receptionist . . . concierge . . . all assisted me during my four night stay. Read Less

Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 27, 2025

Omni Fort Worth
1300 Houston St.
Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 535-6664

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Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant

Restaurant | "Family Style Mexican Dining"

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My first night in Ft. Worth was spent with follow state executive directors and the national staff from US Youth Soccer. There were ten of us out for some good local food. Since the US Youth Soccer national headquarters is in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, they knew where to go in Ft. Worth for what is reported to be the best Mexican food in the city.This place really had it down to a science, with efficiency being paramount through their business model of offering two dinner entrees . . . enchiladas ($10.95) or fajitas ($12.95). You do have your choice of beef or chicken, but beyond that it's pretty much family styled serving of A LOT of food. Those choosing enchiladas also have the opt...Read More

My first night in Ft. Worth was spent with follow state executive directors and the national staff from US Youth Soccer. There were ten of us out for some good local food. Since the US Youth Soccer national headquarters is in the Dallas suburb of Frisco, they knew where to go in Ft. Worth for what is reported to be the best Mexican food in the city.

This place really had it down to a science, with efficiency being paramount through their business model of offering two dinner entrees . . . enchiladas ($10.95) or fajitas ($12.95). You do have your choice of beef or chicken, but beyond that it's pretty much family styled serving of A LOT of food. Those choosing enchiladas also have the option of cheese only.

As we gathered, we enjoyed freshly made corn tortilla chips and salsa, accompanied by guacamole, hot sauce, pico-da-gallo, sour cream. After a full afternoon of travel, I could have made a meal of chips, dip and an adult beverage. Moderation was the theme, however, knowing that a full meal was yet to come. Iced tea also seemed more appropriate especially given the heat that came with salsa.

Once dinner arrived, we were also served large bowls of rice and refried beans. Those dining on fajitas received two tacos, while the others enjoying enchiladas received large 4" nacho chips with a cheese topping. Given the size of our group, we had plenty of both to share around the table.

I have the beef enchiladas with the cheese sauce. I found the meat to be very flavorful and tender. The enchiladas were a bit on the smaller size, but trust me; there was no leaving the table hungry. I also enjoyed the accompaniments provided with our meals.

I loved the big open atmosphere of this restaurant. It was spacious and colorful with high ceilings. This was an outstanding choice!

NOTE: They do not accept credit cards and reservations are accepted by telephone only for groups of 20 or more.
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Member Rating 3 out of 5 on February 26, 2025

Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant
2201 North Commerce Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76106
(817) 626-4356

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Texas de Brazil

Restaurant | "Pretty Amazing Dining Experience"

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There was a group of ten of us out looking for a nice place for dinner out our first "state" night in town. Our little intimate group included board volunteers and wives, referee committee members and staff. It was an eclectic and engaging group and we needed an equally eclectic and engaging location for dinner. The concierge at the Omni Hotel did well in suggesting Texas de Brazil.From the Omni Hotel, we were about eight blocks from the restaurant, so we took the free Molly Trolley to the Worthington stop which was two blocks away. By Texas standards, it was a cool evening, but nice for a light, brisk walk.When we arrived for our dinner reservation, they were just finalizi...Read More

There was a group of ten of us out looking for a nice place for dinner out our first "state" night in town. Our little intimate group included board volunteers and wives, referee committee members and staff. It was an eclectic and engaging group and we needed an equally eclectic and engaging location for dinner. The concierge at the Omni Hotel did well in suggesting Texas de Brazil.

From the Omni Hotel, we were about eight blocks from the restaurant, so we took the free Molly Trolley to the Worthington stop which was two blocks away. By Texas standards, it was a cool evening, but nice for a light, brisk walk.

When we arrived for our dinner reservation, they were just finalizing the table prep for us. There was a bar area to our left but there was no reason to make our way in that direction. I did see several other State Association groups in there assembling for dinner. Within ten minutes of our arrival, the hostess took us upstairs to a very nice private dining area, facing the glass encased wine cellar. (For those unable or disinterested in hiking up a flight and a half of stairs, they do have an elevator.)

Our server greeted us to take beverage orders and to explain what to expect in our dining experience with them. No menus . . . no choices to make . . . and one price for all ($42.99*). We were also given a round card. More about this red/green card later.

With beverages ordered, we were invited back downstairs to the fresh foods salad bar. The choices were expansive to include your traditional salad items including mixed greens, vegetables and dressings. Meats, cheeses, pasta salad, sushi, lobster bisque and shrimp added to the choices offered guests. I thought of David as I passed the bowl of large whole jalapeño peppers since they are one of his favorite Texas food items. There was also a choice of breads available

With salads near completion, it was time to use the round cards given to us. With the red side up, you were indicating "no thank you" (or not yet) regarding dinner meats . . . and the green size was inviting the "gauchos" to bring by spits of choice prime meats for your dining pleasure.

It was also at this point in time that our server brought out bowls of garlic mashed potatoes, fried cinnamon bananas and Brazilian cheese bread to accompany our meat choices.

As for the meat choices . . . my goodness did they have a tremendous selection which seemed to be presented and offered nonstop. Well, nonstop until you turned over your card to show the red side again as in to say "no mas!"

My favorite meats were the bacon wrapped chicken, the garlic sirloin and the filet mignon. Others in our group enjoyed the Brazilian sausage, parmesan chicken, leg of lamb, lamb chops and pork ribs. It was such a taste smorgasbord, it seemed endless!

With red cards all around (insert soccer referee joke here!) we thought we were done. But then came the dessert tray and more food was ordered to complete our dining experience. I had the pecan pie which was very good. Others enjoyed key lime pie, banana foster pie, carrot cake and creme brulee.

Whew! Dinner was really good. The only thing that exceeded the dining experience was the outstanding camaraderie within our group. We all work together in different roles supporting youth soccer in Wisconsin. Getting together away from the business of our association was wonderful.

* $42.99 is the dinner price for adults. Kids under 6 dine free; 6-12 are half price. Dinner prices do not include beverages or desserts. Read Less

Member Rating 5 out of 5 on February 26, 2025

Texas de Brazil
101 N Houston St.
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 882-9500

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Cast Iron Restaurant

Restaurant | "Average Hotel Restaurant"

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There is nothing especially good or bad about this dining choice inside the Omni Fort Worth Hotel. I dined in the restaurant for breakfast one morning and for lunch a couple of days later. On both occasions, I/we had the buffet . . . breakfast by choice, lunch not so much.Their breakfast buffet generally had the usual stuff, but in a lesser assortment. I thought they were particularly light on the breads with some muffins and pastries available, but no bagels, toast, etc. Bacon and sausage were available, as were soupy scrambled eggs. They also offered biscuits and gravy, but I as told the biscuits were bricks. I was also not very impressed with their fruit offerings or cereals....Read More

Member Rating 2 out of 5 on February 27, 2025

Cast Iron Restaurant
1300 Houston Street
Fort Worth, Texas 76102
(817) 535-6664

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Fort Worth Journals

Soccer Playing Large in Texas

Saturday Morning in Ft. Worth

Omni Fort Worth

Joe T. Garcia's Mexican Restaurant

Texas de Brazil

Cast Iron Restaurant

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