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The Oil Palace Under Fire

June 9th, 2010

A couple of weeks ago I tried to make a case that our city and state are becoming over regulated by unnecessary local legislation and bureaucracy. From the banning of a legal substance in restaurants (namely tobacco), to traffic medians which only serve to further clog roadways, to business owners being told they must remove the flags from their store fronts, we are awash in petty legislation.

The latest example of local interference in the affairs of Tylerites is the attempt to shut down the Oil Palace. As best as I can gather, the facility has twice been the victim of vandalism. Once during a ZZ top concert when insulation was flushed down the toilet; and the water valves turned down, the other prior to the Glenn Beck appearance when the water pressure was again turned down. In light of the health department’s concerns about water flow and restroom access, the facility has brought in air-conditioned restrooms to help insure that the existing systems are not overwhelmed. Yet this is still not sufficient for the health officials, who have threatened to try to shut down the Oil Palace prior to upcoming appearances by guests like George Jones and Sarah Palin. Now as someone who attended the Glenn Beck lecture, I can attest to the fact that the Oil Palace as a venue does leave a lot to be desired, but that has absolutely nothing to do with the health department’s complaints. Both the Glenn Beck, and the Sean Hannity appearances were great nights, and there was no danger posed to any attendee. Personally, I plan to attend the Palin visit and expect to have no issues on that occasion either, nor do I plan to turn off the water valves, or flush any insulation.

I once heard someone say that many local bureaucrats are more concerned with being important than being useful. When a local institution bends over backwards to uphold the spirit of an ordinance while continuing to keep its commitments to provide a place for important local and cultural events, I must conclude this is the case. So a brief note to those oh so important folks in the health department: the fact is I as an attendee understand that there may be a problem with water flow in the building. Guess what, I won’t drink it, I still want to see Sarah Palin. I am willing to risk a water fountain that doesn’t work or a toilet that doesn’t flush right. Do you know why I take such awful risks? Because I’m a grown up! I think I can remember to go before I leave the house, and I’ll take a bottle of water to insure that I don’t over heat, but please stop trying to remove all the risk from every nuance of my life! If the facility is making a reasonable effort to fix problems or find ways to otherwise accommodate attendees I am willing to chance it.

As far as I can see, and from what I’ve read at this point, it seems the staff and management at the Oil Palace has taken reasonable steps to comply with what has been asked of them. At this point the whole thing seems like a silly battle of wills to me.

For more information, or to read up on the conflict go to the KETK website at http://www.ketknbc.com/local/oil-palace-gets-another-health-district-notice, or see the KLTV page at http://www.kltv.com/global/story.asp?s=12598373. For more info on the Oil Palace or on upcoming events go to the website at www.oilpalace.com. Readers can also check out my review of the Glenn Beck appearance by looking for the title Glenn Beck comes to Tyler, located elsewhere on this site. Lastly, for a brief look at a few cultural attractions in Tyler this summer, including those coming to the Oil Palace look for the title Cultural Events and Institutions in Tyler TX.

Atwoods Ranch and Home in Tyler Texas

February 17th, 2010

Atwoods Ranch and Home

303 N NW Loop 323
Tyler Texas
903-526-6030
Mon-Sat 7am until 8pm
Sun 9am – 6pm

Atwoods is a large store selling farm equipment and animal feed for the cowboys and wannabe cowboys amongst us. You may have seen their ads on TV ‘Come into Atwoods, its just like comin’ home’ However, I think that they would be better off spending some money on updating their store rather than spending it on advertising! It is very old fashioned and not at all family friendly (horrible restrooms, and no baby change) and not very well laid out. It would be a so much nicer experience if there was a café or some place to buy a drink or snack for the kids too. But if you’re a regular customer that might not be a problem to you. It seems that Atwoods does have a following.

Atwoods has some clothing – Wranglers, boots, overalls etc. power tools and garden equipment and chemicals and lots and lots of animal feed. They sell stuff for your truck, fencing for your animals and blocks for your patio. There are even a few ride on toys for kids and of course hunting equipment. They also have seasonal items like Christmas decorations, patio furniture and grills, plants and seeds and live poultry for sale.

The prices are not particularly great at Atwoods but if you catch one of the weekly specials – found in a circular newspaper delivered to most homes in and around Tyler – then you will be able to stock up on food for your cattle, dog or birds, or perhaps fertilizer for your lawn, at low cost.

Atwoods to me is a bit of a rural Texas experience. I understand that there are another 30 stores around here and that they have been in business for 50 years. I guess things haven’t changed much!

Vietnamese Pho Restaurant

January 23rd, 2010

Vietnamese Pho Restaurant

3837 US Hwy 64
Tyler, TX 75704
(903) 526-1599

Having recently moved to Tyler Texas, I am always on the lookout for new places to eat. I am particularly fond of ethnic food, so when I heard about a new Vietnamese restaurant in town, I couldn’t wait to try it out. My wife and I met her two brothers and their wives for dinner there last night, and we all agreed that it was a great experience. Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

Pho Restaurant is located just outside W Loop 323 on US Hwy 64, across from the big super Wal-Mart. It’s right next to El Quatro Mexican restaurant, which I haven’t tried out yet. Parking is plentiful, and the lot is well lit at night. It is open Monday to Saturday from 11am to 8pm. There is a sister location on N. High street in Longview as well.

The atmosphere and décor leave something to be desired, but that is fairly common for small mom-and-pop Asian restaurants. The dining area was very clean – I didn’t see any food or trash on the floor or on any of the unoccupied tables. The restrooms were also quite clean. The fluorescent lights and drop-in ceiling detract a little from the overall dining experience, but what Pho lacks in atmosphere, it makes up in service and taste. (If you are looking for Asian dining with great atmosphere, try Julian’s in the Times Square Shopping Center on South Broadway).

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The menu at Pho Restaurant is clearly laid out and very reasonably priced. I think all of their entrees are under 10 dollars, and most of them are 7 dollars or less. A casual glance around the room can help you decide what dish to order – they have large pictures of many of their menu items posted on the walls. I ended up choosing my meal by looking at the pictures on the wall. I chose number 22 – stir fried vermicelli with beef, chicken, and shrimp.

One of the things that impressed me was the quality of the service. When the hostess noticed my sister-in-law feeding baby food to her one year old daughter, she brought a little child-sized plate for her to use. When our meals arrived, she recommended which sauces and seasonings to use with each of our dishes. The hoisin and sriracha sauces she suggested for my meal complimented it perfectly. They gave it a wonderful sweet and savory flavor with just enough of a spicy kick to make your lips tingle.

Now on to the good stuff! My stir-fried vermicelli with chicken, beef, and shrimp was absolutely delicious. My wife loved menu item 8b – shrimp and egg roll with vermicelli. The shrimp was grilled to perfection, and it came with some kind of vinegar/fish sauce that she mixed with the hoisin sauce to create a delightful and savory meal.

Pho Vietnamese Restaurant Tyler TX

Pho Vietnamese Restaurant

For an appetizer we ordered the shrimp spring rolls. If you have never tried Vietnamese spring rolls, you simply must try them at Pho. They are incredibly cool and crisp and refreshingly unique owing to the fresh mint leaves they use to make them. The portions at Pho restaurant are generous, the ingredients are fresh, and the food is authentically Vietnamese.

All six of us who ate there last night said that we would order the same meal again next time, and all six of us ordered different things! I personally loved menu item 22, but I feel confident recommending items 8b and 10b as well. If you are looking for authentic Vietnamese cuisine at a fair price, you no longer need to drive to Dallas to get it. Go check out Vietnamese Pho Restaurant. You won’t be disappointed.

Tyler State Park

January 12th, 2010

It’s hard to believe, but summer is winding down already. We all want to squeeze the last drops of rest and relaxation out of the season, (regardless of whether or not we’ve had much of that previously). Well I would suggest a trip to a favorite East Texas stop. As Texans we are blessed with a wonderful system of State Parks. Tyler State Park puts the Texas Piney Woods on display both for locals and out of towners. The park is centered around a sixty four acre lake and offers a full array of activities including: swimming, hiking, boating, fishing and camping. There are bike trails of varying difficulty and campgrounds fully equipped with water, electricity, tables and fire pits. If a customer enjoys the outdoors but prefers the comforts of the indoors, there are screened shelters and cabins.

For day trips the swimming and boating area of the park is very convenient. There is a great beach with restrooms and a concession and gift shop close by. But East Texans need not worry about trying to cram a visit into a busy summer. In Texas some of the best out door time comes in the fall. What could be better than sitting by a fire on a cool autumn night? The Park is open all year although a few activities, (like swimming for instance) may be closed for the season. This is still one of the best times to camp however, due to a lack of bugs and the cooler weather.

The cost of an outing T.S.P. is quite reasonable. A day pass is just three dollars a day for those over thirteen years of age. For primitive campsites, (meaning sites with water but no electricity) the cost is just thirteen dollars a night. For campsites with water and electric, the cost is slightly higher at seventeen dollars a night. For campsites offering water, electric and sewer hook ups, (designated primarily for recreational vehicles) the cost is twenty dollars a night. If you desire all of these functions and spot by the lake, the cost is twenty two dollars a night, (tents are permitted in this area). Lastly, screened in areas are for rent as well at a rate of twenty five dollars a night.

For businesses, church groups, or others, there are numerous programs and venues for their organized events. The park periodically holds educational events for the public as well. For more information on these opportunities see the parks webpage at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/tyler, or call (903)597-5338. Tyler State park is located on highway fourteen just off Interstate twenty.

Whether you want to close your summer with a bang, or are already planning for a fall getaway this area park has a lot to offer at a reasonable rate. Consider maximizing your play time, minimizing your travel time, and spending that vacation money close to home.