Tag Archive | Barbeque

Legacy Hall

Apr10

Plano, Texas

If you have indecisive family and friends when it comes to choosing an eating place, Legacy Hall may be just what you need. Located just off the Tollway in Plano at Legacy West, Legacy Hall is a spacious food hall with 22 casual eateries and 8 bar areas. It is a sprawling, three-story, foodie’s dream!

Legacy Hall is this area’s first food hall and is currently the largest in the U.S.  The purpose behind Legacy Hall is to replicate the food halls that tend to be so popular in Europe. Most European food halls are public gathering places for all ages to enjoy a lively atmosphere, great drinks, and fresh foods from many local cultures – all under one roof.

Plano’s new Legacy Hall houses over 55,000 sq. ft. of food stalls, bars, breweries and seating areas.  Each food stall and bar has its own unique personality and specialties, and many are run by award-winning local chefs. There is also a Box Garden currently under construction, next to the main building, that will provide a stage and open area for outdoor entertainment. There will also be three shipping containers transformed into a BBQ restaurant, a margarita bar and a tiki bar for the outdoor patrons. 

Legacy2

When I first stepped into this huge building with so many dining options, I was instantly overwhelmed! I highly suggest wandering around, taking a lap or two, and checking out all three floors and the food choices before deciding what to order. It is so easy to want that first yummy thing you set your eyes on, but just around the corner may be something much better!

The next suggestion I would like to pass along is to not bring cash. Legacy Hall only takes debit or credit cards. It makes it much easier for the cashiers at each food stall and does seem to help speed up the ordering and checking out processes. After ordering your food and drink, grab your cup (if not drinking alcohol) for your self-serve beverage. Head to one of the two huge drink stations on the first and the second floors to fill your cup with water, soft drinks, and some rather unusual specialty sodas. Finally, while waiting for your food order, go find a seat. The crowds can be pretty thick on the first floor during peak times so head upstairs to the second and third floors where tables and chairs seem to be more plentiful. The second floor has some really nice outdoor patio tables that give you great views over the Box Garden and areas below. On a day with nice Texas weather, the patio option is hard to beat!

The food choices here at Legacy Hall are too numerous to name. Let’s just say, there is something for everyone! Each food stall, the signage, and employees’ dress fits the culture or food-type being served. It is a sensory overload for your eyes, ears and nose. Here are a few of the ones that caught our attention:

Shawarma Bar (Mediterranean street food) – Sea Breeze Lobsta’ & Chowda’ (lobster and shrimp rolls) – Freshfin Poke (poke bowls) – FAQ’s (flautas and quesadillas) – Enter the Bao (dim sum and bao) – Detour (charcuterie and wine) – Bar Main (alcohol) – Berrynaked (frozen fruit popsicles) – Blist’r Naan Wraps (Indian) – Bravazo Rotisserie (Latin) – Carlton Provisions (BBQ) – Degenhardt’s Brat Haus (German) – Knife Burger (specialty burgers) – Red Stix Yakitori & Banh Mi (Vietnamese) – Press Waffle Co. (sweet & savory) – Whisk & Eggs (sweet & savory crepes) – Stillhouse (cocktails)…to name a few.

While walking around checking out food vendors, be sure to notice all the cute signs throughout the building. “Count memories, not calories” (I agree!) and “East, Slay, Love” were two of my favorites.  The restroom doors actually made me pause for a few seconds. I had to do a double-take to make certain this was the restroom and not service entrances for meat and produce. I stood there perplexed, deciding between “Bananas and Sausages” or “Eggs and Peaches” when it finally hit me! Kudos to whoever had a sense of humor when designing this area. You did well.  🙂

Legacy Hall is open 7 days per week. I do hope you get a chance to visit in the near future. My last words of advice – go hungry – and save room for dessert!

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Ham Orchards

May25

Terrell, TX

BBQ sign
front of the market
peaches

After Mother’s Day rolls around every year, my thoughts turn to driving out to Terrell, Texas to Ham Orchards. Let’s just say I may have a small, peach ice cream addiction – nothing life threatening – just a need to satisfy my sweet tooth with fresh, homemade peach ice cream a few times throughout the summer months. Ham’s is the place for me  to satisfy this craving!

Ham Orchards is located east of Terrell and resembles the country stores of times gone by. One can buy ice cream, fresh produce, jams and jellies, pickles, and BBQ sandwiches. In other words, there is something for everyone. This business started in 1979 and through the years has grown to 5 orchards, 10,000 fruit trees, and covers 100 acres.

When you drive out to Ham’s, you will notice three main buildings on the property surrounded by the orchards and fields. The first is the largest building and is the Farm Market. Behind the market is a small BBQ place and restrooms. Past those buildings is a large covered pavilion that comfortably seats 200 patrons who want to eat their ice cream or BBQ sandwiches in the shade. There is plenty of parking in front of and to the side of these buildings.

hams

fresh peach ice cream

The Farm Market is where you line up to buy the ice cream. There are two flavors: fresh peach and fresh strawberry. You can buy a cup or cone on-site or buy frozen pints to take home and enjoy later. People drive from all over the Dallas metroplex to rural Terrell for this frozen treat and I certainly understand why!

Take time to grab a cart and shop in the rest of the market. There is a fudge bar with all types of flavors. There is a bakery aisle with homemade scones, fried pies, cakes and fruit pies. Check out the freezer and refrigerated cases for salsas, spreads and dips, and delicious frozen casseroles (chicken pot pie, Mexican beef casserole or chicken spaghetti). There are many shelves filled with cider, honey, salad dressings, pickles, sauces, relishes, jams & jellies, and marinades. I love the Bread & Butter pickles, pickled okra and blackberry jam!

dressings & marinades
cakes & pies
pickles & relishes
jams 7 jellies
fudge bar

A large portion of the market contains all the locally grown produce. Fresh tomatoes, onions, squashes, cucumbers, melons and berries always seem to be available. Large boards list all the types of peaches and when they will be available.  This past weekend when we were there, “Flavor Rich” was the type of peach that was available. 

cantaloupes
blackberries
peaches

As we were leaving Ham’s this last time, we decided to order  BBQ sandwiches to take home with us for dinner. I have heard how much everyone loves the Peach Pulled Pork sandwich, but we opted for the plain BBQ Pulled Pork. (I am not a big fan of “sweet” with “savory!”) The bun was fresh, the pulled pork was tender and delicious and I really liked their tangy BBQ sauce. Very nice!

menu
pulled pork sandwich
pavilion

If you have some free time, drive out to Ham Orchards for some ice cream, fresh produce, and BBQ. Ham’s is open 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. (closed on Sundays). They are only open mid-May through mid-August so don’t delay! They are three miles east of Terrell on Hwy 80.

Enjoy!!

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