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Published: Thursday, 30 January 2025 17:05
Pat Davison and Tess are excited to be a part of the 2025 Valley Star Awards. They describe themselves as “the most fun show in the Valley.” The show includes comedy magic, juggling, audience participation and lots of laughs. Theu say the audience will laugh until they cry.
Pat says, “I grew up in Minneapolis, Minnesota and as such, I know how to ‘tickle the funny bones’ of the Winter Texan crowd.”
They have been world-traveling professional entertainers for more than 50 years. More than 40 of those years have included bringing fun and laughs to the Winter Texan RV resorts. They have brought laughter and thrills to audiences of all kinds on international TV shows, cruise ships, theaters, shows like Ringling Brothers Circus, Big Apple Circus, The Harlem Globetrotters, Branson Theaters and many more.
Read more: Pat Davison and Tess bring their magic to the VSA
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Published: Wednesday, 29 January 2025 18:47
For a really delicious omelet make it a point to visit Victoria Palms Restaurant for breakfast one day. Dave Roundtree, has been making omelets there for over 15 winter seasons and many proclaim his omelets are the best in the Valley. Back in 2020, Dave even hit his 100,000-omelet served after 13 seasons.
Dave is known among Winter Texans, and travelers who stop in for one of his fantastic creations – whether it’s an omelet or a tantalizing waffle masterpiece.
When walking inside, if you are there for breakfast, you are often greeted by his hearty “Welcome!”
Dave makes the omelets as they are ordered with a choice of toppings – mushrooms, bacon, onions, just to name a few. He takes his time to create his masterpiece, cleaning his pans off after each one made.
According to Dave the secret of a great omelet is the sautéing of the veggies and cooking it until dry. Many restaurants do not sauté the veggies and the result is a soggy omelet.
Over the years we have enjoyed more than a few of Dave’s omelets and every time we come away knowing that you’ll be hard pressed to find better.
Dave’s gift for gab is as great as his cooking. There’s no charge for a good conversation with Dave. In fact, it's highly encouraged.
Back in 2020, Dave said he would serve omelets as long as he can.
“I like it. It’s not hard and I can talk to people,” he said.
That’s great news for Victoria Palms. It’s also terrific for all those who go by the RV Park, hotel, and restaurant, which is open to the public.
The food is definitely worth the trip. Being part of the great Omelet Dave experience is just an added bonus – at no additional cost.
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Published: Wednesday, 22 January 2025 19:53
As we are gearing up for this year’s Valley Star Awards, we will be introducing you to our entertainers for the show. Kiley & Company have been performing a numbers of years, including jams like Maude’s Jams, and others.
Kiley & Company is a two-piece band featuring Kiley Barwick on lead vocals and rhythm guitar and Blaine Garrelts on pedal steel, lead guitar and harmony vocals. Classic county music is their passion and even though this kind of music has become harder to come by over the year, their goal is to keep it alive as long as they can.
Read more: Duo brings passion for country music to VSA stage
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Published: Wednesday, 22 January 2025 19:51
Another duo gracing the Valley Star Awards stage this year is The Lady and The Outlaw. Regan James and Nan Taylor enjoy performing as The Lady and The Outlaw bringing country, rock and blues from the 1950s to today to the stage.
Regan has been performing in the Valley for about 12 years. Regan lives in MN in the summer months with his wife Charlene but has made the Valley his winter home since 2012.
Read more: The Lady and The Outlaw bring their talents to the VSA
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Published: Wednesday, 15 January 2025 18:55
With a selection of traditional Chinese dishes, the Hidden Wok has something for everyone.
At this small, quaint restaurant in Donna, you can choose from menu entrees – beef and broccoli, kung-pao chicken, orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, or sweet and sour chicken; or if you are looking for something different, try their build your own offerings by selecting your protein of chicken, beef, or shrimp and sauce.
All meals are served with either steamed rice or Chow Mein noodles. You can upgrade to fried rice or mixed rice. If you are like me and just can’t seem to decide, you can order one, two, or three entrée plates.
We learned the mixed rice was a meal unto itself with generous portions of chicken, beef, and shrimp added to their fried rice made with egg and mixed veggies. We also tried their orange chicken and beef and broccoli.
The food was freshly made to order and came out piping hot, and the portion sizes were enough to take some home for dinner that evening. The orange chicken was made with a sweet orange flavored chili sauce which thickened and caramelized to a glaze. The beef and broccoli was served in a rich soy sauce.
They also have vegetable egg rolls, but we just didn’t have room enough to try them. On our next visit we’ll have to try those and the noodles with a couple of their other dishes
The Hidden Wok is located at the Val Verde Flea Market, 935 W. Bus. 83 Ste. 20, just around the corner from Biscuits & Gravy Neighborhood Kitchen (entrance is on the west side of the building). Although a bit hidden, thus the name, you can easily find the orange building. They are open Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and closed Monday and Thursday. You can contact them at (956) 532-8733.
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Published: Wednesday, 01 January 2025 18:54
On my most recent visit to Lobo Del Mar I was seated on the expansive patio at the counter facing the bay, just in time to enjoy a beautiful sunset as the varied tour and dinner boats sailed past on their way home.
On this Wednesday night the house band played to a packed house, inside and out, while servers kept the kitchen busy as drinks and plates flowed continuously to tables throughout. The only thing more impressive than the quality of service was the meal.
I started with their Ceviche which was chilled perfectly and full of fresh large pieces of fish absolutely overflowing its bowl. Served with a plate of tortilla chips, this appetizer topped with fresh avocado certainly set the tone.
I followed that with an order of Seafood Linguine. Most places I have had any type of seafood pasta, just trying to get to the protein has always been its own fishing expedition, but not at Lobo Del Mar. A bed of perfect al-dente linguini pasta topped with creamy alfredo sauce with diced tomato, onion, and sauteed mushrooms is not only topped, but absolutely covered, with two generous portions of grilled cod and so much shrimp I had to move some aside to try the pasta.
The linguine was served with garlic bread, steamed broccoli and carrots, and a choice of soup or salad, of which I chose the latter. The buttery garlic bread was the perfect complement to the dish, and the steamed veggies were crisp and fresh, as was the salad which all worked together to create a wonderful meal befitting the beautiful setting on the bay.
Located just north of the causeway at 204 Palm St., South Padre Island, Lobo Del Mar is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday. Don’t forget to clip their coupon for 20% off your entrée, or download it on your phone at www.WinterTexanTimes.com.
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Published: Wednesday, 18 December 2024 14:54
You are in for a real treat when you get on over to the Victoria Palms Restaurant for their popular Sunday brunch.
We found ourselves arriving early. Upon entering, were met with a warm, friendly “Welcome!” from Dave, who was busy putting the finishing touches on his omelet station. His cheerful demeanor made the Victoria Palms dining room cozy and inviting.
As we considered the menu, the regular crowd shuffled in with staff greeting each by name. One stood out as she walked by with barely a word. Greeted just as warmly, she was informed that her coffee was at her table -- her gratitude evident as she made a beeline for her seat. The whole scene evoked memories of “Cheers”.
Many of those coming in enjoyed a hot cup of coffee and ordered the special. I opted to indulge and ordered Dave’s Special; a two-egg omelet with choice filling, served with a half waffle with choice of strawberry or pineapple topping and whipped cream; adding hash browns, bacon, and orange juice.
Over the years we have enjoyed more than a few of Dave’s omelets and every time we come away knowing that you’ll be hard pressed to find better.
You can enjoy a bargain on a great meal with daily breakfast and lunch specials, and the entire menu features delicious food at great prices. Breakfast specials are available from 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., and the lunch specials are served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Be sure to give Victoria Palms Restaurant a call today at (956) 782-3200 to get your Christmas Buffet tickets. The buffet, featuring salads, herb buttered turkey, pineapple glazed ham, pot roast, sides, and assorted desserts, will be served from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. December 25.
Victoria Palms Restaurant at N. Victoria Rd and I-2 in Donna is open 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; 7:30 to 11 a.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. Friday; 7:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Saturday; and 8:00 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday.
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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 17:04
A few years ago, Stuart Place Country Club was a secret.
Then it improved to a “best-kept secret.”
Now, the little course that could is at the top of the list when it comes to the Winter Texans and the golf experience at Stuart Place.
In the annual Winter Texans Favorite Golf Course, Stuart Place once again dominated, winning six of the seven categories. Tony Butler captured the other category – favorite driving range.
This quaint 9-hole par-three course may be small in size, but it wears an Underdog cape when it comes to golf in South Texas. It has become a legend for its growing popularity, being tougher than most people think, and its just plain Texas friendliness.
The categories Stuart Place won were Favorite Hole (No. 9), Favorite Amenity (the clubhouse), Favorite Putting Green, Favorite Pro Shop, Favorite Menu Item (hot dog) and Favorite 19th hole (even though it’s a 9-hole course).
Read more: Stuart Place Country Club – The little course that could, and did
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Published: Tuesday, 10 December 2024 17:01
Fast, friendly lunch service with something for everyone
With a selection of traditional Chinese dishes, the Hidden Wok has something for everyone.
At this small, quaint restaurant in Donna, you can choose from menu entrees – beef and broccoli, kung-pao chicken, orange chicken, teriyaki chicken, or sweet and sour chicken; or if you are looking for something different, try their build your own offerings by selecting your protein of chicken, beef, or shrimp and sauce.
All meals are served with either steamed rice or Chow Mein noodles. You can upgrade to fried rice or mixed rice. If you are like me and just can’t seem to decide, you can order one, two, or three entrée plates.
We learned the mixed rice was a meal unto itself with generous portions of chicken, beef, and shrimp added to their fried rice made with egg and mixed veggies. We also tried their orange chicken and beef and broccoli.
Read more: The Hidden Wok:
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Published: Thursday, 28 November 2024 09:55
Most golf courses, but not all, have signature holes, a hole where challenging meets aesthetic beauty. Most of these lean more toward scenery and difficulty, but they can certainly have a mixture of both.
Today, this is the last part in our three-part series looking at some of the amazing signature holes across the Rio Grande Valley
Tierra Santa Golf Club, Weslaco
Courses have their signature holes and golfers have their signature holes – sometimes the two don’t match. That usually has something to do with what score you’re penciling in. The No. 14 par-5 at Tierra Santa can leave you breathless, literally. No matter how you do on this hole, it’s one you’re going to remember.
As the signature hole of the gorgeous and well-maintained course, it stretches from the tips for 610 yards. Lucky for you there are several sets of tips to go from. Still, you want to hit your drive a good 260, which leaves your second shot into the slight dogleg right another full swing away.
There’s a lake on the right side and bunkers surrounding the green. It’s one of several holes that this course will make you use a handful of the clubs in your bag. Of course, hitting from different tees just brings different challenges, but that’s what makes this hole so special.
Read more: Mid-Valley courses, where beauty meets challenging
