Foodie Friday DFW: Fat Cow BB Q

Co w BBQ Fat

We recently visited with one of our oldest Foodie Friday pals, Allen Lockett, of Fat Cow BBQ - who was one of our original Foodie Friday features back in 2014. We (and everyone else) love going to see Allen because he always has us laughing and always makes sure we are fed until our heart’s, and stomach’s, content.

He and his wife, Pam, are what you might call a barbecue-restaurant “dream team.” He’s a pro when it comes to preparing and smoking all the meats, and she’s an all-star at whipping up delicious sides and desserts based on family recipes.

photos courtesy of F oodie F riday D F W If you’ve never been to Fat Cow BBQ before, we’ll give you a brief history lesson on how Allen got his start in the restaurant business. While working in another industry full-time, Allen began cooking up barbecue in his garage and bringing it into the office for events. His co-workers quickly fell in love with his cooking and before he knew it, he was operating a fullblown catering business out of his garage. As most wives could relate to, Pam grew tired of having a catering business take over her house, so told Allen he needed to go open up a storefront where he could serve his food to more people.

And so, in October 2010, Fat Cow BBQ was born in Lewisville, Texas and they’ve been a local barbecue favorite ever since!

Before we even talk about all of Allen’s amazing cuts of smoked meat, we have to talk about one of their most famous menu items - the Fat Japs which are smoked jalapenos stuffed with cream cheese and wrapped in bacon. I could eat about 10 of these in 1 sitting.

We never leave Fat Cow BBQ without eating some of their Baby Back Ribs, sliced brisket, smoked chicken, or pulled pork. You won’t find any fillers or fat in their meats, and they are perfectly tender and flavorful.

But what’s a barbecue restaurant without some amazing sides? And that’s where

some of Pam’s signature recipes come in like her mother’s potato salad recipe, their cole slaw, and the rich and creamy mac ‘n cheese.

When you visit Fat Cow BBQ, you’ll feel like you’re at a fun backyard barbecue with all of your closest friends, and Allen and Pam will instantly feel like the best of friends. So give Fat Cow BBQ a try! Before you know it, you’ll become raving fans just like us!

Insp rat on Turning

Into Reality

by Brooke Ezzo | photography by Your Candid Memories

214.616.2206 www.PaintFlowerMound.com 6101 Long Prairie Rd., Ste. 744 Flower Mound, TX 75028

It could be the exterior of your home, a few walls in the house that need updating, or a complete interior makeover. Whatever it is, you need someone you can trust.

Clark Pittman, owner of Carnival Custom Painting, believes you should say what you’re going to do and then do what you say. He and his team have been painting Flower Mound and surrounding cities since 2001, striving to provide the highest level of service.

As full service residential repaint contractors, Carnival can handle any painting challenges. From interior and exterior painting, cabinet and woodwork, and wallpaper removal to popcorn ceiling removal, they can do it all.

Clark has a knack for being able to put his customers at ease. He knows his clients can be overwhelmed to see a large army of painters come into their homes, so he meets with his customers to explain how the painting project will proceed. Pittman says he helps to “manage expectations — that is probably the most important thing I do for my customers.”

He is an attentive manager, visiting each project several times each day to check progress and communicate with the homeowners. It is not unusual that a customer may have second thoughts

after selecting a paint color. Once a wall is covered, people sometimes see a color differently in their minds, so they want to make color changes.

Clark understands this can happen and says, “I’m there to intercept that and keep the project moving. The last thing I want is for a customer to settle for a color they don’t love.”

Close communications with the homeowner allows him to be flexible and keep costs down when changes are made early in the project.

“We just want our customers to be delighted when we’re all done,” Clark says.

He shares the visions of his customers and strives to complete each project on time and within budge expectations. “We like to under-promise and overperform,” he says.

Clark and his team at Carnival Custom Painting deal with every job as if it is the only one they have. He believes painting a house is a relatively inexpensive change that can have a dramatic impact, not only in the appearance of the home, but also on how each family is affected by the renovation of their home.

“It’s gratifying to see families experience this; to view their homes in a whole new light.” Clark says.

He is passionate about his business, especially working one-on-one with his customers. Glowing testimonials from his customers attest to his commitment to excellence.

“Wow! If you want the very best, hire Clark and his crew. They just finished painting the interior of our house, including kitchen cabinets, other built-ins, and a bathroom vanity. Clark is the kind of professional you wish you had for every project — he is responsive, communicates well, does what he says, and is an expert of his business. He provided guidance that helped us make the best decisions with a large project. The crew was hard working, friendly, helpful, paid close attentions to all the details, and completed the work on time. You couldn’t ask for more!”

— C. Reynolds, Google Reviewer

The testimonials are all like this. Clark and his team understand what it means to be in a customer based business, and they take their service seriously.

Carnival Custom Painting continues to grow with the support of the community, and Clark is committed to turning your inspirations into reality.

Looking into the New Year, Clark says his team will continue to grow into this market as more and more homes are being built or remodeled. They will continue to be the neighborhood painting professionals, always providing that extra touch.