Review: Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar o ers all-American (and them some) fare with Western flair

By Ken Fountain KFOUNTAIN@FORTBENDSTAR.COM

Sometimes, you come across a new restaurant by accident and find yourself pleasantly surprised. That was the case with me during a weekend visit to the Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar in The Grid, the large retail complex off the Southwest Freeway in Stafford.

I literally knew nothing about the place. During a previous visit to another restaurant at The Grid and took note of the name. Silly me, I assumed it to be a restaurant that specializes in hot dogs. But when I walked inside on Saturday, I immediately saw that I was way off the mark. I’ve since learned that Lazy Dog is a national chain, with more than 40 locations across the country, including one in Cypress.

It took me a while to figure out what exactly the ambience was supposed to be. First of all, it’s a fairly massive place, larger than I’d expected. With large wooden beams traversing the ceiling, rock-facade supporting pillars, and Western-themed artwork on the walls, I came to the conclusion that it’s meant to evoke a mountain lodge, maybe even a highend dude ranch, an effect enhanced by the flannel shirts-and-blue jeans attire worn by the staff.

The “dog” theme in the name is also reflected in the decor, with paintings of dogs, some kinds of metal sculpture, and even a fire hydrant-shaped sign at the front entrance. Outside there is a large patio area that welcomes patrons with dogs in tow. There’s also a strong American element to the surroundings, with a neon sign spelling out “America” framed by license plates from many states of the nation. My dining companion sat in a corner booth and were immediately greeted warmly by our server, who was also doubling as bartender. Looking over the expansive menu, I was struck by just how varied it was in its selections in what is basically

RICHMOND/ROSENBERG ALZHEIMER’S CAREGIVER SUPPORT GROUP MEETING

We hope you will join us on Thursday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m. Please join us on Thursday, June 1, at 7:00 p.m. We will be meeting in Room 105, the Gathering Room, at St. John’s UMC in Richmond. St. John’s is located at 400 Jackson Street. Alzheimer’s Association support groups are a safe place for caregivers and loved ones of people with dementia.

GUARDIANSHIP INFORMATION SESSION

Brazos Bend Guardianship Services is hosting a free adult Guardianship Information Session on Monday, June 5th at 6:00pm at the University Branch Library. Attached is a PSA with all the details. Please publish in the community calendar section of your publication.

SPACE CITY PEN CLUB

“Fountain Pen Exhibit” THROUGHOUTMay, library hours. Missouri City Library, 1530 Texas Parkway - Will.penner84@yahoo.com / 832-633-0595 The forerunners, the birth in 1884, and modern developments of fountain pens are illustrated with pens, anatomical and patent drawings, selected books and magazines, and accessories.

FBJSL

Ongoing

Is Accepting Caf Grant Applications

We provide grants of up to $5,000.00 to charitable causes serving Fort Bend County with requests to fund a critical need, pilot a program, or expand a significant service to the community. If your agency or organization is interested in applying for a CAF grant, please visit the Request Support page of the FBJSL website (www.fbjsl.org/ request-support). All applications should be submitted via e-mail to brccom@fbjsl.com

Sanctuary

THE

FOSTER CARE SERVICES

We are a child placing agency that provides wrap around care support for foster children and foster families. We provide free therapy services, 24 hr. crisis intervention, respite/alternative care services and community-based support. For more info, www.sanctuaryfostercare.org

ALIEF AARP CHAPTER 3264

Meets the first Thursday of every month at 10:00 a.m. at Salvation Army Church, 7920 Cook Road, Houston, TX 77072. Educational Program/Entertainment at each meeting. Bus Trips every month. The next Bus Trip is on April 26, 2023, to Painted Churches. Seniors 50 and above invited. Call 281-785-7372 for more information.

FORT BEND COUNTY LIBRARIES’

Online Book Club

Online meetings on the fourth Wednesday of every month. Free and open to the public. Registration is required; to register online www. fortbend.lib.tx.us, “Classes & Events,” select “Virtual Programs,” find the program on the date indicated. Participants may also register by calling George Memorial Library (281-342-4455).

SUGAR LAND ROTARY CLUB

Sugar Land Rotary Club, the nation’s oldest community service organization, wants you to be its guest at a meeting that could turn out to be the best fit for getting involved with a local, non-political, humanitarian service organization with a global presence to satisfy your passion. We’re on a quest for new members! Call or email Dean Clark, 469-850-2424, dean7351@gmail.com. We’re a friendly group that meets once a week for lunch.

FT. BEND ACCORDION CLUB

Meets on the 4th Sunday of every month from 2:pm - 4:pm at: CHRIST

CHURCH SUGAR LAND (in the Chapel) 3300 Austin Parkway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 FREE and Open to the Public! We welcome every- all-American fare. Just for a small sample, it includes “roadtrip bowls” that include some Middle Eastern and Indian dishes, sandwiches of all kinds, noodle dishes from different global regions, salads, burgers - it goes on and one. They also offer TV dinners to go, a first in my restaurant going-experience.

The manager was told that

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Address: 12223

Southwest Freeway

Hours: 11 a.m.-midnight

Monday-Friday; 10 a.m.- midnight Saturday and

Sunday

Kid-friendly: Yes

Alcohol: Yes

Senior discount: No

Healthy options: Yes

Star of the show: All-

American Burger Rating: 4 out of 5 stars this was our first visit and honored us with some special waffle chips which made for a great appetizer. This being an all-American restaurant (more or less), I went with the All-American cheeseburger, which the server assured me was a great choice. It features two grilled quarter-pound beef patties, American cheese, shredded lettuce, tomato, red onion, pickles, and something called “housemade bark and bite sauce.” To mix things up a bit, I ordered the Cajun fries. The wait was very reasonable, and the server was true to her word. The burger was everything you’d expect in a burger, cooked exactly as I’d ordered. In fact, it was almost too much - I actually had to take some of it home. body! If you play accordion, beginners to professional and would like to play Call, Text or email: Vince Ramos Cell: 281-204-7716 vincer. music@gmail.com

It’s always nice to go to a place (or try any new experience, really) with no expectations and leaving having been more than satisfied. That was my experience with Lazy Dog, and I’m sure I’ll be back.

FORT BEND JUNIOR SERVICE LEAGUE RECRUITING NEW MEMBERS FOR 2022-2023 YEAR

To join, the membership application can be accessed at https://www. fbjsl.org/join/how-to-become-a-member/. FBJSL will also be hosting multiple virtual and in-person recruitment events over the summer where potential new members can learn more about the League. Information regarding attending these events is available at www.fbjsl. org or on the FBJSL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/FortBendJuniorServiceLeague/.

Literacy Council Of Fort Bend County

We enhance lives and strengthen communities by teaching adults to read. We need your help. Literacy Council is actively recruiting Volunteer Tutors to provide instruction for English as a Second Language (ESL) Levels 0-5, three hours a week. For more information, call 281240-8181 or visit our website www.ftbendliteracy.org

JAM WITH SAM

Join Sam Grice Tuesday evenings at 6:30 for a casual evening of music. We play a variety of music including bluegrass, country, gospel and some western. We request acoustic instruments only please. We welcome both participants and music lovers who enjoy listening to good live music. There’s no charge and we welcome beginners and gladly offer gentle assistance. We meet at First Presbyterian Church, 502 Eldridge Rd, Sugar Land. Please call Sam at 832-428-3165 for further information.

THURSDAY MORNING

BIBLE STUDY FOR MEN

Sugar Land First United Methodist Church, 431 Eldridge Road offers a Thursday Morning Bible Study For Men. This group is ongoing and uses a variety of studies throughout the year. The breakfast, coffee and donuts are free. Join us any time! Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 am in Wesley Hall. Call the church office at 281-491-6041 or Mike Schofield at 281-217-5799 for more information.

GIVE A GIFT OF HOPE

Give a Gift of Hope one-time or monthly. Your help provides access to therapies and services children with autism might otherwise go without. Please consider Hope For Three in your Estate, Planned, or Year-End Giving. Register now, or learn more about exciting events: www.hopeforthree.org/events

DVD-BASED ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL

CLASS WITH NO HOMEWORK REQUIRED

Weekly class designed to help you understand and appreciate the Bible by giving you a better sense of the land and culture from which it sprang. The class meets at 9:30 am every Sunday at First Presbyterian of Sugar Land (502 Eldridge Rd.). For more information call 281-240-3195

EXCHANGE

EXCHANGE, America’s Service Club, always welcomes guests and is in search of new members! Various Fort Bend clubs exist and can accommodate early morning (7 a.m.), noon and evening meeting time desires. For more info, contact Mike Reichek, Regional Vice President, 281-575-1145 or mike@reichekfinancial.com We would love to have you join us and see what we are all about!

MISSOURI CITY AARP CHAPTER 3801

Meets the second Monday of every month at 11:30 a.m., at is everything you