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Published: Thursday, 20 March 2025 14:01
What once was the best kept golf secret in the Rio Grande Valley, a diamond in the rough, has turned into a dynasty and is once again the Winter Texans favorite golf course not just in the mid-Valley but across the entire Rio Grande Valley. The course has now captured the top spot four times in the past five years.
However, for those who have played and visited the course, it’s not just the quaint course that’s challenging, but forgiving, peaceful yet haunting and plays with all your senses until you get to the clubhouse, it has that certain “it,” that immeasurable feeling that the course gives itself to you, a complete and fun experience.
Read more: Stuart Place wins Winter Texans' favorite golf course
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Published: Wednesday, 05 March 2025 18:32
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: Thursday, 27 February 2025 21:58
Maybe the best thing for those who want to stay and play in the Mid-Valley for golf is that there are a variety of choices and multiple “niches” – wide fairways, doglegs, scenic views, and tough challenges to easier, relaxing rounds – which they can go to for a game that fits their style.
Three of those courses are winners from last year’s Winter Texans Favorite Golf Course contest – Stuart Place Country Club and Treasure Hills in Harlingen and Tierra Santa in Weslaco.
These three courses are the crème-de-la-crème of courses not only in the mid-Valley but hang right up there with the best of the best in Deep South Texas. In fact, Stuart Place was named favorite overall golf course across the Valley last season. It’s no surprise – this course has exploded in popularity for the past six years or more.
While it is a country club, it’s open to the public. It’s refreshing, enjoyable and peaceful. Those who golf here also have a great time in the clubhouse – that’s where much of its growing fondness has come from. But the clubhouse and friendliness alone aren’t what gains its loyalty.
In fact, one could consider the clubhouse, the golf course and everything in between part of Stuart Place’s charm and what it provides – not just golf but a delightful golfing experience.
Read more: Mid-Valley golf courses offer an array of options
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Published: Wednesday, 26 February 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, 19 February 2025 16:48
Mission Bell Resort was full of anticipation for this year’s Valley Star Awards. Some attendees came with signs and faces on sticks showing who their favorite Wintertainer™ was. Many attendees showed up early to save front row seats before enjoying a lunch provided by Mission Bell.
The entertainment for the event was ready to play and, well, entertain the crowd in between award announcements.
This year, attendees were able to see a couple of new faces they might not have seen before.
Read more: Steven May wins Entertainer of the Year
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Published: Wednesday, 12 February 2025 14:00
Biscuits & Gravy Neighborhood Kitchen celebrated their first anniversary and would like to thank their customers, especially our Winter Texans, for helping them make it a successful year. If you haven’t been there yet, you will want to try to hurry over early and often this season.
After talking with the owners and hearing feedback from our readers, my husband and I were more than ready to visit Biscuits & Gravy Neighborhood Kitchen. We were more than pleased with our visit and meals as they exceeded all expectations.
While waiting for our meals to arrive, we were each given a sample of their signature dish – biscuits and gravy. It was exactly like grandmother used to make – or dare I say, even better.
Something we both noticed was the toasted biscuit. Not overdone or too crisp, but as we talked to each other about it, and to Manager Ryan Martinez, it made complete sense. They toast the biscuits for just a minute which helps it hold up without soaking up too much gravy, keeping its structure from first bite to the last, allowing you to enjoy the flavors of the gravy and the biscuit. This little touch really enhanced this classic dish.
They’re going all spicy this summer. There’s their spicy chicken sandwich with an option of grilled or fried chicken served on Texas toast with lettuce, tomato, and onion, served with fries. Jr.’s Breakfast sandwich topped off with ranchero sauce, scrambled egg, sausage patty, slice of tomato, and cheese on a hamburger bun, served with hashbrowns. Also, Ryan’s Messy Hashbrowns – hashbrowns with bell peppers, cheese, bacon bits, grilled onion, topped with two eggs. And there is new merchandise such as shirts, mugs, and baby onesies that make great gifts.
You could tell they have a good grill in their kitchen – and a great cook. Everything tastes like good southern home cooking. To me, it was reminiscent of being back on my grandparents’ farm eating a good, hearty country meal.
It’s a place I will be going back to again – even if it’s just for biscuits and gravy.
Biscuits & Gravy Neighborhood Kitchen is a family owned and operated local restaurant located at the Val Verde Flea Market at 935 W. Hwy Bus. 83, Suite 9 in Donna on the corner of Bus. 83 and Val Verde Rd and is open seven days a week from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m.
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Published: Thursday, 06 February 2025 10:36
The family band, The Warman Trio, will be bringing their old rock-n-roll and more to the Valley Star Awards stage on Tuesday, February 12. The group, who have been doing shows and special sock-hop parties at the parks this year, are thrilled to be a part of this year’s show.
The Warman Trio is a 1950s family band and show comprised of a father and two daughters that add their flair to the rock n’ roll and country hits from the 1950s and 60s.
The father, Rick, leads the band on the electric guitar and vocals. While the eldest daughter, Presley Jewell, slaps and dances with her doghouse bass (Rosie) and manages the group. And last, but certainly not least, is the youngest, Jessica, the heartbeat of the band bringing incredible energy to the stand-up drum kit.
Rick leads the family and has been in every type of band there is from 90s to country grass, to oldies rock, to 30+ years as a worship leader. He also has performed all around the world from Siberia, St. Petersburg, and Moscow, Russia, to Amsterdam, to the good ole USA from CA to TX to TN. In 2016, Rick started teaching his daughters music in church, Presley the electric bass guitar and Jessica the cajon box drum/percussion. As they say, the rest is history. Since then, they have, as Presley says, followed where the Lord has led them as doors keep opening for them along their path of playing music for others.
Read more: Warman Trio brings old rock-n-roll to VSA stage
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Published: Wednesday, 05 February 2025 21:43
The Valley Star Awards will be bringing a reader favorite to the stage this year – Steven May and the Southern Knights. They have been honored, and they say humbled, to have been nominated and voted, “Country Band of The Year” by readers for the Valley Star Awards in 2022, 2023, and 2024. They are honored again to have been nominated and are excited that Steven has also been nominated for Male Vocalist.
Steven May and the Southern Knights are a south Texas band playing a variety of country, rock and oldies. They play a variety of music that will have you up on your feet dancing and asking for more. They play everything from two stepping tunes to shuffles, waltz’s, line dances, polkas, rock-n-roll and good old belly rubbing favorites. There’s something for everyone at one of their performances.
You will hear songs that send you running for the dance floor, have you tapping with the beat, dancing in your chair, singing along, and even songs that will make you want to just sit back and enjoy the music and Steven’s velvety voice.
Steven May is the founder, lead singer and lead guitarist of the band and is a full-time entertainer. He was born and raised in Texas, where he grew up on a farm and continues to farm the land his great grandparents did along with singing and playing music. Over the years he has opened for big name acts, played and recorded in Nashville, and even played for a former First Lady.
Read more: VSA brings readers favorite to their stage
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Published: Wednesday, 05 February 2025 18:32
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.
This winter marks Sister Luv’s debut RGV Winter Tour, and they are thrilled to receive such a warm welcome from the Winter Texan community. They’ll be bringing their love for decades of music to the Valley Star Awards stage on Wednesday, February 12.
