Though I’ve welcomed autumn with open arms, I can’t shake the feeling that my summer ended a bit abruptly. Which tracks, as I’m writing to you from 30,000 feet in the air on my way to the Caribbean. I just need a couple of weeks in 80-degree weather, a few more dips in the ocean, and then you can bring on the fall!

On that note, let’s backtrack to where we left off last and continue reminiscing, shall we? Right after hosting my cousin and his wife and Philly shenanigans, I made a quick stop in New York City to celebrate my brother’s seventh birthday before heading to Dallas, Texas, for business. By now I’m sure you’re familiar with our partnership with the Global Business Travel Association during their yearly convention in North America. This year the convention took place in Dallas, helping me scratch one more state and city off of my domestic travel list. Although … it was so quick one could say a second visit may be needed in order to solidify the experience.

I landed in a hot and steamy Dallas in the early afternoon, which gave me the opportunity to have some down time before getting ready for the evening. During these type of trips, we like to incorporate some team-building experiences, and one we all always agree on is tasting the city through its cuisine. So after working the convention floor during the welcome reception, we headed to dinner at The Henry.

Located at The Union Dallas, The Henry offers its diners a fusion of classical and industrial influences from the menu to the ambiance. While all of the food was delicious — the Crispy Coconut Shrimp was a hit — the reason this place stood out for me is because I preferred the dessert. I’m more of a savory enthusiast, so this seldom happens. There were a variety of treats, but the key lime crème brûlée and chocolate fudge cake were succulent. I’d also give their summer sangria a 10 out of 10.

The following day was filled with attending training sessions, seeing our clients, working our booth on the convention floor and attending some of the amazing parties some of the exhibitors put together. One of these took place at Jalisco Norte, where I had the most refreshing Crafty Paloma; it was the perfect combination of white tequila, Giffard Pamplemousse, fresh-squeezed lime and grapefruit, grapefruit soda, Aperol and and mezcal mists. Sounds like a lot, I know, but it tasted delicate.

If I asked you to guess what followed that, what would be your first pick? That’s right, another dinner reservation! And this time we went to Bob’s Steak & Chop House, located on the first floor of the Omni Dallas Hotel. Two words: BIG PLATES! Texans don’t play when it comes to this. This was a late dinner and I was famished, so it’s safe to say my eyes were hungrier than my stomach because that was absolutely too much meat for one serving. Needless to say, it was delicious. My favorite part? The cinnamon butter-glazed carrot; it tasted like fall on a plate.

The next day involved lots of set up for The Trazees Awards, held on August 15 at The Aloft Dallas Downtown, but not before a morning stroll and a decent amount of cold brew to get the energy flowing.

We ended the night with great live music at the Dallas House of Blues for the Delta Air Lines & BCD Travel event. I headed back to New York the next morning to pick up my boys. We’re zip-lining at Hellerick’s Family Farm next!

— Yasser Ogando, advertising & production manager