The Farmer Diaries

Texas farmer saves plants with everyday water filter

Rainwater beats all other forms of water for watering crops. But it is not always infinite in supply. Before my father added two new tanks this year, expanding our rainwater storage capacity by 8,000 gallons, we'd start to deplete our reserves by August.

As our tank levels dropped, we saved our premium rainwater for specialty melon crops and used tap water for everything else. The switch to tap water was always noticeable in potted plants — first by the acrid smell of chlorine that poured out from the garden hose; then, days later, by yellowing leaves. Some simply died. They needed water, but apparently tap water was inadequate.

Of course, tap water must be purified or else it would spread disease. But the disinfecting chlorine compounds in our tap water kept killing even after the water left the spigot.

After we started filtering our tap water, the health of the surviving potted plants began improving right away.

To me, it seemed that the chlorine compounds were both directly killing my plants and making life for them difficult by reducing the population of the soil microbes the plants needed to survive. Research in sustainable farming practices has disproved industrial agriculture's notions of soil as just a medium for plant roots. Rather, it's an ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, nematodes and even viruses that live in symbiotic relationships with the plants.

Soil microorganisms make nutrients available to plants by digesting buried matter and fixing atmospheric nitrogen to plant roots. This nourishes plants, while also making them resistant to drought and disease. In turn, plant roots exude simple sugars through their roots that feed the microbes.

Heavily chlorinated water kills these microbes and shuts down this process.

I've read that microbe populations can recover within days after chlorinated water ceases to be used. But as my many potted plants required daily watering, there was no opportunity for the microorganisms to make their comeback. I suspected that what was true for my potted plants was also true for the crops in my raised beds. So I looked into buying a garden hose water filter to reduce the amount of chemicals pouring out with the tap water.

Ready-made filters designed for garden hoses were expensive. Some cost as much as $75 but were rated to filter no more than 20,000 gallons, after which the whole plastic unit had to be thrown away. To replace such a filter, another would need to be purchased for full price.

What all the options had in common was their use of activated charcoal, just like the drinking water filter units you can buy for your home for less than $20. These units are designed to be mounted under a sink and plumbed between a water valve and a special faucet that mounts on the countertop.

But with a few copper garden hose adapters, these units can be converted into a garden hose filter with a 15,000-gallon capacity. Once the filter is used up, only the cartridge inside needs to be replaced. These can be bought in packs of two for about $12.

I had two old filter units already, so I gave them to my father and told him how I wanted to convert them. In one trip to the store, he found all he needed. The two copper garden hose adapters cost less than $9 together, and with two turns of thread seal tape wrapped around their threads, they fit perfectly into the filter housing and allowed the unit to be connected between two garden hoses. Once we connected our filter, the result was immediately noticeable as the sharp odor of a shock-treated swimming pool was missing from the water that poured out.

After we started filtering our tap water, the health of the surviving potted plants began improving right away. It was no longer impossible to keep them alive through the hottest part of summer.

The charcoal also filters out Atrazine, a common herbicide that has contaminated almost every source of drinking water in the country.

Reducing the amount of chlorine and herbicides in our tap water relieved our plants of the multiple pressures that afflict them, helping them to deal with the remaining stress of hot, dry air and intense sunlight.

A potted tobacco plant is watered with tap water.

Photo by Marshall Hinsley

A potted tobacco plant is watered with tap water.

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Father's Day dining

All the best Dallas restaurants to treat Dad for Father's Day 2026

Photo courtesy of Knife

Knife Italian Steak has meaty Father's Day plans.

Father's Day 2026 arrives Sunday, June 21, and Dallas-area restaurants are heating grills and chilling bottles for families to treat their dads, grandpas, favorite uncles, or father figures to a special meal.

Some restaurants are making it a full weekend affair, while others are reserving special dishes and experiences just for Sunday. There are brunches, buffets, dinner specials, signature cocktails, spreads made for sharing, a few freebies ... and steak. So much steak.

Here's a meaty list of the best Dallas restaurants to celebrate Father's Day:

Al Biernat’s: Longtime steakhouse in Oak Lawn and North Dallas will celebrate Father's Day with brunch, lunch, and dinner service, plus complimentary Al Biernat’s hats for dads while supplies last. Brunch and lunch, served from 10 am-2 pm, feature dishes like carne asada with eggs and smoked salmon breakfast nest. Dinner, available from 4:30-11:30 pm, includes favorites such as filet mignon, cowboy cut ribeye, Chilean sea bass, and Parmesan-panko crusted red snapper, along with Al’s Famous Coconut Cream Pie and Old-Fashioned Chocolate Cake. Spring cocktails, zero-proof drinks, and curbside pickup are available, and the Oak Lawn location will offer World Cup viewing. June 21.

Batbox Dallas: Addison baseball entertainment venue will honor dads on Father’s Day with a free entrée and side for pops all day on June 21. The venue combines food, drinks, and interactive batting-style games, offering families an alternative to a traditional restaurant meal.

Blue Mesa Grill: The Southwestern favorite's Addison, Fort Worth, and Plano locations will serve an expansive Father's Day brunch buffet from 9 am-4 pm on June 21. Highlights include carving stations with smoked brisket, red chile salmon, ginger-chipotle glazed ham, and chicken fajitas, plus a build-your-own street taco bar. Brunch dishes range from huevos rancheros and eggs Benedict to shrimp and grits, made-to-order omelets, waffles, and brioche French toast. Desserts include churros, sopapilla cheesecake, mini flans, and more. The buffet is $35 per person, including mimosas, coffee, tea, juice, and soft drinks; $15 for children ages 6-11, while kids 5 and younger eat free.

Catch Dallas: Dallas restaurant will mark Father's Day on June 21 with special brunch and dinner offerings. Brunch, served from 10:30 am-4 pm, features chef-created dishes like wagyu crispy rice nigiri with black truffle and wagyu filet skewers with misoyaki glaze, alongside sushi, raw bar selections, desserts, and specialty cocktails. Dinner includes an exclusive bone-in ribeye with bone marrow truffle butter and duck fat potatoes for $130. Dinner service runs from 5-10 pm.

Dee’s Table: Frisco restaurant will mark Father’s Day with a take-home Grill Package. Available for pickup on June 21, the package feeds four to eight people and includes four filet mignons, four Wagyu burger patties with brioche buns and cheese, plus sides of corn, roasted potatoes and pasta salad. Dee’s Sassy Seasoning and an insulated tote are also included, offering a ready-to-grill experience at home for $179.

Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse: Upscale steakhouse will celebrate Father's Day all weekend with an indulgent Westholme Wagyu New York strip topped with foie gras and black truffle Bordelaise for $129. The featured cocktail is Dad’s Nightcap, a bourbon-based drink with fig, lemon, hickory smoke syrup, and bitters. Available June 19-21 at all DFW locations.

Del Frisco’s Grille: All locations of the steakhouse will mark Father's Day weekend with a special 14-ounce, 45-day dry-aged New York strip topped with bourbon bacon butter and served with a choice of hand-mashed gold potatoes, crispy Brussels sprouts, or roasted asparagus. Pair it with the Grille Master Mule, made with Woodford Reserve bourbon, blood orange, lemon, hickory smoke syrup, and ginger beer. Available June 19-21.

Delilah Dallas: Flashy Design District supper club/night club will celebrate Father's Day all weekend, June 19-21, with three nights of supper club glamour, live entertainment, and special menu offerings from executive chef Scott Ruwart. Featured dishes include smoked salmon rillette with caviar, a 30-ounce bone-in ribeye, and maple bourbon sticky toffee pudding, alongside signature cocktails like The Lone Star and the Spicy Siena. Dinner service begins nightly at 5 pm. 1616 Hi Line Dr.

Evelyn: Design District restaurant will mark Father’s Day with a special brunch inside its old-Hollywood-inspired dining room. Brunch, available 12-2 pm on June 21, includes glazed cinnamon rolls, housemade croissants, steak and omelet, French toast and chicken and waffles, along with a Duo Steak Board paired with a dark chocolate bitters bourbon old-fashioned. Pricing varies.

Farena at Loews Arlington Hotel: Arlington hotel restaurant will celebrate Father's Day weekend June 19-21 with an Italian dining experience featuring Executive Chef Tony France’s special Bistecca Florentina served with roasted asparagus, olive oil crushed potatoes, and signature steak sauce. Guests can also add whiskey tasting flights, including bourbon ($55), rye whiskey ($75), or premium peated Scotch ($145), alongside Farena’s regular menu of Italian favorites. Dinner service runs from 4-11 pm.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria: Coal-fired pizza chain will offer a Father’s Day Bundle available all Father's Day weekend. The family-friendly meal includes an 18-inch traditional pizza, large House Caesar salad, and a bottle of Tribute wine for $56 (price may vary by location). Available June 19-21 at multiple DFW locations.

Knife Italian Steak at The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas: Irving luxury hotel restaurant will host a Father's Day brunch buffet focused on premium dry-aged meats and Italian flavors. The spread includes a chef-attended carving station, raw bar, fresh pasta finished in a Parmesan wheel, wood-fired pizzas, brunch favorites, and decadent desserts. Brunch is served from 11 am-3 pm June 21 and is $135 for adults and $55 for children ages 4-12.

Luna Roja: New downtown Dallas Mexican restaurant will celebrate Father’s Day with a “Padres & Patrón” event featuring tequila-forward specials and family-style plates. Dads are welcomed with a complimentary tableside tequila sample, along with limited-time dishes like the El Jefe Taco with ribeye and bone marrow ($8), the El Padre Platter ($19), and an añejo tequila Old Fashioned ($12). Guests can also enjoy 25 percent off tasting flights as part of the “Padres y Familia Flights” special. Available June 21, 10 am-10 pm.

The Mexican: Fine Mexican restaurant will celebrate Father's Day on June 21 with an a la carte menu focused on premium grilled meats, handcrafted cocktails, and bold flavors. Featured offerings include the Trilogía del Asador, a presentation of premium American Wagyu cuts served with traditional accompaniments, along with specialty cocktails like El Rey and Estilo Viejo. Service begins at 11 am.

Miriam Cocina Latina: Latin restaurant with locations in Dallas and Coppell will celebrate Father's Day all weekend, June 19-21, with special menu offerings alongside its regular menus and weekend brunch served from 10 am-3 pm. Featured dishes include Tropical Mango Ceviche with shrimp and baby octopus; Pollo a la Crema Clásico with mushroom sauce and poblano mashed potatoes; Padre’s Reserve Ribeye with red wine reduction; and Fresa Dulce Mousse Pie. The featured Father's Day cocktail is the El Padre Tamarindo, made with tequila and tamarind liqueur. A la carte pricing.

Nobu Dallas: Uptown Japanese restaurant will offer both brunch and dinner experiences for Father’s Day on June 21. Brunch features an expanded selection of Japanese and Western dishes, including prime ribeye carving stations and matcha waffles with berries, plus a live DJ and cocktail specials starting at $14. Brunch is $95 per person and $45 for children. For dinner, Nobu will serve a special tasting menu with dishes like toro tartare with caviar, crispy soft-shell crab tempura, and premium cuts cooked on a hot stone. Dinner tasting menu is $135 per person.

Nuri Steakhouse: Dallas steakhouse will mark Father’s Day weekend with limited-availability center-of-the-table offerings designed for sharing. From June 19-21, guests can enjoy Tomahawks, Porterhouses and Korean lobster, with pre-ordering encouraged to secure availability for the celebratory cuts.

Ocean Prime: Uptown steakhouse will celebrate Father’s Day with a premium steak-and-wine pairing designed for dads. The featured special includes a 12-ounce Imperial American Wagyu Strip paired with PlumpJack Merlot for a classic steakhouse experience. The wagyu strip is $98, while the Merlot is available by the glass or bottle.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille: Dallas-area steakhouses will mark Father’s Day with an all-day celebration featuring early opening at 11 am on Sunday, June 21 and the full dinner menu available for dine-in guests. The highlight is a limited-time, 22-oz. bone-in Caramelized Prime Rib ($69), pecan-wood-fired and served with Perry’s Steak Butter, truffle merlot demi-glace and horseradish cream, available dine-in or to-go. Guests can also opt for the 3-course Pork Chop Sunday Supper ($49) and brunch-inspired cocktails ($14) from 11 am-4 pm, including Bloody Marys, rosé sangria and mimosas.

Revel Patio Grill: Frisco restaurant will mark Father's Day with indulgent brunch, lunch, and dinner specials featuring fried ravioli, fried lobster ravioli, surf and turf with filet mignon and grilled shrimp, and lobster ravioli in a garlic tarragon cream sauce. The restaurant will also offer Father's Day crawfish specials at 3 pounds for $21 or 5 pounds for $35, offering a communal option for family gatherings.

SĒR Steak + Spirits: The Hilton Anatole steakhouse on the 27th floor will celebrate Father’s Day weekend with specialty food and drink offerings. Highlights include the Father Thyme cocktail, made with blackberry and thyme-infused Buffalo Trace bourbon, sweet vermouth, bitters, orange zest, and black cherry, along with the Whiskey & Cigar dessert featuring coffee panna cotta, whiskey ice cream, a hazelnut cigar, and bananas foster sauce. Available Father’s Day weekend.

Shell Shack: All locations of the seafood favorite will offer dads 25 percent off the restaurant's Crab Daddy Boil, available all day on Fahter's Day, June 21. The feast includes two king crab legs, a half-pound each of snow crab and Bairdi crab, plus corn, potatoes, and sausage.

The Sicilian Butcher: Italian restaurant will mark Father’s Day weekend with a Sicilian-inspired menu available June 19-21, featuring coastal flavors and grilled specialties. Dishes include PEI mussels with ’nduja and white wine, swordfish palermitana with salmoriglio sauce, fire-grilled pork chop with gigante bean ragu, and cioppino with clams, mussels and Calabrian chili. Guests can also enjoy a tableside Sicilian Manhattan cart experience with rotating seasonal pours.

Top Brass: Addison restaurant inside new Hotel Dax will offer a Father's Day jazz brunch featuring live music, drink specials, and a one-day-only prime rib special. Served from 11 am-2 pm, the $55 prime rib plate comes with Brussels sprouts and mashed potatoes. Guests can also enjoy $2 mimosas, $10 Bloody Marys, and selections from the regular brunch menu, including French toast, fluffy pancakes, an All-American breakfast, and a brunch burger. Live jazz by Abram Olivas will serenade diners.

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