Happy New Year - Dec. 31st.

Happy New Year !!!

I'm looking forward to a new year of exploring our city.  We have the Super bowl coming up, Greenville Ave. is supposed to get some kind of make-over, Victory Park is planning a re-launch of some kind, downtown Dallas continues it's re-birth with the opening of the Park.  It's going to be an exciting year.

UPDATE: D magazine just published a list of parties around town if you haven't made plans yet.  THE LINK

We are less than 10 people away from meeting our goal of 365 Facebook followers for the giveaway of dinner for 2 at Neo's.  I'd love to wrap this up in 2010!

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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Off The Bone BBQ - Dec. 29th

In a post from last week I said I would pay a visit to Bill's Records. On Tuesday I did and I'm glad. Although a much different experience than one from years ago, it was still fun to browse the mostly unorganized displays of CDs, records, posters and other merch. And I found out he has live music on weekends - booked bands on Saturdays and open mic on Sundays. Pretty neat I think.

When I left, I drove past a place I've seen many times before, Off The Bone BBQ. It struck me differently today. It's cold and drizzly outside, the gray sky casting a dark light on the open glass structure that is the restaurant. And given that it was an off peak hour when I drove by, there was only one couple inside. It reminded me of Edward Hopper's Nighthawks.

Anyway, artistic interest in the look of the place aside, I'm a fiend for BBQ. 

I'm from Texas and proud of it. I have to tell you however, the best BBQ I've ever had is from Fat Matt's Rib Shack in Atlanta and it sets a pretty high standard for excellence. Today, unfortunately, I wasn't hungry when I drove by Off The Bone, but from what I've read of the reviews since then, I may have found a new favorite a lot closer to home.

If you are familiar with another Texas favorite, Salt Lick BBQ, you know it was started when the founder consistently found himself selling out of the amounts he prepared for friends and neighbors on weekends and so he decided to make a full time gig of it. Off The Bone has a similar back story. That speaks pretty highly of it if you ask me.

In the next day or so, I plan on dropping by. If you've already been and have some some suggestions on what to try, let me know.


Off the Bone
1734 South Lamar Street, Dallas, TX, 75215 (Map)
214-565-9551


We are Almost there!!!
When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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Children's Improv - Dec. 28th (through Dec. 30th)

As the saying goes, "kids say the darndest things," but surely you've heard kids try to tell a joke?

It can be excruciating.

But like most things with children, a little structure and guidance can help develop a real talent and provide a us with a few unexpected laughs along the way. And what's better than children laughing???

This week, you can get your own little one on his or her way to being the next Jim Carrey or Anjelah Johnson with the Children's Improv Workshop at the Improv in Addison. Presented by Locked Out Comedy, the daily two hour workshop provides the students a chance expand their sense of humor, mental flexibility, develop creative thinking skills and confidence in their ability to handle whatever input comes their way.

Today (so hurry) and Wednesday, they are offering the workshop for kids aged 7-17 from 10a.m. - noon. A showcase for friends and family is held on Thursday at noon.

Improv - Addison

4980 Beltline Rd. Ste 250. Dallas, TX 75254 (Map)

(972) 404-8501

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

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Hit the "Suggest To Friends" button under our profile pic.

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Do Good - Dec. 27th

I've scoured my usual resources for something to write about today, something that would really excite me and hopefully you. I came up dry.

I don't know if its just that everything seems a little anti-climactic after the holidays or if its because today is Monday, But nothing seems as appealing to me as some quiet time to re-group and reassess. 


So, I started to do just that. 
Working my way through my to-do list for today I reached the item, "say thank you," a reminder that I wanted to show some extra appreciation to a few special people that in some way made this year a little better. However, in a moment of distraction I opened an app on my phone called D0Good. Almost eerily the "DoGood" of the day was to give the gift of appreciation. Not one to ignore a good coincidence and in need of a topic for 365 Things Dallas, I'm running with it.

Admittedly, gratitude isn't exclusively a Dallas thing, but what if we could be known for it. What if we could overtake the Canadians in the being nice category? Would that be so bad? I think by definition, it wouldn't be/couldn't be.

Send a card, make a call, pull someone aside and say thank you for that thing they did. Go ahead, reinforce the nice, it's the Dallas thing to do.

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

Visit the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.

Hit the "Suggest To Friends" button under our profile pic.

It's easy!!!

Merry Christmas - Dec. 25th

MMMMM... BEER - Dec. 24th

Sunday the results of a very effective massage were negated by a harrowing trip to the mall that coincided with the last weekend of shopping before Christmas. I admitted then it was a mistake. However, in the intervening time I've come to realize the problem was actually inevitable. No matter how good the massage, with so much left for me to do before Christmas I was going to be tired and tense again anyway.

I’ve since worked out the timing and found a remedy. Now, with all the presents wrapped, stockings hung with care and nothing left to do but kick back and relax, why not enjoy a cold one?

Let’s do it right this time.

Tonight, the Meddlesome Moth will be tapping several rare beers, which will include Austin’s 512 Double Pecan Bourbon Barrel aged, cask-conditioned ale and Sierra Nevada’s 30th Anniversary series Grand Cru. The chef will be preparing some chalkboard specials to pair with these fine ales.

Don't take my word for it, here's the deal lifted straight from “Matt's Beer Blog” (Matt being the manager):

"Christmas Eve, Oh Holy Bourbon Barrel Night!!!!!!
Ok. So here is the deal. We were going to wait to tap Jester King Commercial Suicide George Dickel Barrel Aged till Christmas Day. Then, we received our Rahr Whiskey Winter Barrel Aged keg in today. We have planned to tap the 512 Double Pecan Porter Jack Daniels Barrel Aged Cask on Christmas Eve. Next, I had a beer and started thinking. Let’s tap all three Christmas Eve!! Sounds brilliant, don’t you think!! It must done. Can’t resist the opportunity to try all three in the same sitting. Three Kings of Kentucky on this Holy Night!! We got 12 Allagash Curieux bottles, their Tripel Aged in Jim Beam Barrels too!!! Also, Rogue John John Hazelnut Brown Aged in Spiced Rum Barrels in bottles. Lastly, if you ask nicely, we might tap an Avery Barrel Aged surprise for you. Password……Big Wally. Happy Holiday. My beer was fruitful!!"

The Meddlesome Moth

1621 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, TX 75207 (Map)

(214) 628-7900

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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Hit the "Suggest To Friends" button under our profile pic.

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Jean-Philippe Salon - Dec. 23rd.

Disclosure: The owners of the Jean-Philippe Salon are friends of mine. Usually, I don't promote places to which I have some personal connection.  But in this case, trust me - its justified.

Earlier this week I found myself within earshot of a small group of women comparing their hair and makeup. Each of them equally disappointed with their current look, but steadfastly committed to going back to the same place because of the relationship they have with their stylists. It struck me as such a ridiculous waste all around. No business owner wants an unhappy customer and if the “relationship” with your stylist is so strong, surely they can handle a little feedback regarding your happiness.

What would Dr. Phil say - “How’s that workin’ out for ya?”

If you agree you're due for a new do, I suggest you visit the Jean-Philippe Salon before that N.Y.E. party you have planned. 

The salon’s reputation as a style-maker is already well documented in both local and national press and they too have their loyal contingent of clientele for whom seeing any other stylist is just unthinkable.  But what most people don’t realize is that for all the focus on artistry and skill, they are still a very approachable, family run business.  Jean-Philippe and Perle Moreau run the place and their son can be found at the front desk when his school schedule allows. 

When I was being told why I should switch to the Jean-Philippe Salon, I was told about all the many services they offer, of which I really just wanted a good, stylish cut. What I got was much more - Lots of adventures, lots of stories and a best friend for life.

I encourage you to visit the Jean-Philippe Salon and get a hug from Perle, it's the only place offering them!

Merry Christmas, Perlie!!!

Jean-Philippe Salon

5600 W Lovers Ln # 125, Dallas, TX 75209 (Map)

 (214) 350-7897

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

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Bill's Records - Dec. 21st

This weekend I heard The Daily Show's Wyatt Cenac talking about how when he tells people he's from Texas, they usually respond by saying how much they love Austin.  The problem being, Wyatt Cenac is from Dallas.  We hear that all the time, "I love Austin." I say it myself.  But it got me thinking about what it is that makes Austin the kind of place where people are compelled to say that.

The answer is this: Austin is Bill's Records writ large. 

Bill's Records is a friendly place with lots of music and lots of cool stuff.  Bill does his own thing, welcomes you in and hopes you enjoy it. That sounds like Austin to me.

Like most people, I haven't been to a record store in a long time. It's been even longer since I've been to Bill's.  I'm going to fix that this week. Because, like a weekend trip to our fair capital, a trip to Bill's Records will make things right in your world and that's a perfect way to end this year and to ring in the new one.

Why not leave your favorite "Bill's" story in the comments.

Bill's Records

1317 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215 (Map)

(972) 234-1496

Photo from D Magazine.

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

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It's easy!!!

See Santa - Dec. 20th

Yesterday, I had a great deep tissue massage preceded and followed by a lengthy steam. It was much needed and felt great. Afterward, I was relaxed, refreshed and reset.

Then I made a mistake and things got ugly.

I went to the mall.

Let me remind you, this past weekend was the last weekend before Christmas.

The adventure that was the tour de parking lot should have been my first tip off that this was a bad idea. Parking had really just become a concept at this point. For every 1 person leaving, 2 or 3 were already waiting for their parking space. Finally, I parked across the street and walked over. 

When I was inside the mall, North Park, it was awash with a sea of people who were at once wandering aimlessly and stopping suddenly, seemingly for no reason at all. You've seen, on the Travel Channel, foreign cities with crazy traffic that takes a life every day or so.  That's what it was like.

It was a mess and I wanted out-until I saw the excitement of the kids, and most of the parents, in line to see Santa Claus.  It was great.

 

I like people watching in general, and seeing joy and excitement in other people is a pleasure of its own. Add the magic of Christmas as seen through the eyes of a child and well, it’s highly recommended.

So, go see Santa.  You won't be sorry.

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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See you tomorrow!!!

Wanna Crash A Party? - Dec. 16th

Wanna crash a party?

Wanna meet (local) celebrities?

Wanna break into show business?

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance's Christmas party is tonight at Gilley's where you can Join film, TV, advertising and video game professionals to celebrate the season with friends, colleagues and clients.

And since it's also a fund raiser, you are welcome to attend.  Hope to see you there.

Texas Motion Picture Alliance

Gilley's Dallas

1135 South Lamar, Dallas, TX 75215

$20 at the door.

The Texas Motion Picture Alliance (TXMPA) advocates for the film, TV, commercial and video game production industries in the Lone Star State.

Committed to building a strong community of industry professionals and supporting legislation that benefits our industry, TXMPA is the key to expanding production incentives in Texas. We educate policy makers and the public about how film, TV and games impact their lives through the hundreds of millions of dollars our productions pump into the state's economy. With your help, we can make Texas more competitive and attractive to productions of all stripes.

Join now to bolster our mission. Become a TXMPA member here:
http://txmpa.org/joomla/index.php/join.html

Encourage your companies to join and spread the word about TXMPA and how we're fighting to expand production opportunities in Texas. 

See you tomorrow!!!

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

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ReDiscover Dallas - Dec. 15th

Today, I present something that admittedly seems a little "touristy" on the surface. However, many of us will soon have guests visiting from out of town and many more of us will be looking for a new opportunity to find something beyond the unusual holiday madness to entertain us.

The Old Red Museum (formerly the Old Red Courthouse) plays host to two exhibits to help us meet both needs: "Rediscover Dallas" and "Old Red: Deck the Halls". 

The first offers a chance to discover the timeline of events that formed Dallas and presents the items that exemplify the image of  Dallas, sometimes literally as is the case with J.R. Ewing's Stetson.  The second, "Old Red: Deck the Halls", is the American Idol of Christmas Trees.  A non-profit organization has decorated 14 trees and you vote for the one you like best.  The tree that raises the most money wins!

The Old Red Museum
100 S. Houston St. Dallas, TX 75202

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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"Not Quite" Christmas Movies - Dec. 14th

The Angelika Theater in Dallas is screening "Not Quite" Christmas movies, featuring films that have Christmas in the plot or storyline but aren't so much about Christmas. 

Tonight's screening is Gremlins. 

I had prepared a different post for today's 365 Things Dallas, but when I saw this I had one of my flashback moments and knew I needed to get it out there.  It's such a great, fun movie. Even the parts meant to be scary are fun.  And oddly, the cast has pretty much disappeared from film making.  IMDB it.  What's up with that???

BTW: The rest of the series looks fun too. Die Hard is coming up. The first one. The good one.

Angelika - Dallas

Mockingbird Station
5321 East Mockingbird Lane, Suite 230 DALLAS , TX 75206

214-841-4713

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

So help us help you:

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EAT LOCAL - Dec. 13th

It's no secret that Dallasites, collectively, love to eat. We can go out for, or have delivered, food from the far corners of the world - and some of the best of it. But where does the food really come from? Not the recipe - the food itself, the ingredients.

Increasingly, the answer is somewhere not too far away.

Of all the current food trends, the "local" food movement is the one Dallas is most rapidly ingesting. Some of the best restaurants in town are using locally-sourced food to build out their menus. 

Coincidence?  

Check out some of these places that serve local and decide for yourself.  Leave a comment if you already have a recommendation!

Whiskey Cake

3601 Dallas Parkway, Plano, TX 75093

Bolsa

614 W. Davis, Dallas, TX 75208

Rathbun's Blue Plate

6130 Luther Lane, Dallas, TX 75225

Nonna

4115 Loma Alta, Dallas, TX 75219

Oddfellow's

316 W. 7th St., Dallas, TX 75208

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

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It's easy!!!

Like-Win-Eat !!! - Dec. 6th

When 365 Things Dallas' Facebook page reaches 365 "Likes" we will draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to dinner for two at Neo in Victory Park.

 

So help us help you:

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It's easy!!!

Neo

See you tomorrow!!!

WhirlyBall - Nov. 30th

I recently listened to Denton band Midlake give an interview about the usual things bands are interviewed about. As an aside, they mentioned that in their spare time, they like to play WhirlyBall.

And I realized - I drive by that place in Dallas all the time and have absolutely no idea what goes on there.

What is it?

It's a question the place must get all the time, as the splash page of their website reads, "What the _____ is WhirlyBall?"

The WhirlyBall people describe the game as a combination of lacrosse, basketball, and bumper cars.  Midlake adds, "with beer."  

I'm sold.

WhirlyBall Dallas

3641 W Northwest Hwy, Dallas, TX 75220 (Map)

214-350-0117

P.S. That's band Death Cab for Cutie in the pic.  Must be a rocker thing.

White Rock Skate Center - Nov. 28th

Confession: I still consider myself to be a full-blown man-child. 

To live out my extended adolescence, I often enlist my niece and nephew as compadres. They provide excellent cover.

Most of the things we do today weren't even an option - or hadn't yet been invented - when I was their age. But occasionally, something great comes along that is the EXACT thing from my own childhood.

Example: White Rock Skate Center. When en route there with my niece and nephew last year, I couldn't quite recall if I had ever been to the WRSC. However, as soon as we walked in, I knew this was the place I'd spent sooo many Jr. High Saturday nights.

You know those movies - the ones where the kid goes off to college, and the parents never touch their room again, except to dust? The room forever preserved in time? That's the White Rock Skate Center - absolutely nothing has changed!
They even still do all the same activities, like slow/couples skates, races by age group and limbo contests. Kids and adults alike still learn to skate by hugging the wall as they go 'round. During a break or flashback - I'm not sure which - I was even tempted to pour myself a 'Suicide' by mixing Dr. Pepper, Big Red, Root Beer & Sprite. 

And I'll never forget the ear-to-ear smile of my semi-toothless eight year-old niece as we skated together.

If you want to create a connection with a child in your life (or get in touch with your own inner child), roll into White Rock Skate Center. It's also a nice place to burn off that second helping you are sure to have this time of year...

White Rock Skate Center

10055 Shoreview Road, Dallas, Texas 75238 (Map)    

See you tomorrow!!!

Happy Thanksgiving - Nov. 25th

There's no point in giving you something to do today, most of our plans for the day have been established by long standing family traditions. 

For most of us, we are going to gather with our families, watch some football (Go Cowboys), swap stories 'til everyone is caught up since the last gathering and eventually have a giant, hopefully delicious meal.

Also today, we give thanks.

It's one thing to give thanks in a prayer, but we also need to show our gratitude to the people in our lives.

So if grandma's turkey is a little dry, put a little extra gibblet gravy on it and say "Thank You"!

Because she loves you.

If your mom starts telling the story of the time you did that really embarrassing thing that 35 years later you still aren't quite over, Thank her for keeping you humble.

She tells that story to show she remembers.

And she loves you.

Call those people who aren't with you today, thank them for being in your life. 

They love you.

And I thank You for reading.