The Real Thing - Feb 28th.

How much of our lives is spent looking for the real thing - the person or thing that gets our heart racing and has us looking forward to our next meeting?

How many books are written and sold to help you find, attract and recognize when the real thing presents itself to you?

Would you know it if it had? Beyond a doubt, would you know you've found what you'd been looking for?

I put off writing about today's topic because, honestly, I was being selfish. I wanted this all to myself. I'm now ready to make amends by letting you in on it. I have found the REAL thing.

It started with a passing interest that grew into a curiosity. But when I was ready to act, at that exact moment, I knew this was the one.

The Maple Avenue Boxing Gym.

From the instant I opened the door I knew this place wasn't kidding around. It smells like a gym ought to. It smells like sweat. It has the smell of burned calories. It smells like the toughest workout you've ever done. By the time you leave the smell is you and you wear it with pride. It's called “exhilaration” and “transformation” and it's your reward for making it to the end.

You might think you'd be out of place in a gym whose singular focus is boxing and the training of serious boxers, but once you get there you realize nothing is further from the truth as long as you check your ego at the door. Better yet, leave it at home because if you're there to work they're more than glad to have you.

For example, last week I was working with the trainer during the Tuesday/Thursday 7pm-8:30pm class when one of the real boxers stepped in to work with me on body position and technique.  It wasn't until several days later I found out the guy was Jesus “El Matador” Chavez, International Boxing Federation Lightweight Champion, WBC Continental Americas featherweight Champion, WBC Super Featherweight World Champion, and NABF Featherweight & Super Featherweight Champion whose life story (so far) is the subject of the documentary “Split Decision” and the book “Standing Eight”.

It's a soft sell to call it “Cardio Boxing” on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 7-8:30pm but that's the best place to start.  Another animal all together is the Saturday and Sunday technique class; the times change for that one just check each week.

If you wanna know more just ask Laura at the desk. Everyone is super friendly and helpful. Prepare to be addicted!

Maple Ave Boxing Gym
4020 Maple Ave. Dallas, TX 75219 (MAP)

(214) 812-9400 ‎

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Deals for 365 Things Dallas readers - Feb 16th

Dear Readers,

To thank YOU for your continued support, I've reached out to some of the great places covered in the electronic pages of 365 Things Dallas over the last few months asking them to give you a reason to come visit them. They have been more than happy to oblige.

Visit the following places and mention 365 Things Dallas to take advantage of these deals.

Jean-Philippe Salon - For the month of February, get a free Kerastase conditioning treatment ($40 value) when you have your haircut and/or have a blow dry service. Just what your hair needs to recover from the drying effects of winter. As always, Perle hugs come free!

The Pearl Cup Espresso Bar - Buy a Latte and a Cookie and get $1.00 off. This deal is good just until Friday the 18th. Next week a new deal.

Medina Oven and Bar - For the month of February, mention 365 Things Dallas and get a free dessert with your order.

Neo Pizzeria - 1/2 price bottles of wine on Wednesdays.

Enjoy, and don't forget to tell them who sent you!

You did it!365 Things Dallas' Facebook page has blasted past our first goal 365 "Likes."
We are now looking for 500!  When we get there we'll draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to something cool.
So help us help you:  Visit the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.
Click "Like"
Then
Hit the "SHARE" button on the bottom left.It's easy!!!

The Cedars Social - Feb 10th

The tourists are gone. The seemingly endless parade of parties, as fun as they were and they were, are over.  In their place, the ice and snow has returned. Which is just fine, as most of us needed another day off to recuperate. 

Now however, with the weekend fast approaching, it's time to start looking for something to help with the cabin fever. Perhaps something that will help you forget the traffic, the weather, or the "Ex" from the previous post.  Something to get you out of that rut. A change of pace from the high profile, high priced galas of Super Bowl week.

The Cedars Social. The newest addition to the Southside area.  Claiming to have an extensive cocktail list dating back to Pre-Prohibition, Prohibition and Repeal. Its part Lee Harvey's, part Cosmos and part Bar Celine. Tucked just south of downtown (where the cool kids hang), so its easy to make the Cedars Social your destination or a meeting place before heading over to Bishop Arts or a show at the Palladium. They even offer eats with ingredients from local providers, so you can stick to your new year's resolution to eat local!

The Cedars Social

1326 S. Lamar St., Dallas, TX 75215 (Map)

214.928.7700


You did it!365 Things Dallas' Facebook page has blasted past our first goal 365 "Likes."
We are now looking for 500!  When we get there we'll draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to something cool.
So help us help you:  Visit the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.
Click "Like"
Then
Hit the "SHARE" button on the bottom left.It's easy!!!

300 - Feb. 8th

Some things are impossible to shake.  Like cravings for chocolate or mexican food that wake you in the night. For some its maybe even the "Ex" that you wish you could forget but he/she is, for better or worse, burned into your psyche. And the more you try to think of something else, the more the thought just creeps it's way back into your head until you are forced to give in to it and suddenly find yourself at Mi Cocina sharing a booth and a chocolate flan with said Ex. 

For me it's Air Hockey.

At a Christmas party in December I found myself playing the game for the first time in at least 25 years (don't do the math). Since then I've been jonesing to play again. I don't want to buy my own air hockey table. If I did, I'd only be able to play friends and family. (You don't know me but I have a deep seeded need to reign supreme over complete strangers). So I need an air hockey table in a public place, preferably in a bar, as I've found a few drinks help to fuel my competitive nature as well as keep me in jovial spirit should I misjudge the skill of my opponent, rare as it may be. But to my dismay, air hockey is extremely hard to come by in our fair city. 

Pool tables are everywhere, as is shuffle board. But a fairly extensive online search and verification phone calls reveals but a few places to slide some puck.

So the following place is sure to see my face soon as I come ready to pound some disk. Wait....

300

3805 Belt Line Rd. Addison, TX 75001 (Map)

972-620-7700

*No, that is not me pictured above.*


You did it!365 Things Dallas' Facebook page has blasted past our first goal 365 "Likes."
We are now looking for 500!  When we get there we'll draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to something cool.
So help us help you:  Visit the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.
Click "Like"
Then
Hit the "SHARE" button on the bottom left.It's easy!!!

MEDINA - Feb 3rd.

Hello Strangers. I know its been a while, but I prefer to write when inspired to do so either by my personal motivation or by the place or event of topic.  In today's case, its the latter.

It's not funky and it's not cold. In fact, it's quite charming and warm. Medina Oven and Bar at the southern end of Victory Park.


One of the few original eateries that remain since the launch of Victory Park, it lasts because it continues to draw a loyal crowd who appreciate it for it's truly special atmosphere and outstanding food. More on the atmosphere later.


But first, allow me to order for you.
Start with the Mixed Platter, then either the Sea Bass Tagine or the Beef Tenderloin Tagine or get one of each and share. Finish with any of the desserts. You can't go wrong. 
If you'd like something simpler, have the Oregano-Fennel Lamb Sausage Pizza and a bottle or two of wine.
If none of that strikes you just right ask the owner, Sam Benoikken, what he might suggest. He's there most of the time and very proud to welcome you and explain any and every detail of the dishes.


Back to the atmosphere, In the summer it's cool and soothing whether inside or on the patio.  In the winter, now, it's warm and more so than just temperature, mood as well. The music, decor and aroma truly make you feel like you are not only in a moroccan restaurant but actually in Morocco.  No matter the season, you'll be in for  great people watching. I like to see if I can tell who's on a first date, and guess how it's going.


If you are looking to impress a date by knowing a hidden gem or just looking to grab a bite before a show this is the place a lasting memory can be made.


(Keep your eyes open for another location opening in the West Village).


Medina Oven and Bar
2304 Victory Park Ln. Dallas, TX 75219 (Map)
214-979-0003


You did it!

365 Things Dallas' Facebook page has blasted past our first goal 365 "Likes." 
We are now looking for 500!  When we get there we'll draw a name from among the followers at that point and treat the winner to something cool.

So help us help you:  Visit the 365 Things Dallas Facebook page.
Click "Like"
Then
Hit the "SHARE" button on the bottom left.

It's easy!!!