Author: Alex Gonzalez

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 9/14 – 9/16: Pride, Chefs for Farmers, and more

Photo courtesy of Perle on Maple

Fashion Industry Gallery presents FIG Finale

9/14 and 9/15 at 11:00 a.m.

Fashion Industry Gallery

FIG Finale is a spectacular sale open to the public where shoppers can find designer deals up to 75 percent off retail from top stores and brands. FIG Finale features women’s, men’s and children’s clothing, shoes, and accessories. Tickets for FIG Finale can be purchased here.

Via Fashion Industry Gallery on Facebook

Downtown Arlington Brewing Arts Festival

9/14 and 9/15 at 12:00 p.m.

Urban Union

The inaugural Downtown Arlington Brewing Arts Festival will be a collision of art, music, food trucks, and craft beer that will light up the city’s bustling Urban Union entertainment district. The event will bring together art collectives from across Dallas-Fort Worth including Elevate Dallas, Ash Studios, ArtLandish, Art Luck, Art Tooth, Black Sheep Art Culture, and Color Me Empowered.

Photo courtesy of Downtown Arlington Management Corporation

He Said Magazine presents Pride Brunch

9/15 at 10:00 a.m.

Perle on Maple

He Said Magazine’s Editor-in-Chief/Publisher Cooper Koch and Editor Steven Lindsey will host a brunch and bubbles to kick-off Dallas pride activities and festivals. The Stoneleigh’s new French-inspired restaurant, Perle on Maple, will feature a French-inspired a la carte brunch created by Perle on Maple’s Executive Chef Wade Burch of Food Network’s Chopped and Chopped Champions and a “Bubbles from Around the World” Champagne Bar. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Perle on Maple

Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic

9/15 at 11:00 a.m.

SMU Tennis Center

The 3rd annual Dirk Nowitzki Pro Celebrity Tennis Classic will once again feature 2003 US Open champion and International Tennis Hall of Fame inductee Andy Roddick, considered one of the most influential, successful and quotable tennis players of all time. Other players will include Grand Slam doubles champ and five-time Olympian Mark Knowles; and Boris Kodjoe, German actor best known for his roles as Dr. Will Campbell in the CBS drama, Code Black, and the sports-courier agent Damon Carter on the Showtime drama series, Soul Food. Proceeds benefit the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation, which awards grants annually to organizations focusing on children’s wellbeing, health and education. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of the Dirk Nowitzki Foundation

The Mix Off 

9/16 at 5:00 P.M.

DEC on Dragon

Enjoy some of the best cocktails in town! You’re the judge as the hottest bartenders in Dallas shake and pour their liquor-loving hearts out for the chance to be named the signature drinks of Chefs For Farmers 2018. Since you can’t drink on an empty stomach, chow down on upscale food from the best up-and-coming chefs in town. Your votes determine the winners, but when the rising stars of the Dallas restaurant scene compete alongside the best bartenders in Texas, the real winner is you! To buy tickets and to see a full list of sous chefs and mixologists, click here.

Photo courtesy of Chefs for Farmers

 

 

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Why Timothy Talbott Wants to Grow Dallas’s Film Industry

Those in pursuit of success in entertainment will often give up their last coin to move to a larger metropolis like Los Angeles or New York City. While this route is common, film director and Double T Productions founder Timothy Talbott believes that this is not the only way to go. A native Texan, born and raised, Talbott is determined to bring light to the landscapes and scenery that are often passed up or overlooked. Talbott also wants to put undiscovered talent under the spotlight.

I join Talbott at Ascension Coffee, located in the Design District, which is also home to fellow film director Johnathan Brownlee. We discuss a variety of topics, including how he came to develop an affinity for the film and entertainment industry.

“I don’t know if there was a moment where the inspiration just hit,” Talbott says. “It was really just a matter of things I enjoyed as a kid.”

Talbott then recalls how he was able to give his undivided attention to a television screen at any given moment during his youth.

“I’m an adventurer,” Talbott says. “My mom used to tell people that if you put me in a room, you better keep an eye on me, unless you turn on the TV, then I’d just sit down and start watching.”

As a child, Talbott’s love for the arts was unmatched, compared to that of his friends.

“Even though I love sports, watching TV and film was way more fun to me,” Talbott says. “Movies and television programs are like puzzles; you put this big thing together and it’s different every time. A football game is a football game. You get four quarters, things happen, but rarely is it that exciting. Take the Super Bowl for instance. If your team isn’t in it, how involved are you?”

Although Talbott tends to favor art and entertainment over sports, he is fond of professional wrestling and even had a stint as a wrestler in National Wrestling Alliance’s Southwest Division in the late 90s.

“I wanted to get into wrestling because it’s live-action storytelling,” Talbott said. “I knew that if I could get into wrestling I could get into acting.”

Talbott later moved to Los Angeles, where he would live for ten years before eventually deciding to return home to Texas, where he would produce his first feature film.

“That was really a defining moment,” Talbott says. “After ten years in L.A. just grunting it out and trying to get by, I move back to Texas, and within a year to the day, I’m beginning principal photography on The Demon Inside. We filmed that movie in Denton over the course of two weeks.”

Talbott produced and acted his first feature film, The Demon Inside, in Denton. Filming took place over the course of two weeks (Photo courtesy of Double T Productions)

After his work on The Demon Inside, Talbott believes that talent in Dallas’ film scene is just as remarkable of larger art-centered cities.

“When my L.A. friends want to shoot a movie, I tell them, ‘we’re going to shoot the movie in Texas, and we’re gonna use Texas crew and Texas actors,’” Talbott says. “The problem is, I’m a small brand and I definitely want to grow. I question why we don’t have a film industry equal to or better than that of anywhere else.”

Talbott strives to bring Texas filmmakers together (Photo courtesy of Double T Productions)

Talbott also expresses frustration with filmmakers setting their works in Dallas, yet filming them in other locations.

“You’ve got a movie like Dallas Buyers Club,” Talbott says. “You’ve got Matt McConaughey sitting on his car, and the Dallas skyline is in the background. Filmed in Louisiana. Part of that takes away from Dallas. “As far as Dallas goes, there’s more to it than just Dallas. It’s Texas as a whole. L.A. is L.A. They have six major studios there. They have acres and acres of studio lots. Here in Dallas, you can drive an hour in any direction and you have different landscapes. You have space. We have weather. ”

Having worked on multiple projects in Dallas, including hit Hulu series “11.23.63” and his upcoming thriller film, Trunkfish, Talbott can attest to the fact that Dallas’s art scene is on the rise.

Talbott’s film Trunkfish is set for release later this year (Photo courtesy of Double T productions)

“Texas is growing and there are a lot of areas that are getting rejuvenated,” Talbott says. “Things are changing, and hopefully, part of that is keeping productions here. I’ve seen the old, and maybe it’s time to come into the new. Nobody is going to take down Hollywood. Hollywood is Hollywood. But I don’t see why Texas can’t have its own film industry on par with everyone else.”

 

 

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 9/7 – 9/9: Chocolate Fest, BBQ Bus, and more

Photo by Kathy Tran

AT&T Performing Arts Center and Interabang Books present An Evening with Sonia Sotomayor

9/7 at 6:30 P.M.

Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre

AT&T Performing Arts Center and Interabang Books will present an evening with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor to celebrate the release of her two new children’s books, Turning Pages: My Life Story (available in English and Spanish) and The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor. Sotomayor will discuss her life story, from her birthplace in the South Bronx through her journey to become the first Hispanic and third woman appointed to the Supreme Court. Her picture book Turning Pages, vibrantly illustrated by Lulu Delacre, shares how Sotomayor’s life was shaped and propelled forward by her family, her own determination, and the books she read. The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor is the middle grade adaptation of My Beloved World, her No. 1 New York Times-bestselling memoir. In sharing her own story, Sotomayor encourages children to read widely and dream big. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo by Steve Petteway/Collection of the Supreme Court of the United States

Dallas Chocolate Festival

9/7 – 9/9 at various times

Whole Foods Market (Preston Forest)/Fashion Institute Gallery

The Dallas Chocolate Festival, presented by DallasChocolate.org, is celebrating the “Future of Chocolate,” educating Dallas about chocolate, one bar at a time. The three-day festival brings in over 70 chocolate makers and chocolatiers from around the world and locally. Over 2,400 attendees will learn, taste, and experience the artistry and craftsmanship of quality chocolate. Festival highlights include a Friday night VIP Party and Saturday’s family-friendly expo offering samples, shopping opportunities, demonstrations, and classes at Fashion Industry Gallery. Sunday’s hands-on workshops, including a Chocolate Tasting class and a Chocolate Making workshop, will be at held at Whole Foods Market on Preston Forest Shopping Center. Schedule of events and tickets can be found here.

Photo by Kathy Tran

 

BBQ Bus – Denton 

9/8 beginning at 1:00 P.M.

Picks up at Armadillo Ale Works at 1:00 P.M.

What to do on a rainy Saturday? How about jumping on a luxury bus at Armadillo Ale Works at 1pm then visiting 3 great BBQ joints and enjoying a plate of brisket, ribs, and sausage at each stop? Plus the PitMaster at each stop will answer questions and take you to check out his pit! The bus returns you safely to Armadillo Ale Works at 5pm! Tickets can be purchased here.

Image courtesy of RVC Promotions

Operation Kindness presents Dog Day Afternoon

9/8 at 10:00 A.M.

Operation Kindness (Carrollton) 

For 25 years, Dog Day Afternoon has been the most highly anticipated festival of the summer season. Event highlights include Best K9 Costume, Stupid Pet Tricks and Best Pooch Smooch Contests with prizes; The Mutt Midway with dozens of vendors; free microchipping for the first 100 dogs; low cost vaccinations by Texas Coalition for Animal Protection; Pet Psychic and Communicator, Sandra Larson; prize wheel and puppy kissing booth; and pet CPR and first aid demonstrations. Dog Day Afternoon has been presented by Operation Kindness for 25 years. As an organization that prides itself in working towards finding forever homes for homeless animals, this event celebrates those pets who have found happy endings. In addition, it allows the Dallas-Fort Worth community to come and learn more about the shelter and how to get involved.

Photo courtesy of Operation Kindness

Travis Manion Foundation presents 9/11 Heroes Run

The 9/11 Heroes Run unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11 and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military. The event will feature a 5k and 1 mile fun run to raise awareness and honor the fallen. To register, click here.

Photo courtesy of Travis Manion Foundation

 

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Jack Mason Celebrates Five Years in Business

As the age-old saying holds, time is money, and the men behind Jack Mason are on a mission to make their customers look like a million bucks. Since best friends Craig Carter and Michael Reese launched Jack Mason, the pair have become a strong force in the accessories game. They have partnered with a variety of high-end retailers, including Dillard’s, Jared, Saks Fifth Avenue,  Bloomingdales, and Nordstrom.

“Nordstrom was our first customer,” Carter says. “That was the biggest goal we had set out; having a brand, saving it, and taking it to Nordstrom. Having been in the watch industry for so many years, we just knew there was a need for a new type of watch among all of the brands available.”

By the time Carter and Reese had presented their designs and inventions to Nordstrom, the pair had a combined 25 years of retail and wholesale experience, having developed an affinity and knowledge of timepieces throughout the years.

“Mike and I first met here in Dallas,” Carter says. “We were working for the same company when we first moved here. He actually stayed at that same company for a few years and I went off to work for other companies in retail/sales environments.”

Craig Carter (left) and Michael Reese (right) launched Jack Mason in 2013. (Photo courtesy of Jack Mason)

Carter and Reese were later reunited at a different watch company, where they eventually came to the conclusion that they wanted to create products of their own.

“We wanted to be a true lifestyle brand,” Carter says. “We wanted to create something that we saw a need for in the market.”

The pair launched Jack Mason in 2013 and their products were immediately well-received.

“When we went to do a presentation for Nordstrom in Seattle, that was kind of the defining moment for us,” Carter says. “We made it into the jewelry section of Nordstrom, as well as the men’s’ section, so we were double exposed. Not a lot of brands have this to their credit.”

When choosing where to set up their headquarters, Carter and Reese wanted to be in an area that had a familial, community-oriented feel.

“We had originally set up shop in the West End, which is a great area, but we couldn’t really do everything we wanted to do,” Carter says. “When we got our first office where we could ship and receive product, we were actually in the Design District. But the Design District is just so big and Deep Ellum just has more of a community type feel to it.”

The pair finally decided to set up shop in Deep Ellum, among various local brands.

“It’s cool because a lot of companies are moving down to Deep Ellum and Deep Ellum has such a rich history to it,” Carter says. “You’ve got a lot of cool local barbers, tattoo artists, and restaurants opening up. We really just love that sense of community.”

Apart from crafting innovative, technologically advanced wrist pieces, Carter is also passionate about maintaining his individuality within his personal aesthetic.

“My style is different from Michael’s,” Carter says.  “Michael’s going wear his Stetson hat every day, because that’s just his style. For me, I follow a lot of influencers on social media, so if I see something I like, I try to emulate it as best as I can. But I don’t really go for one certain brand, I take multiple brands, throw them together, and create a look I want. If you ask Michael, he’ll tell you that he’s always going to shop at J. Crew. Me, I may go to J. Crew, but I’ll also go to other stores to put an outfit together.”

While Carter’s looks are inspired by a multitude of brands, he certainly never leaves home without his Jack Mason Diver watch.

“The Diver Watch is a very versatile watch,” Carter says. “You can wear it out to dinner, or you can put a rubber strap on it and go diving. It’s 30 ATM, so you can go about 1000 feet underwater while wearing it.”

The Diver Watch is one of the most versatile timepieces in the Jack Mason collection. (Photo courtesy of Jack Mason)

Jack Mason’s Diver Watch is just one of many designs crafted by the hands of Carter and Reese.

This December, Jack Mason will be launching their Regatta Timer watch.

“We did a Kickstarter for our Regatta Timer,” Carter says, “This is our first Swiss movement watch and it’s creation was completely backed by those who donated to our Kickstarter.”

Jack Mason’s Regatta Timer watch is set to launch this coming December (Via Kickstarter).

The men of Jack Mason are truly innovators in the accessories game. They have created products to fit everyone’s lifestyle, aesthetic, and price point.

“All of our watches are very approachable, given the quality of them,” Carter says. “They’re priced in a way that everyone can afford them, so that’s what sets us apart from everyone else.”

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 8/31 – 9/3: Labor Day Weekend

Photo courtesy of The Rustic

Dallas Zoo presents Brew at the Zoo

8/31 at 6:00 P.M.

Dallas Zoo

Brew at the Zoo tickets include event entry, parking, a Brew at the Zoo souvenir beer sampling mug, and Beer Card for six 4-oz. sample pours (additional Beer Cards can be purchased at the event). Guests will also enjoy after-hours fun at the Zoo, including live music and animal encounters. Designated Driver tickets include unlimited soda & water and access to stroll the event to enjoy live music and animal encounters. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy Dallas Zoological Society/Cathy Burkey

Dallas Symphony Orchestra presents Jurassic Park

8/31 – 9/2 at 7:30 P.M.

Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center

Celebrating its 25th anniversary, see Steven Spielberg’s thrilling dinosaur adventure in HD with the Dallas Symphony Orchestra performing the celebrated score by John Williams. The DSO will be conducted by Constantine Kitsopoulos. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Universal Pictures

Oak Cliff Brewing Co. Official Grand Opening

9/1 from 11:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M.

Oak Cliff Brewing Co.

Located directly off of the Tyler/Vernon DART stop at Tyler Station–a historic manufacturing building that now serves as the home of Oak Cliff Brewing Co. They will be serving up their Core Beers, including The Oak Cliff Black Lager, The Oak Cliff IPA, The Oak Cliff Export Lager, and the Oak Cliff Farmhouse Beer. They will also be offering tastings of a few limited-time only brewers’ specialty beers, such as the Sombre Imperial Stout, brewed specifically to celebrate our launch–all of which are produced on premises right next door. Local food trucks will also be onsite, so arrive hungry and ready to enjoy great food, beer, and company.

Photo courtesy of Oak Cliff Brewing Co.

 

Dumpling Pop-Up at Four Corners Brewery

9/1 from 12:00 P.M. to 3:00 P.M.

Four Corners Brewery

Hao from @haoislostinthesauce & Dixya from Food, Pleasure & Health will be at Four Corners on September 1st starting noon with dumplings! They will be set up inside the brewery (all the way in the back next to the kitchen). For more information, click here.

Via Dallas Observer

 

Free Day of Yoga

9/3 from 8:30 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

BKS Iyengar of Dallas

Experience a full day of classes for FREE! NEW Students eligible to buy 4 class coupon for $20. Existing students bring a NEW student , if they buy the 4 class coupon, you are eligible for the 4 class coupon for $20. For a full schedule, click here.

Photo courtesy of BKS Iyengar

 

Jam & Toast Brunch/903 Day

9/3 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:30 P.M.

The Rustic

On Labor Day, The Rustic will be serving up its popular Jam & Toast Brunch – a real treat as it is typically only served on the weekend. In addition to being Labor Day, Monday is also 903 Day – and The Rustic is continuing the celebration with Texas-based brewery, 903 Brewers. After an unbeatable brunch, stick around and enjoy some beer samples, yard games and live music After an unbeatable brunch, stick around and enjoy some beer samples, yard games and live music – with acts scheduled throughout the day.

Photo courtesy of The Rustic

 

All You Can Eat BBQ for $25

9/3 from 10:00 A.M. to 2:00 A.M.

Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

Make your way over to Ferris Wheelers this Monday for All You Can Eat BBQ! $25 gets you 3 Meats, 2 Sides, 1 Drink & 1 Dessert to start! Dine in only – No Togos – Arrive Early!

Photo by Alex Gonzalez
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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Tight Quarters is Now Open in Legacy Hall

From the man behind Dallas barbeque staple Smoke comes a brand new Asian-inspired concept. Having become a household name in the realm of meats, Chef Tim Byres makes a 180 degree turn with new, nutritious and filling options. At Tight Quarters, Legacy Hall’s newest food booth, guests can choose from a variety of Asian Inspired power bowls, filled with flavorful meats, fresh veggies, and an abundance of spices.

The Steak Pad Thai noodle bowl is one of the many great bowls available for purchase at Tight Quarters. The noodles-to-fillings ratio is just right, and the customer certainly gets their money’s worth on meat and fresh vegetables.

Apart from bowls, Tight Quarters will soon be offering homemade kombucha and Mother of Vinegar Shrub Drinks.

Tight Quarters is now open in Legacy Hall in Plano. For more information on hours and menu options, visit eattq.com

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 8/24 – 8/26: 80’s VS 90’s, Camp Gladiator, and more

Photo courtesy of The Edge at Omni Frisco Hotel

Toasting to Touchdowns

8/24 at 6:30 P.M.

Omni Frisco at The Star

Omni Frisco Hotel at The Star will present the newest tradition of toasting to the upcoming 2018 football season. The evening will allow guest to take advantage of the elevated pool deck and bar, The Edge. The event will feature music from DJ SC, signature cocktails, and tailgate-inspired culinary dishes. Tickets can be purchased here.

 

Photo courtesy of The Edge at Omni Frisco Hotel

 

Camp Gladiator Stadium Takeover

8/25 at 6:30 A.M.

Globe Life Park in Arlington

Camp Gladiator will host a once-in-a-decade, free stadium dashes across the nation. Camp Gladiator Stadium Takeover is programmed around a free, CG trainer-led group workout in famous stadiums across the nation. The event will feature workout challenges, amazing local vendors, music, food, gear, and giveaways. Attendees can sign up as a spectator or a competitor, and all ages and all fitness levels are welcome.

 

Photo courtesy of Camp Gladiator

Texas Live presents ’80s vs ’90s

8/25 at 8:00 P.M.

Texas Live

Texas Live will present Live 80 and Time Machine featuring music inspired by the ’80s and ’90s. The event will be hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of N’Sync. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Live 80

Dallas Cotillion Club presents SUNday Pool Party

8/26 at 1:00 P.M.

Le Méridien Dallas, The Stoneleigh

Dallas Cotillion Club will present SUNday Pool Party. The event will feature imported Italian beer provided by Peroni + Peroni Signature Orange Crush Cocktails, music stylings by DJ Souljah and DJ JC, SPF Bar provided by COOLA SunCare Products, a photo booth, and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of The Stoneleigh

 

Majestic Theatre presents The Wizard of Oz

8/26 at 5:00 P.M.

Majestic Theatre

Majestic Theatre will present the classic The Wizard of Oz. The magical world from the imagination of Frank Baum comes to the Majestic Theatre stage. Dorothy and the unique characters she encounters have adventures in the land over the rainbow. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of IMAX
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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 8/17 – 8/19: Big 3, Clear the Shelters, and more

Photo by Benjamin Slavich

Women Texas Film Festival

8/17 – 8/19

AC Hotel by Marriott

The Women Texas Film Festival is a Dallas-based film festival which focuses solely on the work of female filmmakers. WTxFF will present the world premiere of Amanda Kramer’s mind-bending film, Paris Window, as their Opening Night selection, with Jenn Wexler’s SXSW hit, The Ranger serving as the Closing Night selection. This year’s edition of WTxFF will showcase 10 feature-length films and 25 short films. For a full schedule of events, go to WomenTxFF.org.

Paris Window is the opening night film of the 2018 Women Texas Film Festival. Photo courtesy of Studio Movie Grill

Dallas Summer Musicals presents School of Rock

8/17 -8/26

Music Hall at Fair Park

Based on the hit film, School of Rock is a hilarious musical that follows Dewey Finn, a wannabe rock star posing as a substitute teacher who turns a class of straight-A students into a guitar-shredding, bass-slapping, mind-blowing rock band. The high-octane smash features 14 new songs from Andrew Lloyd Webber, all the original songs from the movie and musical theater’s first-ever kids rock band playing their instruments live on stage. For tickets and showtimes, click here.

Photo by Tristram Kenton

Big3: 3-on-3 Basketball League Playoffs

8/17 at 6:00 p.m.

American Airlines Center

Dallas will host the first round of playoffs for Big3, the American 3-on-3 professional basketball league. Created in part by rapper/actor Ice Cube, the league combines superstar players and fan interaction before and after the games to make for an exciting live experience. The entire league is operated and managed by the players, bringing highly competitive basketball played as it’s meant to be. The games feature half-court play and rules designed for competition and intensity. Instead of a tip-off, each game starts with a half-court do-or-die shootout. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo by Benjamin Slavich

 

Sons of Hermann Hall presents SonsStock

8/18 at 12:00 p.m.

Sons of Hermann Hall

SonsStock is an entertaining, family-friendly event where musicians and artisans join efforts to raise funds for Sons of Hermann Lodge 66. In addition to its fundraising efforts, it is also a celebration of Woodstock which coincides with the anniversary weekend 49 years ago. The hall is filled with Love, Peace and Music, as well as vendors selling their wares throughout the day. Items of interest to be sold in the “Hippie Market” are rare vinyl records, rare posters, vintage band concert t-shirts (covering bands from the ’60s to present day), as well as, tie-dye goods, vintage clothing, woodwork, pottery, paintings, prints, jewelry, and more. Everyone who attends is encouraged to dress up like a Hippie and enter the Grooviest Hippie Costume Contest. A raffle will be held throughout the day to win various gifts and goodies and food will be sold on the premises. The bar always offers sodas for the kids, drink specials and a large selection of cold beer. Music performances around the Electric Campfires will be happening all day long. Acts will be supported by a full sound system as they play around the Electric Campfires. Music acts include The Hammerknockers (special reunion), The Tuxedos, Elegant Solution, Twist of Fate, Zen Bubba, Peace Cowboy and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo by Nicholas McWhirter

 

Clear the Shelters

8/18 all day

Various locations

Animal shelters across the country are teaming up with NBC and Telemundo stations to find loving homes for pets in need. The fourth annual Clear the Shelters event, a nationwide pet adoption initiative, will be held Aug. 18, 2018. Hundreds of participating shelters will waive or discount fees as part of the one-day adoption drive. The goal is to #ClearTheShelters by finding ‘furever’ homes for as many animals as possible. More than 80,000 pets were adopted during last year’s event, but millions more remain homeless. Every year, 6.5 million animals end up in shelters nationwide — and only 3.2 million are adopted, according to the ASPCA. For a list of participating shelters, click here.

Photo via Getty Images

 

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ is the Epitome of Southern Hospitality

As older Dallas neighborhoods continue to see the effects of modernization in once traditional neighborhoods, good old-fashioned barbecue joints are seemingly hard to come by. At Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ, guests get the feel of a southern barbecue house complete with a spacious, dog-friendly yard, a stage for country/rock performances, and a giant ferris wheel. Frequently acclaimed as the best barbecue in DFW, Ferris Wheelers offers all of the elements that make southern hospitality, and more.

 

Drinks

Ferris Wheelers offers a variety of cocktails, many of which are traditional, but with a unique spin. One of these cocktails is the Blood Orange Mule, which consists of Stoli vodka, blood orange puree, lime juice, goslings, and ginger beer. It is a fruity, satisfying drink; not too strong on alcohol flavor, but sweet and tangy, like an Italian soda.

The Blood Orange Mule is a sweet, refreshing drink (Photo credit: Alex Gonzalez)

Another refreshing beverage is the Midway Margarita, which consists of Lunazul Tequila, lime, triple sec, and simple syrup. I highly recommend ordering the Midway Margarita with an additional pomegranate swirl for a sweet and sour punch of flavor.

The Midway Margarita tastes great with a pomegranate swirl (Photo credit: Alex Gonzalez)

 

Sides

 

When crafting a good barbecue, side dishes are just as important as entrees. The crew at Ferris Wheelers understands this and puts a great amount of care into their sides.


While coleslaw is never really anyone’s first choice as a side dish, Ferris Wheelers’s Jalapeño Bacon Coleslaw is surprisingly delicious. Apart from cabbage and carrots, the Jalapeño Bacon Coleslaw comes packed with meaty chunks of jalapeño sausage and bits of sweet, crispy bacon.

Ferris Wheelers’s Jalapeño Bacon Cole slaw is worth a try (Photo credit: Alex Gonzalez)

 

Other great sides include the BBQ Mac N Cheese, which is served topped with crispy barbecue-flavored potato chips, and the Fried Okra.

 

Meats

All of the meats at Ferris Wheelers are flavorful, savory, and satisfying, but perhaps my favorite was the brisket. The USDA Prime Brisket is smoked to perfection, cuts like butter, and partners well with Ferris Wheelers’s signature Texas Gold sauce.

Brisket, sausage, and okra (Photo credit: Alex Gonzalez)

The Hot Link, which is a brisket/pork shoulder blend stuffed with jalapeño and cheddar cheese, is a meaty treat one is hard-pressed to find anywhere else, and a must-try for first-timers at Ferris Wheelers.

Another great choice is the apple cider/honey brined turkey breast, which pairs well with Ferris Wheelers’s mustard-based Carolina Gold sauce.

Ribs, brisket, and southern fixins (Photo credit: Alex Gonzalez)

Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ is located at 1950 Market Center Blvd in Dallas. For information on hours, menu items, and events, visit their official website.

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Restaurant Reviews DFW

Weekend Happenings 8/10 – 8/12: Margarita Festival, Water Balloon Wars, and more

Photo courtesy of Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

NorthPark Auto Show

8/10 – 8/22 all day

NorthPark Center

NorthPark Center will present more than 40 top-of-the-line vehicles for the third NorthPark AutoShow. Premier 2018 and 2019 models from respected brands like Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Audi, Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, Land Rover, Lexus, McLaren, Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce, and more will line NorthPark’s corridors for the three-week event. Shoppers will learn about vehicles from Dallas’ top dealerships while experiencing NorthPark’s best-in-class collection of 230 stores and restaurants.

Photo courtesy of NorthPark Center

 

Checkered Past Winery presents Wine and Magic

8/10 & 8/11 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. on both nights

Checkered Past Winery

Checkered Past Winery will host award-winning magician Trigg Watson for Wine and Magic. Signature wines, pizza, charcuterie, desserts, and more will be available for purchase during the intimate show. Watson first fell in love with magic in his native Australia and later honed his craft while living in New Orleans. Watson has called Dallas home ever since attending and graduating from Southern Methodist University. He has since performed on several national television shows and won multiple awards. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Trigg Watson

 

Dallas Margarita Festival

8/11 at 12:00 p.m.

Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

Join 2000 of other Margarita lovers and vote for the best margarita in Dallas. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Ferris Wheelers Backyard & BBQ

Low & Slow North Texas BBQ & Music Festival

8/11 at 3:00 p.m.

Longhorn Ballroom

The inaugural Low & Slow North Texas BBQ & Music Festival will feature barbecue vendors, brewmasters, and bands from across Dallas-Fort Worth. Barbecue vendors include 407 BBQ, Bone Daddy’s, Cousin’s, Lakewood Smokehouse, One 90 Smoked Meats, Panther City BBQ, Smoke Rose, Winner’s BBQ, and a dozen others. Guests will also have the opportunity to sip on a wide array of tasty offerings from eight different local brewers including 3 Nations, 903 Brewing, Bitter Sisters, Hop Fusion Ale Works, Noble Rey, Rabbit Hole Brewing, Texas Ale Project, WoodCreek Brewing, and more. The event will also feature a star-studded lineup of local artists, including Bryce Bangs, Simon Flory Trio, Zane Williams, Bri Bagwell, The King Bucks and more. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Longhorn Ballroom

 

Foundation 45 presents Deep Ellum’s Water Balloon Wars

8/12 at 12:00 p.m.

Deep Ellum District

Foundation 45 will present a water balloon wars for a good cause. Get wet and wild with water slides, music, food, libations, and more in the heart of Deep Ellum. This adults-only event supports the efforts of Deep Ellum Community Association and Foundation 45. These non-profit organizations work to improve our local community through a variety of services. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo courtesy of Foundation 45