Parisian bistro Parigi serves a special three-course, pre-theater menu daily, during the run of the Tony Award®-winning “American in Paris” at the Dallas Summer Musicals.

Un Apéritif Gratuit

Beginning at 5:30 pm daily, the Parigi menu includes a complimentary appetizer with proof of “An American in Paris” ticket, along with choices of main courses and desserts at various prices depending on selection.

Al Fresco at Parigi

Modeled after the bistros of Paris with a New York feel, Parigi has been catering to the tastes of Dallas’ discriminating patrons for over 30 years. The menu is diverse, eclectic, and stylish.  The space is cosmopolitan and refined, yet with an upbeat and friendly atmosphere.  Sources include produce from local farmers, cheeses from small batch cheese makers, and seafood from sustainable and responsible fishermen. Parigi Dallas is located at 3311 Oak Lawn Avenue, Dallas, TX 75219.

The pre-theater menu seating is available, 5:30-6:30 pm.  For reservations (highly recommended) call 214-521-0295 and visit online at  www.parigidallas.com

English-Speaking Union National Shakespeare Competition

It’s here – the 25^th Annual National Shakespeare Competition this Saturday, Feb. 20^th, at Highland Park High School. Judges from Shakespeare Dallas, the area’s veteran producers of Shakespeare in the Park, will select one winner from the 10 competing area high schools. That top performer advances to Nationals in New York this spring, and then, should the fates allow, on to England to study Shakespeare first-hand on full scholarship.

Enjoy last year’s winning performance here.

2015 ESU National Shakespeare Competition Winner

Popular Dallas public speaker Rose-Mary Rumbley opens the event at 9:00 am with a reflection on this year as the 400^th Anniversary of the death of Shakespeare. Highland Park High School is located at 4220 Emerson.

The Business Council for the Arts at North Park Center

Fall is upon us, and here’s a curated show of fashion you can see as you shop. This week an exhibition opened at NorthPark Center in Dallas (a Nasher deal): Art Meets Fashion: 1965 – 2015. Curator and professor Myra Walker is also the director of the acclaimed Texas Fashion Collection at the University of North Texas, and she’s put together an all-star show of 29 iconic looks from the past 50 years, including those by Pierre Cardin, Todd Oldham, Christian LaCroix, and Halston. The collection also features pieces (via NorthPark) “by current designers from the 2007 Neiman Marcus show Future Fashion.”

The show is on in the ground-floor section between Neiman Marcus and Nordstrom (of course!). It’s up through October 25. Obviously free and open to the public.

and THANKS! to “our friends at Glasstire.”

SOUK AT TRINITY GROVES SETS SAIL INTO FALL WITH AN EVENING OF MOROCCAN FOOD AND SURPRISES

Souk at Trinity Groves is hosting an End of Summer Bash on Friday, August 28, 2015, to introduce their new program of late-night food and fun.

Starting at 7pm, guests to Souk Moroccan Bistro & Bazaar will be transported into the Mediterranean with live entertainment from Alia the Great, performing her belly dancing “Queen of the Nile” routine and DJ Ash Bkspn spinning Arabic tech/dance music.  For the ultimate experience, groups of guests can share a Hookah for the reduced price of $20. (Event special as the Hookah regularly is $30).
Surprise.  Surprise.   Revelers might even be able to take the ultimate selfie– with a real camel.  Better bring the selfie stick for that one.

Beginning Sept. 4, guests can enjoy items off Souk’s new Late Night Menu (featuring Moroccan surprises as well as favorites) Friday and Saturday nights, 11 pm – 2 am,  on the patio.

Cited by media as a ‘fantasy Aladdin dream house’ with an ‘atmosphere as rich as the aromas of a spice shop,’ Souk Dallas is located in the entertainment district Trinity Groves, just west of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge and is recognized for its savory offerings, delicious drinks, post dinner hookahs, and the occasional sighting of lively belly dancers. Souk Dallas is located at 3011 Gulden Lane, #114 in Trinity Groves.  Hours of operation are Mon. – Fri., 11 am – 10 pm and weekends 11 am – 12 am.  For reservations call 469-458-2233.  For more information www.soukdallas.com

Taylor Investments Texas, Founded in 1991, has become a leader in specialty truck and sport car acquisition and sales. Taylor Investments is dedicated to providing the client with first-class service with unparalleled quality car and truck acquisitions based on the clients specific requests. Taylor Investments takes great strides to purchase the exact car or truck upon request, verify the quality of all engine components and interior specifications. The car will be personally deliver to the client once it passes the post sale inspection. The vehicles are serviced at Taylor Investments using only (OEM), Original Equipment and Manufactured, parts. We offer the client extended warranties at wholesale prices, as well as stewarding any custom additions to the vehicles whether it is interior or exterior upgrades.

Simply put, Taylor Investments will find, purchase, service and deliver cars and trucks to you and at discounted prices. Once you decide what type of vehicle you are looking for, size, make, model, color, price range etc. Taylor Investments will scour its inventory resources to find the vehicle that best fits your criteria. If the client is happy with the findings, Taylor Investments will purchase the vehicle for you, retrieve it, service it a make it ready for delivery or available for the customer to pick up at our Dallas location. In some cases, Taylor Investments can acquire the vehicle for special occasions or surprises, store the vehicle on a short-term basis, and deliver it to a specific time and or place. Taylor will do what ever it takes to make the experience work for its clients.

Financing is always an option with good or bad credit. In most cases Taylor Investments can finance just about any vehicle with a reasonable down payment and interest rate. Taylor Investments brings the fun, savings and service back into car and truck sales and service.

Visit us at www.taylorinvestmentstx.com or call us immediately at 972-422-7766, and let us find your preferred vehicle today!

DAVID DIKE FINE ART, TEXAS ART AUCTION SET FOR JANUARY 24

The 19th Annual David Dike Fine Art Texas Art Auction will be held Saturday, January 24, 2015, at the Wildman Art Framing, 1715 Market Center Blvd., Dallas, TX 75207 in the heart of the Design District. Auction highlights will include several mid-century modern pieces by artists: Seymour Fogel, Alexandre Hogue, Zanne Hochberg, Kelly Fearing and Stephen Rascoe among many others. Exceptional works by early Texas painters like Dawson Dawson-Watson, Julian Onderdonk, Lewis Teel, Audley Dean Nicols, Jose Arpa, Edward Eisenlohr, Charles Bowling, Jerry Bywaters and Porfirio Salinas also will be available as part of the auction.

Auction preview will be January 19 – 23 at Wildman Art Framing 9 AM – 5 PM. Preview event and art talk will take place at 5:30 PM on Thursday, January 22. Katie Robinson Edwards Phd., curator at the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum and author of the books: Midcentury Modern Art in Texas, 2014, UT Press and Texas Modern, The Rediscovery of Early Texas Abstraction (1935-1965), 2007, Texas Art Books; will give a talk on the evolution of Texas Art in Texas with an focus on the auction items.

Beginning at 1:00 PM, the Auction includes sketches and drawings, oil paintings, and sculptures and is expected to continue until approximately 6:30 pm.

In person, phone, absentee and internet bidding will be available. For updates and to view the virtual auction catalogue please visit: www.daviddike.com. Auctioneer Louis Murad (TX 13362) will once again conduct the sale.

David Dike Fine Art is located at 2613 Fairmount St., Dallas, TX 75201. For more information 214-720-4044; ddfa@swbell.net or www.daviddike.com.

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Julian Onderdonk (Am. 1882-1922)

Spanish Oaks, Medina Valley, Southwest Texas, 1915

oil on canvas 25 x 30

signed lower right: Julian Onderdonk

$200,000 – $300,000

Press contact:

Martha Tiller 214/552-4090

mtiller@marthatiller.com

Janice Provost of Parigi restaurant in Dallas  presents  a “pink dinner” featuring an all-female crew in the kitchen….and wines by noted female winemaker Ambassador Kathryn Walt Hall of Hall Vineyards in Napa.

Modeled after the bistros of Paris with a New York feel, Parigi  caters to its discriminating patrons with a diverse, eclectic menu served in stylish, cosmopolitan space in an upbeat and friendly atmosphere.  Chef/owner Janice Provost presides  over all in her signature pink chef’s jacket and pink chef’s clogs.

Parigi is a well-known and successful bistro in the popular Uptown area of Dallas.  The décor has the feel of a New York Upper East Side neighborhood place with chic, yet comfortable dining indoors and a popular patio.  (photos available at www.parigidallas.com).  Staff shirts emblazoned with W.I.T. (whatever it takes) says legions about the style of service one can expect.  The year of 2014 finds Parigi celebrating its 30th Anniversary…a rarity indeed in these times.  Janice Provost has owned the restaurant since 2002, bringing it to new levels.

Owning and operating Parigi since 2002, Provost is credited with being one of the first in Dallas to grasp the farm to table movement, and she religiously scours the area for the best local ingredients.  You can expect her to do the same in New York for this Beard  Dinner.

 Known for giving back, Janice and Parigi regularly participates in chef driven charity events–too many to mention. Her bio outlines an important role in the founding of Café Momentum, a non-profit restaurant giving training and career opportunity to troubled youth. Other Parigi accolades include winning the famous AIWF Caesar Salad Competition and being named one of the Best Brunches in the city.  Janice recently was a featured reception chef at the first James Beard Taste America Dinner held in Dallas.

Northwood University Distinguished Women weekend welcome reception at Donald Trumps Mar a Largo in West Palm Beach. Was great of The Donald to drop by to say hello. 

With a clearly articulated mission to develop the future leaders of a global, free-enterprise society, Northwood University is expanding its presence in national and international venues. Professors are engaged in economic and policy dialogue; students are emerging as champions in regional and national academic competitions. At all campuses and in all divisions, Northwood University is energized and is actively pursuing dynamic programming and increased influence.

On Friday, 250 Dallasites will get a rare treat, compliments of chef Patrick O’Connell of the famed Inn at Little Washington. O’Connell and Dallas chef Stephan Pyles will collaborate for a four-course dinner in the Hilton Anatole’s Wedgwood Room. The dinner is part of the Dallas stop of the James Beard Foundation’s Taste of America tour.

The foundation is partnering with the Dallas nonprofit Café Momentum to raise money for the James Beard Foundation culinary scholarship and training programs.

Five local chefs are participating in a tasting reception prior to the dinner. They are Tim Byres of Smoke,Omar Flores of Casa Rubia, Matt McCallister of FT33, Janice Provost of Parigi and David Uygur of Lucia. Local notable have agreed to be honorary sous chefs, including Herb Weitzman, Liz Minyard Lokey, Joe Pacetti, Steve Reiter and Wendy Lopez. WFAA’s Ron Corning is serving as master of ceremonies.

Alan Peppard

Opening Sept. 26.  Themed Deep in the Heart of Texans, this year’s event is not to be missed.  Was privileged to join a small group on a special preview tour including a ride in the $12 million space needle where we had a bird’s eye view 500 ft. up of the midway, the downtown skyline, and the Cotton Bowl.

Standing on the 50 yd. line in the Cotton Bowl, we could only imagine the yelling crowds during the Texas/OU legendary game.

We learned about the great care taken in providing for floral and green plantings to beautify the Fair Grounds…and the $40 million dollars that runs through the State Fair Bank (yes there is a bank) during the seasonal run.  Don’t get any ideas….there are 150 policemen guarding.

Then there’s the fabulous State Fair Musicals run by the one and only Michael Jenkins who got his start in theater as a teenager when he scraped up enough money to first invest in a little show on Broadway…that turned out to be My Fair Lady.  The rest is history.

So get ready for 100 daily shows, 24 days of live music, endless family-friendly activities, nightly starlight parade, an amazing fire & water show and one 55 ft. tall cowboy.

See you Sept. 26-Oct. 19 at the Great State Fair of Texas, Fair Park in Dallas. www.bigtex.com

September Modern Luxury

Sunday Brunch Menu

Cucina Neighborhood Italian restaurant is now serving brunch, Sunday, 11 am-3 pm. Starters include chilled gazpacho and crab cakes & salad. Entrees include frittatas, eggs Florentine as well as Benedict and a special brunch pizza. Enjoy a mimosa, bellini, or bloody mary for $2 at this Preston Center meeting place specializing in rustic Italian cuisine.

Cucina is located at 8411 Preston Road (SW corner of NW Highway and Preston). Hours of operation are Mon.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; Fri., 11am-11PM; Sat., 5-11 pm; and Sun., 5-10 p
m. Beginning Aug. 24, Sun. brunch 11am-3pm.

With a focus on simple, natural Italian dishes at a great value, Cucina’s philosophy is to serve great tasting food with the freshest ingredients available. Reservations can be made at 214-468-4674 or online at www.cucinadallas.com.

Visit Cucina Neighborhood Italian restaurant for a Tuscan Summer Supper in August. From Aug. 11-24, diners can enjoy a special three-course menu and a glass of wine for $25.00 per person (plus tax and gratuity) at this Preston Center meeting place specializing in rustic Italian cuisine featuring pizza, pastas and grilled fare. Included is a choice of appetizer, main course, and dessert along with a glass of red or white wine paired with selections.

Cucina is located at 8411 Preston Road (SW corner of NW Highway and Preston). Hours of operation are Mon.-Thurs., 11am-10pm; Fri., 11am-11PM; Sat., 5-11 pm; and Sun., 5-10 pm. Beginning Aug. 24, Sun. brunch 11am-3pm.

With a focus on simple, natural Italian dishes at a great value, Cucina’s philosophy is to serve great tasting food with the freshest ingredients available. Reservations can be made at 214-468-4674 or online at www.cucinadallas.com.

“CINDERELLA HAS CELLULITE AND OTHER MUSINGS FROM A LAST WIFE”

Dallas, TX—Business woman and former mayor of Colleyville Donna Arp Weitzman makes a formidable first foray into writing with her zany and satirical new book Cinderella Has Cellulite and Other Musings From a Last Wife, published mid- July 2014.

It’s no surprise that the first printing is near selling out the first month as Weitzman uses her laser-sharp wit and hilarious but oh-so-insightful social commentary skills to take a riotous look at relationships, especially second or beyond marriages. “It’s like a mature version of Sex and the City,” said a Weitzman friend and fan.

The book takes a humorous look at marriage and the intricate dance of personalities, love and romance, his friends and her friends and working hard to make it last — all with just the right blend of sass and realism.

Weitzman says she has other books in the works. Next up is one from the man’s point of view. Think “Prince Charming has a Migraine.” And there are others on the horizon.

Cinderella Sampling:  “Okay, Lover Girl. Your New Man has you startled, staggered—and swept off your feet! Now what?” Weitzman writes in her introduction. “You know who you are. The store clerk caught you scooping up beauty tips and slipping Cosmo magazines under the milk and potatoes in your grocery cart. And you are busy checking in at yogi shops to tighten your arm muscles and buttocks, announcing, “He may be The One” to anyone who will listen. Where is this going? Down the aisle or down in flames?”

About the Author: Growing up in Bowie, TX, Weitzman’s charismatic personality and visionary acumen have long translated into a litany of first and best accolades, including B.S. and M.S. degrees with highest honors from Midwestern University, a graduate certificate from Harvard Business School and an Honorary Doctorate degree from Northwood University.

With a lifelong love of literature, Weitzman taught high school senior English after finishing college. With a devotion to community service and passion for giving back, Donna has held a number of both appointed and elected positions. She held a number of elected positions in Colleyville, including Mayor and City Councilwoman. She has been a columnist for News and Times, TriCities (owned by the Dallas Morning News); The Courier Newspaper; Founder and Investor of Distinctive Lifestyles Magazine, Northeast Tarrant County, and has been a featured lecturer and speaker at universities, conference and seminars across the U.S.

Being recognized for her volunteer work and leadership, Arp Weitzman received the President George Bush National Volunteer Service Award in 2004 and was honored with the American/Israeli Friendship Award from Bnai Zion International in 2013.

Weitzman is married to real estate executive Herb Weitzman and is the mother of two sons. Her family continues to be a guiding source of strength and inspiration in her various social, professional and educational endeavors.

Cinderella has Cellulite is sold for $14.95 and is available on Amazon.com and at Write Selections and Copper Lamp in Dallas and Allie Coosh in Synder Plaza as well as the Forestwood and High Street Antique Malls.  The author is available for speaking engagements, book signings and personal appearances.   For more information 817/917-5858 or donnajarp@gmail.com

Join Campuzano Mexican Food on Oak Lawn for five days of celebrating the popular Cinco de Mayo.  During the dates of May 1-5, revelers can enjoy a complimentary appetizer with drinks and Happy Hour drink prices including $3 house margaritas and $2 well drinks, 4:00 PM to closing.  (Regular Happy Hour days are Sun-Thurs.)

Campuzano Mexican Food is located at 2618 Oak Lawn Ave. Hours of operation are Sun.-Thurs. 11am-10pm and Fri./Sat. 11am-11pm. Known for featuring over 15 different margaritas and serving every Mexican beer sold in America, Campuzano offers dine-in as well as catering services.  For reservations call 214-526-0100.  For more information www.campuzanomexicanfood.com.

SAVOR DALLAS CELEBRATES FOOD, WINE, ARTS, MARCH 20-23

Savor the flavor of wine, food, beer, spirits, and the arts.  They all play a big role in Savor Dallas.  Join us for our 10th Anniversary celebration March 20th through March 22nd.

Savor Dallas brings dozens of great chefs and delicious cuisine together with people who appreciate the finest flavors.

Savor Dallas presents an exciting array of over 400 premium wines to satisfy the most discriminating palate.

It’s a great place to discover the best from the world of food and drink in some very cool and exciting locations.

For 2014, Savor Dallas events will take place in the beautiful Dallas Arboretum, the breathtaking Dallas Arts District, the world-class Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas, and the beautiful Omni Hotels and Resorts Dallas.  Check out EVENTS orSCHEDULE for updates on other Savor Dallas events.

Experience the most delicious food and wine festival in Texas, Savor Dallas!

It’s big fun and big flavor in Big D…..so, bring your friends!