Dallas TX 2024-25

DALLAS | TX | 2024-25

1 The Science of Laughter 4 Good Eats 6 Event Calendar 14 Street Food Delights 18 Community Resources 20 Service Directory

The The Science Science of of Laughter: Laughter: Why Why We We Love Love to to Chuckle Chuckle Laughter is often called the best medicine, and for good reason. It’s a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, bringing joy and connection to people worldwide. But have you ever wondered why we love to chuckle so much?

In this article, we’ll explore the fascinating science of laughter, the benefits it brings, and why it’s such a fundamental part of the human experience.

The Biology of Laughter: A Brainy Affair When you laugh, your brain releases a cocktail of feel-good chemicals. Endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, flood your system, creating a sense of euphoria and reducing stress. Laughter also triggers the release of dopamine, a continued on page 10

neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This chemical rush is why we often feel so good after a hearty laugh.

The Social Glue: Connecting Through Chuckles Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it’s also a powerful social tool.

Evolutionary scientists believe that laughter evolved as a way for early humans to bond and strengthen social bonds.

When we laugh with others, it signals trust and positive interaction, reinforcing social connections.

The Laughter Contagion: Yawns Are Out, Laughter Is In You’ve probably experienced DALL AS | T X | 2024-25 |

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Restaurants Petra and the Beast Popular destination showcasing farm-to-fork, New American cuisine in snug, unassuming surrounds.

601 N Haskell Ave., Dallas, TX 75246 Phone: (318) 935-0906 | Web: www.petraandthebeast.com

CBD Provisions Upscale Joule Hotel brasserie offers creative Texan comfort dishes & cocktails in a stylish setting.

1530 Main St STE 100, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 261-4500 | Web:www.thejouledallas.com

Tei-An Chef-owner Teiichi Sakurai’s Japanese cuisine in a posh contemporary space with Zenlike ambiance.

1722 Routh St #110, Dallas, TX 75201 Phone: (214) 220-2828 | Web: tei-an.com

Have a restaurant you’d like us to feature?

Send in a recommendation for your favorite restaurant to be added to our list. Be sure to mention why you think they are worthy of being featured and include a link to their website.

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Rodeo Goat

Lucia

Casual joint offering inventive variations on house-ground burgers & a lengthy craft-beer lineup.

1926 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX

Popular resource for creative Italian fare served in rustic, cozy quarters dating from the 1920s.

287 N Bishop Ave, Dallas, TX

The Woolworth Cozy yet stylish bar with an elevated menu of shared plates & entrees plus handcrafted cocktails.

1520 Elm St #201, Dallas, TX

Toulouse This warm eatery serves a menu of French bistro classics indoors & out on a covered patio.

3314 Knox St, Dallas, TX

Fearing’s Restaurant Chef Dean Fearing’s splashy Southwestern destination with a celebrated bar in the luxe Ritz-Carlton.

2121 McKinney Ave, Dallas, TX

Town Hearth Swank space with raw bar, steaks & classic cocktails from Dallas chef Nick Badovinus.

1617 Market Center Blvd, Dallas, TX

Al Biernat’s Longtime, upscale steak & seafood destination known for its service & vibrant bar.

4217 Oak Lawn Ave, Dallas, TX

Uchi Sleek destination offering a menu of modern Japanese cuisine, known for its cooked seafood & sushi.

2817 Maple Ave, Dallas, TX

Cafe Momentum Chad Houser’s New American spot doubles as a nonprofit helping at-risk youths learn culinary skills.

1510 Pacific Ave, Dallas, TX

Dakota’s Steakhouse Subterranean seafood & steakhouse with a garden waterfall view & luxe New Orleans-style ambiance.

600 N Akard St, Dallas, TX DALL AS | T X | 2024-25 |

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EVENTS 2024 Feb 11 Lunar New Year Festival Fun for all ages, this free event will feature stunning dragon and lion dances, musical and martial arts demos, art making, calligraphy, specialty booths and cultural performances. The event will be held at DFW Chinatown - the epicenter of Asian culture in the Dallas metro area featuring a fantastic mix of restaurants, grocery stores, bakeries and cultural centers. Visit www. richardsoncoredistrict.com.

Mar 8 Alan Cumming: Is Not Acting His Age Scottish-American polymath Alan Cumming returns with his new cabaret show ‘Alan Cumming Is Not Acting His Age’, an evening of story and song celebrating and exploring his puckish, eclectic spirit and joie de vivre, with a joyful and mischievous exploration of that most communal of pastimes: aging! Details and tickets at alancumming.com.

Apr 6 Dallas Reggae Festival he annual Dallas Reggae Festival will feature unique arts, crafts and jewelry vendors, Caribbean-inspired food, and various artists and local reggae bands celebrating cultural equality through reggae music. Details at dallasreggaefest.com.

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EVENTS 2024 Apr 13 Dallas Food Fest Dallas’ Premier Food Fest showcasing local restaurants, local eateries, local cafes and local food trucks! This festival is all things surrounding Food so please come hungry! Our festival will stretch over 8 Hours with a bunch of different participating vendors. Outside of food there will be plenty of fun including Live Music from some of Texas best bands! Visit eventbrite.com.

May 4 Cottonwood Art Festival Cottonwood Art Festival is a juried semi-annual art show that features work from the nation’s top visual artists. This event has been ranked one of the best fine art festivals in the nation and continues to uphold its extraordinary reputation as a first-rate show rich in history. Live entertainment on two stages, a Friday night gala for the artists and guests, an interactive children’s art area and much more, round out this perfect weekend in the park! Visit cottonwoodartfestival.com.

May 17-19 Main Street Fest - A Craft Brew Experience Main Street Fest is a family-friendly festival in the heart of Historic Downtown Grapevine, Texas. It’s three fun-filled days of live music, craft beverage experiences, delicious eats, street performers, shopping, and so much more! Main Street Fest is family-friendly with our unique KidZone and tons of fun in the carnival! Visit graprevinetexasusa.com.

May 19 Elm Street Music & Tattoo Festival The convention features some of the best tattooers in the world, art shows, vendors, and a mix of local and touring bands all within a few blocks on Elm Street. Visit www.elmstreettattoo.com.

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the phenomenon of contagious laughter. When someone near you starts laughing, you can’t help but join in, even if you’re not sure what’s so funny.

This contagious nature of laughter is thought to be linked to our mirror neuron system, which activates when we observe someone else’s actions or emotions. In essence, when we see or hear laughter, our brains mimic it, compelling us to laugh along.

The Health Benefits: A Chuckle a Day Keeps the Doctor Away Laughter isn’t just about feeling good; it also offers numerous health benefits. Here are some of the ways laughter can boost your well-being: Stress Reduction: Laughter reduces the production of stress hormones like

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cortisol, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety.

Pain Relief: Laughing triggers the release of endorphins, which can temporarily alleviate pain and discomfort.

Improved Immunity: Regular laughter has been linked to enhanced immune function, helping the body fight off illnesses.

Better Mood: Laughter can elevate mood and combat feelings of depression by increasing the release of dopamine.

Strengthened Relationships: Sharing laughs with friends and loved ones fosters stronger social

bonds and increases feelings of connectedness.

The Laughter Prescription: Make Time for Chuckles Incorporating laughter into your daily life is a simple yet effective way to improve your well-being. Here are some tips to get your daily dose of giggles: Watch Comedy: Enjoy a funny movie, stand-up comedy show, or your favorite sitcom to trigger laughter.

Spend Time with Funny Friends: Surround yourself with people who have a good sense of humor and enjoy sharing laughter.

Laughter Yoga: Join a laughter yoga class or practice laughter exercises at home to reap the benefits of intentional laughter.

Find Humor in Everyday Life: Seek out the humor in everyday situations and don’t take life too seriously.

Share Funny Stories: Share funny anecdotes and jokes with friends and family to create laughter-filled moments.

Embrace the Chuckles Laughter is a powerful and joyful force in our lives. It connects us, reduces stress, and brings a myriad of health benefits.

So, the next time you find yourself in the midst of hearty laughter, remember that you’re not just having fun—you’re also giving your brain and body a much-needed boost.

Embrace the chuckles, share a joke, and let laughter light up your life. After all, as the saying goes, laughter truly is the best medicine!

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EVENTS 2024 Jun 1-2 Dallas Pride Dallas Pride returns June 1-2, 2024 to celebrate love and inclusion. Pride weekend kicks off with the Dallas Pride Music Festival on Saturday, followed by Dallas Pride’s Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade on Sunday.

Bring the whole family to these all-ages events, which make for a weekend of fun honoring the LGBTQ+ community, its allies, sponsors and supporters. Visit dallaspride.org.

Jun 23 Freedom Fest Activities include food, vendors, live art by local artists, talent showcase, and so much more. Special performance by special CELEB Guest. Come out and enjoy the community, great music, and freedom!Details at eventbrite.com.

Jul 4 Independence Day Festivals & Events Celebrate Independence Day with muuic, food, parades and fireworks!

To find all the locations where you can join in on the festivities, visit fourthofjulydallas.com.

Aug 10 Dallas Taco & Margarita Festival Join 2500 other Taco and Margarita lovers for the Annual Taco & Margarita Festival and sample some of the best Tacos and Margs that Dallas has to offer! All margaritas will be featuring premium tequila! Visit www.texasfests.com/dallastacomarg.

Sep 27 Oktoberfest Dallas This family friendly event brings thousands of people across Dallas - Fort Worth for the good food, good beer and good times. Featuring some of

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Street food is more than just a meal; it’s an experience.

It’s the sizzle of skewers on a grill, the aromatic spices wafting through the air, and the sizzling woks that create an irresistible symphony of flavors. Here are some of the world’s most beloved street food traditions: 1. Thailand: Mango Sticky Rice ~ In Thailand, street food is a way of life. You can’t visit without savoring pad Thai, a stir-fried noodle dish bursting with flavors. And don’t forget to indulge in mango sticky rice, a sweet and fragrant dessert that’s the perfect balance of creamy and chewy.

2. Mexico: Tacos and Elote ~ Taco stands are a staple in Mexican street food culture, offering an array of fillings like al pastor, carne asada, and carnitas. Pair your tacos with elote, grilled corn slathered with mayonnaise, continued on page 16

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cheese, and chili powder—a taste explosion in every bite.

3. India: Samosas ~ Indian street food is a flavorpacked paradise. Try chaat, a savory snack that combines crispy fried dough with chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. For something heartier, try samosas - deep fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes are a must-try.

4. Vietnam: Banh Mi ~ Vietnamese street food offers a fresh and aromatic experience.

Sample a steaming bowl of pho, a fragrant noodle soup infused with herbs and spices. Or grab a banh mi, a delectable sandwich filled with grilled meats, pickled veggies, and a burst of fresh herbs.

5. Greece: Gyros & Souvlaki ~ Greek street food is a Mediterranean delight. Indulge in a gyro, a pita wrap filled with tender slices of roasted meat and topped with tzatziki sauce and veggies. For a quick bite, grab a souvlaki skewer, often made with succulent marinated chicken or pork.

6. Japan: Takoyaki & Okonomiyaki ~ Japan’s street food scene offers a unique blend of tradition and innovation. Try takoyaki, octopus-filled dough balls drizzled with savory sauces. Or savor okonomiyaki, a savory pancake loaded with toppings like cabbage, pork, and mayo.

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7. Morocco: Tagine & Harira Soup ~ Moroccan street food is a sensory explosion. Taste tagine, a slowcooked stew that combines tender meats, vegetables, and aromatic spices. And don’t miss harira soup, a hearty tomato and lentil soup that’s a Moroccan comfort food staple.

8. United States: Hot Dogs/Pretzels ~ Street food isn’t limited to international flavors. In the U.S., you can’t beat the classic charm of a hot dog cart or a soft pretzel stand. Add your favorite toppings and sauces for a taste of American street food tradition.

Exploring global street food culture is like taking a whirlwind tour of the world’s flavors and traditions. Each street vendor, food cart, or bustling market stall offers a unique opportunity to savor authentic dishes and connect with locals. Whether you’re strolling through the vibrant streets of Bangkok or sipping soup in a Moroccan medina, street food is an adventure waiting to be devoured. So, grab a plate, dig in, and let your taste buds take you on a journey you’ll never forget!

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GAY FOR GOOD Gay For Good Dallas-Fort Worth mobilizes lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer (LGBTQ+) and ally volunteers to promote diversity, foster inclusion and strengthen ties to the broader Dallas-Fort Worth community. We facilitate welcoming, inclusive service projects in support of a wide range of causes throughout Dallas-FortWorth and surrounding areas, and we look forward to meeting you. Web: gayforgood.org RESOURCE CENTER - COMMUNITY CENTER Resource Center pursues societal equity by proudly offering LGBTQIA+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, plus) affirming resources designed to improve health and wellness, strengthen families and communities, and provide transformative education and advocacy. Web: myresourcecenter.org COALITION FOR AGING, LGBT The mission is to improve and protect the quality of life of older LGBT adults in North Texas through health, housing, advocacy, financial security and social services. We are taking immediate action to create programs and make cultural changes to insure the quality of life and dignity. Web: cfa.lgbt DFW FUSE Fuse is a group for gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer and questioning guys between the ages of 18-35 in the DFW Metroplex. Our mission is to foster a safe, healthy, and supportive community. Web: dfwfuse.com THE DALLAS WAY The mission of The Dallas Way is to gather, organize, store, and present the complete LGBTQ history of Dallas, Texas. Web: thedallasway.org PFLAG DALLAS PFLAG is the first and largest organization dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people and their families. Web: pflag.org

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CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Jennifer K Maddox CPA & Associates.............................................................19 FENCING & LANDSCAPE 78 Fence & Backyard Concepts.......................................................................3 FINANCIAL ADVISORS Mission Wealth.................................................................................................6 HEALTH CENTER HHM Health.....................................................................................................9 IMMUNOTHERAPY Southwest Pain Management.........................................................................19 MUSEUM Irving Archives and Museum............................................................................ 7 NEUROTHERAPY & TREATMENT Brain Performance Center................................................................................ 2 PAIN MANAGEMENT Southwest Pain Management.........................................................................19 PSYCHOTHERAPY Brain Performance Center................................................................................ 2 SIGHTSEEING Reunion Tower..............................................................................front cover, 15 THERAPY Institute for Relational Recovery......................................................................13 WELLNESS Institute for Relational Recovery......................................................................13

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EVENTS 2024-25 the best local bands, plenty of fun for the kids, and delicious restaurant offerings from brats to ice cream. Visit oktoberfestdallas.com.

Oct 18-20 Dallas FanFestival Three days of fun-filled, fan culture. If you’re into comics, sci-fi, horror, anime, gaming, or cosplay, come share our playground. You’ll feel out of this world – and right at home. Find your fandom family at Dallas FAN FESTIVAL. All 15,000 of them. Details at fanexpohq.com/ dallasfanfestival.

Nov 1 Greek Food Festival of Dallas Enjoy the culinary delights that Greece is famous for! We are bringing back all your favorites this year — Gyro, Loukoumades, Feta Bites, Souvlaki, Greek Fries, and introducing some new items to the menu. We have an authentic Greek Grocery and so many imports, Jewelry, wonderful gifts and treats to browse and buy. Don’t forget to attend one of the cooking demos there learning how your favorite cuisine is made- just like Yiayia (grandma) of course. Visit greekfestivalofdallas.com.

Dec 14 Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl® The 7th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl® is coming to town Saturday December 14th, 2024 from 12pm-8pm!! Put on your best holiday onesies, Santa suits, ugly sweaters, and elf costumes! It’s the most wonderful crawl of the year! Details at eventbrite.com.

Jan TBD 2025 Martin Luther King Birthday Parade Dallas has honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. for more than 40 years in one of the largest commemorative events in the nation. The parade, a festive mix of floats and marching bands, takes place along MLK Boulevard in South Dallas in mid-January. Learn more at visitdallas.com.