VisitDallas The Magazine - Spring/Summer 2020

VISITDALLAS, the magazine

VISITDALLAS the magazine SHOWERED IN ARTS SMALL-TOWN CHARM:

BISHOP ARTS SHOWCASES ITS ECLECTIC ATTITUDE

ASIAN CULTURE IN THE HEART OF DALLAS STETSON HATS:

AMERICANA MADE HERE

SPRING/SUMMER 2020

SEE DALLAS ALONG THE MARGARITA MILE

SS20_VisitDallas-CVR.indd Custom V

1/13/20 12:04 PM

HORSE.

Play.

LOCATION: JADEWATERS RESORT POOL AT THE HILTON ANATOLE

DALL AS IS A CIT Y WITH M ANY SIDES. That’s what makes it such a great place to bring the family. Admire real flamingos and feed giraffes at the Dallas Zoo. Saddle up at the Texas Horse Park. Or exercise your brain at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science. Enjoy resort-style pools, amusement parks, and go wild at the high-flying Trinity Forest Adventure Park. Then explore even more in the Children’s Adventure Garden at the Dallas Arboretum or Children’s Aquarium at Fair Park.

From the jaw-dropping to the hair-raising, there’s plenty for kids to wrangle in Dallas.

Get the most from your getaway at VisitDallas.com.

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 2

1/13/20 10:20 AM

Welcome to VisitDallas,

THE MAGAZINE.

We hope you enjoy reading our curated and original content and discover something surprising, something new, something unexpected about Dallas in the pages of this second issue.

In this spring/summer issue, you’ll see how Dallas blossoms with cultural programming as our city celebrates Dallas Arts Month in April. With so many arts and cultural offerings we’re certain Dallas will be a world of inspiration every time you visit.

We will also explore Dallas’ growing Asian culture. Did you know Dallas is home to temples that showcase the history and richness of Asian religions? Our fashion feature spotlights the unique and eclectic vibe you’ll experience in the Bishop Arts District, a hip, trendy and stylish area to explore.

Add to that a splash in some rooftop hotel pools, a walk in Downtown parks changing the landscape of the city, and a tour of the iconic Stetson factory—a Dallas-loved brand

ORT OLE

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 1

with a lot of history under its brim.

We’ll also uncover the history of one cool street: Jefferson Avenue in the Oak Cliff neighborhood of Dallas—we hope it inspires you to visit a few hot spots (old and new) on your next visit to this part of Dallas.

Since Bon Appétit magazine named Dallas the 2019 Restaurant City of the Year, of course we have to serve up a tour of the best tacos in Texas, sip some super-sized cocktails to wet your whistle and, finally, celebrate the grapefruit—the official fruit of the State of Texas—in our Last Bite!

We hope to leave you planning your next trip to Dallas because we can’t wait to greet you and welcome you to our home.

Hurry up and get here!

1/13/20 10:20 AM

CONTENTS Dallas Now A Better Place to Live, Work and Visit PAGE 7 One-on-One with Jorge Baldor PAGE 8 One Cool Street PAGE 10 Downtown Goes Green PAGE 12 Material World PAGE 14 LGBTQ Love PAGE 16 Seven Rooftop Hotel Pools PAGE 17 Six Texas-Sized Spirits PAGE 18 Hop on the M-Line PAGE 20

Itinerary 36 Hours in Dallas with the Family PAGE 22

Made in Dallas Wild, Wild Western Wear PAGE 26

FEATURES Showered in Arts PAGE 35 Frozen in Time PAGE 46 A Taco Tour PAGE 54 Small-Town Charm PAGE 56 Asian Culture in the Heart of Dallas PAGE 84

Dallas, International PAGE 96 Calendar PAGE 98 Last Bite PAGE 100

CONTENTS VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 2

1/13/20 10:21 AM

ON THE COVER: Luis and Taylor photographed in the Bishop Arts District.

Read more about this booming Oak Cliff neighborhood in our feature story, page 56.

PHOTOGRAPH BY SHYNA FONTANA

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 3

1/13/20 10:21 AM

VisitDallas, the magazine President & CEO Craig T. Davis SVP & Chief Marketing Officer Frank Librio Director of Marketing & Communications Stephanie Faulk

CONTRIBUTORS As an almost-Dallas-native, Nancy Cohen Israel has happily witnessed the transformation of the local arts community into a national and international powerhouse. She especially enjoys exploring the area’s museums, galleries and performing arts spaces with her husband and daughter. In addition to the arts, Nancy is a keen follower of local chocolate makers and tea shops.

Marketing Team

Assistant Director of Digital Marketing Diana Alvarez Communications Specialist, International Paola Arias Marketing Events Coordinator Brenda Bond Special Projects Manager Rachel Butts

Deborah Fleck moved to Texas in 1982 after working at ABC News, The Washington Post and The International Herald Tribune. She worked briefly at The Dallas Times Herald before joining The Dallas Morning News where she wrote the newspaper’s Asian Culture and Community Column for ten years.

She now has countless friends among the growing Asian community in North Texas.

Digital Content Resource Specialist Kaitlyn Grekoff Communications Specialist, Domestic Zane Harrington Graphic Designer Kelsey Higham Content Resource Specialist Ashley Turner Digital Content Resource Specialist Andrew Vela Writer Devon Yarbrough

A deep connection to nature guides all aspects of Patricio Rivera’s life. Growing up in the lush, fertile surroundings of Honduras, he spent his time outdoors engulfed in nature and by the ocean. With his new endeavor, Twelve Thirty Four, Patricio brings his love for floral design, fashion, food and family together. Whether it’s weddings, collaborations with fellow artists, or creating visuals and styling for fashion accounts such as Burberry, Versace or Louis Vuitton, his goal is to bring each client’s vision to life while keeping the process organic and fun.

FROM THE PUBLISHERS OF

Senior Project Manager, Content Development Kathy McFarland Designer Chantel Stull Director, Brand Partnerships Mary Payne Production Director Aaron Chamberlain Editorial Assistants Carson Buffett, Andrea Guzmán

VisitDallas markets Dallas as the ideal visitor and convention destination in Texas. Dallas—The Most Texan City in Texas—celebrates its heritage in hospitality, and it’s the one city where Southern meets modern and legacy meets luxury. More than 27 million people visit Dallas every year generating a total economic impact of $8.8 billion. The travel and tourism industry continues to be an important and necessary driver of the Dallas economy, supporting 65,000 jobs and offsetting Dallas residents’ taxes.

Meet us at the Visitor’s Center, located in the Old Red Courthouse: 100 S. Houston St. Dallas, TX 75202 Tourist Information: 214-749-7730 VisitDallas 325 N. St. Paul Street, Suite 700 Dallas, TX 75201 214-571-1000 visitdallas.com Please send feedback to magazine@visitdallas.com.

4

Jennifer Simonson is a Dallas area native who splits her time between Dallas and Austin. When in Dallas she loves biking the Katy Trail, exploring the ever-expanding restaurant scene, booking massages all over the city and cheering on (or crying for) the Dallas Cowboys.

A recent British travel writer of the year, Jonathan Thompson has chronicled his journeys through all 50 states and more than 100 countries in myriad magazines on both sides of the Atlantic, from Travel + Leisure and Conde Nast Traveler to GQ, Esquire and National Geographic Traveler. Follow his travels on social media: @JT_travels.

Jef Tingley has always had a passion for telling stories. After working as a morning radio show producer followed by a twenty-year career in PR and marketing, Jef recently became a zoologist at the Dallas Zoo where he works part-time doting on goats, armadillos and all sorts of other animals while educating on the importance of wildlife conservation.

Nick Totin has lived in Dallas for more than three years. He is a marketing strategist as well as a yoga instructor and serves on the board of directors for Black Tie Dinner, a prominent LGBTQ+ non-profit in North Texas. He enjoys the nightlife offerings of Lower Greenville, Deep Ellum and his home neighborhood, Oak Lawn.

STAFF WRITERS Diana Alvarez Diana has lived in Dallas since 2012 and resides in Oak Cliff.

She’s currently trying to perfect her chaturanga dandasana, so you’ll find her in a yoga class most evenings.

Paola Arias Paola enjoys exploring Dallas’ different neighborhoods since her move back to the city after a stint in Austin. When she’s not dining at a new restaurant, you can find her checking out a local brewery.

Stephanie Faulk A proud Texan, Stephanie has called Dallas home all of her adult life. She spends her weekends introducing her ten-year-old son to the wonders of Dallas.

Together they’ve explored the Meadows Museum and tracked down Bonnie and Clyde’s old haunts. She and her husband have amassed an impressive knowledge of Dallas’ best dive bars and karaoke joints.

Zane Harrington Zane loves nature, classical music, jazz, wine and beer, and Southern cuisine. Find him at his favorite spots: the Dallas Arboretum & Botanical Garden, Hattie’s in Oak Cliff and the Dallas Arts District, where he regularly supports the Dallas Symphony Orchestra and the Dallas Opera.

Ashley Turner Ashley loves all things Dallas Cowboys and Tex-Mex—after all, she was born and raised in Dallas so it’s only right those two things are top priority. When she’s not watching sports, she enjoys traveling with her family and looking for the best happy hour in town.

Devon Yarbrough Devon is a Dallas native with a love for arts and music. You can find her exploring the multiple museums in Dallas or attending an R&B or hip-hop concert. A pop culture enthusiast, she’s your go-to girl for all hot topics and celebrity news.

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 4

1/13/20 10:21 AM

Dallas

Photograph courtesy of The Statler VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 5

PAGE 7

A Better Place to Live, Work and Visit

PAGE 8

One-on-One with Jorge Baldor

PAGE 10

One Cool Street

PAGE 12

Downtown Goes Green

PAGE 14

Material World

PAGE 16

LGBTQ Love

PAGE 17

Seven Rooftop Hotel Pools

PAGE 18

Six Texas-Sized Spirits

PAGE 20

Hop on the M-Line

NOW 1/13/20 10:21 AM

s a l l aD “Dallas is a very welcoming community. I think that’s key to the growth and success we’ve had. It’s one of the things that hasn’t changed about Dallas, and I think it makes us pretty unique.”

—JORGE BALDOR

WO N

Renderings courtesy of AT&T

6

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 6

1/13/20 10:21 AM

A Better Place to Live, Work and Visit AT&T’s smart park combines hi-tech with exciting experiences WORDS BY DEVON YARBROUGH

Renderings courtesy of AT&T

In a world where smart phones, streaming service and instant Wi-Fi are standard, AT&T is prepping for its next technological venture, the AT&T Discovery District. The telecom titan has called Dallas home since 2008, and now the company is bringing an innovative and immersive live-work-play element to its Downtown campus.

Located in the heart of Dallas, the company is renovating more than 2.4 acres of outdoor and indoor space for everyone to enjoy—employees, residents and visitors. The “urban tech campus” will feature a 5,400-square-foot public lawn, a two-story food hall, a six-story video wall and a flagship AT&T Experience Store, among other amenities.

“We hope that this kind of entertainment will continue to be a draw for visitors to the Downtown district and enhance Downtown Dallas’ reputation

as a fun place to live, work and visit,” said Michael Peterson, AT&T vice president of external affairs.

Expect live streaming of sports games and movies, concerts, exercise classes, public art and pop-up activations for the whole family, all in a 5G-enabled Wi-Fi environment. Dallas restaurateur Richard Ellman will own and operate Hawthorn, a steakhouse.

The district also will feature a beer garden and more dining options yet to be announced.

Located at Commerce and Akard streets, the AT&T Discovery District promises to be a premier hotspot for dining, shopping and entertainment, all while continuing Downtown’s trend of becoming more walkable, bikeable and livable. It will be completed in 2020. about.att.com

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 7

7

1/13/20 10:21 AM

One-on-One with Jorge Baldor How art and culture bring communities together INTERVIEW BY PAOLA ARIAS

Mercado369

8

Community leader and businessman Jorge Baldor has one driving mission: to use art and culture to bridge the gap between communities.

Baldor founded the Latino Arts Project with Executive Director Carlos Gonzalez-Jaime last year as a pop-up museum designed to encourage a greater understanding of Latino art, history and culture by featuring rotating shows of works

by Latin American and Latinx artists. Located in the Design District, it’s already a must-see on any culture lover’s tour of Dallas.

The Latino Arts Project wasn’t Baldor’s first foray into the art world. In 2018, he opened Mercado369, a gallery filled with original art, sculpture, jewelry and textiles from Mexico to Argentina, in South Dallas. In addition to being a great place to find interesting art and gifts, it “serves as a space for cultural exchange and a connection to home for many in Dallas,” he said.

I met Baldor at Hatuey Café and Bar inside Mercado369 to learn about his passion for art, culture and community.

Photographs this page and opposite courtesy of Latino Arts Project, Jorge Baldor and Mercado369

Latino Arts Project

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 8

1/13/20 10:21 AM

Photographs this page and opposite courtesy of Latino Arts Project, Jorge Baldor and Mercado369

Latino Arts Project

Q: Where does your passion for

tunity came to open Mercado369.

the arts come from?

A: It’s through culture and art that we find commonalities between different communities, and they bring out a self-awareness that otherwise may not exist. Then we are able to expand the conversation to deeper subjects. Our space at Mercado369 hosts community and political events from all sides and parties, and I think the main reason we are so successful is because our mission is to serve as a place for cultural exchange.

Q: What inspired you to open

Q: What role do art and culture

serve in a community?

A: Art and culture can serve as a great buffer, and I saw this play out at the Frida Kahlo special exhibit at the Dallas Museum of Art. I live close by, so every spare moment I had I would go and people watch. I would sometimes see three or four generations of families of all different cultures.

I saw the emotions people had when they saw themselves represented in art in a way they hadn’t seen before. That made me think about art as a medium for people to feel connected to their communities, and this was in the back of my mind when the oppor-

Mercado369?

A: I grew up in Oak Cliff; my

middle school is about half a mile from Mercado369. I started seeing so much change in this area that I thought, “You can either just sit back and watch it or jump in the middle of it.” I like to make sure that if I’m going to have an impact, that it’s going to be a positive impact and that I’m prepared to be in that situation.

That was really the driving force behind me getting started.

Q: Why did you pick the Design

District for Latino Arts Project?

A: The Design District is accessi-

ble from most parts of Dallas, and I wanted to create an experience where anyone can simply drive by and stop in. There are galleries, shops, restaurants and an overall arts community feel to the neighborhood, but not a lot of people know about it. People should experience all parts of the city, not just one.

Q: What are some of your favor-

ite things to do in Dallas?

A: The Meadows Museum is a

hidden gem. I don’t think a lot of people realize what we have;

the special exhibits are pretty spectacular. I like to experience new and different things, and I like anything that’s cultural.

Whether it’s the Greek Food Festival or Dallas Festival of Lights (Diwali), I like to see exhibits and festivals where people take pride in who they are and want to share that experience with others.

Q: What’s your advice for first-

time visitors to Dallas?

A: Come with an open mind.

A lot of people come with an image of Dallas that is far from the truth. This is a new place.

Take advantage of what the city has to offer. Go to Oak Cliff, go to Bishop Arts, Deep Ellum.

Experience different parts of the city and you will see what makes Dallas special—it’s the blend of people. We have immigrants from all over the world.

Q: Any parting thoughts?

A: Dallas is a very welcoming

community. I think that’s key to the growth and success we’ve had. It’s one of the things that hasn’t changed about Dallas, and I think it makes us pretty unique. mercado369.com latinoartsproject.org

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 9

9

1/13/20 10:21 AM

Charco Broiler Steak House

Texas Theatre

One Cool Street A walk down Jefferson Boulevard

As a growing number of visitors and locals enjoy new development in South Dallas, the historical significance of Jefferson Boulevard—Oak Cliff’s main street and the oldest shopping strip in Dallas—still shines.

Development along Oak Cliff’s main thoroughfare started innocently enough.

In the 1950s, as General Motors began ramping up production at a Dallas plant and hiring locals, people were looking for new places to spend their time and hard-earned money. The art deco façades along the boulevard beckoned young entrepreneurs and mom-and-pop shops, and big-name stores like Sears and JCPenney soon joined in.

Eventually, the Latino influence in Oak Cliff also moved in, and it’s

10

been said the Latino population kept Jefferson Boulevard’s longest running tenants in business through the area’s toughest years.

By the 1990s, development had slowed and thriving businesses left their spots along Jefferson Boulevard, but a new vision began to form, one that spoke to the future of Oak Cliff.

As the gap between nearby millennial-friendly Bishop Arts District and Jefferson Boulevard steadily closes, diehards strive to stay true to the heart and soul of the historic street.

Today, as the area begins to see new tenants and visitors, tried-and-true staples along with innovative newcomers are proudly representing the neighborhood.

MERCADO369

Focused on showcasing the works of Latin American creators, this Jefferson Boulevard gallery is a newer addition to the area. The community art center and café hosts DIY art nights, dance classes and a speaker series, and has a secondary outpost along Bishop Avenue. mercado369.com

CHARCO BROILER STEAK HOUSE

The steak house with a rooftop steer named Sonny is one of the boulevard’s longest-running establishments. For 55 years, the Cordova family has served up traditional American fare cafeteriastyle—think grilled burgers, ribeye and chicken fried steak. charcodallas.com

Photographs courtesy of Charco Broiler (left) and by Randy A Carlisle–RAC photography (right)

WORDS BY DIANA ALVAREZ

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 10

1/13/20 10:21 AM

THE STORY OF THE STEER

Oak Cliff Cultural Center

TEXAS THEATRE Photographs courtesy of Dallas Area Rapid Transit and Oak Cliff Cultural Center

Photographs courtesy of Charco Broiler (left) and by Randy A Carlisle–RAC photography (right)

Top Ten Records and Library

Texas Theatre has a storied past: It was once owned by American businessman Howard Hughes, and later was the site of Lee Harvey Oswald’s arrest following the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. After the theatre sat vacant for years, the filmmaker Oliver Stone remodeled its façade for the 1990 film JFK. Today, the theater is open Thursday through Sunday for concerts, movie screenings and comedy shows. thetexastheatre.com

TOP TEN RECORDS AND LIBRARY

It’s not uncommon to see Mike Polk, an Oak Cliff native and former longtime owner of Top Ten, milling near the cash register. Dallas’ oldest record store

has long been a stop on local historical tours, but its diverse offerings of Texas music—Polk’s curated selection from his personal collection and a newer array of offerings stemming from its 2017 nonprofit status—keep people coming through the doors.

Purchased from a Wisconsin man by the Cordova family, Sonny has sat proudly atop Jefferson Boulevard since 1967, and acts as a beacon for the area. The steer weighs 1,200 pounds and was named by the Cordova family grandchildren.

toptenrecords.org

OAK CLIFF CULTURAL CENTER

Previously housed in the Ice House Cultural Center a few blocks away, the center joined the Jefferson Boulevard roster in 2010. The art gallery and community center offers workshops, art and dance classes, and festivals throughout the year. occc.dallasculture.org

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 11

11

1/13/20 10:21 AM

Pacific Plaza

Downtown Goes Green New parks transform the Dallas landscape

12

environment. Visitors and residents alike can expect exciting activations, such as movie nights, exercise classes and concerts along with playgrounds for children, dog parks, public gardens and water features.

“We’re not seeing anybody else in the country that’s turning over this many parks in this short period of time,” said Dustin Bullard, senior vice president, public space and design at Downtown Dallas, Inc. “These parks really move the needle for the Downtown neighborhood and each park has something really different, from the design perspective to the use and activation of it.”

Pacific Plaza, which opened in late 2019, features a distinctive elliptical pavilion designed to host shows and

classes, and West End Square will be fully equipped with Wi-Fi and smart technological capabilities. Looking further ahead, Klyde Warren Park—the deck park that transformed Downtown almost eight years ago—will undergo an expansion over the next four years to add additional lawn and event space.

These new green spaces are not only changing the landscape of the city, but also improving how residents and visitors interact with the new and greener Dallas. All four parks are estimated to be completed by 2022. parksfordowntowndallas.org downtowndallas.com

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 12

1/13/20 10:21 AM

Renderings by (clockwise from top) Eyck Landscape Architects, James Corner Field Operations and Hargreaves Jones, courtesy of Parks for Downtown Dallas

Four new parks are set to transform Downtown Dallas in the next two years: Pacific Plaza, Carpenter Park, West End Square and Harwood Park.

Once primarily a business destination, Downtown is now a thriving neighborhood with a growing residential base, and new amenities are being added at an impressive pace.

“It’s not only a matter of beautification, but it is a quality-of-life matter,” said Amy Meadows, chief executive officer of Parks for Downtown Dallas, “The parks provide a space for recreation and a space to get away from the hustle and bustle and noise of Downtown.”

The “neighborhood parks” will provide just that—an escape from the fast-paced and ever-evolving Downtown

Pacific Pavilion, photograph by David Woo

WORDS BY DEVON YARBROUGH

Pacific Plaza Located at Pacific Avenue and St. Paul Street Pacific Plaza’s unique perforated pavilion draws inspiration from the Texas and Pacific Railway with the visual pattern of American Morse code. During the railway’s operation in the late 1800s, conductors and engineers communicated by telegraph using Morse code to map out the tracks and train stops, including a stop in what is now Downtown Dallas.

Carpenter Park Bound by Pacific Avenue, Live Oak and N. Pearl streets This 5.6-acre park will house two of the world’s most renowned art pieces by American sculptors Robert Irwin and Robert Berks.

Expect to see Irwin’s reimagined piece Portal Park Piece (Slice) and a statue of revered civic leader John Carpenter. Construction will begin in 2020.

Harwood Park

Renderings by (clockwise from top) Eyck Landscape Architects, James Corner Field Operations and Hargreaves Jones, courtesy of Parks for Downtown Dallas

Pacific Pavilion, photograph by David Woo

PRETTY PARKS

West End Square

West End Square Bound by N. Market, Corbin and N. Record streets Selected as the pilot site for the White House’s Smart Cities Initiative in 2015, West End Square will feature Wi-Fi, advanced lighting features and audiovisual capabilities, and serve as a hub for tech start-up companies. The park will be completed in fall 2020.

Harwood Park Bound by Harwood, Jackson, Pearl and Young streets Paying homage to and highlighting the area’s history of film and theater, Harwood Park will feature a large lawn that will show films and movies. Construction will begin in spring 2021.

Carpenter Park

Carpenter Park

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 13

13

1/13/20 10:22 AM

Forty Five Ten

Commerce

Grange Hall

Material World For generations of Dallasites, dressing well and shopping well is a birthright

Yes, there is Highland Park Village, NorthPark Center and The Dallas Galleria, all enduring foundations of Dallas shopping culture. But for a deeper dive into the landscape, map out our go-to list of what we consider the best independent shops in Dallas that go beyond the city’s stereotype.

COMMERCE

It may be tucked inside the Adolphus Hotel, but this isn’t your typical hotel shop. Here you’ll find plenty of Texas-made goods albeit with a modern take for the local hipster and visiting traveler.

Stetson hats made twenty minutes away in Garland, simple and elegant watches from Deep Ellum’s Breda, and leather goods from Dallas-based Byndr are balanced out with clutches by Clare V, loose linen jackets by Tribe Alive, and body care by Agent Nateur for a Western leaning selection of goods, none of which scream travel souvenir. shopcommercedallas.com

14

FORTY FIVE TEN

GRANGE HALL

“Hey Siri, call Forty Five Ten,” is surely the most requested handsfree command from the patrician social set. All their luncheon and black-tie hostessing needs are met with cheeky Rosie Assoulin, frothy Rodarte, and austere The Row that populates the women’s clothing racks at this 37,000-squarefoot style mecca. The true heavy hitters never step foot in the store; home deliveries are de rigueur when a single Black Amex charge is in the thousands (read: you’ll have the store mostly to yourself, a delight when it comes to thoughtful perusing). Enter the three-story retailer—four stories if you count the penthouse level restaurant Mirador—through the Main Street entrance and you’ll be welcome

by Ten Over Six, a shop within the mothership that’s known for discovering emerging lines like Area, Eckhaus Latta and A.W.A.K.E. Mode.

Plain and simple Grange Hall is just about the chicest place to shop for extraordinary and experimental accessories, homewares, and otherworldly floral arrangements. Take your time and walk through this small, dark space more than once to discover spherical and bejeweled Marzok evening bags, diamond and sapphire encrusted spider brooches and skeleton earrings from Lydia Courteille, delicate Nymphenburg porcelain tabletop and glamour puss sunglasses from Lapima.

Side note: earlier this year, it moved from its original location down the road to 3219 N. Fitzhugh St., next door to hot spot Beverley’s.

fortyfiveten.com

ufgrangehall.com

THE KOCH HOUSE

The newest addition to the Uptown area is The Koch House, designer Nicole Musselman’s first brick and

Photographs courtesy of the retailers

WORDS BY KRISTIE RAMIREZ

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 14

1/13/20 10:22 AM

Photographs courtesy of the retailers

The Koch House

mortar location for her wildly popular women’s clothing line. Serving not only as a shop, but also a social hub for her Pilates-toned clients and their Golden Goose sneaker-wearing teens, ladies pop in to scoop up her best-selling Erica skirt and Bret button-down, as well as borrow books from the Koch Library while sipping on a Casamigos on the rocks at its Tequila Bar.

Miron Crosby

where each pair of Miron Crosby boots is hand-lasted and customized any way you please. Their artful creations recently caught the attention of designer Prabal Gurung yielding a five-pair collaboration that walked the runway for Gurung’s Spring 2020 show at New York Fashion Week in September and are available for purchase now. mironcrosby.com

shopkoch.com

VINTAGE MARTINI MIRON CROSBY

Highland Park Village has Goyard, Stella McCartney, Dior, Brunello Cucinelli and more, but for a singular experience go straight to the second floor on the southwest corner of the outdoor shopping center to bootmaker Miron Crosby. Sisters Lizzie Means Duplantis and Sarah Means hail from a family of fifth-generation West Texas ranchers and boots are in their blood—their cousins even own Rios of Mercedes,

Discover pristine wool and silk Chanel suits, Versace from the eighties, Moschino from the nineties, and Bob Mackie so flashy that you will absolutely cry for hours if you don’t buy.

There are lots of well-priced no-label finds that won’t kill even the most stringent of budgets and if you need to unload your own lot, they also accept consignments.

V.O.D.

Former Dallas Morning News fashion editor Jackie Bolin partnered with seasoned buyer Liz Thompson more than a decade ago to open V.O.D (insider tip: the acronym stands for Valley of the Dolls, a nod to the infamous Jacqueline Susann page-turner, whom Bolin is named after). The pair specializes in niche cool-girl lines out of Paris, including Isabel Marant, Vanessa Bruno, and Thierry Colson, as well as punk-chic R13—a favorite of Beyoncé. vodboutique.com

Reprinted with permission from Texas Monthly

vintagemartini.com

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 15

15

1/13/20 10:22 AM

Black Tie Dinner

Dallas Pride Parade

LGBTQ Love Dallas doesn’t limit the LGBTQ experience to the Cedar Springs strip.

From activism to culture, there are many opportunities to experience the vibrancy of Dallas’ LGBTQ community around the city.

Uptown Players is a professional theater company with a mission to serve the LGBTQ community. A majority of the annual season takes stage at the Kalita Humphreys Theater, a historic building that is the only theater by architect Frank Lloyd Wright and one of the last completed buildings he designed.

Held every fall, Black Tie Dinner is the largest fundraising dinner in the nation for the LGBTQ community and takes place annually in Dallas. In the organization’s nearly forty-year history, Black Tie Dinner has raised and distributed more than $23 million to the LGBTQ community of North Texas and beyond.

16

Oak Lawn is home to Dallas’ LGBTQ community, and at just under twelve square miles it’s known as the largest gay neighborhood in the country. Located just north of Downtown and close to the Uptown neighborhood, Oak Lawn bucks outdated and misguided stereotypes outsiders may have about Dallas and Texas.

Jaron Turnbow, executive director of Dallas Pride, knows Dallas has much more to offer than folks might imagine.

“Some people may have an idea about Texas that it doesn’t offer as much culture or depth as perhaps coastal cities or other states, but we have world-class museums and restaurants and an amazing gay neighborhood centered on the Cedar Springs strip.”

The Cedar Springs strip, a few-block stretch of Cedar Springs Road, is the epicenter of the Oak Lawn LGBTQ scene, and for many years it was home to Dallas’ Pride celebration every September. In 2019, Dallas Pride outgrew the area and made a permanent move to its new home in Fair Park; the festival also moved to June, aligning Dallas’ celebration with national Pride Month. This year, Dallas celebrates Pride June 6–7.

In Dallas tradition, Pride festivities are big and bold featuring a massive parade and family festival. And revelers are not afraid to lean into Dallas’

cowboy culture. “I’ve traveled for Pride and there will always be something memorable in every city, and Dallas is no different. Dallas has its own special touch and western flare,” Turnbow said.

While Pride has moved from Cedar Springs, the area is still growing and as vibrant as ever. In 2019, Mr. Misster, a new upscale cocktail bar, joined the businesses along the strip offering a fresh and intimate setting for dancing, enjoying craft cocktails and meeting with friends and neighbors. TMC, a popular nightclub just across the street, underwent a renovation project to make the legacy establishment “like-new” with a redesigned layout and updated tech and décor.

In 2020, residents and visitors can look forward to major renovations to the area’s curb appeal, including a monument to proudly welcome visitors to the strip and ten rainbow crosswalks to add flare to the streets and create Instagram-worthy moments. These crosswalks will get people safely and proudly around the strip from places like the world-famous Round-Up Saloon and The Rose Room, a famous drag performance stage where queens such as Alyssa Edwards and Asia O’Hara got their start. dallaspride.org

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 16

1/13/20 10:22 AM

Photographs courtesy of (left) The Adolphus and (right) Eric Laignel, The Joule Hotel pool

Turtle Creek Chorale is Dallas’ gay men’s chorus, although open to all men and those who identify as male, regardless of sexual orientation. The chorale is the most-recorded men’s chorus in the world, boasting 38 albums and performances for dignitaries such as Queen Elizabeth II.

WORDS BY NICK TOTIN

Photographs courtesy of Black Tie Dinner, Inc. (left) and Dallas Pride (right)

OFF THE STRIP

Dallas’ list-topping LGBTQ community set for even more growth

The Joule Hotel pool

Seven Rooftop Hotel Pools to Dip Your Toes Into Texas heat calls for a splash in the coolest pools in the city WORDS BY ASHLEY TURNER

Photographs courtesy of (left) The Adolphus and (right) Eric Laignel, The Joule Hotel pool

Photographs courtesy of Black Tie Dinner, Inc. (left) and Dallas Pride (right)

The Adolphus

Dallas has no shortage of hotel options for every style and budget, but if you’re looking for a place to cool off during the spring and summer months, we’ve helped narrow the list.

OMNI DALLAS

THE JOULE

omnihotels.com/hotels/dallas

Small but mighty, this hotel’s unique glass-edged pool extends over Main Street in Downtown. Probably the most daring of Dallas rooftop pools, it’s the most unique spot for a swim-up city view. thejouledallas.com

THE STATLER

Waterproof, the hotel’s rooftop lounge and pool, is the place to be for a daytime party or evening drinks to wash down the unbelievable city views. A sophisticated statue of the hotel’s mascot, Llinda Llee the Llama, watches over the fun and the city below. waterproofdallas.com

Heated all year round, the Omni’s infinity pool is not to be missed. You’ll get great views of the city while relaxing in the jacuzzi and sipping on your favorite cocktail from the outdoor bar.

FAIRMONT DALLAS

A junior Olympic-sized rooftop pool is what you’ll find at the Fairmont.

Summertime is the best time to take a swim with kid-friendly and adult-approved activities like dive-in movies and poolside service. Don’t miss out if you’re not a hotel guest—you can purchase a resort day pass to partake in all the summer fun. fairmont.com/dallas

CANVAS HOTEL

The Gallery Rooftop Lounge offers some of the best views of the Downtown skyline. Enjoy laps in the infinity

pool at sundown, before heading inside for the after-dark fun with a drink at the bar. canvashoteldallas.com

THE ADOLPHUS HOTEL

The iconic Adolphus Hotel underwent a recent renovation that added a rooftop pool deck to the already stunning and historic property. Go for a swim, then lounge in the cabanas with a cocktail in hand. adolphus.com

VIRGIN HOTELS DALLAS

The newly opened Virgin Hotel made its Texas debut in December in the vibrant Design District neighborhood.

The Pool Club is a resort-style rooftop venue boasting a stunning pool at the center, surrounded by cabanas, loungers and bar. virginhotels.com

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 17

17

1/13/20 10:22 AM

Gatorita at Happiest Hour

Six Texas-Sized Spirits

Texas-Sized Mule at Off the Cuff

Sipping through Dallas one massive cocktail at a time

The Dallas cocktail scene is at once sophisticated and diverse, offering an establishment for every mood, from decades-old dives to ritzy jazz spots. But when you’re hanging with a crowd, a few bars stand out for their group-friendly cocktails.

So grab a dozen friends and dive in to one of these six over-sized, but seriously yummy, Dallas drinks.

AT THE STANDARD POUR

Although The Standard Pour in Dallas’ Uptown neighborhood is known for its expansive list of bourbons and whiskies, this vodka-based cocktail is not to be missed.

Served in a giant copper, flamingo-shaped vessel, this punch is a combination of vodka, sherry, pineapple juice, Batavia Arrack van Oosten spirits, ginger beer and mint, and garnished with exotic orchids. $75–$150

tspdallas.com

The Vidorrita at Vidorra

18

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 18

1/13/20 10:23 AM

Photographs courtesy of Bitter End and Harwood District

Copper Flamingo Punch

Photographs courtesy of Off the Cuff, Harwood District and Jromo Photography

WORDS BY ZANE HARRINGTON

Alcohol You Later at Bitter End

Texas-Sized Mule

AT OFF THE CUFF

This drink follows the standard ingredient combination of vodka, lime, ginger beer and mint for a refreshing Moscow Mule. What sets it apart is the larger-than-Russia copper mug that it comes in. $100

otcdallas.com Photographs courtesy of Bitter End and Harwood District

Photographs courtesy of Off the Cuff, Harwood District and Jromo Photography

Beats All Night at Happiest Hour

The Vidorrita

AT VIDORRA

Oftentimes when travelers arrive in Dallas, they say, “The moment I get off the plane, I find a Tex-Mex restaurant and get a margarita.” At Vidorra in Deep Ellum, there is plenty of margarita to go around with its massive Vidorrita—a magical marg combination of tequila blanco, triple sec and lime. $40 vidorradallas.com

Pack Leader

AT SCOUT IN THE HISTORIC STATLER HOTEL

Completely restored in 2017, The Statler is one of Dallas’ most prominent Downtown hotels. Inside, retro bar and grill Scout offers a cool selection of food, drinks and games. Most notable on the menu is its Pack Leader, a massive hibiscus-flavored cocktail served in a Fiestaware pitcher to share among friends. $65

scoutdallas.com

Alcohol You Later AT BITTER END

Located in Deep Ellum, Bitter End’s Alcohol You Later transports guests directly to an oceanfront property. This drink contains an entire bottle of rum, coconut energy drink, edible fish, lemon and lime, and it looks exactly like the ocean. Four drinkers at a minimum are

required for this drink, so it’s a beach party without all the messy sand. $150

facebook.com/bitterenddallas

HAPPIEST HOUR

The name of this place really says it all. It is impossible to walk into this Harwood District restaurant and bar without a smile. What’s even better, Happiest Hour has the motherlode of enormous cocktails. An impressive eleven cocktails at Happiest Hour are “team drinks,” including a 62-ounce frozé, a massive old fashioned and a large marg.

A summer favorite is ’Merica’s Melon, a combo of watermelon vodka, gin and flavors of mint, lime, blackberry and, of course, summer melon. $65

happiesthourdallas.com

DALLAS NOW

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 19

19

1/13/20 10:23 AM

Hop on the M-Line Ride through thirty years of nostalgia with the McKinney Avenue Trolley

San Francisco hogs the spotlight when it comes to vintage trolley car fame, but those looking to ride like it’s 1929 just need to head to Uptown Dallas.

Dallas’ historic McKinney Avenue Trolley (M-Line) celebrated its thirtieth birthday last year. Day-trippers jump on the line when they want to rosé-all-day at Uptown’s wine bars, stroll through Downtown Dallas art museums or shop along McKinney Avenue.

In the early part of the twentieth century, streetcars were all the rage.

Dallas had an extensive network of lines allowing passengers to ride from Oak Cliff and Oak Lawn to Highland Park, and from South Dallas to Greenville Avenue. After World War II, as more residents moved to the sub-

20

urbs, cars and buses began replacing streetcars. In 1959, Dallas streetcars officially ran their last route.

But as fate would have it, sections of the original trolley tracks were uncovered in the early 1980s, sparking a movement to restore streetcar service in Dallas. Phil Cobb and Ed Landrum co-founded the McKinney Avenue Transit Authority to raise funds for a new line. In 1989, The Crescent Rose, or Rosie as she is lovingly called, rumbled down the tracks for the M-Line’s inaugural run.

Today, more than 12,000 riders a week jump on one of the seven restored, vintage cars with names like Green Dragon, Betty, Miss Daisy and Petunia. The four-mile line connects the Downtown

Dallas Arts District with the shops and nightlife of the Uptown neighborhood.

The main stretch of the line runs down McKinney Avenue, hence the name M-Line, and hopping on and off couldn’t be easier. Just wait at one of the marked stops and a trolley will rumble your way soon. The restored vintage trolleys are safe, clean and free of charge. And if that wasn’t enough, the car’s nostalgic charm creates the perfect atmosphere for a selfie.

The M-Line runs 7 AM–10 PM Monday through Thursday; 7 AM– midnight Friday; 10 AM–midnight Saturday; and 10 AM–10 PM Sunday and holidays. mata.org

Photographs by Joseph Haubert

WORDS BY JENNIFER SIMONSON

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 20

1/13/20 10:23 AM

Photographs by Joseph Haubert

Dallas: A world of

Inspiration Dallas is a city with many sides, but our artistic one shines brightest. Downtown you’ll find the largest contiguous urban arts district in America, part of a collection of architecturally stunning venues and museums that spreads across the city. Take in rousing opera and classical music, the best of Broadway and soul-stirring dance—plus, striking sculpture, classic landscapes and inspired multimedia installations. No matter which side of the Dallas arts scene you sample, you’re sure to head home inspired.

Find tickets, shows, exhibits and more at VisitDallas.com Location: The Majestic Theater Featuring: Ballet Folklorico, Bishop Arts Theatre Center, Bruce Wood Dance, Dallas Black Dance Theatre, Dallas Summer Musicals, Dallas Symphony Orchestra, Sammons Center for the Arts, Texas Ballet Theater

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 21

1/13/20 10:23 AM

ITINERARY

IN DALLAS with the Family

With an abundance of hotels and affordable attractions, Dallas is an easy and fun family getaway. Fill long spring breaks and summer hours with swimming, museums and enjoying the outdoors, with just a tiny bit of education thrown in for good measure. Buy a Dallas CityPASS (visitdallas.com/citypass) before arrival for bundled admission to the city’s best attractions at a discounted price.

22

Wyly Theatre at AT&T Performing Arts Center

Photographs by Stevan Koye (top) and courtesy of AT&T Performing Arts Center (bottom)

36 HOURS

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 22

1/13/20 10:23 AM

Photographs courtesy of Hilton Anatole, VisitDallas and George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Sammons Park at AT&T Performing Arts Center

3 PM: CHECK IN AND SUIT UP

hiltonanatolehotel.com The Hilton Anatole is a true urban oasis with all the amenities a family could want, but the star of the show is Jade Waters, a sparkling water park exclusively for hotel guests. The splash areas, lazy river and 180-foot water slides will keep the kids entertained and thoroughly exhausted. Weekends include duck races, family pool parties and movies under the stars. And if you manage to sneak away, there’s an adults-only pool and swim-up bar.

7:30 PM: FISH FRIDAY Hilton Anatole

flyingfishinthe.net Scoop your little minnows out of the pool and head up the road to Flying Fish for dinner. The fast-casual eatery sells fresh catfish, shrimp, oysters, crab legs and crawfish in season, of course, but also hamburgers, chicken tenders and salads for those less seafood-inclined. Bring a pic of you with your biggest catch and pin it up on the “Liars’ Wall.”

Sure, that definitely looks like a fourteen-pound bass—we believe you!

Saturday Photographs courtesy of Hilton Anatole, VisitDallas and George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

Photographs by Stevan Koye (top) and courtesy of AT&T Performing Arts Center (bottom)

Friday

9 AM: FRESH BREAKFAST Dallas Farmers Market

dallasfarmersmarket.org The Texas spring and summer months abound with fresh, flavorful produce—melons, okra, tomatoes, peaches, grapefruit and more. Find them all from local growers at the Dallas Farmers Market, along with breads, local honey, cheeses and a variety of prepared ethnic dishes. The perfect Saturday summer day includes an ear of fresh grilled corn and a crisp watermelon wedge for the little ones.

11 AM: AGE-APPROPRIATE HISTORY

George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum

dallasheritagevillage.org, georgewbushlibrary.smu.edu Every family trip should include a little bit of learning, and Dallas has options for all ages. Dallas Heritage Village will transport you back in time through a collection of 21 historic buildings and period actors representing North Texas as it was from 1840 to 1910. The George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum is a CityPASS attraction that’s great for the whole family. Be sure to snap a

I T I N E R A RY

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 23

23

1/13/20 10:23 AM

ITINERARY

pic of your future leader behind the presidential desk in the full-size Oval Office replica. dhhrm.org, jfk.org For more mature children (12 and older), show them what it means to be an upstander, not a bystander, at the new Dallas Holocaust and Human Rights Museum, or visit the Sixth Floor Museum, which chronicles the life, legacy and assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Located blocks from each other in the historic West End, they’re emotionally heavy exhibits, but important and impactful.

1:30 PM: PACK A PICNIC

Sixth Floor Museum

dallasarboretum.org An afternoon at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden is about as picturesque as it gets. Set against White Rock Lake, the massive 66-acre playground of plants and trees is a feast for the eyes and senses that never ends. Each turn of the trail reveals another garden, babbling waterfall, historic mansion or food garden.

Children can spend all afternoon playing and learning in the Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden. Bring a cooler and spread a blanket for a relaxing picnic and enjoy outdoor concerts in the summer months.

3:30 PM: A WORLD OF INSPIRATION

klydewarrenpark.org It’s been a busy day but amazingly, there’s still energy to burn. Head across the street to Klyde Warren Park to wind down. The children’s play area has creative climbing structures and a caterpillar fountain to splash in (pack a towel!), and there are long lawns for frisbee tossing and football fielding. Dinner at the food trucks means everyone gets just what they want. Chances are you’ll enjoy live music, a movie or yoga in the park—free programing is offered daily.

Klyde Warren Park

24

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 24

1/13/20 10:23 AM

Photographs courtesy of Dallas World Aquarium and VisitDallas

5 PM: CLOSE DOWN KLYDE WARREN

Photographs courtesy of Sixth Floor Museum, Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and Klyde Warren Park by Thomas McConnell

Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden

dallasartsdistrict.org Take a break from the afternoon heat in the Dallas Arts District at three museums, all on the same stretch of Flora Street. The always-free Dallas Museum of Art has hands-on activities for the kids and an impressive collection of 24,000 works spanning 5,000 years of history. The Nasher Sculpture Center is free the first Saturday of every month and features indoor exhibits and a beautiful sculpture garden. Head east, figuratively, and explore the Crow Museum of Asian Art to be transported across the globe. Museums close at 5 PM, so plan plenty of time to take it all in.

9 AM: GET GLAZED

hypnoticdonuts.com The creative concoctions at this East Dallas doughnut shop will satisfy the sweet tooth and the savory tooth, for that matter. The Holy Cannoli has a cinnamon-orange glaze over chocolate cake, topped with a cannoli-cream drizzle and chocolate hazelnut crunch. The Jim is a breakfast sandwich, of sorts, with breaded, fried chicken between a toasted glazed doughnut (glaze side in so it can meet hot chicken for melty perfection), served with Sriracha.

11 AM: ALL KINDS OF CREATURES

dwazoo.com Don’t let the name fool you. The Dallas World Aquarium has plenty of fish, but also birds, sloths, ocelots, penguins, otters and a variety of reptiles and amphibians. The aquarium features an incredibly believable reproduction of the Orinoco rainforest, with exotic birds flying freely. The exhibit has the only public display of three-toed sloths and Antillean manatees in the U.S. (the manatees might be the cutest creatures you see all weekend, other than your own kiddos, of course).

A highlight is the 40-foot tunnel where you can observe sharks and fish swimming around you.

1 PM: OLD SCHOOL ENTERTAINMENT

Photographs courtesy of Dallas World Aquarium and VisitDallas

Photographs courtesy of Sixth Floor Museum, Rory Meyers Children’s Adventure Garden and Klyde Warren Park by Thomas McConnell

Sunday

bowloungedallas.com Before heading out of town, show the kids what it was like before black lights and laser shows took over the local bowling alley. Bowlounge features twelve vintage lanes salvaged from an East Texas alley and reassembled in the Design District. It’s nostalgic fun with great tunes and seriously good eats. The kids will love the fried pickles and pizza, and you’ll love the forty-plus beers on tap. Note: Bowlounge is 21 and up after 8 PM on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Dallas World Aquarium

EXTEND YOUR STAY

That was a great 36 hours, but you’ve just scratched the surface of family fun in Dallas.

Stay and see the rest of the CityPASS attractions: Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Dallas Zoo and Reunion Tower GeO-Deck. Also, you got a glimpse of the visual arts in the Dallas Arts District, but there’s still much more to experience, from symphony to dance. Find all the fun things to see and do at visitdallas.com.

Dallas Museum of Art

I T I N E R A RY

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 25

25

1/13/20 10:23 AM

MADE IN DALLAS

WILD, WILD PHOTOGRAPHY BY REED KENNEY

26

WORDS BY JONATHAN THOMPSON

Western Wear

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 26

1/13/20 10:23 AM

F

Each Stetson hat—more than 10,000 are shipped out each week—is meticulously hand-crafted by Stetson employees.

Stetson recently celebrated its 150th birthday, with the iconic Dallas-loved Western wear brand still going strong

ur flies through broad shafts of sunlight as relentless machines whirr, stamp and burn. It’s hot down here on the factory floor, but none of the scores of expert craftsmen and women shows any signs of flagging. These people have orders to meet—and a reputation to uphold.

That reputation belongs to what is arguably the ultimate Western wear brand: Stetson. And the hundreds of hats they will finish this morning will be delivered across the planet from this bustling little factory.

Despite having been around for a century and a half, Stetson continues to grow. From the brand’s headquarters here in the Dallas area, upwards of 10,000 hats are shipped every week.

It’s not just a case of firing up the machines and pumping out the headwear, either: each hat is carefully cut, blocked and “pounced” as it has been for decades—passing through two hundred pairs of expert artisan hands before it is deemed ready to wear.

“We’re very strict in terms of our output. We’re looking for consistency in the feel, the shape and the color of the hats at every stage,” said Justin Thomason, the factory’s quality control manager, over the clatter of machinery.

“We’re into our traditions here, and it’s those traditions that keep our standards incredibly high.”

It might be Texan traditions keeping the quality on point, but it’s global fashion that’s helping drive this brand forward. Western flair and nostalgic Americana are major style trends on both sides of the Atlantic right now, meaning U.S. names like Stetson, alongside heritage brands like Red Wing and Filson, are enjoying a contemporary— and prosperous—moment in the sun.

MADE IN DALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 27

27

1/13/20 10:23 AM

MADE IN DALLAS

“Obviously we have our regular customers—the people who actually work outdoors and buy a Stetson for its practical uses,” said Sean O’Toole, the company’s sales manager, as we browse racks of pristine, newly finished headwear. “But now we’re seeing a serious upturn in the fashion side of things as well. In cities like New York, London and Tokyo, the overall Western wear trend is a major deal, and broadbrimmed cowboy hats are a big part of that.”

Stetson is a brand with a lot of history under its brim. The company traces its origins back to 1860, the height of the Wild West. That summer, a young prospector fashioned a wide-brimmed fur hat to protect his head from the sun while panning for gold in Colorado.

A passing rancher saw the innovative headpiece and offered him a $5 gold piece for it on the spot. That young prospector was John B. Stetson, and the farsighted rancher had just purchased what would later come to be recognized as the world’s first cowboy hat.

That fateful encounter led to Stetson officially forming his company in 1865, dedicated to the manufacturing of sturdy, durable cowboy hats for Americans.

By the turn of the twentieth century, it was the biggest hat manufacturer in the world, and it has gone from strength to strength ever since.

Back on the factory floor, the hat-making continues apace in a remarkably similar fashion to the process of one hundred years ago. Along the production line, raw materials are passed from station to busy station, where they’re hand-shaped, stamped, steamed and stitched into a timeless piece of heritage Americana.

According to O’Toole, brown is currently the best-selling color (an oddity, he says, as the top three shades are normally “black, black and black”).

Despite this, we see hats of countless complexions pass down the line before us, from charcoal greys and navy blues to sage greens and russet reds, not to mention their multiple shapes, silhouettes and styles.

To regular hat-watchers, this is not a surprise. Over the decades, the cowboy

28

(Top) Rough hat bodies await finishing touches. (Bottom) Preparing the sander to smooth the hats’ surfaces.

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 28

1/13/20 10:24 AM

COWBOY COUTURE: A HISTORY OF STETSON How the ultimate Western brand grew from a chance meeting during the Gold Rush to a multimillion-dollar Dallas company today

1830. John B. Stetson is born into a family of milliners in Orange, New Jersey. As a youngster, he works at his father’s traditional hat shop.

1860. Young Stetson invents the cowboy hat to protect his head while panning for gold in Colorado. A passing rancher is so impressed with the wide-brimmed hat that he pays $5 for it on the spot. The first “Stetson” has just been sold.

1865. The Stetson Company is established in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Its original “Boss of the Plains” design quickly becomes the No. 1 hat of the pioneering American West.

1876. Custer wears a Stetson into his Last Stand at Little Bighorn, the infamous battle.

1906. Stetson becomes the largest

Photograph (side bar) courtesy of Stetson

hat company in the world, producing two million hats annually by the time of its founder’s death in February 1906.

1924. Stetson’s most iconic advertisement is published. “The last drop from his Stetson” depicts a cowboy dipping his hat into a stream to provide water for his horse. The image is still being used today in the linings of Stetsons and on Stetson hat boxes.

1930 S . Stetson starts producing women’s hats to complement a men’s line that has now spread as far as Brazil, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand.

1980. Urban Cowboy, starring John Travolta, is released. The movie spurs a spike in Stetson orders as Western wear goes mainstream again.

1981. Raiders of the Lost Ark repeats the Hollywood feat, with Indiana Jones’ iconic Stetson fedora flying off the shelves. “The Ark” design still sells well today.

1986. Stetson moves its headquarters to the Dallas area, a place known for its fashion heritage as well as deep cowboy roots.

2017. Kingsman: The Golden Circle is released, with the box-office hit featuring Stetson hats prominently.

A subsequent capsule collection with menswear giant Mr. Porter helps Stetson take center stage in the resurgent Western-wear trend on both sides of the Atlantic.

2020. Stetson’s new “Seeker Collection” launches to critical acclaim. Aiming to “fill the gaps between cowboy hats and fedoras,” there are ten initial pieces in the hotly anticipated collection.

MADE IN DALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 29

29

1/13/20 10:24 AM

MADE IN DALLAS

Stetson crown molds shown in various sizes.

30

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 30

1/13/20 10:24 AM

Hats receive final inspection and steaming prior to being boxed for shipment.

hat has been joined in Stetson’s stable by the fedora, the pork pie, the homburg, the trilby and many, many others.

“Like everything else in fashion, hat trends are cyclical,” O’Toole said. “A few years ago, Mad Men had a massive impact—everybody wanted trilbies. But now we’re seeing a definite shift back towards Western style. The biggest sellers right now are the broad-brimmed cowboy hats with a little flair.”

That “flair” could be anything from a well-placed bow, buckle or peacock feather to a special accessory known as an Arkansas toothpick (a dagger).

“We’re in a phase right now where people are understanding the product way better, and they’re telling us exactly what they want,” O’Toole said. “Fashion consumers are more educated about what headwear looks good on them, in terms of their face shape and their personal style. More and more people know their hat size now too, which was never a mainstream thing before.”

Retailers, too, are seeing a benefit from this increased consumer knowledge. In Dallas, time-honored stockists like Wild Bill’s Western Store in the West End are reporting a resurgent demand for Stetsons, while newcomer Commerce Goods + Supply (based inside Dallas’ sleek Adolphus Hotel) is stocking two exclusive Stetson designs—The Renard and Beaux—which are moving like hot cakes with its well-heeled clientele.

“When curating Commerce, I wanted to honor the rich history of Texas, while also keeping in mind that the city of Dallas is very modern,” said retail director Christine Visneau. “Stetson was the perfect partner to create that story through our custom hats. These are styles you can wear every day—with a suit, a ballgown or denim. Our customers have come back to buy additional styles, falling in love with the brand.”

Stetson’s continued ascension in the style stakes has been helped in part by a number of recent high-profile Hollywood collaborations, including Once Upon A Time in Hollywood, Ford v Ferrari and Kingsman: The Golden Circle, which also resulted in a capsule collection with online menswear powerhouse Mr. Porter.

Ultimately, however, it’s the quality of craftsmanship that counts.

MADE IN DALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 31

31

1/13/20 10:24 AM

MADE IN DALLAS

The company believes that if you make the product right, people will continue to buy it, and a Stetson hat should be a lifetime investment.

Back at the factory, John Rosenthal— one of the brand’s head designers— explained the simple rule behind their success as we join an official tour of the hubbub.

“You look after your Stetson and it’ll last you fifty years,” said the fourthgeneration hatmaker. “It’s one of those items, like a good leather jacket, that’ll look better and better with age. You need to put in the effort, though. People send us packages all the time, with notes attached like, ‘Would you restore my grandfather’s hat?’ Some are so bad that you have to hold your nose and call in the hazmat squad.”

Rosenthal is something of a legend in these parts, having designed some of the most iconic Stetson styles of recent years, including the blockbuster “El Presidente,” a bestseller now gifted to every incoming U.S. president.

“The secret to a good cowboy hat is the quality of the fur,” said Rosenthal, as we pass a group of workers using flamethrowers to singe a set of brims.

“But that’s also its biggest weakness.

If you let them, moths will put bullet holes in these boys, and that’ll pretty much kill them.”

That’s a risk that untold thousands of Stetson fans across the globe are willing to take, paying $35 to $5,000 for a piece of the action, from a simple straw hat to timeless felt classics like the “Open Road” or “Boss of the Plains.”

Touring the corridors here, amid the thump of presses and hiss of steam, it’s easy to see how this brand wrangled such a permanent lasso-hold over Western culture. A series of classic blackand-white photographs stare back from the walls, oozing effortless Stetson cool, featuring such icons as John Wayne, Clint Eastwood and John Travolta in Urban Cowboy.

For now, this Dallas brand is galloping forward. There are plenty more TV and movie collaborations in the pipeline, as well as an ambitious new line, the “Seeker Collection.” A company with a rich reputation built on heritage and master craftsmanship, Stetson is not a name we’ll see riding off into the sunset anytime soon.

32

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 32

1/13/20 10:25 AM

FEAT PAGE 35

Showered in Arts

PAGE 46

Frozen in Time

PAGE 54

A Taco Tour

PAGE 56

Small-Town Charm

PAGE 84

Asian Culture in the Heart of Dallas

URES VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 33

1/13/20 10:25 AM

TAEF

“I have simply been amazed by the strength of the local arts institutions and the energy of the arts community and patrons who are committed to learning, growing the arts scene and pushing the envelope of what’s possible.”

— DR. ANNA KATHERINE BRODBECK,

Hoffman Family Senior Curator of Contemporary Art at the DMA

34

Photographs (top) by Wade Griffith, courtesy of the artist and Erin Cluley Gallery; (inset) courtesy of the artist and Ulterior Gallery

SERU VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 34

1/13/20 2:52 PM

Francisco Moreno, Chapel. (Inset) Nobutaka Aozaki, Street Can: Diet Coke (12 fl oz)

Photographs (top) by Wade Griffith, courtesy of the artist and Erin Cluley Gallery; (inset) courtesy of the artist and Ulterior Gallery

Showered in Arts April blossoms with cultural programing as the city celebrates Dallas Arts Month WORDS BY NANCY COHEN ISRAEL

I

n a city that thrives on superlatives, Dallas’ devotion to the arts is reflected in the size and scope of its cultural landscape. The Dallas Arts District, for example, is the largest contiguous arts district in the United States.

In recognition and celebration of all that it has to offer, the city proclaimed the entire month of April as Dallas Arts Month.

So it is that every spring, the area blossoms into a citywide celebration of the visual and performing arts. From the larger umbrella organizations that oversee much of the city’s cultural programming such as the Office of Arts and Culture, to individual cultural organizations, the month features work reflective of this diverse community. It also attracts artists and engages audiences from around the world.

To quantify its impact, Jennifer Scripps, the City of Dallas’ director of the Office of Arts and Culture (OAC), cites that last April, 770 events serving audiences of more than 122,000 arts patrons participated in Dallas Arts Month. Here are just a few of the highlights visitors and locals can expect this April.

SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 35

35

1/13/20 10:25 AM

DALLAS ART FAIR The Dallas Art Fair made its debut in 2009 and inspired the inauguration of the city-sponsored Dallas Arts Week. In the intervening years, the Dallas Art Fair has become an increasingly important stop for galleries and collectors on the international art fair circuit. Held at the Fashion Industry Gallery from April 16–19, 2020, it welcomes about one hundred contemporary art galleries from around the world and attracts thousands of visitors over the four-day event.

Panel discussions, lectures, off-site exhibitions and tours of some of the city’s premier collections are other highlights of the fair.

For all of its international fanfare, the Dallas Art Fair also ensures the continuity of local institutions. Proceeds from the annual preview benefit are divided among the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA), Nasher Sculpture Center and the Dallas Contemporary.

Additionally, the Dallas Art Fair Foundation acquisition program raises funds to grow the contemporary art collection at the DMA. “We use the fund to continue to build towards our collections plan, which is currently correcting blind spots while bolstering our strengths, with a special focus on women artists and artists from Latin America, East Asia and the African diaspora,” said Anna Katherine Brodbeck, Hoffman Family senior curator of contemporary art at the DMA. Before the fair opens to the public, Brodbeck and Agustín Arteaga, the DMA’s Eugene McDermott director, walk through, accompanied by donors, to make their selections. “We are usually able to acquire seven or eight works at the fair through the fund each year, which is really a transformative contribution to our program,” Brodbeck said.

The DMA capitalizes on the focused interest in contemporary art to attract audiences to its dynamic program. This year, the DMA is presenting For a Dreamer of Houses.

Featuring several immersive experiences, Brodbeck describes it as “an ambitious exhibition of our permanent collection that takes dwellings as sites of shelter, alienation, fantasy, community, the uncanny, gender and the body as a point of departure.”

At Nasher Sculpture Center, proceeds from the Dallas Art Fair are part of the engine that brings its innovative programming to life, including last fall’s commissioned sound installation by French artist Anne Le Troter. The first weekend in April is a celebration of the Nasher Prize laureates and includes a symposium, lecture and panel discussion as well as the Nasher Prize Gala.

36

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 36

1/13/20 10:25 AM

The Dallas Art Fair welcomes artwork and galleries from around the world and attractions thousands of visitors over the four-day event at the Fashion Industry Gallery.

SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 37

37

1/13/20 10:25 AM

Dallas Art Fair

Dallas Art Fair

Photograph by Kenneth Siscon

38

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 38

1/13/20 10:26 AM

Each spring, the Nasher Sculpture Center’s Prize Laureates are celebrated through dedicated displays, a symposium, and panel discussion—culminating in the Nasher Prize Award Gala.

Photograph by Kenneth Siscon SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 39

39

1/13/20 10:26 AM

40

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 40

1/13/20 10:26 AM

Photograph by Sarah Wall

Dallas Arts District

Photographs courtesy of the Dallas Arts District (top) and by Amber Knowles (bottom)

Dallas Arts District Block Party

SOLUNA FESTIVAL Organized under the auspices of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra (DSO), the Nancy A. Nasher and David J. Haemisegger Family SOLUNA International Music and Arts Festival explores the connections between classical music and contemporary culture.

From April 3–21, 2020, audiences will enjoy an array of performances by nationally and internationally renowned artists. The ultimate goal is to keep classical music relevant in today’s world. The festival includes three pillar events: Passport to the Park, Music and the Brain and The Musicians View, all of which attract a culturally and intellectually diverse audience.

Among this year’s highlights is the commissioned new work by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer and multidisciplinary artist Du Yun. For this event, Du Yun and her band, OK Miss, will perform in a Julian Crouch-directed concert.

According to Gillian Friedman Fox, director of contemporary and SOLUNA programs, “Du Yun assembled a band that exists between a rock band and a chamber ensemble. She is really breaking barriers between genres, which plays to SOLUNA’s mission.”

Since classical music is at the core of this festival, it also includes two concerts

by Music Director Designate Fabio Luisi.

Early in the festival, he will conduct The Book with Seven Seals, a rarely performed

Photograph by Sarah Wall

Photographs courtesy of the Dallas Arts District (top) and by Amber Knowles (bottom)

DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT BLOCK PARTY Spanning 19 blocks across 68 acres, the Dallas Arts District is the beating heart for most of the city’s cultural landmarks, home to the DMA, Nasher Sculpture Center and Crow Museum of Asian Art, as well as the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, Winspear Opera House, Wyly Theater and Moody Performance Hall. As part of the April festivities, the Dallas Arts District annually hosts a free block party.

“The signature block parties create accessibility, collaboration and partnerships within and beyond Dallas Arts District’s borders,” explained Lily Cabatu Weiss, executive director of the Dallas Arts District.

“The block party in April is titled Changing Perspectives. Its purpose is simply that—to change people’s perspectives, shed intimidation and shed a spotlight on local, state and internationally renowned artists in celebration of Dallas Arts Month.”

SOLUNA Festival SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 41

41

1/13/20 10:26 AM

German oratorio by twentieth-century composer Franz Schmidt. The following week, Luisi leads the DSO in Brahms’ Symphony No. 2.

The DSO is a trailblazer in addressing gender equity, and its concerted effort to promote the work of female conductors and composers continues through the SOLUNA Festival. Julia Wolff returns to direct this year’s “A Musician’s View” program. She is also directing the Texas premiere of Forbidden Love. Sixteen vocalists from local choral groups Verdigris Ensemble and Voices of Change will perform in this reimagined work. In addition, the festival will offer the world premiere of Dallas-based artist Carmen Menza’s commissioned work, Negotiating Dialogues.

42

Photograph by Christian Vasquez, SOLUNA—The Language of Nature

A COLLABORATIVE OF ARTS GROUPS Local arts groups have a long tradition of working collaboratively. In early April, The Dallas Opera and Dallas Black Dance Theatre (DBDT) will mark Igor Stravinsky’s one hundreth birthday with the co-production of Pulcinella.

DBDT choreographer and ballet master Sean J. Smith makes his Dallas Opera debut with this production. It will be paired with the La voix humaine, a dramatic one-woman show by Francis Poulenc with a libretto by Jean Cocteau.

It will be performed by Patricia Racette.

Smaller organizations also participate in this cultural season. According to Scripps, “Each April, the (three) cultural centers across Dallas present the visual arts show, ART214, highlighting the city’s incredible talent of local visual artists.”

In addition, the OAC organizes the free event “Creative Conversation.” The aim of this panel discussion, as Scripps describes it, is “to discuss current events touching on art, design, architecture, city planning and a host of other creative topics.”

For jazz lovers, the month also brings D’JAM, a free event featuring a jazz open house at Moody Performance Hall on April 4, 2020.

“D’JAM is a consortium of about a dozen jazz presenters and jazz educators,” said Joanna St. Angelo, executive

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 42

1/13/20 10:26 AM

Photograph by Christian Vasquez, SOLUNA—The Language of Nature

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra continues its trailblazing efforts by promoting female artists at the annual SOLUNA festival.

SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 43

43

1/13/20 10:26 AM

Thrown for a Loop by Dallas Black Dance Theatre

Learn more about Dallas Arts Month at dallasartsmonth.com.

44

AT&T Performing Arts Center Nasher Sculpture Center Photographs by Amitava Sarkar (top), courtesy of Sharen Bradford (middle), courtesy of VisitDallas (bottom)

director of the Sammons Center for the Arts.

“We realized that a lot of people were unaware of the great jazz being produced here so we decided to come together to celebrate jazz and collectively promote our events as part of National Jazz Appreciation Month, which is celebrated in April each year as part of the Smithsonian’s national initiative.”

Film enthusiasts look forward to the Dallas International Film Festival, sponsored by Dallas Film. Founded in 2006, Dallas Film has screened over 2,000 films from more than 50 countries in its yearround programming. This year’s festival, from April 16–23, 2020, will present an international array of narrative feature films, documentaries and shorts.

Curator Brodbeck best summarizes April in Dallas, saying, “Dallas Arts Month is one of the best times to visit the city. Dallas loves to host out-of-town visitors and we bring out our best to greet them. As a fairly recent transplant, I have been simply amazed by the strength of the local arts institutions and the energy of the arts community and patrons who are committed to learning, growing the arts scene and pushing the envelope of what’s possible.”

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 44

1/13/20 10:26 AM

Photographs by Amitava Sarkar (top), courtesy of Sharen Bradford (middle), courtesy of VisitDallas (bottom)

Dallas Art Fair

SHOWERED IN ARTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 45

45

1/13/20 10:27 AM

Cafe Herrera

Frozen in Time Exploring Dallas along the Margarita Mile

D

allas staked its claim as the “Official Home of the Frozen Margarita” by launching the Margarita Mile—a curated collection of the best and most brazen margaritas across Dallas’ unique neighborhoods, all collected in a colorful mobile app.

Dallas’ history with the frosty concoction dates back to 1971 when the first frozen margarita machine was invented by local restaurateur and living legend Mariano Martinez. That original frozen margarita machine now lives in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Nearly 50 years later Mariano’s Hacienda in East Dallas is still dishing out these sweet

46

and tart frozen cocktails.

The margarita has become so imbedded in Dallas culture you can find them just about anywhere—from traditional Tex-Mex spots to upscale Japanese restaurants, swanky cocktail bars and beyond, in a dizzying array of flavors and preparations. The Margarita Mile includes delectable variations with infused tequilas, liquid nitrogen, house-made syrups, fresh herbs and even popsicles dunked right in.

The Margarita Mile App takes users on a curated tour of Dallas’ unique margaritas. Beyond delicious drinks, the Margarita Mile serves as a refreshing way to explore the city’s unique neighborhoods and culture. As users taste their way along, using the app to check in at each location, they rack up points that help them earn fun gifts.

Since launching in 2018, the Margarita Mile has changed how visitors experience Dallas. One couple from Colorado City, Texas, discovered the

Margarita Mile in an issue of Texas Monthly magazine and planned an entire getaway around the self-guided tour, checking in at museums, restaurants and other iconic Dallas stops along the way.

Another group, girlfriends from Chicago, read about the Margarita Mile and hopped on a plane to experience it for themselves. For them, it was more than a weekend of drinking cocktails— it was a unique way to see a different side of Dallas.

This colorful and user-friendly app is a jumping off point to discover neighborhoods all over Dallas, from East Dallas to Deep Ellum, Uptown to Downtown. The app encourages locals and visitors to step outside the norm to discover only-in-Dallas restaurants, bars, and neighborhoods. margaritamiledallas.com

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 46

1/13/20 10:27 AM

Mariano’s Hacienda

FROZEN IN TIME

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 47

47

1/13/20 10:27 AM

The Rustic—Rimy Rita

48

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 48

1/13/20 10:27 AM

Trolley Time Seven Margarita Mile stops on the McKinney Avenue Trolley

Tipsy Alchemist—The Loca Rita

The historic McKinney Avenue Trolley runs through the heart of Margarita Mile territory. The trolley, or M-Line, starts in the core of Uptown and travels through Klyde Warren Park and into Downtown, making a full loop.

Grab your phone, catch a ride on the free trolley and enjoy a safe, car-free day along the Margarita Mile with these eight stops.

STOP 1: The Rustic

STOP 3: Fearing’s &

(on the M-Line)

The Rattlesnake Bar

The ultimate patio experience under the Texas sky, the Rustic also brings one of the most unusual frosty drinks to the Margarita Mile. The Rimy Rita combines Dulce Vida Lime, raspberry liqueur, Cointreau, a sangria popsicle and a frozen margarita. The Instagram-worthy drink pairs perfectly with the Rustic’s famous live music.

(on the M-Line)

therustic.com

STOP 2: Tipsy Alchemist

(less than a ten-minute walk from the M-Line)

Chef Dean Fearing is synonymous with Texas and his cocktails never disappoint.

Dean’s Margarita is the definitive classic.

With ingredients hand-picked by Chef Fearing, it features Patrón Añejo tequila, which contains a blend from two different barrels exclusive to Fearing’s. Damiana, a flowering shrub native to Texas, gives the cocktail herbal and floral notes, while also giving the drinker a boost of vitality, and finally, the margarita is sweetened with agave nectar and shaken with housemade sweet and sour. fearingsrestaurant.com

This swanky lounge elevates the average cocktail experience, mixing together science, art and technique. Don’t be surprised to see drinks served in repurposed lightbulbs or smoke coming from your glass—like in the exclusive Roca ’Rita. An off-menu drink created especially for the Margarita Mile combines Piña Loca tequila, triple sec, jalapeño reduction, nitrogen, cilantro, fresh lime juice and Peychaud’s bitters. thetipseyalchemist.com

Fearing’s & The Rattlesnake Bar—Dean’s Margarita

FROZEN IN TIME

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 49

49

1/13/20 10:27 AM

STOP 4: El Fenix

(less than a five-minute walk from the M-Line) El Fenix is a tried-and-true Tex-Mex star in Dallas. In its 102nd year, El Fenix pairs fan favorites, like their cheese enchiladas, with margaritas as rich as their history. You can’t leave Dallas without sipping their “Original” El Fenix Margarita. You pick—frozen or on the rocks—there’s no wrong answer. elfenix.com

STOP 5: Meso Maya

(less than a five-minute walk from the M-Line) This Uptown oasis boasts a food and drink menu inspired by all the states of Mexico, using only the freshest ingredients. The margarita menu features unexpected flavors, from the refreshing avocado margarita to the classic De La Casa margarita, which can be served on the rocks or frozen. Best part—it is topped with Oaxacan sea salt.

El Fenix—the “Original” El Fenix Margarita

mesomaya.com

STOP 6: Taqueria La Ventana

(less than a five-minute walk from the M-Line) This funky, casual taqueria is an open-air concept offering authentic Mexico City street food from small tacos to elotes (Mexican grilled corn), and a margarita so good it is the only one on the menu.

Served frozen or las rocas (on the rocks), it is a classic that pairs perfectly with patio weather and friends. taquerialaventana.com

STOP 7: Wild Salsa

(less than a ten-minute walk from M-Line) This Downtown spot serves authentic Mexican cuisine and handcrafted cocktails, and has more than 100 tequilas to choose from. The fan-favorite Wild-Rita combines roasted pineapple and jalapeño infused tequila with hand-pressed lime juice and agave nectar, making it one of the most unusual on the Mile. wildsalsarestaurant.com

Wild Salsa—Wild-Rita

50

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 50

1/13/20 10:28 AM

Taqueria La Ventana— La Ventana Margarita

Meso Maya—De La Casa Margarita

FROZEN IN TIME

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 51

51

1/13/20 10:28 AM

Meet Chef Julian Rodarte Margarita Mile Ambassador As one of the best up-and-coming chefs in this foodie city, Chef Julian Rodarte has been named a Zagat 30 Under 30 national winner, appeared on Food Network’s Beat Bobby Flay and is the official ambassador of the Margarita Mile.

He and his dad, Beto, own and operate Beto & Son in the Trinity Groves neighborhood—a restaurant that’s quickly becoming the go-to spot for great eats and extravagant margaritas. Writer Diana Alvarez caught up with the young chef to hear about his Dallas favorites and learn a little more about what inspires him.

and becoming a chef?

A: I was raised in the kitchen and always glued to my father’s hip. Once I was old enough, I asked him if I could begin developing my skills in his taqueria.

He handed me an apron and started me in the dish pit and I worked my way up from there.

My passion for food took me to the Culinary Institute of America.

Since graduating, I have been given the honor to train under Chef Dean Fearing at the Ritz-Carlton Dallas, and work on the corporate level for various restaurant chains. When the opportunity came to open a restaurant with my dad at Trinity Groves, we couldn’t pass up the chance to be in the kitchen together again.

Q: What’s your favorite Dallas

neighborhood?

A: I don’t think there is one

52

spot I love more than another in Dallas—every part of the city offers something unique. Trinity Groves—and West Dallas as a whole—is quickly becoming my favorite neighborhood. The view from the patios are gorgeous and you can try something new at every restaurant.

If I’m looking to grab a drink, I love Uptown. My favorite spots are Parliament, Tipsy Alchemist, Standard Pour and the Rattlesnake Bar. Q: What’s something about

Dallas that would surprise a firsttime visitor?

A: The food scene is really progressive. I would put our Dallas chefs up against the best in other foodie destinations. Everyone knows we have amazing barbecue, Tex-Mex and steakhouses, but I think Japanese restaurants like Tei-An and Uchi, or Italian

restaurants like Sasetta and Lucia, would surprise visitors.

Q: You’re hosting a group of friends for a weekend visit to Dallas. What’s on the agenda?

A: Food trucks at Klyde Warren Park are a win for everyone; there’s so much variety. The Dallas Farmers Market is another great place to take friends and family.

The liveliness of both spots are a nice vibe on a Saturday morning.

Experiencing Dallas through the Margarita Mile is a must. It not only has amazing margaritas, but also great food at each of the stops.

Trinity Groves has something fun almost every night of the week. There’s Salsa Night at Beto & Son on Wednesdays, and live performances at Souk on Friday nights. On Sundays, you should make your way to LUCK for their beer and brunch pairings.

Center photograph courtesy of Beto & Son

Q: How did you get into cooking

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 52

1/13/20 10:28 AM

Center photograph courtesy of Beto & Son

@Erin Madden Revolver

@allaboutlastnightblog Beto and Son

@foreign_fresh_fierce The Rustic

@taylorp3243 The Rustic

@simplycurvee Wild Salsa

@cafeherreraonlamar Cafe Herrera

Mile Moments Share your own Margarita Mile moments on Instagram.

@Jose On Lovers

@chartay La Ventana

@tayler.savanna The Rustic

Sipping selfies, themed group outings, music video shoots . . . the Margarita Mile has seen it all!

@MARGARITAMILE | #MARGARITAMILE

FROZEN IN TIME

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 53

53

1/13/20 10:28 AM

A TACO TOUR

Trompo

Dallas is known for many things. Its diverse taco culture is finally one of them

Reprinted with permission from Texas Monthly

54

Resident Taqueria

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 54

1/13/20 10:28 AM

Photographs courtesy (El Come Taco) El Come Taco, (José) José Ralat, (Resident Taqueria) Taylor Viegor | Resounding Mountain, (Taco Stop) José Ralat

From walk-up stands, like Taco Stop in the Design District, to modern Mexican cuisine-focused establishments, like Revolver Taco Lounge/ Purepecha Room, tacos of all sorts can be found just about anywhere.

Photographs by (Trompo) José Ralat; (Resident Taqueria) Taylor Viegor | Resounding Mountain

WORDS BY JOSÉ RALAT

El Come Taco advertises itself as a Mexico City-style taqueria—the owners are indeed from our southern neighbor’s capital—but alongside the tacos al pastor and tacos campechanos (a mix of steak and chorizo) typical of the metropolis—are delights like the fish tacos, which come fried in an airy batter and a classic refried beans and queso fresco taco garnished with an avocado wedge. Customers looking for a delicacy can order tacos de chapulines, nutty, roasted grasshoppers, generously covered with guacamole. El Come Taco also boasts one of Dallas’ best mezcal bars, La Viuda Negra. Accessible from a hallway near the taqueria’s counter, the watering hole serves a jaw-dropping array of mezcals and agave distillates, available neat or in cocktails. Just as impressive are the taco dorados, freshly fried crispy tacos brimming with a mixture of chicken and potatoes capped with lettuce and queso fresco. elcometaco.com

Photographs courtesy (El Come Taco) El Come Taco, (José) José Ralat, (Resident Taqueria) Taylor Viegor | Resounding Mountain, (Taco Stop) José Ralat

Photographs by (Trompo) José Ralat; (Resident Taqueria) Taylor Viegor | Resounding Mountain

EL COME TACO/ LA VIUDA NEGRA

JOSÉ A gleaming homage to the work of Guadalajara-based ceramicist José Noé Suro—his tiles decorate the interior, his dishware adorns the tables, and his name is that of the restaurant—this Park Cities modern Mexican restaurant boasts one of Dallas’ best chefs, Anastacia Quiñones-Pittman. “AQ,” as she is known in the industry, is perhaps best known for her rotating “tacos de tacha” specials, which can be anything from fried chicken and peach salsa on a coriander-infused corn tortilla to vegetarian options like thick-cut garlic-marinated portabella mushrooms dotted with habanera crema on almond tortillas. At a 2018 popup, AQ once served a s’mores taco—a handmade Mexican vanilla marshmallow and graham cracker crumble served on corn tortilla mixed in with Abuelita chocolate powder. jose.mx

RESIDENT TAQUERIA This Lake Highlands strip-center taco spot may be named for its targeted

demographic, but chef and co-owner Andrew Savoie, has earned critical and popular plaudits for inventive yet approachable tacos. The selections include the house favorite roasted cauliflower topped with crinkled kale and drizzled with lime-epazote salsa that is neither too acidic nor too herbaceous. It’s a must when visiting the taqueria, as are a couple of the weekly specials, which can include tacos topped with escargot, tacos with cherry tomato-studded picadillo, and Mexican albondigas (meatballs) laced in a sweet red salsa. San Antonians would be wise to order a puffy taco, stuffed with the filling of your choice.

El Come Taco

residenttaqueria.com

TACO STOP The aforementioned walk-up taco stand along Irving Boulevard offers small, street-style tacos with juicy picadillo; carnitas with crunchy bits; smooth, beefy barbacoa, and other traditional fillings served on doubled-up corn tortillas so fresh they’ll leave your fingers smelling of cornfields for hours. That’s just for lunch. In mid-September, the taqueria, which has been opened 7 AM to 3 PM Monday to Saturday since its opening day, has added evening hours Thursday through Saturday, with promises of surprises from 6 PM to 9 PM.

José

tacostopdallas.com

TROMPO What began as a backyard speakeasy-type popup in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood and eventually moved into a space near Trinity Groves has only recently moved into newer digs in the quickly developing Bishop Arts District. Owner Luis Olvera continues to serve his signature Monterrey-style tacos de trompo, a northern Mexican cousin to the taco al pastor prepared on the vertical spit known as the trompo, and original taco options.

But now the menu includes selections like a Monterrey-style trompo burger—a patty topped with thin rounds of salami, mozzarella, and avocado between a black charcoal-activated bun—and special weekend breakfast options.

Resident Taqueria

octrompo.com

Taco Stop A TA C O T O U R

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 55

55

1/14/20 9:43 AM

Salaryman Shiso Mojito

SMALL-TOWN

Charm

56

Dirt Flowers

Serious eats, old-school entertainment and vintage shopping in the heart of the big city WORDS BY JEF TINGLEY

Photographs by (Eno’s Pizza) Kelsey Foster; (Salaryman) Elliott Munoz Photography; (Dirt Flowers) Joseph Haubert

Eno’s Pizza Tavern

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 56

1/13/20 10:28 AM

T

Photographs by (Eno’s Pizza) Kelsey Foster; (Salaryman) Elliott Munoz Photography; (Dirt Flowers) Joseph Haubert

ravel just minutes south from Downtown Dallas’ iconic skyscrapers, and you’ll arrive in North Oak Cliff, home to Bishop Arts District—a former 1930s trolley stop that’s found new life as a hub for more than 75 independently owned bars, restaurants, galleries, boutiques and coffee shops. Over the last decade, the district has seen continual growth and renovation, creating a unique mixture of old and new spaces in a walkable urban environment that includes a $42-million project bringing apartments and 95,000 square feet of new retail space to this ever-changing hot spot.

Locals flock to Bishop Arts District not only for its distinctive merchants, but also for its festive offerings, including quarterly wine walks and signature holiday events such as Bastille on Bishop that honors Oak Cliff’s connection to French history, a Mardi Gras parade and Jingle Bell on Bishop. But first-timers and regulars alike can all agree that the best way to experience Bishop Arts is by making a full day of it.

Production Teams: Photographer: Shayna Fontana Models: Taylor Harvick and Luis Enrique Martinez, Kim Dawson Agency Creative Director: Patricio Rivera (12:34) Stylist: Yasmina Johnson Lighting Assistant: Austin Lockhead Photographer Assistant: Roger Gallegos Hair: Sandra Saenz Makeup: Mayra E. Rodriguez

Neil Barrett suit, OFF-White shoes—shop Traffic at The Joule. Nike top—shop Nordstrom at NorthPark Center.

Photographer: Jackie Lee Young Model: Nina Kong, Kim Dawson Agency Styling: Nicole Saunders Hair and Makeup: Gabby Rosenberg

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 57

57

1/13/20 10:28 AM

Eno’s Pizza Tavern

58

Photograph by Kelsey Foster

Begin with coffee at Oddfellows and sip on the in-house brew from Rabble Rousers Coffee Co., or try a custom, cold-pressed juice from Tribal All Day Café.

Then stroll the shops for gifts, clothing and home accessories. Harkensback offers ethically made apparel including many items handcrafted in Dallas, and We Are 1976 features beautiful paper goods, art and stationery, as well as custom design and printing services. For that perfect one-of-a-kind find, stop by one of the district’s newest additions, Dolly On Bishop.

This second location of longtime-favorite Dallas vintage store Dolly Python curates an always-changing collection of retro clothes, jewelry, cowboy boots, records and other quirky items.

“What makes Bishop Arts unique is the passion of the shop owners and restaurateurs and the creative atmosphere that they each create in their own shops and restaurants,” said J.P. Hossley, co-owner and designer at Art Love Design Studio DBA Neighborhood, a purveyor of local home goods, art, gifts and design services. “Without these hyper-creative local owners, Bishop Arts wouldn’t be what it is today.”

When it comes to dining, Bishop Arts has something for every palate. In addition to offering one of the only second-story views of the district, Eno’s Pizza Tavern serves up thin-crust pizzas, a variety of craft beers and large tables for accommodating big groups. Or opt for an intimate, Japanese-style meal at Salaryman, a 27-seat restaurant known for its

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 58

1/13/20 10:29 AM

Photograph by Kelsey Foster

On Luis, Alexander McQueen shirt and trousers, 1017 ALYX 9SM sneakers—shop Traffic at The Joule. On Taylor, Rebecca Taylor dress, Alexandre Birman heels—shop NorthPark Center. Earrings, Small Talk (smalltalkhandmade.com); rings, Kaiser Atelier (kaiseratelier.com).

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 59

59

1/13/20 10:29 AM

Photograph by Kelsey Foster

60

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 60

1/14/20 12:22 PM

Photograph by Kelsey Foster

flavorful ramen, yakitori and specialty cocktails made with shochu and Japanese whiskey. The small space fills up quickly, so arrive early, add your name to the list and enjoy some shopping before your table is ready. We talk about more hot Bishop Arts eats on page 76.

Wrap up a Bishop Arts adventure with a relaxing visit to Ya Ya Foot Spa, an affordable indulgence that features traditional Chinese foot reflexology available in forty- and ninety-minute options. Or treat that sweet tooth to a tantalizing dessert from Emporium Pies or Azucar Ice Cream Company.

Live music fans will leave toe tapping after a stop at Revelers Hall. Bands perform here nightly, playing everything from New Orleans jazz to Texas swing. “‘It’s the thing we didn’t know Bishop Arts was missing,’ has been said more times than I can count, thanks to the über-talented musicians who play here,” said Amy Wallace Cowan, owner of Revelers Hall. “The sound of a brass band spilling into the street turns out to be the perfect soundtrack for this vibrant neighborhood.”

Whether you have a full day or just a few hours, a visit to Bishop Arts District is the perfect way to enjoy distinctive food, fun and shopping served with smalltown hospitality smack dab in the heart of Big D. The beautiful and booming Bishop Arts District serves as the backdrop to this issue’s photo essay.

From bold street art to both sophisticated and downhome interiors, every look is welcome.

Eno’s Pizza Tavern

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 61

61

1/13/20 10:29 AM

DALLAS BLOOMS Taylor’s look complements the floral wallpaper at Good Companions Café. The café serves coffee, tea, wine and their signature sticky buns in a restored 1916 Craftsman-style house. The café is inspired by the owner’s grandparents’ sixty-year love story that blossomed after meeting at the Good Companions cycling club in the English countryside. goodcompanionscafe.com

Michael Kors linen short suit and crossbody bag, Fabiana Filippi necklace, ASOS earrings—shop NorthPark Center.

62

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 62

1/13/20 10:29 AM

TEJAS FRESH Texas grown and Texas made, Tejas restaurant in Bishop Arts presents a fresh perspective on Texan comfort food, served in a playful, modern environment. And it’s wallet-friendly to boot; perfect for an after-workout bite. eattejas.com

On Taylor, Unravel Project knit top and leggings, OFF-White sneakers—shop Traffic at The Joule. On Luis, Nike jacket and compression top, Alo active shorts and leggings combination, Nike sneakers—shop Nordstrom at NorthPark Center.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 63

63

1/13/20 10:30 AM

COOL COCKTAILS The Botanist’s upscale look and expertly crafted cocktails make it one of Bishop Arts’ hottest new spots. Craft cocktails hit a decidedly herbacious note with house-made infusions and interesting garnishes. The bar is stately, with lush leather seating and sparkling chandeliers, but never stuffy. botanistdallas.com

On Taylor, OFF-White dress jacket—shop Traffic at The Joule. Steve Madden over-the-knee boots—shop Nordstrom at NorthPark Center.

Earrings and necklace, Elizabeth Hooper Studio.

On Luis, Neil Barrett suit, OFF-White shoes— shop Traffic at The Joule. Nike top—shop Nordstrom at NorthPark Center.

64

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 64

1/13/20 10:30 AM

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 65

65

1/13/20 10:31 AM

Photograph by Emily Loving

Cooper “Bias About You” dress.

66

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 66

1/13/20 10:31 AM

ASIAN INSPIRATION Chefs grill fresh yakitori at Salaryman, an intimate, 27-seat Japanese-style restaurant known for its flavorful ramen and specialty cocktails with shochu and Japanese whiskey.

The small space fills up quickly, so plan ahead. salarymanoakcliff.com

Photograph by Emily Loving SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 67

67

1/13/20 10:31 AM

DAY TO NIGHT From casual afternoons to fancy evenings out, the Bishop Arts District is growing into the hot spot for all occasions. It’s not all funk in this diverse neighborhood, there’s also plenty of sparkle and flair. bishopartsdistrict.com

On Luis, OFF-White denim shirt, A-COLD-WALL trousers—shop Traffic at The Joule. Kaiser Atelier ring. On Nina, Trelise Cooper “Mrs Jones” dress, Elk the Label bangles.

68

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 68

1/13/20 10:31 AM

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 69

69

1/13/20 2:53 PM

STREET SCENE The Bishop Arts District continues to develop a funky, fun vibe. On weekends, the streets are filled with couples, families and locals picking up a unique gift from shops like All Good Things and Harkensback. If it’s hip, interesting and original, you can find it in this offbeat neighborhood.

On Nina, Penny Sage “Marianne” dress, Merchant 1948 snake-print heels, Peta and Jain bag, Elk the Label bangle. On Luis, OFF-White denim shirt, A-COLD-WALL trousers, Mason Margiela boots— shop Traffic at The Joule. Kaiser Atelier ring.

70

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 70

1/13/20 10:32 AM

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 71

71

1/13/20 10:32 AM

SUMMER SHADE Nina’s bold black-and-white floral dress pops against colorful street art in Bishop Arts.

Helen Cherry “Tessa” dress, Karen Walker “Eden Supernova Glitter” sunglasses.

72

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 72

1/13/20 10:33 AM

INFAMOUSLY IMBIBE Nina sips a drink outside Parker Barrow’s, a corner tavern named after Dallas’ most infamous couple, Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow.

Resembling a 1920s drugstore on the inside with windows that open to the street, it’s a great spot to perch and people-watch.

Karen Millen top, H&M Studio skirt, Merchant 1948 polka dot heels, Elk the Label earrings.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 73

73

1/13/20 10:34 AM

On Taylor, Rebecca Taylor denim crop jacket and leather dress, Michael Kors crossbody handbag—shop NorthPark Center. Small Talk earrings, Kaiser Atelier rings. On Luis, Dolce & Gabbana print hoodie, JUNYA WATANABE MAN denim trousers, Alexander McQueen sneakers—shop Traffic at The Joule.

74

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 74

1/13/20 10:35 AM

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION Fresh juice, smoothies and really good food made from real ingredients is what you’ll get at Tribal All Day Café. They’re passionate about connecting the community over real experiences, and food that nourishes the body and spirit. livetribal.com

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 75

75

1/13/20 10:35 AM

FOODIE CITY The Bishop Arts District area offers some stand out restaurants. Here are three very good ones to try.

WORDS BY PATRICIA SHARPE

Mais oui, y’all. This casual, modern bistro puts a Texas spin on French classics. Local wagyu beef stars in steak frites and steak tartare; salads are made with local produce and Texas artisan cheese; and the charcuterie is prepared in house. Sure, the fruits de mer platter features the finest East Coast oysters; but Gulf shrimp and wood-grilled oysters grace the menu too, alongside standards like bone marrow and bouillabaisse.

Killer craft cocktails and a good wine list, including some moderately priced selections, help fuel the high-energy vibe. Housed in a nearly century-old building—ever harder to find in Dallas these days—the space retains its historic charm, thanks to decor that sidesteps bistro clichés.

Opened 2012. dallasboulevardier.com

Macellaio

Chef David Uygur had an unusual wish: to see how the sausage was made. Actually, it was to make the sausage himself. He attained this noble goal in 2018 with the opening of Macellaio, a Mediterranean restaurant with a serious side gig doing charcuterie. Located in Dallas’ Oak Cliff neighborhood, the easy, smart, industrial-looking venue is the younger sibling of tiny, perpetually busy Lucia.

Pronounced “Ma-che-lie-oh” and meaning “butcher,” the new spot puts a changing roster of cured meats front and center: slices of deep-red coppa, for instance, punched up with spicy green peppercorns. But there’s lots more to try. Early on, Uygur had fun with a version of the southern French dish aligot involving a pan of melted Gruyère poured in cascades over teeny pickled creamer peas.

The resemblance to queso was compelling.

Paradiso

Pass through a magical courtyard framed by twinkle-lit trees and you’ll find Paradiso, a chic but relaxed restaurant with a Southern European menu. Tall ceilings, high-hung windows, and plants a-plenty evoke a glamorous greenhouse redo, straight out of Architectural Digest. Seafood (think whole grilled branzino with salsa verde), fresh pastas, and a slew of dishes from the woodfired grill are specialties. If you can’t snag a seat inside, all is not lost. Grab a table in that alluring courtyard and order from Paradiso’s sibling neighbor, the Botanist, a cocktail lounge for which the restaurant prepares serious bar bites.

Opened 2019. paradisodallas.com

Opened 2018. macellaiodallas.com

Reprinted with permission from Texas Monthly

76

Photographs courtesy of Boulevardier, Maceillaio (Emily Loving) and Paradiso: (interior) by Adam Stewart, (dish) by Marquel Plavan

Boulevardier

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 76

1/13/20 10:35 AM

Photographs courtesy of Boulevardier, Maceillaio (Emily Loving) and Paradiso: (interior) by Adam Stewart, (dish) by Marquel Plavan

COLORFUL AND QUIRKY At Fête-ish they believe “pets are people too” and offer an assortment of quirky and hyper-local gifts for your friends and family— furry or not. The inside of this boutique is as colorful and inviting as the oustide. fete-ish.com

Kate Sylvester “Meg” blouse and “Martha” skirt, Merchant 1948 polka dot heels, Elk the Label “Halna” bangles.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 77

77

1/13/20 10:35 AM

TASTE OF TEXAS Lockhart Smokehouse is the spot in Bishop Arts for authentic Texas barbecue—ordered by the pound and served on butcher paper.

Beef brisket and the blue cheese coleslaw are staff favorites. lockhartsmokehouse.com

78

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 78

1/13/20 10:35 AM

Jane Daniels “Jamaica” dress, Valet earrings. Opposite Page: Kate Sylvester “Zebra” top, Selected Femme skirt, Angelina Alvarez earrings.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 79

79

1/13/20 10:35 AM

BOLD AND BRIGHT Pretty patterns and saturated colors complement the Bishop Arts District’s rich and vibrant vibe. Murals outside of the Golden Flamant and The King’s Club Barbershop reflect the personality of the neighborhood.

80

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 80

1/13/20 10:35 AM

Jane Daniels “Jamaica” dress, Valet earrings.

Opposite page: Boden Clothing shirt and skirt.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 81

81

1/13/20 10:36 AM

LAST LOOK This year has seen the Bishop Arts District, once a hidden gem, blossom and expand deeper into one of the city’s oldest and most historic neighborhoods. From local shops and thoughtful restaurants and bars, this inviting neighborhood really does have something for every taste and style. bishopartsdistrict.com

82

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 82

1/13/20 10:36 AM

On Nina, Leo & Lin dress.

Opposite page: Pamella Roland dress—shop NorthPark Center.

Bracelet, necklace, earrings, Elizabeth Hooper Studio.

SMALL-TOWN CHARM

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 83

83

1/13/20 10:36 AM

Crow Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Celebration

Photographs courtesy of Turks Studio (top) and by Thanin Viriyaki (bottom)

Asian Culture in the Heart OF DALLAS Immerse yourself in inspiring art, food, shopping and gardens WORDS BY DEBORAH FLECK KHAO Noodle Shop

84

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 84

1/13/20 10:37 AM

Festival of Joy held in Klyde Warren Park

T

Photographs courtesy of Turks Studio (top) and by Thanin Viriyaki (bottom)

he Asian population is booming throughout Dallas, and inspiring Asian culture is tucked throughout the city. There are the obvious places, such as restaurants and shopping centers—but also a number of smaller, hidden gems that share Asian arts, religion, food and more.

One large venue not to miss is the Hilton Anatole Hotel, home to a treasure trove of Asian sculpture, tapestries and artifacts. In one of the lobby areas stands a towering marble statue of Mahatma Gandhi. Arjun Prajapati, an acclaimed sculptor from India, created the piece.

The popular and expansive Dallas Museum of Art features an exhibit of Islamic art from the Keir Collection on display in its own gallery. It is considered a permanent exhibit since the collection is on loan for fifteen years, through 2029. Dallas, by the way, has approximately eighty mosques, more than fifteen Islamic schools, 250-plus restaurants and 150 or so markets for its diverse Islamic population.

Of course, Asian culture is also experienced through food and Dallas has a booming number of restaurants to choose from. Niwa Japanese BBQ in Dallas’ Deep Ellum neighborhood offers favorites you cook at your own table, while Tei-An is a gourmet Arts District staple. And no list would be complete without Uchi, located in Uptown Dallas, featuring contemporary Japanese dishes developed by James Beard award winning chef Tyson Cole. Follow your taste buds and you’re sure to find plenty of exotic flavors in Dallas.

A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 85

85

1/13/20 10:37 AM

(Top) Gallery image from Avatars and Incarnations Buddhist and Hindu Art from the Collection at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. (Bottom) A Samurai and his horse adorned in armor, on display at The Samurai Collection.

Photographs this page and opposite by (top) Can Trukyilmaz courtesy of Turks Studio and (bottom) Andrew Vela

86

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 86

1/13/20 10:37 AM

Whether small or large, hidden or in bustling areas, more and more places in Dallas offer a chance to experience Asian culture.

Here, a look at some of our top picks.

CROW MUSEUM OF ASIAN ART This small but impactful museum features pieces from China, Japan, India, Korean and Southeastern Asia that range from historical to contemporary. The items are from the extensive collection of the late Trammell and Margaret Crow, who had a passion for Asian art. The museum hosts rotating exhibits that bring in works from renowned collectors and artists. “Future Retrospective: Master Shen-Long” is on exhibit through August 23, 2020. The museum is always free and is open from 11 AM to 5 PM, Tuesday through Sunday. Before departing, find a treasure at the Lotus Shop, the museum’s award-winning gift shop. crowcollection.org

(Top) the newly redesigned Lotus Shop at the Crow Museum of Asian Art. (Bottom) Collection of Samurai helmets on display at The Samurai Collection.

Photographs this page and opposite by (top) Can Trukyilmaz courtesy of Turks Studio and (bottom) Andrew Vela

THE ANN & GABRIEL BARBIERMUELLER MUSEUM: THE SAMURAI COLLECTION Towering Samurai statues adorn the lobby areas of office buildings in the Harwood District, just north of Downtown. The neighborhood’s developer, Gabriel Barbier-Mueller, has a passion for collecting Japanese armor.

To showcase part of his large collection, he created the Ann & Gabriel Barbier-Mueller Museum: The Samurai Collection above St. Ann Restaurant and Bar. It’s hidden, but offers an exquisite display of suits of armor, helmets, masks and weaponry. The collection of Samurai objects is one of the most complete and largest of its type in the world, and it is the only museum outside of Japan focused on Samurai armor. Installations are rotated twice per year to present new artifacts. The museum has a library of collector books on Japanese armor and a gift shop. Hours are 11 AM to 8 PM, Tuesdays; 11 AM to 6 PM, Wednesdays through Saturdays; and 11 AM to 5 PM, Sunday. It is closed Mondays. samuraicollection.org

RADHA KALACHANDI HARE KRISHNA TEMPLE Dallas is home to several temples that showcase the history and richness of Asian religions. The Radha Kalachandi Hare Krishna Temple is adorned with Rajastani

A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 87

87

1/13/20 10:38 AM

Installation view of Each and Every by Beili Liu; photo by Amos Morgan

In January, the Crow Museum of Asian Art launches its multiyear Texas Women Artist Series with the inaugural exhibition, Beili Liu: One and Another. Best known for creating stunning floor-to-ceiling, site-responsive installations, artist Beili Liu takes commonplace materials and uses them in unorthodox ways. In one gallery, hundreds of pieces of children’s clothing are treated in concrete and suspended inches from the floor.

In another gallery, thousands of hand-coiled disks of red thread float from the ceiling in homage to an ancient Chinese legend and the search for human connection. Beili Liu: One and Another runs through Aug. 16.

88

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 88

1/13/20 10:38 AM

Installation view of Lure by Beili Liu; photo by Beili Liu Studio A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 89

89

1/13/20 10:38 AM

paintings and murals, Vedic art and Hindu cultural displays. Guided tours are available upon request. Along with worship services, meditation and Sunday Krishna fests, the temple serves lunch and dinner at its popular vegetarian restaurant, which is reportedly the longest serving vegetarian restaurant in Dallas.

Japanese Garden at Kidd Springs Park

BUDDHIST CENTER OF DALLAS, ALSO KNOWN AS WAT BUDDHA DALLAS In a quiet neighborhood near Central Expressway and Forest Lane, the Buddhist Center of Dallas includes an ornate temple with a beautiful garden and is the site every spring of the Thai Culture and Food Festival.

The center offers evening chanting and mediation daily at 7 PM, with a Westerners night on Wednesdays. One of Dallas’ oldest Chinese restaurants, Royal China, is known for its homemade dumplings and sits nearby at 6025 Royal Lane.

Photograph courtesy of Kidd Springs Park

radhakalachandji.org

watdallas.com

CAMBODIAN BUDDHIST TEMPLE OF DALLAS Tucked away in South Dallas near the Great Trinity Forest, this ornate temple is a peaceful place where guests can view Buddhist statues and celebrate the Cambodian New Year each spring. The gates are the only replicas in the world of the gates at Angkor Wat in Siem Reap, Cambodia. They were created by the monks who spent more than four years hand-carving and sculpting them.

972-709-5300.

JAPANESE GARDEN AT KIDD SPRINGS PARK This cherished public green space contains a collection of Japanese antiquities including two 17th century Buddhist sculptures, which lay claim to being the oldest public art in Dallas, and a 10-foot-tall carved granite stone lantern, which was sent by Japan’s emperor to the 1933 World’s Fair in Chicago. The garden is also home to a variety of trees, including several Ginkgo biloba trees, several bamboo species and flowering perennials. There are walking trails overlooking a two-acre natural spring-fed lake. friendsofoakcliffparks.org

90

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 90

1/13/20 10:38 AM

Festival of Joy

A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 91

91

1/13/20 10:38 AM

Festival of Joy

ASIAN FESTIVALS Festivals are a fun way to experience a high dose of culture in a compact amount of time, and Dallas has no shortage of opportunities to celebrate this season.

fojdallas.com

MAY South Asian Film Festival A multi-day festival that showcases international and Texas premieres of features, shorts and documentaries. dfwsaff.com

MAY 9 Asian Festival Hosted by the Greater Dallas Asian American Chamber of Commerce, this

92

annual festival abounds with cultural performances, vendor booths and authentic Asian food. gdaacc.com

JULY 16–23 Asian Film Festival of Dallas Celebrating nineteen years in 2020, the Asian Film Festival of Dallas has grown to become the south’s largest showcase of Asian and Asian-American cinema. asianfilmdallas.com

AUGUST Anand Bazaar This annual celebration of India’s Independence Day is hosted by the India Association of North Texas. iant.org

Photograph courtesy of Turks Studio

MARCH Festival of Joy A celebration of India’s vast cultural and spiritual heritage. Enjoy live music and dance performances along with traditional eats, games, and activities for the entire family.

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 92

1/13/20 10:39 AM

Crow Museum of Asian Art Lunar New Year Celebration

A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 93

93

1/13/20 10:39 AM

The Crow Museum of Asian Art’s celebration of Lunar New Year brings festivalgoers from around the world.

94

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 94

1/13/20 10:39 AM

Photographs courtesy of Turks Studio A S I A N C U LT U R E I N T H E H E A R T O F D A L L A S

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 95

95

1/13/20 10:40 AM

AS SEEN IN >> BUSCA TU MEJOR

DALLAS,

International

Travel abroad and tell people you’re from Texas, and most will conjure images of both wide open spaces and gleaming cities: dusty cattle drives and shiny American ingenuity. The Texas mystique is real, and for international visitors Dallas embodies the best of Texas.

International visitors represent big dollars for Dallas, and the market has grown significantly over the past five years.

Fueled in part by new direct flights to DFW Airport—more than forty new international direct routes added in the past five years, in fact—the city now welcomes about 2.6 million international visitors each year. And the average overseas visitor stays four times as long and spends eight times more than the average domestic visitor.

Always with an eye on growth, VisitDallas employs sales and marketing strategies to increase international visitation. We conduct outreach in key international markets and promote a product that celebrates all facets of our city, from the perceptions of traditionally western to modern and cosmopolitan.

96

México bien hecho

Transformando ciudades a través del color Tiempos de celebración

Platillos de temporada para compartir Juntos en Punta Cana

Una experiencia de playa en familia new beginnings

Recibiendo al nuevo año alrededor del planeta Un año a color

Los eventos a seguir en 2019

DESCARGA AIRE EN VERSIÓN DIGITAL DISPONIBLE EN

aeromexico.com

Ejemplar de cortesía | Complimentary Copy

In each issue of VisitDallas, the magazine, we’ll feature recent coverage from a core international market. The following feature appeared originally in Aire, an in-flight magazine on Aeroméxico. The publication strives to present rich and intimate stories that reflect their readers and spike their interest, which we think it achieved beautifully in this Dallas Arts District piece printed in both Spanish and English. It’s no surprise that Mexico is Dallas’ top international market, making this piece extra influential in driving those travelers who add direct economic impact to our city. ¡Hasta pronto!

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 96

1/13/20 10:40 AM

A

AROUND

DESTINO

Ciudad cultural Los mejores arquitectos de los siglos XX y XXI firmaron algunos de los edificios del Dallas Arts District, que concentra la vida artística de la ciudad.

The best architects of the 20th and 21st centuries designed some buildings of the Dallas Arts District, where the city showcases its artistic side.

1

3. PEROT MUSEUM OF NATURE AND SCIENCE Diseño: Thom Mayne, Pritzker 2005 Su construcción parte de materiales reutilizados, paneles solares y un techo diseñado para recolectar el agua de lluvia. Es uno de los mayores ejemplos de sustentabilidad.

Made from reused materials, solar panels, and a roof designed to collect rainwater, it’s a top example of sustainable architecture.

1. MARGOT AND BILL WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE Diseño: Norman Foster, Pritzker 1999

4. MORTON H.

MEYERSON SYMPHONY CENTER

2

3

La acústica de este edificio, hogar de la Orquesta Sinfónica de Dallas, ha logrado que artistas como Neil Young lo señalen como uno de sus lugares preferidos del mundo para tocar.

The acoustics of this building, home of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, have led artists such as Neil Young to call it one of their favorite places to perform in the world.

2. DEE AND CHARLES

WYLY THEATRE

Diseño: Rem Koolhaas, Pritzker 2000 12 pisos cubiertos por una cortina de tubos de aluminio, cuyos foros internos se transforman de acuerdo con el espectáculo. Por ello es uno de los foros culturales más versátiles.

12 floors covered by a curtain of aluminum pipes, the space inside can change according to the show, making it one of the most versatile cultural forums out there.

P. 32

Diseño: Ieoh Ming Pei, Pritzker 1983

5. NASHER 4

5

SCULPTURE CENTER Diseño: Renzo Piano, Pritzker 1998 Cinco pabellones con un techo y paredes de cristal que le da un aspecto de puertas abiertas. A esto se suma el diseño de su jardín firmado por el famoso arquitecto Peter Walker.

Five glass-walled pavilions under one roof create a feeling of openness, which is joined by the garden designed by the famous architect Peter Walker.

Texto: Nuria Ocaña / Fotos: Cortesía Visit Dallas.

La sala para 2,200 personas está rodeada por un enorme árbol dosel y cuenta con un espectacular vestíbulo revestido de cristal.

Para muchos, es la redefinición del auditorio de ópera en el siglo XXI. The 2,200-capacity hall is surrounded by an enormous tree canopy, and features a spectacular glass-walled lobby. For many, it’s an opera house redesigned for the 21st century.

AIRE DICIEMBRE 2018

DALLAS, INTERNATIONAL

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 97

97

1/13/20 10:40 AM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

APRIL Dallas Arts Month

A staple in the Dallas community, Dallas Arts Month highlights the city’s dazzling and flourishing arts scene. More than 100 events take place over the course of the month, including exhibits, plays, concerts and festivals.

16–23

DALLAS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL

JUNE 5–7

tasteofdallas.org

Taste of Dallas showcases the best chefs, brands, food and drinks that Dallas has to offer. Indulge in unique-to-Dallas bites at Fair Park and discover why Dallas was named Bon Appétit’s 2019 Restaurant City of the Year.

6–7

Recently relocated to historic Fair Park, Dallas Pride Weekend remains one of the biggest LGBTQ celebrations in the state. Catch festive events and live performances, as well as the 37th annual Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade.

The largest film festival in Texas, Dallas International Film Festival brings together filmmakers and cinema-lovers for a week-long celebration.

EARTHX EXPO earthx.org

Celebrating the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, EarthX Expo is a combination of lectures, film and vendors.

This two-day festival showcases the best sustainability practices for positive environmental impact.

25

DALLAS PRIDE dallaspride.org

dallasiff.org

24–26

TASTE OF DALLAS

17– 7/12

DISNEY’S FROZEN AT MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK dallassummermusicals.org

Cool off this summer with Disney’s FROZEN, presented by Dallas Summer Musicals. The extraordinary Broadway show is taking the stage at Music Hall at Fair Park with all your favorite songs and characters from the classic Disney movie.

THE SCIENCE BEHIND PIXAR perotmuseum.org

Enjoy a unique look into the Pixar process, and explore the science and technology behind some of the most beloved animated films and their characters with The Science Behind Pixar exhibit at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science.

MAY 1

SOUNDINGS: NEW MUSIC AT THE NASHER nashersculpturecenter.org

This critically acclaimed music series features groundbreaking performances from national and international musicians for an exclusive show at Dallas’ world-renowned museum.

4 – 10

19

DALLAS ARTS DISTRICT PRIDE BLOCK PARTY dallasartsdistrict.org

Celebrate LGBTQ Pride Month in the Dallas Arts District at the third annual Pride Block Party. This event, held in collaboration with the DMA and Nasher Sculpture Center, combines arts, culture, and the LGBTQ community through lively performances, pride-themed tours, local artists and artisans, and more!

19–21

DALLAS SOUTHERN PRIDE JUNETEENTH FESTIVAL dallassouthernpride.com

The Dallas Southern Pride Juneteenth Festival is a celebration of both the Juneteenth holiday and LGBTQ rights. The weekend event features discussions, performances and parties.

AT&T BYRON NELSON

AT&T Byron Nelson

98

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 98

1/13/20 10:40 AM

Photographs by (bottom left) Chris Waits; (top and middle) VisitDallas; (bottom right) Dallas Pride.

The legendary annual PGA tournament is one of Dallas’ premier sporting events and turns a respectable 51 this year. Played at the Trinity Forest Golf Club, the spectacular event offers exclusive fan experiences, energetic crowds and lively bars.

Photograph by Stephen Goodgame

attbyronnelson.org

25

MARGARITA MILE “WELCOME TO THE LIMELIGHT” margaritamiledallas.com

Dallas has staked its claim as the Official Home of the Frozen Margarita! This one-day event in Downtown Dallas features live music, creative instillations and colorful cocktails.

SEPTEMBER 4–6

4TH ANNUAL RIVERFRONT JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Science Behind Pixar

tbaal.org

Bringing together some of the top jazz, blues and R&B artists in the country, the Riverfront Jazz Festival is a three-day cultural and music festival.

Past lineups have included Lalah Hathaway, Kenny Latimore, Jennifer Holiday and Erykah Badu.

25– 10/18

STATE FAIR OF TEXAS bigtex.com

One of the nation’s largest and longest-running state fairs, the State Fair of Texas highlights the very best aspects of Texan culture in Fair Park each year. Start with a howdy to the iconic cowboy Big Tex before embarking on this 24-day adventure.

Riverfront Jazz Festival

Dallas Pride Parade

Photographs by (bottom left) Chris Waits; (top and middle) VisitDallas; (bottom right) Dallas Pride.

Photograph by Stephen Goodgame

JULY

Music Hall at Fair Park

FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS, GO TO VISITDALLAS.COM

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 99

99

1/13/20 10:40 AM

Texas Chicken Fried Steak Day got its start at Norma’s Café, a Dallas home-cooking institution. They’ve been serving up classic CFS and comfort food in Oak Cliff and additional locations for more than sixty years.

Last Bite IN 1929, a mutation on a grapefruit tree in Texas’ Rio Grande Valley led to the creation of the sweet and delicious Texas Ruby Red. Growers carefully cultivated and perfected the fruit, and the Texas Ruby Red received the first-ever citrus patent granted in the United States.

Honoring the fruit’s Texas roots and boon to the economy (it has generated more revenue than any other tree fruit produced within the state’s borders), in 1993, the Texas Red Grapefruit was designated the official State Fruit of Texas.

100

The Great Texas Grapefruit

Now, Texans and citrus-lovers nationwide enjoy the famed fruit in cocktails, desserts or straight from the tree. Whether plucked from a basket at the Dallas Farmer’s Market or squeezed into a paloma—a margarita-like cocktail with tequila, grapefruit juice and lime—there’s no wrong way to savor grapefruit this summer.

But perhaps our favorite way to enjoy the tart and tangy flavors is in Four Corners Brewing Company’s Queen Bee Grapefruit Saison. This seasonal brew assumes the light honey sweetness of the company’s popular El

Super Bee beer while boosting citrus notes to the forefront.

The flavors—grapefruit with undertones of dried botanicals and herbs—and dry finish draw similarities to white wine.

However enjoyed, the Texas Red Grapefruit is perfectly paired with a patio this season. Stop by the brewery’s taproom, open seven days a week, located in The Cedars neighborhood just south of Downtown for a sit and a sip. fcbrewing.com

—STEPHANIE FAULK

VISITDALLAS

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 100

1/13/20 10:40 AM

VisitDallas_

Proud Partner

Your Ticket to

Dallas’ Top Attractions SAVE 39% AT TOP ATTRACTIONS Skip Most Ticket Lines ENJOY FOR 9 DAYS

INCLUDES 4 ATTRACTIONS:

citypass.com

Perot Museum of Nature and Science, Reunion Tower GeO-Deck, The Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, Dallas Zoo OR George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum Pricing and programs subject to change; visit citypass.com C H A P T E R Tfor I T Ldetails.

E 3

VisitDallas_Interior_working.indd 3 VisitDallas_Interior_final.indd 3

1/13/20 10:40 AM 3/21/19 8:12 PM

VISITDALLAS, the magazine SPRING/SUMMER 2020

Dallas is the Official Home of the Frozen Margarita! Restaurateur Mariano Martinez invented the frozen margarita machine here almost 50 years ago, forever freezing in time our city’s claim to America’s favorite cocktail. Now enjoy decades of heritage on the Margarita Mile—a curated collection of Dallas’s best margaritas. Sip your way through some of our city’s most unique neighborhoods, all while enjoying the unforgettable cuisine of Bon Appétit’s 2019 Restaurant City of the Year.

Download the app and please enjoy the Margarita Mile responsibly!

To learn more and get a full list of participating restaurants, please visit MargaritaMileDallas.com

SS20_VisitDallas-CVR.indd 1

1/13/20 10:44 AM