The old becomes new again.
Sambuca opened its first restaurant in Dallas in 1991. Since then owners, Kim and Holly Forsythe, have added restaurants in Houston, Nashville, Atlanta, and Denver. All provide an upscale dining experience of live jazz, great cocktails, and a full dinner menu. Sambuca is an old-school supper club brought to life.
The unfortunate reality about restaurants like Sambuca is that after a while you take them for granted. In general, people are “addicted to novelty”* – always on the lookout for the next “it” spot. I am no different. I used to frequent Sambuca in Houston during my undergraduate days. So that I don’t date myself too much, I’ll just say that was more than five and less than ten years ago (wink). Sambuca in Houston had a good run as the place to be for happy hour (and beyond) on Friday nights. Soon, however, another venue took its place at the top of the upscale, jazz restaurant/bar pyramid. Sambuca, though no less attractive and inviting, got traded in for a “younger and firmer” model.
I am pleased to discover that despite my “not so brief” hiatus, Sambuca (Uptown Dallas) is still doing what it does best: serving good cocktails, good food, and good jazz in an upscale, yet somehow unpretentious environment. I won’t bore you with detailed descriptions of the lighting and décor. Instead, I will offer you the website and encourage you to check out the photo gallery.
http://www.sambucarestaurant.com/
I was there Saturday night to meet some friends for drinks so I spent my time at the bar which easily seats 25 and could accommodate 40-50 standing room only. The bar, with its cushioned seats, plush benches and throw pillows along the wall, invites you to get comfortable with friends (or lovers) for as long as you desire (a big plus in my book). The bar is full-service (just request a dinner menu) and the waitstaff are friendly and attentive.
I’m about to date myself again. Remember the movie “Love Jones” and its fictitious poetry café “Sanctuary?” Remember thinking to yourself, “Man, I wish there was a place where my friends could get together, post up at a booth, and just chill over a little food and drink like in the movie?” Just replace the poetry with live jazz and Sambuca is a little bit of fantasy brought to life.
TIP: If you’re planning on having dinner and/or want to be seated on the main floor, call ahead and make reservations.
*Thanks to Jackie for this lovely turn of phrase.
Monday, June 18, 2007
Monday, June 11, 2007
Cheap Date Alert #3: Choco-Late Nights
NOTE: The men who read this blog should absolutely LOVE me at this point. I know the courtship process can get expensive; it's my pleasure to offer up some events that won't break your banks.
CAUTION: I have not attended this event and I don't see myself doing so in the near future. I don't eat a lot of sweets and when I do, I'm pretty particular about it. Thus, even at the low, low price of $10/person, I still wouldn't get my money's worth. For those of you who do enjoy the decadence of chocolate and more, keep reading.
What: Choco-Late Nights
Where: Xocolatl Room, 2817 Howell Street, Dallas, TX 75204
When: Fridays, April 13 - June 29
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Cost: $10/person
Sample a variety of desserts such as petit fours, chocolate apricot cream cake, cappuccino cake, mousse cake and chocolate cheesecake every Friday through June. From what I understand, the samples are unlimited (but don't hold me to that).
CAUTION: I have not attended this event and I don't see myself doing so in the near future. I don't eat a lot of sweets and when I do, I'm pretty particular about it. Thus, even at the low, low price of $10/person, I still wouldn't get my money's worth. For those of you who do enjoy the decadence of chocolate and more, keep reading.
What: Choco-Late Nights
Where: Xocolatl Room, 2817 Howell Street, Dallas, TX 75204
When: Fridays, April 13 - June 29
Time: 8pm - 10pm
Cost: $10/person
Sample a variety of desserts such as petit fours, chocolate apricot cream cake, cappuccino cake, mousse cake and chocolate cheesecake every Friday through June. From what I understand, the samples are unlimited (but don't hold me to that).
AT&T Out to Lunch Concert Series
Oh how I wish I worked downtown...I used to go to a similar event when I lived in Atlanta. It was such a nice little break during the workday.
Where: Pegasus Plaza, Main Street
When: Fridays, May 25 - October 26
Time: Noon
Cost: ABSOLUTELY FREE!
From DallasNews.com:
Take a break from the workday and head to the series that runs in May, June, September and October. There's a range of music to suit any fancy. DowntownDallas, a nonprofit advocacy group for the downtown area, is presenting the series in partnership with AT&T. Concerts are Fridays through June 22 at noon at Pegasus Plaza (Main and Akard). There's also a concert June 28 at noon at Dallas City Hall. The series runs again on Fridays Sept. 7-21 and Oct. 5-26 at Pegasus Plaza. See the Web site for a detailed lineup (pdf format). – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Where: Pegasus Plaza, Main Street
When: Fridays, May 25 - October 26
Time: Noon
Cost: ABSOLUTELY FREE!
From DallasNews.com:
Take a break from the workday and head to the series that runs in May, June, September and October. There's a range of music to suit any fancy. DowntownDallas, a nonprofit advocacy group for the downtown area, is presenting the series in partnership with AT&T. Concerts are Fridays through June 22 at noon at Pegasus Plaza (Main and Akard). There's also a concert June 28 at noon at Dallas City Hall. The series runs again on Fridays Sept. 7-21 and Oct. 5-26 at Pegasus Plaza. See the Web site for a detailed lineup (pdf format). – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Celebrating Juneteenth (Freedom Day)
Juneteenth has a special place in my heart because its origins are rooted in Galveston, TX.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, and though Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 (ending the Civil War), word of the freeing of the slaves did not reach Galveston until June 19, 1865. June 19 (Juneteenth) has since become known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. What started out as a regional holiday (Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma) has become a national day of celebration and remembrance.
For general information about Juneteenth check out:
http://www.juneteenth.com/
Upcoming Events…
Juneteenth Celebration at Valley Ridge Park
June 16, 2007
4pm – 10pm
Valley Ridge Park
2850 Park Ridge Drive
Cedar Hill, TX
The cities of Lancaster, DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Duncanville have joined together for the 4th Annual Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration. There will be food, vendor booths, children’s activities, gospel and general entertainment for adults, and much more. FREE admission.
For more information call 972.230.9651. or visit
http://www.duncanville.com/juneteenth/
Real Men Cook for Charity
June 17, 2007
3pm
Gilley’s of Dallas
1135 South Lamar
Dallas, TX 75215
$20/adult; $10/child
From DallasBlack.com:
A fun-filled, all you can eat food tasting event! A celebration of men, fathers and families. Celebrities will include 2005 Host Darius McCrary “Eddie Winslow”-Family Matters; 2005 Host Darrin Henson-Soul Food; Rockman Dunbar-Soul Food, Prison Break & Girlfriends; Hill Harper–NY CSI. Real Men Cook is committed to the positive promotion and support of men in the community.There will be on-site kids activities to provide children with a hands-on opportunity to showcase mentoring and the dispensation of smiles for their fathers or the real men in their lives. Sponsors: Real Men Cook for Charity, Bounty and Southwest Airlines Contact Information
http://www.realmencook.com/
realmencookdallas@ yahoo.com Terry Allen, Dallas Event Manager, 214.376.6530 Info Line 214.231.5671
Celebration of African and African-American Art
June 19, 2007
6pm - 9pm
McKinney Avenue Contemporary
3120 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
214.953.1212
Suggested donation: $10 or $15
This event is not explicitly intended to commemorate Juneteenth but it does celebrate the freedom of artistic expression which we now enjoy.
From the DallasNews.com:
An opening reception June 19 at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary for "Art & Culture for Seeds: A Celebration of African and African American Art" celebrates the works of eight artists, including Radcliffe Bailey and Sherlock Artis. The reception also benefits nonprofit organization SEEDS (Sports for Education and Economic Development in Senegal) and includes live music and refreshments from the Cape restaurant. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Juneteenth Celebration - City of Plano
June 23, 2007
8am – 10 pm
Douglass Community Center
1111 H Avenue
Plano, TX
The City of Plano Douglass Community Center will host the 2007 Juneteenth Celebration. Join in the observance and enjoy a day of community service, family fun and games, live music, celebraty sporting event, a carnival atmosphere and food vendors. For more information contact the Center at 972-941-7174.
Though the Emancipation Proclamation was issued on January 1, 1863, and though Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865 (ending the Civil War), word of the freeing of the slaves did not reach Galveston until June 19, 1865. June 19 (Juneteenth) has since become known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day. What started out as a regional holiday (Texas, Arkansas, and Oklahoma) has become a national day of celebration and remembrance.
For general information about Juneteenth check out:
http://www.juneteenth.com/
Upcoming Events…
Juneteenth Celebration at Valley Ridge Park
June 16, 2007
4pm – 10pm
Valley Ridge Park
2850 Park Ridge Drive
Cedar Hill, TX
The cities of Lancaster, DeSoto, Cedar Hill and Duncanville have joined together for the 4th Annual Best Southwest Juneteenth Celebration. There will be food, vendor booths, children’s activities, gospel and general entertainment for adults, and much more. FREE admission.
For more information call 972.230.9651. or visit
http://www.duncanville.com/juneteenth/
Real Men Cook for Charity
June 17, 2007
3pm
Gilley’s of Dallas
1135 South Lamar
Dallas, TX 75215
$20/adult; $10/child
From DallasBlack.com:
A fun-filled, all you can eat food tasting event! A celebration of men, fathers and families. Celebrities will include 2005 Host Darius McCrary “Eddie Winslow”-Family Matters; 2005 Host Darrin Henson-Soul Food; Rockman Dunbar-Soul Food, Prison Break & Girlfriends; Hill Harper–NY CSI. Real Men Cook is committed to the positive promotion and support of men in the community.There will be on-site kids activities to provide children with a hands-on opportunity to showcase mentoring and the dispensation of smiles for their fathers or the real men in their lives. Sponsors: Real Men Cook for Charity, Bounty and Southwest Airlines Contact Information
http://www.realmencook.com/
realmencookdallas@ yahoo.com Terry Allen, Dallas Event Manager, 214.376.6530 Info Line 214.231.5671
Celebration of African and African-American Art
June 19, 2007
6pm - 9pm
McKinney Avenue Contemporary
3120 McKinney Avenue
Dallas, TX 75204
214.953.1212
Suggested donation: $10 or $15
This event is not explicitly intended to commemorate Juneteenth but it does celebrate the freedom of artistic expression which we now enjoy.
From the DallasNews.com:
An opening reception June 19 at the McKinney Avenue Contemporary for "Art & Culture for Seeds: A Celebration of African and African American Art" celebrates the works of eight artists, including Radcliffe Bailey and Sherlock Artis. The reception also benefits nonprofit organization SEEDS (Sports for Education and Economic Development in Senegal) and includes live music and refreshments from the Cape restaurant. – BINDU VARGHESE / Staff Writer
Juneteenth Celebration - City of Plano
June 23, 2007
8am – 10 pm
Douglass Community Center
1111 H Avenue
Plano, TX
The City of Plano Douglass Community Center will host the 2007 Juneteenth Celebration. Join in the observance and enjoy a day of community service, family fun and games, live music, celebraty sporting event, a carnival atmosphere and food vendors. For more information contact the Center at 972-941-7174.
Friday, June 8, 2007
Don't Sleep on Independent Film
One of my goals in this blog is to challenge people to do and see things in the city that they may not normally do and see. One example of that is supporting independent film.
There are two independent film theatres in Dallas, the Angelika Film Center (Mockingbird Station – 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) and the Landmark Magnolia (3699 McKinney Ave). These are the places where you can find independent films that aren’t going to be advertised during your favorite sitcoms or primetime dramas. These are the films that get advertised by word of mouth on internet blogs (not much unlike this one) and in passing conversation.
Think all independent films are weird, obscure, artsy films? Think again. Independent films offer all the drama, suspense, and romance of their big budget counterparts. How about a suspense thriller in which a 14 year old girl entraps a 32 year old pedophile on the internet, gets invited to his house, and spends the day torturing him as payback (even convincing him at one point that she’s about to castrate him)? Sounds interesting right? It’s a little, independent film called "Hard Candy" (now out on DVD). It played the Angelika a few months ago.
OR
How about another suspense thriller in which a 60 year old lesbian tries to “seduce” a 30-something, married schoolteacher who is dealing with the guilt/and sinful satisfaction of carrying on an illicit affair with one of her students? Sounds interesting again, doesn’t it? This one is a little independent film called "Notes on a Scandal" starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. It played at the Landmark Magnolia a few months ago as well.
My point is the city is full of newness and freshness (even in routine tasks like going to the movies) if you just go out there and look for it.
So kids, your lesson for today is: Don’t Sleep on Independent Films.
Cheers!
There are two independent film theatres in Dallas, the Angelika Film Center (Mockingbird Station – 5321 E. Mockingbird Lane) and the Landmark Magnolia (3699 McKinney Ave). These are the places where you can find independent films that aren’t going to be advertised during your favorite sitcoms or primetime dramas. These are the films that get advertised by word of mouth on internet blogs (not much unlike this one) and in passing conversation.
Think all independent films are weird, obscure, artsy films? Think again. Independent films offer all the drama, suspense, and romance of their big budget counterparts. How about a suspense thriller in which a 14 year old girl entraps a 32 year old pedophile on the internet, gets invited to his house, and spends the day torturing him as payback (even convincing him at one point that she’s about to castrate him)? Sounds interesting right? It’s a little, independent film called "Hard Candy" (now out on DVD). It played the Angelika a few months ago.
OR
How about another suspense thriller in which a 60 year old lesbian tries to “seduce” a 30-something, married schoolteacher who is dealing with the guilt/and sinful satisfaction of carrying on an illicit affair with one of her students? Sounds interesting again, doesn’t it? This one is a little independent film called "Notes on a Scandal" starring Judi Dench and Cate Blanchett. It played at the Landmark Magnolia a few months ago as well.
My point is the city is full of newness and freshness (even in routine tasks like going to the movies) if you just go out there and look for it.
So kids, your lesson for today is: Don’t Sleep on Independent Films.
Cheers!
Cheap Date Alert #2
Chase presents Jazz Under the Stars
Bring your captain's chairs, your coolers, and the entire family for an evening of music under the stars in downtown Dallas.
What I liked best about this event: it's absolutely FREE! It's casual, no need to dress up. It's just as fun for a couple (I saw one couple with a small table set up with candles and wine, how romantic is that?) , a group of friends (I saw a spades game going on - gotta love that), or the entire family (and don't forget the family pooch).
TIP: If you're early, you're on time and if you're on time, you're late. Show begins at 8pm but people start arriving as early as 7pm to get a spot in the grass. No worries though, I was camped out on the sidewalk and it was just as nice.
Hurry, there's only one more concert left in the series, June 14, 2007. For more info:
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/Experience/Special_Events/SecondaryPage_Special_Events?useSecondary=true
Cheers!
Bring your captain's chairs, your coolers, and the entire family for an evening of music under the stars in downtown Dallas.
What I liked best about this event: it's absolutely FREE! It's casual, no need to dress up. It's just as fun for a couple (I saw one couple with a small table set up with candles and wine, how romantic is that?) , a group of friends (I saw a spades game going on - gotta love that), or the entire family (and don't forget the family pooch).
TIP: If you're early, you're on time and if you're on time, you're late. Show begins at 8pm but people start arriving as early as 7pm to get a spot in the grass. No worries though, I was camped out on the sidewalk and it was just as nice.
Hurry, there's only one more concert left in the series, June 14, 2007. For more info:
http://dallasmuseumofart.org/Dallas_Museum_of_Art/Experience/Special_Events/SecondaryPage_Special_Events?useSecondary=true
Cheers!
Wednesday, June 6, 2007
Cheap Date Alert!!!
Saturday Wine Tastings at Crush Wine Shop (formerly known as Best Cellars) on Knox St.
I read about this event on dallasnews.com. According to dallasnews.com the event is free, but according to my experience on Saturday, June 2nd, the event is $10/person. In defense of dallasnews.com, a gentleman that I met at the event informed me that this had been the first weekend that the owners charged for the event. Still, even at $10/person it’s a cheap date.
$10 gets you samples of the wines they are showcasing that day, a full glass of the wine you most enjoyed, and a food sample from the day’s featured chef (emphasis on the word sample; don’t plan on getting full). Each week the culinary work of a different chef is showcased. Last week it was the head chef of York Street restaurant. That’s all. Nothing more and nothing less.
Crush Wine Shop is a quaint little wine shop with a good amount of seating given its size. You can stop in for a glass or a bottle depending on your desires and you are invited to linger for as long as you like as you savor your purchase(s). It’s perfect for a first date. It’s a low pressure environment. You can make it last as long or as short as you desire; and there’s a little (or a lot) of wine to help put everyone at ease.
Before you automatically choose Starbucks as your informal first date headquarters, give Crush Wine Shop a chance.
Crush Wine Shop (formerly Best Cellars)
3205 Knox Street (at Cole)
Dallas, TX 75205
214.252.9463
By the by, I feel compelled to say that I am not affiliated with any of the places that I review and/or support in this blog. I don't get any kickbacks (i.e. money), no free food/drinks, nada, zip, zilch.
I read about this event on dallasnews.com. According to dallasnews.com the event is free, but according to my experience on Saturday, June 2nd, the event is $10/person. In defense of dallasnews.com, a gentleman that I met at the event informed me that this had been the first weekend that the owners charged for the event. Still, even at $10/person it’s a cheap date.
$10 gets you samples of the wines they are showcasing that day, a full glass of the wine you most enjoyed, and a food sample from the day’s featured chef (emphasis on the word sample; don’t plan on getting full). Each week the culinary work of a different chef is showcased. Last week it was the head chef of York Street restaurant. That’s all. Nothing more and nothing less.
Crush Wine Shop is a quaint little wine shop with a good amount of seating given its size. You can stop in for a glass or a bottle depending on your desires and you are invited to linger for as long as you like as you savor your purchase(s). It’s perfect for a first date. It’s a low pressure environment. You can make it last as long or as short as you desire; and there’s a little (or a lot) of wine to help put everyone at ease.
Before you automatically choose Starbucks as your informal first date headquarters, give Crush Wine Shop a chance.
Crush Wine Shop (formerly Best Cellars)
3205 Knox Street (at Cole)
Dallas, TX 75205
214.252.9463
By the by, I feel compelled to say that I am not affiliated with any of the places that I review and/or support in this blog. I don't get any kickbacks (i.e. money), no free food/drinks, nada, zip, zilch.
First Fridays by the Onyx Society
www.myspace.com/onyxsocietyfirstfridays
June 1, 2007
9pm – 2am
Cityplace
$20 admission
Cash bar
First Fridays. Remember the concept? The first Friday of every month there was a networking/social event for African-American professionals in most major cities. I think the concept originated in Chicago; if I’m wrong let me know in the comments section. Eventually they became more social event than networking event; and eventually patrons included professionals and non-professionals alike. The events were popular about 10 years ago but eventually attendance began to wane and the events died a slow death. Imagine my surprise when I learned that First Fridays had risen from the grave here in Dallas. But maybe the afterlife is where these events should stay.
June’s First Friday was sponsored by the Onyx Society. After extensive research (or an attempt at extensive research) I still don’t know what the Onyx Society is, how you gain membership, or why you would want to be a member. Thankfully, I didn’t need any of the answers to those questions in order to attend the event. The modus operandi of First Fridays hasn’t changed much. There were four party rooms – a steppers room, an old school room, a rap/hip-hop room (one day I’m going to figure out exactly what “hip-hop” means – is it a genre of music, a culture unto itself, a little bit of both?), and a VIP room. Consequently, party goers ranged in age from 23 to 60. Big spread huh? Most of the older guests spent their time in the steppers room. The youngest patrons spent their time in the rap/hip-hop room. The VIP room seemed to be a haven for 30 somethings and 40 somethings who were somehow affiliated with the Onxy Society. Oddly enough, the Old School room remained empty for most of the evening.
Despite its attempt at providing something for everyone, the event was not well attended. I was there for roughly three hours and at its pinnacle, perhaps there were 200 people scattered throughout three of the four rooms. I still don’t understand why the old school room was so unpopular. Perhaps it was the location. You had to search for it a little. The two rooms that were most popular (steppers and rap/hip-hop) were on the third and fourth floors respectively and the floors were connected by a convenient set of stairs making it easy to move back and forth between the two. Speaking of the steppers room…if I knew how to step (some of you may know it as swing dancing), I am sure I would have had a BALL. There was no shortage of dance partners and it looked like so much fun. Note to self, call your uncle and get him to teach you to step ASAP.
In the final analysis – First Friday was a disappointment. It had its good points – great music, lots of free parking, a convenient location, and plenty of sitting areas in case you met someone you wanted to get to know better. But none of those things matter when you’ve got no one to dance with and no one to talk to. Still, I would be willing to give it a second chance. It may be at the bottom of my list of fun ways to spend a Friday night, but at least it’s on the list.
June 1, 2007
9pm – 2am
Cityplace
$20 admission
Cash bar
First Fridays. Remember the concept? The first Friday of every month there was a networking/social event for African-American professionals in most major cities. I think the concept originated in Chicago; if I’m wrong let me know in the comments section. Eventually they became more social event than networking event; and eventually patrons included professionals and non-professionals alike. The events were popular about 10 years ago but eventually attendance began to wane and the events died a slow death. Imagine my surprise when I learned that First Fridays had risen from the grave here in Dallas. But maybe the afterlife is where these events should stay.
June’s First Friday was sponsored by the Onyx Society. After extensive research (or an attempt at extensive research) I still don’t know what the Onyx Society is, how you gain membership, or why you would want to be a member. Thankfully, I didn’t need any of the answers to those questions in order to attend the event. The modus operandi of First Fridays hasn’t changed much. There were four party rooms – a steppers room, an old school room, a rap/hip-hop room (one day I’m going to figure out exactly what “hip-hop” means – is it a genre of music, a culture unto itself, a little bit of both?), and a VIP room. Consequently, party goers ranged in age from 23 to 60. Big spread huh? Most of the older guests spent their time in the steppers room. The youngest patrons spent their time in the rap/hip-hop room. The VIP room seemed to be a haven for 30 somethings and 40 somethings who were somehow affiliated with the Onxy Society. Oddly enough, the Old School room remained empty for most of the evening.
Despite its attempt at providing something for everyone, the event was not well attended. I was there for roughly three hours and at its pinnacle, perhaps there were 200 people scattered throughout three of the four rooms. I still don’t understand why the old school room was so unpopular. Perhaps it was the location. You had to search for it a little. The two rooms that were most popular (steppers and rap/hip-hop) were on the third and fourth floors respectively and the floors were connected by a convenient set of stairs making it easy to move back and forth between the two. Speaking of the steppers room…if I knew how to step (some of you may know it as swing dancing), I am sure I would have had a BALL. There was no shortage of dance partners and it looked like so much fun. Note to self, call your uncle and get him to teach you to step ASAP.
In the final analysis – First Friday was a disappointment. It had its good points – great music, lots of free parking, a convenient location, and plenty of sitting areas in case you met someone you wanted to get to know better. But none of those things matter when you’ve got no one to dance with and no one to talk to. Still, I would be willing to give it a second chance. It may be at the bottom of my list of fun ways to spend a Friday night, but at least it’s on the list.
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