Inspired from the great classic seafood restaurants of New Orleans, San Francisco, and Boston, Eddie V’s offers the freshest catches, right off the docks and USDA prime, center-cut, steaks- aged 28 days and broiled to mouth-watering perfection.  The dining experience is warm and inviting and you can get in the swim of things in the V-lounge with dining and live music nightly.

But, don’t take my word for it… Here’s comments from my buddy Bill Roberts who was chomping at the bit until this new location opened.  He says:

“How great that we no longer have to traverse I-30 to go to Eddie V’s in Fort Worth!  The new location on Oak Lawn next to Equinox is at least as good as the Fort Worth location, but close and inviting for we Dallasites.

First and foremost for me has always been the ambiance of the place.  It is beautiful and nicely lit (read “not too bright”).  Bear in mind that I have never ever eaten in the dining room of Eddie V’s and there is a very good reason for this fact.  Eating at either the bar or one of the tables in the bar area is way too fun and the friendly folks working the room end up becoming acquaintances.

On my visit, in which I can personally claim being the first official customer on opening day on Oak Lawn, I and a group of heretofore unknown patrons had the Crispy Cashew Calamari (a staple if you ask me…it’s very different), crab cakes, shrimp cocktail, and bites of a number of entrées that included sea bass and chicken.  A chopped salad was in there somewhere, too.

All fantastic and washed down with great wines suggested by the staff.  And the jazz band played away in the corner as they do every night.  Someday I hope to graduate to the dining room, but the food and fun in the bar is just too powerful for me to resist.  I may just stencil my name on a parking place there.  Yes, it is that good!”

The welcoming bar area, a central focus upon entering, is the perfect locale for gathering with a wrap-around bar accented with LED lighting, two lounge areas, and a communal table, fondly nicknamed “The i-Bar” for its interactive technology. A large image of the world wide web soars over the lower-level dining room, and a neighboring private dining area seats 54.

In addition to its handcrafted signature cocktails, Media Grill + Bar also places an emphasis on local beers, having on tap 12 tasty American craft draught beers. The impressive high-tech, high-energy eatery also boasts free WiFi; an interactive bar; 27 HD plasma TVs, including a 103” screen; and a get-your-groove-on Displax™ interactive floor system. With lunch, dinner, and a late night menu seven days a week, as well as a DJ and dancing after 10 p.m., the Media Grill + Bar perfectly embodies the spirit of the Hilton Anatole’s hospitality.  Talk about digital deliciousness!

Specialties include carpaccios, risottos, baked whole fish, suckling pig, and other daily meats cooked in the rotisserie as well as the restaurant’s award winning “Ultimate Ravioli.”  Guests can sip Arcodoro & Pomodoro’s signature Grapparita; Efix, Efisio’s private label Prosecco; a frozen Bellini; a traditional Negroni cocktail or select from the extensive wine list featuring over 100 vintages. Enjoy the Arcodoro & Pomodoro Crescent Court location, at the corner of Maple and McKinney, in the contemporary and sophisticated dining room, in the Doro bar, al fresco on the patio, or in one of the three private dining rooms.  Catering and To Go available.

Arcodoro & Pomodoro has introduced their “Presto! Presto! Power Lunch Italiano” for busy executives and weekday diners.  A Two-Course Lunch for Only $14.95 Will Have Guests Saying “Momma Mia.”  Offered Monday through Friday, the two-course Italian meal features multiple selections from Founder and Chef Efisio Farris’ distinctive Sardinian menu for only $14.95 per person (plus tax and gratuity).

Perfect for today’s busy lifestyle and affordable in today’s economic climate, the menu is available weekdays from 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.   It will have guests saying, “Momma Mia” and have them out the door in less than one hour.  The complete Arcodoro & Pomodoro menu is also available.

Known for their rustic, traditional Sardinian cuisine, the Arcodoro & Pomodoro Presto! Presto! Power Lunch Italiano menu will regularly change.  Current offerings include a choice of Antipasti and Entrée.  Antipasti selections include Insalata Arcodoro, mixed field groups with arugula, raddichio, fresh tomatoes, and slivers of grana podano cheese served with Arcodoro & Pomodoro homemade balsamic vinaigrette; Zuppa del Giorno, the soup of the day; or Bruschetta al Pomodoro with homemade crostini topped with a relish of tomatoes, basil, GourmetSardinia extra virgin olive oil, and oregano.

Entrée choices include a choice of Ravioli di pomodoro con manzo brasato e crema di asparagi, tomato flavored ravioli stuffed with braised short ribs served with creamy asparagus sauce; Rigatoni Al Ragu Piccante, rigatoni pasta with a hearty ragu of choice cuts of veal and beef, flavored with jalapenos, cilantro and pecorino cheese; Trota al Pepe Rosa e Cannonau, a butterflied rainbow trout with garlic, pink peppercorns and a Cannonau di Sardegna reduction; or Pollo alla Milanese con insalatina primaverile, breaded chicken breast pan fried served with arugula, tomatoes and new potato salad.

Former Dallas Cowboy and current ESPN analyst, Darren Woodson, will serve as the honorary chair of the event. Woodson has contributed significantly to the Foundation and the community.

“It is a pleasure to work with The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas,” said Woodson. “Helping to create wonderful opportunities for children and their families makes this a momentous experience.”

Highlights of this year’s silent and live auctions include a training session with Kim Lyons of The Biggest Loser and professional body builder Gunter Schlierkamp, a visit to “NFL on FOX” to meet Michael Strahan, a private party with Olympic gold medalist Nastia Liukin and tickets to “Dancing With the Stars” Season 10.

“I look forward to this rewarding event, as Wish Night has been one of the Foundation’s most successful events to date,” said Scotty Landry, CEO of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas. “So many families have been touched by the contributions this event brings, allowing wishes to be granted for the children of North Texas.”

Wish Night guests will enjoy dinner, dancing and entertainment. B3 Entertainment Productions will provide an evening of wonder featuring contortionists, hula hoopers and aerial performers, to set the stage for special song and dance performances by Wish Kids.

The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas hopes to raise $700,000 at this year’s Wish Night: The Greatest Wish on Earth to continue to make wishes come true for children in North Texas.

Tickets are $250 individually and $500 for a couple. Ticket purchase, event and sponsorship information can be obtained by visiting www.wishnight.org or calling (214) 496-9474.  Follow the organization on Twitter @MakeAWishNT or The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas on Facebook for more updates.

About Make-A-Wish Foundation® of North Texas
The Make-A-Wish Foundation grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy.  Born in 1980 when a group of caring volunteers helped a young boy fulfill his dream of becoming a police officer, the Foundation is now the largest wish-granting charity in the world, with 65 chapters in the United States and its territories.  With the help of generous donors and more than 25,000 volunteers, the Make-A-Wish Foundation grants a wish every 40 minutes and has granted more than 164,000 wishes in the U.S. since inception.  The Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, established in 1982, has granted more than 4,000 wishes.  For more information on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of North Texas, please visit www.northtexas.wish.org

Private Jeweler Custom Designs Memories

Eric Olschwanger is a GIA certified diamond gemologist, an international market buyer and custom jewelry designer.  He has over 18 years of extensive experience in consumer education, fine jewelry design and jewelry redesign.

Voted “Best Rings Designer” in North Texas in 2009, Eric Olschwanger is one of  few jewelers in Dallas/Fort Worth who gains design inspiration from his clients.  At Olschwanger Designs, Diamonds and Fine Jewelry, he collaborates with each of his clients to better understand what they’d like to see in a piece of custom made jewelry.  Through his methodology, he reaches the heart of the client to help them ultimately create new memories, meaning and history within their personally designed piece of jewelry.

A Dallas native and UT graduate, Eric began his career working for an Israeli based diamond importer and wholesaler. Fascinated by the lure of these exquisite gems, Eric found the trade that he was meant for.  For over 10 years, Eric supplied some of the largest retailers in the country with their loose, certified diamonds.  Always the artist, the skill of jewelry design came quite naturally.

“As a kid I was always drawing home made comic books, designing downtown skyscrapers with the smallest details.  Anything that was eye catching.  It has always been about the details.  That’s what makes it great!” says Eric.

Eric has always strived to make his creations perfect.  From specializing in ideal cut, G.I.A. (Gemological Institute of America) certified diamonds, the use of AutoCAD software for the most accurate precision in design, 14K, 18K or platinum alloys, to the finest setters and engravers there are to offer, Olschwanger Designs is one of a kind.

Luxury Jewelry Designer Brings Life to Old Stones and Weak Wallets

When guests bring in their old jewelry pieces to private jeweler Eric Olschwanger he creates a new luxurious style with their precious stones of the past and their personal inspiration.  This pictured brooch began with a pile of heirloom gems and a client’s affection for hummingbirds.  Eric brought her vision to life in his private Dallas studios.

As an international diamond buyer and certified diamond gemologist, Eric commonly builds his fine jewelry collection with hand selected certified gems.  Yet, Eric also offers his clients the opportunity to incorporate their stones of sentiment into his creations.  The result is a new piece of jewelry with historical meaning.  In addition, the opportunity to utilize family jewels allows for an affluent indulgence in the weakened economy.

Regardless of designing from scratch or with sentimental gems, Eric ensures that the client receives an education on the design process and on available value.  The client can be involved in each step of the design process from the sketch to AutoCad design to final product presentation, creating an interactive process for the buyer.

Eric also feels it’s important to work within any allowed budget. There is no inventory to suggest at Eric’s studio so his objective is to build a stunning piece of jewelry to fit the client’s needs.

“I simply love what I do! I feel very fortunate to work with individuals on such a personal basis.  I like the fact that I can devote my time and knowledge to each and every one of my clients.  Not only do my clients appreciate all that I do for them, but they put their trust in me as well, and that means a lot.  I never want to let anyone down, and I believe every one of my clients knows this.”

Eric’s Mission Statement: “I have a mission statement that hangs on the wall in my office that expresses how important it is that I educate my clients.  In doing so, good friendships develop for many years to come.  This makes me extremely proud of what I do.”

Without any inventory, Eric concentrates on designing the right fit in style and size for his client opposed to making inventory fit the client.  He does so by educating the client on stone selection and the design process.  And, he goes far beyond the 4 Cs (cut, clarity, color and carat) to share information about depth and table percentage, fluorescence, shapes, certifications and all other elements.

“Our top priority is to educate our clients.  In doing so, we hope to build not only strong customer relations, but good friendships as well.  While providing the finest quality service, we want to create the most exquisite pieces of jewelry with memories to last a lifetime.”

Eric also shares how to avoid the typical mistakes novice fine jewelry consumers can make and any misleading practices within the industry.  Eric is simply not satisfied until he knows he’s equipped his client to make smart and savvy decisions in all their jewelry purchases.

Once Eric has captured the clients vision and hope for their fine jewelry piece, he brings it to life with a sketch.  The sketch is then produced in a sophisticated AutoCAD Software which calculates perfect jewelry features and fit.  Unlike the most gifted wax carvers who can make any millimeter of a mistake in the jewelry molding process, Eric’s meticulous design system and personal care brings the client’s vision to life and produces the perfect gift for Valentine’s, bridal, or any occasion.

Olschwanger Designs contact information:    5580 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Suite 590, Dallas, TX 75240; Ph: 972.458.8352, Fx: 972.458.8356;   Hours: Mon.-Fri. by appointment; OlschwangerDesigns.com

The plaza will also feature a farmers market represented by Lilium Flowers, Spicer Green Market, 3JBeef, Brazos’ Valley Cheese, Homestead Gristmill, Village Baking Co., Aaron’s Coffees and others.

One Arts Plaza
1722 Routh St.
Dallas, TX 75201-2535

SCHEDULE: 11 A.M.
Screen Door will host Grill Work 101: Classic North Carolina Pulled Pork Barbecue. Watch as Chef David McMillan shows you how it’s done demonstrating how to make, pull and serve this classic Southern dish. He’ll be selling it by the half-pint, pint and sandwich. Jorge’s will serve two of its most popular chorizo and egg breakfast tacos prepared by Chefs Don Jorge and Guero.

12 Noon
Fedora’s Chef Javier Valle’s will host a Hand Tossed Pizza Demonstration and
Screen Door’s Ryan Charles will create the “Carolina Nap” with dark rum, spiced rum, white rum & 151, pineapple, vanilla beans and brown sugar. Jorge’s bartender Tony will prepare Michellita’s.  Jorge’s take on the famous Mexican spicy beer cocktail.

1 P.M.
Screen Door’s Chef Joe will show you the southern style snack you’ve been missing out on, popcorn chicken livers and pepper jelly. Buy them by the handful. And, Jorge’s owner Don Jorge will sell fresh-off-the-grill brisket tacos, a Dallas Tex-Mex classic. Available for sale by the pound.

2 P.M.
Jorge’s most spicy cocktail, “El Jalisco Margarita” with cucumbers, jalapenos and, of course, tequila, will be shaken up and served by Tony.  Fedora’s mixologist Trevor McMahan will show you how to make a Bellini and Screen Door’s star bartender Ryan Charles will demonstrate how to make the perfect Mint Julep.

2:30 P.M.
Screen Door will introduce you to hot links, red beans and rice. Come meet Chef Karin Porter and taste her beans, then get her tips on how to embarrass a southerner by out cooking them. Craving spice? Stop by Jorge’s for a taste of Shrimp Diablo.

3:30 P.M.
Screen Door bartender Brad “The Bad” Henry makes some of his favorite cocktails. Did someone say lemon drop? Jorge’s bartender Tony wants everyone to try his version of the Organic Margarita.

4 P.M.
Fedora’s Chef Jordan Rogers hosts a Rolling Your Own Pasta Demo and Screen Door will show you how to wrap and fry Crawfish Spring Rolls and how to make the Andouille Vinaigrette dip. Then Jorge’s chef Don Jorge will share his grilled flauta method. They will be sold by the dozen and individually.

5 P.M.
Screen Door will serve some of the best rums with Don Q Rum cocktails from the beautiful isle of Puerto Rico. Then come out and watch Tony from Jorge’s make the Don Jorge Martini, Jorge’s spin on the Mexican Martini.

5:30 P.M.
Screen Door will have a Texan favorite, barbecued beef ribs (sold by the rib).

6 P.M.
Fedora’s own fire-breathing bartenders Matt King and Trevor McMahan will put on a show. Jorge’s Chef Don Jorge’s will show off another 30 year old recipe with the “Chile Relleno Lampraido,” Jorge’s version of Grilled Chile Relleno.

Ongoing All Day

Stop by Dali Wine Bar and Restaurant for “A Taste of Dali” with sampling and wine tasting flights for purchase on Dali’s patio.

Later in the day, Dali goes on tap for its “Brew Pub Zone: Micro and Cult Beers From Dali,” and “Cheese Delights: A Sampling of Brazos Valley Cheese Co.” with specialty cheeses for sale.

Additionally, Tei An’s Owner and Chef, Teiichi Sakurai will cook his traditional, Unagi Kabayaki (grilled Unagi fresh water eel) all day.

INFO:        For more information about One Arts Plaza, please visit  http://www.OneArtsPlaza.com or contact Kate Hall at 318-564-5442.

ABOUT ONE ARTS PLAZA

Located at the eastern edge of the Dallas Arts District at the end of Flora Street (1722 Routh Street), One Arts Plaza is a downtown destination for luxury urban living, business, dining and entertainment. The $125 million multiuse structure is the first of three buildings located on 10 acres in the downtown Dallas Arts District. Restaurants include Dali Wine Bar & Cellar, Fedora Restaurant and Lounge, Jorge’s Tex-Mex Café, Screen Door, and Tei-An.

For more information about One Arts Plaza visit www.OneArtsPlaza.com or artsplazaevents.blogspot.com. You can also become a fan of One Arts Plaza on Facebook and follow One Arts Plaza on Twitter @OneArtsPlaza.

Take a look at the article from Pegasus News but in the mean time consider yourself informed. If you see the petition, sign it!

Besides, given the name of the CityCrush Blog (SpeakEasy) it just makes sense!

Truthfully there is more to the story. Apparently the NFL wanted a more “generic” logo that could be easily customized to each city rather than creating a brand new logo for every Super Bowl. I still think they could have done better.

Like it or not, here it is.

What do you think?

Our Members

The Junior League of Dallas, JLD, is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. The membership is a diverse group of more than 5,000 women who annually give more than 120,000 uncompensated hours of service to the projects and agencies supported by the Junior League of Dallas.  Active members range in age from 22 to 49, and 74% are employed outside the home.  They serve on numerous boards and coalitions throughout the community.

Our Accomplishments

• In 2009-2010, Active members gave over 120,000 uncompensated hours of service to 43 Junior League of Dallas community projects and several service support committees. Additionally, Provisionals donated over 8,500 service hours through Provisional Projects to meet community needs.
• Junior League members currently serve on 50 community boards and coalitions.
• The JLD grants more than $1 million to support nonprofits in Dallas County, including the 43 agencies in the Community Program, as well as Provisional projects, Community Outreach Impact projects and the Community Assistance Fund. These funds and additional resources also support the training of volunteers, which takes place within the JLD organization and through community volunteer opportunities. JLD funds are raised through donations from JLD members, other individuals, corporations and foundations; additional resources include grants, advertising sales, underwriting and ticket sales for the 2009 Auction & Casino Party, 2010 JLD Ball, JLD Retail, planned giving and commemorative giving.
• The JLD’s new T. Boone Pickens Leadership Institute provides a select group of Active members with training on the critical social and community
  needs in Dallas, with the goal of identifying potential leaders who can make a difference in the Dallas community.
• The JLD’s Grants for Innovative Teaching project supports excellence in teaching by awarding grants to Dallas Independent School District teachers for unique programs that are not funded by school budgets. The League awarded approximately $75,000 in grants for the 2009-2010 school year.

Our Events

-  Auction & Casino Party:  Every Fall, the JLD hosts a sold out event which features a silent and live auction, a Texas Hold ‘Em Tournament and live entertainment.  The live auction usually includes fabulous items like tickets to the Cowboys vs Chargers game with a tour of Cowboy Stadium; a Nolan Ryan signed jersey; a fur coat from Morris Kaye & Sons firs; trips to Caneel Bay, Calistoga Ranch, Encantado Resort with air transportation provided by American Airlines; an exclusive shopping experience with Abi Ferrin; and jewelry from Amanda Sterrett, Naomi Fine Jewelry, and Susan Saffron Fine Jewelry.

-  Ball:  An appreciation party for all the JLD sponsors.

-  Spring Fashion Show:  This event has attracted some of Dallas ’ great designers such as Abi Ferrin and Oscar Fierro to create one or two unique pieces as a part of a fashion design challenge.  One winner will be selected and announced that evening. All five unique creations will be displayed at Dillard’s in NorthPark Center for one week following the event.

Every $1 given to the community through the Junior League of Dallas is tripled in value by our volunteers’ time; each year, that amounts to $1 million and 120,000 volunteer hours for the areas of Art, Education, Family Preservation, Health, Poverty Intervention, and Violence Intervention.”

Adnan Shaikh has been part of the mens fashion scene in Dallas for more than 15 years, first with Ralph Lauren in Highland Park Village, where he ranked third in sales for the entire nationwide chain.  More recently, he has been menswear buyer, and the top producer for the Stanley Korshak store in Dallas.

His wife and founding partner of Hadleigh’s, Gable Shaikh, has more than 15 years in women’s couture, most of it acquired in the New York market.  After graduating from the Fashion Institute of Technology, she worked with designers Adrienne Vittadini, Liz Lange and Ralph Lauren.  Like her husband, Gable rose to the top of the fashion industry in Dallas at Ralph Lauren, and then again at Stanley Korshak, where she specialized in eveningwear.  The silent partner (some of the time) of the team, its namesake and its inspiration, is Hadleigh Shaikh, who is still cutting her teeth on the endless possibilities for the future of fashion in Dallas, Texas.

Fine clothing is in their blood; tradition and contemporary style their motivation.  They have been dreaming about bringing these special talents together for quite some time, and the day that their daughter was born, they decided to bring the dream to life in the same way she gave meaning to their lives.  Their new dream is that Hadleigh’s, the home of the bespoke lifestyle, will one day be something that Hadleigh, the little girl who gave it her name, will be her dream, too.

At the heart of the Hadleigh’s experience is the experienced hand of the master tailor.  Hand sewn garments are contoured and made to fit like a second skin.  Whether a suit, a shirt or a pair of shoes, they are much more resilient and natural looking than anything that can possibly be made by a machine, even those that use the most up-to-the-minute computerized input.  The key word is individuality.  Every handcrafted garment is a work of art that is made especially for you and no one else.

• Cesare Attolini
• d’Avenza
• Mazzarelli
• Emanuele Maffeis
• Hadleigh’s shirtings
• Cruciani knitwear
• Barker Black shoes
• Maxverre
• Hadleigh’s footwear
• BRM watches
• Hadleigh’s neckwear and pocket squares
• Cutler and Gross eyewear
• Hadleigh’s luggage and accesories