Hubbuzz's Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas Blogs

WaterTower Theatre Is Innovation At Its Finest

dfwdarling — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 14:25:09 -0500

I have to admit that I had not been to the WaterTower Theatre in much too long and I have to say I’m glad I made it back. First of all the area is cute as can be, there’s a beautiful little park, outdoor shops and eateries, modern urbanization and people out-and-about. What’s not to love!

Second the theatre itself is one of magnificent proportions (I’ve always wanted to say that – not sure it relates here but the theatre is pretty state-of-the-art)! It’s an architect’s dream really; WTT incorporates concrete, glass and stone connecting the outside with the inside. Very ingenious I think!

Also, WTT was not designed to be a standard auditorium-style theatre – it has the ability to be anything…kind of like an actor. Anyway the theatre has the capacity to hang up to 40k lbs from the ceiling and the ceiling opens for sky access. 2nd and 3rd floors can even be added if ambience needs to be created for a performance. Pretty cool if you ask me, WTT you might have just found yourself another regular!

WaterTower Theatre
[where: 15650 Addison Rd, Addison, TX 75001]
972.450.6232

Shoppes at Brownstone Boutiques and More

dahlia — Wed, 07 May 2008 13:45:26 -0500

The Shoppes at Brownstone Village is NOT just another mall. It's way cooler than that. What mall offers a full service girly salon, is chock full of independently owned boutiques and gift shops, has an adorable bistro for lunch AND offers shoppers a way to help rest there feet - in the WINERY?!?!

Yes, just about any Saturday that my husband is not making me do yard work, you can find me perusing the Shoppes at Brownstone Village for the latest trend or a gift for a friend. And come 4pm (or 3 or 2 or 1) you'll probably find me sipping a glass of chardonnay in the boutique winery that also resides in the Shoppes at Brownstone Village.

See ya on Saturday!

Riccardi's Italian Restaurant Thursday May 22 2008 Wine Tasting

Riccardi's Italian Restaurant — Tue, 06 May 2008 11:28:21 -0500

Riccardi's will host a wine tasting the third Thursday of every month starting June 19th.

Best Italian by the Dallas Observer, 4 stars by the Dallas Morning News, rated excellent by Zagat survey. A truly spectacular place with a promise there is more to come.

Riccardi's Italian Restaurant
2800 Routh Street, Suite 115
Dallas, Texas 75201
214-303-0881

at the Quadrangle

www.riccardis-dallas.com

anita@riccardis-dallas.com

Delicious Pizza and Quality Ingredients at Fireside Pies

elizabeth — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 15:24:41 -0500

Fireside Pies is an cozy neighborhood joint serving tasty pizza made from high quality ingredients in traditional wood fire ovens.

I usually go to the location on Henderson and Willis in the Knox-Henderson/East Dallas neighborhood. That location is open until midnight daily, so it makes an excellent late night food option. (Fireside Pies has three other locations in DFW).

You can enjoy your pie in cozy booths (my fave), at the bar or on the patio. I can never pass up a tomato and mozzarella salad - so I like to share the Warm T/M/P ($12) - the P stands for portobello mushrooms, which is an interesting twist. I also usually order the Light n' Crispy ($13) pizza, which is fresh mozzarella, chopped tomatoes, basil and olive oil and add Extra Virgin Olive Oil & Hand Torn Basil and add Italian Sausage and olives ($2 each). Jimmy's Spicy Italian Sausage pizza with Scamorza & Roasted Red Onions is very popular among my friends. And, of course I have a glass of Pinot Noir. I have never had desert here (always stuffed after the pizza) but the fruit pies look delish.

I suggest going early or late, but not in between. It gets pretty busy between 7 and 9 pm. I hate waiting to eat, and at the end of the day, it is just pizza. Eat a late lunch and then do the late night thing I like I do.

Fireside Pies - Locations
Dallas
Henderson Avenue
[where: 2820 N Henderson Ave, Dallas, TX 75206]

Inwood Road
[where: 7709 Inwood Road, Dallas, Texas 75209]

Plano at the Shops at Legacy
[where: 5717 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX 75024]

Grapevine
[where: 1285 S Main St, Grapevine, Texas 76051]

Apartments in the Fort Worth Cultural Arts District

hubbuzz — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 15:02:25 -0500

Buy a ticket – any ticket and stay awhile! This ‘hood has a plethora of artifacts to observe, gardens to walk and performances to see. All within walking distance, on a quaint cobblestone road might I add, you can visit the Will Rogers Memorial Center, the Amon Carter Museum, the Modern Art Museum and the Fort Worth Museum of Science.

Re-fuel after a morning of museums and bop over to the Kimball Art Museum’s The Buffet for lunch. It’s seriously called The Buffet and the homemade soups, salads and sandwiches are divine! Need a Zen moment? Venture on over to the Botanic & Japanese Gardens…ohm…

Now that you’re all refreshed and ready for a night in your new ‘hood don’t miss Fridays at the Kimball Art Museum where live music can be heard in front of the Maillol Courtyard. If it’s not a Friday (so sad) then it’s ‘hood happy hour, a burger and live tunes at Fred’s Texas Café. But get there early, so you don’t have to arm wrestle for a patio seat. All you need now is your apartment in the Fort Worth Cultural Arts District.

So start your search now for apartments in the Fort Worth Cultural Arts District at hubbuzz.com. If you find a place you like, tell your manager you found your new pad on hubbuzz.com when you visit the property or sign a lease. Then come on back and claim your $100 – it’ll come in handy in this happenin’ ‘hood.

Apartments on Spring Valley Rd in Dallas

hubbuzz — Thu, 27 Mar 2008 12:27:50 -0500

Hubbuzz.com has apartments on Spring Valley Rd in Dallas, which are conveniently located to many North Dallas establishments. Spring Valley Rd intersects North Dallas as it exits right off the North Central Expressway. The road is a quiet neighbor to Interstate 635, winding through parks and neighborhoods.

Shopping at the Galleria and Valley View Mall are just moments away from the hubbuzz apartments on Spring Valley Rd. You’ll find entertainment and dining sprinkled along the way too – either located on Spring Valley Rd or just off the beaten path. Conveniences like fast food, tailors, dry cleaners and post offices are located nearby too.

Living in an apartment on Spring Valley Rd will get you wherever you need to know in a flash. Interstate 635, the North Dallas Tollway and the North Central Expressway will get to the Downtown Dallas Loop, Uptown, Victory Park, Oak Lawn, the Park Cities or any of the North Dallas suburbs.

Check out the apartments on Spring Valley Rd in Dallas on hubbuzz.com

Astoria Apartments
[where: 5636 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas , Texas 75240]

The Preston Racquet Club Condominiums
[where: 5840 Spring Valley Rd, Dallas , Texas 75254]

If you are interested in looking for Dallas apartments in other Dallas neighborhoods, peruse the Neighborhood Profile section on hubbuzz.com and find apartments in the perfect ‘hood for you.

What To Do If You Live In An Apartment near Firewheel Town Center

hubbuzz — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 10:27:08 -0500

Firewheel Town Center is the newest edition of a live/work/play development in Garland, TX. Built around a ped-friendly Main Street this Town Center is all open-air. But there is something for everyone. Let’s start with the obvious, shopping! Start early because there are hundreds of stores and specialty shops to choose from. Rest your tired soles at
San Francisco Oven for a Chicken Avocado sandwich and a fresh baked cookie (the fudge brownies are also divine).

Take a break from shopping and catch a movie at the AMC theater – with 18 screens to choose from you shouldn’t have a problem finding your favorite genre. If paying $20 for a movie isn’t your idea of a good time – make an appointment at the Firewheel Day Spa and Salon; you’ll leave feeling like a new person. Your family and friends will thank you.

Don’t forget to stroll by the park and the Koi pond. Take off your shoes and walk barefoot in the grass – just don’t think about what might be on the grass.

Need to grab some wine for your dinner party? Step into D’Vine Wine and enjoy Tuscany! This boutique winery specializes in custom wines with the highest quality. You’ll definitely impress your friends!

So there you go…if you live in an apartment near Firewheel Town Center (or a potential mover to the area) you now know that there are a plethora of things to do. Enjoy!

Want to learn more about finding an apartment near Firewheel Town Center? Hubbuzz.com has a great selection of apartments in Garland. Click here to learn more about the ‘hood and click here to get your apartment search on.

Apartments Near UTD

hubbuzz — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 14:13:33 -0500

As just mentioned, hubbuzz features apartments near UTD.....but before we get to searchin’ let’s get to know our ‘hood.

UTD can be found in the Dallas suburb of Richardson. This ‘hood is bursting with flavor and chock full of entertainment. Need a date idea? Try Eisemann Center for the Performing Arts or Galatyn Park Station urban center. Need some dinner ideas? Head down Campbell Road where you’re bound to find some tasty choices – you can’t go wrong with Mi Cocina. Need a weekend activity? Schedule a tee time at Sherrill Park Golf Course where the lush greens offer power drives. There is certainly more to this ‘hood than meets the suburban eye - take a peak for yourself at all the hotspots in Richardson.

Now let’s get your search on. Hubbuzz.com has a great selection of apartments near the UTD. Although UTD is technically located in Richardson there are some great apartments near UTD that are actually part of the North Dallas 'hood.
Below are just a few…

Post Eastside Apartments
Part of its own little community filled with shops, dining and entertainment!

Chatham Court - Reflections Apartments
Updated with the modern floorplans!

Courtyards at Campbell Apartments
Sleep in and walk to class – this community is minutes from UTD!

AMLI at Frankford Apartments
Schedule a tourney – they have sand volleyball courts!

Estates on Frankford
No need to join a gym – this community has tennis and basketball courts, putting green and fitness center!

Continue your search for apartments near UTD now!

Savor Dallas- Drink in the Arts!

Murphy Applegate — Fri, 07 Mar 2008 15:00:42 -0500

Savor Dallas was created to celebrate the great chefs, wines and cuisine that are showcased in Dallas and it won't disappoint! Although the ticket price is a bit steep ($50 per person), you will get a lot of bang for your buck.

Starting things off Friday night from 5 - 7 p.m. is the Arts District Wine Stroll. Here you can sip wine samples and stroll through the Nasher Sculpture Center. It's not a good idea to drink on an empty stomach, so make sure to pick up some scrumptious bites provided by Wolfgang Puck!

The key here is to pace yourself, because the evening doesn't end here. From 7 - 9 p.m. continue on to the new Victory Park development for a chance to try specialties of the area's local restaurants, including NOVE, Victory Tavern and Craft.

Don't stop there! Following the food, wine and music celebration will be an outdoor screening of the movie "No Reservations" starring Catherine Zeta-Jones (this part is free, so have your cheap friends meet you here).

If you are a true wine-o, come back downtown on Saturday morning to attend wine tasting seminars with wine makers, masters and sommeliers from all over the globe (additional fees apply).

Dallas Precinct Convention Voting Locations

dfwdarling — Thu, 28 Feb 2008 15:42:44 -0500

What are the requirements to vote?
You must be a registered Democrat or Republican.

What if I don’t know if I’m registered?
Click here – enter your Texas Driver’s License number or VUID.

What if I’m not registered?
Sorry my friend, you’re out of luck…the deadline was February 4th!

Dallas Precinct Convention Voting Locations:
Click here for Dallas Precinct Convention voting locations.

Texas Precinct Convention:
Date: March 4th, 2008 (that’s a Tuesday!)
Time: 7:15 pm (on the dot - for good measure try to be early)

What if fate is not decided on March 4th?
Check out the calendar in full.

Was this information helpful to you? Are you confident you know your Dallas Precinct Convention voting location?

Barnett Shale...Cha Ching! But Now What

Delaney — Wed, 20 Feb 2008 12:05:52 -0500

Barnett Shale may be the largest onshore natural gas field in the United States. While proven to have 2.5 trillion cubic feet of natural gas, it could contain as much as 30 trillion cubic feet! Not until the technological advancement of horizontal drilling though was Barnett Shale able to become a major producer of natural gas. Horizontal drilling allows companies to drill horizontally – this is key because DFW basically sits on top of Barnett Shale. Now drillers can retrieve natural gas that lies beneath neighborhoods. Cha ching!

Now deals, called urban leasing, are springing up everywhere. It requires that gas companies get the permission from homeowners for drilling sites. Read the Star Telegram Barnett Shale blog daily, and daily you will find updates, and not just one update, numerous updates. Flower Mound neighborhoods get offers, Euless/Fort Worth neighborhoods getting together, Southwest Arlington group organizes, Morningside (SE FW) says it has $16,850 deal, SWAPO2 sets lease signing parties…And why wouldn’t you party?

Well, good question. According to some people, like the members of FwCanDo, you wouldn’t party because you believe that gas drilling is gas drilling a threat to people, property and wildlife. You think it depreciates the neighborhood, pollutes the air, water, soil, you think it’s dangerous and increases crime and traffic.
But Barnett Shale produces more than gas, it also produces 55,000 jobs and significant economic impact. According to a recent study by Ray Perryman for the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, its estimated that shale activity will continue to generate an average of 108,000 jobs and $10.4 billion in output each year through 2015. You can’t ignore those numbers, but you can’t ignore the concerns of organizations like FwCanDo.

The other issue is education. It takes time and money to understand how this all works, how it affects the environment as well as historic neighborhoods and to determine if you are getting a good lease offer or not. Not everyone has access to time and money. How is this being done in a fair way? Fort Worth Mayor Mike Moncrief plans to launch a information hotline for residents can call for information, and he wants to create a coalition of gas drilling operators to educate residents on an ongoing basis.

FwCanDo
Star Telegram Barnett Shale Blog

Photo Credit: New York Times

Pride in Your Neighborhood Pilot Program

elizabeth — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 13:38:02 -0500

Utilizing the concepts behind the Keep America Beautiful “Beautification
Program” – Dallas will be implementing a similar program called “Pride in Your Neighborhood”. The grass roots effort will improve neighborhood appearances in 6 Dallas neighborhoods through encouraging community leadership, education and hands-on clean-up projects. The goal of the 14 month pilot program is to decrease code violations, improve property values and of course, build neighborhood pride

The neighborhoods selected for the pilot program were chosen based on need and current challenges. Some of the considerations were areas where litter is scattered in streets and waterways and high weeds and waste piles go unattended, mature neighborhoods with signs of age and neglect, areas with graffiti problem and areas where Code Compliance resources are strained due to the neighborhood conditions.

Keep Dallas Beautiful will organize, manage, recruit and train community leaders. They will conduct physical surveys to measure the effect of the Pride in Your Neighborhood program,
tailor plans for each neighborhood, conduct community cleanups and outreach events, and remain a fixture in each community for at least 2 years to monitor & register progress.

The cost of the program is $72,500 per neighborhood for a total cost of $435,000. Below are the 6 pilot neighborhoods:

Arcadia Park/Beverly Hills in Oak Cliff
Dixon Circle in South Dallas
Fordham Road in Oak Cliff
Arlington Park in Northwest Dallas
Cedar Oaks in Oak Cliff
Singing Hills in South Dallas

Hey Hubbuzz, How Do I Choose a Neighborhood

Hubbuzz Moving Q and A — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 15:55:42 -0500

Well, that’s a pretty tough question with no solid answer. You choose a neighborhood based on logistics, but also on the vibe. And though we can’t tell you what neighborhood vibe works for you, we can pose some questions that might help you focus your neighborhood search.

Logistical Questions:

Do you have a vehicle?
How many minutes are you will to put towards the daily grind. Likewise, how much money in gas?
Do you want to live in a neighborhood that provides easy access to public transportation?
If you have a family, where do you want your kids to go to school?
Where do your friends and family live? Do you want to be near them, or as far away as possible?
What can you afford and what size apartment do you want? When you put these two items together you might find some neighborhoods are out of your price range.

Vibe Questions:

Do you want to be able to walk to places? If so, what types of places?
Would you rather live where you work or live where you play?
Do you want to live somewhere quiet? Or somewhere with a distinct pulse?
What kind of amenities must be nearby? Parks? Big box retail? Bars and restaurants?
Established, historic or brand spankin' new?

This is just a starter list - so, please, post a comment if you have any additional questions we should be asking ourselves when 'hood hunting. Somewhere out there is the perfect 'hood for you.

To get headed in the right direction, try taking the Hubbuzz MatchMe quiz to find apartments in neighborhoods with characteristics you chose. Just complete the sentence, My perfect neighborhood is, by selecting the applicable check boxes.

Great Restaurant In Addison

DalGal — Wed, 06 Feb 2008 09:52:32 -0500

For those of you who wish to get a touch of Spain every now and then, whether it's because you’ve have traveled to the area or just love the culture, you will love the De Tapas atmosphere.

They have a huge covered patio where diners can enjoy the breezes and really take their time with dinner and relax. Inside is glowing with candles and rich dark wood. They have live entertainment Wed – Sat and twice a month on Sundays a Flamenco dancer is there to perform.

I really suggest ordering the cheese plate, croquetas de queso, tortilla Espanola and of course, the sangria.

De Tapas is a great place to enjoy the company of friends and family and you will leave with a great perspective on how food and wine is meant to be enjoyed.

De Tapas

[where: 5100 Belt Line Rd., Dallas, TX 75254]

Best Running Routes In Dallas-Fort Worth

dfwdarling — Wed, 23 Jan 2008 15:25:14 -0500

Bored with the tired old running route you’ve been pounding day in and day out? Well I have compiled a list of some of the best jogging paths in Dallas-Fort Worth so lace up your sneakers and pull on your sweat band…we’re going for run!

White Rock Lake (Dallas)
A 9-mile loop with incredible views.

Start at:
940 E Lawther Dr
www.dallasrunningclub.com/201dir/images/map-wrl.gif

Katy Trail (Dallas)
A 3.5-mile path, traces the greenbelt along which the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT or "Katy") Railroad. One day…this trail will connect with White Rock Lake to the Trinity River – talk about a network!

Start at:
Reverchon Park
3505 Maple Ave
www.katytraildallas.org/site/PageServer

Lake Grapevine (Grapevine)
Pretty pretty pretty check out the route below.

Start at:
2500 Dove Loop Rd
www.runnersandwalkers.com/wherearewe.htm

Trinity Trails (Fort Worth)
One of my favs. This is a beautiful run next to the Trinity River with a view of downtown Fort Worth.

Start at:
1701 River Run

McInnish Park (Carrollton)
A meandering creek…check! Beautiful scenery…check! Plenty of people watching…check!

Start at:
2211 Sandy Lake Rd

Apartments in Downtown Dallas

hubbuzz — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 15:53:53 -0500

Downtown Dallas is made up of eight districts that fall within the downtown freeway loop. Each district has a distinct characteristic as their names suggest. Here’s a little Downtown Dallas 101:

Arts District: Modern art, Asian art, performing arts, public art, sculpture art….

City Center District: Big business, towers and power suits

Convention Center District : Beware of name-tag clad wanderers in this area of the loop, they may not be from around here, but rather attending meetings at the Dallas Convention Center.

Farmers Market District: You’re eye will get to wondering here…fresh, local and organic fruits and veggies, flowers and specialty products available for purchase 7 days a week.

Government District: This is where you'll find the man, on all levels too...local, regional, state, and federal!

Main Street District: Restaurants, bars, entertainments, shopping, hotels, loft and apartments, historic buildings, offices…Main Street is kind of the place to be.

Reunion District: Reunion Tower, aka The Microphone, and Reunion Arena and not much else – the land is slated for redevelopment.

West End Historic District : Thanks to its historic status, the area has been preserved from demolition. Expect to see lots of tourists visiting the JFK Memorial, the Conspiracy Museum and the Sixth Floor Museum.

Now moving on to Downtown Dallas 201: How do you find apartments in Downtown Dallas? Click here to see apartments in Downtown Dallas on hubbuzz.com

For extra credit, remember when you lease an apartment you found on hubbuzz.com, we’ll send you $100 just to say thanks. Make sure to tell the apartment you found them on hubbuzz.

Pogo's Wine And Spirits In North Dallas Delivers Top Service

dfwdarling — Wed, 16 Jan 2008 14:43:00 -0500

Pogo's Wine and Spirits, located in North Dallas, Texas has been around for 20 years and their philosophy has never faltered…provide customers with the best shopping experience. The stores knowledgeable staff provides superior service in the store and most recently online.

The upgrade allows Pogo's Wine and Spirits to email its customers (like me) specials, new wine arrivals and details on upcoming wine tasting groups (very very important). But the pièce de résistance is that I can keep track of wines purchased by creating a wine portfolio which the staff at Pogo’s can review and make recommendations based on my preferences.

Yes, my obsession with cabernets can continue as they have 146 featured on their website alone.

So stop by or log on to find out what all the buzz is about (…had to do it)!

Pogo's Wine and Spirit
[where: 5360 W Lovers Lane, Dallas, TX 75209]
214-350-8989
www.pogoswine.com

DART Budget Error Causes Anger and Confusion for the Dallas, Irving and Rowlett Rail Lines

Delaney — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 11:16:43 -0500

Due to a minor financial forecasting error of, oh, $1 billion dollars – well actually $900,000,00 (but, literally, who’s counting?) – the planned DART rail line projects for Downtown Dallas and Oak Cliff have been trimmed by $350 million and delayed in order to keep the Rowlett and Irving rail lines on schedule.

The Dallas City Council is angered by the DART decision to divert funds because it is, “a critical time for Downtown Dallas…our downtown is enjoying growth and revitalization ... the second rail alignment is critical to the continued success of our Downtown," according to a letter sent yesterday to DART.

Of course, Rowlett and Irving weren’t too happy to find out that the cost of their projects were underestimated by just shy of a billion dollars. Irving residents and officials want their line, which will run to the DFW International Airport, open by the projected 2011.

DART representatives said that the agency is committed to its plan of completing all planned lines on schedule by 2030. Oh, great, 2030..can’t wait.

Decades in the making, the Trinity River Vision is underway

cowtowncowgirl — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 16:16:14 -0500

What, (you ask) will the Trinity River Vision do for me? Well, for starters it will:

Ensure that Fort Worthites have open space, rec and conservation areas. Ahh yes!
Create trails and greenways linking to recs, parks and ‘hoods. Heart healthy!
Provide open space and preserve it. We can’t afford any more extinctions!
Provide flood protection. Yes, I can cancel my insurance!

Specifically the Trinity River Vision includes proposed facilities such as:

60 miles of new hike and bike trails
32 trailheads
40 direct ‘hood linkages
5 canoe launch/landings

And that’s not all! The Trinity River Vision will also contain:

Equestrian trails for horseback riding
Water-ski slalom course
Fishing in numerous areas
Boat launches for canoes, kayaks and sculls

With a bevy of awards already given to the Trinity River Vision, it is certainly an example of redevelopment at it’s finest. Once the Vision is complete it will be a premier recreational resource and treasured greenbelt corridor for Fort Worth.

Track the progress here: www.trinityrivervision.org

Life-size wedding cake in Allen, Texas

Lone Star — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 13:08:34 -0500

You go, girl! This bride had always wanted a doll in her likeness, but got a wedding cake made to look just like her instead. The CNN article makes no mention of the baker who helped fulfill her dream. Please - reveal yourself!! Your phone could be ringing off the hook with Texans looking for specialized wedding cakes. It really is a work of art. Check out all the pics here.