Dragonfly Gets its Buzz Back

Chef Dan Landsberg

If I went to a different restaurant every night, I don't think I could visit all Dallas has to offer in a year.  Competition in this culinary town is tough.  It's hard to get to the top of Dallas' most-talked about dining list and even harder to stay there. 

So how do you get the buzz back? Well, a complete face-lift, new chef and bold new menu changes don't hurt.  I visited Dragonfly this past weekend to check out their new chef and scope out the new decor to see if the hype was as good as the buzzzzzzzz.

Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa has been recently remodeled to incorporate lighter colors, clean lines, bold fabrics and an art-infused ambiance that now spills out onto the terrace and around the pool for al fresco dining and cocktails under the stars.



New executive Chef Dan Landsberg has redesigned the menu, taking a playful twist on traditional modern American food classics. Landsberg brings a new menu using the freshest foods of the season from local suppliers, as well as incorporating specialties from the region. Many favorites remain on the menu, but have been reinterpreted under Chef Landsberg’s culinary direction.

Landsberg has a long track record in Dallas, most recently as chef-partner at Tillman's Roadhouse. He also worked with the Wynnewood Hospitality group (which includes Seventeen Seventeen at the Dallas Museum of Art), and he was the opening executive chef at Stephan Pyles.

(Left) My favorite part of the Afterschool Snack was the cold shot of milk rimmed in chocolate

(Right) The dining scene at Dragonfly

Dragonfly presents an new offering called Comida, featuring exactly what the kitchen staff is eating that night, from Bahn Mi Sandwiches to gourmet Tacos and Tostadas. Desserts have a particularly playful twist, such as the cleverly named the Afterschool Snack with a homemade chocolate Hoho, baked Twinkie and butterscotch pudding cup, and Who Put Their Peanut Butter in MY Chocolate with peanut butter mousse, chocolate bundt cake and fudge sauce.

Dragonfly is located inside the Hotel ZaZa at 2332 Leonard Street Dallas, Texas 75201

Reservations can be made by calling 214-550-9500 or online.

Mama's Getting Some New Wheels

Check out my new ride. Pretty sweet, huh.  Well, it's mine for next week anyway.  The fine folks at Ford are giving me a new 2011 Ford Titanium Flex to drive around for a week and give you my opinion on the car.

TopSpeed.com says of the car, "The Ford Flex is known for its unique styling and its ability to allow someone to stand out in the crowd." Well, that would make sense why they thought of me then...

Stay tuned.

Disclaimer:  The 2011 Ford Titanium Flex is being provided to me at at no charge for the week of April 2, 2011 by Ford Motor Company.  The opinions posted as a result are my own.

It's official (like we didn't know) Bravo announces Most Eligible Dallas

Today, Bravo announced its most ambitious programming slate in its history with 11 new series pickups and five returning shows for its 2011-12 schedule.  Among them was "Most Eligible Dallas".

Bravo describes the show thusly:

They're young, they're hot, they're single – they're Dallas' Most Eligible. From beauty queens to pro-football players, this group of Texas socialites puts NY and LA nightlife to shame. It's true what they say, everything's bigger in Texas – including the drama especially when it comes to dating. Some are looking for true love while others have perfected the art of the one-night stand, and somehow their love lives have all crossed paths at one time or another. Dallas serves as the sexy backdrop for this jaw-dropping docu-series that follows a group of successful friends living it up like only Texas socialites can.

Landon Ledford, Nell Skylar (who I'm told is not a primary cast member), Glenn Pakulak, Courtney Kerr,  
Daylon Periera and Tara Harper. Drew Ginsburg and Matt Nordgren are in the cast but not pictured.

A "jaw-dropping docu-series". Huh. That's a tall order.  And although they haven't announced the cast... well, I already gave you all that scoop ages ago!

They have been filming all over town.  Bread Winners, fashion shows, charity galas, the Grapevine Bar... even if the show stinks it will be fun to recognize all of the places they deem as "hot spots" around town.   Like I've said before, it's a train wreck in the making and I can't wait to watch.

The Hollywood Reporter reported that the new lineup will include many faces familiar to Bravo viewers including Jeff Lewis (Flipping Out), Brad Goreski (Rachel Zoe’s former assistant) and Chris March (Project Runway) as well as a New York version of Million Dollar Listing.  The network has also ordered second seasons of Top Chef Just Desserts, The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills; a third season of Bethenny Ever After and fourth seasons of The Real Housewives of Atlanta -- the net’s top-rated Housewives franchise which I find CRAZY -- and Tabatha’s Salon Takeover.

photo credit: Bob Manzano

Burn the Floor Ticket Giveaway

Burn The Floor is coming to Dallas for a two week engagement at the Music Hall at Fair Park beginning April 5th.  The Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Cha Cha, Paso Doble and all your favorites will be showcased in this dance spectacular!  So You Think You Can Dance stars Anya and Prasha will be in Dallas for this leg of the tour - BONUS!

Want to win tickets?

All you have to do is leave a comment on this blog post or my Facebook Fan Page. I will pick TWO lucky winners* to each receive a pair of tickets to the opening night performance on Tuesday, April 5. And you won't be stuck in the third balcony behind a post either. Oh no baby, it's VIP all the way for my peeps.  You will be on the floor in the Orchestra section.


* This contest will end on Friday, April 1 at 5 pm/Central time. Winners will be notified by email and your tickets will be at Will Call for pick up on April 5.  Tickets for this performance are being provided by Art Meets Commerce.

“Sizzling, steaming and scintillating—there can’t be a hotter show in town!”

Ok Magazine

“Downright sexy! A polished production, with classy costumes and stunning vocals."

Entertainment Weekly

“Audience-dazzling! Swiveling hips, steamy embraces and high-octane tempos. A nonstop display of pop variations on classic styles, performed with precision and polish.”

The New York Times

The return of the updo

I've noticed a hair trend amongst stylistas of late:  

the updo.

  

Maleiah Rogers at the 2011 Fresh Faces of Fashion event

Technically, an updo is a hair style that involves arranging the hair instead of allowing it to fall freely. It can be as simple as a ponytail, but is more commonly associated with more elaborate styles intended for special occasions such as a prom or wedding.  The updo had its heydey in the 1950-60s. The beehive was, and still is, the most popular updo because it's the easiest to acheive.

Thanks to stars like Jennifer Aniston, the relaxed, loose-curl, beach look has been the style of choice for what seems like the past decade. As we all know what goes around, comes around and it looks like a little hair glamor is back in style. I, for one, say "Hallelujah!"

Daniel Winson Lewis, owner of Green Peridot Salon and BRAVO TV Shear Genius star had this to say, "I am getting more interest from client's in creating updos for special occasions! The the key is to keep it simple, even if you want a dramatic look.  From a simple hair-wrapped base ponytail to a low bun (an updo) gives the hair a different feel for the lady who is always out an about but doesn't always want to look the same.

If you think it's too harsh to pull your hair completely off your face, shift a bun or pony to the side and it will change your entire profile. Always remember the old adage "K.I.S.S." ( keep it simple stupid) and you can't go wrong!" 

Fresh Faces of Fashion 2011

Style mavens and fashion aficionados turned out in droves Saturday evening to celebrate the 2011 Fresh Faces of Fashion. This years honorees stomped the runway in a chic fashion show featuring Stanley Korshak’s hottest spring confections.  The presentation also included a special segment from Brunello Cucinelli's Fall 2011 Collection.

(Left) Fresh Face of Fashion honoree, Lisa Petty (Top Right) Daniel Winson Lewis with Michael Soheil 

(Bottom Right) Fresh Face of Fashion honorees, Shirin Askari and Amanda Sterett

After the eye candy feast, guests meandered across the courtyard for a seated dinner at the Rosewood Crescent Hotel. Of course, the real reason we were all there was to raise funds and awareness for the evening's beneficiary, the Suicide and Crisis Center of North Texas.  Patricia Massey Sivori spoke passionately about her experience with the disease of depression and the devastating impact suicide can have on those left behind. 

The season's hottest frocks as shown at Stanley Korshak

This was the 5th year that readers of Modern Luxury magazine selected 12 lovely ladies to represent as our city's most fashionable.  Congratulation's to this year's honorees: Amanda Sisk, Amanda Sterett, Casey Robinson, Catherine Sowell, Charlotte Reynolds, Claire Pruitt, Ellie Lemak, Lainie Kritser, Lisa Petty, Piper Young, Shirin Askari and Teffy Jacobs.

(Top Left) Leigh Bailey and Karen Liu Pang 

(Top Right) Event Co-Chairs, Jill Rowlett and Yvonne Crum with Fresh Face honorees, Claire Pruitt and Amanda Sterett 

(Bottom) Fresh Face honoree, Claire Pruitt, with Meredith Grabham, Lindy Berkley, Marissa Huckin and Devon Meyers

The Easter Bunny has come early!

Look at these delicious cupcake treats!

Taken at Bread Winners Cafe in Inwood Village.

What are you doing today?

Me? Just living the life of a 5th grade lacrosse Mom. Go Scots! Beat ESD!

Who is Glenn Pakulak?

Listen up Reality TV fanatics. I have scoop! 

Last week, I attended a fashion show for Dallas designer, Courtney Russell. You couldn't help but notice the film crew that was following this one guy around.

They say 'curiosity killed the cat' but you know me, I laugh in the face of death! Ha ha! So, I went up to the production staff to find out more, but they were pretty tight lipped.  What I got out of them was that they were with BRAVO, the guy's name was Glen Pickwick (at least I thought that's what the girl said) and they were filming a show called Most Eligible.

Hmmmmm.

So, I posed the question to you - the readers - and asked, "Who the heck is Glen Pickwick?" My in-box started filling up faster than Neimans at a half-off shoe sale with readers wanting to tell me what they knew about the cast and show.

Meet (some of) the cast of BRAVO TV's upcoming dating reality show

Most Eligible Dallas

Landon Ledford, Nell Skylar (who I'm told is not a primary cast member), Glenn Pakulak, Courtney Kerr,  
Daylon Periera and Tara Harper. Drew Ginsburg and Matt Nordgren are in the cast but not pictured.

First off, let me correct myself. The guy in question isn't named Glen Pickwick. He's actually Glenn Pakulak, who is currently signed with the Oakland Raiders.  What he's doing in Dallas, I'm not sure.  And is it me or does Courtney Kerr look just like Trista Sutter from The Bachelor.

I'm just sayin'...

So, what's the concept of the show? Think Friends but instead of hanging out at a coffee shop, they are prowling nightclubs and charity events.  A friend of one of the cast members emailed me to say that, "They have been filming since the Superbowl and will film through mid-June."  Word has it that the show will air sometime over the Summer.

Suh-weet.



photo credit: Bob Manzano

Shoe porn! A good shoe gets me so excited.

What's your favorite new Spring shoe? A Wedge? A strappy sandal? Or maybe a "Flatform"?

Best view of Dallas! Especially over a cocktail.

Nana Grill, 2201 Stemmons Freeeway, 27th Floor, Dallas, TX 75207
(214) 761-7470  |  http://www.nanarestaurant.com/

Most Eligible Dallas: A Train Wreck in the Making?

Are you fabulous, successful and single? Are you and your friends on the VIP lists of your city's biggest events? Pink Sneakers Productions is looking for Dallas' ''Most Eligible'' singles to star in a new reality series.  If you and your friends are living the glamorous, single life and you find yourselves saying, ''We need our own reality show!'' then we want to hear from you.

That's the call that was issued last September from Pink Sneakers Casting for a new reality TV dating show.  These are the folks behind VH1's Hogan Knows Best and CMT's My Big Redneck Wedding.

Rumor has it that Audrina Patridge ex, Matt Nordgren is attached.   By the looks of his tweet stream, these rumors appear to be true.

I ran into the BRAVO TV film crew at Courtney Russell's fashion show last Friday filming this guy.   So, the question is...

WHO THE HECK IS GLEN PICKWICK? 
(pictured below)

Little Missy in the blue dress (who told me she is "part of the cast") appears to be saying what I was asking myself, "THIS is one of Dallas' Most Eligible bachelors????" Or maybe she was just saying, "Lucky me... I'm with him!"  Who knows.

I can already tell this show is a train-wreck waiting to happen. I cannot wait to watch...

August Alexander Takes Off for Spring

Courtney Russell debuted his ready-to-wear collection at Jet 10 Hanger in Addison Saturday night in front of 500+ guests. The Collection named August Alexander was inspired by the jet-setting “First Lady” of the late 50’s. Think “Runway meets Runway".  Lear jets, cocktails & tunes by superstars DJ Jen Miller & Paul Parades set the stage for an exhilarating evening of drama and style.  Ticket sales benefited both The Autism Treatment Center & The Suicide and Crisis Center of North Dallas.

Kudos to Bri Crum of Plan b PR for executing such a unique and exciting show! Here's how the show opened up:

Bri Crum of Plan b PR, Project Runway star, Shirin Askari and Janet and Rachel Fresquez

Left: Gregg Asher, Christian Iles and Alexis Colard

Right: Terri Provencal and Elizabeth Humphreys of Swagg Magazine

Fashions from the August Alexander Spring Collection

Designer, Courtney Alexander, surrounded by his designs at the end of a spectacular show!

Portions of this feature were originally published in PinkMemo.

Shaking it up with Toccara Jones and Hennessy

Hennessy, the number one selling cognac in the world, is currently on the road with Hennessy Remixed, an eight city-tour led by Toccara Jones who is "shaking things up" by touting Hennessy’s rich history of blending with consumers in a delectable way. Accompanying her on this odyssey is Hennessy Master Mixologist, Jordan Bushell.

The pair landed at PM Gallery in Dallas last Friday where guests were treated to cocktails made from Hennessy's four custom flavor profiles; Citrus, Berry, Ginger and Apple.  The libations were almost overshadowed by delectable hors d'oeuvres provided by Charlie Palmer restaurant.  Toccara ended the night celebrating her 29th birthday upstairs with friends (and plenty of Hennessy) at PM Lounge.

Reality TV fans will remember Toccara from her appearance on America's Next Top Model: Cycle 3 as Tyra's first plus-sized model contender. Look for her this Fall in Donald Trump's dating drama, The Ultimate Merger, where she will be matched up with 12 eligible bachelors in hopes of finding true love.

I asked Toccara what she had seen of Dallas thus far, and like any savvy shopper, she told me she had hit NorthPark Center earlier that day.  She was very excited to show off her new Dallas souvenier: butterfly earrings found at bebe.  You always need a souvenir... 




Portions of this feature were originally published in PinkMemo.

Heaven on earth is the smell of wisteria in the Spring.

Word I Love: Visceral

There are certain words that I love to say. Some words just sound good rolling off your tongue.  Sometimes I like to feel smart incorporating them into a sentence because people will give you a quizzical look like, "Huh?" when you use it.  This is one of those words:

Visceral   pronounced vis·cer·al /ˈvis(ə)rəl/
-adjective

• Of or relating to the viscera
• Relating to deep inward feelings rather than to the intellect: "Joey had a visceral fear of Mr. Jangles"

Try using it in a sentence this week...

Voyeur Fashion: FGI Trends with Lisa Petty

PinkMemo's Maxine Trowbridge with Lisa Petty

I think it's safe to say that winter is behind us and warmer temps are here to stay (I hope I didn't just jinx us).  If you are like me, you've already packed away your sweaters and are just itching to start buying - and wearing - the new Spring fashions that have been in the stores for weeks!

Last night, Fashion Group International (FGI) presented Voyeur Fashion: FGI Trends, hosted by The Feast’s Lisa Petty at the Dallas Museum of Art.

A live performance by violinist Richmond Punch gave the cocktail hour an edgy vibe as guests enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and sipped cocktails.

Fashion Group International’s resident fashion expert in New York, Mary Lou Luther, covers the New York, London, Paris and Milan runway collections each year to compile an exclusive trend report and DVD for Fashion Group International chapters nationwide.

Petty, named as one of Modern Luxury Dallas’ 2011 Fresh Faces of Fashion, provided her own special spin on the season’s newest looks for Spring.

So, what were the takeaways?  Listen up ladies, here's what's hot for Spring:  COLOR and lots of it. Specifically, bold cobalt blues, emerald greens, coral/orange and acid yellow.  Get ready for an acid flashback to The 70s: fringe, python, flared trousers and studded leather.  And things aren't just big, they are OVERSIZED.

Amy Harper of f.g.i.

I can't wait to return to the DMA in the Fall to view The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk.  Amy Harper of f.g.i. revealed that Gaultier himself will be coming to Dallas for the debut of this collection. Tres magnifique!!

Discover my new GILT-y pleasure

Have you discovered Gilt yet? It's a fantastic new website offering luxury designers and fashion brands at prices up to 60% off retail. You know I am alllllllll about a bargain...  You can save some gr$$n today for St. Patrick's Day with Gilt's specials for Exhale Spa located in the Hotel Palomar at 75 and Mockingbird. 

Here are just a few of the many discounted spa services being offered TODAY ONLY on Gilt:


Mind Body 10 Pack 
Normally = $220  | Today on Gilt = $143

New Guest Exhale Experience
2 weeks of unlimited classes + spa gift.  New guests only.
Normally = $85| Today on Gilt = $25

Day of Zen
60 minute true facial + 60 minute fusion massage
Normally = $270 | Today on Gilt = $175

Gilt also features great deals on fashions, shoes and accessories!! Tell them Cynthia sent you!  This site is my new Gilt-y pleasure!!

Chefs for Farmers was Tray Chic

I was a locavore in foodie nirvana yesterday, as I "grabbed a tray and walked the line" at the third annual Chefs for Farmers event.  An all-star team of Dallas’ top chefs celebrated local farms at this benefit dinner at the famed Highland Park Cafeteria. Founded in 2010 by Chef Matt McCallister, Chefs for Farmers was organized to raise awareness for the importance of using local ingredients and supporting the farms and farmers in and around Dallas-Fort Worth and North Texas.

(Left) Kellyn Curtis from The Feast show you how hard the life of a food writer is.
(Right) I caught up with Daily Candy's, Brittany Cobb and her handsome husband, Michael, in line.

DJs Jennifer Miller and Paul Paredes kept the vibe thumpin' mixing tracks at this one-of-a-kind event with a special appearance by guest DJ/Chef Matt McCallister.

Each Chef took a classic approach to dining with farm-fresh ingredients, preparing two gourmet dishes that were served cafeteria-style.  Guests were served from the chefs as they grabbed a tray and walked the queue, selecting from a multitude of comfort classics.

Gary Cogill was one of the local celebrity judges who used his discerning palate to determine which chef would win $1,000 provided by Artizone. Congrats to Pecan Lodge for winning Diners Choice!

Me with the event mascots and a shot of my favorite dish, Modern Strawberry 

Shortcake by Rick Griggs of Collage Bakery and Bar.

Participating chefs this year included Janice Provost and Chad Houser (Parigi), John Tesar, Matt McCallister, Dan Landsberg (Dragonfly at Hotel ZaZa), Tim Byres (Smoke), Randall Copeland and Nathan Tate (Ava), Scott Romano (Charlie Palmer) Brian Luscher (The Grape), J. Chastain (The Second Floor), Jack Perkins, Justin Fourton and Diane Fourton (Pecan Lodge), Rick Griggs (former pastry chef of Abacus)

A portion of the proceeds will go to benefit The Family Place, the largest family violence service provider in the Dallas area serving thousands of victims of family violence each year with award-winning programs that keep women and children safe.

To stay connected for updates on the next Chefs for Farmers event, become Fan on Facebook.

Word I Love: Schmarmy

Larry Dallas from Three's Company

There are certain words that I love to say. Some words just sound good rolling off your tongue.  Sometimes I like to feel smart incorporating them into a sentence because people will give you a quizzical look like, "Huh?" when you use it.  My friend, Alison Volk, reminded me that this is one of those words:

Schmarmy
-adjective

• To be creepy and suave at the same time
• Slick, yet tacky 

Try using it in a sentence this week.  It shouldn't be hard...

Discover: Malai Thai Vietnamese Kitchen

Malai - Thai Vietnamese Kitchen has been open in West Village for about a month, but they just got around to hosting an official grand opening soiree this week.

Owner, Braden Wages told me they wanted a chance to "work out some of the kinks" before they officially invited everyone in to scrutinize them.  Always a good call.

“We are very excited to open our first restaurant in West Village,” says co-owner Yasmin Wages. “There is a lot of positive energy here, and an appetite for a cultural culinary experience.”

Owners, Yasmin & Braden Wages

The restaurant features an open kitchen, spacious open-air patio, and an active bar scene with specialty cocktails.

The menu was developed by Braden and Yasmin, and offers innovative renditions of traditional Thai and Vietnamese dishes. Signature dishes include fresh summer rolls, Kobe beef tartar, Vietnamese beef noodle soup (Pho Bo), and the always classic Pad Thai.

Braden stressed that what sets Malai apart is the fact that everything they create is made fresh and from scratch at the restaurant daily, including their curry sauces.  You won't find any packaged ingredients here.

You can find Malai in the old Tom Tom Noodle space.  In case you are looking for a personal recommendation, I highly recommend the Chicken Curry.

Malai | 3699 McKinney Ave., Suite 319 | Dallas, TX | 75204 | 972.591.3387