Tre Wilcox resigns from Village Marquee Texas Bar & Grill

Tre Wilcox  (Photography by Desiree Espada)

Uncle Nancy broke the news earlier today on SideDish that Chef Tre Wilcox has resigned from his post as executive chef at the Village Marquee Texas Grill & Bar in Highland Park Village. His last day is officially January 25, 2013, however he plans to stay on for “a while” to smooth the transition for the next chef.  WTF. How do you quit your own restaurant?  

Nichols says, "Wilcox plans to go back to personal cheffing, a gig he enjoyed for two years after he left his post at Abacus in January, 2008. 'I am doing cooking classes from my house, Wilcox said. 'And I enjoy cooking for people in their homes. It puts me in touch with cool people and I develop close personal relationships. If I get back into the business, I know they will come and visit me.'

How I Discovered the Christmas Spirit

"The Grinch hated Christmas! The whole Christmas season! Now, please don't ask why. No one quite knows the reason. It could be that his head wasn't screwed on quite right. It could be, perhaps, that his shoes were too tight. But I think that the most likely reason of all, may have been that his heart was two sizes too small." ― Dr. Seuss, How the Grinch Stole Christmas

Bah Humbug is how I have felt about this holiday season.  For various reasons, my family all had their own plans and Christmas Day was just going to be my husband, my son and myself sitting there. Alone. Opening presents would take all of 10 minutes and then it would be over. It was to be a looooong day of Christmas misery.  No sitting around the fire visiting with loved ones. No fun baking in the kitchen with my Mom all morning.  No family games with cheating and competitive sibling rivalry mixed in for fun.  I was distraught over what was just going to be a regular 'ole boring day.   So I thought...

Dallas Sculptor Brad Oldham debuts a Bipartisan Series to start a productive conversation about good

The turmoil in the recent election stuck a chord with sculptor Brad Oldham and he wanted to create something that would illicit conversation about how Americans could work together to solve our Country's problems.  So he created The Bipartisan Collection: a series of elephant and donkey hand-cast bronze sculptures to celebrate the many ways our political views make us different while showing that deep down, we may be more alike than we think. There is Uno (now standing on one leg to represent balance), Slide (playfully lunging forward to show compromise) and Oldham's favorite Giggles (lying on its back, laughing it up to illustrate a much-needed sense of humor). I attended a luncheon hosted by Oldham right before the Christmas holiday to view the series for myself and get a first-hand account from Oldham as to why he felt this conversation was so important.

Children's author donates book sales to Sandy Hook Families

You can take a girl out of Texas... but you can't take Texas out of the girl.  Everything's bigger in Texas, including our hearts.

Christine Karol Roberts has been an attorney in Newport Beach, California for years. But she got her illustrious professional start in Dallas.  She sites Robert Dedman, Sr. as an inspiration and the person who encouraged her to attend SMU Dedman School of Law. While in Dallas, Roberts was a member of the Junior Group of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra, among other charitable groups.  Even though she hasn't lived in Dallas for years, she still has many close friends here and supports local charities like the Cattle Baron's Ball.

Roberts is also a children's book author and when she heard of the recent tragic shooting in Newton, Connecticut, she wanted to do something to help. So she contacted me to get the word out that she intends to donate 100% of of all Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple IBook store sales (through February 14, 2013) from her two children's books to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund in memory of affected families in Newtown, Connecticut.

Goodbye Taverna. Hello Trader Joe's!

The DMN broke the news on Monday that the long-rumored redevelopment of the Cole Avenue block at Knox Street in Dallas is moving ahead.  The property is now occupied by several commercial buildings, including the Ed Kellum & Son appliance store and La Fiorentina and Taverna restaurant buildings. What's proposed is a mixed-use development that would be constructed on the site to replace the smaller buildings. The lead retail tenant in the project would be a Trader Joe’s grocery store. The project will also include luxury apartments on the upper floors. The project will be the most visible change in the Knox Street district, which has undergone a retail renaissance during the last two decades.

Holiday Cheer abounds at Stephanie Anne boutique

I am all about multi-tasking. Last week, Stephanie Anne boutique allowed me to do three of my favorite things: shop, enjoy a glass of wine and raise money for a local charity - all at the same time - when we partnered to host a shopping night to raise funds for Family Gateway.  Sociologie wine provided delicious libations, as guests browsed through the jewelry, clothing and home accessories at Stephanie Anne boutique in Highland Park Village.  A percentage of the night's sales will go to benefit Family Gateway.  Thanks to everyone who came out for some holiday cheer, bought bling and helped people in need. Merry Christmas!

Bryan Adams photography on display at Goss-Michael December 18 - February 13

Bryan Adams and Cynthia Smoot

The Goss-Michael Foundation is debuting a photo exhibition by Bryan Adams that will debut on Tuesday, December 18 and run through Friday, February 8, 2013.

Yes, I am talking about that Bryan Adams.

The Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter shot to the top of the Pop charts in the 1980s with hits like "Cuts Like a Knife" and "Summer of 69".  Adams fell in love with the medium of photography early on in his career - developing an interest in the creative process and because he wanted to control what went on his album covers. “I like the process of creating something from nothing,” Adams says of his twin loves, music and photography.

For the past 12 years, Bryan Adams has sharpened his skills as a professional photographer by capturing intimate images of friends and colleagues in the entertainment, fashion and art industries. In October, Adams released a comprehensive retrospective of his photographic work in a book titled, “Exposed.”

Lisa Whelchel proves she is a Survivor

Spunky, tenacious, vulnerable, likable and real... these are all words you could use to describe Flower Mound's Lisa Whelchel.  A child star, she first hit the national spotlight as a Mouseketeer on The New Mickey Mouse Club but it was her nine-year role as the preppy and wealthy Blair Warner on The Facts of Life that catapulted her to stardom in the 1980's. When that show ended, Whelchel left Hollywood, got married and spent the next 20 years raising a family in North Texas.

A contestant on the 25th season of the hit TV show Survivor, fans were reacquainted with Whelchel and fell in love with her all over again as she took us along on her very personal journey of self-discovery. While she wasn't named the "Sole Survivor" or awarded a million dollars last night (that honor went to Denise Stapley), she was awarded Sprint's Fan Favorite award and took home $100,000. Not a bad consolation prize.

On last night's finale show, Whelchel revealed that she had recently read a book from Erwin McManus called "The Barbarian Way," which talks about making decisions from your center. She contacted the author and took him to lunch to pick his brain.  She asked, "How do I get out of my own head and learn to go with my gut?" McManus said, "Put yourself in situations where you're not in control and it'll happen." Whelchel said she thought, "Well, "Survivor" sounds like a perfect way to do that..."  The rest is history.

Ford: From Runway to Driveway (video)

 

Click here to see video on YouTube

For those of you who missed the event I hosted with Ford Motor Company a few weeks ago, take a moment to check out this video they sent me. I am totally smitten with Anthony Prozzi from Ford. He was so fun, smart and uber-cool. I loved being a part of this project. Ford is a great example of an American company using their gumption and yes-we-can attitude to not only stay on top of their game but be a leader in the automotive industry. I hope you enjoy this glimpse into how they are revolutionizing the automotive industry with the new 2013 Ford Fusion. 

For more info, visit http://www.ford.com/cars/fusion/ 

Dave & Buster's Revamps

A few weeks ago I received an invitation to check out the newly renovated Dave & Busters. I sent the Oh So Fabulous Brittany Husted in my place and asked her to bring me back a full report. Here's her tale:

In the late 70’s, both Dave and Buster operated two neighboring, yet separate establishments. Dave’s concept focused on eclectic food and warm ambiance, while Buster’s concept focused on housing a boisterous crowd and fun games. These two soon became friends and opened what we now know as Dave and Busters! Dave and Buster’s has since become (in my mind) a place more suited for children and teens to enjoy themselves while parents stand by with money in hand. I had the opportunity to attend the grand opening for the “new and improved” Dave and Busters off Walnut Hill in Dallas, and found that my opinion has changed.

Join me at Stephanie Anne tonight for Holiday Merriment!

Join me for some holiday cheer TONIGHT at Stephanie Anne boutique in Highland Park Village from 6-8PM. Let's toast to the end of 2012 with yummy wine from Sociologie and nibble on tasty bites. Throw your name in the hat for a chance to win a $200 gift card!  10% of sales from the evening will go to benefit Family Gateway. I hope to see you there!

Get a FREE Blowout from Hair Bar

Congrats to my friends Gina Ginsburg and Shelley O'Neal on the opening of their second Hair Bar location.  Hair Bar offers blowouts, makeup applications and hair extensions for individuals or groups.  To celebrate the new store, you can book your complimentary blow out or makeup application online from December 17th to 21st at the new Preston Royal location! Go to www.dropinblowout.com to schedule your appointment!

Hair Bar is located at 6025 Royal Lane at Preston, Dallas, TX 75230.

Oh So Tasty: Meso Maya

Last week, I was invited to check out the newest location of Meso Maya.  This Preston Hollow concept has just opened a second location adjacent to the well-known and loved El Fenix restaurant, incorporating the 1938 landmark Luna Tortilla Factory building, conveniently located across the street from the Perot Museum and one block from the Klyde Warren Park. You follow that?

Ken Downing of Neiman Marcus Reveals Trends for Spring 2013

Ken Downing

Anyone who follows fashion, hangs on every word from Ken Downing. He is the Senior Vice President and Fashion Director for Neiman Marcus. According to Neiman's CEO Karen Katz, Downing is also the brand ambassador and face of NM to the world. Yet he is most annoyingly not on any social channel.

Ken, we really HAVE to do something about this...

I attended a The YES! Event benefiting The Legacy at Preston Hollow: Dallas Home for the Jewish Aged today as a guest of NM. Katz and Downing were the featured guests and led a discussion called 'The Art of Fashion: A View from the Front Row and Beyond'.  I was thrilled to hear Downing reveal an advance look at THE LIST for Spring 2013.

For those of you who aren't familiar with THE LIST, let me 'splain. Downing attends over 400 fashion shows every season. From London to Paris, Hong Kong to NYC. He then percolates everything he's seen and compiles THE LIST.  This Trend List is then given to his buyers to use as their road map when purchasing for the store.  It is also released to consumers so that you know what has the NM stamp of approval. If Ken Downing says Orange is the new neutral - trust me - we will all be wearing orange that season.

Stars of Texas Women React to Show's Cancellation

I brought you the news yesterday of the cancellation of CMT's Fort Worth-based reality TV show, Texas Women.  Twitter is all a-buzz and fans want to know what's next for these ladies, so I reached out to the show's cast to get their reaction and ask them what was next for them.

"Hurricane" Hannah Helvey

Hannah Helvey texted me from the road and said, "I'm at a ropin' but I wanted to respond because I have so much to say!

I was grateful to get the opportunity to do Texas Women and to Susan Hartman believing in us and her show idea so much!! The show itself helped me grow and learn who I really was and discover I was so much more than just 'Hurricane Hannah'.

I've been out in Las Vegas the past few months just really figuring out what I want to do with my life and I'm excited to let you know there are going to be a lot of surprises coming from me in the next year, so watch out world! Also a huge thank you to all the fans for being there for me thru hands down the most emotional and hardest year of my life*!  I love and appreciate each and everyone of you!! Stay Blessed, Hannah Helvey"

*Fans will recall that Hannah's boyfriend, Ruben Riguero was killed earlier this year in a tragic shooting.

CMT's Texas Women is Canceled

Well, there you have it.  Texas Women on CMT will not be renewed for a third season.

Fair Park introduces Summer Adventures in May 2013

Summer Adventures in Fair Park amusement destination will make its splash in May 2013. Presented by the State Fair of Texas, Summer Adventures will be the metroplex’s coolest way to beat the Texas heat while having fun in the sun. Primarily geared to families with kiddos aged five to 13, parents and children of all ages will be amazed at Fair Park’s transformation each summer from early May through mid-August. Summer Adventures will feature 18 acres of rides, games, stage shows, water play pools, fountains and misters.

Oh So Charitable: 2d Annual Leadership Foundation Gala

Cynthia Smoot & Matt Nordgren
photo: John "Doc" Strange, Selig Images

The Leadership Foundation held their second annual awards gala on December 7, 2012 at The Room on Main benefiting The Texas Rangers Baseball Foundation and just keep livin' foundation.

In May 2010, the Rangers Foundation launched a partnership with the just keep livin foundation (founded by Matthew and Camila McConaughey) and implemented the after-school program in three high schools in North Texas: Sam Houston High School in Arlington; Pinkston High School in Dallas; and Diamond Hill-Jarvis High School in Fort Worth. The program takes place twice a week, two hours a week after school, and provides fitness, nutrition, and self-awareness activities. Students also participate in a variety of community service activities.

Founded in 2011 by CEO of Nordco Consulting, Matt Nordgren, The Leadership Foundation is committed to giving back to non-profits whose purpose is to empower youth through sports and education. I know Nordgren from his time on Bravo's Most Eligible Dallas. You might know his from his time as Quarterback for the University of Texas. The spotlight fades quickly once the cameras stop rolling and it's nice to see that Nordgren has shrewdly married his sports and entertainment worlds to create something bigger than himself.

Oh So Tasty: Smashburger

(top) Jalapeno Bacon Burger (bottom) SmashFries, Sweet Potato
SmashFries and Haystack Onions

Smashburger recently opened their 11th Dallas-area location in Mockingbird Station and invited me to come by for a media lunch to sample their menu. I've eaten at a Smashburger before. They have a BBQ, Bacon and Cheddar burger that I like, but I'd never given them much thought. After the meal I had that day, I've been thinking about them... a lot!

Smashburger is an American chain of fast casual burger restaurants that originated in Denver, Colorado. Originally named IconBurger, the name Smashburger was introduced when it was thought to better explain the process of how its burgers are cooked: they are smashed onto the grill using a metal plate thus searing in the juices.

Smashburger was founded in 2007 by Tom Ryan, a veteran of fast food chains including Quiznos, McDonald’s, Pizza Hut, and Long John Silver's. At McDonald's he introduced the company's thin crust pizza, McGriddles, and the McFlurry. Ryan felt burgers had become bland, mass-produced and boring. He wanted to develop a restaurant that put the excitement back into a hamburger.

Smashburger's menu features burgers, but they also offer grilled and fried chicken on their sandwiches, a handful of salads, some tasty sides and delicious milkshakes made with Haagen Das ice cream.  Some standouts on the menu are the Jalapeno Bacon Burger (developed especially for the Texas market), Spinach Goat Cheese Chicken Sandwich, Sweet Potato Smashfries and (my favorite) the Salted Caramel Milkshake.

Smashburger's goal is to deliver a "better burger". In my book, they have succeeded. And how!

Big Rich Texas stars Whitney Whatley and Brandon Overbey are Having a BABY!

It was just a few months ago, that I brought you news that one of my favorite reality divas, Whitney Whatley of Big Rich Texas, was getting married to Brandon "Booger" Overbey.  Today, the pair announced that they have set a wedding date of October 31, 2013. Whitney will wear a black dress and there will be 13 bridesmaids and 13 groomsmen. Very goth.  The other big bomb they dropped was that they are expecting a BABY!!

If viewers will recall, in last week's episode Brandon asked Whitney's parents for permission to purpose and Whitney's Mom, Bon Blossman, threatened Brandon within an inch of his life if he made her a grandmother... Better hide, Booger! Grandma Bonnie is gonna be out to get you! The little jelly bean is due July 24, 2013.  Bon tells me that the baby will call her "BonBon". Too cute!

Big Rich Texas star Whitney Whatley debuts a dramatic new look

DeAynni Hatley, Whitney Whatley, Wendy Walker and Brandon "Booger" Overby

Bon Blossman tweeted out this photo tonight as members of the Big Rich Texas cast gathered to celebrate the birthday of DeAynni Hatley. See anything shocking about this photo?  How about the fact that Whitney Whatley has PURPLE hair!?  What do you think of her new look? Like it or loathe it? Discuss...

WIN Tickets to see Batman Live at AAC on December 13, 2012

Batman Live! comes to AAC December 13-16, 2012

The unique action-packed live arena show BATMAN LIVE is coming to Dallas at American Airlines Center on December 13-16 for four nights only. BATMAN LIVE is a visually stunning, state-of-the-art production, which brings Batman, a host of iconic characters, and the settings from the famed world of DC Comics, live and on stage for the very first time in North America.

Take a magic carpet ride with the Prashe 2013 Collection

This gorgeous model floated in an Indian-inspired canoe in the pool the whole night 

Award-winning couture designer, Prashi Shah debuted her 2013 Prashe Collection Runway Show at Sisu Uptown Resort last Friday night. Shah, the leading couturier for Indian American women, showcased both traditional Eastern designs as well as the custom Western styles of the Society Language collection. Sisu owner, Wade Hampton, took to the DJ booth to get the party started and as guests enjoyed drinks made with new Skimpy Mixers flavors.  I particularly enjoyed a concoction made from champagne and pineapple mixer. Fashionista founder, Heidi Dillon, kicked off the show making introductions and jokingly telling LeeAnne Locken to "shut up" with her cat calls from the crowd.

From Runway to Driveway: A Fashion Talk with Ford's Anthony Prozzi

Cynthia Smoot with Ford's Anthony Prozzi

I had a grand time last week with Ford Motor Company when we partnered to host a fun and fashionable event surrounding the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion.  The event was called, From Runway to Driveway, and the conversation of the evening was how design influences almost every aspect of our lives - even the cars we drive!

As guests arrived at Ocean Prime, they walked past the newly redesigned 2013 Ford Fusion. Once inside guests nibbled, mingled and sipped libations. Jarrod Fresquez, DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty and Heather Letteri, Linda Cooper, Susan Friedman, John Conte and OSC Contributors Jayne Chobot and Brittany Husted were among those who turned out to be a part of this fashion chat.

Ford Motor Company’s Senior Interior Designer Anthony Prozzi led an interactive discussion to discuss the design process and how regardless of industry or final product, designs draw from similar inspiration. He also let us peek inside his head to see how the role fashion played a part in designing a vehicle, specifically the all-new 2013 Ford Fusion.  Representing Dallas design in this discussion was Khanh Nguyen of Nha Khanh, Isabel Varela of IZAVEL and Trudy Cresswell, Marketing Director for Saks Fifth Avenue at the Dallas Galleria.

FGI Night of Stars Shone Brightly in 2012

Cynthia Smoot and DFW Style Daily's Lisa Petty

I recently attended the FGI Dallas’ Fashion and Lifestyle Awards, “Night of Stars” gala.  The event is FGI Dallas’ largest fundraiser of the year and directly supports more than $40,000 in multiple scholarships to local fashion students.

This is always one of my favorite events of the year. When the fashion community gets together, you can be rest assured that good people-watching will ensue. These fashion divas go all out to showcase their personal style and show off the latest trends.

I was thrilled to represent Dallas design at this gala by working with Abi Ferrin who styled me in this fabulous teal gown and with the fabulous Stephanie Anne who lavished me in beautiful jewelry (see photo). My gorgeous pal Lisa Petty, had the same idea, wearing Paulette Martsolf of Allie-Coosh.

Neiman Marcus' Chuck Steelman and Pink Memo's Maxine Trowbridge were back again as this year's event chairs. “Night of Stars is currently the only Fashion & Lifestyle Award gala that recognizes both local businesses and supports education and talent in Dallas,” said Trowbridge. “FGI Dallas prides itself on supporting the next generation of fashion, design and lifestyle brilliance that will keep North Texas at the forefront of the fashion and design industries.”

Victoria Snee with NorthPark Center served as the evening's emcee and kicked off the night by giving ME a shout out from the podium!  "Has everyone checked in tonight?" Victoria began. "Where's Cynthia Smoot... have you tagged everyone on Facebook? Are you Instagramming this," she exclaimed. I raised the thumbs-up sign from my seat at Shay Geyer's table to signify that all was well in the world of social media activity.