HARVEST Provides a Bounty of Fun to Benefit the NTFB

Co-Chair Nancy Gopez, President and CEO
of the North Texas Food Bank Jan Pruitt,
Co-Chair Kristi Bare

Planting Good Seeds, HARVEST.
by Alison Weinstein

Have you ever had a moment when you are out and about in Dallas where you look around and say to yourself, “I love living here!?” HARVEST, a culinary and cocktail tasting benefitting the North Texas Food Bank was just such a moment for me.

What better way to celebrate the philanthropic spirit of our great city then with a good-looking crowd of 500, the backdrop of our growing skyline lit up against the night and good eats? Held at The Farmer’s Market on Saturday, September 20, 2014, in the newly renovated and sprawling Shed, HARVEST featured food stations by some of Dallas’s favorite chefs and restaurants — all under the leadership of renowned chef, Sharon Hage. 

Chairs Kristi Bare and Nancy Gopez simply nailed a cool, urban vibe with DJ Lucy Wrubel literally centered in a cut out above the dance floor. Seasonal cocktails flowed freely at floating bars brilliantly placed in the center of the nearly 20 food stations. I discovered a new Dallas favorite with every lap and grabbing generous bites from greats like Hibiscus, CBD Provisions, Place at Perry's and Pakpao - was exhilarating.

For my husband and I who circled the perimeter of the Shed many times, it became a sport, if not a competition to find our favorites! Topping our list: Bolsa’s rabbit & waffles (rabbit confit and candied carrots with a parsnip mousse), Five Sixty by Wolfgang Puck’s spicy big eye tuna in sesame miso cones AND (can’t forget dessert!), Haute Sweet Patisserie’s (gluten free) popcorn pot de creme. Divine.

The Crowned Brunch Series Brings Designer Michael Costello To The Adolphus

Cynthia Smoot with Michael Costello
photo by Thomas Garza

Like many TV-obsessed Americans, I was first introduced to Michael Costello when he appeared on Project Runway Season 8 (he finished in 4th place). He returned to the franchise again for Project Runway All-Star Season 1.

Since the show, Costello has gone on to become one of the show's most commercially successful alums dressing celebrities from coast to coast. His client list includes Khloe and Kim Karsahian, Britney Spears, Lady Gaga, Selma Hayek and Nicole Ritchie. His latest coup was designing many of the show costumes for Beyonce's On The Run tour.

On Sunday, September 28 The Crowned Brunch Series brought Costello to the Adolphus Hotel for "Deeper Than The Dress: An Intimate Conversation" Guests enjoyed a delicious brunch inside the French Room while Costello regaled the crowd with hilarious stories of his childhood: cutting up his sisters clothes to create outfits for their dolls, obsessing over their My Little Pony and Jem dolls, a peek behind the curtain at life inside the Gypsy culture, an arranged marriage that produced two children before coming out and behind-the-scenes scoop from his time on Project Runway.

Oh So Fashionable: Nicky Hilton bring 365 Style to Dallas

On Tuesday, September 23, Dallas’ fashion enthusiasts and media enjoyed an evening with fashion designer and author Nicky Hilton to celebrate the launch of her new book, "365 Style." The event took place at Belk Galleria Dallas and was hosted by the non-profit, THE FASHIONISTAS. The evening began with a VIP reception. Guests mingled with Nicky, took selfies and and enjoyed bites from the Westin Galleria and sips courtesy of Beau Joie Champagne. A signature cocktail was also created using Yacht Club Vodka. Spotted in the crowd were Heidi Dillon (Founder & Chairman Emeritus of THE FASHIONISTAS), Cathy Vieth, Phyllis Comu, Jarrod Fresquez, Courtney Kerr, Yvonne Crum, and Carmen Surgent.  The Savvy Stylist, Dawn Mellon, worked with Hilton and styled models for her TV appearances and for the Belk show. She met up with Hilton at her VIP book signing to quiz her about her premiss for this tome.

Here is an excerpt from Mellon's post:

"Although she once considered a teaching career, Hilton says she can’t imagine herself doing anything outside of the fashion industry. She is fascinated by every aspect of the discipline – from designing to styling to writing. Penning a ‘how-to’ guide to dressing when you think about it, then, makes perfect sense. The book, she confesses, is a result of “the frustration I felt standing in a closet full of clothes feeling like I had nothing to wear.” While it would be easy to surmise from the book’s title that the author has a year’s worth of solutions for dressing. The numbers 3, 6 and 5, actually stand for something unrelated to a calendar. The number 3 represents the three most common occasions for which you dress, based upon your lifestyle. For example, as a wife, mother, fashion stylist, and philanthropist, my 3s are spending time with my family, attending philanthropic or fashion-related events and, of course, working. “Your three’s are unique to you,” explains Hilton,” but the one thing we all have in common is the fact that we can use our three’s as a guide when we shop.” “Ultimately, your wardrobe will reflect your lifestyle,” she elaborates, “and, you must stay true to your personal style identity. It’s imperative to remember that you’re dressing for you.”

Save Snow Leopards by Drinking Vodka. It's a Win-Win.

When newly launched Snow Leopard Vodka approached me about their product my first thought was, "Meh. Vodka is vodka." When I looked at their website, what I found was a company who's mission statement I can support.

With less than 3,500 snow leopards estimated to be remaining in the wild Snow Leopard Vodka is doing what it can to help save this critically endangered species from extinction and to help improve the livelihoods of the poor herder families who share their home range. 15% of all their profits, and monies raised by fundraising activities, are given directly to snow leopard conservation projects through the Snow Leopard Trust.

The goal is to sell 100,000 cases of Snow Leopard vodka annually, generating enough revenue and awareness to safeguard the Snow Leopard's future. I mean... look at that face!!! How can you not want to buy vodka and save these cute, furry, adorable snow leopards!! And that's what some of Dallas' most creative bartenders thought as well, so they have teamed up with the company to create specialty cocktails using Snow Leopard Vodka. Ask for it when you visit these establishments:

Changing Spots created by
Bonnie Wilson of Whiskey Cake

Changing Spots
by Bonnie Wilson, Beverage Director, Whiskey Cake Kitchen & Bar 

• 2oz Snow Leopard Vodka 
• 1/2oz Giffard Pamplemousse 
• 1/4oz Lillet Rouge 
• 1/4oz fresh lemon juice 
• 2 dashes Peychauds 

Top with 1oz Prosecco Add all ingredients to shaker, double strain into a coupe glass & garnish with a grapefruit slice


The Cat's Pajamas
by Will Croxville from Parliament

• 2 oz Snow Leopard Vodka
• 1 oz Fresh Lemon Juice
• 3/4 oz Apple-Honey Syrup *
• 1 bar spoon Allspice Dram
• 1 Egg White

Add all ingredients to shaker, dry shake. Add ice, shake again. Strain into coupe, garnish with red apple fan and angostura. *Apple-honey syrup: 1 part raw honey mixed into 1 part organic apple cider.

Dallas Dweller: Carmaleta Whiteley

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. Today, I'd like for you to meet Carmaleta Whiteley, the Fairy Godmother of the Dallas charity scene:

Carmaleta Whitely is proud to be a sixth generation Texas, born in Ft Worth. Her parents moved to Odessa when she was six or seven and her father opened a machine shop that catered to the oil business. "That machine shop is still in business today and is owned and managed by my sister and her husband," says Whiteley proudly.

"Growing up I always wanted to be like my mother. She was very pretty and dressed like a model. I loved her clothes and accessories and often flew with her to Dallas to shop at Neiman Marcus. I moved to Dallas to go to college and stayed most of my adult life. I worked in commercial real estate leasing high rise buildings. However, leasing has its up and downs so when our Texas economy fell, I followed the money and moved to Los Angeles. I worked for the largest west coast developer managing a 2.6 million square foot office complex in downtown LA. I loved my job but after seven years I was ready to move back to my family and home state of Texas.

Many on the social scene know Whiteley from her years of tireless fundraising for the causes she holds dear. Whiteley is looking to take her years of marketing experience and decades of philanthropic work and combining them into a brilliant publication that aims to become the standard program at charitable events, devoted to supporting Dallas-area charitable organizations. Her latest venture is called Charity Dallas and will launch in early 2015.

Save the Date: Fire and Ice Fashion Show & Concert, October 9-11, 2014

SPONSORED CONTENT:

The 3rd Annual Fire & Ice Tres: Fashion Show, Concert and Symposium will return to Dallas on October 9-11, 2014. Over three days, there will be a speakers’ symposium, three fashion shows where featured designers will launch and release their 2015 spring/summer collections and three concerts. This show is the epitome of couture presentations and an annual event of marrying beautiful high fashion runway designs and music concerts, produced by the very best professionals in fashion and music. Event organizer Jennifer Hobson, CEO of Jennifer Hobson Productions says, “The concept of this show was to fuse fashion with music, dance, and visual arts. My goal was to create a show, with excellence in execution, for fashionistas to enjoy a top-of-the-line runway show and have the opportunity to place orders, and interact with the designers.” To kick off the entire weekend of events, a survivor speakers’ symposium and dinner will be held on Thursday, October 9th. The purpose of the symposium is to sponsor women in, of, or exposed to domestic abuse, but is also open to loved ones, family members, and friends of those in abusive relationships. Please see below for specific details.

Casting Call: Reality Show Seeks Awesome 20-Somethings

Best party pic ever. Flashback to DIFFA 2012 with my posse. Who says 20-somethings have all the fun.

Ryan Seacrest Productions and Casting Duo are currently casting a group of hot, young, ambitious friends, co-workers, or acquaintances that live in the Dallas area. Think The Hills or Laguna Beach - but in Dallas. If you have a big personality and people always tell you that your group of friends should be on TV - then they are looking for you! To be considered, email dallastvshow@gmail.com a recent picture and a quick paragraph about why you and your friends should be considered for this exciting new docu-series. And if you get cast, you totally owe me a bottle of champs and the exclusive scoop on all the cat-fighting behind the scenes...

The Best Events in Dallas for October 2014

September was a haze with the back-to-school transition. I finally feel like I can take a breath and rejoice in the fact that it's Fall! From haunted houses to movie premiers, fashion shows to opera, BBQ festivals to golf this month has something for everyone. Get outside and enjoy this amazing weather!

XO, Cynthia

Wednesday, October 1

Alley’s House will host its third annual luncheon on October 1st, 2014, from 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. featuring keynote speaker Barbara Pierce Bush and Honorary Chair, Gloria Campos at House of Blues Dallas. Anna de Haro of Clear Channel Radio will return as event emcee. Barbara Bush has spent her career focusing on nutrition and global health issues. She has traveled extensively with the UN World Food Program, is a member of UNICEF’s Next Generation Steering Committee and was named one of Glamour magazine’s Women of the Year in 2011 and Newsweek’s Women of Impact in 2013. Alley’s House luncheon is a forum for conversation to better understand the range of barriers facing teen mothers including access to healthcare, adequate nutrition for themselves and their children, education, and jobs that pay a living wage. Tickets start at $150. http://alleyshouse.org/ah/ahluncheon/

Thursday, October 2 

The Mosaic Champion of Human Rights Fall Gala is an annual event to raise awareness of human rights abuses in our communities and individuals working to address them. Dallas fashion designer, Mosaic supporter, and anti-trafficking activist Abi Ferrin will receive the Champion of Human Rights Award which recognizes the extraordinary dedication of individuals who strive to ensure the protection of the basic human rights and fundamental freedoms to which all human beings are entitled. Abi’s Freedom Project helps create alternate forms of employment and hope for oppressed and trafficked women worldwide. Joining them for this fun evening will also be emcee Amy Vanderoef, Host of Good Morning Texas. Guests will enjoy beer, wine & spirits, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction, 50/50 Raffle, and live music by the Hunter Sullivan Band.  This gala will be held at Fashion Industry Gallery, 1807 Ross Avenue, Dallas, TX 75201. Tickets start at $200. www.mosaicservices.org/events

Friday, October 3

Project Runway alum, Mila Hermanovski will be coming to Piermarini Boutique on October 3rd from 3pm-6pm. She will be showcasing her Fall collection along with some exclusive styles for the trunk show at Piermarini. Mila, she was born in Dallas and is a fellow Greenhill School alum. She was on Project Runway twice, once during Season 7 and again for Project Runway All-Stars. Piermarini Boutique is located at 6827 Snider Plaza, Dallas, TX 75205.





Saturday, October 4

Attend a social screening for the film "Advanced Style" at the Texas Theater. Advanced Style examines the lives of seven unique New Yorkers whose eclectic personal style and vital spirit have guided their approach to aging. Based on Ari Seth Cohen’s famed blog of the same name, this film paints intimate and colorful portraits of independent, stylish women aged 62 to 95 who are challenging conventional ideas about beauty, aging, and Western’s culture’s increasing obsession with youth. Cocktails begin at 7pm, the film will start at 8:00pm. Tickets are $10 at the door. http://thetexastheatre.com/movies-events/advanced-style

Oh So Fashionable: Cufflinks

Cufflinks CEO, Paul Song shows off his Threaded Button
cufflinks at the company's recent 15th Anniversary party

I attended a private dinner recently to celebrate the 15th anniversary of Dallas-based Cufflinks. In looking for info about how this trend got started, I came across an article from San Francisco retailer Wingtip who wrote, "In one form of another, the cufflink, or 'sleeve button', has been a part of men's wardrobe's for over a millennium -- with royal families commissioning cufflinks to mark weddings or other special events for centuries and some historians noting the cufflinks' presence in ancient Egyptian paintings.

But if there's a story to be told about the modern cufflinks and cuff styles prevalent in men's wardrobes today, it should certainly start with a mention of Alexandre Dumas' nineteenth century novel The Count of Monte-Cristo. Nowhere else in the history of western literature will you find a story wherein the cuff of a man's sleeve receives so much attention, or has had such an affect on 'real-world' menswear.

Specifically, fashion legend has it that the turned back, french cuff was born (for all intents and purposes) after french tailors read a description of one particularly pivotal character in the book ('Baron Danglars') -- a man whose presence sparked great envy when onlookers "gazed on the enormous diamond that glittered in his shirt, and the red ribbon that depended from his button-hole". So sumptuous and handsome a description was this, that tailors immediately recognized how outfitting french society with such details could distinguish their clients and add a new chapter to modern man's costume. Shortly thereafter, a cuffed shirt and a set of signature cufflinks (or ribbons) became a characteristic mark of a true, modern gentleman -- and cufflinks started to commonly appear at the wrists of men outside the immediate aristocracy."

Dallas Dweller: Jill Tananbaum

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments. Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. There are many in this town that devote themselves to charitable causes to help them climb the social ladder. And then there are those like Jill Tananbaum, who just roll up there sleeves and do the dirty work with a smile on her face and a song in her heart. Today, OSC Contributor Alison Weinstein introduces you to philanthropy's golden girl.

2014 CBB Co-Chairs Cindy Stager and Jill Tananbaum

Dallas Dweller: Jill Tananbaum
by Alison Weinstein

This year will mark the 41st anniversary for one of Dallas' most iconic fêtes, Cattle Baron's Ball.  Co-Chair Jill Tananbaum is as cool as cucumber despite the fact that she is in charge of the world's largest single-night fundraiser for cancer research and looking to raise a record-goal of $3.5 million dollars.

Cattle Barons has long been a beneficiary of her time, but it is only in recent years that her work to help find a cure for cancer turned personal. In 2005, Jill, herself, was diagnosed with breast cancer. Today, cancer free, Jill says she is grateful to be alive to raise her children and is intent on giving back to everyone who helped and supported her through her journey. You can aid Jill in her goal to eradicate cancer by attending this annual boot scootin' gala at Gilley's on October 18 featuring Kenny Chesney.

Making plaster handprint molds for the Town of Highland Park's Centennial Celebration coming up October 17-19

Born in New York and raised in California, Jill landed in Dallas in 1994 by accident. A lawyer, Jill’s New York City firm asked her to work in Hong Kong for a few years. While getting situated for her move, an opportunity suddenly emerged in Dallas and the rest is history. Jill has been a judicial intern for US Supreme Court Chief Justice, William Rehnquist, held positions with two highly prestigious firms and is now CEO of her own litigation consulting firm. With her razor-sharp intellect and drive to contribute to her community, Jill's passion for giving back is relentless. “Jill’s commitment to her causes is purposeful and sincere,” says long-time friend and Chairman of The JCC Board, Angela Horowitz. “She listens carefully to the needs of the organization and offers only the most thoughtful and well-researched solutions. In this world where everyone is in perpetual motion, Jill's service is truly unique." It's traits like these that make Jill one of the most sought-after volunteers in our great city. Other organizations that have benefited from Jill's efforts include The Aaron Family JCC, The Vogel Alcove, Turtle Creek Recovery Center, The Sandler-Kenner Foundation, and TACA (The Arts Community Alliance).

Fashion X Reveals Designer Lineup

Fashion X Dallas will take place November 6 – 8 at the Fashion Industry Gallery (F.I.G.) in downtown’s Arts District. Fashion X Dallas has just released the full lineup of designers showing this November. Design talent on the runway ranges from edgy womenswear designer Emily Daccarett to free spirited swimwear line Curlee Bikini to fresh men's suiting label League of Rebels. In The Gallery, you'll see stunning fine jewelry designs by Laura Pierson and Mitchel Primrose, sumptuous leather handbags by Consuela, global chic footwear by Teysha, and feathered bow ties by Brackish. They've also rounded up the best of local Dallas designers including Ese Azenabor, Nine Muses, Beaus + Ribbons, and Blaine Bowen.

Prominent Swedish menswear designer Edo Popken will close the Thursday night Runway shows and Isabella Rose Taylor, 13 year old teen sensation who has just launched a juniors line with Nordstrom, will serve as the finale on Friday night. Fans of Lifetime's hit television show Project Runway have a rare opportunity to watch runway shows presented by fan favorite designers at Designer All Stars Presented By Bernina. With the VIP experience, you can even meet and take photos with the All Star designers: Anthony Ryan Auld, Daniel Esquivel, Jeffrey Sebelia, Korto Momolu, Laura Kathleen, Melissa Fleis, Michelle Lesniak, and Mychael Knight.

To read more about Matt Swinney's plans for this inaugural event, click over to the interview he gave DFW Style Daily back in July. Explore all of the FXD designers on the fresh new Fashion X Dallas website at http://fashionxdallas.com and snag tickets to see your favorites. Tickets range from $20 for standing room to $195 for front row. Reserve the best seats in the house before they are gone.

New Dating Service Wants You To Play It Safe

Play It Safe CEO, Cheryl Rios
She's single and looking to (safely) mingle.

Over 20 million people a month visit online dating sites looking for their soul mate but instead of love, many are met with criminal offenders, fraud and sexual predators. I know from many of my divorced friends how frustrating and scary these sites can be.

"After 17 years of marriage I found myself single and several people mentioned using online dating services, but the first thing I thought of was, How do I know I can trust who is on there?" After speaking to hundreds of online daters, Cheryl Rios says there was a clear direction of common complaints, ”Men complained that women were older and heavier in person than what their photos portrayed and women have found that a lot of the men they meet online are married.”

It's one thing to fudge about your weight by 5-10 pounds or say you are an inch taller than you are, but did you know that a study shows that 33% of men who create profiles on dating websites are married!? WTF!

Cheryl Rios is a woman who is all about problem-solving so she decided to build a better mousetrap. She's calling it Play It Safe Dating™ and this one-of-­a­-kind dating service will provide verification that the person with whom you are corresponding and/or meeting does not have a criminal history, is not married and is who they say they are.

The Dallas Chocolate Festival is One Sweet Event

Kids of all ages clamor to learn (and taste) about chocolate
at the 2014 Dallas Chocolate Festival

Dallas Chocolate Festival 2014
by Alison Weinstein

If you have chocolate lovers in your house, the annual Dallas Chocolate Festival is a must. This weekend, I took my 12-year-old “chocolate aficionado,” to The Addison Conference center where the genius of some of the nation’s sweetest chocolatiers and confectionary chefs was on display. Let’s just say he held back with the “What do you think of the new Hershey’s formula?” question during a Q&A with the pro’s.

Learning about the artisan chocolate craft was not only humbling but also ridiculously delicious and fascinating. This was the 5th annual festival presented by DallasChocolate.org whose mission is to “educate Dallas about chocolate one bar at a time.”

The event (totally sold out btw) has become popular not only with local chefs including The Mansion’s Nicolas Blouin, Katherine Clapner of Dude, Sweet Chocolate and former Nobu Executive Pastry Chef Kate Weiser (who just opened her own shop in Trinity Groves) but chocolatiers from all over. Pacari Chocolate from Ecuador, Potomac Chocolate from Virginia and Cacao Atlanta Chocolate Company were just a few that made the trek to Big D for the event.

INVITE: Neiman Marcus CUSP Event on September 20

My favorite weekend activity is shopping. Yours too!? If you plan to peruse the sales floors this weekend for the new fall fashions, then I'd like to invite you to come to Willow Bend in Plano this Saturday, September 20. LeeAnne Locken and I will be at Neiman Marcus to talk about the latest trends and how to style them. Join us in the CUSP department at 12:15pm for some sips, bites and fun fashion talk. DJ Bobby Bradley will be spinning and sales associates will be on hand to assist you when we are done if you have questions about any of the trends we discuss. It's free to attend, but they do request that you RSVP at 972-244-2813.

Casting Call: Reality Show Seeks Highland Park Millennials

VPEtalent and an award-winning production company are currently looking to cast a young group of friends who live in Highland Park, TX. “We’re not sure what exactly the show is yet, but we know it’s about a group of millennials. I would rather meet the right people and develop a show around their strengths than try to cast people into a preconceived notion,” says Casting Director Vinnie Potestivo who’s resume includes pop culture hits such as MTV’s 8th & Ocean, Laguna Beach, and TRL: Total Request Live to name a few. If you are between the ages of 18-24 and live, work, or play in Highland Park, TX and have a great group of friends with big personalities.. they want to hear from you!

To submit yourself for consideration, visit http://vpe.tv/reality-casting-highland-park-texas/

What's Old Is New Again at Vintage Martini

Ken Weber Looks to the Past for Fashion Inspiration
by Dawn Mellon

Ken Weber and Dawn Mellon

If you're intrigued by things of the past, or, as I look at it, things with a past, you'll be delighted and amazed at Vintage Martini, which recently moved from Carrollton to Henderson Ave. in Dallas. Ken Weber, owner of the store that carries vintage jewelry, shoes, handbags, and accessories as well as apparel for both men and women, kicked off last Saturday's Grand Opening with a toast as he unveiled the store's fall and winter clothing collections, including a beautiful assortment of coats and fur.

The fun continued throughout the day begining with a trunk show featuring Joseff of Hollywood jewelry, including some pieces that were accompanied by photographs of acting legends wearing their treasures. A vintage Hermes trunk show followed, and, later, Clay Kennedy of Stag Designs, showcased his incredible buffalo and leather weekenders, duffels and accessories.

Media personalities, fashion bloggers and influencers in attendance included Clarice Tinsley, Annie Potasznik, Lisa Petty, Jhonatan Arreola, Edwardo Flores, Small4Style's Alex Small, Ekaterina Kouznetsova were busy gathering details for their respective news outlets. Meanwhile, designer Andre Yabin of Binzario Couture, Susan Posnik of Susan Posnik Cosmetics, Mindy Loll of SavoirLuxe, Daniel Perez of Caviar Club Menswear and Cynthia Salzman Mondell, award-winning documentarian of Sole Sisters, were eagerly welcomed by Weber and his staff to their new location. As the evening progressed, Fashion Photographer Evelyn Murphy, whose work has been featured in the likes of fashion magazines such as Vogue Italia, also made a personal appearance just before the Matt Tolentino Trio turned the vintage store into a jazz club as the crooners had guests swinging to their '20s and '30s tunes. Even if you missed the grand opening festivities, you're still in for a treat.

Oh So Tasty: Wagyu Oxtail at Hibiscus

Recently, I received an email that read, "When was the last time you dined at Hibiscus? Seems Graham Dodds took over as Executive Chef a few months ago and has created a menu that (according to his PR team) is both approachable and forward-thinking.

This is where they got me. The next sentence read, "A few of the menu highlights include Bobwhite Quail with creamy grits, crispy pig ear slaw, and chow chow; Wagyu Oxtail with crispy gnocchi, basil, and pesto; and Bison Flank with bison sausage, carrot puree, and shaved carrot salad. He also has an extensive charcuterie program that he is handling all in-house together with his Chef de Cuisine."

Okay, that sounded pretty awesome and since it had been several years since I had visited Hibiscus and I had never met Dodds, I accepted their invitation to check out what was happening.

Win Tickets to Oktoberfest in Addison

I love events that provide a cultural experience for the entire family and one of my favorite's is Addison's annual Oktoberfest festival. Billed as "the most authentic Oktoberfest outside of Munich" this year's festival will take place September 18-21 in Addison's spectacular Addison Circle Park.

Join more than 70,000 fans of polka, German food, and Paulaner Bier for four days fun contests such as dachshund races, bier barrel bowling, a German Idol yodeling contest, a German spelling bee and more! Tickets range from $10-$60.

For the VIP experience, purchase CHAMBERLAIN'S BRAU HAUS package to get an authentic Bavarian dining experience featuring a 3-course tasting menu prepared by one of America’s leading chefs, Richard Chamberlain of Chamberlain's Restaurants. Your ticket will include admission, souvenir stein and a memorable dining experience for a client gathering, a night out with family and friends or a date night with someone special! For tickets and a complete schedule of events, visit http://www.addisontexas.net/events/Oktoberfest/

Oh So Tasty: Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned Cocktail

Recently, Knob Creek Bourbon partnered with top mixologists from across the country to create unique twists on the Old Fashioned cocktail. They were challenged to flex their mixology muscles and create their own unique interpretation utilizing the four core ingredients of the cocktail - bourbon, ice, bitters and citrus.

Boulevardier's Eddie Eakin used Knob Creek Rye to create an Old Fashioned with Sarsaparilla, a traditional flavor originally used in Texas and the American West during the 1950s and is now found in root beer. The Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned blends the unique flavors of vanilla, honey and sarsaparilla that highlight the spicy undertones of Knob Creek Rye.

Here's his recipe for you to enjoy at home. Cheers!




Sarsaparilla Old Fashioned
Recipe by Eddie Eakin

Ingredients:
2 parts Knob Creek® Rye
1/4 part Honey Syrup (1:1 honey and water)
1/2 part Root Beer Liqueur - 2 dashes Sarsaparilla Dry Bitters
1 dash Vanilla Bitters

Combine Knob Creek® Rye, Honey Syrup, Root Beer Liqueur, Sarsaparilla Dry Bitters and Vanilla Bitters in a mixing glass. Next, add cracked ice and stir for 40 revolutions. Then strain over ice in a rocks glass. Garnish with 1 whole star anise pod and a brandied cherry.

The Kate Miner Orchestra debuts lucky album No. #6

The Kate Miner Orchestra has been gaining major attention in the music industry and amongst their fans with the launch of their 6th album by Kate Miner, The Kate Miner Orchestra No. Six.

Kate’s singing career began when, at the tender age of four, she sang a solo in church. By age ten, she was doing vocal work on television commercials, and shortly after she turned twenty-one, her relocation to Los Angeles paid off with a record deal at Word Records and an impressive co-publishing / development deal with Sony Music Publishing.

Originally from San Diego, California, she currently resides in Dallas and works as the Music Director at Munger Place Church. The Kate Miner Orchestra will be performing Saturday, September 13th at Poor David’s Pub in Dallas. Check out Kate’s style of Christian/Gospel music on iTunes and Amazon.

Learn more about Kate's story at http://www.mungerplace.org/worship/munger-place-music/.

Dallas Dweller: Sam Horowitz

Dallas is full of colorful characters. There are those you see monthly in the society pages, whose stories are legendary in this town. But, this feature is inspired by the people that I think you should know more about because of their fabulous style, interesting back-story or amazing accomplishments.  Dallas Dweller seeks to introduce you to these fabulous faces. Today, I'd like to introduce you to one of our cities youngest fashion enthusiasts, Sam Horowitz.

Horowitz filmed a recent episode of
Sam Says at Clothes Circuit

The world was introduced to "Bar Mitzvah Boy" in 2013 when he out Bar Mitzvah'd every Bar Mitzvah boy of the year after being introduced by some "burlesque" dancers at his bash held at the Omni Hotel to the tune of the Christina Aguilera classic "Show Me How Your Burlesque".

Horowitz then took part in a choreographed dance to "Dance Again" by Jennifer Lopez featuring Pitbull. How good was it? Well, the video currently has over 1 million views on YouTube and it garnered him an appearance on The Ellen Show. Not bad for a 13-year old.  Surprisingly, the 8th grader had never taken a dance class until six weeks before his Bar Mitzvah.

Before his rise to fame, Sam also got a taste of acting with numerous roles in plays, a commercial for McDonald’s and a Barney video. He has played leading parts in productions for the Jewish Community Center and Richardson Company Theatre, including roles as Aladdin (“Aladdin,”) Oliver (“Oliver,”) and Sam I Am (“Seussical.”) In 2010, he learned Yiddish in order to sing a solo for a crowd of 1,000 at a fundraiser for the Dallas Holocaust Museum. Sam’s love for entertaining is only matched by his passion for fashion. The always-perfectly-accessorized young man is the go-to fashion consultant for friends and family, and attended Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2013.

The Best New Foods for the 2014 State Fair of Texas are...

And the winner is....

Yesterday, I was lucky enough to be a judge in the 10th annual Big Tex Choice Awards. My fellow judges were BBQ Snob Daniel Vaughn, Donovan Lewis from The Ticket and Tiffany Derry from Spike TV's Hungry Investors. There were eight finalists competing for the titles of "Best Tasting" and "Most Creative".

After sampling all of the entires, the judges were unanimous in our decision that the award for "Best Tasting" should go to Clint Probst for his Fried Gulf Shrimp Boil. Justin Martinez took the title of "Most Creative" for his Original State Fair Brew – Funnel Cake Ale.

A day at the State Fair of Texas is not inexpensive, so let me tell you how to use your coupons wisely. Below is my personal opinion about what you don't want to miss and what you can skip when it comes to this year's new foods:

Fried Gulf Shrimp Boil

DON'T MISS Clint Probst’s crowd-pleasing Fried Gulf Shrimp Boil. This Cajun creation features everything you would expect in a shrimp boil rolled into a ball, dusted with Fish Fry, and fried to a golden brown. Baby gulf shrimp, diced red potatoes, onion, lemon, and seasoning are formed around a cocktail shrimp, dusted and fried with the tail sticking out for a handle. Served with a remoulade sauce, the Fried Gulf Shrimp Boil is a unique take on a classic meal, with just the right amount of kick!

As the only non-fried food in the contest, DON'T MISS Funnel Cake Ale. The Original State Fair Brew with its light and delicious ale, reminiscent of one of the telltale flavors of the State Fair – funnel cake! Justin Martinez’s refreshing English style summer ale has been brewed to be crisp, with just the right amount of toastiness and sweetness, finishing with delicate notes of natural vanilla; all great flavors you find in a perfectly executed funnel cake. For those whose taste buds call for a sweeter finish, take advantage of the option to have the rim of your cup coated with powdered sugar.