BLOG ABOUT TOWN: The Family Dinner

So I was invited by a good friend of mine to something he referred to as "The Family Dinner". Now I like to consider myself as someone in-the-know but if I'm being completely honest I just assumed I was showing up to take pictures of a family gathering of his. I had no idea what it was. I never even intended to be writing the blog that you're reading now, I was just doing a good friend a favor. Not to mention it was being held at The Island Spot which is owned by a mutual friend of us both. And lets be honest after all, do you really need a reason to go eat some good jerk chicken and plantains?! I think not! But What I encountered was much more than I expected. What I walked in on was this network of young professional men and women who came there merely to meet one another, connect with each other and fellowship over a good meal. Founded in New York in 2008, the community-based family dinner tradition now hosts thousands of the nation's most influential, passionate and diverse young adults, over family style dinners twice a year in each city across the country. They're now in New York, San Francisco, Dallas, Houston, Washington, D.C., Atlanta, Los Angeles, Portland, Chicago, Miami, Austin and growing.
 We all know that Dallas has the penchant for bringing out the same individuals to the same social gatherings and while I always run into a few people I know I was pleasantly surprised to meet some new faces. Some faces that came from as far as Houston. The really refreshing thing about this experience was that it was really about genuinely connecting. Not to talk about what degree you had, what firm you worked at, or to try to pick up a member of the opposite sex. Now I would be remiss if I didn't mention how attractive the crowd was and that certainly didn't hurt things but it went much further than that. All pretentiousness was left at the door and people got a chance to eat great food and truly engage with one another. It's good to know that Dallas is now part of the "The Family".

DESTINATIONS: Dallas Autumn Ball

With the holiday season getting ready to get into full swing, there will be no shortage of formal black-tie affairs in the Dallas metroplex. Gentlemen will get into their spiffiest tuxes and ladies will adorn themselves in their finest evening gowns. Well finally there is one specifically targeted to the young and the young at heart. The Dallas Autumn Ball engages, impassions, and empowers civic-minded individuals and young professionals to celebrate, raise awareness, and encourage the betterment of education in Dallas by providing a unique black tie event delivering a philanthropic opportunity to give back in a setting of celebratory fun.

 The Dallas Autumn Ball presents a unique black tie event held at the Hotel ZaZa Main Ballroom on Friday November 8th, 2013 with renowned event band Emerald City providing the entertainment and an open bar available for the attendees. Through these philanthropic efforts, the Dallas Autumn Ball sets out to support the Dallas Education Foundation's initiative - Project: Amplify. All proceeds from the Dallas Autumn Ball will go directly to Project: Amplify and impact public education in Dallas. As if you needed a reason to get dressed up right?! But you can also party with a purpose!

DESTINATIONS: Lamar Street Festival

Dallas continues it's cultural expansion with the introduction of the Lamar Street Festival. The inaugural event brings together art, film, food and music. Attractions include works by more than 40 artists, a short-film competition for amateurs, music by groups such as the Relatives and Home by Hovercraft, and Dallas' own Erykah Badu as the headliner. It will mark the 100-year anniversary of the South Side on Lamar building. The 11th Annual Cedars Open Studios will take place in conjunction with the festival featuring tours of artists studios and lofts as film and art will be some of the main focal points. There will be food and fun for the entire family. While this might not immediately change the misguided perception that "there is nothing to do in Dallas" or "Dallas has no culture" this is certainly a step in the right direction.

SOURCE | Photo

SOURCE | Photo

The Store Across The Pond: The One Year Anniversary of Timothy Oulton

There is something to be said when British designer Timothy Oulton picks Dallas for his first stand-alone store. It’s an 8,000 sqft space that has everything from furniture, UK themed nic-nacs to apparel and an aquarium with a huge yellow submarine. It even boasts a full-service coffee and pastry bar, an in-house flower shop, and a giant working fireplace. Think of it as the ultimate “man cave” on sartorial steroids! So when it came time for them to celebrate their one year anniversary since opening here they pulled out all the stops. Complete with a live band, royal guards, bottomless champagne, and the unveiling of a new masterpiece from kinetic artist Didier Legros entitled "Chaos". Quite the contrary of something chaotic, the sculpture involves no less than fifty jumping marbles that are charged with kinetic energy and are then carefully choreographed to skip elaborately across five different vertically suspended panels. Not a bad way to spend your Thursday.

A BLOG ABOUT TOWN: "The Journey" Presented by Lincoln Motor Company and Uptown Magazine

More times than not when we speak of success it's often the destination that's talked about as opposed to the actual "Journey" it takes to get there. Uptown magazine and Lincoln Motor Company teamed up with for an evening celebrating the Journeys of successful and influential African-Americans. The evening featured a pre-reception followed by a panel discussion beginning at moderated by on-air commentator, Bevy Smith. eM The Venue provided the perfect backdrop for young professionals to network and participate in the discussion. Add lite bites and an open bar and it became a party with a purpose. See how it all played out below.

My Forward Life: Style of Life Event

So what do you get when you combine style, beauty, fashion, food, signature cocktails and 100 of the most gorgeous, intelligent, and ambitious women in Dallas under the roof of one fantastic venue? Well for one you get one very happy male blogger who was lucky enough to take in the scenery in all it's splendor. But you also get a convergence of the many different elements that make up the topic of style and how it relates to women in their everyday living. Well known experts from the fields of beauty, fashion, food and home were invited for an interactive and innovative discussion and experience with the women in attendance. And that's what the My Forward Life: The Style of Life was all about.

 It was an evening where guest were able to network and share experiences and ideas with each other while empowering one another in their own individual endeavors. Led by My Forward Life's founder Jasmin Brand who is the walking embodiment of "girl power" and women who just kick ass in general. The event's timing could not have come more perfectly as they were also celebrating the launch of their new online magazine. Sponsors included Windsor Communities who provided goodie bags for the guests and there to promote their charity date and silent auction for breast cancer awareness, Love Cures All.  With bites from Urban Taco and a delicious signature cocktail that included vanilla ice cream and marshmallow vodka, it was an occasion enjoyed by all, even myself.

 As one of the handful of gentlemen who were lucky enough to attend, obviously being in a room full of beautiful women has it's advantages but more than that I got the opportunity to be a fly on the wall and really watch how they relate to one another. It was a breath of fresh air to see women empowering one another instead of tearing each other down as it can be portrayed in the media and reality shows. They were open minded, supportive and encouraging of each other. And while discussing how style fits into their everyday lives might have been what brought them there I think that the relationships and bonds formed might be the biggest accomplishment of the night. Did I mention that there were lots of pretty girls there?

BLOG ABOUT TOWN: "What To Wear Fashion Show: Style Lab"

So while Fashion Week was in full swing in New York City last week, Dallas had it's own version happening in the metroplex in various locations. Right on the Mezzanine of Mockingbird Station just outside the Angelika Theater the "What To Wear Fashion Show: Style Lab" took place showcasing the latest and greatest in today's fashion. It was just as much an education as it was an experience with a panel of individuals with an extraordinary eye for fashion sharing their fashion expertise with the audience as the models walked up and down the runway. With Casa Noble providing libations for the evening, an A+ roster of gorgeous models, and first class music by DJ Blake Ward it was definitely the place to be. Check out the photos below.

DESTINATIONS:" ** POP ** Art Show Opening Weekend"

Converge Artist Workplace is presenting a exhibit of local, regional and emerging artists at our next art show, POP, opening September 14, 2013, from 7p to 11p and Super Sunday September 15 from 12p to 6p. POP features the talents of Graeme Rushing, Mathew Barnes, Larry Maupin, Kat Gardner-Tucker, Tom Carlton, Gary Perrone, Reagan Sides, Matt Kaplinsky, Caitlyn Nygaard, Leighton Autrey, Mary Womack, Jody Pham, Francois Shogreen, William Ross, Brian Crawford, Brad Albright, Jeff Lawrence, Keith Farnum, and Issac Tucker. Converge Artist Workplace is also pleased to announce the assistance of Honey Hula-La and Pollie Nigma of the lovely ladies of the Lollie Bombs. This show is free and open to the public. Converge Artist Workplace is located near Children's Hospital and the Dallas Design District. Converge is dedicated to reaching out to artists and crafts people in need of studio space, instructors and teachers presenting workshops and classes, and local performers and presenters wanting to rent for private events and viewings.

A BLOG ABOUT TOWN: "The Balvenie Rare Craft Collection"

We're always game for a good scotch-tasting, so when Balvenie brought their Rare Craft Collection to Dallas we didn't hesitate to sign up.  The Balvenie Rare Craft Collection is a first-of-its-kind exhibition featuring original works from some of America’s finest craftspeople. Curated by award-winning designer Todd Snyder, every piece in the exhibition stands as a passionate expression of craftsmanship in all its forms.

From bowler hats and bicycles to electric guitars and Ping-Pong tables, this groundbreaking collection represents rare crafts from every corner of America.  The event was as smooth as the whiskey itself.  Attendees were educated and got a chance to sample 10, 12, 17, and 21 year old scotch.  Needless to say a good time was had by all.  Check out the pics and raise a glass!  Sláinte!