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    Preston Center Drinking Diaries

    Hillstone restaurant carries drinking torch proudly in Preston Center

    Jonathan Rienstra
    Sep 20, 2013 | 5:05 pm
    Hillstone Restaurant in Dallas
    With its swanky environs and clientele, Hillstone is the best restaurant bar in Preston Center.
    Photo courtesy of Plaza at Preston Center

    Preston Center lacks cool. It’s an unfortunate aspect of being situated between Preston Hollow and the Park Cities — two areas that exude the kind of attitude typically reserved for a Brooks Brothers’ catalogue — with an established clientele that is appreciative of quality but more appreciative of the status quo.

    It’s not the Design District or Bishop Arts or even Uptown — it’s the domain of upper middle-class families, which are the least cool things imaginable. That’s not to say it’s lacking in quality food options, as Teresa Gubbins has pointed out. Preston Center is pretty good on that, ranging from Wicked Po' Boys to Spoon, with something for every appetite in between.

    Hillstone's attitude is sexy. Adults are playing here.

    It’s just that, well, it’s a wasteland for getting wasted (or drinking responsibly). There are no bars. There are restaurant bars, for sure, but when the clock strikes 11 pm, the doors are closed, and everyone returns to their 5,000-square-foot homes situated on half-acre lots.

    So, if we’re relegated to restaurant bars, the issue then becomes, which one is the best? Of course, in this part of town, “best” is code for “where will the most and best people see me?”

    For that, there is Houston’sHillstone, the dimly lit, richly imbued upscale American restaurant for people that like to be seen with a glass of wine or Stella — foreign means fancy — in their hands.

    Hillstone is a place that, due to price point, ensures that everyone there will keep it decidedly adult, with some light conversation around the bar about IRAs, getting a round of golf in this weekend, or your upcoming trip to St. Thomas.

    Considering that much of Preston Center can be overrun with private school and Highland Park kids trying to inhale their food while shouting about lacrosse or something, Hillstone’s atmosphere is sexy. Adults are playing here.

    Yes, Hillstone is a chain, but it’s a chain the way that W Hotels are a chain — which is to say, you might get the same experience at each one, but that experience is of quality.

    If it sounds like I’m being too hard on Hillstone, maybe I am. It’s just that I’ve known this place and these people for so long that the stories blend together, and the jokes all have the same punchline. The expectation isn’t just assumed, it’s required.

    That’s why Hillstone is the most symbolic of Preston Center restaurants/bars/establishments. It trades on that attitude to a T and doesn’t waver.

    It’s the quiet yet borderline-sybaritic ideal that sustains North Dallasites, which is why people still refer to Hillstone as Houston’s even though it’s been years since the sign changed. Thankfully, the inside stayed the same.

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    RIP Rain

    Dallas Caramel Company founder Rain McDermott dies at 52

    Teresa Gubbins
    Jun 11, 2025 | 7:41 pm
    Rain McDermott
    Courtesy
    Dallas Caramel Company founder Rain McDermott

    Dallas entrepreneur Rain McDermott, who founded artisan caramel maker Dallas Caramel Company when she was only 34 years old, died after a battle with breast cancer; she was 52.

    Her passing was noted on the company's Facebook page, stating that "it is with the heaviest hearts that we share the passing of our beloved founder, Rain McDermott. Rain lost her courageous battle with breast cancer, but not without an incredible fight—full of strength, grace, and unwavering spirit. She gave her all, just like she did in everything."

    A native Texan, Elizabeth Rain Reglin McDermott grew up in Houston and moved to Plano at the age of 7. According to her biography, when she turned 9, her father took her on a date to the Reunion Tower which inspired her creativity and propelled her desire to leave her own mark on the city.

    She attended El Centro College (now Dallas College), earning a degree in pastry, culinary & food service management, then started Dallas Caramel Company in 2007 to satiate her curiosity: Could she make a delicious caramel that would satisfy her sweet tooth?

    Her caramels and turtles, which were made at a facility in Wylie, were described as bold, unapologetically delicious, and as big as Texas, in 11 flavors — many inspired by Dallas, including Sea Salt, Orange, Cinnamon, Marshmallow, Espresso, TX Drunken Nut (Texas Whiskey & Texas Pecans), Pumpkin, Bacon, Apple Pie, Chocolate, Lemon Meringue, and traditional Original.

    Services were not yet announced but according to the post, the company will carry on "her mission of world caramel domination, one delicious piece at a time."

    Friends meanwhile called her "the sweetest and kindest soul," "an amazing woman and mentor," who was "adored for her enthusiasm and determination." Customers expressed gratitude for her wonderful caramels and doting personal service.

    "Rain's sweet smile lit up every room, her hugs could fix just about anything, and her love for caramel was only matched by her love for her husband Sean and her dogs Wylie and Maui," the post said. "She poured her heart into Dallas Caramel Company, and every bite of caramel tells a little piece of her story."

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