My job — at times, anyway — is to people watch, to see who is there and who is not. So I've started to keep tabs on places around town where you are bound to run into someone. Or someone is bound to run into you.
Below are 10 Dallas hot spots — some new, some tried-and-true — that leave you feeling like you are in the right place at the right time all of the time:
Blushington
Dallas was an obvious next location for this West Hollywood-based beauty bar and lounge. Whether it's a full makeup application, lash extensions or brow shaping, Blushington has every local beauty junkie covered. It's also located next to Dry Bar, on the cusp of Highland Park, which makes it easy to get primped for a night on the town and gab with fellow style setters.
CBD Provisions
This stylish Texas brasserie, one of the best new restaurants in Dallas, is as hot as The Joule hotel in which it resides. Maybe it's executive chef Michael Sindoni's locally driven menu or the to-die-for treats prepared by expert baker Ruben Torano. The buzzy bar — a prime spot to watch the show in the dining room and the kitchen — lures you right in off the street. You may also spot a celeb, like those in town for the recent Chanel Metiers d'Art.
Chapter Two
Brian Bolke's Forty Five Ten and T Room on McKinney Avenue continue to attract the most fashionable and high-profile clients from here and elsewhere, but now they have a new place to hang: Chapter Two bookstore in Highland Park Village. It's not just any bookstore, however; browse only the best and most beautiful titles to grace a coffee table. Once you've picked up a tome for yourself or someone equally fabulous, grab a light lunch or fresh pressed juice at next-door Number One. Bolke has really thought of it all.
Dallas Contemporary
This non-collecting museum is far from stuffy. In addition to its own events — like the chic annual Bespoke fundraiser or the two-day 35th anniversary extravaganza — the Contemporary hosts some of the sexiest parties in town. What about the art, you ask? Last year saw shows from Brooklyn-based collective Faile and designer Walter Van Beirendonck. In April 2014, the Contemporary brings Playboy Marfa to Dallas as part of the Richard Phillips exhibit. Oh, the anticipation.
Hair By Charlie
Charlie Price hit a stylish home run with his Design District salon. Expect skins, skulls and exposed brick in this rustic yet chic studio; you feel more fashionable just by walking into the place. Price heads to New York fashion week every year and has trained his staff to turn tired tresses into luxurious locks. You want to be noticed while on the Dallas scene? It's all about the hair, baby.
Klyde Warren Park
Klyde Warren Park does all the right things to bring Dallasites downtown. Whether dining at the amazing glass-walled Savor, walking around the park with your dog, or checking out a show or band or fitness class of some sort, you always run into someone you know — or want to know.
Lounge 31
Lounge 31 is the hipper, younger sibling of Bistro 31, the Lombardi restaurant in Highland Park Village. As you walk up the steps, you may wonder if you're really in the right place, because there is no sign. However, one step inside, and you know you've arrived. The Palm Springs-esque space is often filled with attractive young professionals — or, ahem, more mature ones — looking to unwind after work and share a drink and some sushi.
Terlingo Cycle
Have you noticed that Dallas' elite look gorgeous even when they're exercising? If you don't believe me, head to Terlingo Cycle, the boutique fitness studio from longtime trainer and man-about-town John Terlingo. In addition to working out with high-profile clients, Terlingo tore up the social scene in 2013; I suspect that kind of energy is one benefit of his hardcore classes.
Trader Joe's
TJ's anchors this stretch of newly revitalized (read: trendy) Greenville Avenue — the most surprising foodie neighborhood in Dallas — so it shouldn't come as a surprise that twenty- and thirtysomethings like to pick up more than just a few groceries after work. Besides, who doesn't like complimentary wine samples while shopping for weekly meals? We predict a similar fate for the upcoming outpost at Inwood Village.
Truck Yard
Speaking of Greenville Avenue, Truck Yard — one of our picks for best new bars — is where you take out-of-town friends who claim to prefer Austin because it's more "laid back" (or whatever excuse they have). The food truck park is as unpretentious as it comes, and sometimes you need a place to hang but don't want to dress to the nines. Plus, cool features — like drinking in a tree house — ensure repeat visits.
Lounge 31 is Bistro 31's hip young sibling, located just up the stairs in Highland Park Village.
Ice skaters showed off their moves in the "Central Park" rink.Photo by Ashley Gongora
The Kilgore Rangerettes channeled the Radio City Rockettes.Photo by Ashley Gongora
Dessert included a cake that looked like a blue Tiffany box.Photo by Michael Merry