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Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Dallas has received numerous accolades for its impressive skyline, and that's what led real estate agent JB Hayes to purchase her loft in the Cedars more than five years ago.

"I love to watch the buildings in the skyline change their colors and messages to support local causes and sports teams," she says. "With the views of downtown, the easy access to all major highways, and its close proximity to downtown, the Dallas Farmers Market, and Deep Ellum, it was a no-brainer! And did I mention the views of the skyline?"

This area of Dallas, which is directly south of downtown and north of the Trinity River, has undergone tremendous growth in recent years — and even more is on tap for the future. "This area will be impacted by multiple projects: the bullet train to Houston, the convention center renovations, the SoGood project, and more," Hayes says.

The artist community is another big plus. During the annual Cedars Open Studios Tour, artists open their doors for all to come browse, shop, and see what this area is about.

Hayes offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in the Cedars. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Hayes enjoys meeting new neighbors while frequenting Four Corners Brewing Company, Lee Harvey's, Full City Rooster, Off the Bone Barbeque, and Zalat Pizza.

Hayes enjoys meeting new neighbors while frequenting Four Corners Brewing Company, Lee Harvey's, Full City Rooster, Off the Bone Barbeque, and Zalat Pizza. Baby Back Shak, Opening Bell Coffee, Sandwich Hag, and Distinctive Vines Wine Lounge also make her must-visit list.

She has been raiding the pantry stocked full of local goods at Val's Cheesecakes in the Piggly Wiggly building on Akard and looks forward to their pop-up dinners and events.

To sip and see the Dallas skyline from the Cedars, check out Gallery Rooftop Lounge at Canvas Hotel Dallas or the Vetted Well patio at the Alamo Drafthouse Cedars.

Where to play
A little-known fact, even to most Dallasites: Old City Park is now free to visitors, but offers memberships for special access to one-of-a-kind events and programs. Hayes says it's a great place to get outdoors with your pups, friends, and family.

Speaking of pups, South Side Bark Park is a large green space for Cedars neighbors (and their furry friends) to use.

The Cedars is home to an Alamo Drafthouse location, as well as the popular Gilley's Dallas, but it's also close to AT&T Discovery District, Pioneer Plaza and the Dallas Farmers Market.

A favorite spot of Hayes' is Grey Gardens Florist: "It's my happy place, as flowers make me smile. I love to bring life to open houses with some of their amazing arrangements." Be sure to check out their Saturday “Stem Specials” as they mark down flowers sold by the stem.

Where to live
Here you'll find Victorian-style homes from the early 1900s, repurposed warehouses like South Side on Lamar (which was the Sears, Roebuck & Co. catalog merchandise center in a former life), industrial-style lofts like The Beat Lofts and Buzz Lofts, new-construction townhomes, and various apartment options.

"This area is not cookie-cutter or one-size-fits-all," says Hayes. "There is a little bit of everything for all ages and interests."

Those familiar with the Cedars know the Eagle Apartments on South Ervay Street, a structure that was built in 1924 and flaunts a big, red entry door. Hayes has had four sales in the building, two off-market, which is remarkable considering there are only eight units in the building.

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JB Hayes lives, works, and plays in the Cedars. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jhayes@briggsfreeman.com, or call 214-334-3977.

Agent JB Hayes

Realtor JB Hayes

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Agent JB Hayes.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty

Bluffview: A bucolic hideaway that offers convenience with its beauty

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Named for the rocky bluff overlooking Bachman Creek, Bluffview is known for its heavily treed, hilly topography and mix of architecture styles.

Bluffview is bounded by Northwest Highway to the north, Inwood Road to the east, Lovers Lane to the south, and Midway Road to the west. “There is simply nowhere else like it in Dallas,” say real estate partners LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer.

Gioia has lived in Bluffview for more than three decades, drawn to its laidback vibe, multitude of mature trees, winding streets with no sidewalks, and proximity to downtown, schools, restaurants, shopping, and more.

Goyer, a longtime resident until recently, returns often for walks and visits with family and friends. And as a co-founder of one of the neighborhood’s most popular stores, Saint Bernard, she has loved having Bluffview in her "backyard" for many years.

"There are many long-term residents who remember Bluffview as being in the country," Gioia says. "Originally, it was home to a large dairy farm. Now, it’s in the center of town with everything close by. But it's so bucolic and peaceful, you'd never know."

Goyer and Gioia offered up a few of their personal favorites about life in Bluffview. Here's their guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
"I have two favorites: Rise has the best souffles you will ever taste and a super wine list, and Lovers Seafood & Market has the freshest fish and the best cocktails," Gioia says. "Both are small and have great outdoor dining areas, and their staffs are wonderful."

A new addition to the neighborhood restaurant roster is Odelay, which boasts a beautiful patio and authentic, retro Tex-Mex.

Where to play
"Bluffview Park is the perfect combination of a children's playground, spacious playing fields, and treed picnic areas," she says. "Neighbors convene, parents host birthday parties, and I am there with dogs and/or children and friends multiple times a week."

And it just so happens that the best independent bookstore in the city, Interabang Books, is just a stone's throw away.

What to see
"The Dallas Arts District is at your fingertips — it's less than 15 minutes on the Tollway," says Gioia. "From the Dallas Museum of Art — where Anne and I were docents for more than 25 years — the Nasher Sculpture Center, and the Crow Museum of Asian Art to the Meyerson Symphony Center, the Wyly Theatre, and the Winspear Opera House, there is no excuse not to go!"

Where to live
"Bluffview is home to an eclectic mix of architecture styles," Gioia says. "Some houses were designed by well-known architects from past and present, such as Charles Dilbeck, O'Neil Ford, John Astin Perkins, Lake Flato, Bodron/Fruit, Bill Booziotis, Bud Oglesby, and so many more."

"They all seem to reflect Bluffview’s diverse residents — there are so many interesting business leaders, political leaders, and just fascinating Dallas citizens who live here. Sometimes I wish the walls could talk and tell tales of the conversations and events that these homes once hosted."

Goyer points out that a number of the neighborhood's original homes have been remodeled or replaced entirely, many by the architects named above.

"Many of the homes have thrived through multiple generations, developing a unique patina," she says. "They all blend together to create the special melting pot that is Bluffview."

One such home is 4831 Shadywood Ln., a significant sale of Gioia and Goyer’s. Sited on 1.229 rolling, wooded acres with little creeks in front and back, this exquisitely restored 1947 home could be described as "quintessentially Bluffview."

The home has hosted numerous dignitaries over the years, and counts several civic and business leaders among its owners. In fact, the concept for DFW International Airport was developed and discussed among city leaders in the home when it was owned by former Dallas Mayor J. Erik Jonsson.

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LeeLee Gioia lives, works, and plays in Bluffview. Anne Goyer works and plays in Bluffview after many years of living there. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email lgioia@briggsfreeman.com or call 214-616-1791, and email agoyer@briggsfreeman.com or call 214-457-0417.

Agents LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer

LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty
Agents LeeLee Gioia and Anne Goyer
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Vaquero: Westlake's luxurious, gated, private community and golf club

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in North Texas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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"We have been working in the neighborhood for the past 10 years," says real estate agent JL Forke, "and Vaquero is one of the most unique communities in all of Texas."

A gated neighborhood in Westlake that's close to Southlake Town Square and DFW International Airport, Vaquero is also home to the parents of Forke's real estate partner, Jennifer Shindler.

"We love the relaxed environment — as soon as you enter the gate, you feel like you are on vacation," Shindler says. "Vaquero is where the city ends and living begins."

Forke and Shindler offered up a few of their personal favorites about life in Vaquero. Here's their guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
If you live in Vaquero, you are almost certainly a member of the Vaquero Club. Its clubhouse is perched atop a hill for the best views, and offers dining options that range from formal to casual to outdoors by the fire pit. And if you don't feel like dining out, the club restaurant will deliver food right to your door.

Where to play
"When you become a member of the club, you gain access to a lot of neighborhood amenities including golf, tennis, pickleball, group activities, swimming, the gym, and a stocked fishing pond," says Shindler.

"The clubhouse also has a kids club, which allows parents to have a date night at the club," says Forke. And, speaking of children: Those in the neighborhood have the opportunity to attend Westlake Academy, a nationally ranked K-12 charter school operating under the International Baccalaureate curriculum.

Shindler personally enjoys a round of golf, while Forke likes to explore the neighborhood's many trails and lakes.

Where to live
Vaquero has various custom homes, and the pair says there is a type of home for every architectural taste, including French, Santa Barbara-style, Texas Hill Country, Mediterranean, and contemporary.

The pair has sold many homes in the neighborhood, but their most recent is a gorgeous example of Vaquero's high-quality building.

2211 Vaquero Estates Blvd. is a Santa Barbara-style home that was fully reimagined by David Stocker, AIA and principal of SHM Architects, with interiors by designer Barry Williams.

Before going on the market, it underwent a two-year renovation that included a showstopping kitchen with a butler's pantry and bar, a primary suite with two oversized closets, a Crestron whole-house AV system, Lutron lights, and floor-to-ceiling steel-and-glass back walls that offer views of the resort-style backyard.

A game room, home theater, elevator, and separate golf-cart garage complete the dream dwelling.

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JL Forke and Jennifer Shindler work and play in Vaquero. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jshindler@briggsfreeman.com, or call 214-215-5181.

Agents Jennifer Shindler and JL Forke

Photo_JL Forke & Jennifer Shindler
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Agents Jennifer Shindler and JL Forke
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Preston Place: University Park's idyllic, tight-knit neighborhood

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Eighteen years ago, real estate agent Mary Ann Chapel and her family moved to Preston Place in University Park, drawn by its excellent schools, prime location, architectural variety, and charm.

"It has been a wonderful place to raise my family," she says. "The neighbors really do all know each other. It is easy to meet people and get to know them (and their pets), and the kids have friends to play with after school. It's safe enough for the kids to bike or walk to school, to Germany Park, or even Highland Park Village when they're old enough."

In 2016, Chapel began focusing her real estate career in her own neighborhood.

"I have personal knowledge of the homes and amenities here. I understand the qualities that make this part of town unique," she says. "I live in an older home, so I have an understanding and appreciation for the original homes in Preston Place, as well as the beautiful homes built more recently."

Preston Place's location is a big plus for potential buyers, as it's close to the Tollway for quick travel south to downtown Dallas or to all points north in 30 minutes or less. Dallas Love Field Airport, Inwood Village, and the shopping and restaurants on Lovers Lane are just a short drive away.

"My home is only four blocks from Bradfield Elementary School and six blocks from Highland Park High School, so I love seeing the students and families walk past my home every day," Chapel says. "Highland Park Village is also just four blocks away, so it's easy to walk down to Starbucks for coffee, enjoy a night out at any of the amazing restaurants, or see a movie at the theater. The Fourth of July parade even passes by on Preston Road at the end of our block."

Chapel offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in University Park's Preston Place. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Highland Park Village is full of restaurants and shopping, and you'll usually find Chapel at Lounge 31 or Mi Cocina. During the holiday season, she especially likes to visit Monkey Bar — the "secret" bar atop this location of Mi Cocina known for its views of the trees strung with twinkly lights.

Where to play
Take your pick among the Park Cities’ many green spaces, including Williams Park and Lakeside Park, the latter of which Chapel says is great for a picnic or a longer dog walk.

The Moody Family YMCA offers 3,000 square feet of space, top-of-the-line fitness equipment, over 95 group exercise classes per week, and more.

And, of course, this wouldn't be Texas without Highland Park High School football games on Friday nights.

Where to live
Traditional-style homes are typically found in this area, Chapel says. However, you'll see a wide range of architectural styles mixed in, from cottage and farmhouse to Tudor and French Provincial, as well as Mediterranean and contemporary. You'll also find several different types of Colonial-style homes, including Dutch, Federal, and Georgian.

"Many homes in this area are original, having been built in the 1930s and '40s," Chapel says. "There's a very charming neighborhood vibe here. Each block is well-connected, and I love all the neighborhood parties that happen in this community."

Prominent Dallas architect Charles Dilbeck is also well-represented. Chapel herself lives in a Dilbeck home, and there are many examples of his work within a few blocks.

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Mary Ann Chapel lives, works, and plays in University Park's Preston Place. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email mchapel@briggsfreeman.com, or call 469-371-8418.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Greenway Parks: Dallas' first planned development is lush and friendly

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Real estate agent Madeline Jobst knows Greenway Parks better than most — after all, she grew up there, and now resides in the neighborhood as an adult.

"I wouldn't live anywhere else — it's magical," she says. "From the beautiful greenbelts behind our homes where our children safely play and neighbors walk their dogs, to the utter convenience of getting to the Park Cities, the Tollway, downtown, Dallas Love Field Airport, Inwood Village and Lovers Lane for shopping and dining ... I could go on and on."

Greenway Parks is bounded by the Tollway to the east, Mockingbird Lane to the south, Inwood Road to the west, and University Boulevard to the north. Highland Park is to the southeast and University Park is to the east.

Jobst is a fifth-generation Dallasite with more than 40 years in the real estate industry, and telling people all the great things about her own neighborhood is just a perk of the job.

"It's the best-kept secret, right in the heart of the city," she says. "So much so that people that live here don’t want to leave. They call me to find them something in the neighborhood that suits their needs, whether it's to downsize or to find a larger home for a growing family. This is just another perk of living here and being in the know."

Jobst offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Greenway Parks. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Jobst lists Odelay, Jose, Lovers Seafood & Market, Shinsei Restaurant, Dea, Mesero, Rise, Flower Child, Eatzi's, and City Cafe To Go Bistro, to name a few.

Where to play
"We have very beautiful greenbelts here in Greenway Parks, and two nice parks for playing and relaxing," Jobst says. "We are also a short drive, walk, or bike ride to Turtle Creek and Lakeside Park and the landmark Highland Park Village."

What to see
"Our proximity to downtown makes visiting the Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Museum of Asian Art, Perot Museum of Nature and Science, and Klyde Warren Park very easy," she says. "Also, the Frontiers of Flight Museum at Love Field is minutes away and fun for everyone. Children love it!"

Where to live
"Greenway Parks has always been attractive to buyers for its variety of home styles," Jobst says. "There really are no cookie-cutter homes here. Each of the approximately 300 homes is unique and special in its architecture."

The neighborhood is known as the first successful planned development in the city and was designed in the mid-1920s by distinguished architect David R. Williams, also known as the father of Texas modernism. The wide greenways are one of the neighborhood’s most distinctive features.

The homes built through the 1940s were actually designed with the front doors facing the greenbelts, rather than the streets, like the distinctive commons of English neighborhoods. Many of the original homes still exist today, with a large portion having undergone substantial remodels by some of Dallas' most famous architects.

Showcasing architecture styles such as Spanish Colonial, English Tudor, Classical, midcentury modern, traditional, and Texas modern, Greenway Parks has retained a level of character and charm that isn't found in any other neighborhood in Dallas.

In fact, in May 2003, Greenway Parks became a City of Dallas Conservation District. This was an effort led by neighborhood residents as a means of preserving the concept and vision of Greenway Parks’ original developers, Frank Neal Drane and J.P. Stephenson, and architect David R. Williams.

Jobst has sold many homes that are significant to Greenway Parks, including 5510 Nakoma Dr. This classic Tudor-style home was the first residence built in Greenway Parks in 1925, and retains all of its original character. "The current owner has done a lovely remodel, keeping the integrity and charm intact," Jobst says.

In 1958, Bud Oglesby designed 5344 Nakoma Dr., a striking modern home on the greenbelt. An original 1935 design, 5544 Nakoma Dr. has the front door facing the greenbelt and was inspired by Texas Hill Country style, with its stone exterior and standing seam metal roof.

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Madeline Jobst is a team leader, along with Ralph Randall, of the top-ranked Jobst Randall Group at Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty. She lives, works, and plays in Greenway Parks. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email mjobst@briggsfreeman.com, or call 214-906-3832.

Agent Madeline Jobst

Realtor Madeline Jobst

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Agent Madeline Jobst.

Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty

Midway Hollow: A blend of home styles with a strong sense of community

Your Expert Guide

There are so many great places to live in Dallas that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Briggs Freeman Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Looking for a mix of more established homes and new-builds? You'll find it in Midway Hollow, just north of Dallas Love Field Airport and west of Preston Hollow.

Real estate agent Jennifer Shindler has lived there for five years, enticed by its central location and nearby amenities. However, she and her business partner, JL Forke, have been introducing others to the neighborhood for nearly 15 years.

"We love the sense of community, character, large lot sizes, mature trees, and the different types of architecture throughout the neighborhood," says Shindler.

Forke and Shindler offered up a few of their personal favorites about life in Midway Hollow. Here's their guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
"Suze Restaurant," recommends Forke. "It’s the best date night spot, and we love to meet clients there. Great food, cocktails, and wine."

The neighborhood Central Market is also a big asset, as is Fernando's Mexican Cuisine with its crowd-pleasing patio.

Where to play
"Midway Hollow is definitely a nice place to go on neighborhood walks under a canopy of trees," says Shindler. "You'll see plenty of kids out playing and dogs being walked. It’s also fun to cross Midway Road and walk the hills of Old Preston Hollow."

Being so close to Dallas Love Field Airport means easy access to the Frontiers of Flight Museum, and Bachman Lake is also nearby.

Where to live
The pair points out that most of the neighborhood's original homes are 1950s ranch-style, with some midcentury modern homes sprinkled in here and there. There is also a lot of new construction that runs the gamut from traditional to transitional to contemporary.

One such transitional new-build is 4163 Park Ln., a recent sale that was listed by the duo for $1,800,000.

It features wide-plank hardwood floors, 11-foot ceilings, a wood-burning fireplace, and Jeld-Wen wood-clad windows. Two living areas, a study, and the primary suite are downstairs, while a game room and three ensuite bedrooms are upstairs.

The open-concept kitchen features an island, quartz countertops, and GE Monogram appliances (including a built-in refrigerator). The primary suite offers a sitting area, marble floors in the bathroom, a separate tub and shower, and a custom closet that rivals a small boutique.

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JL Forke and Jennifer Shindler live, work, and play in Midway Hollow. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email jshindler@briggsfreeman.com, or call 214-215-5181.

Agents Jennifer Shindler and JL Forke

JL Forke and Jennifer Shindler
Photo courtesy of Briggs Freeman Sotheby’s International Realty
Agents Jennifer Shindler and JL Forke
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CultureMap Emails are Awesome

Tetris blocks out a taut international story about popular video game

Movie Review

The term “origin story” is typically associated with superheroes these days, but a growing trend involves filmmakers taking a look back about famous consumer products came to be. In the next few months, Air (about Michael Jordan’s initial shoe contract with Nike), BlackBerry (about the now-defunct smartphone), and Flamin’ Hot (about the popular Cheetos flavor) will be released in either theaters or on streaming services.

First out the gate, though, is Tetris, which tells the highly complicated story of how the video game made its way from the USSR to players’ fingers worldwide in the late 1980s. The protagonist of the film is Henk Rogers (Taron Egerton), a small-time video game developer who sees an opportunity when he plays the then-unknown game at an electronics show.

Understanding its potential right away, he convinces a sales rep to sell him distribution rights in Japan, where he lives with his wife and children, and where – not so coincidentally – Nintendo is located. What seems to be straightforward at first turns quickly into a quagmire, with Rogers competing against English software company Mirrorsoft for various rights, including handheld video games, as Nintendo is about launch a new system they call Game Boy.

Directed by Jon S. Baird and written by Noah Pink, the film starts out relatively lighthearted, as the ever-optimistic Rogers bounces from country to country to convince a variety of people that his plans for the game will work. But the film gets more dramatic by the minute, with the second half – taking place almost entirely in the Soviet Union - taking on the feel of an international espionage story.

The filmmakers start with the premise that everyone watching knows Tetris and the immense popularity the game has enjoyed over the years, especially right after it launched. But even if somehow you aren’t one of those people, the film does a good job showing its importance, with multiple different parties fighting for its rights in four different countries.

Is all of what’s shown true? Probably not, but as with most movies that are “based on a true story,” there’s an understanding that the filmmakers use a good amount of dramatic license. On a pure filmmaking level, the story works because it shows the passion of Rogers for his business and the number of obstacles that stand in his way. It doesn’t hurt that one of those barriers is the USSR political machine, which practically has “evil” stamped all over it.

Egerton, known for the Kingsman series and playing Elton John in Rocketman, is a delight in this role. The somewhat shlubby character offers him a chance to utilize a different type of charm, and he knocks the part out of the park. Save for Toby Jones, most of the supporting roles are filled by lesser known actors, but all are enjoyable, especially Nikita Efremov and Oleg Stefan.

Tetris the movie could be viewed as just one big ad for the game that’s still popular, now in app form for smartphones. But the way the film is made, it’s easy to look past the commercial aspect of it and just enjoy the taut storytelling and interesting performances.

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Tetris is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in Tetris

Photo courtesy of Apple TV+

Nikita Efremov and Taron Egerton in Tetris

New Hill Country wine school teaches Texans how to become aficionados

TASTING NOTES

Texas wine enthusiasts and beginners wanting to test their skills or develop them further can now do so at a new Hill Country wine school led by an award-winning winery out in Hye, Texas.

William Chris Wine Co. has opened their William Chris Wine School with Wine and Spirit Education Trust (WSET) classes and a one-of-a-kind ambassador certification course beginning in April. The school is offering these courses not only to educate fellow Texans about the intricacies of wine, but also to provide inspirational experiences that help ignite their passion for it.

“WSET courses are designed to inspire and empower anyone looking to develop their wine knowledge — regardless of prior experience, and from enthusiasts to professionals,” says Director of Education Kelsey Kramer in a press release. “So, we encourage anyone to sign up for our WSET courses no matter their current level of wine knowledge.”

WCWC is the first Texas winery to provide these educational courses to industry peers and enthusiasts. They’ll offer two WSET level tracks with multiple classes; their beginner-level WSET Level 1 classes are open for registration for April 15 and May 15. The WSET Level 2 Award in Wines courses are for more experienced aficionados, and are centered around trying new wines from all over the world while also educating on wine theory, grape-growing techniques, and more. The level two classes are scheduled for May, June, and July.

Kramer added that over half of the William Chris team has successfully passed the WSET Level 2 Award in Wines courses.

“Our ultimate goal, as always, is to increase the standard of knowledge for those in the Texas wine industry,” she says. “Anyone who participates in a course with us supports this goal and the future success of the industry as a whole.”

Though Texas wine is not included in the WSET curriculum, the wine school has their own solution for that. They are offering an exclusive Texas Wine Ambassador Certification program that focuses solely on wine-making and grape-growing in our own state. Their first certification class is scheduled for April 22.

More information about the William Chris Wine School and its classes can be found on their website.

Drinks + dinosaurs mix at return of popular Thursdays on Tap at the Perot Museum

Tap This

One of Dallas' most unique and enjoyable programs is ordering another round. Thursdays on Tap at the Perot Museum of Nature & Science starts up again on April 6 and runs through the end of October (cue rejoicing from the 21-and-up crowd who loves booze and dinosaurs).

This is your chance to tour the entire museum without the daytime crowds or children getting underfoot. You can also purchase drinks from the outdoor bars for only $3-$10 (last call is at 9:45 pm, FYI).

Then purchase tasty treats and delicious bites from the many rotating food trucks and vendors parked outside from 6-10 pm.

The drool-worthy vendors you can expect to see on Thursday nights in April include:

  • Mi Cocina (April 6 and 20)
  • Cuates Kitchen (April 6)
  • Easy Slider (April 6)
  • Community Beer Co. (April 6, 13, and 20)
  • Sushi Dojo (April 13)
  • Cousins Maine Lobster (April 13)
  • Magdalena's (April 13)
  • Egg Stand (April 20)
  • Ruthie's Rolling Cafe (April 20)
Don't forget to play one of the outside games while enjoying live music by local artists. Tauvy Thompson will perform at the first event on April 6, Alex Cantrell on April 13, and Alejandro De La Puente is scheduled for April 20.

Until Labor Day, the museum’s latest traveling exhibition “The Science Behind Pixar,” presented locally by NexPoint, is included in the price of admission.

Though taking public transportation, carpooling, or using a rideshare service is recommended due to the nature of the event, all guests can park for $10 per car (credit card only) in the main parking lot under Woodall Rodgers Freeway on Broom Street, right across from the museum.

Thursdays on Tap is $25 for non-members, and only $5 for members. The program begins April 6 and runs weekly until October 26. More information can be found on the Perot Museum's website.

Perot Museum Thursdays on Tap

Photo courtesy of Perot Museum

Thursdays on Tap returns April 6 and runs through October.