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Dallas-based JSX introduces breezy hop-on flights to the Bahamas this winter

Jet setting

Christmas cocktails in the Caribbean? Yes, please, Santa. Dallas-based semiprivate jet service JSX is introducing its first-ever seasonal flights to The Bahamas beginning December 14. Meaning: a few more months to make the "nice" list.

According to a release, the new limited service will fly between Dallas and Marsh Harbour, Abaco, Bahamas, with a 55-minute stopover in Miami, Florida. So, not quite nonstop, but not a huge delay on the way to paradise.

They'll operate five round-trips per week. While the service is considered seasonal beginning mid-December, JSX hasn't yet specified how long it will run.

The details are as follows, per the release:

New JSX flights between Dallas (DAL) and Marsh Harbour (MHH)

One-stop flights between Dallas (DAL) and Marsh Harbour (MHH) will begin December 14 and will operate five days per week on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.
Introductory fares start at $649 one-way and include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply), free in-flight WiFi, onboard cocktails, and business-class legroom.
Customers may check in just 45 minutes before their flight from JSX’s private terminal located at 8555 Lemmon Ave., Dallas.
Arrive at and return from Marsh Harbour Airport (MHH), GW7C+9P5, Marsh Harbour, Bahamas.

There'll be no mingling with the masses in long lines, JSX promises. "Upon arrival at Marsh Harbour’s main terminal," says the release, "customers will pass through the government-mandated security checkpoint with no lines, no stress, and an expedited customs and clearance process once reserved exclusively for private jet patrons."

"We are steadfast in our commitment to easing access to vacation-worthy destinations such as the Bahamas by offering the most convenient and hassle-free travel possible,” says JSX CEO Alex Wilcox in a statement. “We are thrilled to announce that we are expanding our flight network to the beautiful beachtown of Marsh Harbour, allowing customers the opportunity to skip long lines in style, with comfort, and ease.”

In addition to adding routes to the Bahamas, JSX will increase its service between Dallas and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, this fall; starting October 19, they'll operate10 flights per week. Details look like this:

Increased JSX Flight Service between Dallas (DAL) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL)

Flights between Dallas (DAL) and Cabo San Lucas (CSL) are ongoing, but will increase to two flights per day from October 19, on Sunday, Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. This flight is the only regular international flight service from Dallas Love Field (DAL).
Fares start at $519 one-way and include at least two checked bags (weight/size restrictions apply), onboard cocktails, and business-class legroom.

JSX continues to tout its "no crowds, no lines, and no fuss" travel experience that made them especially popular during the pandemic. Dallas travelers fly in and out of a private terminal at Love Field and can arrive just 20 minutes before "hopping on" their domestic flight or 45 minutes before an international route.

Passengers have access to valet parking, touchless check-in, Wi-Fi lounges, and speedy baggage retrieval. The 30-seat planes are now beaming up to SpaceX's Starlink Wifi, and there's a pet-friendly policy that allows small dogs and cats to fly for a small fee.

All flights are available for booking via the JSX website.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Find real Texas flavor in Mesquite's best-kept secrets

Hit the Road

Not to be overshadowed by its big sister, Dallas, Mesquite is a vibrant city with its own unique flavor. Within this Lone Star city you’ll find a wide array of hidden culinary gems just waiting to be discovered.

Step off the well-trodden path of chain restaurants to discover Mesquite’s best-kept secret: its mom-and-pop restaurants.These “hole-in-the-wall” establishments are locally owned and deliver in flavor, authenticity, and heart.

Enjoy this sampling of Mesquite’s hidden culinary treasures that are well worth the trip.

Mesquite BBQ
Barbecue
145 E. Davis St.
972-285-6573
Mesquite BBQ has been a fixture in downtown Mesquite since 1959. The rich, smoky aroma and friendly customer service keep both locals and visitors coming back for more. Their meats are prepared daily in a unique smoker manufactured only a few blocks away.
Must-try dishes: brisket, meat-stuffed baked potato, Chop Chop sandwich

Yia Yia’s House of Gyros
Greek
904 E. Davis St., suite 400
469-802-9797
At Yia Yia’s, you’ll experience the true essence of Greek cuisine. This family-owned restaurant takes pride in serving traditional Greek dishes passed down through generations. With each bite, you’ll feel the presence of the chef’s grandmother, whose photo overlooks the preparation of every dish.
Must-try dishes: gyro wrap and traditional Greek salad

Jamaica Cook Shop
Jamaican
2033 Military Pkwy., suite104a
469-917-8417
Jamaica Cook Shop is a hidden gem offering fresh, made-to-order, authentic Jamaican food. Vibrantly decorated in the colors of the Jamaican flag and tucked away next to a gas station, this unpretentious kitchen serves up traditional island dishes and imported drinks.
Must-try dishes: jerk chicken, fried plantains, and stew chicken

Tasty Chicken & Wings
Salvadorian
302 S. Galloway Ave.
214-434-1916
Just as the name suggests, Tasty Chicken & Wings lives up to its reputation. Their birria tacos are hailed by some as the best in DFW, while their perfectly fried chicken wings are generously coated in homemade sauces. Made from scratch with care, every meal at Tasty Chicken & Wings is a flavor explosion.
Must-try dishes: birria tacos, pupusas, fried chicken wings, chicharron y yucca

Dia de Los Tacos
Mexican
1927 Faithon P. Lucas Sr. Blvd., suite 115
469-399-1245
In a city rich with Latino culture, Dia de Los Tacos stands out for its exceptional Mexican cuisine. Combining traditional flavors with innovative twists, this local favorite is known for its unbeatable breakfast tacos.
Must-try dishes: fajita burger, taco pies

Porky’s Burgers & Wings
Barbecue
4612 Gus Thomasson Rd.
972-863-9220
Porky’s has become a legend in Mesquite and DFW for its half-pound burgers crafted with fresh, non-traditional ingredients to create unique flavor combinations. From the tantalizing salmon burger to the tropical Hawaiian burger, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
Must-try dishes: Double Porky Burger (a whole pound of beef!), mango-habanero wings

Vamos Pizza
Pizza
2411 N. Galloway Ave., suite 110
972-803-6575
When it comes to pizza, everyone knows that the best slices are local. Vamos Pizza offers authentic New York-style pizza by the slice or whole pies, alongside calzones, salads, and pasta dishes. With generous portion sizes and affordable prices, you’ll leave Vamos fully satisfied.
Must-try dishes: The Works pizza, chicken and shrimp carbonara, Caesar salad

Oh My Curry
Indian
909 E. Davis St., suite A
972-203-2121
Located just outside of downtown Mesquite, Oh My Curry is about to become your new favorite spot. This cozy restaurant offers flavorful and contemporary Indian dishes at affordable prices. Don’t forget to leave room for dessert and indulge in a refreshing lassi, an Indian yogurt-based beverage with a smoothie-like consistency.
Must-try dishes: chicken tikka masala, mutton biriyani bowl

Taqueria Mi Morelia
Mexican
1821 Crestridge Dr.
469-828-1458
Taqueria Mi Morelia may not catch your eye at first, but you don’t want to miss out on this Mexican culinary gem. Whether you’re craving tacos, tortas, Mexican-style hamburgers, or the famous huarache, there’s something on the menu to satisfy all taste buds.
Must-try dishes: huarrache, camarones a la diabla

Slab's BBQ
Barbecue
4401 N. Galloway Ave.
972-681-8008
Tucked off Galloway Avenue, this no-frills barbecue joint serves up classic favorites with a side of Texas hospitality. The meats are cooked fresh daily, ensuring each bite is packed with smoky goodness. Prepare to leave Slab’s with a full belly and a smile.
Must-try dishes: chopped beef sandwich, sliced beef dinner

Mesquite has a flavor all its own. Next time you’re craving a culinary adventure, visit Mesquite and treat yourself to one of these locally owned and loved restaurants.

Photo courtesy of Visit Mesquite

Get Greek at Yia Yia's House of Gyros.

Find more to do, see, and eat in Mesquite here.

Winstar World Casino/Facebook

5 great girlfriend getaways and staycations just a short drive from Dallas

Girls' trip

And just like that…summer vacation is almost over. Which means the time is right to schedule that girls’ trip you and your gal pals are always talking about. There are many fun places to squeeze in a quick getaway within a short drive from Dallas, even if it's just an "escape from reality" at a swanky hotel downtown.

The following five spots feature great pool scenes (or a river float for the more adventurous), expansive spas, delicious dining, and most importantly, sanctuaries to simply unwind. It's a mix of laid-back locales and luxurious lodgings (but hey, you're splitting the bill). Some are brand new, some are tried-and-true favorites with new reasons to visit, and all are within about a four-hour drive.

So text your besties, pack a swimsuit, and get ready to hit the road.

Winstar World Casino/Facebook

Have a hot girl summer at Cascades, the new resort pool at Winstar World Casino.

Winstar World Casino and Resort, Thackerville, Oklahoma
After a recent multimillion-dollar renovation and expansion, WinStar World Casino has debuted a heap of new amenities worth the short road trip north to the Oklahoma-Texas border – even if gambling is of zero interest.

What's new: Located in a completely new 26,000 square-foot building is the WinStar Spa, a two-story relaxation oasis that just opened in May. European-manufactured amenities include saunas from Germany, heated ceramic loungers from Austria, and a massive hydrotherapy tub from Lithuania. Most services come with access to relaxation lounges, saunas, steam rooms, two kinds of showers (one called a “rinse” and the other called “experience”), heated benches, and an “ice room” that sounds perfect for beating the heat.

Another new feature is Cascades, WinStar’s new five-acre pool complex featuring bungalows, cabanas, daybeds, and multiple pools. A 360-degree bar anchors the expansion, and there’s food and beverage service right to your lounge chair. Unlike WinStar’s Terrace Pool, Cascades is open to the public – however, all guests (including hotel guests) must make a paid reservation in advance. Time slots are available for half-day morning, half-day afternoon, or all-day.

If your girl group loves live music: After a three-year hiatus from hosting concerts, WinStar will welcome back live music in October with the opening of Lucas Oil Live, a new 6,500-seat entertainment venue. The first concert on the calendar is Randy Rogers Band featuring Casey Donahew on Saturday, October 7. Other upcoming shows include Miranda Lambert, Rod Stewart, Leon Bridges, and many more.

Where to eat dinner: If visiting on a Saturday night this summer, make plans to attend Cascades After Hours party. Happening every Saturday from 8:30-11 pm, the adults-only (21-and-up) features live music and a buffet dinner. Tickets are $50 per person, and there’s a cash bar. Or visit one of several restaurants in the casino, like the brand new Union Mesa Restaurant & Cantina, or Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.

Rates: Through Labor Day weekend, rates start at $199 per night.

Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa, Austin
The popular Hill Country resort is worth a another look this summer, as it has launched a new signature wine, beer, and spirits tasting event this summer worth the three-hour drive from Dallas. An adults-only infinity pool, 13,000-square-foot spa and sanctuary, and enchanting views of more than 4,000 countryside acres add to the allure.

If your girl group likes adult beverages: Don’t miss Hill Country Sip & Savor, the resort's new festival-style tasting event that features beverages from local breweries, distilleries, and wineries native to the Texas country along with food and live music. The festival launched on Memorial Day weekend and there are two dates left: Saturday, August 5 and Saturday, September 2. Rates start at $459 per night and include overnight accommodations, three drink sampling tickets and one food ticket per adult, two beach towels and one tote bag per room, and one bottle of sunscreen.

Other gal pal activities: Lounge at the adults-only infinity pool and order an Elderflower Spritz from the bar, or go to the spa. The latter has its own private rooftop pool with plenty of tranquil lounge chairs and cush outdoor seating away from the crowd. There are also four golf courses on-site for ladies who love a good tee time.

Where to eat dinner: Make reservations for Blind Salamander, the resort’s upscale seafood restaurant led by chef Francisco Baca. Indulge in steamed mussels with miso butter, glazed redfish with clams and cornbread, or jumbo shrimp with blood orange cocktail sauce.

Rates: Rates start at $399 per night.

If you're heading toward the Hill Country, you have to hit ...

The Guadalupe River, Gruene
It’s a bucket-list activity for Texan, but a whole different experience when it's just the girls. Away from rowdy guys on the river, gal-groups can bond (and solve the problems of the world) during a leisurely inner-tube float down the crisp and cool Guadalupe - insulated tumblers in hand. Then end the day in the tiny town of Gruene, where groups can gather to listen to live music at Texas’ oldest dance hall, sip margaritas at a riverfront restaurant, shop boutiques, or relax in a boutique day spa. There are countless hotels, camp grounds, and short-term rentals for an overnight stay.

How to float the river: Rockin’ R doesn't get much closer, located on the banks of the Guadalupe in the heart of Gruene. For decades, they've outfitted tubers for river floats and provided shuttle service back from the end point. New is Rockin’ R’s expansive Gruene Light Bar, where live music and cocktails are available all summer long. El Arroyo (the Austin-based Tex-Mex restaurant known for its hilarious marquee signs) also has a food truck on-site for pre- or post-float grub. Don’t forget to wear water shoes, and note that cans, glass, or anything disposable is not allowed on the water.

Other Gruene must-do’s: Have sangria or a longneck bottle at the iconic Gruene Hall while listening to live music. Stroll through locally owned shops for cute clothes, décor, and souvenirs. Or schedule a spa treatment at Gruene Day Spa, but note treatments should be booked at least two to three weeks out.

Where to eat dinner: No visit to Gruene is complete without dinner at Gristmill River Restaurant & Bar. There’s typically a wait for a table, especially on the weekends. But that means you get to listen to live acoustic music on the lawn with a salt-rimmed margarita until your name is written on the chalk board, indicating your table is ready. Pro tip: chips and fresh salsa (which is also sold to-go by the mason jar) are available at the indoor-outdoor bar while you wait.

Rates: Tube rental with shuttle service at Rockin’ R starts at $25.

Omni PGA Resort, Frisco
Don’t let the “PGA” in the name fool you. Guests of the sprawling Frisco resort, which just opened in May, don’t have to be golf fans to enjoy the many luxe amenities offered: multiple pools with bar service, a full-service spa, shopping, live music, and 13 dine-and-drink destinations.

If your gal group likes to golf: There are two 18-hole courses and a two-acre putting green. But don’t miss The Swing, a 10-hole par three course that’s lit after dark – perfect for avoiding summer’s scorching rays. Texas country music plays on speakers overhead, and there’s a Casamigos tequila truck that serves refreshing ranch waters at the half-way mark, making this short course perhaps the most lively in town.

For the non-golfers: Book a relaxing treatment at Mokara Spa, where there are more than 20 treatment rooms, a sauna, stream room, jacuzzi, private pool, and spa café. Shop The Monument Realty PGA District then have happy hour at The Lounge by TopGolf. Or simply kick back all day at the adults-only rooftop infinity pool with a Coco Berry Mojito in-hand from the Bluestem Bar.

Where to eat dinner: Make reservations for Trick Rider, the resort’s signature fine-dining restaurant for steak and seafood dishes. Grab a pre-dinner martini at the horseshoe-shaped bar and say “hello” to Cinnamon, the restaurant’s spectacular 1,500-pound, quarter horse-shaped chandelier.

Rates: Rates start at $359 per night.

The Adolphus , Dallas
No time for more than a drive to downtown Dallas to escape real life? There are many sleek new hotels, but nothing quite like this historic luxury hotel that feels as though you're steeping back in time. Opened in 1912 by Anheuser-Busch co-founder Adolphus Busch, the high-rise draws a new generation of guests seeking an extravagant escape.

If your friends are fancy: Make reservations for afternoon tea in The French Room, an iconic experience in a sophisticated, storied space that's fit for royalty (fun fact: Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip stayed at the Adolphus in 1991). The marble floor, the gilded chairs, the glass chandeliers – all exude elegance. Tea service includes three courses with the option of adding champagne and caviar. Reservations are available Wednesday through Sunday from 11 am-2:45 pm. (Note that The French Room has still not fully reopened post-pandemic, but they do have a new executive chef in the kitchen.)

If you’re having a hot girl summer: Show off that smoking swimsuit at The Adolphus’ rooftop pool, where a live DJ plays music every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday afternoon. Rent a cabana and get a bottle of Minuty sparkling rose on ice to share. If finding zen is the goal for the getaway, make plans for Black Swan Yoga on the pool deck Saturday, August 19 at 9:30 am.

Where to eat dinner: Feeling high-end? Head to The French Room Bar, where foie gras torchon, escargot en croute, East Coast oysters on the half shell, and rack of lamb round out a very upscale French menu of culinary delights. (The absolute best savory, slightly spicy popcorn comes with cocktail service at the bar.) For something much more casual, go downstairs to the Rodeo Bar, where burgers, nachos, barbecue, and even a fully loaded foot-long chili dog combine for a completely different dining experience. Wash it all down with a frozen whiskey sour.

Rates: Rates start about $298 per night.

Photo courtesy of Galveston Island Visitors & Convention Bureau

2 Texas coastal cities beckon among most affordable beachfront destinations in U.S.

toes in the sand

There's nothing quite as relaxing as waking up to the sound of waves crashing onto the beach, or watching the stunning views of the sunrise from the comfort of an oceanfront room. If a trip down to the coast is in the air, there's good news for Texas travelers: Port Aransas and Galveston have some of the least expensive beachfront accommodations in the country, according to a new study by travel experts Upgraded Points.

The two popular coastal towns ranked No. 4 and No. 5, respectively, on a list of the 10 Beach Towns Where You'll Spend the Least on an Ocean View.

To come up with their lists of least and most expensive, researchers crunched the numbers to find the cost of beachfront vacations in 75 prominent coastal cities around the United States. They used data from Airbnb, Travel + Leisure, and Southern Living, and ranked the destinations from the most to least expensive.

For beach-goers looking for the ultimate deal on a ocean-view rental in Port Aransas, hotel prices are only $135 per night, while the average nightly rate for a beachfront Airbnb is $450, the study found. These three-digit price tags are significantly cheaper than the most expensive beach town on the list - Montauk, New York - whose average nightly beachfront Airbnb price comes out to a whopping $1,205.

In Galveston, researchers found, the average waterfront hotel rates are more expensive than Port Aransas' at $233 a night, but are still much cheaper than Montauk's average hotel rate of $639 a night. Oceanfront Airbnbs in Oleander City have an average nightly cost at about $355, which is $850 cheaper per night than Montauk.

"[W]ith the current state of inflation leaving more than half of Americans uncertain about affording a vacation this year, it’s essential to find affordable beach towns that offer an enjoyable getaway without breaking the bank," the report's author said.

The average cost of a weeklong stay in Port Aransas and Galveston are extremely similar: $2,048 and $2,058, respetively. In comparison to the national average accommodation cost, which rings up at about $3,353 for a week, vacationing in either Texas coastal town is about 40 percent more affordable.

The top 10 least expensive beach towns in the U.S. are:

No. 1 – Cedar Key, Florida
No. 2 – Ocean Springs, Mississippi
No. 3 – Ocean Shores, Washington
No. 4 – Port Aransas, Texas
No. 5 – Galveston, Texas
No. 6 – Ocean City, Maryland
No. 7 – Pawleys Island, South Carolina
No. 8 – San Juan Island, Washington
No. 9 – Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
No. 10 – Bar Harbor, Maine

Joining Montauk on the other end of the affordability spectrum with the most expensive accommodations across America's most popular beach towns are New York's South Hampton (No. 2) and East Hampton (No. 3). Average weeklong stays in either city will set vacationers back by $6,391 and $6,178, respectively. Rounding out the top five most expensive beach towns are Malibu, California (No. 4) and Folly Beach, South Carolina (No. 5).

The full report can be found on upgradedpoints.com.

Photo courtesy of Fredericksburg CVB

Grape stomping, drinking, and savoring are on tap during a Fredericksburg getaway

Salut!

Wine lovers, listen up: You don't have to travel to Napa or France to fill your cup with a wonderful wine-themed vacation.

Fredericksburg is the epicenter of Texas Wine Country, producing award-winning reds, whites, and rosés from more than 60 wineries and tasting rooms. Whether you choose to join a tour or explore at your own pace, the opportunities for a toast-worthy time in the Hill Country are practically endless.

Plus, if you time your visit for midweek or during the grape harvest, you're in for an even bigger treat.

Wine time
Fredericksburg's Gillespie County is home to a staggering number of wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms, and there are dozens more only an hour or two away.

Instead of feeling overwhelmed at the array of choices, book with a wine tour company and let them plan out the itinerary.

Choose from more than 30 companies and full-day, half-day, and private tours to get exactly the experience you want.

Or hop on the 290 Wine Shuttle, which departs from downtown Fredericksburg every 10 minutes on Fridays and Saturdays, and hit a couple set wineries along the way.

Urban sips
You don't even need to leave downtown to sip and stroll. The Urban Wine Trail includes 10-plus wineries and tasting rooms owned by Fredericksburg wineries, all within walking distance of historic hot spots and maybe even your B&B or hotel.

Midweek mood
Consider visiting Fredericksburg Sunday through Thursday, when crowds are fewer, lodging has more availability, and you're likely to receive a more personalized experience at the wineries and tasting rooms.

As a bonus, the wait times at restaurants will be much less and you can browse the charming shops and boutiques downtown without bumping elbows.

Let's stomp
Grape harvest time arrives as summer draws to a close, and with it come wine-related festivals, picking parties, special release events, and — of course — grape stomping.

Yes! You can participate in this time-honored tradition by kicking off your shoes, rolling up your pant legs, and mashing the freshly picked grapes to your heart's content.

Check with individual wineries for event details, but in the meantime here are some tips to make sure you're ready.

Start planning your Fredericksburg getaway now.

Photo courtesy of Fredericksburg CVB

Grape harvest season means plenty of food and wine events.

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New brunches and fall dishes put some yum in this Dallas restaurant news

News You Can Eat

Fall weather may not be here yet but Dallas restaurants are happily paying no mind, gifting us with ramen, pumpkin pancakes and pumpkin souffles, and beer cheese fondues. It'll be cold soon enough. There are also some restaurant openings here, some new brunches, and a meal deal for seniors.

Here's what's happening in Dallas restaurant news.

Fish City Grill has opened a location in Prosper at 1150 S. Preston Rd., just north of U.S. Highway 380 in The Gates of Prosper. It features seafood and cocktails, with specials on the restaurant’s trademark Chalkboard which are unique to each location and change twice each day. (Visit fishcitygrill.com/locations to view the Chalkboard cameras.) This is the chain's 23rd location.

White Rhino Coffee has opened a location in Frisco at 8075 FM 423 #100. This is the 10th location for the chain first founded in 2007 by Chris Parvin in Cedar Hill.

Captain D’s has opened a new location at 522 E. Belt Line Rd. in Cedar Hill, owned and operated by Golden Chick franchisee Joseph Omobogie. It's the 21st Captain D’s in Texas and a momentous step for Omobogie, who has 14 Golden Chick locations, as he ventures into new culinary territory. Captain D's serves fried catfish, fried shrimp, and chicken tenders.

True Food Kitchen has unveiled what a release calls "its biggest menu innovation of 15 years" with a reimagined brunch and cocktail program in addition to new seasonal dishes. Brunch highlights include Cinnamon Toastini, Berry Cerealtini, huevos rancheros, Hawaiian Fried Rice, and a tasting tower. New cocktails include Dazzling Eyes with Don Q rum, coconut, carrot juice, and Thai basil; and True Story with gin, chareau aloe, cucumber, snap pea, pineapple, and lemon.

Stirr recently launched a new autumn menu, with brunch, lunch, main and cocktail offerings including Pumpkin Spice pancakes, Chicken & Waffles, Wagyu Italian Beef Sandwich, Fried Chicken Cobb, Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Parm, Cajun Chicken Frites, Steakhouse Salad, Blackened Redfish, Lobster Ravioli, Beer Cheese Fondue, and a Count of Monte Cristo sandwich, which is so trendy right now.

McRae’s American Bistro is introducing a new weekend brunch on Sunday October 1, with deviled eggs, jalapeno pimento cheese, frittata muffaletta, chicken & waffles, chipotle eggs benedict, Lakewood latke, croque madame, corned beef hash & eggs, and more. More being cocktails, including a bloody Mary bar, espresso martini, sangria, wines, and beer. It'll run Saturday-Sunday from 11 am-3 pm.

BarNone has launched a new Whiskey Club. Members get a monthly e-newsletter, access to distillery and brewery tours, access to BarNone's master distiller meet & greets, entry into year-end Pappy Van Winkle 10 year and BTAC (George Stagg, William Larue Weller, Sazerac 18, Thomas Handy and Eagle Rare 17 year) giveaway, free whiskey rating forms, access to allocated whiskeys, ryes, scotches, and world whiskeys, and BarNone Whiskey Club private barrels. BarNone has also expanded its whiskey offerings to 173 varieties with selections from Kentucky, Tennessee, Indiana, Texas, UK, Japan, and Ireland. Entry is free, sign up online.

Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar has a new Miso-Chili Tonkotsu Ramen with charred bok choy, scallions, sun noodle, sesame, ajitama egg, and choice of brisket or prawns, for $18, served Tuesday-Wednesday starting at 4 pm.

Monarch has a new dessert for the fall: Pumpkin Spice Latte Souffle featuring pumpkin spice, coffee crème anglaise, and sweet cream ice cream, available through the end of October.

Tiff’s Treats has new filled cookies including PB&J (peanut butter cookie with raspberry jam) and decadent Double Chocolate Salted Caramel (Double Chocolate cookie filled with dulce de leche and sprinkled with sea salt). They're available in a combo package where you get a dozen filled and a dozen classic for $43.

Melting Pot, the fondue restaurant, has launched an Oktober FondueFest limited-time 3-course menu with Bavarian Beer Cheese Fondue paired with dippers like bratwurst, braised short rib, and pretzels, with choice of salad and decadent Black Forest Chocolate Fondue. German-inspired sips include the new Black Forest Fashioned and St-Germain Spritz cocktail along with seasonal Sam Adams Octoberfest. Served Monday-Thursday through October 26.

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille has a 3-course senior menu for 65+ before 6 pm, available daily for $39. First course offers choices from wedge, Caesar, field green, pear & candied pecan salad, French onion soup, or lobster bisque. Second course offers choices from pork chop, filet mignon, salmon, chicken oscar, vegan skillet chopped steak, or fried shrimp. Third course is side dish or dessert from a choice of cheesecake, chocolate crunch tower, crème brûlée, whipped potatoes, creamed spinach, or chargrilled vegetables.

Pappasito's celebrates its 40th anniversary through October at all four DFW locations including two at DFW Airport, plus locations in Arlington and Fort Worth with a $40 special on beef fajitas or beef & chicken fajita platters, with guacamole, rice, frijoles a la charra, and tortillas serving 2-3 people, available on Wednesdays starting at 4 pm.

McDonald’s of North Texas is adding two new limited-edition sauces to the menu starting October 9: McDonald’s Sweet & Spicy Jam, a jammy red pepper dipping sauce with apple cider vinegar, Szechuan peppercorn, and cayenne pepper; Mambo Sauce, a tomato-based sweet, spicy, and vinegary sauce inspired by the regional Washington, D.C. area sauce staple.

Lucky s the Oak Lawn diner is celebrating the State Fair of Texas with two limited-edition menu items: two corn dogs with fries, for $11, and Cotton Candy Pilsner from Texas Ale Project for $5.50, served through October 22.

Target has a new free Drive Up service for Starbucks menu items where customers can place an order and have it delivered straight to their car. The service has been popular in other markets and now it's in Dallas. The three top-selling items for Drive Up with Starbucks are Iced Brown Sugar Oatmilk Shaken Espresso, Birthday Cake Pop, and Iced Caramel Macchiato. You place your order, park in the Drive Up area, and tap “I’m here” in the Target app. A Target staffer delivers the Starbucks order, along with whatever else in your Drive Up purchase. By October, all 1,700-plus Target stores that have a Starbucks Café and offer Drive Up will have the Drive Up with Starbucks service.

Dunkin’ has launched the Texas Dunkin’ Community Cruiser, a mobile coffee truck that delivers free samples of hot and iced coffee directly to local community events. The Texas Dunkin’ Community Cruiser follows in the footsteps of several successful Cruiser programs built throughout the country over the last 10 years.

Norma's Cafe will provide six meals to the North Texas Food Bank for every holiday dinner purchased from now until November 18. The original Oak Cliff location at 1123 W. Davis St. will be open on Thanksgiving Day, November 23 from 11 am-1 pm to feed the homeless.

Salata, the salad chain, has launched of bottled salad dressings in its five most popular flavors: Buttermilk Ranch, Chipotle Ranch, Herb Vinaigrette, Balsamic Vinaigrette, and Ginger Lime Vinaigrette. They come in 12.5-oz bottles and are available at select H-E-B locations for $6.48.

Farrah Fawcett Foundation honors cancer-crusading 'angel' Katie Couric at 2023 Dallas benefit

Starry night

Hollywood icons and angels descended on Dallas for the second year, for the 2023 Farrah Fawcett Foundation Tex-Mex Fiesta.

Held at The Rustic on September 28, the star-studded benefit included a red carpet, Tex-Mex buffet dinner, award presentations, live auction, and margaritas that flowed all night long - all to raise money for the fight against cancer. Proceeds went to The American Cancer Society/Cattle Baron's Ball and Stand Up To Cancer.

Co-chairs Alana Stewart, Jaclyn Smith, and Linda Gray - the late Farrah Fawcett's bestie, Charlie's Angels co-star, and last year's Angel Award winner, respectively - welcomed guests. Then actor and famously tanned man George Hamilton took over to emcee the presentations with his signature charm, wit, and sweet banter with ex-wife Stewart.

Dr. Lawrence Piro, Fawcett’s former oncologist and Chief Medical Advisor for the Farrah Fawcett Foundation, underscored the importance of the evening’s fundraising efforts. Fawcett passed away from rectal cancer in 2009, at the age of 62. The foundation that bears her name and raises money for cancer-related causes is her greatest legacy, her friends agreed on stage.

A live auction led by Samantha Robinson of Heritage Auctions raised thousands of dollars with one-of-a-kind items like lunch with George Hamilton the following day at the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek (sold for $10,000) and a "Hollywood Experience" including lunch with "The Fonz" Henry Winkler (sold for $14,000).

Country music star Brett Eldredge got the crowd on its feet with a quick set of his hits, and DJ 13lackbeard kept the party beats lively. Actress Dyan Cannon gave a heartfelt tribute, and Patrick Foley - Fawcett’s long time friend, make-up artist, and Neiman Marcus’ resident make-up artist - was recognized for his support of the Foundation.

But the emotional highlight of the evening was the presentation of the foundation's 2023 Angel Award to Katie Couric. The trailblazing journalist famously underwent a colonoscopy on air after her husband, Jay Monahan, died of colon cancer at age 42 in 1998. In September 2022, Couric revealed her own breast cancer diagnosis.

In her acceptance speech, Couric spoke poignantly about all the things the cancer took away from her two daughters, who were just 2 and 6 years old when their dad passed.

"I know what it's like to lose someone you love way before their time," she said. "In two words: It sucks ... devastating, life-shattering, horrific. No adjective sufficiently describes what that period of my life was like."

She encouraged people not to "get squeamish" about "cancers that occur below the belt" (referring specifically to rectal and colon cancers).

"I've always said, 'Don't die of embarrassment,'" she said. "You know, if we're lucky, we all have colons, we all have anuses, it's just part of our biology, so let's get real about that, people."

After Couric's colonoscopy on The Today Show, the number of people who got screened increased 20 percent, she said.

"But that statistic means so much more," she said. "It means that so many people got to watch their child score a goal at a soccer game, so many people got to watch their child graduate with honors, so many people got to watch their child walk down the aisle."

She said she often wonders what Farrah and Jay would be doing today.

"Honestly, I get so sad and so mad when I think about everything [her daughters] have missed," she said. "We couldn't save them, but we can use every ounce of our energy to spare others from a similar fate."

Among the patrons there to support the event were actress Donna Mills, designer Cynthia Rowley, John Tatum, Jim Foley, Christine Romeo, Jeffrey Lane, and hundreds of generous Dallasites.

Farrah Fawcett Foundation Tex-Mex Fiesta 2023

Photo courtesy of Farrah Fawcett Foundation

Jaclyn Smith, Alana Stewart, Katie Couric, Linda Gray

Ferah Smokehouse & Cantina to bring Wylie 2 top cuisines: BBQ & Tex-Mex

BBQ News

A Mediterranean concept in Dallas-Fort Worth that dabbles in Texan is about to get a new sibling with an even stronger Texan focus. Called Ferah Smokehouse and Cantina, it's an offshoot of Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen, and will open in Wylie in early 2024.

Ferah is from husband-and-wife Burak and Stephanie Ozcan, known for the innovative fusion of Mediterranean and Texas cuisines they've created at Ferah Tex-Med Kitchen, which debuted in 2019.

The Smokehouse, located on the west side of Wylie at 960 S. Westgate Way, represents a chance to dig more deeply in to Texas cuisine, namely smoked meats and Tex-Mex, with signatures like brisket enchiladas.

“It gives us an opportunity to make this space our own and give homage to Texas," Stephanie says. "I'm a born-and-bred Texan, and Burak has been in Texas since 2009. He has a passion for Texas and the cuisine that we offer."

A native of Turkey, where he attended the world-famous Mengen Anatolian Culinary School, Burak has worked in gourmet kitchens around the world, including a stint as sous chef at Samar By Stephan Pyles, and has worked at numerous hotel restaurants both in Dallas and Istanbul, including Westin, Renaissance, and Marriott.

The couple opened the first Ferah Tex-Med in Garland in June 2019, months before the onset of pandemic; Southlake followed in 2022.

During the pandemic, they witnessed ardent support from communities like Wylie, which further fueled their choice of location. They also live in Sachse, nearby.

For the new smokehouse, they've partnered with husband-and-wife Jeremy and Heidi Berlin, who will lend their business expertise in operating the restaurant. Jeremy previously worked in the hotel industry, and Heidi runs a hair styling and design business.

The structure where they're opening is a 3500-square-foot barn-like space that was built in 2019 adjacent to the Seventy8 And Westgate Apartments development. Getting it restaurant-ready will require a complete interior buildout.

Stephanie says the interior will feature a full bar, semi-private dining space, and covered patio.

"I’ve designed a groovy Southwestern interior featuring cognac-toned leather, with terracotta, black and gold accents," she says. "Our goal is to provide an elevated yet comfortable ambiance for our foodies."

They'll be sharing behind-the-scenes updates of the buildout and design journey on their Instagram.

As a prelude to opening, they've tested out some of the Smokehouse dishes with customers at Ferah Tex-Med, including brisket enchiladas served on a cast-iron skillet, and a charcuterie-like "butcherblock" featuring assorted smoked meats.

"Barbecue and Tex-Mex are the two favorite cuisines of people in Texas," Stephanie says. "We wanted to try something that was familiar to people but approach it in a new way."

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