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EMPOWER, a nonprofit child welfare collaborative, now provides foster care case management, kinship and reunification services for all children and families in the Metroplex East region, after entering Stage II of the Community-Based Care (CBC) contract with the State of Texas on March 1, 2024. EMPOWER is led by Texas Family Initiative LLC (TFI) and is supported by local providers in North Texas, including CK Family Services, Jonathan’s Place, The Bair Foundation and Pathways Youth and Family Services. EMPOWER will serve as the lead agency for the nine-county area that includes Dallas, Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Hunt, Rockwall, Kaufman and Navarro counties.

“Our team has worked tirelessly to prepare for the final phase of CBC readiness and get ready to provide children and their families in the Metroplex East region with the most effective services to promote safety, permanency and overall well-being,” says Shirley Dwyer, Texas Family Initiative Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “We are thankful to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services for their loyal partnership in ensuring a seamless transition.”  

EMPOWER was awarded the CBC contract by the State of Texas in February 2023, and entered a multi-stage process to take over services for the region. Stage II is the phase of implementing and transforming the services and care provided to children and families in the nine-county region through February 29, 2028, the term of this contract. 

CBC is an innovative approach to traditional foster care services because it utilizes local nonprofits to outsource out of home placement and case management services. Under CBC, a single entity is responsible for coordinating and delivering all child welfare services in a specific geographic area. The model allows for the CBC contractor to draw on existing community-based local resources and support to meet the unique and individual needs of children and their families. CBC’s goal is to have children placed in foster care close to their home so that they may thrive and remain connected to their family, friends, school and community. In order to promote family preservation and reunification, EMPOWER works with families to identify the root causes of their involvement with the child welfare system and provides the support needed to solve those issues.  

“Our team is committed to the safety and well-being of children and families in Metroplex East and we are dedicated to providing them with the best care available,” says Dr. Linda Garcia, Senior Vice President of EMPOWER. “We will also continue to educate our local communities on the crucial role foster parents play to fill the significant need for more foster homes.” 

The Metroplex East contract is one of the largest CBC awards in U.S. history, and the fifth region in Texas to transition to CBC services. There are nearly 2,000 foster children in the Metroplex East region. 

Since Sept. 1, 2023, EMPOWER has provided placement services in the Metroplex East Region. During that time, all children referred by the State have been placed in a licensed placement and have not stayed in unlicensed child watch. For the first time in over five years, all children in the Metroplex East Region are placed in licensed placements.

According to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), from September 2021 to February 2022, on average there were 2,456 children in DFPS conservatorship in Texas’ Metroplex East region. Around 79% of those foster children were placed within the same Metroplex East region, and 37.8% were placed in their home county. 

There are many local children in foster care in need of a safe, loving place to call home. To learn more about how individuals and families can help these children in need, please visit www.3empower.org.

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Fool's Gold The Parlor at Sheraton Dallas

There's no fool when ordering the Fool’s Gold cocktail at The Parlor in Downtown Dallas. Cheers to St. Patrick’s Day with the Fool's Gold cocktail all weekend long! 

The cocktail contains Irish whiskey, cointreau, pistachio syrup, lime juice and edible gold and costs $15.

The Parlor is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201, and is an upscale lounge bar located within Sheraton Dallas in downtown. The bar replicates aspects of historical speakeasies and serves curated cocktails, draft beers and ciders and tasty appetizers. 

The Parlor's Mixologist, Adam, has explored more than 43 countries and has worked at luxury bars across the world. He uses ingredients from around the world to create unique cocktails not found anywhere else.

Travelers can take the DART train right to The Parlor by getting off at the Pearl/Arts District station. The station is across the street from The Parlor inside Sheraton Dallas. Keep the party going after the 2024 Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival by visiting The Parlor!

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas and the second largest Sheraton in the world, with 1,840 guest rooms, 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention spaces, pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and Peloton bikes, and four dining outlets including The Parlor, Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge and Open Mkt.

 

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Dallasites looking to strike a pot of gold for their St. Patrick's Day celebrations are invited to experience Fairmont Dallas' Pyramid Lobby Bar celebratory menu available on Saturday, March 16 and Sunday, March 17. 

 

 

Pyramid Lobby Bar will feature a specially curated menu that will leave guests feeling luckier than a four-leaf clover. Enjoy a taste of Ireland with traditional dishes and festive green drinks that will make your heart dance an Irish jig!

 

  • Smoky Irish Old Fashioned with Jameson Double barrel, Sugar cube, Bitters, and smoked for $14

  • Green Tea Shot with Irish whiskey, Peach schnapps, sour mix, and soda for $10

  • Black Velvet with Stout beer and Sparkling wine for $12 (pitcher - $38)

  • Shamrock Sour with Irish whiskey, lime, lemon, agave for $12 (pitcher - $38)

  • Steak and Guinness Pie for $22

  • Welsh Rarebit with Beer Cheese Dip for $14

     

Fairmont Dallas is located at 1717 N Akard St, Dallas, TX.

 

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Grammy Award winner and punk glamor icon Cyndi Lauper will headline Rhapsody, Turtle Creek Chorale’s annual benefit gala, at the Omni Dallas Hotel on Saturday, June 1, 2024. The evening will offer an opening reception, seated dinner, luxury live auction, and an exclusive private concert by Cyndi Lauper with full band and featuring a selection of her greatest hits. 

The co-chairs for the event benefiting the Turtle Creek Chorale are Grace Cook, Sheilon King, Tara Lewis, and Whitney Strauss. Funds raised will support the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite, and inspire through its musical, cultural, and educational programs.

Cyndi Lauper is a groundbreaking Grammy, Emmy, and Tony Award-winning songwriter and performing artist with global record sales in excess of 50 million. Her iconic voice, influential punk glamor, and infectious live shows have catapulted her to stardom. In addition to her illustrious music career, Lauper has cemented her legacy as a tireless advocate for social justice, passionately championing causes with a particular focus on empowering women, supporting individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and advocating for the LGBTQ+ community. Her unwavering dedication led her to co-found True Colors United in 2008, an organization committed to ending homelessness among LGBTQ+ youth, who make up 40% of the youth homelessness population. 

“We are thrilled to have the privilege of hosting Cyndi Lauper at the fourth annual Rhapsody Gala,” Executive Director Jeremy Wayne said. “Cyndi is loved by so many, including TCC patrons and the LGBTQ+ community, and we are excited to share her talent with our community.” 

For more information, go to tccgala.com.

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Easter Brunch Menu at Open Palette Sheraton Dallas

Hop to Open Palette in Downtown Dallas for Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31. The Easter Bunny is bringing together a delectable meal to enjoy for the holiday with $1 mimosas.

Open Palette, inside Sheraton Dallas, is hosting an Easter Brunch Buffet from 11am to 2pm. The price is $70 plus tax and gratuity for adults, $29 for kids under 12 years old. 

The buffet features different stations that will include:

  • Starters including peel ‘n eat shrimp, local cheese table, charcuterie table, and pasta primavera

  • Salads

  • Traditional breakfast items 

  • Made-to-order omelets

  • Butcher station featuring Mesquite Smoked Prime Rib, Honey Lavender Chicken and Mustard Dill Crusted Salmon

  • Dessert station with carrot cupcakes, milk chocolate cream puffs, blackberry white chocolate tarts, lavender macarons, and pink guava cheesecake

  • Drinks include $1 Mimosas, and $10 Bloody Marys and Peach Bellinis 

Reservations can be made by calling Open Palette at 469-371-1486, or by booking via OpenTable - https://www.opentable.com/r/open-palette-dallas.

Open Palette is located inside Sheraton Dallas in downtown and offers fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by its Dallas roots. 

Sheraton Dallas’ parking garage offers up to four hours of complimentary parking for those dining at the hotel. On-site valet service is also available.

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Open Palette Sheraton Dallas

Hop to Open Palette in Downtown Dallas for Easter Brunch on Sunday, March 31. The Easter Bunny is bringing together a delectable meal to enjoy for the holiday with $1 mimosas.

Open Palette, inside Sheraton Dallas, is hosting an Easter Brunch Buffet from 11am to 2pm. The price is $70 plus tax and gratuity for adults, $29 for kids under 12 years old. 

The buffet features different stations that will include:

  • Starters including peel ‘n eat shrimp, local cheese table, charcuterie table, and pasta primavera

  • Salads

  • Traditional breakfast items 

  • Made-to-order omelets

  • Butcher station featuring Mesquite Smoked Prime Rib, Honey Lavender Chicken and Mustard Dill Crusted Salmon

  • Dessert station with carrot cupcakes, milk chocolate cream puffs, blackberry white chocolate tarts, lavender macarons, and pink guava cheesecake

  • Drinks include $1 Mimosas, and $10 Bloody Marys and Peach Bellinis 

Reservations can be made by calling Open Palette at 469-371-1486, or by booking via OpenTable - https://www.opentable.com/r/open-palette-dallas.

Open Palette is located inside Sheraton Dallas in downtown and offers fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by its Dallas roots. 

Sheraton Dallas’ parking garage offers up to four hours of complimentary parking for those dining at the hotel. On-site valet service is also available.

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Good Graces, nestled in the vibrant heart of Uptown Dallas, proudly announces the debut of its inventive new dinner menu. Curated by Executive Chef Johney Han, the menu represents a bold reimagining of American brasserie dining, marrying traditional elements with modern culinary trends. With a focus on high-quality, generously portioned protein dishes complemented by various shareable plates, the new offerings underscore Good Graces' commitment to an enjoyable, social dining experience. 

Central to the menu are the Chef's Cut selections, featuring locally sourced meats such as an 8 oz center cut filet mignon, 10 oz strip loin, 14 oz bone-in ribeye, and rotisserie chicken, available in whole or half servings. These selections highlight the collaboration with local purveyors in the North Texas region to bring the freshest seasonal produce and ingredients to the table.

Accompanying the Chef's Cuts are meticulously curated shareable and side dishes designed to round out the meal, including roasted Brussels sprouts with blue cheese espuma, mojo baby carrots, creamy mashed potatoes, shishito peppers, beet salad, and bison meatballs. 

"We aim to offer a dining experience that is both customizable and memorable," Chef Han explains. "We're excited for our Chef's Cuts, along with their accompanying sides and sauces, to become new local favorites, offering a fresh palette of flavors."

Good Graces enhances the dining experience with a new fromage section featuring a selection of cheese and charcuterie plates showcasing the best local and seasonal offerings. For those who prefer a traditional entrée, options like sweet potato gnocchi with braised duck breast, bone-in short rib with whipped polenta, salmon with leek puree and ratatouille, Bolognese with veal and pork gravy, and a market seafood special promise to satisfy with their innovative flavors and high-quality ingredients.

Chef Han emphasizes the goal of making high-quality flavors approachable, saying, "We've blended the beauty of French cooking techniques with a range of fresh flavors, served in a way that our guests look forward to."

Desserts, too, see an infusion of creativity with additions like Paris Brest composed of pecan whip, praline and candied pecans; and the Earl grey crème br?lée, where the infusion of earl grey tea adds a unique twist to the classic custard adorned with caramelized sugar crust. Both draw on Chef Han's extensive experience in French cuisine. The menu retains community favorites such as the signature Uptown cheesecake and fig pavlova. 

The bar features the Tanqueray Gin Champion Shaker, offering unique cocktails like the Goodness & Grace Fizz and How Sweet the Sour, expertly mixed tableside.

Good Graces is more than a restaurant; it's an integral part of the Uptown community, providing an upscale, intimate setting that reflects the dining environment of an intimate Parisian brasserie. Guests enjoy complimentary valet parking courtesy of Marriott Dallas Uptown at 3033 Fairmount Street, ensuring a seamless dining experience from start to finish.

Reservations are available through OpenTable. For a closer look at the new menu and to explore Good Graces further, visit goodgracesdallas.com.  

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Mixology Mondays The Parlor at Sheraton Dallas

Is there a better way to start the week than learning how to make a cocktail with friends, or coworkers, and then drinking it? The Parlor, inside Sheraton Dallas, hosts weekly interactive mixology classes, called Mixology Mondays, every Monday from 5-6pm led by the hotel’s talented Mixologist, Adam. The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar that replicates aspects of historical speakeasies and serves curated cocktails, draft beers and ciders, and tasty appetizers.

Adam will have all of the ingredients and tools ready to demonstrate how to make that week’s featured classic cocktail, such as a Cosmopolitan, Old Fashioned, Manhattan, Mojito and so on, and share fun tricks of the trade during the Mixology Mondays classes. Guests can have fun mixing a cocktail and then enjoy the delicious creation afterwards. 

Classes vary weekly and reservations are required. Reservations can be made here. The cost is $30/per person which does not include tax and gratuity. 

The Mixologist, Adam, grew up on the east coast and has always had a passion for the fast-paced lifestyle which led him to working at one of the largest nightclubs in New York City. Adam has explored more than 43 countries and worked at luxury properties such as The Ritz-Carlton Dubai, The Ritz-Carlton Aspen and the Grand Cayman Marriott. He uses ingredients from around the world to create unique cocktails not found anywhere else. 

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas and the second largest Sheraton in the world, with 1,840 guest rooms, 230,000 square feet of flexible meeting and convention spaces, pool, fitness center with state-of-the-art fitness equipment and Peloton bikes, and four dining outlets including The Parlor, Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge and Open Mkt. Sheraton Dallas Hotel is located at 400 North Olive Street, Dallas, Texas 75201. 

 

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Fairmont Dallas invites guests to elevate their game day experience at Pyramid Lobby Bar as the go-to spot for sports fans and foodies alike with a new game day menu that will be available on Sunday, February 11 beginning at 5:30pm

The Lineup

Indulge in a winning combination of flavors with specially crafted game day bites and drinks featuring:

  • Beast Sliders with queso menonita, balsamic glazed cipollini onions, and frisee for $9

  • Confit Buffalo Wings with carrots, celery, and buttermilk ranch for $15

  • Short Rib Tostada with white cheddar, escabeche, avocado, and cotija for $6

  • Loaded Battered Fries with smoked cheddar, bacon, malt vinegar, horseradish crema, and green onion for $12

  • Signature cocktails including Jalapeño Tailgate and Red Zone Punch

  • $22 beer buckets with a choice of four imported or local brews and a free beer roulette spin with the chance to win specials

  • $7 draft beer

Keep the celebrations rolling with National Margarita Day on Thursday, February 22. Pyramid Lobby Bar will serve a margarita flight featuring a classic margarita, spicy margarita, and a Paloma. Each margarita flight is served with complimentary chips and salsa.

 

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Kitchen Design Concepts

The question of how to make a small kitchen look bigger is common among homeowners planning for a kitchen remodel. Small kitchens, while functional, might feel cramped, especially once guests arrive. 

If expanding your kitchen square footage isn’t in the cards, you may need to adopt a different strategy. Kitchen Design Concepts, a Dallas-based home remodeling and design company, has shared expert advice on how to make your kitchen appear larger without physical expansion, saving both time and money in a homeowner's remodel. 

Clever Storage Solutions

To make a small kitchen look bigger, the use of clever storage solutions is great for both functionality and appearance. Consider installing cabinets and shelves that reach to the ceiling. This maximizes the storage and draws the eye upward, creating the illusion of height. 

You can also opt for shallower lower cabinets in some areas, as this can open up more floor space, making the kitchen feel less cramped. These cabinets are often more accessible, making them ideal for everyday items. 

Incorporating storage solutions, like a kitchen island with built-in storage, can provide additional workspace while keeping essentials neatly organized. By optimizing cabinet and drawer organization and choosing versatile storage options, you can efficiently use every inch of space, contributing to a more open and airy kitchen ambiance.

Strategic Lighting

Natural light is particularly effective in making a small kitchen appear bigger, as it brightens the space and creates a more spacious feel. If your kitchen has windows, choose window coverings that maximize access to natural lighting. In kitchens without windows, consider adding a window to bring in natural light. This approach not only brightens the space but also visually expands it. 

The right choice of lighting fixtures is equally important. Opt for light fixtures that illuminate the entire kitchen evenly, eliminating dark corners and making the space feel more open and inviting. Using natural and artificial lighting together can effectively enhance the sense of space in a small kitchen.

Thoughtful Color Selection

Using a light and neutral color palette, such as whites or soft pastels, can create an airy, open atmosphere. These colors reflect light better, making the space feel more expansive. Incorporate low-contrast accent colors, as high-contrast options can make spaces feel smaller. 

Colors that are close to each other on the color wheel, with similar undertones, create a cohesive look, allowing the eye to move smoothly around the room without getting caught in contrasting details. This seamless flow gives the illusion of a larger space. By carefully choosing your kitchen’s color scheme, you can significantly impact its perceived size and dimensions.

Open Shelving and Minimalistic Design

Open shelving in a small kitchen significantly contributes to a sense of openness. This approach eliminates the visual bulk of cabinet doors, instantly creating an illusion of more space. However, this strategy is most effective when shelves are not cluttered. Neatly organized and minimally stocked shelves, possibly in trendy materials like copper, enhance this spacious effect. 

Embracing minimalism is crucial; decluttering and keeping only essential and aesthetically pleasing items on display can make your kitchen appear larger. A minimalist design, with its clean lines and unobstructed sightlines, promotes a roomier feel, making the kitchen feel less cramped.

Mirrors and Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors and reflective surfaces can dramatically enhance the perception of space in a small kitchen. Incorporating a large mirror on one wall, for instance, can create a striking visual impact, reflecting other elements of the kitchen and giving the illusion of an extended area. 

Using glass in furniture items, like glass pendant lights, helps maintain an unobstructed visual path, making the space appear larger. Opting for materials with reflective qualities, such as glass tiles, glossy cabinets, high-gloss paint, shiny floors, or stainless steel appliances, also contributes to this effect, as they bounce light around the room.

Smart Furniture Choices

Smart furniture choices are key in making a small kitchen look bigger. Opting for space-saving and multi-functional furniture that fits the kitchen’s dimensions is crucial. Furniture with slender profiles, such as thin chair legs or sleek table designs, can significantly enhance the perception of space. 

Bulky, oversized furniture should be avoided as it can make the surrounding area feel cramped. Proper furniture placement is also important for maintaining a fluid and open feel in the kitchen. Customizing furniture to suit the specific dimensions of the space can ensure both functionality and a sense of openness.

Creating the Illusion

Creating the illusion of a larger kitchen can be achieved through the strategic use of geometric patterns and lines. Geometric designs on tablecloths, rugs, or runners can visually expand the space. These patterns draw the eye in specific directions, such as vertically or lengthways, giving the impression of a taller or longer kitchen. 

Including horizontal lines in a kitchen’s design can effectively create an illusion of it being wider. By strategically placing elements like backsplash tiles, shelving, or even the pattern on the floor in a horizontal orientation, the kitchen can appear more spacious. This optical illusion is a simple yet impactful way to create the perception of a larger area without needing structural changes. It’s a design trick that combines functionality with aesthetics, catering to both practical needs and visual appeal.

For years, Kitchen Design Concepts has been a trusted name in crafting both eye-catching and functional spaces in the Dallas metroplex. The team of certified remodeling professionals is well-equipped to deliver quality craftsmanship while working within a homeowner's budget. Visit kitchendesignconcepts.com or visit the Kitchen Design Concepts design studio at 150 Payne St. Dallas, TX to learn more.