News
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Keynote speaker and author Ben Fountain addresses attendees at the Literary Lions Luncheon.

Friends of the Dallas Public Library, a nonprofit organization that supports Dallas Public Library, celebrated its 75th anniversary with a special Literary Lions Luncheon at the Arts District Mansion on April 9 to mark its ‘diamond’ anniversary and to honor the Dallas individuals and families who helped establish the organization in 1950. 

Taking place during National Library Week, the event featured keynote remarks from award-winning author Ben Fountain on the importance of libraries in our communities. FODPL Board Chair Ken Benson, Executive Director Mary Wilonsky, and Anniversary Co-Chairs Anne Besser and Nicole Paquette also shared their thanks for the nearly 300 library advocates in attendance and their ongoing support of the organization that works to bolster access to free, well-funded public libraries.

All proceeds benefited the 28 full-service library branches across Dallas, the children’s branch, Bookmarks at NorthPark Center, the J. Erik Jonsson Central Library, and nearly 450 dedicated Dallas library staff members. Funds will also support various educational programs that Dallas Public Library offers.

For more information about the Friends of the Dallas Public Library, visit https://supportdpl.org/home-1

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

It’s game on at Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, located inside the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where the only thing better than the big screen is what’s on your plate. Draft just launched a brand-new menu that’s bringing bold flavor and local flair to every play!

NEW MENU

From pickle-brined TX Tendies to the Barbacoa Tacos topped with avocado crema to the Cowboy Chili Bowl served with sweet rooftop honey cornbread, Draft’s all-star lineup is as unforgettable as a last-second buzzer beater. Think gourmet bar bites, elevated classics, and knockout desserts, like the Banana Bread Pudding with rum caramel and vanilla gelato that might just put you in a food coma before halftime.

Thirsty? The drink menu is just as stacked — featuring Texas-brewed craft beers, boozy seltzers, and signature cocktails like the Smoke Show, a mezcal-tequila mashup with pomegranate and mango, or the Blood Orange Blitz, spicy and citrusy with no timeouts needed.

Local brews, a touch of Texas pride, and a menu that hits harder than a linebacker — this is not your average sports bar. It’s Draft, reimagined. Come for the game. Stay for the eats.

POWER PLAY HAPPY HOUR DEALS

Daily, 5pm - 6pm

Join us for the most remarkable happy hour in downtown Dallas. Cheer for your favorite sports team, or stop by before a concert at American Airlines Center for drinks and good eats! You are in for a treatdraft beer $6 – house wine/sangria $7 – margarita, old fashioned, house spirits $8

 

Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is located in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 Olive St. Open 7 days a week at 5pm. Open Sunday noon until 12am during football season.

Complimentary parking is available for up to 4 hours. Please bring your parking ticket (from the garage across the street) and present it to your server for validation.

Gravatar

Sheraton Dallas is proud to welcome Miguel Neira as the new Executive Chef. With over 16 years in the hospitality industry, Neira will oversee all aspects of the hotel’s food operations, including the management of banquet facilities and four distinctive food and beverage outlets. Neira brings a passion for culinary innovation, leading an energized kitchen to develop unique, seasonal menus that are globally inspired while using only fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Born and raised in a small coastal town in Ecuador, Neira’s passion for food was ignited early in life. He learned the art of fishing and developed an appreciation for the unparalleled quality of fresh, ocean-sourced ingredients. These formative experiences laid the foundation for his culinary philosophy: food should be pure, fresh, and reflective of its origins.

Neira has traveled all over the world, immersing himself in a rich variety of culinary traditions. From the bold street food flavors of Cancun to the delicate pastries of France, his travels deepened his culinary understanding and expanded his palate. By blending the vibrant flavors of his Latin heritage with the refinement of international cuisines, he developed a unique culinary style that has shaped his career.

Neira began his culinary career with Marriott in 2007 as Restaurant Chef at the Renaissance Vinoy Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. He held leadership roles in Cleveland, Chicago and Tampa, including Executive Banquet Chef at Sheraton Grand Chicago, excelling in large-scale events and high-volume operations. Since 2021, Neira has served as Executive Sous Chef at Gaylord Palms Resort & Convention Center, overseeing all culinary outlets, site inspections, and menu development to enhance the guest dining experience.

Neira’s expertise and innovative vision led him to his current role as Executive Chef at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, where he continues to lead with a commitment to sustainability, community, and the power of food to bring people together.

We are proud to have Miguel join Sheraton Dallas as Executive Chef and are confident his culinary passion, extensive travels, and unique talent will provide amazing results to our dining outlets and banquet facilities,” said Frank Quant, Sheraton Dallas Hotel’s Director of Food and Beverage. “We look forward to sharing his expertise with our guests.”

 

Providing more than 230,000 square feet of versatile event space, Sheraton Dallas Hotel features the perfect backdrop for any type of gathering. Offering the latest in technology with a functional and updated style, the versatile venues accommodate events of all sizes, from motivational team meetings, training and annual conferences to intimate social gatherings and large galas. With customizable catering options designed to complement any event's tone and scale, Sheraton Dallas’ culinary team is dedicated to delivering memorable dining experiences tailored to every guest’s taste and dietary preferences.

With four food and beverage dining outlets – Open Palette, Draft Sports Bar & Lounge, Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go, and The Parlor – Sheraton Dallas features world-class culinary experiences. Open Palette serves fresh, flavorful American classics inspired by the hotel’s Dallas roots. Open Mkt. Grab ‘n Go provides a wide selection of healthy foods and plenty of options for those on the go. Draft Sports Bar & Lounge is a 4,000 square foot world of sports nirvana that provides the ultimate entertainment experience with 25 televisions, local beers on tap, outstanding eats, craft cocktails and a complimentary karaoke room. Available to book for special events, The Parlor is an upscale lounge bar with a retro style designed specifically for intimate gatherings regardless of the occasion.

Sheraton Dallas is the largest hotel in Texas with 1,841 guest rooms, a state-of-the-art fitness center with five Peloton bikes, an outdoor rooftop pool with stunning city views, and Club Lounge, in addition to the meeting and convention space and four dining outlets. Located right off the DART Pearl/Arts District station, Sheraton Dallas offers guests and employees a convenient location in the epicenter of Downtown Dallas. Dare to Discover Our Dallas.

For more information about the Sheraton Dallas or to book a stay, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
The Princess Bride© in Concert - Dallas Symphony O

Fencing, fighting, true love, revenge, miracles… and a full symphony orchestra! On April 25-27, Dallas Symphony Orchestra is proud to present The Princess Bride© in Concert, bringing Rob Reiner’s beloved classic to life in an unforgettable way. For the first time, composer Mark Knopfler’s iconic score is performed live-to-picture by a full symphony orchestra.

Relive the epic tale of Buttercup and Westley, dastardly villains, swashbuckling heroes, and miracle men played by an all-star cast – now with the added magic of a cinematic concert experience. With an all-star cast and narration by Peter Falk, this is a fairytale adventure the whole family will cherish.

“Missing it would be inconceivable!”

Tickets start at $52 and are available at dallassymphony.org.

 

Meyerson Symphony Center is located in Downtown Dallas at 2301 Flora St, Dallas, TX 75201.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Open Palette Courtyard View - Sheraton Dallas Larg

Sheraton Dallas presents a whimsical Easter Day Brunch at Open Palette on Sunday, April 20, from 10 AM to 2 PM. Enjoy stations of fresh seafood, made-to-order omelets, classic breakfast staples, and more in a bright, contemporary setting with live music. To make the day even more special, Open Palette is delighted to offer $1 mimosas for the adults and a fun Egg Hunt for the kids!

Easter Day Brunch is $72/adult, $30/child under 12, and free for kids under 4 years old. Reservations are available now on OpenTable.

Open Palette is located in Sheraton Dallas Hotel at 400 North Olive Street.

 

EASTER DAY BRUNCH BUFFET MENU

Local Cheese Table. Paired with Local Jam and Artisan Crackers.

Charcuterie Table. Paired with Whole Grain Mustard and Artisan Bread.

Seafood Station

  • Seafood Ceviche, with Tortilla Chips.

  • Crab Claws & Gulf Shrimp, with Lime Teqila Mignonette.

  • Shrimp & Lobster Salad, with Bread Rolls.

Salad Station

  • Baby Green, Chopped Romaine, Tomato, Cucumber, Olives, Pickled Onion, Parmesan Cheese, Crouton, Strawberry, Candied Pecan, Chopped Bacon, Carrot, Ranch Dressing, Caesar Dressing, Balsamic Vinaigrette.

Pasta Station

  • Pasta options include Macaroni, Penne, and Orecchiette.

  • Housemade sauce options: Alfredo-Carbonara, Smoked Vodka Sauce, Lobster Cream.

  • Toppings: Parmigiano Reggiano, Local Spring Mushrooms, Sweet Drops Peppers, Italian Sausage, Kalamata Olives, Smoked Pancetta, Spinach.

Breakfast Station

  • Applewood Smoked Bacon, Chorizo Potatoes, Pork Sausage, Chilaquiles, Sausage Gravy, Cheddar Biscuit.

Omelet Station

  • Cage-Free Fresh Egg, Egg White, Ham, Turkey, Sausage, Onions, Peppers, Spinach, Mushroom, Tomato, Cheese, Jalapeno, Salsa.

Carving Station

  • Roasted Garlic Prime Rib, with Au Jus.

  • Taco Station, with Pork Al Pastor and Barbacoa. Roasted Cauliflower, Pico de Gallo, Avocado Salsa, Jalapeño Aioli, Lime Cabbage.

Kids Station

  • Homemade Fried Chicken, Fish Sticks, Scramble Eggs, Buttermilk Pancakes.

Sweet Treats

  • Assorted Mini Pastries, Cakes, Fruit Tarts, Fruits.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Turtle Creek Chorale presents its 45th season, 45 LIVE: The Best Moments Live Here, including new mainstage concerts and ensemble concerts, special guest appearances from widely recognized performers, and the fifth annual Rhapsody Gala. 

For 45 years, Turtle Creek Chorale has brought music to life, transforming moments into memories through the power of live performance. From its humble beginnings in 1980 to becoming a world renowned chorus, the Chorale has faced triumphs, endured challenges, and reached profound milestones, all guided by music. 

“Live performance is not only something you hear, but something you feel,” Turtle Creek Chorale Artistic Director Sean Baugh said. “The Chorale’s 45th season is a tribute to the transformative power of live music and shared experiences. By showing up, you are not just supporting the arts community, you are championing the values that bring us all together and welcoming all identities and backgrounds, especially our LGBTQ+ family.” 

Season 45 performances include: 

  • Disney PRIDE in Concert: This summer, Turtle Creek Chorale will perform iconic Disney songs alongside a 30 piece orchestra, celebrating themes of love, LGBTQ+ pride, and family ties. Disney PRIDE in Concert will honor Disney’s globally acclaimed musical legacy and provide Chorale members the opportunity to share their personal journeys and reflect on how this music has shaped their lives. Prepare to be enchanted by songs from The Lion King, Aladdin, Peter Pan, Cinderella, and more in two spectacular performances on June 26 and 27 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Guys & Dolls: A tribute to the classic show in partnership with Lyric Stage, Guys & Dolls will be performed at Moody Performance Hall on August 15, 16, and 17. Considered by many to be the perfect musical comedy, Guys & Dolls ran for 1,200 performances when it opened on Broadway in 1950. It received nearly unanimous positive reviews from critics and won a bevy of awards, including Tony Awards, Drama Desks, and Oliviers. This production is licensed by Music Theatre International (MTI).

  • Groundless Ground: Alongside the Women’s Chorus of Dallas and a 30 piece orchestra, the Turtle Creek Chorale will perform a powerful concert that explores how to find strength, hope, and resilience when the world feels uncertain. Groundless Ground will honor women, the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and immigrants, amplifying voices that deserve to be celebrated. To honor the 25th anniversary of the groundbreaking work Sing for the Cure, the Chorale will showcase selections from this beloved piece alongside the powerful Unbreakable song cycle. Groundless Ground will be performed on Wednesday, September 17 at the Meyerson Symphony Center. 

  • Rhapsody: The fifth annual gala benefiting the Chorale’s mission to entertain, educate, unite and inspire will be held on Saturday, September 20, at The Statler Dallas and will feature a special guest performer to be announced this spring.

  • All is Calm: It was Christmas Eve in 1914 when British and German troops laid down their arms and gathered in song, drink, and warmth to celebrate the holiday. This event, now known as the “Christmas Truce,” continues to be a heartwarming and powerful story of shared humanity. This December, the Turtle Creek Chorale will not only  tell this story through the power of music but will also present songs that remind us that the holiday season is, above all, a time for peace, understanding, love, family, and friendship. All is Calm will be performed in a series of concerts on the Chorale’s second “Holiday Tour,” spreading peace and joy across the DFW Metroplex this holiday season. 

“It’s hard to believe that the 45th season of the Turtle Creek Chorale is here,” Turtle Creek Chorale Executive Director Dr. Dawson B. Taylor said. “I remember originally joining the Chorale as a singer just after celebrating its 25th anniversary. This season will be accustomed to all the laughter, tears, and chill bumps you have felt all these years at TCC shows, but we will be focused on the part that makes that possible — being together to enjoy the music, artistry and beauty of the Turtle Creek Chorale. Stay tuned for dates for our small ensemble feature show as well as the resurrected cabaret show.” 

Tickets for each concert will be available for purchase on TurtleCreekChorale.com during the months leading up to the performance. For the latest news on ticket sales, additional guest performer announcements, Rhapsody updates, and information about Turtle Creek Chorale’s community involvement, follow along on Instagram and Facebook @TurtleCreekChorale.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Texas Family Initiative is hosting its fourth annual Swing into Action! Golf Tournament, which will benefit EMPOWER, and the North Texas children in foster care that EMPOWER serves, on Monday, May 5, at The Nelson Golf & Sports Club. 

Registration begins at 8 AM with a shotgun start at 9 AM. Following the golf tournament, there will be a Cookout on the Course at 1 PM and a Post Golf Awards Reception at 2 PM with contests and raffle prizes. The Nelson Golf & Sports Club is located at 4200 North MacArthur Blvd. 

Last year’s golf tournament raised more than $75,000 in donations to impact local children in foster care. 

EMPOWER is a nonprofit child welfare collaborative and the Community-Based Care contractor in the North Texas region of Metroplex East, led by Texas Family Initiative LLC and supported by local providers in North Texas including CK Family Services, Jonathan’s Place, Bair Foundation, Pathways Youth and Family Services that works together to serve some of our most vulnerable children and families.

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Theresa Zavala, Interior Hospitality Lead at Merriman Anderson Architects.

Merriman Anderson Architects (MAA) is proud to introduce Theresa Zavala as the firm’s Interiors Hospitality Lead. With 25 years of experience in global hospitality and high-end residential design, Zavala brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to MAA’s growing interiors division. 

In this role, Zavala will lead MAA’s hospitality interior design team, overseeing the design and execution of world-class interior spaces in the hospitality sector. She will be responsible for ensuring projects meet the highest design standards, align with client goals, and stay within budget. 

“Theresa’s experience and creative vision make her an invaluable leader to our interiors team,” says Milton Anderson, President, MAA. “Her guidance will further enhance our ability to deliver exceptional and thoughtfully-designed spaces for our clients.” 

Over her career, Zavala has worked on high-end hospitality projects, blending luxury and functionality to create immersive guest experiences. Her extensive international travel and significant on-site experience bring a strategic and inspired approach to design.

“I am thrilled to join the talented team at MAA and contribute to the firm’s exceptional portfolio of projects,” says Theresa Zavala, Interiors Hospitality Lead, MAA. “I look forward to collaborating with and leading the hospitality interior design team to create memorable experiences in unique spaces.” 

MAA is an architecture and interior design firm based in Downtown Dallas with offices also in Fort Worth, Austin, and Charlotte. MAA has a significant hospitality interior design portfolio of projects, including AC Hotel Fort Worth Downtown, Cambria Hotel Houston, Dallas Petroleum Club, Hyatt Regency Hill Country Resort & Spa, Marriott Hotel Redmond, The National, The Statler Hilton, and The Woodlands Resort. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

This Easter, Fairmont Dallas invites Dallasites and their loved ones to a delightful celebration in the heart of Downtown Dallas on Sunday, April 20 with seatings from 10:30 AM to 2 PM. This special Easter Day Brunch combines the best of gourmet cuisine, festive ambiance, and family-friendly activities. Bring the kids for a fun photo opportunity with the Easter Bunny. Plus, vibe out to a live acoustic guitar performance and jazz music.

Reservations are recommended. Visit OpenTable to book your spots.

 

EASTER DAY BRUNCH MENU

$69/person. Add Pommery Champagne for $20/person.

Small Plates

  • Little Gem Salad, with house croutons, green goddess dressing, and gran padano.

  • Roasted Beets, with whipped ricotta, spiced pecans, local honeycomb, and fresh mint.

  • Crab Cake, with smoked pepper remoulade and frisée garden salad.

  • Tomato Gazpacho.

Entrees

  • Chilaquiles. Roasted free bird chicken with salsa verde, scrambled eggs, crisp tostadas, and cotija.

  • Avocado Toast. Avocado mousse, poached eggs, pico de gallo, and queso fresco on grilled sourdough.

  • Chicken & Waffles. Fluffy red velvet waffles with Nashville hot chicken and maple butter.

  • Shakshuka, with San Marzano tomatoes, feta, roasted cauliflower, and ras el hanout.

  • Prime Rib. Allen Brothers Black Angus prime rib with two eggs and bearnaise. +$10

Dessert

  • Assorted cakes and pies in buffet arrangement

  • Live Crêpe station, with made-to-order options.

Drinks

  • Bloody Mary Bar

  • Mimosa Bar

 

The Pyramid Restaurant is located in Fairmont Dallas at 1717 N Akard St.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Vegetarian - Ricardo 3 - Meredith Mashburn Photogr

Sheraton Dallas Hotel is proud to recognize Senior Sous Chef Ricardo Viesca Gutierrez as the winner of the Vegetarian Division and one of the 12 finalists in the 2024 World Food Championships. Chef Ricardo faced over 300 teams of competitors from more than 35 states and 20 countries to take home titles across 12 different categories. Chef Ricardo won the Vegetarian Category with his dish, Smoked Vodka Sauce, and earned the chance to compete at the World Food Championships Final Table this March in Bentonville, Arkansas, where he will battle against the other 11 category winners. Chef Ricardo has been Senior Sous Chef at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel for two years.

Since its debut in 2012, the World Food Championships (WFC) has amassed a tremendous worldwide following, providing a one-of-a-kind culinary experience at its events, as well as numerous live and made-for-TV shows. In addition to popularizing competitive cooking, the WFC platform has had an undeniable impact on the food industry, facilitating the creation of more than 10,000 new dishes and supporting communities via partnerships with various local non-profits, charities, and food banks throughout the United States. In short, the WFC platform has given birth to "Food Sport" by providing a level playing field, a fair judging system, innovative culinary programming, ambassador opportunities, TV visibility and a process that allows talented culinary teams to compete in ways never seen before.

The decision to join the competition was not difficult for Chef Ricardo, who also competed at last year’s World Food Championship in Dallas, where he gained the necessary experience to bring home the trophy from Indianapolis, back in November. He eagerly seeks creative challenges to test his culinary skills and knowledge. Chef Ricardo’s journey at the World Food Championship was supported by his devoted partner Marielle Ramos, who is the Sous Chef in the Dallas Marriott Downtown across the street from the Sheraton Dallas Hotel. Together, they practiced all day and night to refine the dish, balancing work with practice for the competition.

Born in Mexico City, Chef Ricardo wanted to explore the difference between home-prepared dishes and restaurant-quality cuisine. Armed with extensive knowledge of flavors, he attended culinary school at Superior de Gastronomia in Mexico City and Escuela Superior de Hosteleria de Sevilla in Seville, Spain to polish his technical skills. Chef Ricardo’s travels continued, as he lived in many states across the United States and in multiple countries, working in luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants.

Chef Ricardo’s creativity is palpable, as dishes are often introduced to the Sheraton Dallas Hotel menu, straight from his home kitchen, where he spends time developing elevated dishes that are also “warm and comforting” – including the winning dish, Smoked Vodka Sauce. “I draw inspiration from my Mexican heritage, travels, and home [Texas] to create beautiful, delicious comfort food that brings joy. I love eating good food and know what I want to see on a restaurant’s menu as a consumer.” He continues, “My experience at Sheraton Dallas has been rewarding. They have given me complete liberty to be creative in the kitchen and push the envelope.”

The Smoked Vodka Sauce pays homage to Texas with Texas-founded Tito’s Vodka as the base and the utilization of Sheraton’s industrial-sized smoker to smoke the tomatoes and imitate the smokiness of iconic Texas barbecue. 

The Smoked Vodka Sauce is featured in the Pappardelle Allá Vodka dish available to order at Open Palette in the Sheraton Dallas Hotel, located at 400 Olive St, Dallas, TX 75201. 

For more information about the Sheraton Dallas, visit www.SheratonDallas.com.