Staff & Reader Submitted
 
Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Beer and pizza on The Ivy Tavern's outdoor patio (

From First Pour to Ten Years More:  The Ivy Tavern’s Decade of Success

 

It’s no small feat to make it to ten years in the hospitality business. “Dallas' Original” bar & restaurant, The Ivy Tavern, is not only surviving - it's thriving! Opened in 2014, this neighborhood bar is known for its diverse selection of craft and international beers, award-winning menu, and welcoming atmosphere. Step inside, and you'll discover a country club/dive bar vibe where an eclectic mix of personalities come together, making everyone feel welcome and at home. It’s not at all unusual to find someone in sweats talking to a couple in black-tie attire who’s just come from a charity gala.

 

The Ivy Tavern boasts one of the best dog-friendly patios in Dallas spotted with gorgeous shade trees strung with lights, fans and misters, tables and community bar seating, indoor and outdoor pool tables, a fireplace, an elevated stage for live music and DJs, multiple TVs, and a variety of entertaining games such as large Jenga blocks and Connect 4, pool and darts. Menu highlights include their famous Greek salad tossed in their family’s State Fair of Texas award-winning dressing, one of the best burgers in Dallas, TX, and hand-breaded chicken tenders. NEW to the menu is an authentic Greek Gyro that the Georgalis’ are confident will soon become a fan favorite. The Ivy is available to host events of all sizes and over the years have supported many philanthropic organizations including DIFFA, Wounded Warriors, Genesis Women's Center, RAHR to the Rescue, and more. 

 

On Friday, September 6 (7PM) The Ivy Tavern will celebrate their 10-year anniversary featuring live music from Big D Energy (formerly known as Cover Girl) playing covers from the 80s, 90s, and 2000s starting at 9PM. Enjoy $5 Ranch Waters, made with Altos Tequila or Astral Tequila, throughout the night and as part of the celebration, every guest will receive a raffle ticket for a chance to win one of two (2) $500 gift certificates to The Ivy Tavern. Winners will be drawn at 12am/midnight, and attendees must be present to win.

  

The Ivy Tavern is located at 5334 Lemmon Avenue, Dallas, TX 75209, 214-559-4424, www.theivytavern.com. Open seven days a week from 11am-2am. Kitchen service is offered Sunday through Thursday, 11am-10pm and Friday and Saturday, 11am-1am. 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Southlake Tennis Center Named USTA Premier Facility 

New program recognizes 50 top tennis facilities in the country 

The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that Southlake Tennis Center was named a USTA Premier Facility. The inaugural class of Premier Facilities includes 50 of the top tennis facilities across the country. Southlake Tennis Center is one of only two facilities selected in Texas, and one of only a few public tennis centers nationwide.

“The Premier Facility program will lead to industry-wide improvements to the tennis delivery system and elevate the consumer experience,” said Craig Morris, Chief Executive, Community Tennis, USTA. “Facilities like Southlake Tennis Center play an important role in growing tennis and are deserving of this recognition.” 

USTA’s Premier Facility program, which launched this year, is designed to cultivate a standard of excellence across the tennis industry by recognizing and rewarding best-in-class tennis operators. 

In order to be eligible for the Premier Facility program, facilities must be a USTA member organization, employ certified teaching professionals, and be compliant with the USTA’s Safe Play program. 

Additionally, facilities must offer a wide array of tennis programming including introductory, instructional and social programs, as well as meet general facility standards, including the on-going training of staff. Facilities are nominated for this designation, which requires an on-site visit and recommendations from USTA staff. 

“We provide programming that meets the needs of all levels of players, with lessons, drills, leagues and teams,” stated General Manager Mia Gordon Poorman. “We’re honored USTA Texas Section and USTA National nominated us for this award based on our on-going investment in staff training and innovative programming.”  

Southlake Tennis Center is located at 450 W. Southlake Boulevard in Bicentennial Park. The complex features 17 lighted hard courts, 2 indoor courts and a full-service pro shop. For more information, visit www.southlaketennis.com.

# # #

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level -- from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100 percent of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, along with approximately 100 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S., and selects the teams for Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, and the Olympic and Paralympic Games. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com.

For more information, contact: Mia Gordon Poorman, Southlake Tennis Center, mia@southlaketennis.com     

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Since the event was announced, fans of barbecue, brews and country tunes have been clamoring to purchase tickets for The Smokeout Fest, the fabulous one-day festival being held Saturday, Sept. 7 at the famed Southfork Ranch in Parker. Now, the organizers have announced a surprise guest for the evening’s concerts.

Over the past 18 years, Casey Donahew has risen from a favorite on the local Texas music scene, racking up 21 No. 1 singles, to a nationally hot touring act who consistently sells out venues across the country. The Texas Country chart-topper will join Gary Allan, Paul Cauthen and Ryder Grimes on the Southfork Ranch stage. Donahew’s eight independent albums have landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart and his latest hits are among the most played on Texas radio.

 

While the evening’s concert starts at 5:30 p.m., the day begins 12 p.m. with VIP access. At 2 p.m., guests can experience barbecue from nearly 50 teams of competitive cooks and vote on People’s Choice.

Tickets for the concert at The Smokeout Fest start at just $75, with VIP tickets including access to the barbecue competition priced at $110. Tickets and parking can be purchased here. Whether you're a lifelong Texan or a visitor looking to experience the best of Texas culture, The Smokeout Fest promises to be an event to remember.

THE SMOKEOUT FEST EVENT DETAILS:

 

WHEN:              Saturday, Sept. 7, 2024

 

WHERE:            Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road, Parker, Texas 75002

 

SCHEDULE:      12 p.m. Gates open for VIP Experience

                           2 to 5 p.m. Barbecue Experience

                           4:30 p.m. Gates open to concert area

                           5:30 p.m.  Concerts begin

 

TICKETS:           Barbecue          $55

                           Concert            $75

                           VIP                    $110

                           Parking             $20

                           Ticket site: https://southforkranch.com/events/the-smokeout-fest/

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Farmers Branch-based Centurion American Development Group has owned Southfork Ranch since October 2022 and has worked to ensure that the historic portions of the 241-acre site are retained and improved. In a presentation to the Parker Planning & Zoning Commission on Thursday, Aug. 22, Centurion American outlined its plans for Southfork Ranch.

The developer will create 89 two-acre estate lots and plans to partner with a curated set of luxury builders to create the quality and caliber of residential development consistent with Parker’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The development team presented its vision for the future of Southfork Ranch at Thursday’s meeting and was approved by a unanimous vote.

As a key part of the presentation, the developer highlighted its plans for the 36.7-acre parcel that contains the Southfork Mansion, Event Center and Visitors Center, as well as the newly built rodeo arena.

“We’ve spent the past two years working to improve the Southfork Ranch site,” said Sean Terry, Centurion American’s vice president of entitlements. “We have long-term improvement plans to ensure that visitors can enjoy the history of Southfork Ranch for generations to come.

The Southfork Ranch team recently announced a robust calendar of events for Fall 2024, with additional events and festivals in the works.

Following the Planning & Zoning meeting, Centurion American will present its plans to the Parker City Council. Development timelines and contracted builders will be announced in the months that follow.

Centurion American Development Group has been lauded and recognized for its commitment to retaining historic buildings and sites, including its work with The Statler in Dallas and Collin Creek in Plano.

About Centurion American

Since 1990, Centurion American has developed well over 100,000 single-family lots in dozens of premier communities surrounding North Texas. Centurion has demonstrated the ability to effectively work with investors, landowners, financial institutions, and vendors to acquire over 35,000 acres of land inventory, resulting in a diverse mix of developments varying in size and scope. Delivering award-winning communities with impeccable amenities such as parks, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails, Centurion has successfully designed master-planned communities that have been recognized across the real estate industry.

Centurion has set the standard in purchasing and developing land in prime locations. Their developments have the right combination of natural land settings, strong job growth, good school systems, and access to local community shopping. Over the past 25 years, it is this proven track record of achievements that has consistently created excellent value and ROI for Centurion American partners, investors, builders, and homeowners. For more information visit CenturionAmerican.com.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

Farmers Branch-based Centurion American Development Group has owned Southfork Ranch since October 2022 and has worked to ensure that the historic portions of the 241-acre site are retained and improved. In a presentation to the Parker Planning & Zoning Commission on Thursday, Aug. 22, Centurion American outlined its plans for Southfork Ranch.

The developer will create 89 two-acre estate lots and plans to partner with a curated set of luxury builders to create the quality and caliber of residential development consistent with Parker’s Comprehensive Land Use Plan. The development team presented its vision for the future of Southfork Ranch at Thursday’s meeting and was approved by a unanimous vote.

As a key part of the presentation, the developer highlighted its plans for the 36.7-acre parcel that contains the Southfork Mansion, Event Center and Visitors Center, as well as the newly built rodeo arena.

“We’ve spent the past two years working to improve the Southfork Ranch site,” said Sean Terry, Centurion American’s vice president of entitlements. “We have long-term improvement plans to ensure that visitors can enjoy the history of Southfork Ranch for generations to come.

The Southfork Ranch team recently announced a robust calendar of events for Fall 2024, with additional events and festivals in the works.

Following the Planning & Zoning meeting, Centurion American will present its plans to the Parker City Council. Development timelines and contracted builders will be announced in the months that follow.

Centurion American Development Group has been lauded and recognized for its commitment to retaining historic buildings and sites, including its work with The Statler in Dallas and Collin Creek in Plano.

About Centurion American

Since 1990, Centurion American has developed well over 100,000 single-family lots in dozens of premier communities surrounding North Texas. Centurion has demonstrated the ability to effectively work with investors, landowners, financial institutions, and vendors to acquire over 35,000 acres of land inventory, resulting in a diverse mix of developments varying in size and scope. Delivering award-winning communities with impeccable amenities such as parks, golf courses, and hiking and biking trails, Centurion has successfully designed master-planned communities that have been recognized across the real estate industry.

Centurion has set the standard in purchasing and developing land in prime locations. Their developments have the right combination of natural land settings, strong job growth, good school systems, and access to local community shopping. Over the past 25 years, it is this proven track record of achievements that has consistently created excellent value and ROI for Centurion American partners, investors, builders, and homeowners. For more information visit CenturionAmerican.com.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest

As National Waffle Day draws near on August 24, Puttshack in Addison is ready to celebrate with a standout culinary creation: their signature Chicken and Waffle Flatbread. Known for its globally-inspired menu and high-tech mini-golf experience, Puttshack offers a unique twist on a beloved classic.

The Chicken and Waffle Flatbread features a sweet, fluffy Belgian waffle base topped with crispy house-fried chicken, combining textures and flavors in a delightful way. This modern take on the traditional chicken and waffles is enhanced by a rich jalapeño gravy that adds a subtle, spicy kick, perfectly balancing the savory chicken and sweet waffle. A drizzle of maple syrup completes the dish, providing just the right amount of sweetness to round out the flavors.

Puttshack’s vibrant atmosphere and state-of-the-art mini-golf make it the ideal setting to enjoy this special creation. Whether guests are savoring the Chicken and Waffle Flatbread or having fun on the mini-golf course, they’ll find an enjoyable and memorable way to celebrate National Waffle Day.

On August 24, Puttshack invites everyone to experience this mouthwatering flatbread and make National Waffle Day truly special. It’s a perfect chance to indulge in delicious food, beat the heat with indoor mini-golf, and enjoy a festive day out.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Donna Arp Weitzman, hostess; Therese Rourk, president, Women's Council

The buzz was all about the expansive market, its fabulous offerings and the new café!

Donna Arp Weitzman, a well-known community leader on the charity and business scenes and local author, hosted a lovely luncheon benefiting the Women’s Council of the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden’s board of directors at The Antique Table, Robin Jackson’s new café which just opened inside the Cottonwood Market.  Inside scoop: The café is Southern hospitality at its best! Offering a variety of salads, sandwiches, snacks, sweets, and brunch items made fresh daily, as well as specialty coffees, wine, a charcuterie board and fresh-baked pastries. The café is also available for small group meetings.
        
Located in Richardson at Coit and Belt Line Roads, Cottonwood Market is the perfect destination for all who seek antiques, jewelry (at heavily discounted prices), authenticated designer handbags, scarves and pashminas from Europe, over 1,000 works of art, furnishings, covetable collectibles, exquisite tableware and china from some of Dallas’ most high-profile estates and more.         
          
“We are delighted to welcome everyone to Cottonwood Market,” Donna said, as the ladies sipped wine and enjoyed the lovely luncheon and desserts.
        
Joining in the luncheon were Leesa Alhadef, Jeannie Nethery, Courtney Rourk, Anne Seanor and more.  
        
As part of her support for the Women’s Council and as underwriting chair for the upcoming A Writer’s Garden, Donna is donating a magnificent sapphire and diamond necklace to the live auction for the November 13th event.  As part of today’s luncheon, she also arranged for each purchase of certain items to be discounted 20%, which she and Herb will also match as a donation to the Women’s Council.
        
Women’s Council president, Therese Rourk, welcomed the crowd and reminded everyone to take a membership packet and share with friends. She introduced Joni Krieg, chair of A Writer’s Garden, who gave a rundown of what to expect at the much-anticipated event, including presentations from two fabulous speakers and authors, Martyn Lawrence Bullard and Stefani Bittner. Learn more at the website www.wcdabg.org
        
As a special surprise, Donna introduced Atin Jain, proprietor of Hari Jewels at Cottonwood Market, who donated an 18-carat gold necklace as a giveaway at today’s event. Mary Ellen Winborn was the lucky winner when she answered a trivia question correctly.
        
As a parting favor, Donna gifted everyone copies of a couple of her books: Cinderella Has Cellulite and her latest tome, Twisted Retribution: A Sarah Sears Novel, which is part one of a three-part series of books being eyed by Hollywood for a movie. Follow her on Instagram @donnaarpweitzman and Facebook @CinderellaHasCellulite
        
Cottonwood Market is a must-see destination located in the heart of the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex.  With 50,000 square feet to explore, you’ll find new treasures around every corner of our indoor antique mall. We are located at Dal-Rich Towne Square at Coit road and Belt Line Road in Richardson, Texas. At Cottonwood Market, there is something for everyone. Every visit is a new opportunity to find one-of-a-kind items to cherish. Our eclectic mix of dealers creates an unforgettable shopping experience with unique vintage goods, antiques, artisan items, home décor, boutique gifts, and so much more. We look forward to seeing you soon. Be sure to stop by our new café for lunch, a specialty coffee, glass of wine, a charcuterie board, or fresh baked pastry. We can’t wait to see you!  Visit the website at www.cottonwoodmarket.com for details and stunning photos.    
Photos by Thomas Garza.        
           

 

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Fairmont Dallas

Fairmont Dallas is excited to announce the grand reopening of its newly renovated lobby-level Starbucks with a special Dog Days of Summer event, celebrating International Dog Day. Scheduled for Monday, August 26, from 10:00 to 11:30 AM, this event will bring a delightful morning of pet-friendly activities, perfect for dog lovers and their furry companions.

The newly renovated Starbucks at Fairmont Dallas, located at 1717 North Akard Street, has been upgraded with an expanded beverage counter, a nitro cold brew station, and enhanced seating areas, making it an inviting space for guests and pets alike. The floor-to-ceiling windows and pet-friendly outdoor seating offer a relaxing environment to enjoy the sights and sounds of the Dallas Arts District.

The Dog Days of Summer event will feature a variety of fun and engaging activities for both pets and their owners. Local vendors, including Arie and Pru, will be on-site, offering an array of adorable dog bandanas for sale. In addition, guests can enjoy complimentary pet portraits by Caricatures By Guy With The Guitar, a unique and creative way to capture memories with their four-legged friends.

To add to the festivities, Fairmont Dallas’ talented pastry team has crafted special dog treats that will be available during the event. And of course, no visit to Starbucks would be complete without a Puppuccino, which will be offered to give your pups a taste of the Starbucks experience.

As part of the event’s commitment to supporting the community, 5% of sales from Arie and Pru will be donated to Operation Kindness, the largest no-kill shelter in North Texas. This donation will help provide care and find homes for animals in need, furthering Operation Kindness’ mission.

Fairmont Dallas invites all guests to join in this tail-wagging good time and celebrate the reopening of Starbucks with their beloved pets. Whether you’re a local resident or a visitor to the Dallas area, this event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a morning of fun, relaxation, and community spirit.

Gravatar
Pin on Pinterest
Photo Credit: Madison Shewmaker

The rooftop terrace at Fairmont Dallas is a breathtaking venue that’s sure to impress any audience, blending the elegance of the city’s skyline with the charm of a garden oasis.

 

Situated above the vibrant Dallas Arts District, the largest contiguous urban arts district in the United States which was also recently voted the nation’s best arts district by USA Today readers, the rooftop terrace offers sweeping views that are second to none. 

 

Event planners have enjoyed the unique opportunity to host their next gathering under the stars, surrounded by the glittering lights of the Dallas skyline. The terrace features a Junior Olympic pool, a rooftop garden that supplies fresh produce for the hotel’s dishes, and ample space to accommodate everything from intimate gatherings to grand celebrations.

 

Fairmont Dallas is a AAA Four-Diamond property known for its blend of luxury and Texas hospitality. While the hotel boasts over 70,000 square feet of versatile meeting space, it’s the rooftop terrace that truly stands out as a venue that transforms any event into an unforgettable experience. 

 

Whether it’s a social event or a corporate retreat, the terrace offers a refreshing outdoor setting where guests can enjoy the beautiful Texas weather while taking in panoramic views of the city.

 

The hotel’s dedicated team of professionals ensures every event is executed flawlessly, offering state-of-the-art audiovisual services and crafting custom menus with sustainably sourced, locally inspired ingredients. From planning to execution, Fairmont Dallas provides a level of service that reflects the expectations of a world-class city.

 

Too learn more, visit fairmont.com/dallas. 

 

Patricia Chi

On Saturday, August 17, the Coppell High School Cross Country boys and girls teams competed at the Waxahachie Woodhouse Invitational. This event gave Coppell athletes the chance to race against 23 teams from across the DFW area.

Individual and Team Highlights:

Varsity Girls:

  • Placed 4th overall.
  • Maya Easterwood placed 1st overall, finishing in 17:10. Mallory Sherrer finished 18th with a time of 19:09. Other scorers included Rachel Arrington (20:57) and Lauren Bennett (21:03).
  • Coach Wren expressed his satisfaction: “I was pleased with our fourth-place finish. I believe it's the highest we’ve finished in the last four years. The girls really attacked the course, and their times reflect that. Maya Easterwood had an unbelievable performance today, running a 17:10. To my knowledge, I don’t think any Coppell girl has ever run a 5K that fast. That time is nearly a minute faster than what she ran at the state meet last year. I’m excited to watch us progress this year. No one outworks these girls. They’re fun to watch train, and I’m confident we’ll continue to improve.”

Varsity Boys:

  • Placed 1st overall out of 30 teams.
  • Top finishers included Pranav Vegiraju (1st, 14:59), Rohit Kalpathy (12th, 15:45), Grant O’Neal (16th, 15:54), Srivanth Rudrangi (19th, 16:03), and Jayden Benjamin (16:12).
  • Coach Wren reflected: “Pranav Vegiraju running a sub-15 was impressive, though not surprising due to his work ethic. He works so hard in practice, so I was excited to see him run a 14:59. Having three runners under 16 and the other two of the top five running low 16s was fun to watch. I think some coaches around the state will take notice of what we accomplished today. Another notable performance was Diego Morales running a 16:32 as our #6 runner. This was a great first step toward our goal of becoming district champions. We have a long way to go, but this was a nice start.”

JV Girls:

  • Placed 2nd overall.
  • Top finishers included Avery Fishman (9th, 22:24), Ava Garcia (13th, 22:41), Shreya Shah (16th, 22:45), and Akshaya Ashokanand (17th, 22:45).
  • Coach Wren was impressed: “We finished 2nd overall, and like the JV boys, we have many young runners who rose to the occasion today. Many of these girls ran a 5K for the first time, but you wouldn’t know it from the way they attacked the course. They were led by Avery Fishman and Ava Garcia, who both ran excellent races.”

JV Boys:

  • Placed 1st overall.
  • Top finishers included Samuel Meier (2nd, 17:36), Itsuki Pena (3rd, 17:41), Sidharth Kerthipati (6th, 17:57), Myles Metrano (8th, 17:58), and Marco Noyola (11th, 18:14).
  • Coach Wren was thrilled: “Winning the meet with 30 points is pretty impressive. Our top four runners were freshmen, led by Samuel Meier and Itsuki Pena. I’m excited to see these younger runners continue to develop. They’ve bought into what we’re doing, so I’m not surprised they’ve had early success.”

Coach Wren concluded: “Overall, I’m pleased with all four teams. It was great to see us competing on the course against other schools. This year’s competition was tougher than the last couple of years, so it was a fantastic way to start our season. I’m looking forward to the progress we’ll make moving forward. Next week, we’ll compete at the Greenhill 6-mile Relay, which is a little different but a lot of fun. I can’t wait to watch our kids compete there.”

Contact Information:
For more details or to support the team, please contact Patricia Chi at chi.patricia@gmail.com or (469) 831-3709.