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With film festivals being held year-round in fabulous locations across the country, it's surprising how few video festivals are out there, but here's one to look out for if you find yourself in Dallas this November 6-9, 2008. The Dallas Video Festival was founded in 1986 when film makers Bart Weiss and Melissa Berry curated a show entitled "Video as a Creative Medium," and it has grown over the past two decades into one of the premiere showcases of cutting edge new videos by both traditional directors and avant-garde video artists. This year's schedule includes an eclectic assortment of comedy, drama, and documentary videos, including Raiders of the Lost Ark: the Adaptation, a shot-by-shot adaptation of the original film by three inspired twelve-year-olds in 1981, and Guest of Cindy Sherman, a chronicle of one videographer's interactions with the legendary narrative photographer. The films are presented at the Angelika Film Center, one of the city's greatest venues to experience such a wealth of video excellence. Guests at the nearby Joule, Dallas or any of Starwood's Dallas properties might enjoy this enlightening collection of video art and film.
Recently in Dallas Category
Cutting-edge Video Comes to Life in Dallas
Friday October 24, 2008
MoreTake a Stroll Through the 19th Century West at Dallas Heritage Village
Monday September 8, 2008
The city of Dallas was founded back in 1841, but most of the buildings you see today are a product of the 20th century. Fortunately, there are still places where you can see what life was like when Dallas was little more than a collection of farms, small businesses, and a few hundred head of cattle. The Dallas Heritage Center, located just south of downtown in Old City Park, is a recreation of a northern Texas town from 1840-1910, with 38 historic structures and a working Civil War-era farm. An afternoon exploring this wooded 13-acre indoor/outdoor museum is like a trip back in time, with a variety of interactive exhibits designed to give visitors a vivid picture of real life in the Old West. The Blum Brothers General Store (pictured), for example, dates back to 1892, when Simon Blum moved from Galveston to expand his family business. Today, it serves as the village's grocery, dry goods, hardware, and notions outlet. Then there's the Clementine Freight and Delivery Service, a livery shop that still sends out wagon teams to ferry people and freight around town. Chances are you'll find me in the Alamo Saloon, where today's visitors can do much as locals did 150 years ago: enjoy a beer and some conversation with friends. With five locally-produced microbrews on offer, however, I think today's beers are going to taste a lot better. Progress is good, sometimes. Starwood has properties throughout the Dallas area, including The Joule, Dallas, a member of Starwood's Luxury Collection.
Have a Frosty Drink in Dallas
Thursday July 10, 2008
The margarita has been around for quite awhile, and its origins are a bit nebulous — but the frozen margarita is another story. It was created in 1971 in Dallas by restaurateur Mariano Martinez. Martinez's original restaurant is closed and his first machine is now in the Smithsonian, but you can still get a quality rendition of the classic — in multiple flavors — at Mariano's Hacienda. Unfortunately, the food rates as only so-so, but it'll suck up the tequila just fine. The frozens are good at Margarita Ranch, too — try the "suicide," a mix of lime, mango, strawberry and prickly pear.
For a much higher-end margarita, visit Trece Mexican Kitchen + Tequila Lounge, where you can choose from more than 120 tequilas for your handcrafted margarita — on the rocks, please, not frozen. The food is much better, too, earning it a Best Mexican award from the Dallas Observer last year.
Taking margaritas to a whole different level is the Dallas Margarita Society, a children's charity that throws a Margarita Ball at the Sheraton Dallas Hotel in November.
[image courtesy of The Smithsonian]
Starpick the Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel
Wednesday June 25, 2008
Dallas is always hot in the summer, but this year the place positively sizzles with excitement as one of the most elegant and stylish new hotels the city has seen in years opens its doors. The Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel is now welcoming its first guests, ushering in a new era in design, ambiance, and comfort on Main Street in downtown Dallas. Those interested in being among the first to explore this dazzling new destination are in luck, as the Joule, a Luxury Collection Hotel is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends. That's as good a reason as any to check out the restored 1920's neo-Gothic facade, striking lobby, and ten-story tower. Don't miss the jaw-dropping rooftop bar and pool, which is cantilevered over the street below and has a Plexiglas window to provide amazing views to those both in and out of the water. Chef Charlie Palmer's new restaurant, Charlie Palmer at the Joule, is a perfect place to relax at the end of the day, savor some spectacular American cuisine, and think about where you'd like to travel next.
Starpick the W Dallas - Victory
Wednesday May 21, 2008
Dallas is one of those rare cities that actually succeeds in being all things to all people. From renowned theaters and museums to raucous rodeos and finger-licking barbecue joints, the traveler will find no shortage of experiences that are at once cosmopolitan and uniquely Texan. Springtime is a great time for a weekend getaway to Dallas, so why not enjoy a couple of days in this western metropolis? The W Dallas - Victory is one of this week's participating Starpicks properties, with last-minute rates of at least 20% off regular rates for stays during the next two weekends, so it won't take much to find yourself in the center of the action. The W Dallas - Victory is located in the Victory Park neighborhood, just minutes from the Dallas Museum of Art, Dallas World Aquarium, and the flagship Neiman Marcus store. And while some of the city's greatest restaurants and lounges are nearby as well, the hotel is itself a destination for foodies and night owls. Craft Dallas features a menu of Chef Tom Colicchio's finest culinary creations, while Ghostbar, a sleek rooftop ultra-lounge on the thirty-third floor (pictured), is the place to sip a well-made cocktail and take in the gorgeous views and fashionable people. The W Dallas - Victory is just one of nearly 100 Starpicks properties this week, so check the list and see where your impulses take you.
"Top Chef" Food Tour
Tuesday April 15, 2008
The popularity of Bravo's "Top Chef" means a whole new crop of celebrity chefs are out there, trying to turn their TV time into restaurant success. Here are three places to taste the creations of past competitors:
• In New York, Season 1 winner Harold Dieterle's Perilla, near the W Union Square, is ensuring his fame extends beyond 15 minutes.
• Stephen Aspirinio, the young wine expert from Season 1, is making waves in West Palm Beach with his Forte di Aspirinio. It's a quick drive from The Resort at Singer Island.
• Season 3 finalist Casey Thompson remains executive chef at Shinsei in Dallas, a few minutes north of the Sheraton Suites Market Center. Thompson's pan-Asian dishes pair up with premium sushi in this popular spot near Love Field. (Try the "ethereal" braised short ribs.)
If you've ever wondered just how real these reality show contestants are, these restaurants are each a great opportunity to find out. And stay tuned — Season 3's Dale Levitsky will be opening a place of his own in Chicago later this year.
Jaime Gottlieb is the Manager of Online Communications for the Luxury Brands Group and thelobby.com's source on all happenings at W Hotels.
Introducing the latest in Whatever/Whenever® services, W Hotels and Acura have announced an exclusive partnership for W Hotels guests. The 300-horsepower Acura MDX, the preferred vehicle of W Hotels Worldwide, is ready to show you the town from a whole new perspective.
Starting in 2008, W guests can request their ride in select W Hotels. Whether it’s shopping on 5th Avenue, a ride down Rodeo Drive or a swift lift to Bourbon Street, bring your sensory experience along. Just dial the Acura Ambassador or Whatever/Whenever, reserve a complimentary ride and enjoy an SUV stocked with W essentials like Tidy Towels, Wish magazines and signature W music. To help guide you along your way, the MDX is filled with technologically advanced amenities like the Acura Navigation System with on-demand Zagat® reviews. Find where you’re going and the perfect entrée to order once you get there. The Acura Experience is ready to whisk you away at all W Hotels in the U.S., starting April 1, 2008.
Take a Trip Through TV History at Southfork Ranch in Dallas
Friday October 26, 2007Dallas is more than just a city, it is also the name of one of the most popular TV shows of the late-seventies and eighties. This evening soap opera introduced a generation of Americans to the fantasy world of privilege and wealth enjoyed by the oil-rich residents of Dallas, Texas, complete with plenty of action, intrigue, backstabbing, and bedroom shenanigans. While the show is long gone (and probably due for a revival), Dallas fans can visit the ranch where the drama unfolded. Southfork Ranch, in Plano, about 25 miles from the W Dallas - Victory, offers tours and special events that are uniquely Texan. Tour the grounds where Texas longhorns roam and Jock used to drive his trusty Lincoln Continental. Walk through the Ewing mansion and peek into J.R.'s bedroom, with its opulent canopy bed. See the gun that was used to shoot him during the cliffhanger episode that had most of America asking "Who shot J.R.?" Rethink your own theories as you amble across this sprawling piece of TV history. Tours are held every day, so drop by when you're in the area for a nostalgic look at a place that once captivated the country's imagination.
A Pumpkin Patch And A Chocolate Tree At The Dallas Arboretum
Monday October 15, 2007There's no better time than October to surround yourself with the colors of fall. If you're in Dallas this month, it's an easy feat. Just take a trip to the Dallas Arboretum where over 22,000 chrysanthemums and marigolds burst with the most brilliant yellow, orange, and red hues.
All month the garden celebrates "Autumn at the Arboretum: The Great Pumpkin Festival." From 9 to 5 every day, the whole family can enjoy wonderful seasonal treats and activities like a run through the "Hay Bale Maze", or a hay ride. On weekends get dressed up in your best costume and join the parade, have your face painted, and perhaps even get a chance to sing along...
Once you've had your fill of the Tom Thumb Pumpkin Patch, meander through the arboretum's sunken gardens and pecan groves, past water walls, and along the banks of White Rock Lake. With over twenty gardens, from the manicured, to the wild, you can spend all day strolling around, smelling the flowers... and the chocolate!
Through January 6, the arboretum hosts "The Amazing Chocolate Tree National Exhibit." Learn all about the history of cacao, and have a taste of Chocolate Tea! And now that you know all about the culinary delights of the cacao seed, learn to cook with Hot Rocks at the Westin City Center's 650 North Bar, or sip a "Trick-or-Tini" while watching a DVD in your room at the W Dallas - Victory.
Deep Fried Dallas
Friday September 14, 2007The State Fair of Texas, which starts Sept. 28, has long been a leader in deep-fried food innovation; the now-classic deep-fried Oreo made its debut there, and last year's deep-fried Coke (Coca-Cola syrup mixed with batter and deep-fried, then drizzled with more syrup) took the tradition in a whole new direction as you can tell by this video.
The winner of this year's Big Tex Choice Awards food competition was deep-fried cookie dough, but the dish that caught everyone's attention seemed to be the deep-fried latte. It's the brainchild of Michael Levy of Desperados Mexican Restaurant in Dallas and Garland, Texas. It's not as gross as it might sound — the Levys fry pillows of dough and top it with cappuccino ice cream, caramel, whipped cream and decaffeinated instant coffee for a dessert treat with just a little pick-me-up power. Watch it being made here. The same team came up with the deep-fried Cosmopolitan for last year's competition; that delectable ended up on the dessert menu at the restaurant, so expect to see the deep-fried latte join it once the fair is over.
Desperados is known for more than just crazy confections, though; it's one of the best Tex-Mex restaurants in Dallas, with addictive tacos and margaritas that have been voted tops for five years running. The Dallas location is minutes away from the Westin Park Central.
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