The check in is seamless with the ‘Welcome Desk’ setting the cowboy chic mood with cool water or a trip over to the Living Room Bar for something a little stronger. A quick visit with the concierge to set up dinner and I headed over to the elevator lobby. The exclusivity of use when it comes to who can board the elevators is a touch that made me feel special and safe. The hallway leading to my room has been transformed into a mudflap girl meets classy cowboy space with colors that please the eye and entice a relaxed feeling.

Any experience at the W Dallas is sure to be exactly whatever the guest craves or is in the mood for. The Whatever, Whenever service brings something special. Around the clock concierge is there to tune in to whatever needs, wants or requests that you may have and boy do they deliver.

I entered my cool corner room and my jaw dropped. It’s got a social-sized living space lit by the floor-to-ceiling windows. I found myself wanting to curl up in the window-side chaise or watch my favorite movie or show on the 42” wall mounted plasma TV. I even had a dining table for 6. A bloggers dream come true comes in the form of an oversized desk with every charger connection you can think of. There’s even a rainforest shower with a  downpour and the legendary Bliss family of products. I was in heaven.

My favorite part though? Diving into the huge, comfy king-sized dreams with goose-down comforter and down-filled pillows. Sweet dreams. Remember that Whatever/Whenever service? I craved late night cookies and milk and bam, in a flash I was snacking.

As a new puppy parent, having my dog Oliver there with me was special. There aren’t many hotels that allow pets but the W welcomes your furry friends to join and they will pamper them too!

Overall, the W Dallas Victory Hotel has gotten a Texas-sized facelift that pleases with every turn. The hotel is full of fun surprises and relaxing opportunities, so book that vacation or stay cation immediately and revel in one of their sleek guest rooms and suites, fresh off a multimillion-dollar renovation.

“After six years on the Dallas scene, we’re thrilled to reveal W Dallas – Victory’s new look with the renovation of our guestrooms and corridors,” said Darryl Jett, General Manager, W Dallas – Victory. “As a cutting edge lifestyle brand, we’ve invigorated the space to improve the guest experience while amplifying the southern aesthetic our visitors have come to know.”

The hotel now comes with “traditional Texas accents inspired by the masculine modern cowboy and the feminine belle.” After stopping into some of the new rooms to check them out, I can see exactly what they mean. Accent pillows adorned with blonde haired, tiara topped beauty queens give how-to details on how to tease your hair to Texas perfection when reversed on its back side. Wow! Talk about Dall-itude. I expected nothing less from you, W!

Here’s a bit more on the details from the W Hotel chain.

“The refreshed rooms activate guests’ senses with cowboy cool textures such as cowhide and snake skin and design accents including lasso sculptures, jewel toned hardware, armadillo skin embellishments, and more. W Dallas restyled all nine rooms, including the iconic, 1,323-square-foot Extreme Wow Suite located on the 15^th floor overlooking Victory Park and downtown Dallas.

New custom furniture outfits all guest rooms including platform beds, headboards and side tables, sofas, dining and coffee tables and desks, as well as updated sofas and headboards.  Each room also had a new W Bed mattress. Custom carpets line the hotel corridors and rooms with a hidden homage to an iconic woman’s silhouette. Whimsical décor including custom pillows and throws following the design narrative add texture and comfort to each room.”

Those custom carpet lines? Yeah they’re mud flap girls! So cool and definitely a Dallas touch. The hotel chain spent over $100 million on renovations of 11 of its properties and I’m sure these touches will add to the guest experience that is already rich in comfort and style!

So come stay a night (or nights) and see how the W Dallas – Victory is bringing cowboy chic to life in a big way!

Just got this press release for a photo shoot this city won’t soon forget…

Extras needed for a Mavs themed photo in the BIG ad campaign!

The city of Dallas is shooting at American Airlines Center Wednesday evening, and they’d love to have you in the picture. They need a few hundred volunteers as extras walking into the AAC. The ad will be used locally, regionally and nationally in print and online.

All you need to do is show up in Mavs gear or Mavs colors (white, navy blue, royal blue or kelly green).

Come out and show your love for Big D and the Dallas Mavericks!

The fun starts at 6pm…I’ll see you at Victory Park! Dress nice and cool!

More details: 

Parking: Free parking at the AudiPark Garage on the northeast corner of the AAC. You can enter the AudiPark Garage from North Houston Street or North Akard Street.

When you arrive, please check in at the pop up tent set up next to the RV. The RV will be in the alley between the AA plaza and the AAC building.

Going on May 17 – 19 this year, the festival features booth after booth of delicious food from the top restaurants in Addison. There are 60 booths in total. Now, if that doesn’t get you going how about celebrity chef appearances by Tre Wilcox and Kent Rathbun (Abacus, Blue Plate Kitchen, Jaspers)?! I mean come on, does it get any better. But wait! If you act now, we’ll throw in concerts by Blue October, Turnpike Troubadours, Sister Hazel and Reckless Kelly!

Ticket prices:

Ages 4 and Older

Friday – $15 

Saturday – $5 Before 5pm; $15 After 5pm

Sunday – $5

Today I got a sneak peek at a few of the restaurants competing for top honors at the “Taste The Competition” event. Here’s a tasty look at what you can expect to see and eat at this years Taste Addison. And y’all, bring those ‘eating pants’.

Visit http://www.addisontexas.net/events/TasteAddison/ for more info!

The Fort Worth Food & Wine Festival will showcase the many culinary talents of Fort Worth during its four-day spring celebration next year, March 27-30, 2014. The event plans to infuse historic venues and homegrown flavor with celebrated local chefs, culinary professionals, and wine makers into twenty events throughout the weekend. The festival honors the distinctive nature of Fort Worth cooking, food, beverage and culinary traditions and aims to bring national attention to the Fort Worth food scene.

I recently chatted with Festival front man, Reata’s Assistant General Manager and president of the Tarrant County Restaurant Association, Russell Kirkpatrick to get his thoughts on the highly anticipated event.

I see that you all have a great line up for the festival. How’d this all come about?

RK: Right now we have out executive committee of business leaders, restauranteurs and chefs whose input we really trust to really shape the festival. The event is running Thursday – Sunday. The kickoff event is at Billy Bobs on Thursday night. As we open it up throughout the weekend, we’ve got some wine dinners around the city. We definitely hope to bring in chefs from outside the city as well, be it Dallas, San Antonio, Houston or Austin. You know, 5 years down the road, is it possible to have 75-percent of the chefs come from outside the DFW area? Yes, but we understand that this first year a lot of those chefs won’t be in the Fort Worth area. The goal for us for the Fort Worth residents to have the Tim Love and Jon Bonnell, Lanny Lancarte and those are chefs that you can go to their restaurant any night. It would also be great to bring in some Dallas talent like Rathbun, Pyles or Fearing, then locals are able to eat their food with out driving all the way to Dallas and we can have a couple of things for Dallas residents as well. We’re able to showcase our best restaurants like Lonesome Dove or Reata or Grace. You come for the weekend and you’re able to eat the food from restaurants in Fort Worth!

Why has it taken so darn long for something like this to come along?

RK: (Laughs) And you know, I get that question a lot. It took us a couple years to really nail some things down. I took part in the Buffalo Gap Food and Wine summit and after a few years of doing that, I decided it was time for Fort Worth to get in the mix. There’s obviously competition between the two cities, but when it comes to great restaurants, amazing winemakers and venues…the DFW metroplex is blessed with some of the best.

You all have so much talent out there, how will FWFWF attendees be able to pack in all the sights?

RK: We are going to do three grand tastings. One on Friday night, Saturday and Sunday during the day. Friday night will be our big tasting around the newly renovated Sundance Square. It’s a beautiful area where we will have cooking demos, retail and merchants. Let’s say you’ve got the grand tasting and cooking demos on Saturday or a winemakers dinner on Sunday… There’s so much to do. We want to highlight as many parts of the city as possible. Sundance, The Stockyards, there are so many parts of the city that might not normally be seen and we want to showcase those areas. We MIGHT do mimosas at the Modern Art Museum or a Sip and Stroll on Magnolia Avenue.

The first ever food truck park in North Texas came out of Fort Worth. Any chance that could be incorporated into the weekend as well? 

RK: We are actively pursuing an avenue for which to highlight that community. We want to be creative with it and we know it’s a different demographic. You’ve got so many different kinds of demos when talking about food & wine. There’s the high-end crowd that wants to partake in a wine dinner at Del Friscos and then you have the food truck connoisseur and craft beer enthusiast. The programming goal around the festival is to keep it simple while really proving that we are a city full of culinary talents.

Any events in the mix leading up to the FWFWF? 

RK: We’ve got a few things up our sleeves that I’m not at liberty to talk about just quite yet. Possibly a sneak peak party in the Fall when tickets go on sale…

Nothing welcomes the tee up season in North Texas like the Byron Nelson Classic. This year, the tournament celebrates its 46th year and a legacy that can’t be forgotten. The Byron Nelson runs May 12-19 with the final round of the classic taking place Sunday May 19th.

Golf Pros like Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Vijay Singh have taken to the green to compete for top honors and the crowd can be seen flocking from hole to hole to catch a glimpse of the sports celebrities. Returning champions Jason Dufner (2012), Keegan Bradley (2011), Jason Day (2010) and Rory Sabbatini (2009) will compete this year again!

This year, attendees can go VIP with the ‘Capital One Clubhouse Experience’ at the Nelson’s two premier holes, No. 17 and No. 18. Tickets go for $150 will feature premier covered seating with the best views of golf action,  access to a VIP hospitality venue on the greens of No. 17 and 18 with free soft drinks, beer and water. Upgraded concession food will also be available for purchase and HD-TVs will provide a sports bar atmosphere.

Free parking is included at the Nelson’s general public parking lot. Capital One Clubhouse daily tickets can be purchased through hpbnc.org, or by clicking here. A limited number of tickets are available for each day.

Fans who purchase Capital One Clubhouse ticket(s) through hpbnc.org by Friday, April 12; will receive a commemorative 2013 Nelson t-shirt.

The Byron Nelson is always highly attended (they expect 250,000 this year) and parking can be a bit tricky. This year they’ve laid out some easy tips and tricks for navigating the lots that can be found here.

Dont miss this highly recommended event and staple in DFW see and be seen culture.

The spa itself is tucked away in the right side of the lobby area and includes its own personal garage for spa visitors, fancy. I took the spa elevator up, checked in and before I knew it was being whisked away to the habitat of relaxation. The mens locker room is spacious and included a sauna, plenty of showers and a sink area filled with product to be used after and before your treatment.

Wrapped up in a swank robe, I slinked myself over to the quiet room and sipped lemon infused tea while paging through the latest edition of Esquire. Soon after, I met Lisa who was to be performing my Z Peel Facial. She took me to the treatment room, asked my a few questions about my grooming style, habits and any sensitivity then we started. The Z Peel is “gentle yet incredibly effective. The Japanese mushroom enzyme mask dissolves away excess dead skin while stimulating blood flow and encouraging natural detoxification. Careful extractions follow, and then the application of a customized mask. Fatigued skin is given new life, and signs of age melt away.” I gave in as a steam mask ran over my thirsty facial pores and Lisa applied every cream and gel under the sun the revive my skin. The facial itself lasts a quick 45 minutes and could be done at lunch time if your feeling risky. You make noticed just the slightest bit of redress around the cheeks but rest easy knowing that you’ve been stricken clean of blackheads and grease that buries itself into the pores on a daily basis.

I’m not sure what I was thinking never venturing to facial land before this experience but I can tell you one thing, Exhale has one of the most leisurely and enjoyable spa programs in Dallas. I felt comfortable and peaceful the entire visit and for a guy, thats saying a lot. Thanks to Exhale Spa for having me in and I hope that my dapper dudes and dude-ettes alike will make your way to relaxation station at Exhale.

Exhale Spa

5300 E Mockingbird Ln  Dallas, TX 75206
(214) 370-5800

Worried dapper Dallasites, meet my Top 10 list for ways go to about ringing in the New Year in style.

 Photo credit: Sandbox Studio

1. Central 214’s New Years Eve Dinner

I recently had the pleasure of visiting Galleria Dallas to work with Head Stylist and Spokesperson Holly Quartaro. The mission? Find easy to wear and smart mens fashion ideas for the Holiday season. With assorted price points and styles in mind, we set off into the dapper jungle of boutiques and stores at Galleria Dallas to put together our favorites. Ladies, Gents…take note!

Starting from the boot up, this find from Carlo Pazolini lined with fur for added warmth will be ideal for winter months.

For the more urban inclined soiree, these lace ups from Kenneth Cole are a comfy and cool way to make the shoes pop.

Classic Gucci Loafers are a great way to keep a classy look together and won’t wear your soles after a long Holiday get together

Don’t be afraid to accessorize! Galleria newcomer Uno De 50 has a selection of red-hot, in season leather hook bands that creates instant arm candy. PINK! By Thomas Pink also has playful cufflinks that create a separation in the normal, boring cuff style.

Bow ties are on my must try list for those Dallas guys who haven’t yet explored the realm. Pink again has a playful and classic black velvet version that sways left of the norm for an attention grabbing take on the tie!

The next few looks are about putting it all together for a fun night out, company Holiday party or just a classed up evening.

Sophisticated and styled come together beautifully for the younger bunch at Club Monaco where layered outerwear makes the perfect combination of comfortable and classic while still keeping chic.

For a lighter look, might I suggest a button down, tie and light-weight sweater mix courtesy of Express:Men. Crazy sale prices mean no excuses for making one of these options yours for Holiday fun.

Catching a production? Company Holiday party or just a date night..the popular skinny tie, light blazer and slacks will do the trick thanks to Zara Man!

I always make it a point to mention that Holiday high fashion never has to mean high price tag. Thanks to our friends at H&M, I was able to find scarves at $20 or less, leather bands for $5.95 and hot trend varsity jackets for $30. So find your inspiration and go with the price tier you feel comfortable with. Galleria Dallas has a full line up that suits every Dallas man and his unique style this time of year.

Thanks again to Holly and our friends at Galleria Dallas!

The space is fun and inviting with a sense of casual, thoughtful stylistic touches. Warm wood and copper accents, exposed hung lighting and a bar that beckons for a custom crafted cocktail. Most of the interior pieces from the former restaurant, like the industrial wooden blinds, were kept and fit well with the new vibe. The music, and indie mix of both modern and yesterdays classic mellow tunes, lends itself to the diners content during the meal.

The menu reflects the gastropub stylings of former Craft chef, Rick Graff. Small plates for sharing meets playful salads and appetizers, my kind of joint. I could easily see this place being the perfect setting for a first, second or any night of the week date.

We started with a few of the specialty cocktails from the mind of barkeep Kyle Paris. The Grapefruit Cooler (Pauliner Hefe-Weizen, El Jimado Reposado, Grapefruit and Paprika Sea-salt rim) was the perfect citrus infused drink to open the palette and the beer throughout did not over power. The West Side (Hangar One, Lemon and Mint) refreshed and brought a zing with in a classic manner. We were made aware that all of the infusions and syrups are made daily in house, score.

We quickly moved into our choices for dinner, which we were advised to make all at once as the dining experience would be staggered to our pacing. A restaurant who truly cares for quality service and attentively spaced coursing. Point – Cook Hall.

The bases were covered. Creamy and buttery as all get out, the Burrata with Argula pesto and pancetta was gloriously slathered on fresh toasted crostini. The cheese comes courtesy of Paula Lamberts Dallas Mozzarella Company and its craftsmanship shows with each bite.

A Kale Caesar was chosen and although a bit salty, the breaded egg that lent it’s yolk mellowed out the dish. We also tried the caramelized cauliflower; crispy and sweet sided with what seemed to be raisins. Intriguing and tasty.

Next came mains. A flavorful medium Grilled Hanger Steak with Chimichurri was perfection. Juicy and wonderful, no feared chewy or over salted pieces to be found. The chimichurri was a great touch of herb freshness to counteract the protein.

A trio of Pork Belly Sliders with Chili Mayo was spicy and packing a pork punch. Think bbq chopped pork meets sriracha mayo, delightful indulgence.

The Pimento Mac & Cheese is also a winner with a kick to the traditional shells and cheese.

Couldnt escape Cook Hall without allowing myself  a bite of the Strawberry Cream Cheese Layer Cake. Holy Cow, wheel me out. This ice box pie had layer upon layer of fresh berries, fresh whipped cream and a light cake that felt like comfort food on crack. Don’t miss this.

The ‘Cocktail Kit’ is unique to this establishment as well and allows guests to mix and muddle their favorite items into a spirited creation. It’s one of the most fun and interactive experiences that I’ve had at a restaurant in town. Dallas take note, and put Cook Hall at the top of your places to dine list.

Cook Hall

2440 Victory Park Lane

Dallas, Texas 75219