Desi City Guide for DallasDCG
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DESI CITY GUIDE FOR DALLAS
Being the 3rd largest city of Texas and the 9th largest in United states it has a huge population of more than 1.2 million according to 2010 census. Texas has the 4th largest concentration of south Asians in U.S.A thus the concentration of Desis in Dallas is bound to be high. It was formally called a city only in the year 1856. The economy of Dallas is based on diverse industries like telecommunications, information technology and transportation. It is also a storehouse of resources like oil and cotton which has made it a centre for trade and has historical importance.
The inland port and the port are one of the busiest places of Dallas and an analysis of the transactions would show that the South Asians are a frequent traveler here. The Trinity River is a major waterway in the city and tourists from all over like to travel through it. The White Rock Lake is a favorite spot for the local desis out there along with Bachman Lake. North Lake is also becoming a South Asian hub for weekends. The skyline of the city of Dallas is a must watch because architecture is well known all over the world, notable ones are JFK memorial, Dallas City hall etc. they are a must watch for South Asian tourists.
Attractive places in Dallas for Desis’
Dallas has a visible minority of South Asians thus the culture is also streaked by it. Other than barbeque south Asian cuisines are popular here as well because of the cosmopolitan taste of the people. Restaurants are a major business here and understandably many are owned and run by South Asian. Bollywood and Korean films are very popular in Dallas. It hosts many entertainment events all year round. The multi screen film theatres are a major business run by South Asians in Dallas. It has one of the largest numbers of TV and radio stations in the country. The state Fair of Texas is a major event hosted by Dallas which attracts a number of Desis to visit.
Cinco de Mayo festivals and Saint Patrick’s Day is a must watch that is enjoyed by the local desis as well as the tourists. Many sports are played here professionally namely soccer, football, rugby, hokey and the like which attracts many desis to visit Dallas due to all the action. The city has around 406 parks which is often visited by the desis and are some of them are major tourist attractions. Dallas Zoo is no exception. The urban park of Dallas is a place of curiosity for all as it houses many attractions.
The musts visits for all South Asian tourists in Dallas are Texas motor Speedway which is a craze for the youth. Margaret Hunt hill Bridge a major tourist attraction for everyone. And not to mention the very many stadiums which are a work of art architecturally. Visit to this city gives you an incomplete feeling while leaving as it keeps you longing for more.
Some other links:
To shop:
Sputnik Modern:From Italian gilt to mod mid-century, this local guy finds awesome, eye-popping seating, tables, lighting and accessories for your home.
Form: Right across Henderson from Sputnik Modern is where you can find this little gem full of mid-century greatness.
Again Design Studio: The most amazing collection of consignment in the city, this tiny store is jam packed with gorgeous furniture just waiting for a great home. Leslie Pritchard, treasure seeker + reinvention genius founded ADS after her first shop, Again & Again, was/is such a huge success. A must see.
We Are 1976: Nothing like it in this city or any other I can think of for that matter. A new addition to the Dallas design scene and we are so thrilled to have them land here. This store is overflowing with design happiness. Founded by Vynsie Law (a graphic designer), her brother and sister-in-law, together they seek out a well-edited array of toys, home goods, art objects, books, jewelry and apparel from local and international designers. Lots of indie love here.
Again and Again: A small shop with a lot of heart. Find estate cast-aways that owner Leslie Pritchard has recovered, repainted and reinvented in to cool, chic furnishings.
Gypsy Wagon: Next door to A&A a fun and funky gift shop, filled with a whimsical and eclectic mix of flea market finds, antiques, jewelry, apparel and housewares
La Mariposa: The oldest retailer of Mexican Imports this side of the border. Mexican Imports and Folk Art.
Consignment Heaven: A consignment store in the midst of high end antique shops but don’t be fooled by it’s high end appearance at first glance. There are deals to be had on great pieces.
Nick Brock Antiques: A stockpile of magnificent antiques. Definitely worth a walk through even if you’re just window shopping.
William Christopher: A finer home furnishings store with so much oohlala and fab style it’s hard to take (not really). 2933 North Henderson Avenue, 214.528.3434
Forty Five Ten: A boutique known for selling Derek Lam, Marni and other straight-from-the-runway brands of clothing, Forty Five Ten also has a wonderful collection of accessories for the home like crystal logs for your faux fireplace, pewter dinnerware and John Derian products among much more. In the back with an adorable patio is a perfect spot for lunching ladies, the T room. A jewel of the city.
Quatrine Custom: slip-covered furniture that looks feminine and cozy. Livable and washable luxury. Think beachy, think Hamptons, think lovely.
Mecox Gardens: Enter Mecox for jaw-droppingly beautiful home furnishings from bookends to sofas. Every bit is more lovely than the last.
Urban Flower/Grange Hall: Honestly one of the most unique shops in the entire city, well, country really. You will find unique flowers and amazing succulents but this boutique is primarily a gift gallery for lovers of the bizarre and gorgeous. Strangely stunning taxidermy, faux-alibaster trophy animal heads, Nymphenburg porcelain, to call it fashion-forward would be behind the times. Do NOT miss.
To eat:
The Pearl Cup: Grab a super large latte and kick your feet up at this cute indie spirited coffee shop with a side of pbjb (that would be an organic peanut butter, jam and banana sandwich of course!)
Park: Inspired by the free-spirited culture of the 1960’s and nature-centric architecture of that same period, Park is a full on indoor/outdoor dining heaven. The feel of Austin and the buzz of Dallas collide for a great must stop dinner spot.
Kozy Kitchen: Quaint little organic and partly gluten free uber yummy breakfast, lunch or dinner spot. Great food, great people.
Café Madrid: Old world charm in the form of a tiny space and Spanish tapas.
—Uptown and Highland Park area—
Haven: A former executive with IMG and Trump Models has come home to Texas and set up shop. Find Harry Allen products, pillows, home fragrance and furnishings.
Froggies: Froggies: Two locations, Uptown and Knox street. Channel your inner kiddo with fun vintage toys and funny gifts.
Stephanie Anne: A sophisticated spot for china, glassware and home accessories. Fabergé, Niderviller, Arte Italica and Juliska are among the many brands found here.
Napa Home: Napa Home: Oh the luxury! $285 is a mighty price for bath salts, but the gorgeous double-blown crystal container filled with salts from Italian company Santuario di Bellezza can be refilled for much less dough the next time; also swoon-worthy, china from Sieger, lacquer boxes in pretty colors and metal/paper prints from Beth Weintraub.
Uncommon Market: Uncommon Market: Two adjacent Victorian homes and a three story 15,000 square foot warehouse stocked with hand picked antiques from all over the world. The finds here are staggering.
On Consignment: Next door to Uncommon Market, much smaller but overflowing with little gems. 2717 Fairmount Street, 214.720.1818
Stanley Korshak: Handmade glassware, pewter birch vases, fine china, cashmere throws and interesting art and accessories fill this 3,500-square-foot shop.
Nuvo: Offerings from Dallas-based Global Views to barware from local Polly Gessell, there are a ton of options here.
Scardello: Artisan cheese shop with classes and tastings for cheese enthusiasts
Molto Formaggio: More than 150 cheeses from sixteen countries, all yours for the tasting
—Oak Cliff—
To shop:
Belmont Hotel: renovated 1940’s hotel, great bar overlooking the skyline of Dallas and the restaurant Smoke is good barbeque with fab décor.
Bishop Arts District: Bishop Arts District: a great place to spend an evening, dining, shopping, art galleries
Make: Shop Local Artists and Designers with Handmade Gifts, Handbags, Jewelry, Art, Home Décor, Clothing and Baby Items. Plus take classes to learn how to make stuff yourself.
Bishop Street Market: Located in Oak Cliff’s Bishop Arts District you’ll find Thymes Limited, local fragrance designer Niven Morgan’s line, Jimmie Belasco and more.
The Soda Gallery: The Soda Gallery: From nostalgic to international drinks. Mix your own six pack or assemble a case.
Dude Sweet Chocolate: Handmade artisan chocolates with a twist like roasted beet and Texas olive oil or dried pear, basil and rosemary salt
To eat:
Tillmans Roadhouse: Fun. An old roadhouse started by Sara Tillman and revamped to Rustic Cowboy Chic by Todd Fiscus and Rob Dailey. Fun food, fun décor and fun website.
Hatties: Hatties: Bisto with a lovely monochromatic interior with delicious southern low-country influence. If it’s Sunday brunch, try the Chicken and Waffles.
Eno’s Pizza: Eno’s Pizza: Great little Pizzeria.
—East Dallas and Deep Ellum—
To shop:
Bows and Arrows: Brooklyn transplants Alicia and Adam Rico are the most darling couple with a flair for beautiful, unusual and handmade. Alicia comes from Seaport Flowers and with her talents creates some of the most gorgeous flowers in the city. Their new boutique is part flowers shop, part art gallery and part gift gallery of indie happiness. Definitely do not miss this stop.
Casa Mexicana: If you’re in the market for Day of the Dead art, Oaxacan woodcarvings, beautiful ceramic trees of life and Mexican patio furniture, you’ve come to the right place
Curiosities: Spend a rainy day looking through the weird and wacky array of items, like memorabilia from the circus, paint-by-numbers materpieces, reclaimed furniture and so, so much more.
Century Modern: A favorite spot for Mid Century lovers in the heart of Deep Ellum. You can find everything from lighting and microphones to notable furniture pieces at reasonable prices.
Lula B’s Antique Mall: This is the newest location after closing the original on Greenville and opening their second store on Riverfront. The store is loaded with fun and funky odds and ends from the 50s, 60s, and 70s there’s no doubt you will leave with something.
To eat:
Murray Street Coffee Shop: Great little two story coffee shop with a menu of small but delicious bites, coffee, good tunes, local artwork and free wifi. Perfect place to kick up your feet and relax. 103 Murray Street, 214. 655.2808
Cowboy Chow: Cowboy Chow: Go hungry and try the “grilled cheese” or fried green tomato lollipops. And be prepared to take a nap afterwards!
Mozzarella Cheese Company : Founded by Paula Lambert, if you are a cheese fiend then you must stop here for a tasting or just to grab a few to try. Ask for the Queso Blano with Chiles and the smoky Scamorza.
Local: If fancy fare in a very cool setting is what you are hunting give Local a whirl. An intimate little restaurant of tasty delights located in the oldest standing hotel in Dallas, the Boyd Hotel built in 1908 – great interior and even better food.
All Good Café : Pure awesomeness. Good old fashioned comfort food. Started by Mike Snider from Austin, All Good is a place to channel your inner Austinite with hipster waitresses and live music. The motto here: Make Love, Not Money. Bonus: breakfast served all day.
—Riverfront Boulevard and Design District—
To Shop:
Lots of Furniture: You never know what you’ll find in here. Run by brothers (and twins) Ted and Chris this store is overflowing of amazing antiques from French to Polynesian. Be sure to ask the boys about a deal because they are looking to keep things moving and are usually willing to make a deal!
White Elephant: For decorators, White Elephant has been their not-so-closely guarded secret for years now. A funky consignment store with everything from precious antiques to mid-century modern finds to strange cast-aways, there is something for everybody and at awesome prices. This is a fav, DO NOT MISS. 1026 Riverfront Blvd, 214-871-7966
Big Mango Trading: Imported home and outdoor furnishing with an Asian influence and is one of the coolest and more unusual places in the city.
Antiques Moderne: Wall to wall Mid-Century jackpot and if you like it, buy it. Inventory is incredible and moves fast around here.
Collage: 20th Century Classics For the best mid-century finds in tip-top condition, Collage is your store. An import from Laguna Beach, CA, this store is considered one of the most respected galleries in the country and their items are featured in museums worldwide.
Ceylon et Cie: Michelle Nussbaumer lives a charmed life, a movie producer husband, a home in Switzerland, a jewelry line, and a past that includes residence in Rome and a showroom in L.A, so you can imagine her impeccable, imaginative taste. Finds from India, Turkey, Europe and the good ole U.S. of A. make her store a smorgasbord of fresh design. Dig in.
Parkhouse Antiques: A haven for French and European antiques.
City View Antiques: Great little antique mall good to include in an afternoon of treasure hunting.
Country Garden Antiques: High on the list of Dallasites with a great eye for antiques. 147 Parkhouse Street, 214.741.9331
20C Design: Ryan Rucker and Barry Gream really know how to pick ‘em. These two are the masters of seeking out exceptional mid-century pieces. From Paul Evans to Karl Springer, we are talking rare and breath taking. They even have a pair of leg chairs from the movie Clockwork Orange. The 20C showroom is available by appointment only (online store open 24/7).
James McInroe Inc: Prepare to get your socks knocked off by James McInroe’s Collection of vintage-inspired home furnishings aka eye candy. You can bet you will dream about this glam struck depot for days to come. 200 Cole Street, 214.526.8078
Positive Space: On tap: Extremis from Denmark, wallpaper from London designer David Roos, the brightly colored, weather-resistant Louis chairs from Sixinch, and Emeco.
Smink: Artecnica, Knoll Space, Divani, Minotti, if these names mean anything to you, you’ve got the classic Italian modern aesthetic (and pocketbook) to shop this chic store.
Scott and Cooner: Seventy contemporary furniture—Louis ghost chairs, Kartell— manufacturers under one roof, thanks to two Dallas women with backgrounds in architecture and an interior designer.
Lost: Booths of beautiful objects and accessories you couldn’t have thought up if you tried 1201 Riverfront Blvd, 214-741-5533
Found: antiques and fine art, this is the sister shop to Found. 1225 Riverfront Blvd., 214-741-5533
—Snider Plaza to West Lovers Lane—
To Shop:
Nest: Heather Alexander of Bell’Invito (see stationery) reinvented Dallas staple Nest to now carry beautiful letterpress, Jonathan Adler pillows and ceramics, DL&Co. candles, Roost products and much more.
Vintage Living: Soft Gustavian and French Moderne furnishings fill this chic store filled with antique mirrors, garden ornaments. Glamorous in a fantastically serene way.
Uptown Country Home: Pine Cone Hill, Dash & Albert, original “Frantiques” and artwork from owner Jenny Grumbles. This is the place for preppies who love shabby chic.
Nicholson-Hardie: A garden boutique and gift shop. With mercury glass, terra cotta pots of all kinds, great gifts, candles and plenty for the gardener you will find something to love. Be sure to visit the bigger sister store down the street for larger garden goodies and fountains. 214-357-4348
City Craft: Adorable little modern fabric store carrying unique prints and offering sewing classes. The fabric is so cute it will definitely inspire you to get a jump on your next DIY.
Jaya: A worldly collaboration of imports from handcrafted wood furniture to gorgeous ceramics.
Ballard and Blakely: Cute little home and floral shop. Great little vintage finds.
Area 25: Opened by a local home stager this store is filled with treasures from her many years of staging from art to cowhide rugs at prices you can swallow. 4901 West Lovers Lane, 214.352.6925
Arteriors too: Open to the public Wednesday through Saturday, this boutique is stocked with sample and slightly damaged home goods from of the lighting and furniture manufacturer Arteriors’, (sold to the trade only). Be sure to check out the room filled only with lamp shades! We all know good shades are hard to find. 4811 West Lovers Lane, 214.352.1920
Junkadoodle: A campy boutique with funky estate sale and flea market-like merchandise. Score unique home accessories, fun furniture and eccentric objects from the tacky to the tasteful. Tons of salvaged letters in the back!
To eat:
Olivella’s: Quaint Little Pizza place. Get the dessert aka adult s’mores a la pizza!
—Just outside of Dallas but worth the drive—
Wisteria Outlet: We are fortunate to have this at our fingertips. If you have time, it promises not to disappoint. Wisteria home goods that are typically only online, in person, on mega sale? Um, yes, please.
The Iron Bed: A luxury emporium, a melting pot of Old-World tradition, modern furnishings and oh-so yummy linens. A gorgeous store if you are up in this neck of the woods.
Williams Sonoma Home: It’s not an individual store but it’s rare to see a Williams Sonoma Home, they are only in a few states so it seems crucial to point out that this swanky and traditional with absolutely fabulous style is here at your disposal.
Forestwood Antique Mall: Treasure hunters galore! Don’t be fooled by the storefront, this is not a small place and there are big bargains to be had. 5333 Forest Lane, 972.661.0001
—Happenings to check and see if they coincide with your stay—
The Dallas Flea: quarterly flea market of great vendors from jewelry to food to antiques.
Buchanans: monthly antiques and collectibles market. Excellent scavenger hunting.
—Local Letterpress—
Bell’Invito Letterpress: from a 19th century printer that happened to be in her husband’s family, Heather Alexander creates her stationery and invitations by hand with heirloom-quality paper and pretty vintage prints for the envelope lining.
Missing Q Press: Jason McDaniel, with six presses ranging in size from a teeny tiny envelope to a large poster Missing Q has mastered the art of jaw-droppingly gorgeous letterpress.
Three Designing Women: Not letterpress but these Dallasites make the cutest custom stamps for return addresses and D.I.Y. letterhead.
Inky Lips Letterpress: Custom woodcuts and letterpress printing and posters, think Hatch Show Print.
Color Box Design: A small but great letterpress shop from beautiful invitations to business cards you will find that quality and design in instances like this are a must. Much like a good pair of shoes.
Lilco: All wood cut patterns done by hand by the talented Lily Smith+Kirkley.You can find her chic designs and letterpress work at Forty Five Ten.
Studio204: Located in Arlington, this is the wonderful little letterpress shop of Virgil Scott and Kim Neiman. Kim is also a fantastic bookbinder. Feel free to stop by! 204 South Tyler Street, 214.942.6100
—ONLINE but not on your trip—
Jimmy Belasco: Jimmy Belasco says he makes “happy candles” and it’s pretty darn true. His soy candles are packaged with designs from local artists and a portion of the profits from his new dog (and one cat) line supports pet charities.
Red Llama Studio: Shari Lidji makes couture quilts by hand, but these are contemporary works of art commissioned by the nation’s top Interior Designers. King-size quilts start at five grand but more affordable are her stockings, which are mod and simple, at $375.
Brad Oldham International: Custom door handles, sconces, any architectural element you need, Brad can masterfully create. If you wander down to Deep Ellum you can see Brad’s latest installation, The Traveling Man. A multi-story
Studio Bon: Bonnee Sharp’s studio of personally designed, hand-printed textile beauties.
Bee Things: Shay Ometz and Jeff Barfoot’s studio of art prints, posters, apparel and products for kiddos and home. We heart them.