If you’re searching for THE best coal-fired brick oven, New York-style thin crust pizza in the world, look no further. Grimaldi’s offers over 100 years of pizza-making traditions and the tantalizing aroma of pizza and calzones baked to perfection in the signature coal burning oven. Why coal-fired ovens? It gives our pizza and calzones a unique flavor and a crisp crust that is just not possible from gas, convection or wood burning ovens.

Dallas’ Most Innovative Food Tours Rock the House!
Dallas by Chocolate and Dallas Bites! have taken Dallas by storm, and by chocolate, barbeque and burgers. We offer specialty food tours to some very unique, off-the-beaten-path, locally owned restaurants and shops. Led by some of Dallas’ most knowledgeable food aficionados, each tour treats you to delicious samples and great drinks as you learn about cool food finds, the history of chocolate or a given food, how it is made and more.

The tours are taken in luxury mini buses and last from three to four hours. During that time, three to four locations are visited and tasty treats are sampled at each location. The tour guides make the tours plenty of fun with interesting facts and contests. Tours (depending on the tour) include wine or beer, water and juice. Kids are welcome too. The tours are like a mini escape from the day to day, and are perfect for individuals, families, friends, groups, special occasions and team building.

In addition to weekend and weekday tours for individuals through the www.DallasbyChocolate.com and www.dallasbitesfoodtours.com websites, Stevens and her guides also do private chocolate tours and tastings for groups. “We have a lot of families, even bachelorettes, seniors, homeschoolers, birthday parties and Girl Scout troops,” she says. “It’s a fun experience and it’s different than the typical shopping trip or stadium tour. Everyone makes new friends, and some guests have booked three or more tours because every tour is different.” Click here for more information.

Twenty five years ago, on this very street, Robert Colombo’s original Sfuzzi opened in Uptown Dallas. Known for it’s fresh, innovative italian foods, and lively social setting, Sfuzzi became a McKinney Avenue landmark for over 10 years. Even today it is remembered as one of Dallas’s most innovative and successful restaurants.
Now, Sfuzzi is back. The new Sfuzzi harkens back to the roots of an old New York City pizzeria, centered on our commitment to serving fresh pizzas and pasta, wonderful wine and beverages, and, oh yes, a dash of great music. Musically, you will hear everything from 80s dance songs, sing-a-longs of the 70’s, jazz and blues, current top 40 hits and classic rock of artists such as Johnny Cash and Bob Dylan.

Sfuzzi’s wrap-around patio rekindles beautiful memories of the original Sfuzzi patio scene, which set the social standard for McKinney Avenue. Equipped with flat screen panels, pulsating music, glass-enclosed fireplace, and fabulous food and drink, the patio at the newly evolved Sfuzzi will rival those of Miami’s luxury venues and the family oriented venues of the Grand Caymans.

Fair warning right here – if you do venture to East Dallas and stumble into this place for breakfast, do not be alarmed by the utterly terrible interior. I am talking industrial carpeted floors, wood-grain paneling, tacky items from the likes of Hobby Lobby. It’s as if I walked onto the set of Rosanne. It’s stuck in a mid 90’s sitcom, except the only joke is at this restaurant’s expense. Just don’t be scared, because the food is actually pretty tasty.

It’s saving grace is the food and the clientele. I was not only the youngest person in the dining room, but the youngest by maybe 60 years. How can you dislike a place that is frequented by the elderly? Their sweet demeanor and just simple happiness of being there makes you want to call your grandparents up to tell them you love them. So, it’s no shock that visited JJ’s today with my grandmother, Mammy (or also known as the world’s cutest and most awesome lady, ever!). The waitress knew her name, cracked a few jokes, and was constantly warming my coffee cup – already good in my book at that point!

I ordered the Southwestern Chicken omelet with swiss cheese and a corn tortilla melted on top of the thick egg fold over stuffed with bell peppers, onions, and tasty chicken. The side potatoes had a zesty flavor and that perfect amount of crunch I look for in potatoes. As I looked around the table, everyone else seemed to be enjoying their meal as well. But the biggest shocker of all they offer a Yelp check-in discount. Looks like old-people a thing or two about technology after all.

Ocean Prime is the culmination of a creative exercise we started in 2006 to define the best in culinary, beverage, service and atmosphere. Their team wanted to pair a great steakhouse with a great seafood restaurant. We imagined a place where our guests are greeted by name and partner with us in adventures of great food, wine and libation.

Ocean Prime was not developed overnight. Their executive chef teams traveled, tasted and compared notes to refine a menu that would ignite curiosity and surpass expectations. Their operations teams sourced the finest and the freshest ingredients to elevate every plate that leaves our kitchen. They curated a Wine Spectator-honored wine list for perfect pairings. And they poured energy with a fresh twist into the creation of our signature cocktails, expertly prepared by our well-trained bar chefs.

The Sixth Floor Museum is dedicated to the myth that still surrounds the assassination of former President John F. Kennedy. By reconstructing the political environment of the Sixties and showing original footage of those days, the visitor is transferred back right up to the very moment of the tragedy on one of the most notorious days in American history. See through the very window the sniper looked through as he set up his rifle and fired the fatal shot. History could not be more hands-on or emotional than at the Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza.

As the site of the 1936 Texas Centennial Exposition, Fair Park remains the only original, unaltered, pre-1950’s world’s fair site in the country. The architecture at Fair Park is distinctively Art Deco and home to over seven million visitors a year. The park hosts a slew of festivals and events year-round, including the ever popular Texas State Fair. The Music Hall, The Science Place, the Texas Star Ferris Wheel and the Cotton Bowl all call Fair Park home, in addition to several other museums, exhibit halls, performance venues and gardens. They also offer two historic walking tours of the grounds for those interested in the architecture and history of the park. Visit fairpark.org for more information.

Batter Up! The Texas Rangers are currently in first place in the American Leagues’ Western Division. Some of baseball’s most exciting players are in the Rangers uniform, such as Yu Darvish, Ian Kinsler, and Adrián Beltré. Catch all the Major League Baseball action by the boys of summer and nab a hot dog and some peanuts while you’re at it.

Click http://texas.rangers.mlb.com for more information.

Visit the beautiful Martin Rutchik Concert Stage and Lawn at the Dallas Arboretum.

Bring family, friends, favorite food and beverages and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views of White Rock Lake. Voted Best Concert Venue by D Magazine, the Martin Rutchik Concert Stage hosts some of DFW’s best bands including Emerald City, Asleep at the Wheel, A Hard Night’s Day and many more.

Click here for the complete schedule.

Main Street Garden is a little park right in the middle of downtown. It has a good stretch of green, a little playground and a cafe (whose operating hours seem to be “whenever the hell we want to be open”). It also has a digital art display and some pretty rad looking green walls. The park is free and open to the public, although sometimes special events are held in the space (like Dallas’ annual Homegrown Music Festival). The best thing about Main Street Garden is that it seems to be right under everyone’s radar; unless there is a special event, it’s never crowded.

Preppy is back in a big way this year, and nothing says classic chic more than Sperry-Topsider. Since 1935, this company has been bringing comfortable, colorful footwear that is associated with those who yacht and play tennis at the club. Now, Sperry brings their high-brow value and style to Northpark Center in Dallas, it’s only Texas boutique. These kicks are no longer just the nautical fare the brand is so closely identified with. Metallics, bright colors, creative embellishments…all these fun additions make for a prepster’s fashion obsession. If you want to wear a piece of American history and also have feet that will thank you, then join the cool kids at Sperry-Topsider.

REI now has two locations in the metroplex, one in their original location just off 635 and one now in Plano by Park and Preston. They have everything you need and more for backpacking, traveling in general, hiking, camping, kayaking, and anything else you can think of that’s “outdoorsy.” They also sell Vibrams (those toe-finger running shoes) and it’s a great place to find ski supplies and down jackets for a city that is nowhere near slopes of any kind and usually isn’t below freezing. The staff is also knowledgeable when it comes to what you need and what you don’t need for just about every outdoor activity.

If you’re ever in dire need of a belt, bag, any jewelry, luggage, faux fancy flip flops or a tiara, go to Sam Moon. Sam Moon is a warehouse of every accessory under the sun and then some. Despite the openness of every store’s floor plan (or rather, lack thereof) and short shelving, it’s still somehow possible to get lost in oozits and whatzits galore. It’s like a no man’s land of cheap but nice-enough looking jewelry and accessories at rock bottom prices. Another nice thing about Sam Moon is their intolerance for ill-behaved children. They have three locations across the metroplex in Dallas, Frisco and Fort Worth.

Oh, Two Buck Chuck. How I pine for thee. Well pine no more; Trader Joe’s has finally made it to Texas! Get organic goods at rock bottom prices at the ever popular Trader Joe’s. The Fort Worth location opened in early summer of 2012, with the Plano location set to open September 7 2012 and two Dallas locations scheduled for 2013, one on Greenville Avenue and another at a yet-to-be-officially-released location. Leave the magnifying glass at home and shop without having to read labels, as Trader Joe’s products are never genetically modified and contain no preservatives, msg, added trans fats or artificial colors or flavors.

White Rock Market is a great little non profit farmer’s market where local farmers, ranchers and artisans come together twice a month selling locally raised, farmed or crafted goods March through December. The second Saturday of every month involves everything from food items to arts and crafts. The market is also open the fourth Saturday of every month just for farmers, producers and food artisans. The market is held at The Green Spot Market on Buckner. Shopping at the market is also a great way to just figure out what’s in season, as “they” say shopping seasonally is the way to go. It’s always seasonal, local and delicious at the White Rock Market.

Hotel Belmont can be summed up in one word: retro. This hip, authentic boutique hotel overlooks downtown Dallas on the edge of Oak Cliff, which gives it spectacular views that feels like this place is set far apart from the crowd. A completely re-done motor lodge circa 194o’s, it’s modern and fresh without trying too hard or coming off too posh.  Rooms are spread out between four buildings that include garden rooms, two-story lofts and bungalows.

You might feel as if you stepped into an episode of “Mad Men” when you drive up, but the cuddly bathrobes, Kiehl’s bath products, and outdoor heated pool will remind you that it’s modern day.  The brightly colored BarBelmont and Smoke restaurant will beckon you out of your cozy room, and you can’t beat same-day laundry service and dry cleaning that is available to the stressed out traveler.

A few must-see areas are the views at sunset from the outdoor terrace, the relaxing spa-like pool and the people watching at BarBelmont.  The entire property is aesthetically conscious and retro, and the Belmont Hotel does it better than anyone else.

Recent trends in lifestyle have been about greener spaces, relaxing environments, and soothing your spirit. Westin Hotel took note of this trend, and created the new line of Element Hotels. With a new Element open in Irving/Las Colinas by DFW airport, travelers and residents alike have a chance to try out this new hotel concept.

Complimentary nutritious breakfast is a stress-free way to start your day, or should you choose to work in your room, there are paper recycling bins in each. (Not to mention recycled materials in carpets and low VOC interior paints, which everyone can feel good about.) Full-sized, energy efficient appliances are available for making a quick snack or preparing your own meal. Bathrooms are environmentally friendly as well; rain shower heads with shower wand helps conserve water. You won’t find wasted plastic mini-bottles of shampoo and conditioner  either-those are dispensed in the shower to cut down on clutter and increase the eco-friendly nature. The Element Hotel is full of forward thinking ideas that help you sleep better at night, both literally and figuratively.

If you are a regular Dallasite or someone just passing through, staying in Las Colinas is a gateway to fun nightlife and no pressure atmosphere.  The NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas hotel offers some of the spark you expect in Dallas, but without all the drama. With little fuss over parking, safety, and convenience, guests can relax in “urban loft-style accommodations,” just nine miles from Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.

A heated outdoor swimming pool and happening bar/restaurant/club scene keeps the hotel a social hotspot.  At The Loft restaurant, which is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, you will find talented DJ’s, live music, and special events year-round.  Known as one of the more “green” boutique hotels in the city, you can feel good about reducing your carbon footprint during your stay, while resting in an allergy-free and pet friendly abode.  NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas may be a new kid on the block, but well worth making your new friend.

Historic doesn’t always conjure up images of sleekness and sophistication, but in the case of the Joule Hotel in downtown Dallas, it does that and much more. With 129 masterful rooms and amenities like a full martini station and direct dial to Neiman Marcus from your guestroom, it’s easy to see why The Joule has quickly become popular.

Revamped from a 1920’s Neo-gothic building structure, the hotel now houses the PM Lounge, award winning-Charlie Palmer’s restaurant, wine bar, poolside café, and a sumptuous wine shop. The heated rooftop pool and high-tech fitness center are guest favorites, as well as the Joule Art Collection that can be seen throughout the property. This hotel may have historical roots, but modern charm and delicious dining rounds out an already spectacular landmark.

Swimming pools and movie stars….no, this isn’t an episode of Beverly Hills, but a stay here can feel like that (without the drama, of course). Hotel ZaZa is a hotbed of glitz and glamour that draws big names and big parties. When celebs come to town, ZaZa is a hands-down favorite, and for good reason: the exterior is modern with a French Chateau twist, the chic lobby is bathed in candlelight and crystal accents, and the hotel boasts the Magnificent Seven Suites, with themes like Crouching Tiger and Rock Star that can accommodate stylish dinner parties or become a sexy bridal suite. (Insider tip: Rock Star lives up to its name, being rumored to truly be a favorite of rock stars all over the world.)

The pool is another place you’ll find yourself feeling like the epitome of glamour. In the summer, it is full of greenery and cocktails for comfortably basking in the Texas heat. In the winter, the pool area is encased by a tent and candlelight, and becomes a plexiglass floor that guests can mix and mingle over.

With eclectic dining in Dragonfly, the hotel restaurant, and Za Spa, a relaxing oasis, you’ll begin to think you’ve been magically transported to Beverly Hills instead of Big D.