Tag Archives: Lemmon Ave.

WATCH: Man wearing flower dress, panties over head robs Exxon near Lemmon and Central

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From DPD:

Detectives from the Dallas Police Departments Crimes Against Persons Unit are asking for the public’s assistance in identifying and locating an aggravated robbery suspect who robbed the Exxon Tigermart at 2503 Lemmon Ave. This offense took place on August 16, 2011 at 5:25 AM. The case was documented on report #216965-Y.

In the attached surveillance video, the suspect is seen entering the store wearing what appears to be a black and white flower dress with white boots. His face is also covered with what appears to be under garments. He demands money from the cashier and a patron while holding what could possibly be a gun under the dress. He then flees the store in an unknown direction. The suspect is described as a white male, 5’05″ and weighing 145 lbs.

Anyone with information on this suspect or this offense suspect is asked to call the Dallas Police Robbery Unit at (214) 671-3464.

—  John Wright

Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS Casino Party tonight

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Expect a full house

Lone Star Ride hosts their fourth annual casino night which is so much more than a poker felt on a table. Craps, Blackjack, Roulette, Texas Hold ‘Em poker all come in to play tonight as players feel like they are in Vegas for the night. Hopefully you’re a good player because all those winnings can be spent on the silent auction which includes gift certificates, hotel packages and so much more.

It’s a blast of a night and all you have to throw down is cash for the ticket. The chips are given to you upon entering. How can you possibly beat that? Well, maybe by helping raise money for Lone Star Ride Fighting AIDS, that’s how.

DEETS: Audi Dallas, 5033 Lemmon Ave. 7:30 p.m $50 advance, 65 door. For tickets, click here.

—  Rich Lopez

Classical Open Mic tonight at Buzzbrews

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Dust off that violin and resin those strings

Bringing classical music back to the people, founded by musicians Michael Jackson (not that one) and Kristen Center, Classical Open Mic strive to perform their works in unconventional places. Like a 24-hour diner. Taking the classic out of typical venues, they work to get it closer to everyday people and encourage interaction and participation. Plus, you can have a sandwich to go with it. Sweet!

DEETS: Buzzbrews, 4334 Lemmon Ave. 7 p.m. Free. ClassicalOpenMic.com

—  Rich Lopez

One last look at Honey Shack

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When someone had the brilliant idea of opening a Hooters-like breastaurant in the gayborhood, they probably never imagined their cute sign would end up here. Ladies in short shorts and body hugging tops with sports on TV is a fine concept, but way too straight for the area. Needless to say, the Honey Shack didn’t make a lasting impression on the ‘hood. Nor myself. Or so I thought.

The restaurant is having the last laugh. On my commute from the south of Dallas, I pass this unnamed building on Wintergreen Road that is apparently a graveyard for restaurant signs. The Razzoo’s one has been there a while (did those all close?), but I noticed an additional sign a few days ago. Maybe longer, who knows? Life out in the stix (yes, with an “x”) is a blur sometimes.

I went to Honey Shack with colleague John Wright on a whim once. At lunch hour, the place was pretty dead. The nachos I ordered were akin to a salt lick and I never got a tea refill, so I never went back. OK, so I’m kicking a horse while it’s down, but since I never did an official review of the place, I had to get it out of me.

The spot is now home to Lolita’s Mexican Cuisine.

—  Rich Lopez

Juneteenth Community Mixer at Level tonight

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Drinks and fellowship

The Legacy of Success Foundation hosts the Juneteenth Community Mixer tonight. This is a casual event to catch up with old friends and and meet up with some new ones. Plus, the drink specials are insane. But that’s not what this is about! LOSF strives to create an empowering and affirming environment for LGBT people of color.

DEETS: Level Bar & Grill, 3903 Lemmon Ave. 5 p.m. Free. LOSF.org.

—  Rich Lopez

Steven Weir (and Legacy Counseling) make the One Man Dallas cut as a semi-finalist

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I just got a call from Melissa Grove, executive director of Legacy Counseling Center/Legacy Founders Cottage, letting me know that Legacy’s board chair, Steven Weir, has been chosen as one of 20 semi-finalists in the One Man Dallas competition, giving him the chance to win $5,000 to share with Legacy.

“We are the only AIDS organization and the gayest organization” to be chosen by a One Man Dallas semi-finalist, Grove said.

One Man Dallas, according to its website, is “a fun, social, and professional event that identifies the one man in the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex area who represents the best of Dallas from the perspectives of community involvement, personality, intelligence and fitness. One Man Dallas not only puts the spotlight on 20 guys doing great work in the community, but highlights 20 great community organizations.”

Each finalist is profiled on the website, and you can vote once a day each day through May 15 for your favorite. Online voting results will account for 25 percent of each finalist’s total score.

There will also be a series of happy hour “meet-and-greet” events to give the public a chance to meet each semi-finalist. The first will be from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 21, at Park Place Mercedes Benz, 6113 Lemmon Ave. Other times and locations are listed on the website.

The big finale is set for May 19, 7:30 p.m. at Gables Park 17, 1700 Cedar Springs Road in Uptown. That’s when the five finalists will be announced and then participate in a live competition involving fashion, pop culture trivia, informational interviews and more. The winner will be chosen by a panel of community leaders.

—  admin

2011 Readers Voice Awards: Shop

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BEST DOMESTIC AUTO DEALERSHIP
Sewell Buick GMC

7474 Lemmon Ave. (and additional locations)
Open Monday–Saturday at 8 a.m.
888-572-5577
Sewell.com


BEST IMPORT AUTO DEALERSHIP
Park Place Motorcars

6113 Lemmon Ave. (and additional locations)
Sales open Monday–Friday at 8:30 a.m.,
Saturday at 9 a.m.; service center open Monday–Friday
at 7 a.m., Saturday at 9 a.m.
888-873-4597
Park.MercedesCenter.com

There’s no denying that Dallas is a car city, especially when it comes to luxury autos. A game of “Punch Buggy” on the Tollway might leave you with nary a bruise, but a game of “Punch Lexus” (“Punch Lexi?”) may result in a trip to the emergency room. So while preferences range from tricked-out domestic numbers to swanky imports, there are a couple of fave haunts for finding your own personal greased lightning. These dealerships are more than just asphalt lots filled with sticker shock and bad toupees — they’ve become social gathering hot spots known for their grand parties, over-the-top concierge services, exceptional service and, of course, pricey (but well-worth-it) rides. Besides, where else can you throw around phrases like stick, shaft, and 20-in. rim to a man you just met without running the risk of getting arrested for solicitation?

— Jef Tingley

 

BEST GIFT BOUTIQUE
Nuvo

3900 Cedar Springs Road
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon.
214-522-6886
NuvoDallas.com

Nuvo has long been the store on Cedar Springs Road that straight people would drive to Oak Lawn to shop. Of course, they pull up to the side parking, run in wearing dark glasses and make their quick escape. But it’s been the best gift store in Dallas for years. While most feature gimmicky T-shirts, Nuvo offers an impressive array of jewelry, hand-etched barware, decorative accessories, books, handbags and cards crafted by local artisans. If you haven’t been to the store in a week or two, something new and interesting is sure to be on display.

— David Taffet

 

BEST RETRO SHOPPING GETAWAYS

Cliff Notes!

1222 W. Davis St.
Open Tuesday–Saturday
214-862-3108

Good Records

1808 Greenville Ave.
Open daily
214-752-4663
Good Records.com

With all of our smart phones, tablets, Twitters, Facebooks and mp3 players controlling our lives, sometimes we just need to get away from it all and unplug. Our recommendation: Take an hour and head to either of these stores for some casual shopping and retro finds. Oak Cliff’s bookstore Cliff Notes!, pictured, is a post-Kindle rarity nowadays: The brick-and-mortar bookstore. The tiny haven for used books (many of gay interest) and record albums recalls bookmobiles from a simpler time. And the random hatpins they have for sale are gorgeous. For less reading, more listening, Lower Greenville’s Good Records isn’t your grandma’s music depot. For an alternative music shop, the selection ranges from popular music to local releases. Their vinyl selection of both new and old is to die for. Plus, with in-store concerts (where they serve beer) and movie nights, Good Records isn’t just good — it’s great.

— Rich Lopez

 

BEST GARDENING/NURSERY
North Haven Gardens

7700 Northaven Road
Open Monday-Saturday at 9 a.m.,
Sunday at 10 a.m.
214-363-5316
NHG.com

North Haven Gardens is much more than a nursery — it’s like heaven on earth. Can’t afford admission and parking to the Arboretum? Shoot, just head here. NHG is an oasis of greenery that is not only displayed lushly and comfortably, but just try not to find what you need for your beds and pots and gardens.  Any flowers, plants and vegetables you need are likely covered, but they also drop knowledge on need-to-know topics like vegetable planting, landscape design and keeping backyard chickens.  Just don’t bring a picnic lunch. It is a store, after all.

— Rich Lopez

 

BEST LEATHER AND FETISH GEAR
LeatherMasters

3000 Main St.
Open Tuesday–Saturday at noon.
214-528-3865
LeatherMasters.com

Having fielded an International Mr. Leather winner and a top-three finalist in the past two years, Dallas’ leather reputation is growing by bounds. Nothing against the skills of the winners themselves, but we gotta wonder: How much does having Leather Masters nearby play in those victories? As the premier source of fetish paraphernalia in the area — everything from leather jock straps to whips to paddles — it’s certainly one-stop shopping for the daddy (or boy) in need of perfecting his look. A knowledgeable staff of leather aficionados makes a consult easy for both the experienced leatherman or the newcomer. And despite the toughness of the material, it’s a non-intimidating atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to pop in some time. It could turn your fashion sense (and your comfort level with sexual adventure) upside down.

— Arnold Wayne Jones

 

BEST FLORIST
All Occasions Florist

3428 Oak Lawn Ave.
Open Monday–Friday at 8 a.m., Saturday at 8:30 a.m.
214-431-3303
AllOccasionsDallas.com

 

BEST SMARTPHONE SHOPPING APP
Red Laser

Barcode scanner app available for iPhone and Android.
RedLaser.com

 

BEST GROCERY STORE
Kroger

4142 Cedar Springs Road (and additional locations)
Open daily at 6 a.m.
214-599-9859
Kroger.com

 

BEST LIQUOR/WINE STORE
Goody Goody

3316 Oak Lawn Ave. (and additional locations)
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-765-6878
GoodyGoody.com

 

BEST HEALTH AND NUTRITION STORE
Whole Foods

4100 Lomo Alto Drive (and additional locations)
Open daily at 8 a.m.
214-520-7993
WholeFoodsMarket.com

 

BEST DIVA APPAREL
Nicolas Custom Apparel

Call for appointment.
214-655-6820
NicolasDesigns.com


BEST BRIEFS AND BOXERS
Skivvies

4001 Cedar Springs Road, Suite C
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at noon.
214-559-4955
SkivviesMensUnderwear.com

 

BEST CONSIGNMENT STORE
Turtle Creek Consignments

3738 Haggar Way, Suite 101
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-443-9360
TurtleCreekConsignment.com


BEST ANTIQUES
Lula B’s (and an additional location)

2639 Main St.
Open Monday–Saturday at 11 a.m., Sunday at noon.
214-824-2185
Lula-Bs.com

 

CHEAP-ASS FURNITURE
IKEA

7171 IKEA Drive, Frisco
Open daily at 10 a.m.
972-712-4532


BEST SWANKY FURNITURE
Cantoni

4800 Alpha Road, Addison
Open Monday–Saturday at 10 a.m., Sunday at 1 p.m.
972-934-9191
Cantoni.com

 

BEST EYEWEAR/OPTICAL
Fashion Optical

3430 Oak Lawn Ave.
Open Monday–Wednesday, Friday at 9 a.m.,
Saturday at 10 a.m.
214-526-6006
FashionOpticalDallas.net

 

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This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition March 18, 2011.

—  John Wright

Body & FItness: 4 Steps to a Healthier New Year

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It’s only February, and you’ve probably abandoned every New Year’s resolution you made between Jaegermeister shots on Dec. 31. Well, it’s not too late to re-up your commitment to a healthier you.

Dr. Karim Harati-Zadeh, a double-certified acupuncturist and chiropractor with Spectrum Chiropractic on Lemmon Avenue, offers these four tips for making 2011 your healthiest year yet.

1. A year in review: Review your health status. What has your health been like for the last 12 months? Do you feel fit and energetic or are you tired all the time? Do you suffer from chronic pain, allergies, or anxiety? Don’t let problem areas fester. Identify points in your health that need attention immediately.

2. Setting goals: Do you want to be able to run up and down your stairway without pain and discomfort? Or do you want to get back in shape? Or just finally quit smoking? You need to make yourself ready to do something to address the stress and anxiety that you have been experiencing. Make sure to set realistic goals and avoid drastic measures such as a great amount of weight loss in a short period of time. Small steps yield long-term results that quick fixes don’t.

3. Analyze your health goals and get the proper help and motivation: The spirit is willing but the body may be weak. Make sure your body is primed to start an exercise program. Find out what additional resources you need to reach your health goals. I recommend all my patients to come in for an evaluation before getting started with an exercise program or starting a new diet.

4. Getting started: Today is a great day to get started. Don’t allow yourself to put your health goals on hold.

Karim Harati-Zadeh, DC, FIAMA, FASA, 3906 Lemmon Ave, Suite 214. 214-520-0092. SpectrumChiropractic.com.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition Feb. 18, 2011.

—  John Wright

Hope & Gloria’s

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You think you’ve got their number? Makeover aside, Gloria’s food stays true

ARNOLD WAYNE JONES  | Life+Style Editor jones@dallasvoice.com

……………………………..

Gloria’s iconic Super Special
SUPER AND SPECIAL | Gloria’s iconic Super Special is a tasty sampler of Salvadoran cuisine.

OVERALL RATING 3.5 Stars

Gloria’s, 3223 Lemmon Ave. 214-303-1166. Open daily from 11 a.m.–10 p.m. (11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays).

A comforting mix of reliable Tex-Mex dishes and unique Salvadoran cuisine, the success of this Oak Cliff institution and expansion into yuppie haven hasn’t diminished the simple, satisfying, well-priced food.

Overall: 3.5 stars

Food: 3.5 stars

Atmosphere: 3 stars

Service: 3 stars

Price: Moderate

……………………………..

I can still recall the first time I ate at a Gloria’s. It was at the original one on Davis Street, a diner-y looking box that was crowded with regulars and had typical Oak Cliff charm, i.e., fast service, no fuss and tasty, unpretentious grub. I probably ate the Super Special, a sampler of pupusa, tamal, yucca, plantain and a few other items, which cost $8. I came out to a co-worker that day, the first time I’d come out to anyone other than a guy I was hitting on. It’s been a favorite ever since.

It became even more of a favorite when the restaurant began to expand — first to Lemmon Avenue, across from Uncle Julio’s. That brushed concrete L-shaped space had (has) a smallish bar/waiting area, a patio and an acre of simple floorspace. Then one opened a few blocks from my house on Greenville Avenue. Again, cavernous but quaint, with a bigger bar area and roomier patio.

And all along, the food remained consistently, wonderfully the same.

Until.

A few years back, they tweaked the menu. Just a bit, but noticeably. You could tell the difference between some dishes depending on which locale you went to.

Then about a year ago, the Greenville Avenue locale underwent a makeover: An even bigger bar. Moody lighting. More TVs (a sad, inevitable reality of many restaurants, even fine dining ones). In style, you can hardly recognize it from where I ate that first coming-out meal. (The Super Special also costs $11 now — but is still a bargain.)

Now, the latest location — the company’s 13th — arrives, and the transition from neighborhood eatery to yuppie destination is complete. The deco urinals flush themselves. The hand dryers are Dyson-automatic-blown-air-thingies (I couldn’t even swear they had a toilet in the original all those years ago). The bar is humongous, with many hi-def TVs and elegant lacquered chairs and French doors that open onto an even more impressive patio.

All of which means everything we liked about Gloria’s is gone, right? Not at all.

As with Susan Boyle, a bit of lipstick and a fashion consult has altered the look but not the soul of the place. The seating is nicer, the finish-out more polished. But Gloria’s is still Gloria’s. At the new location, on Cole Avenue near east-bound Lemmon, service remains quick and friendly. (I spent more time looking over the newly designed menu, trying to decide what to order, than it took for the kitchen to send it out.) And the food is still the food.

I fairly judge most Tex-Mex restaurants by the quality of the complimentary chips-and-dip that accompany the menus, and Gloria’s has always stood above most. There are always two: The traditional tomato-based salsa, and a black bean puree that is so addictive, I’ve always just assumed its laced with black tar heroin. The chips are good, too — crisp and salty and sturdy enough to withstand a voracious scoop or two.

The redone menu card is another example of form over substance: It’s harder to find the old favorites, but they taste the same. The cuisine includes familiar Tex-Mex dishes, but among the best are the Salvadoran specialties. Pupusas (especially plain ol’ cheese ones) are still one of my favorite comfort foods: little pockets of grilled, filled tortilla goodness served, always, with a laconic tuft of slaw. Simple, delicious, satisfying. Likewise, the carne asada — grilled skirt steak served in a slab — is a meat-lover’s dream of hearty food.

The chocolate flan is another enduring highlight: Brown as a kid at the beach, sloshing lightly in a shallow pool of caramel.

Gloria’s version of a chile relleno is not as heavily breaded in a cocoon flour, but served, for want of a better term, open-faced, with bits of well-done steak swathed in cheese and spilling out. It’s a spicy concoction. Blander is the red sauce on one of their chicken enchiladas; the cheese enchilada, or one dressed with sour cream or salsa verde, is better. Their version of guacamole isn’t among the tops in town, either.

As with many Tex-Mex restaurants, combination plates abound. (Combo No. 2’s spinach quesadillas, beef enchilada and especially crisp chicken tostada hits the spot while watching a game and tossing back a margarita. On the other hand, there’s not much a la carte ordering — if you want a single enchilada or taco, you have to ask, and you should specify between refried, black or borracho beans with the platters. No recommendation there — all are good.

In fact, that could be the motto across Gloria’s: Old, new, yuppie or barrio, it’s still like home.

This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition November 12, 2010.

—  Michael Stephens

Flu shots available in Oak Lawn

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The flu vaccine is available in Oak Lawn

Flu shots are available.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, this year’s vaccine includes protection for swine flu (H1N1) and two other influenza viruses (H3N2 virus and an influenza B virus). It is an inactivated vaccine (containing killed virus), which means you cannot get the flu from the shot. However, side effects include soreness, redness or swelling where the shot is given, low-grade fever and aches.

Although the vaccine is recommended for everyone, two groups the CDC says should get protected are:

  1. People 50 years of age and older
  2. People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions (which includes people with HIV)

Those who should not get the vaccine:

  • People who have a severe allergy to chicken eggs.
  • People who have had a severe reaction to an influenza vaccination.
  • People who developed Guillain-Barre syndrome within six weeks of getting an influenza vaccine.
  • Children less than 6 months of age (influenza vaccine is not approved for this age group)
  • People who have a moderate-to-severe illness with a fever (they should wait until they recover to get vaccinated.)

This year the shots are widely available and are offered at both doctors’ offices and retail locations. (Last year, Oak Lawn area doctors were reporting trouble in obtaining the vaccine).

Among Oak Lawn retailers offering the vaccine:

Walgreens

3802 Cedar Springs Road at Oak Lawn: Walk-ins welcome. Available 24 hours a day.

3418 McKinney Ave. at Lemmon: Walk-ins welcome. Easiest when the most pharmacists are on duty from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

CVS

Go to website to find when flu clinics taking walk-ins are available at any store.

4207 Lemmon Ave. at Douglas: Best to call to make sure pharmacist is available. 214-528-0328. She will be in Mon. Oct. 4 from 3 p.m.-10 p.m.; Tues. Oct. 5 from 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

5659 Lemmon Ave. at Inwood: Call anytime to schedule appointment. 214-252-0121.

—  David Taffet