DowntownFW February

YOUR PASSPORT TO CENTER CIT Y LIFE

SUNDANCE SQUARE STOCKYARDS CULTURAL DISTRICT NEAR SOUTHSIDE

Wide

Open Green Spaces

Celebrating B lack History

Down

town Wedding Planner

Cowtown Marathon

February 2009

2 d o w n t o w n f o r t w o r t h f e b r ua ry 2 0 0 9

InsI

de Wide Open Green space

Downtown Fort Worth Parks & Open Space Plan ....4Ready to RunThe Cowtown Marathon kicks up its heels ..............6Celebrating Black HistoryWhere to celebrate in Cowtown this month ...........8The Foodie PagesTable Scout .................................................10You Gotta Try This .........................................10Beat the Clock ............................................11

Your downtown Wedding PlannerA picture perfect proposal and more ....................12February entertainmentWhat’s going on around Cowtown ........................14

dOWnTOWn FW is a free monthly publication distributed in the Fort Worth center city, and supported by the downtown Public

Improvement District. The entire contents of DOWNTOWN FW are copyright 2005 by DFWI and JSW Publishing. NO portion may be reproduced in whole or in part by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the express written permission

of the publication.dFWI Mission statement

To be the catalyst for transforming Downtown Fort Worth into a vibrant place to live, visit, enjoy and conduct business through aggressive leadership of programs,

projects and partnerships.

february • 2009

Andy Taft, President777 Taylor St., Suite 100Fort Worth, Texas 76102

817-870-1692 • www.dfwi.orgeditor

Stacey PierceDirector of Marketing and Communications

Downtown Fort Worth, [email protected]

Advertising directorKristen Jenkins

Marketing directorDana Crumbliss-Mariani

JsW Publishing817-321-9724

Business/OperationsTrish Bermejo

Art director/Layout editorAmy Royer

f e b r ua ry 2 0 0 9 d o w n t o w n f o r t w o r t h 3

The Place to Live in Downtown

The Depot Lofts555 Elm Street • 817-885-7600www.thedepotapts.com • myspace.com/thedepotlofts

Mon - Thurs: 10am - 6pm • Fri & Sat 10am - 5pmClosed Sunday


The result is the Downtown fort Worth Parks & Open Space Plan, published in De-cember of last year. In the opening statement, the committee laid out the impor-

tance of parks and green space downtown.“Now, with local residents, out-of-town guests, and a larger

workforce using downtown in greater numbers - almost 40,000 employees and millions of visitors each year - the need for parks and open spaces is greater than ever,” the report stated, and “fortunately, downtown fort Worth has significant existing green and open space that, with improved design, could provide usable places for relaxation and play.”

The committee was co-chaired by Judy Harman and elaine Petrus. andy Taft, president of Downtown fort Worth, Inc., praised the committee’s effort, along with the assistance and consulting of the fort Worth Parks Department. “We are grateful to these individuals for their dedicated service and their vision of a more livable and enjoyable downtown through an improved set of parks and green spaces,” Taft said.

The plan calls for greater links to the Trinity river, redesign of existing parks, and turning some open spaces not dedicated for parks into green spaces that can be used by the public.

Links to the Trinity river would center on the Near West Side river access area near forest Park boulevard. a new trail on the east side of the West fork

would connect the existing trailhead to the proposed pedestrian bridge near Lancaster avenue.

The plan also calls for a park to be developed in the former site of rotary Park, near forest Park boulevard, Weatherford Street, and Summit avenue.

The 1.5-acre site was originally developed in 1916. Conceptual design has been completed, and it includes landscape and hardscape

enhancements that would beautify and improve the usability of the green space.

Park enhancements in the South Downtown/Lancaster Corridor would include the redesign of burnett Park. The recommendation is to remove the water fountains from the center to create a large green space and a children’s public art-style play area.

at 9th and Jones streets, the city and the fort Worth Transportation authority plan to re-establish Hyde Park

as a civic plaza with a public-transit-oriented purpose. Park design is complete, and construction is expected to begin this

year.On the west end of Lancaster avenue downtown, there are

approximately 3.5 acres of unused open green space. The land is within blocks of apartments and condo residences, and the committee

wants to explore the possibility of a dog park or skate park. The plan is to better serve the new residences, hotels, and offices being developed in the south end of downtown.

Wide Open Green Spaces

Downtown fort Worth business leaders

have long seen adding and improving

existing parks as a key to provide a better location for

urban living and as an amenity for the downtown work

force. as a part of that plan, downtown fort Worth,

Inc. appointed a committee that spent a better part of

a year analyzing the existing green and open spaces

downtown and fi nding ways to improve those existing

spaces and to add new ones.

Green Spaces

D

“Now, with local residents, out-of-town guests, and a larger workforce using downtown in greater numbers - almost 40,000 employees and millions of visitors each year - the need for parks and open spaces is greater than ever,” the report stated, and “fortunately, downtown fort Worth has significant

livable and enjoyable downtown through an improved set

The plan calls for greater links to the Trinity river, redesign of existing parks, and turning some open spaces not dedicated for

near forest Park boulevard, Weatherford Street, and Summit avenue. The 1.5-acre site was originally developed in 1916. Conceptual design

has been completed, and it includes landscape and hardscape enhancements that would beautify and improve the usability of

the green space.

Corridor would include the redesign of burnett Park. The recommendation is to remove the water fountains from the center to create a large green space and a children’s public art-style play area.

Transportation authority plan to re-establish Hyde Park as a civic plaza with a public-transit-oriented purpose. Park

design is complete, and construction is expected to begin this year.

On the west end of Lancaster avenue downtown, there are approximately 3.5 acres of unused open green space. The land is

within blocks of apartments and condo residences, and the committee wants to explore the possibility of a dog park or skate park. The plan is to


Two blocks of surface parking bound by Main, 3rd, Commerce, and 4th streets has been planned since 1983 as a Central Plaza in the heart of Sundance Square. The parking lot is privately owned, and the committee recommends that the city work with the property owners to develop the plaza and possibly build a below-ground parking garage at the site.

Just east of downtown, one-quarter acre on elm Street (adjacent to The Depot apartments) could be developed as an “active pocket park.” Improvements would be funded with $105,000 in park dedication fees created by The Depot development.

In the Samuels avenue neighborhood near the Trinity bluff development, plans call for a one-acre neighborhood community garden along the rock Island railroad line. The committee recommends that the city work with Samuels avenue neighborhood residents in developing a community garden on that site or in another location close by.

The committee also would like the city to provide Wi-fi service to all of the downtown green space.

funding for the new parks and improvements to the existing ones would come from a variety of sources. a park fund built by dedication fees from downtown developments would be one source, while grant opportunities through federal, state, and private entities should be pursued. The committee also recommends that a park funding mechanism be included within the city’s future capital improvement programs.

Taft said the timing of this green space effort is very important. With downtown office and residential developments growing, more people will be living and working in the central city, and the need for park land will grow. “Our success in this effort will add much-needed amenities downtown and make our center city an even better place to work, live, and visit,” Taft said.

“now, with local residents, out-of-town

guests, and a larger workforce using

downtown in greater numbers - almost

40,000 employees and millions of visitors

each year - the need for parks and open

spaces is greater than ever”


The Cowtown, presented by uNT Health Science Center, will be run on

Saturday, february 28, 2009, starting and ending in Sundance Square.

This 31st annual event consists of six races: an ultramarathon (31.0168 miles), Marathon (26.2), Half Marathon (13.1), 10K (6.2), adult 5K (3.1) and Kids 5K (3.1). The ultra, marathon, half marathon and 10K will tstart at 7:30, the adult 5K at 8:15 and the Kids 5K at 9 a.m.

In December, The board of Directors of The Cowtown announced that radioShack Corporation will be the title sponsor of the 10K race. The radioShack 10K is open to runners of all ages. “We are honored to have radioShack join us in presenting our very popular 10K event,” said Lance Mandell of The Center for Cancer and blood Disorders and current chairman of The Cowtown board of Directors. “We’re certain it will be a great partnership for the race, for the runners, and for helping promote health and fi tness to the community of greater fort Worth.” “The Cowtown 10K represents an opportunity for radioShack to support an iconic fort Worth event that takes place in our Company’s hometown,” said Julian Day, Chairman and Chief executive Offi cer of radioShack. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to all those who give their time as volunteers to organize the race, and of course, we wish each participant the very best in meeting their personal goal for the 10K.”

The Cowtown is a not-for-profi t organization whose mission is to provide a community event to promote health and fi tness to fort Worth area residents. Over 13,000 participants are expected, and over 3,500 volunteers are utilized to put on this extraordinary endeavor. entries are usually received from all 50 states and several foreign countries. In addition,

approximately 3,600 area children run as members of their school teams.

altogether, the entrants make The Cowtown one of the largest multi-race events in the country.

besides the races, there will also be Health and fitness expo, open from 11:30 a.m.-8 p.m. friday, february 27 and from 6 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on race day in the big tent at 4th and Main in Sundance Square. In addition, a Health fair, conducted by the presenting sponsor, the university of North Texas Health Science Center, will be held on friday, february 27 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on the flying Saucer Parking Lot, 4th and Main Street.

entries into the races can be accepted up until race start times or ahead of time on-line at www.cowtownmarathon.org. additional information is also available at that website, or call The Cowtown offi ce at 817 735-2033.

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as with most celebratory times of year, black History Month is perhaps best enjoyed among family and close friends. but some events around town that don’t directly

address black History Month are nonetheless dealing with the african-american ex-perience and -- in the case of a new exhibit at the fort Worth Community arts Center -- The african-american experience in fort Worth.

from 6 ‘til 9 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 13, at 1300 Gendy St., you’ll be able to toast the opening of FW African-American History: 1865-1940, a collection of paintings and drawings by a group of local african-american artists that chronicles the history of african-american families and individuals in fort Worth. The show will hang until the end of the month. admission is free.

Throughout the month on Community Cable Television, viewers will be able to catch They Showed the Way, a series of shorts about famous fort Worth residents who attended historic I.M. Terrell High School. Hosted by Sara Walker, the show will be composed of archival footage from the fort Worth Public Library archives and interviews. for more information, visit www.fortworthlibrary.org.

at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden through the end of March, be sure to catch Exploring Africa, a sweeping exhibit of photographs of the continent taken by fort Worth photographer Diane Simons Lovell, reportedly one of only a few shutterbugs to have taken snaps on all seven continents. Lovell also will display some of her folk art and artifacts from her personal african collection. admission is free. for more information, visit www.fwbg.org.

Lydia r. Diamond’s adaptation of Nobel Prize-winning author Toni Morrison’s novel The Bluest Eye will be wrapping up this month at North Texas’ only african-american theater, Jubilee (506 Main St., 817-338-4411). The drama, directed by ed Smith, is about an 11-year-old girl who pines for her friends’ and family’s love but who receives only ridicule for her troubles. She believes that if she had blue eyes, her life would be much different. and much brighter. Showtimes are Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays at 3 p.m. for more information, stop by the box office on Tuesdays through fridays from noon ‘til 6 p.m., call 817-338-4411, or visit www.jubileetheatre.org.

another prestigious african-american performance art group will be lighting up an area stage this month. On Tues., Feb. 24, and Wed., Feb. 25, at Bass Performance Hall (555 Commerce St.), the esteemed Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater will perform its unique, acrobatic brand of Modern dance as part of a world tour in celebration of the troupe’s 50th anniversary. for more information, call bass Hall at 817-212-4200.

Middle- and high-school fans of the Dallas Mavericks are encouraged to participate in the team’s second annual Black History Month Challenge essay competition. In 1,000 words or fewer, entrants must answer the question:

Three winners will be chosen, and the grand prize winner will be awarded tick-ets to the Mavs’ March 27 game, against the Denver Nuggets, and get a chance to hang out with a Mavs player afterward. entries must be postmarked by no later than March 2 and mailed to “black History Month Challenge,” 2909 Taylor St., Dallas, TX 75226.

Once again this year, from now until the end of the month, The National Cowboys of Color Museum (3400 Mount Vernon ave.) is accepting nominations for its Hall of fame. Dedicated to honoring and documenting the lives of the men and women of color who have contributed to the heritage of the West, the museum offers many different exhibits, including ones on the buffalo Soldiers and Tuskegee airmen. for more information, call 817-922-9999.

another great way to celebrate african-american heritage this year is by listening to a powerful gospel choir. At 7 p.m. on Mon., Feb. 23, Texas Christian University’s Work of Truth Gospel Choir will be belting out “old-school” spirituals and gospel songs at the brown-Lupton university union auditorium on the TCU campus. for more information, call 817-257-5550.

and TCu isn’t the only local institution of higher learning to be celebrating the month. The University of North Texas is also chipping in. at its uNT Health Science Center (3500 Camp bowie blvd.), several activities that are free and open to the public are happening, including a talk on

Mon., Feb. 9, by Dr. Richard Owen Proctor, who teaches african-american studies at Texas a&M university, entitled “Health History and the family of Man,” from 11-11:50 a.m. at Luibel Hall; a reception earlier in the day, at 1 p.m., for burl Washington, a black artist known for his paintings of buffalo Soldiers, whose work will be exhibited in the rare books room, Medical education building 3, room 310; and from noon until 2 p.m. on Tue., feb. 17 in everett Hall, Medical education building 2, room 106, a “black History Session,” discussing famous black scientists from the slavery era through today. for more information, call 817-735-2483.

Celebrating Black History

from fw African-American history: 1865-1940.

the Alvin Ailey American dance theater Performs at Bass hall this month.

2008 hall of fame inductee Art t. Burton .

Jubilee theatre presents the Bluest Eye.

“which influential event in African-American history inspires you, and how has it made an impact on your life?”

“the Lone Soldier” by Burl washington.


Base Maps Courtesy of

Amon Carter Museum3501 C B i Bl d 817 738 1933

Kimbell Art Museum3333 C B i Bl d 817 332 8451

Will Rogers Memorial Center3401 W L A 817 871 8150

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www.fortworthparking.com

SUNDANCE GARAGE III3rd Street between Taylor & Throckmorton

CRESCENTCalhoun between 5th & 6th StreetsBass Performance Hall Patrons Only

SUNDANCE GARAGE ICommerce between 1st & 2nd Streets

TARRANT COUNTYFAMILY LAW GARAGECalhoun between Weatherford & 1st StreetsEvenings after 5pm & Weekends

SUNDANCE GARAGE IICalhoun between 3rd & 4th Streets

CHISHOLM TRAIL LOT3rd Street - Evenings after 5pm & weekendsMerchant & AMC Theater Validations

SUNDANCE SQUAREGATEWAY LOTNo Longer Available to the Public

A

B

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GCITY PLACE GARAGEBelknap Street betweenThrockmorton and Taylor

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DOWNTOWN PARKING GUIDE

Join the thousands of North Texas residents whoenjoy public transportation in Fort Worth. Whetheryour destination is home, work or play, one of theT's services is just right for you!

Enjoy The T DowntownFree Zone! Ride anywherein downtown for free! Thefree zone extends east to JonesStreet, north to Belknap, southto Lancaster and westto Henderson Street.

ON THE MOVE WITH THE T

CULTURAL DISTRICT

NATIONAL HISTORICALSTOCKYARDS DISTRICT

FREE PARKING DOWNTOWNDowntown’s vibrant nightlife, entertainment, retail and

restaurant scene would be almost impossible without abun-dant, convenient parking.

Established in 1995, the downtown TIF provides 2,830free evening and weekend public parking spaces for down-town visitors. In addition, Sundance Square retailers providevalidation at the Sundance Square Gateway and ChisholmTrail Lots listed to the right. Daytime patrons of Sundancerestaurants and retailers receive 2.5 hours of free parking andAMC theatre patrons receive up to 4 hours validation in thesetwo lots.

Both the TIF sponsored and Sundance Square parking lotslisted are free in the evenings after 5:00 p.m. and on weekends.

YOUR PASSPORT TO CENTER CITY LIFE

SUNDANCE SQUARE HISTORIC STOCKYARDS CULTURAL DISTRICT

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8 D O W N T O W N F O R T W O R T J U N E 2 0 0 8 J U N E 2 0 0 8 D O W N T O W N F O R T W O R T H 9


It’s a classic American story. Ten years ago, Nehme Elbitar immigrated here with a restaurant-management degree and a dream: to own a fine-dining restaurant featuring the flavors of his beloved hometown, Chadra, a northern Lebanese village near the Mediterranean coast. He worked in the kitchens of Hedary and Byblos, hoarding his money and polishing his English, and in 2002 was able to open his “starter restaurant,” CafŽ Chadra, a somewhat shabby but quickly popular diner near John Peter Smith hospital. CafŽ Chadra offered “Tastes of the Mediterranean,” though to meet to the demands of his clientele, Nehme weighted his menu toward Italian dishes, with relatively few from the eastern edge of the sea. But enough people enjoyed his manakish (flat-bread pizza topped with

olive oil and thyme) and shawarma (tender slices of marinated chicken, steak, or beef sautŽed with onions, peppers, tomatoes, and a dozen spices) that Elbitar believed Fort Worth could indeed support another fine Lebanese restaurant.

So Nehme Elbitar worked hard - 14 hours a day, six days a week, for more than five years - and saved his money. A year ago, he achieved his long-held dream, opening Chadra Mezza & Grill on the Near South Side, in a beautifully renovated space with tall plants, velvet curtains, and spice-colored walls that set a grown-up yet comfortably homey mood. Nehme, the most charming host this side of Piola’s Bobby Albanese, now splits his time between greeting regulars (of which there are many) and supervising the kitchen’s production of his family recipes.

The crowds have come for starters of garlicky hummus, smoky babaganouj, and that delightful manakish pizza, best when paired with the tangy feta salad. EntrŽes are a difficult decision: In addition to traditional Lebanese dishes like shawarma, kabobs, and ablama (yellow squash stuffed with finely ground sirloin, topped with a delicate tomato sauce), Nehme has perfected his penne alla vodka, eggplant parmigiana, and other Italian-inspired recipes. His signature Heavenly Chicken is aptly named: a huge grilled chicken breast stuffed with cream cheese, sautŽed spinach, and a bushel of bacon bits,

smothered in made-to-order mushroom Alfredo sauce. But then, all of Nehme’s creations - particularly when paired with a deep, rich Lebanese wine - will make you think you’re in heaven.

The way around the what-to-order dilemma is to visit Chadra Mezza during one of its legendary buffets - from garlic knots to baklava, everything you’d want to try is on display, made in small batches so each dish is always wonderfully fresh. Lunch buffets are a great buy (weekdays $8.25, with Wednesdays vegetarian-only; Saturdays $9.95), but the bargain of the century is the Friday night buffet ($15.95), which features all-you-can-eat lamb chops, salmon, falafel, chicken, stuffed shells or another Italian dish, and often a new creation that Nehme is taste-testing on his captive and eager audience. Several desserts are included, but we highly recommend going a la carte for the ice cream flight ($8.95) - five or six tastings of whatever sweet creaminess Nehme has concocted that day. Perhaps that will be rosewater, tamarind, carrot cake, jalape–o, roasted sesame - anything that strikes his fertile imagination. Lucky for us, this charming man never stops working.

YoU GottAtrY thIS

The hot “Bananas foster” Butter Cake recently became the most popular dessert at the newly opened Eddie V’s Prime Seafood resaurant... and for great reason. Cream Cheese and yellow cake batter infused with chunks of pecans is freshly baked, topped with sliced bananas and drizzled with a banana liqueur and caramel sauce. Served between a large scoop of butter pecan ice cream and hand-whipped cream, the dish is doused with Pirate 151 rum and set ablaze table side. This mouth watering fusion of ingredients and exciting presentation make a delicious conclusion to any evening! $7.95 at Eddie V’s Prime Seafood, 3100 w. 7th Street, 817-336-8000

hot “Bananas foster” Butter Cake

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Chadra Mezza & Grill1622 Park Place Av., 817-924-2372Lunch Mon-Sat 11am-3pm; dinner Wed-Sat to 10pmBurgers, heroes, wraps, and lunch entrees $5.95 - $9.95; Most dinner entrees $9.95 - $14.95


Beat theClockSammy’s Pizza & Pasta, 402 Houston St., 817-348-0085

Short lunch break? Grab a quick and tasty meal in under an hour!

the setting: A new York pizzeria in Sundance Square? Pretty close. with a Little Italy d�cor, the rich aroma of slow-cooked tomato sauce, and pizza dough tossed before your eyes, Sammy’s has everything but the Brooklyn accent.

the menu: that hand-tossed pizza is only the start of Sammy’s menu, but it’s a great start. Grab a thin, crispy slice of cheese, pepperoni, veggie, or “supreme” ($2.25-$3.25) for a snack on the run. or create your own pizza (large $10.99), made to order with your choice of Sammy’s fresh toppings. But on a cold february day, nothing’s better than a hot, hearty pasta dish like eggplant parmigiana ($6.99), with thick slices of eggplant smothered in an oregano-spiked zesty tomato sauce, or grilled chicken pesto ($9.99) with fresh tomatoes, smoky chicken, and al dente

bowties in creamy pesto sauce. whichever of Sammy’s three dozen classic pasta, chicken, and seafood dishes you choose, make sure to order garlic bread ($2.99), for sopping up every drop. Sammy’s also offers salads, calzones, hot and cold subs, and a classic overstuffed gyro ($5.99) with the meat sliced right from the spit.

the service: You won’t suffer much downtime at Sammy’s - even at the peak of lunch rush, your order is quickly taken and quickly delivered. And if you really can’t get away from your desk, Sammy’s will bring it to you, anywhere downtown, for a small charge.

the verdict: from a quick slice of new York-style pizza to a delicious and hearty pasta lunch, Sammy’s delivers the goods.

time in: 12:15 pm time out: 12:45 pm

525 Taylor Street (Corner of 4th & Taylor in The Tower)

Sundance Square ~ 817.348.9828www.thevaultdfw.comexecutive chef, Gabriel Ochoa

owner, Jean-Michel Sakouhi

The Vault is the hottest new dining destination in downtown Fort Worth. With its signature Mediterranean cuisine and hip V Lounge Wine & Martini Bar, The Vault is

the place to go in downtown Fort Worth.

A taste of the Mediterranean

The Vault DTFWInc Qtr 2.indd 1 8/29/08 4:35:28 PM

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ah, Weddings...ugly bridesmaids’ dresses, drunken toasts by the best man, distant uncles you haven’t seen since they got out of prison, catty wedding planners. and of course there’s the one constant at every wedding: stress. at some point, weddings became less about the bride and groom and more about fulfi lling the repressed desires of the happy couple’s friends and families. Major concerns include invitations, who to invite, what color scheme and theme the invites should be, registering for gifts, the rehearsal dinner, dresses, tuxes, the reception, the band, caterers, in-laws. yikes. Slow down, take it one step at a time. first you have to get engaged.

There’s only one commandment for popping the question: Know thy spouse. If you plan on marrying the shy, quiet type, maybe proposing on the jumbo-tron at Cowboys Stadium isn’t the way to go. and as for the ring itself, if your soon-to-be better half is a coupon-clipper, there’s a good chance that she won’t want the Star of africa diamond weighing down her hand. Here’s an idea: ask.

The good folks at Haltom’s Jewelers, a locally owned company right in the heart of Sundance Square, can guide you through the hassle and pressure of buying a ring she’ll be wearing the rest of her life. They’ve been doing it over 100 years, so they probably know a thing or two more than the average guy. also in downtown fort Worth, Joe Daiches has been slinging bling since 1929. The family-owned business offers a wide variety of cuts and styles. If your bride-to-be is of the nontraditional variety, Earth Bones in Sundance Square has rings to accommodate all kinds of tastes.

Then there’s the matter of actually getting your sweetie to agree to marry you. If you’re into picturesque urban landscapes, the grotto bar atop Reata provides the perfect panoramic view of the nighttime skyline. If you’re more into the storybook type of proposal, try a carriage ride provided by downtown’s own Classic Carriages. you can trot along the streets of downtown 365 days a year with Classic Carriage.

If the answer is yes, fi rst of all, congratulations. Secondly, get busy planning. for a world-class engagement party, downtown offers some of the most cosmopolitan restaurants around. Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse is a great place to celebrate any occasion. They offer world-class cuisine and a wine list that rivals the phone book in weight. for elegant and classic Mediterranean fare, Ferré is on the cutting edge of Tuscan techniques. If you’d rather just have meat fl ung at you from all sides, Texas de Brazil is the place for you.

for the bride, the dress is priority one. Bliss Bridal Salon, on the outskirts of downtown, has classic designs and modern styles such as Winnie Couture, blue by enzoani, and others. They also carry all of the veils and jewelry accessories a gal could ever want. Weddings on the boulevard is a one-stop shop for everything from “rings to rice,” as their website promises. They have wedding planners on staff as well. also on Camp bowie, Ocone’s has been providing fort Worth brides high quality dresses for over three decades. Started by barbra Ocone, former designer for Neiman Marcus, Ocone’s specializes in alterations. On Hulen, David’s Bridal offers an impressive collection of dresses, some of which cost under $100. but of course, you’ll fi nd high-end chic european dresses as well.

The only way to survive the wedding process is to have fun with it. It’s important to remember to relax. a good way to pamper yourself and maybe even other members of the wedding party is with a spa day. Perfect Touch Day Spa takes a mind, body, and soul approach to pampering their guests. They offer everything from mani-pedis and Swedish massage to cellulite treatment. In downtown, the Sheraton Hotel offers a stylish spa amid the hustle and bustle of the high-rises. Bella Retreat Spa and Salon is the perfect place to relax with the gals while you plan your big day.

Then again, Vegas is only a three-hour fl ight away.

THE PROPOSALHaltom’s Sundance Square

317 Main St. • (817) 336-4051 Joe Diaches

101 Houston St • (817) 332-6391 Earth Bones

308 Main St • (817) 332-2662 Reata

310 Houston St • (817) 336-1009Classic Carriages

Sundance Lane • (817) 336-0400THE ENGAGEMENT

Del Frisco’s812 Main St • (817) 877-3999

Ferré215 E. 4th St • (817) 332-0033

Texas de Brazil101 N Houston St • 817) 882-9500

THE DRESSBliss Bridal Salon

833 Foch St • (817) 332-4696Ocone’s

6500 Camp Bowie Blvd # C(817) 732-4457 David’s Bridal

470 Hulen Park Dr • (817) 346-4874THE SPA DAY

Perfect Touch Spa3023 Bledsoe St # 103 • (817) 870-

3610Sheraton Hotel Spa

1701 Commerce St • (817) 335-7000Bella Retreat Spa

5031 Camp Bowie Blvd(817) 377-2457

Your Downtown Wedding PlannerIf the answer is yes, fi rst of all, congratulations. Secondly, get


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WWW.INURSHA.COM

IT’S OUR 10 YEAR ANNIVERSARY

...AND WE’RE ONLY GETTING

STRONGER

525 Bailey Ave • Fort Worth, TX 76107 • 817.332.7554

February 13, 14 & 15, 2009Bass Performance Hall

with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra

817-665-6000 www.fwsymphony.orgwith thewith the Fort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth Symphony OrchestraFort Worth Symphony Orchestra

Music and Romance

The Perfect Valentine Gift!

FORT WORTH

Music and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and RomanceMusic and Romance

The Perfect Valentine Gift!

AffairHeart

An

of the

The Perfect Valentine Gift!The Perfect Valentine Gift!An

Treat your sweetheart to a romantic evening and a veryspecial Valentine’s performance in Bass Performance Hall. Featuring beautiful love songs, Broadway classics, favorite movie themes and more.


february isn’t just that time ‘o year when love -- or tear-fi lled lamentations thereof -- is in the air. In

2009 in the fort, it’s also a time of change. for the better.for years the Stockyards has been the preserve of

the cowboy-boot-wearin’, 10-gallon-lidded, horse-ridin’ set. and while the location still undoubtedly is, it’s also opening up to a new demo: hipsters, courtesy of Lola’s Stockyards Saloon. Located below ground in a building on West exchange avenue right by North Main Street, Lola’s is about as close to a bona fi de speakeasy as you can get without traveling back in time to the 1930s: low ceiling, dimly lit, partitioned into segments, draped in blacks and dark reds, and with a small stage for intimate performances. you’ll generally see as many Stockyards regulars as hipsters at Lola’s Stockyards Saloon.

On the South Side, the opposite is kind of happening. The area has always been hipster-friendly, what with one of the best vegan restaurants in the country, Spiral Diner and Bakery, located there and with not a chain bar or restaurant for miles. but with the recent opening of The Fairmount, the area by the Hospital District is proving also to be hospitable to countrifi ed folk. Most of the bands that regularly play the large, airy club are Texas Music-ish in nature. Local Texas Music radio station KFWR/95.9-FM The Ranch also has just started hosting events there.

Whether on the South Side or in the Stockyards, don’t forget to enjoy the stuff that made each ‘hood what it is. With joints such as Lonesome Dove, The Love Shack, and White Elephant Saloon, the Stockyards is still the place to be for kicking up your heels to both kinds of music -- country and western -- and to eat large and well. and the South Side, with its diverse ma-and-pa eateries and bars, will always be Ground Zero for coolness in Cowtown. you may not know -- or believe it -- but some of the hippest indie-rock and punk bands in the country often come through the South Side to play either 1919 Hemphill or the Chat Room Pub. be sure to check Fort Worth Weekly for regularly updated concert listings.

Speaking of concerts, one of the biggest throwdowns in town is happening this month. On Tue., Feb. 24, join the Krewe of Kowtown for its 17th annual Mardis Gras

Ball, a festival of Cajun-style music, food, and prizes. The party starts at 8 p.m. at J&J’s Blues Bar (937 Woodward St.). admission is only $15. Performers include Wendy Colonna with Chad Pope, Suzie Q and the Tips, fort Worth blues-master James Hinkle, and many more. Come dressed to impress, and, of course, bring your beads.

february also means, yes, Valentine’s Day. for all you lovers out there, take heart in the fact that there’s really no limit to the number of romantic places for you and your sweetie to dine on Saturday, the 14th. but if we may be

so bold as to venture some suggestions, we recommend Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse(812 Main St.), Simply Fondue (111

W. 4th St.), and the fort’s swankiest purveyor of Mediterranean fare, The Vault (in The Tower, 525 Taylor

St.), three downtown restaurants that would imbue even the slovenliest among you with a-list mojo. Call now for reservations: Del frisco’s (817-877-3999), Simply fondue (817-348-0633),

The Vault (817-348-9828).While february means Valentine’s

Day, it doesn’t necessarily mean romance. It also -- this year, at least -- means

the Fort Worth Urban Challenge, a scavenger hunt through the

wilds of Cowtown, starting at 2 p.m. at the Omni Hotel Fort Worth

(1300 Houston St.). Dinner, drinks, and

prizes will follow the race. To register, go to ww w.fo rtworth urba ncha l leng e.com . Proceeds from the various registration fees will go toward Kidd’s Kids, a nonprofi t organization devoted to brightening the lives of terminally or chronically ill children by taking them on vacation to Disney World.

but maybe you’re one of those shy types, who’d rather trick the object of your affection into liking you than just be yourself. Well, what better way to send her (or him) running into the safety of your arms than by celebrating Friday the 13th at the IMAX Theater at the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History (1501 Montgomery St.), where multiple academy award nominee The Dark Knight will be showing daily until early March. Starring Christian Bale as batman and academy award nominee (best Supporting actor) Heath Ledger as the caped crusader’s archenemy The Joker, The Dark Knight is rated PG-13 for “intense sequences of violence and some menace.” Tickets are $10 (adults), $8 for children (ages three to 12) and seniors (over 60), and members will receive a $2-3 discount. Order yours in advance by calling 817-255-9540 or visiting www.fwmuseum.com.

and don’t forget that Fort Worth’s annual Stock Show and Rodeo will be wrapping up this month. bull riding and other traditional rodeo activities will be happening, along with opportunities to nosh on some great food, endure thrilling rides, and play games. everything takes place at the Will Rogers Memorial Center in the Cultural District. for more information, visit www.fwssr.com.

ENTERTAINMENT

Get the best of rock & country on the north or South side.

wendy Colonna & others will perform at J&J’s Blues Bar.

downtown offers a variety of romantic dining experiences.

heath Ledger as “the Joker” in

the dark Knight.


T A P A S C A N T I N A

Open for Lunch

MON-FRI11am-2pm

1010 Houston St. • Downtown Across From Convention Center Restaurant 817.336.3124 • www.parkcentralhotel.com

WED-SAT5pm-2am

$2 wells all the time

Happy Hour5-8pm

OPEN BLUESJAM THURSDAYLIVE MUSIC-FREE WiFi

835 Foch Street • Fort Worth • 817.850.9900 • www.mfortworth.com

Fort Worth’s Premiere Martini LoungeUnbeatable Liquor Selection • Cigars

Come Drink to the

‘s

835 Foch Street • Fort Worth • 817.850.9900 • www.mfortworth.com835 Foch Street • Fort Worth • 817.850.9900 • www.mfortworth.com

Fort Worth’s Premiere Martini LoungeUnbeatable Liquor Selection • Cigars

Designer

labels

for $39

and less!

Be Sure To Visit

U N D E R G R O U N D

408 Houston Street • 817-698-8100

Designer

and less!

408 Houston Street • 817-698-8100

Complimentary

Gift Wrapping and

Gift Certifi cates

Available

Featuring Fine Clothing by Alberto Makali, Joseph Ribkoff, Elliott Lauren,

Christine Alexander, Mesmerize, Boho Chic,

Nally & Millie, and NYDJ

Shoes by Yellow Box, Madeline,

Poetic Licence, Naughty Monkey

and Accessories by Brighton,

Simon Sebbag, John Medeiros

Downtown FW, Inc.

Hours: Tues-Fri 5pm-2am • Sat 6pm-2am • Sunday 7pm-1am • Closed Mondays111 W. 4th, Suite 11 • 817-870-9100 • Downstairs - Sundance Square

Visit our website for detailswww.scatjazzlounge.com

LIVE MUSIC fEbrUaryWed, Feb. 4thPaul Unger, Steve Harlos & Dennis DurickThur, Feb. 5thJohnny renoFri, Feb. 6thricki Derek and & Vegas SixSat, Feb. 7thred young Organ TrioSun, Feb. 8thTrio CubanoTue, Feb. 10thJim brimer Jazz bandWed, Feb. 11thMario CruzThur, Feb. 12thricki Derek & the Quartet of fourFri, Feb. 13thShelley CarrolSat, Feb. 14thValentine's Day with Corner PocketSun, Feb. 15thTrio CubanoTue, Feb. 17thricki Derek & His big band

Wed, Feb. 18thShelly CarrolThur, Feb. 19thJohnny renoFri, Feb. 20thTatiana Mayfield Quintet - A Salute to Nancy WilsonSat, Feb. 21stCarla Norris-HopkinsJazz QuintetSun, Feb. 22ndTrio CubanoTue, Feb. 24thPete GalloWed, Feb. 25thZach HeffleyThu, Feb. 27thJohnny renoFri, Feb. 27thricki Derek & the Vegas sixSat, Feb. 28thSandra Kaye & a few Good Men

Tickets Available @www.ticketstothecity.com

Great Happy Hour Specials all month Long. Tuesday – Friday • 5pm – 7pm

"Top 100 Jazz Clubs"-DoWnBeAT

MAGAzine '09

DowntownFW February

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