Book sale fundraiser

Peruse a huge selection of books, CDs, movies, greeting cards, magazines and more at the Skillman Southwestern Library Friends used media sale. Starts Wednesday at noon until 7:45 p.m. and runs 10 a.m.-5:45 p.m. ThursdaySaturday. All materials remaining on the last day of the sale will be half price.

Skillman Southwestern Library, 5707

Skillman, 214.670.6078, sslfriends@aol.com, free entry

June 1

Lake Highlands Peacock Walk and White Rock Lake Bike Ride

Take in the scenery around White Rock Lake by choosing from two events hosted by The Dallas Trekkers Walking Club. Bicyclists can take a 16km or 25km ride around White Rock Lake together. For a milder adventure, keep an eye out for peacocks and take a 6km or 10km stroll. Walkers will stop by the Lake Highlands Community Garden, the White Rock Stables and Flag Pole Hill. Both events will meet up at the Lake House Bar and Grill and start at 7:30 a.m.

Lake House Bar and Grill, 7510 E. Northwest Highway, dallastrekkers.org, free

June 5

‘A Southern Belle Primer’

Longtime Dallas resident and Southern humorist Maryln

Schwartz passed away in 2011, but her classic book, “A Southern Belle Primer,” lives on. Hear Karen Kelly, a dear friend to Schwartz, review the legacy of her friend’s book at Lochwood Library from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Lochwood Branch Library, 11221 Lochwood Boulevard, 214.670.8403, free

June 8, 22

White Rock

Local Market

From 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., join local farmers, artisans and more for a neighborhood market featuring food and craft vendors, as well as produce from local farmers.

Green Spot Market & Fuels, 702 N. Buckner, free

June 22

You Can Pickle That!

White Rock Local Market’s summer workshop series continues this month with a class on pickling from instructors Kathy Neumuller from JJ&B Jams and Karen Phelps from In a Pickle. Students will learn about the process of canning and will pickle their own vegetables and preserves. A light lunch is included, and reservations are required.

First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 5700 Preston, 214.797.4989, $50/$40 for members

Through June 29

Nature in My Art

The Bath House Cultural Center presents nature-inspired artwork by Pavlina Panova Tuesdays through Saturdays from noon to 6 p.m.

Bath House Cultural Center, 521 E. Lawther Drive, 214.670.8749, dallasculture.org/ bathhouseculturecenter, free

June 21, 22, 23, 28, 29, 30

‘The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs’

The Dallas Children’s Theater gives us the wolf’s side of the story in this nationally acclaimed adaptation of Jon Scieszka and Lane Smith’s book. Performances run at 7:30 p.m. Fridays, and 1:30 and 4:30 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Dallas Children’s Theater, 5938 Skillman, 214.740.0051, $16-$27

Delicious

Burgers

The Varsity Grill

9310 Forest 214.342.3000

AMBIANCE: olD-sChool CAsUAl DINER

PRICE RANGE:

$5-$8 hoURs: MoNDAY-sATURDAY, 11 A.M.-9:30 P.M. ClosED sUNDAY oWNER ThoM TURNoCK oRIGINAllY PlAYED ’80s MUsIC IN ThE REsTAURANT To sUIT ThE NEIGhBoRhooD DEMoGRAPhIC UNTIl CUsToMERs oF All AGEs TolD hIM ThEY PREFERRED ThE GolDEN olDIEs.

DID YoU KNoW?

After retiring, Thom Turnock wanted to get into the restaurant business and use his knowledge from a career in marketing to give patrons a quality experience. “I’m a little bit of a control freak,” he says. When you step into Varsity Grill, his efforts are immediately visible. The place is immaculate. Turnock says that when he opened up in Lake Highlands three years ago, he didn’t do any advertising; most people discovered the restaurant by word of mouth. The consistency of the food and the service attracts a large lunch crowd from neighborhood businesses, and Turnock makes it a priority to learn the names of all his customers. He also enjoys working with local schools for various fundraisers. Turnock says that although the restaurant is family friendly, it will never be one of those noisy places where the kids run amok, unattended by their parents. “The food here is madeto-order, our Blue Bell ice cream shakes are hand-dipped, the patties and wings are never frozen the big groups with really little kids just need things to be a little more instant.” The menu includes a variety of salads, wraps, and appetizers, but the burgers are top-notch. There are dozens of burger places around Dallas, but Turnock says his buns set him apart. Made fresh daily, customers can choose from jalapeno-cheddar, sweet sourdough or whole wheat. The buns don’t fall apart or overwhelm the flavor of the grilled patty. The final product is a good old-fashioned burger that satisfies. —Whitney Thompson

1 Keller’s Drive-in

This drive-in has been a neighborhood institution since 1965, with the customer service, cheap prices, and eclectic regulars to prove it. Order an ice-cold longneck to drink in your car with some tater tots and the popular No. 5: a juicy double cheeseburger with special sauce. Just don’t forget to stop by the ATM on your way, since it’s cash only.

6537 E. Northwest Hwy.

214.368.1209

2 JG’s Old Fashioned Burgers

Be sure to check out the condiment bar where you can fancy up your burger any way you please at this restaurant that’s been in our ‘hood nearly 30 years.

12101 Greenville

972.644.8628 jgshamburgers.com

3 Jake’s

Turn up the heat at this Lake Highlands establishment by trying a spicy black bean veggie patty or a “jalapeno bottle cap” burger.

6606 Skillman

214.349.1422 jakesburgers.net food and wine online Visit lakehighlands.advocatemag.com/dining

Torchy’s Tacos

This hot spot is complete with a grand patio for a Torchy’s-inspired picnic. Have a taco (or four!), then wash it down with a specialty cocktail from our Firewater Menu.

5600 SMU Blvd, Suite 102 972.993.TACO (8226)