2010 December Oak Cliff

hEiR loo M RECip Es

Family favorites fill our bellies and warm our hearts

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T. Holcomb

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Holiday traditions stink

Mine did, but at least it’s mine

One of our family’s longstanding holiday traditions involved a food called lutefisk. It made its one and only annual appearance at the holiday meal the bigger the family gathering, the larger the pot of lutefisk.

It was our first scent of the holidays, because when we entered the host home, the overwhelming aroma of lutefisk literally seeped through the door.

I’m told that lutefisk is a Scandinavian “delicacy”. But what legitimate delicacy is soaked in lye, gives off a stench reminiscent of rancid meat, jiggles on the plate in the manner of a glob of greasy gelatin, and tastes like something I would never eat except under threat of death?

As far as I know, virtually every relative of mine, young and old, felt the same way about lutefisk — literally no one ate it. But there it was every holiday — in a boiling, hideously large pot right next to the turkey and ham.

Lutefisk was some now unremembered family member’s holiday tradition. And more than 40 years after it first entered my holiday consciousness, lutefisk remains there today as a “tradition” a tradition for all the wrong reasons, but still something I think about every holiday.

That kind of defies common sense, doesn’t it? A food I can’t stand is the most memorable holiday tradition of my youth, a memory that lingers fondly even today?

Of course, our family had other holiday traditions, too.

For example, my mom has a photographic memory for her holiday decorating layout, from precisely where the plastic Santa hangs on the wall to exactly where the intricate (for a thirdgrader) Crayon-colored holiday artwork is aligned on the kitchen cabinets. Even today, I can close my eyes, and tell you whether the Santa peeking from the wreath will be mounted to the left or right of Rudolph and his fellow reindeer.

Moving to current day, we always top our tree with a very juvenile rendition of an angel made from an overturned Dixie cup, rendered meaningful not because of its artistic value but because it was stapled and glued and penciled by one of our very own former juveniles. Same with a string of paper ornaments festooned with shimmering glitter and bearing the smiling face of another former juvenile, who also happens to be a favorite of ours.

And after the presents are opened and the

recycling disposed, my wife creates the most majestic breakfast of the year, serving up a holiday-decorated table lined with over-frosted cinnamon rolls and milk and orange juice and fresh-baked butter biscuits and the pièce de résistance: a medley of scrambled eggs, cheese, sour cream, butter and spices so full of calories and fat that it would spin the heads of those people on TV’s “Biggest Loser”.

By way of continued quirky family tradition, I’ve never seen my wife more than nibble at the feast she spends hours creating, just as her mother did for her. And even though none of those foods are my favorites, it’s a holiday tradition of the highest family magnitude anyway.

This brings me to the neighborhood recipes offered up in our cover story this month; all are something of traditions to the people who originated them, and the story suggests they might become holiday traditions for your family or mine somewhere down the road.

But as it turns out, the odds of specifically setting out to create a tradition and having that well-crafted and laboriously planned idea actually become a lingering family memory are pretty slim.

Because that’s the way holidays go. We endlessly scheme to create traditions, and we cleverly channel our efforts into building them. But most of the time, what people remember is the lutefisk.

Fondly, though.

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ADvoCAtE PuBLiShinG 6301 Gaston Avenue, Suite 820, Dallas, tX 75214 RiCK WAMRE|presidenttoM ZiELinSKi|vice-president Advocate, © 2010, is published monthly by East Dallas – Lakewood People inc. Contents of this magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. the publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising material. opinions set forth in the Advocate are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the publisher’s viewpoint. More than200,000peoplereadAdvocatepublicationseachmonth. Advertisingratesandguidelinesareavailableuponrequest. Advocate Publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one copy per reader.

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BLOG SERIES:

LESSONS LEARNED AT THE NATIONAL HISTORIC TRUST CONFERENCE

Old Oak Cliff Preservation League board president Michael Amonett recently attended the conference in Austin, and shared via Back Talk Oak Cliff his insights on how the sessions applied to our neighborhood’s rich historic architecture. Below are excerpts; to read his posts in full and to view slideshows from his trip, visit and search: Amonett

IN

A CITY, THE PAST IS VISIBLE

10.28.10 At the opening plenary, the new Historic Trust for Preservation president, Stephanie Meeks, spoke of the need for preservation to be three things: accessible, visible and funded.

Next up was former First Lady and honorary chair of the conference, Laura W. Bush. Who knew we had such an advocate for preservation living right in Dallas?

Finally, New Yorker architecture critic Paul Goldberger was truly eloquent in explaining why Austin was chosen as an example of the Next American City. Unlike Houston or Dallas, Austin has always embraced and honored its old, and recognized the need and importance for people to be able to connect to their past. In a city, the past is visible, and nowhere is that more true in Dallas than Oak Cliff.

DENSITY AND PRESERVATION

10.30.10 It is always nice to hear factual data that backs up why you feel so strongly about something. Session speakers offered quite a bit of facts to help make the case for our smaller historic buildings: these buildings. economic times.

North Oak Cliff.

compete with our suburbs over time.

neighborhoods based on their authenticity. neighborhoods in a surgical way, or these character areas could be ruined, losing their value.

likely to not succeed if it is 100 percent new. Our chance at real competition with the suburbs is our possession of structures they will never have.

THE GOODS

U.S. DEMOGRAPHICS, HISPANICS AND PRESERVATION

11.02.10 Ignoring that we are a diverse community is dishonest. Time and time again, Oak Cliff residents say that our diversity is one of the top attractions in living here. But this session spoke to the very real issues that can sometimes manifest as we converge. A two-story building

told to make way for a bus barn.Bridges need be built now more than ever.

Norma Ramirez de Miess with the Trust spoke on coming together with Hispanics on places that matter:

to help you than you think.

someone what they can and cannot do solutions.A perfect example would be Iglesia Luz, the former Vogue on Jefferson. A new could easily have been built in front of the making the structure as the congregants wanted, but also preserving the past should anyone want to restore it.

impersonal electronic ones. People like to complain about paint colors

is as long as it is still a building. There is build when it has been demolished.

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WACKYM’S KITCHEN

Wackym’s Kitchen bakes delicious cookies and treats from original recipes using fresh, natural ingredients like real butter and cane sugar. Perfect for holiday gifting. Visit our website to order or to find a retail location near you. 214.864.7667 wackymskitchen.com

Introducing the Advocate Foundation’s 2010 limited-edition, numbered, and individually hand-painted ornament. Sales benefit neighborhood organizations and events. For more information, call 214.292.0486 or go to foundation.advocatemag.com

The John Bremond House in Austin, built in 1870, is cared for

on

Go Fresh! Not Fake!

Nothing says “holiday” more than fragrant and fresh Christmas trees and greens. Decorate your home with the real thing this year for a “green” holiday!

Christmas trees are a renewable American resource. They also absorb carbon dioxide, create oxygen, can be recycled as mulch and provide refuge for wildlife. The U.S. Christmas Tree industry creates as many as 100,000 U.S. jobs each year. To ensure a constant supply, tree farms plant up to 3 new seedlings for each tree harvested. Plus, fresh trees and greens will never sit in a landfill for centuries after disposal! We have an amazing selection of healthy Christmas trees and holiday greens.

Not Your Standard Poinsettia!

Looking to make an impact in your holiday home? Decorate with hot pink, white or red poinsettias that are up to 3-feet tall & wide! 14” pots are only $39.99 each.

Dec. 4th Events: Chihuahua Rescue 10am - 3pm Create Christmas Yule Logs & Woodland Ornaments with Oil & Cotton 12:30pm - 3:30pm ($45. Sign up today. All ages.) Details at www.nhg.com

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The Advocate Foundation helps local groups with programs and events that benefit our neighborhood. Help support it by purchasing our beautiful 2010 hand-painted glass ornament. It depicts a Dallas cityscape by local artist Dahlia Woods and comes with a coordinating stand and black velvet keepsake box. Visit foundation.advocatemag.com for a list of local retailers or to buy the ornament online.

uestion of the Month

We asked our Facebook fans ...

what wa S your FaVorite neiGhborhood eVent oF 2010?

Blues, Bandits and BBQ (Sept. 12)! —MEREDITH STEGALL

I loved Make’s Urban Bazaar (Oct. 2-3) in the Bishop Arts District.

—ANNETTE DAFFRON NORMAN

The Big Table (Nov. 1) in Bishop Arts community, food, friends and fundraising!

—SHERI LYNNE SANDERS-MATHIS

Art in the Hood Studio Tour and Sale (Feb. 6).

—ALISHA REEVES POCKRUS

Cliff bloG posts: 1. NEW BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT ENTERPRISES POPPING UP search: popping // 2. READER SEES CHILDHOOD HOME ON BACK TALK BLOG, VISITS YOUNG HOMEOWNERS search: elmwood // 3. TWO OAK CLIFF HOMES ON AIA DALLAS HOME TOUR search: Kessler woods court // 4. U.S. DEMOGRAPHICS, HISPANICS AND PRESERVATION search: hispanics // 5. STREETCAR LINE TO BE COMPLETE IN 2013 search: streetcar 7700 Northaven Rd, Dallas TX 75230 • 214-363-5316 Your

web editor chriSty robinSon compiles the On Advocatemag.com section. If you have suggestions for this section or our website contact her at 214.635.2120 or crobinson@advocatemag.com.

Deputy Chief Vernon Hale recently took over as top cop at the Dallas Police Department’s Southwest Patrol Division, which includes our neighborhood. Hale grew up in o ak Cliff, and graduated from Kimball High School in 1988.

If the name sounds familiar, it’s probably because Hale’s name has been in the news a lot — he was a spokesman for the department for two years.

What is your background?

i’ve been with the department 19 years. i graduated from the academy in 1992, and i started my training here at the Southwest Patrol Division. i was an undercover narcotics officer, a field-training officer, primarily in the southeast and central patrols. then i was promoted to sergeant. i was a community police officer in the southeast patrol, and then a lieutenant in the central patrol. then i was in narcotics right after the fake drug scandal. i was in internal affairs. i was a public information officer. i was at the Dallas Police academy. and then i was promoted to deputy chief in august.

What are the biggest crime issues in our neighborhood?

typically, in southwest, it’s burglaries. Property crimes make up 84 percent of crime in the city, although violent crime gets most of the press. We’re getting much fewer violent crimes. crime is down 11.4 percent overall for the year [over 2009]. Shoplifting is a big issue. it sounds minor, but it can be significant, especially around the holidays. We’ve got very active crime watch and homeowners associations, and they do a good job of reporting suspicious activity, and that helps lower crime.

What are you working on in 2011?

[Dallas Police] chief [David] Brown’s vision is called community Policing 2.0. there have been two basics to law enforcement: arresting people and putting them in jail, and then community policing. >>

grab-bagLAUNCH

You all in the community know much more than we’ll ever know. So we’re going to engage you even more in what we call ‘actionable intelligence’. For example, I might know that 123 Main Street is a drug house. But if I go talk to people in the community, I might find out, yeah, this is a drug house, but the source of all the drugs is really this house around the corner. If we don’t ask the right questions, then we won’t get the right answers. We want to find some of those things that are hidden in the community. So that’s our biggest project for 2011. Also, this is our seventh consecutive year of crime reduction, and it’s only the second time that’s ever happened. We’re looking for an eighth consecutive year of crime reduction, which we think would be the first time that’s happened in the city of Dallas.

SO HOWDOYOU KEEP THE CRIME RATE LOW?

Putting the right people in jail. There is a percentage of people who are prolific criminals. There’s the kid who breaks into a car to get an iPod or something, but then there are people who [break into cars] for a living. We want to identify the habitual criminals. The more we put those people in jail, the lower the crime rate is going to be. You have to focus on people, places and behaviors. Chief Brown always says, “Random patrol gets random results”. If we’re just out there driving around, we’re not going to be effective. The more we stay focused and look for patterns in those people, places and behaviors, then we keep crime down.

DO YOU EXPECT THE CHANGE INALCOHOL LAWS TO AFFECT CRIMEINOAK CLIFF?

I get asked that a lot. You know, when the concealed handgun law was passed, we thought we’d see a rise in gunplay, and there really hasn’t been. It’s hard to make a prediction until we see what happens.

WHATAREYOU DOING DIFFERENTLY FROM HOWYOUR PREDECESSOR, RICK WATSON, RAN THE SHIP?

Every commander looks at the map a little bit differently. I came in, and tried to be as unbiased as possible. He was alre down significantly [as far as crime rates] when I got here. So my job is to keep the train on the tracks, and see if we can make any improvements. I hope that I’ll bring new energy and new communication with the officers, and keep them engaged in the community. The wonderful thing about southwest is that they’ve always been known for taking care of their business. It’s an awesome division to work at, quite frankly.

out&about in

DECEMBER 12.18.10

CHRISTMAS JAM $10-$20 Local musician Milo Deering and his family band will bring their folk and acoustic stylings to the Kessler at 8 p.m. for the eighth annual Christmas Jam, while promoting the release of “Milo’s All Acoustic Christmas Jam Volume 3, Featuring the Deering Family”. Milo Deering, a string virtuoso, performs on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, dobro and the harp with his wife, Rachel, on vocals. Add their two daughters, Scarlett and Savannah, and they form a country/bluegrass group, having played at Austin’s South by Southwest and the Kerrville Folk Festival, where Rachel was named a New-Folk Finalist. Milo co-wrote and plays the music for the Motel 6 radio jingle, “We’ll Leave the Light on for You.” The concert will feature guest appearances and door prizes. The Deering Family’s CD is available online and comes packaged with a jar of Rachel’s cranberry-jalapeno Christmas jam. Admission is $20 for adults and $10 for children. A concert/CD combo is available for $30. For more details, visit acoustickitchen.com or thekessler.org.

—E MiLY ToMAN

THROUGH 01.15 LA geNTA De LA ReVoLUCIoN FRee The Oak Cliff Cultural Center, 223 W. Jefferson, presents a photographic retrospective of the Mexican Revolution. Gallery hours are 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays. For details, call 214.670.3777 or visit dallasculture.org/oakcliffculturalcenter.

12.04 HoLIDAY HoMe ToUR $12 The 24th annual Winnetka Heights Historic District home tour is from noon-7 p.m. There are five homes on this year’s tour, plus an exhibit from 20 Oak Cliff artists, children’s activities and a pet adoption fair from Metroplex Mutts. Tickets are available at whhometour.org or, on the day of the tour, at Turner House, 401 N. Rosemont.

12.04 WHeN IT’S CHRISTMAS DoWN IN Te XAS $10-$12 The West Texas Children’s Chorus and the Sweet Peas will be in town to cover songs from Gene Autry’s Christmas show at 3:30 p.m. The show also includes performances by the Kesslerettes and the Kessler Kids. For details, call the box office at 214.272.8346 or visit thekessler.org.

12.10-12.12 BURRoUgHS: A

MAN WITHIN $8 The Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson, will feature the new film touring the United States, “William S. Burroughs: A Man Within” 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 4 p.m. Sunday. The documentary includes archival footage and exclusive interviews with the famed writer’s closest friends, including John Waters and David Cronenberg, chronicling the life and death of an American icon and father of the Beat Generation. The Saturday showing includes a Q&A with director Yony Leyser. For details, visit thetexastheatre.com.

Visit advocatemag.com for a complete list of happenings or to post your event on our free online calendar. Posts will be considered for publication.

A guide to dining & drinking in our neighborhood

Delicious.

COCO CRAVING

At C OCO A N d R è, life is more than a box of chocolates. It comes in the shape of a mustache, a bicycle, a cowboy boot — all of the little things that make Oak Cliff special. “We want to incorporate the neighborhood,” says Cindy Pedraza. She co-owns the shop with her mother, Andrea, who has 25 years of experience as a chocolatier, specializing in classic, European-style chocolates. Before Rex Morgen sold Morgen Chocolates in 2005, Andrea developed recipes for the company and studied with Morgen who had an apprenticeship in New Holland. She was laid off last year around the same time Cindy lost her job at a project accounting firm hit hard by the recession. So in December 2009, the two opened their own chocolate shop where Andrea can experiment with her new flavors. “It’s kind of fate that she has her own shop now,” Cindy says. The truffles are the top seller, with varieties like espresso, lavender and even a chocolate inspired by Turkish coffee. The shop doubles as a gallery where local artists can showcase their work, and an open room in the back has plenty of space for chairs and tables. After a few more renovations, Cindy says she envisions the shop as a place where people can taste good chocolate, bring their own wine, enjoy local art, and stay a while.

—Emily Toman

214.941.3030

COCOAN d R e. CO m

Pictured: assorted truffles

Three more spots to indulge:

1 DuDe, Sweet ChoColate

This avant-garde shop has grabbed numerous accolades for its experimental flavor combinations.

eIGhth & BIshOp

214.943.5943

dudesweetChOCOl Ate.COm

2 Ru S h Pati SS e R ie

eldORAdO & Z ANG

214.749.4040

RushpAtIsseRIe.COm

From

3 Ke SS le R Coo K ie Com Pany

214.948.7412

kessleRCOOk Ies.COm

MOlly DICkSON

This neighborhood bakery offers eight flavors of the “un-cupcake” — a cupcake in a jar, great for holiday gift-giving.

brownies and dessert bars to confections and chocolate fountains, this locally owned bakery offers desserts by the pound for corporate parties and big events.

YOUR GUIDE TO DINING OUT

CHUBBY’S $ When looking for a restaurant to have breakfast, lunch or dinner, we all want a place that serves up variety, hearty helpings and even bigger portions of friendliness. The Touris family has developed a recipe that delivers all of the above at a good price. With four locations in the Metroplex, Chubby’s Family Restaurant provides a rustic setting with down home cooking. Catering available.

Locations: 11331 E. NW Hwy. 214-348-6065 and 7474 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. 972-298-1270.

EL TIZONCITO $ Located at Illinois & Westmoreland, this Mexico City taqueria is a Dallas must-visit. The décor offers a casual experience that corrects the misconception of an original Taqueria. The Tacos al Pastor shaved down from the vertical oven and the unique Tamarind Margarita are a musttry. “What a pleasant surprise.” George Bush. “Excellent service complement exceptional food.” Gary Fisher. “Best Tacos in Dallas.” Mico Rodriguez. Sun-Thurs 10am-11pm Fri-Sat 10am-1am. Catering available. 3404 W Illinois Ave. 214.330.0839.

TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE $$ODWB

Tillman’s is a place for really good food, drinks, and music in a fun, casual, come-as-you-are environment. An update on the classic Texas roadhouse with regional menu favorites, familiar tunes and no-one is a stranger hospitality — all energized with a modern take. A combination of both rustic and lush in everything from the menu to the décor make Tillman’s a good-time anytime destination. Bishop Arts District 324 West 7th St. 214.942.0988. www.tillmansroadhouse.com.

View the Holiday Guide at centralmarket.com or pick up a copy at your store.

GLORIA FERRER BLANC DE NOIRS ($20) CALIFORNIA>

Call it what you will: Champagne, sparkling wine, bubbly, Cava or Prosecco. But whatever you call it, this is the time of year when the wine with all the fizzy stuff gets the most attention.

In one respect, this is too bad, because sparkling wine deserves to be enjoyed year-round. It’s much more than something to pour on New Year’s Eve. As I learned early in my wine-writing career, sparkling wine pairs with almost any kind of food, oysters to chocolate-covered strawberries to chicken-fried steak.

But even if this is the only time of year you drink sparkling wine, there’s plenty to go around. So take a chance. Try something different. The recession, though it has slowed sales of the expensive, high-end stuff, has been quite helpful for bubbly that costs $20 and less. And there is some excellent wine at those prices. All are available at Central Market.

One other note: Only sparkling wine made in the Champagne region of France can legally be called Champagne, thanks to trade agreements the European Union has signed with most of the rest of the world. The rest of the non-Italian world calls its bubbly “sparkling wine”; the Italians have Prosecco and Asti.

Here’s an overview of what you’ll find this holiday season: This is the stronghold of the Spanish and their Cava, which usually offers the most value. But I’ve always been impressed by an $8 French wine called Carousel, which has lots of chardonnay fruit and good acidity.

A Washington state wine, Domaine Ste. Michelle, provides quality, though it’s a bit soft. Also look for the cremants — French sparkling wines from the regions of Alsace, Burgundy and the Loire. Only the Burgundian wines are made with the traditional Champagne groups, but each is interesting and well worth a sip.

This is where you’ll find most California sparklers, as well as Champagne. I’m a huge fan of Gloria Ferrer ($20), Iron Horse ($38) and the French Duval-Leory ($44), which is reasonably priced as Champagne goes.

—JEFF SIEGEL

DALLAS

5750 E. LOVERS LANE

MAIN: 214-234-7000

HOTLINE: 1-877-263-1379

PLANO

320 COIT ROAD

MAIN: 469-241-8300

HOTLINE: 469-241-8386

JEFF SIEGEL’SWEEKLYWINE REVIEWS appear every Wednesday on the Advocate Back Talk blog, oakcliff.advocatemag.com/blog.

This holiday, make Foodie spirits bright. From fresh meats and seafood to justbaked breads and pastries, Central Market is your season’s feastings headquarters.

My mom’s 7-layer brownies

Who knows how many versions of this recipe are floating around, but my mom has always done something special with these. And as hard as I have tried over the years, I have never been able to make them as well as she does. And yes, they go very nicely with sparkling wine.

Serves 6-8, takes about 90 minutes

1/4 c butter

1 c graham cracker crumbs

1 c shredded coconut

1 6-oz pkg butterscotch chips

1 6-oz pkg semisweet chocolate chips

1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk

1 c chopped nuts

- Preheat oven to 350 degrees, and melt the butter in a 9x2-inch pan. Spread the graham cracker crumbs evenly over the bottom of the pan. Press down gently.

- Sprinkle the coconut evenly over the graham crackers. Then spread the chocolate chips over the coconut, the butterscotch chips over the chocolate and the nuts over the butterscotch chips. Pour the milk evenly over all.

- Bake 30 minutes or until the graham crackers are browned but not burned. Let cool in pan, and serve.

ask the WINE GUY?

DOESCHAMPAGNE (AND SPARKLING WINE) HAVE A VINTAGE?

Mostly not. It’s so difficult to make bubbly that the wine usually carries the NV (non-vintage) label. That means that grapes from more than one harvest are used to make it. Sometimes, in special years, the producers will make a vintage wine — and charge extra for it, since it’s supposed to be of higher quality.

—JEFF SIEGEL

DO ATTEMPT THIS AT HOME

Neighborhood food experts share their most special recipes and secrets for whipping them up right

STORY BY: GARY DOWELL PHOTOS BY: BENJAMIN HAGER & CAN TÜRKYILMAZ

It’s not the br I sk a Ir, the carefully wrapped gifts or the warm hugs from family that make the holidays so special. nope — it’s the food. and behind every treasured recipe is a story, usually one involving family, friends and traditions.

those who understand the value of great recipes — comforting creations made familiar after years of reunions, weddings and weekend trips hold the secret to genuine holiday happiness.

several neighbors who make their living in the culinary arts are sharing the stories behind their favorite recipes this month. their recipes — already passed from generation to generation — could become new holiday traditions for your family this year.

Grandma’s California Walnut CheWs

from Jill Inforzato

(owner of Hula Hotties Café & Bakery)

“When we were growing up, Grandma used to make a bar cookie that had the greatest texture and was filled with nuts and covered in powdered sugar, so they were messy to eat,” Inforzato says of this family treat.

after her grandmother died, Inforzato’s mother began making the cookies until her health began to decline. the recipe was lost for some time following her mother’s death, until Inforzato discovered it tucked away in a drawer and began making them.

“every time I make the chews, people want the recipe. I always give it away gladly,” she says.

inGredients:

a 1 tbsp butter

a 1 c brown sugar

a 2 eggs beaten

a 1 tsp vanilla

a 1/4 c plus 1 Tbsp flour

a 1/8 tsp baking soda

a 1/4 tsp salt

a 1 c toasted chopped walnuts

a sifted powder sugar for finished walnut chews

Find video featuring Jill Inforzato on oakcliff.advocatemag.com

- Butter an 8x8 pan, and turn on the oven to 325 degrees.

- Cream together the brown sugar and the butter. Add the eggs and blend well. Add the vanilla.

- Sift together the flour, salt and baking soda; add to the creamed mixture, and blend well.

- Add the chopped nuts.

- Pour into prepared pan, and bake 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean. Do not overbake.

- Let cool.

- Dust with sifted powder sugar, cut into squares, and serve at room temperature. a

Tidings

SPICED SHRIMP

from Margaret Guy (resident of Stevens Park Village)

This shrimp recipe is an easy and quick crowd pleaser, Guy says. “People tend to stand around the shrimp, and it will disappear in record time,” she says.

INGREDIENTS:

2½ lbs cooked shrimp

1 c sliced onions

bay leaves

In a bowl, place alternate layers of shrimp, onions and a bay leaf or two.

Over that, pour the following:

1¼ c vegetable oil

¾ c vinegar

1 tsp salt

2½ tsp celery seed

2½ tsp capers

dash of Tabasco

- Let marinate a few days in refrigerator, stirring a couple times a day.

- Serve with toothpicks presented on a grapefruit as an appetizer.

from Samantha Rush (owner of Rush Patisserie)

“No one has this recipe”, Rush says, but she decided to share it with Advocate readers.

When she was a girl, Rush looked forward to visiting her grandmother for the dessert, the taste of which made the 10-hour drive from New York to North Carolina worthwhile. Rush considers it “classic comfort food” and understands how the simple and uncomplicated ingredients work after formal training as a pastry chef.

INGREDIENTS:

1¾ c sugar

½ stick melted butter

2 eggs

4 Tbsp cocoa powder

2 Tbsp flour

2 tsp cornstarch

2½ c milk

1 tsp vanilla extract

Unlike other chocolate pies, Rush describes this as tasting closer to a “buttery crème brûlée that’s baked as a pie.”

“As a kid, pie was pie, and there were no garnishes,” she says.

Today, she recommends using glazed or candied hazelnuts and pecans to decorate the final product.

Rush also says you can either make a traditional piecrust or purchase a premade piecrust for this recipe.

- Mix sugar, vanilla, flour, cornstarch and cocoa powder together.

- Add eggs one at a time. Cream the ingredients. Slowly add milk, and then at the end, add in cooled melted butter. Ensure that all ingredients are thoroughly incorporated and homogeneous.

- Pour batter into prepared pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for 25-30 minutes.

MoMay’s apple Cake

from David Uygur (chef/owner, Lucia)

Warm Thank You

Uygur’s great-grandmother’s apple cake was her signature dish, something she cooked for special occasions.

“I never knew her, but my mom said that she was the spitfire, powerhouse of the family,” he says.

The cake has passed through several generations of Uygur’s family and has been altered and adapted over the years. (During WWII, rationing resulted in the butter being replaced with margarine.)

“I like this cake so much that I served it at Lola. I added a splash of Calvados and substituted pine nuts for the pecans it originally called for, but it’s otherwise as my greatgrandmother made it.”

Dahlia Woods

babybliss & miniME ▪ John Haynesworth Photography ▪ Professional Bank

Local Blinds and Shutters ▪ The Gillespie Law Firm, PLLC ▪ Lure Salon

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Dubose Law Firm, PLLC ▪ Meredith Kallaher Designs ▪ W by Worth ▪ DJ Jennifer Miller

Law Office of Edward W. Sampson ▪ WOW VIP Events ▪ Affordable Uniforms

The Barley House & Brian Street Tavern ▪ Kindred Spirits ▪ Suzi Neely Photography

Centennial Fine Wines & Spirits ▪ Fuzzy’s Tacos ▪ The Grubes with The Ticket

Sport Clips at Knox ▪ Sandy Calhoun with Kensington ▪ Cheesecake Love

Elkman Family ▪ White Rock Coffee ▪ Penne Pomodoro ▪ Lakewood Candle

Society Bakery ▪ D’Lish ▪ Paciugo L akewood ▪ Sweet Marcel ▪ Katie Fagelman

Candlelight Tour sponsored by English Heritage Homes of Texas, Inc.

And the gracious homeowners, home captains, market vendors, café vendors, auction donors, volunteer coordinators, and the hundreds of volunteers who made this event possible!

INGREDIENTS:

1 c brown sugar

½ c sugar

½ tsp allspice

½ tsp cinnamon

2¼ cups flour

¾ c butter

2 eggs

2 Tbsp Calvados

1 c applesauce

1 apple, peeled and grated

1 tsp baking soda

½ tsp salt

¾ c raisins

¾ c pine nuts

-Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

-Cream butter, sugar and salt until fluffy.

- Add eggs, applesauce and grated apple.

- Sift in dry ingredients (flour, baking soda, spices). Fold in raisins and pine nuts.

- Bake in greased, floured Bundt pan about an hour, until cake tester comes out clean.

-

“Personality. Personality. Personality.”

Let’s face it. We all want to live in a great location. But when push comes to shove, the key to the space you call “home” is more about personality: yours, and that of your neighborhood. Dallas is a diverse city and no one knows that better than the colorful homeowners who call Oak Cliff home. We know them. We love them. We are them. So before you use a map to plot the next phase of your life, call the agents at David Griffin who know about neighborhoods. We get it.

HEALTH RESOURCE R

OPHTHALMOLOGIST

Serve with whipped cream or with Calvados ice cream.

Note: Says Uygur, “I think the cake tastes better the next day.”

Dr. Strong is committed to compassionate, quality eye care. He offers medical and surgical care, including cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic eye disease, macular degeneration, and dry eye syndrome. He also offers routine eye exams and contact lenses. All ages are welcome, from children to seniors. Our office is conveniently located at Central Expressway and Fitzhugh, just one exit south of Knox/Henderson.

David Griffin 214.458.7663

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CARPENTER FAMILY CAJUN-STYLE ROUX

from Michelle Carpenter (chef/owner, Zen Sushi)

Carpenter is half-Cajun and half-Japanese and comes from a long line of accomplished cooks.

According to her brother, Jeffery, who also loves to cook, a roux can be accomplished only as quickly as one can finish three beers. If you cook the roux any faster, it simply isn’t done.

Michelle says a proper roux takes at least one hour — it cannot and should not be rushed.

Unfortunately for those of us who prefer exact recipes, she never measures when making roux; she always eyeballs it. Nevertheless, here is her family’s secret recipe for authentic Cajun-style roux (use dark brown roux for gumbo and medium for étouffée).

*APR=Annual Percentage Rate. Offers subject to credit approval and can change without notice. Featured rates are for 36 month financing and includes the following rate discounts: 0.10% for automatic payment and 0.20% for a CUofTX Advantage, Mature Options or Premier checking account. Repayment example: 36 payments of $29.30 per $1,000 borrowed at 3.49%.

INGREDIENTS:

flour

vegetable oil

Generally, use a one-to-one ratio of all-purpose flour to vegetable oil. (For gumbo, there is slightly more oil than flour.)

EQUIPMENT:

cast-iron skillet

wooden spatula

(optional)

1 stool

3 beers

- Use medium-low heat. When the oil heats up, add the flour slowly so it doesn’t immediately start clumping.

-Instead of stirring the roux in circles, use a back and forth sweeping motion. (Roux is more about technique than it is about ingredients, Carpenter says.) It must be continuous. You cannot leave the roux alone or it will burn. The color of the roux will start turning from blonde to dark caramel to a chocolate brown.

-About halfway through the process (when the roux is dark tan), turn down the heat to low. Right before it turns dark brown, remove the skillet from the heat because the iron skillet will continue to cook the roux. If you see black specks, you’ve burned it. It will smell burned, and unfortunately, you will have to start all over.

- For étouffée, use butter instead of oil. It takes less time because butter has a lower burning temperature. The color will be medium brown, and you will use only low heat, removing the cast iron skillet from the stove before it turns medium brown.

presented by:

A Holiday Tradition for 39 Years!

Stroll candlelit paths of 38 historic buildings, circa 1840-1910, decorated for the holidays.

Experience pioneer and Victorian Christmas brought to life. Share memories of holidays past at the “Timeless Toys” exhibit. See and hear local musicians, dancers and storytellers. Ride in a horse drawn carriage or a surrey pulled by donkeys. Whisper holiday wishes in St. Nicholas’ ear. Enjoy ornament making, carolers, holiday food and more!

www.DallasHeritageVillage.org

photo by Lois Lehman

photo by Lois Lehman

TRAILERS FOR SALE OR RENT

EXPECT THE TRAILER TREND TO HIT OAK CLIFF NEXT YEAR

BY RACHEL STONE

Imagine an artsy new retail center along a discounted stretch of West Dallas.

There’s a tattoo shop, a design firm, a candle maker, an ice-cream stand.

Now imagine all those businesses in trailers, lined nose to end, fronting the busy street.

That’s the vision Cienda Partners has fortheDallasWestMobileHome RV Park, at West Commerce and Pittman, adjacent to Jack’s Backyard.

Cienda hired Belmont Hotel mastermind Monte Anderson of Options Real Estate to market the property.

“It’s making the best use of the land in this economy,” Anderson says.

Call it mobile-home commerce.

This trailer park retail center is part of a trend that is poised to hit Dallas in 2011, and Oak Cliff is a big player in it.

Along with the retail center, plans are brewing for gourmet food trailers like the

ones that became restaurant trendsetters in Portland, Ore., and Austin practically over night.

OakCliff-basedcarpenterGary Buckner is converting trucks and trailers into mobile kitchens in anticipation of the food-trailer phenomenon.

Buckner reclaims wood — mostly from otherwise discarded pallets — and uses it to make furniture. He created the bar and most of the tables in the second floor of Eno’s, and he’s using reclaimed pallet wood to design the interior of Oddfellows, a new Bishop Arts District restaurant he co-owns.

Buckner employs the same concept to his food trailers. He’s restoring old campers, RVs and semi-trailers and decking them out with reclaimed wood and other materials.

That keeps a bunch of stuff out of the landfills and junkyards, and it makes for interesting design. Buckner is a car-

TOP/ Monte Anderson RIGHT/ Gary Buckner PHOTOSBY BENJAMIN HAGER

penter and junk man, and he’s also an artist in metal and wood.

“Anyone can make a box as a food trailer with a window to serve food,” Buckner says. “My idea is to design a food trailer and make it neat.”

The city’s ordinances regarding food trucks haven’t been updated since the 1960s, and they’re not compatible with these new plans for gourmet food trailers. City council is expected to pass an updated ordinance as early as January, thanks to a push from the Dallas Arts District, which has plans for food trailers on Flora Street.

Once city council gives the go-ahead, Buckner expects to open his own concept in a gourmet food trailer here in Oak Cliff, and he’ll start customizing vehicles for other upstarts.

The retail use is allowed at the West Dallas RV park, Anderson says. Putting it in place will require approval from city council, but no zoning change. He expects the city to approve it by the end of the year.

“Once that happens, then we’ll put in a trailer immediately,” he says.

At least one tenant already is on board.

MattWilson, who ownsPain and Pleasure tattoo shop on Camp Wisdom Road, has plans to lease a space for a trailer to showcase famous tattoo artists.

Celebrities of the tattoo world will be invited to set up shop for a week or two at a time. Tattoo enthusiasts can meet them, see and buy their artwork, and get tattooed.

“I want it to be a little different from a typical tattoo shop,” he says.

Andthetrailerparkisperfectfor that. It’s quirky, artsy and accessible, he says.

“I think it will bring a lot of different people in,” he says.

Wilson plans to buy and customize a trailer for the new shop, and leasing the dirt will cost between $300-$400 a month. It’s a pretty big investment for him.

ButAndersonhopesthatbusiness upstarts can flourish at the trailer park.

Tenants also have the option to lease atrailer,foratotalmonthlyrentof $700-$900.

“Ifpeoplehadcheapenoughrent, then with a little exposure, their little business might have a chance to make it,” Anderson says. “People need jobs, and we need the commerce.”

The 2010 Advocate Foundation Charity Ornament is now available at the following retailers:

Net procceds from the sale of these limited edition hand-painted ornaments benefit neighborhood schools and non-profits.

more about the Advocate Foundation at www.foundation.advocatemag.com

GOING UP, GIVING BACK

More than 50 local high school students spent a rainy Saturday morning planting trees and cleaning up Kidd Springs Park as part of a community service project through Dallas Elevators and the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas Oak Cliff Branch. Pictured: Maya Johnson, Malcolm Johnson, Chadae Sauls, Cherri Rowe, Jornae Story, Brittany Mims and Frederick Seaton

EUROPEAN ADVENTURE

Kessler Park resident Linda Salton and her son, Warren Brown , took the September Advocate to the market square of Krakow, Poland. Salton joined her son for the last three weeks of his 11-week tour across Europe.

EmploymEnt

TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4203

AIRLINES are hiring. Train for high paying Aviation Maintenance Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified. Housing available. Aviation Institute of Maintenance. 866-453-6204

NOW HIRING Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling. Any hours. $500 weekly potential. 1-985-646-1700 Dept TX-1856

SErvicES for you

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $60/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 214-660-3733 or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

GLORIA’S FLOWERS & GIFTS All Occasion Flowers. 214-339-9273. 3101 W. Davis, Dallas,TX 75211. Free Oak Cliff Delivery With Mention Of This Ad. gloriasflowersdallas.com For Deals. CC’s Accptd

THE CHANGING STATION Cloth Diapering & Eco-Essentials. 469-575-6837. www.thechangingstation.net

YOUR COMPUTER GEEK Let Me Solve Your Computer Problems. 25 Yrs. Exp. Hardware/Software Issues/Install. Network Setup, Home & Small Business. $50 per Hr. Mike. 214-552-1323. mikecomputergeek@gmail.com

BULLETIN BOARD B

profESSional SErvicES

QUICKBOOKS Having Issues? Free Consultation. Jack Hicks 214-734-4767 jchicks@sbcglobal.net

Website Design

Flash Demos

Graphic Design

RibbitMultimedia .com 214.560.4207

pEtS

THEPETNANNYDALLAS.COM In-home TLC for cats, dogs & birds. Bonded & insured. Ask for The Pet Nanny. 214-244-4330

Park Cities Pet Sitter

DAILY WALKS, VISITS, OVERNIGHTS

SERVING DFW SINCE 1992

Buy/SEll/tradE

AAAA DONATE YOUR CAR Free towing. “Cars For Kids” Any condition. Tax deductible. outreachcenter.com 1-800-597-9411

DONATE your car, truck, boat to Heritage For The Blind. Free 3 day vacation. Tax deductible. Free towing. All paperwork taken care of. 1-888-962-1498

OLD GUITARS WANTED Gibson, Fender, Gretsch, Martin. 1920s-1980s. Top dollar paid. Toll Free 1-866-433-8277

TEXAS RANGERS BASEBALL SUITE Share this prime suite on a partial basis (sets of 5,10 or 20 games) during the 2011 season. Our suite is located directly behind home plate, and each game includes 16 tickets, three parking passes, game day programs, private bathroom, air-conditioned seating, three televisions with cable channels, and a great view of the game and the Ballpark. Great for birthday parties, anniversaries, family reunions and client appreciation events. Email rangerssuite@gmail.com or call 214-560-4212 for more information.

EStatE/GaraGE SalES

ESTATE SALES & LIQUIDATION SERVICES

Moving, Retirement, Downsizing. One Piece Or A Houseful. David Turner. 214-908-7688. dave2estates@aol.com

BONDED & INSURED

214.828.0192 pcpsi.com

“BEST OF DALLAS” D Magazine, Observer, Dallas Voice, WFAA

In-Home Professional Care Customized to maintain your pet’s routine In-Home Pet Visits & Daily Walks

“Best of Dallas” D Magazine Serving the Dallas area since 1994 Bonded & Insured www.societypetsitter.com 214-821-3900

rEal EStatE

LAND LIQUIDATION 20 acres $0 down. $99/mo. Only $12,900. Near growing El Paso, TX. Guaranteed owner financing. No credit checks. Money back guarantee. Free map, pictures. 866-465-0177 sunsetranches.com

Jan. DEaDLInE DEC. 8

AC & HeAt

A FAMILY TRADITION FOR 60 YEARS

Quigley Heat & Air 214-526-8533

BLUE RIBBON HEAT & AIR Lic#TACLB28522E Best Service - Best Prices 214-823-8888

CArpentry & remodeling

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

DAVIS Custom Carpentry & Home Repair/Remodel davis.charles94@yahoo.com 214-608-9171

G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right! www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

PREVIEW CONSTRUCTION INC.

HardiPlank 50 Yr. Cement Siding, Energy Star Windows. Kitchens-Baths-Additions & More. 214-348-3836. See Photo Gallery at: www.previewconstruction.com

REMODEL FOR LESS 972-822-7501 www.CuttingEdgeRenovationsLLC.com

ConCrete/ mASonry/pAving

CAZARES CONCRETE Concrete retaining walls, Patios, Driveways, Removal, Sidewalks. 214-202-8958 Free estimates.

eleCtriCAl ServiCeS

ABBA ELECTRIC Fast Courteous Service. Resd/Com. 10% Off for New Clients. 214-886-2202. TECL#20663

ACCURATE ELECTRIC

All Jobs.Panel Upgrades. Free Est. TECL# 27297. Steve. 214-718-9648

ANNA’S ELECTRIC Your Oak Cliff Electrician Since 1978. tecl25513. 214-943-4890

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Family Owned/Operated. Insd.19 Yrs Exp.TECL24948 214-328-1333

MCCARTER ELECTRICAL SERVICE, INC. We can light up your world or repair your shorts. $50 Off Service Calls. TECL#19347 972-877-4183

Flooring & CArpeting

MASTERPIECE HARDWOODS Install, Sand And Finish. Old World Handscrapes. 469-853-2039

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Beautiful Flooring since 1975

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Hardwood Floors

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CHOICE

gArAge doorS

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25.00 OFF - ALL ABOUT TREES, INC Removals, Pruning, Insured. 972-697-3956

A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 10 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925

A COMPLETE TREE SERVICE Call Lakewood Tree Service 214-442-3165

• KITCHEN AND BATH SPECIALISTS

• WHOLE HOUSE RENOVATION

IN-HOUSE DESIGN & PLANNING LICENSED & INSURED

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VISA, MASTER CARD, AMERICAN EXPRESS

CleAning ServiCeS

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 972-213-8614

CLEAN FREAKS Since 2005. Free Estimates. DallasCleanFreaks.com Call Today! 214-821-8888

WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM

Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134

ComputerS & eleCtroniCS

CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let A Seasoned

Pro Be The Interface Between You & That Pesky Computer. Hardware & Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training, $60/hr. 1 Hr. Min. Dan 214-660-3733 Or stykidan@sbcglobal.net

I CAN FIX IT NOW! 214-926-7144 Computer & Network Support. Operating Systems, Hardware, Security & Game Consoles. OMGFixit.com.

972-665-7355

#1 COWBOY FENCE & IRON CO. Est. ‘91. 214-692-1991 www.cowboyfenceandiron.com

4 QUALITY FENCING Specializing in Wood, New or Repair. Free Estimates. Call Mike 214-507-9322.

AUTO GATES $2500 alwaysbiltrite.com 469-878-4450. cc’s accptd

AUTOMATIC DRIVEWAY GATES Installation, Repair, Maintenance, Residential, Commercial. Lone Star Access Control. 214-532-9608

COWBOY

ACCESS GARAGE DOOR New Install. Repair/Replace. 24/7 Emgcy. Free Estimates. 214-585-7663 perfectaccessgaragedoors.com

glASS, WindoWS & doorS

CUSTOM STAINED/ LEADED GLASS & Repair. 26 years exp. 214-356-8776

GREEN WINDOW COMPANY 214-295-5405 Specialty in Replacement Windows/Doors

KENNY’S CLEAN WINDOWS Res./Com. Window Cleaning, Powerwash, Etc. 214-881-8061

HAndymAn ServiCeS

BO HANDYMAN Kitchens, baths, doors, cabinets, custom carpentry, drywall & painting 214-437-9730

HANDY DAN “The Handyman” To Do’s Done Right. www.handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

BLUE TREE SERVICE Trimming/Pruning Specialists. Insured/Reasonably Priced. Free Estimates. 214-205-7327

DALLAS TREE SURGEONS Tree Trimming, Removal & Sales. Free Estimates. 972-633-5462 www.dallastreesurgeons.com

IRISH RAIN SPRINKLER SYSTEMS Installation & Repair. TXL#2738 214-827-7446

U R LAWN CARE Maintenance. Landscaping. Your Personal Yard Service by Uwe Reisch uwereisch@yahoo.com 214-886-9202

Jeff Castro 214-337-7097 214-725-1171 jridefree@aol.com

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& IRON CO. cowboyfenceandiron.com

interior deSign

KIM ARMSTRONG INTERIOR DESIGN www.interiorsbykim.com Licensed/CID/ASID 214-500-0600

Lawns, Gardens & Trees

JD’s Tree Service

RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Firewood/Cooking Wood

Locally harvested wood!

Full service trimming & planting of native trees.

214.946.7138

PesT ConTroL

A BETTER EARTH PEST CONTROL

Keeping the environment, kids, pets in mind. Organic products avail. 972-564-2495

PLumbinG

ANDREWS PLUMBING • 214-354-8521

# M37740 Insured. Any plumbing issues. 24 Hours/7 Days. plumberiffic@yahoo.com

Sewers • Drains • Bonded

*Joe Faz 214-794-7566 - Se Habla Español*

PLumbinG

REPAIRS, Fixtures,General Plumbing. Senior Discounts. Campbell Plumbing. 214-321-5943

SHEFFIELD PLUMBING We do it right the 1st time. Repairs, Rmdls. Insd. 214-941-8600

PooLs

LEAFCHASERS POOLS

Service & Repairs. Insured. APSP Cert. Local Resident Jonathan. 214-729-3311

PLAYMORE POOLS CO. Design, Construction, Consulting & Renovations. 214-823-0169 www.playmorepools.com

roofinG & GuTTers

GREEN SERVICE COMPANY 214-295-5405 Roof replacement-solar vents & skylights

GUARANTY ROOFING 214-760-3666

Re-Roofing/Repairs/Gutters/Green Options. Free Estimates.www.guarantyroof.com

roofinG & GuTTers

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All Types of Re-Roofing and Repairs. Res.& Com. Since 1973. 214-340-3500

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Luck ILy, on Ly T he porch wa S burned.

Martha Lara and her daughter had called it a night, and curled into bed on a chilly mid-October evening. What they woke up to would be quite shocking and unnerving.

“I don’t know what happened,” Lara says, describing the events of the next morning.

Part of her front porch was charred from a fire that someone had set during the night.

Police believe someone removed a plastic plant from Lara’s front patio, moved it next to her house, and then intentionally set it on fire.

“My daughter and I were sleeping. The next morning we opened the door, and the corner of the porch was burned,” she says. “I was very scared when I saw it.”

Police found additional scorch marks on her home’s bricks, and also identified a branch that had been set on fire near a door to one of the home’s bedrooms, and a broom that had been on fire adjacent to the patio, which caused scorch marks. Police say that the smell of some type of accelerant was apparent.

The incident could have been

The Victim: Martha Lara

The crime: arson

date: Friday, oct. 15

Time: between 9:30 p.m. and 8 a.m.

Location: 2400 block of emmett

worse, but luckily Lara and her family were unharmed.

“I don’t know why someone would do this,” Lara says.

She estimates the damage may cost several hundred dollars for repairs.

Dallas Police Lt. Santos Cadena of the Southwest Patrol Division says this type of crime is rare in the area, and very little arson has been reported this year.

“Arson is not a common crime,” he says. “The Southwest Division has only eight reported arsons since July 1. We have not seen any trend of random arsons.”

Cadena says that no arrest has been made, and no suspect information was available in the crime. However, the case is still an open investigation, and anyone with information is asked to call the Dallas Police Department.

—seAn chAffin

ADVOCATE PUBLISHING does not pre-screen, recommend or investigate the advertisements and/ or Advertisers published in our magazines. As a result, Advocate Publishing is not responsible for your dealings with any Advertiser. Please ask each Advertiser that you contact to show you the necessary licenses and/or permits required to perform the work you are requesting. Advocate Publishing takes comments and/or complaints about Advertisers seriously, and we do not publish advertisements that we know are inaccurate, misleading and/or do not live up to the standards set by our publications. If you have a legitimate complaint or positive comment about an Advertiser, please contact us at 214-560-4203. Advocate Publishing recommends that you ask for and check references from each Advertiser that you contact, and we recommend that you obtain a written statement of work to be completed, and the price to be charged, prior to approving any work or providing an Advertiser with any deposit for work to be completed.

January DEaDLInE DEC. 8

community

The Oak Cliff Chamber Of COmmerCe will host its annual membership luncheon at noon Dec. 7 in the Orion Ballroom of the Oak Cliff Tower, 400 S. Zang. The ceremony will spotlight the “best of” Oak Cliff in areas such as business, events, community advocates, public servants and new developments. For details, visit oakcliffchamber.org.

arT COnspiraCy raised $30,000 for Today Marks the Beginning, a nonprofit organization that brings awareness to social justice issues. Since 2005, Art Conspiracy has raised more than $110,000 for local nonprofits.

Dallas COwbOys player Andre Gurode donated $12,000 to the Oak Cliff-based nonprofit, Promise House, which provides housing, meals, counseling education and life-skills training to homeless or at-risk teens.

neighbOrhOOD nOnprOfiT VeCinOs UniDOs is looking for vendors for the Dec. 4 Oak Cliff Trade Fair Day at Nova, 1417 W. Davis. For a $25 tax-deductible donation to Vecinos Unidos, get a 10-foot by 7-foot space to sell garage sale items, crafts, art and more, and keep the proceeds. For more information, call 214.761.1086, ext. 102.

education

malCOlm hOrnsby of the Rosie M. Collins Sorrels School of Education and Social Services at the Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Center co-hosts DISD’s 2010-11 “School Zone Dallas” television program, which airs at 7 p.m. Wednesdays on local cable Channel 98. Reporters include Jessica Nguyen of the School of Health Professions at Townview Center.

Erika Ipiña of the School of Business and Management at Townview Center co-hosts the Spanish language version, “Zona Escolar de Dallas”. Reporters include Yarixa Ramirez of W. H. Adamson High School.

eleanOr graham, English teacher at Bishop Dunne High School, received a Work of Heart Award in October from the Catholic Foundation for her commitment and leadership in the classroom. The award, which is given monthly to Dallas Catholic schoolteachers, includes a $500 grant. Over the past five years, the Catholic Foundation has awarded $450,000 in grant money.

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O RI g INAL VOICE OF A CLASSIC HOLIDAY SON g HAILS FROM THE C LIFF

In a strong, clear voice, the songstress cries out that no presents are necessary this year. All she really wants for Christmas is her guy.

It’s a simple wish, recognized by most of us as the theme of one of the all-time most po Christmas songs: “All I Want for Christmas Is You”.

Americans have been listening to this tune each holiday season for more than two decades and enjoying the easily followed melody line. Heck, most of us probably know the chorus and can sing along. But one thing Cliffites may not know is that the original vocalist, Lisa Layne, grew up in Oak Cliff, graduated from Kimball High School, and began her career here.

Just one more Oak Cliff success story to add to the list.

Layne’s love of music seems to run in the family, as she began singing at the age of 4 — with her father, who is still a professional musician.

“We were all musically inclined,” she says. “Not all of us performed professionally, however. That’s just what we all do for the most part.”

“No teacher really influenced my music,” Layne says. “I did have a junior high choir teacher who told me I couldn’t really sing. But I decided not to listen to him.”

She lived in the Lenora Kirk Hall district, but because she was a diabetic, Layne attended Martin Weiss Elementary School, where her mother worked.

“Mom wanted to keep a closer eye on me,” Layne says.

Then it was on to L.V. Stockard for junior high. For 26 years, Layne and her family lived close to Westmoreland and Kiest boulevards.

“Living where we did in Oak Cliff was very nice,” she reminisces. “We had a creek and park running alongside the whole neighborhood. Lots of friends there, too. “Oak Cliff is a lot prettier than North Dallas,” she says.

“We ate at Tippy’s Taco House a lot,” Layne says. “My brother, Brett, and I worked there, too, during high school.”

It’s now Herrera’s, and Layne says that when she’s home, she still likes to eat there.

In high school, she sang as a member of the New Tyme Singers and participated in the 1979 school musical, “Bye, Bye, Birdie”. After her 1980 graduation, she joined a guitar-stroking vocal trio named Beaver Creek. Along with Marsha Britton — a friend from Oak Cliff — and a male vocalist/musician from California, “Beaver Creek performed all over [the] North Texas area,” Layne says.

“Most of the clubs and things, well, I can’t recall a name. We did do Johnnie High’s Country Music Revue a lot during the early ’80s,” she says. Layne played bass.

In 1986, she answered a newspaper ad from Vince Vance and the Valiants, “who were looking for three female singers to sing the three-girl group songs,” she says. It turned out to be an event that changed her life.

During her five-year tenure with the band, Layne attracted quite a bit of attention for her mature voice with its heat-filled sound, a perfect fit for Vance’s vision of recording the now-Christmasclassic. And as the saying goes: The rest is history.

Layne then relocated to Nashville, where she joined a successful beach music band, while also doing quite a bit of demo work. In early 1993, she won the role of Patsy Cline in the first national

Lisa Layne poses with “Joltin’” Jim McCoy, who in 1946 was the first disc jockey to promote a Patsy Cline record. PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LAYNE

tour of “A Closer Walk with Patsy Cline.” After touring with that troupe for the better part of two years, she joined the Nashville troupe as the lead in the same show. Her next move was performing at Nashville’s Texas Troubadour Theater, doing the Patsy show from 1998 until 2000.

Layne is one of only three women certified by the Patsy Cline Association to do official tribute performances to the late singer. Wearing her “Patsy costume” — including the trademark white leather boots — she belts out the familiar Cline tunes to appreciative audiences full of fans both old and young. Layne has appeared with Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Hall and Oates, Julio Iglesias, Little Eva, Larry Gatlin, Fats Domino, and Chicago.

Layne has now re-recorded her signature holiday song and added 12 other Christmas classics to the playlist, titling the album “All I Want for Christmas Is You”. She is accompanied on all

selections by the world-famous Jordanaires.

Her latest project? The new CD, “A Tribute to Patsy Cline”.

“These are some of my favorite Patsy songs,” Layne says, “[the ones] I wanted to record.”

She’s also singing as Patsy in the show “Always, Patsy Cline” at Branson’s God and Country Theatre, where she has been performing for the past seven years.

So this holiday season, when her song blasts over the airways, remember that Lisa Layne is one of us — she hails from the Cliff.

And Lisa, from all of us back here in Texas who love and appreciate you, know that all we Cliffites need for Christmas ... is you!

JOIN THE DISCUSSION. Visit the Advocate blog at oakcliff.advocatemag.com/blog

Seats in genuine colors & special shapes to match your toilet.

Gayla Brooks Kokel can date her neighborhood heritage back to 1918, when her father was born in what was then called Eagle Ford. She was born at Methodist Hospital and graduated from Kimball High School. Kokel is one of three co-authors of the recently published book, “Images of America: Oak Cliff”, and writes a monthly history column for the Oak Cliff Advocate. Send her feedback and ideas to gkokel@advocatemag.com.

Layne has performed as Patsy Cline at the God and Country Theatre in Branson, Mo. for the past seven years. PHOTO COURTESY OF LISA LAYNE

In 1986, Lisa Layne answered a newspaper ad from Vince Vance and the Valiants, “who were looking for three female singers to sing the threegirl group songs,” she says. It turned out to be an event that changed her life.

Photo by: Amy Columbus amycolumbusphotography.com