OAK CLIFF
DECEMBER 2 0 2 1
I
A D V O C AT E M A G . C O M
Back to your best with Methodist Dallas. If you’re experiencing chronic back pain, you’re not alone. In fact, about 80 percent of people will experience back pain at some point in their lives. For some, it could be just a mild discomfort, or it could be a symptom of a larger issue. The team at Methodist Dallas Medical Center can help diagnose the cause of your pain and recommend treatment options to get you back on the field, back to work, or simply back to enjoying life. Trust. Methodist.
Take our free back pain health risk assessment to learn more about your risk and to take action to prevent future complications. Go to MethodistHealthSystem.com/SpineHRA Texas law prohibits hospitals from practicing medicine. The physicians on the Methodist Health System medical staff are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Methodist Dallas Medical Center, Methodist Health System, or any of its affiliated hospitals. Methodist Health System complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.
contents DECEMBER 2021 VOL.15 NO.12
4 BOOK TALK Four local reads for the season 6 AYAHUASCA It’s the name of a ‘speakeasy’ on Jefferson 10 GOING EXTINCT Giraffe fatalities at the Dallas Zoo 18 BALCONY CHIC Upstairs at the Texas Theatre 22 BUY LOCAL A neighborhood gift guide 28 WHOLESOME FUN Oak Cliff’s boardgames store
Ayahuasca, the speakeasy inside Xamán Café, appeals to the senses. Read more on page 6. Photography by Emil Lippe. DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
3
B O O K TA L K
By CLAUDIA VEGA
Classic and must-read titles from neighborhood authors Want to snuggle in and turn some pages this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with these easy and accessible book selections from Oak Cliff authors.
We’re Your Neighbors Choose to work with agents that not only know this market, but live it on a daily basis. With superior market knowledge and genuine neighborhood experience, we can help you achieve new heights. Kent Frederick Robb Puckett 972.249.5236 214.403.0098 Richelle Tilghman 469.644.8096
HIP-HOP (AND OTHER THINGS) Shea Serrano and Oak Cliff’s own Arturo Torres have done it again. This three-time New York Times Bestseller List duo brings another addition to the (And Other Things) series. Their previous books touched on films, basketball… and other things. This book combines art, stats and stories from hip-hop over the past 25 years. It will take you down memory lane and school you on things you thought you knew.
TEXAS FLOOD: THE INSIDE STORY OF STEVIE RAY VAUGHAN
PegasusGroupDallas.com
The Vaughan brothers were recently honored with a sculpture installation at Kiest Park. Learn more about the Oak Cliff natives in this New York Times Bestseller, which includes an epilogue by Jimmie. The biography has received rave reviews as it captures the life and music of Stevie Ray with personal accounts from the friends, family and fellow musicians who knew him best.
CHRONICLES OF A LUCHADOR 419 N WINNETKA AVE. $556,000 See more at 419winnetka.dpmre.com
2860 ALDEN AVE
PENDING
Oak Cliff neighbor and longtime Dallas educator Ray Villareal has a new book set to release this winter. It’s the story of Jesse, a high school senior who wants to become a professional wrestler. His dad, a retired wrestling champ, wants him to attend the University of Texas to study engineering. Jesse decides to join a wrestling community once he gets to Austin, and he realizes getting into the wrestling world is not as easy as he thought.
DO YOU KNOW THE CUCUY? & IT’S BED TIME, CUCUY
1306 PIONEER DR
4
REPRESENTED BUYER
SOLD
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
These bilingual picture books offer a new take on El Cucuy, the boogeyman of the Spanish-speaking world, and they’re authored by yours truly. In these two picture books children will see the lighter side of Cucuy. He likes to have fun, and bedtime is one of his least favorite things.
DISTRIBUTION PH/214.560.4203 ADVERTISING PH/214.560.4203 Office Administrator: Judy Liles
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM OUR FAMILY TO YOURS!
214.560.4203 / judyliles@advocatemag.com ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS Frank McClendon
214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com Greg Kinney
214.292.0485 / gkinney@advocatemag.com Michele Paulda
214.724.5633 / mpaulda@advocatemag.com Catherine Pate
214.560.4201 / cpate@advocatemag.com Classified Manager: Prio Berger
214.292.0493 / pberger@advocatemag.com Marketing Director: Sally Wamre
214.686.3593 / swamre@advocatemag.com Digital Marketing & Analytics: Autumn Grisby
agrisby@advocatemag.com EDITORIAL President: Jehadu Abshiro
jabshiro@advocatemag.com SENIOR EDITORS: Rachel Stone
214.207.8309 / rstone@advocatemag.com Renee Umsted
Let us help you find your Dream Home to celebrate the Holidays! WE ARE GROWING T0 BETTER SERVE YOU!
Please welcome our 2 newest members to the Hewitt Habgood Team
rumsted@advocatemag.com Digital Editor: Raven Jordan
rjordan@advocatemag.com Editor-at-Large: Christina Hughes Babb
chughes@advocatemag.com Senior Art Director: Jynnette Neal
jneal@advocatemag.com Art Director/Photographer: Jessica Turner
jturner@advocatemag.com Contributors: George Mason, Patti Vinson, Carol Toler, Sam Gillespie, Matthew Ruffner, Eric Folkerth, Contributing photographers: Kathy Tran, Emil Lippe, Corrie Aune, Yuvie Styles Chief Revenue Officer: Rick Wamre
214.560.4212 / rwamre@advocatemag.com Advocate (c) 2021 is published monthly in print and daily online by Advocate Media - Dallas Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation based in Dallas and first published in 1991. Contents of this print magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements and sponsorships printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject ay editorial, advertising or sponsorship material in print or online. Opinions set forth in Advocate publications are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the Publisher’s viewpoint. More than 180,000 people read Advocate publications in print each month; Advocate online publications receive more than 4 million pageviews monthly. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate print and online publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one print copy per reader. For information about supporting our non-profit mission of providing local news to neighborhood readers, please call 214-5604212 or email rwamre@advocatemag.com.
Jason Cuccia
Corey Stansell
Call now to put our expertise to work for you!
214-752-7070 BEST
@HewittHabgood
2001 2021
EQUAL HOUSING O P P O RT U N I T Y
ABOUT THE COVER Streetcarinspired sculpture by Art Garcia located on 351 W. Davis St. Photo by Jessica Turner.
ADMITTING YOUR SITE NEEDS HELP IS THE FIRST STEP. We build it right and keep on going. sales@advocatemag.com
FOLLOW US: Talk to us: editor@advocatemag.com Newsletter: advocatemag.com/newsletter DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
5
k n o w yo u r b a r t e n d e r
LU I S S I F U E N T ES O F AYA H UASCA Story by LEE ESCOBEDO | Photography by EMIL LIPPE
6
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
RIDE THE BUS WITH LESS FUSS.
DART’S NEW BUS ROUTES COMING JANUARY 2022!
SIMPLER. BETTER. FASTER. EASIER! THE NEW DART BUS NETWORK HAS: INCREASED FREQUENCY • LESS TRAVEL TIME IMPROVED SERVICE • BETTER ACCESS FIND YOUR ROUTE AT DARTzoom.org
L
uis Sifuentes works behind the bar at Ayahuasca, the speakeasy mezcal bar at the back of Xamán Café on Jefferson Boulevard. Ayahuasca opened up last year as one half of a restaurant and bar serving region-specific Mexican ingredients and cuisine. Patrons walk through long hallways toward a large, heavy brown door. Reverberations of tropical beats and tendrils of incense guide them through the darkness. Once opened, they are transported to a bar engaging all five senses. We spoke to Sifuentes, who has been with Ayahuasca since it opened, about how he guides patrons through Mexican spirits and his passion for music. Find Sifuentes behind the bar on Thursdays and Fridays. HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BARTENDING AND WHERE ELSE HAVE YOU WORKED?
fruit, ancho verde (chile poblano liquor) and swapping the vodka for tequila. WHAT MAKES THE BAR COMMUNITY SPECIAL IN OAK CLIFF?
I love that there is a little bit of everything for everybody. There is a place to chill and relax, grab a cocktail and read a book. Listen to an amazing band or DJ just around the corner. There are also plenty of food options and bar programs that draw inspiration from different cuisines and ingredients from around the globe. WHEN YOU’RE NOT WORKING, WHERE DO YOU LIKE TO PULL UP AND GET A DRINK? WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE OAK CLIFF BARTENDER?
In Oak Cliff, you can find me grabbing a drink at Tiny My journey through bartending began around 2006 workVictories, Botanist or Atlas, eating some delicious empanaing at Martini Park in Plano. I worked at das at Chimichurri or having a nice meal at Boulevardier. I have to give love to all my many different bars and restaurants, but bartender friends in Oak Cliff: James Slater these are the ones that influenced me the A FEW at Chimichurri, Jared at Botanist, Griffin at most: Bowl & Barrel, Meddlesome Moth, FAVORITE Atwater Alley and Ruins. Honorable menBoulevardier and the staff at Tiny Victories. THINGS tion, Bowen House. Technically I did not work there but we did several pop-up events WHEN YOU’RE NOT BEHIND THE BAR, SIGNATURE COCKTAILS: that helped me grow in the scene. WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO? The Ayahuasca and the Matsatli As of late, I’ve been hitting all the “hot” food HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE AYAjoints in the DFW area alongside my girlYEARS BARTENDING: 15 HUASCA BAR TO SOMEONE WHO HAS friend. I like to record DJ mixes and share them with people. I just recently launched NEVER BEEN THERE BEFORE? WHAT WHY OAK CLIFF: There is a MAKES IT SPECIAL? little bit of everything for everybody. my PA rental company. I also like to relax Ayahuasca Cantina is a Latin American and escape the real world by reading books cocktail bar, influenced by southern (Oaxand playing video games. HOBBIES: DJing, reading, aca, Michoacan), central (Mexico City), video games WHERE ARE YOU CURRENTLY DJING? northern (Chihuahua) regions in MexiAND WHAT KIND OF MUSIC DO YOU co, just to name a few. Tequila, sotol and SPECIALIZE IN? mezcal are the three main spirits we focus I am not DJing in one particular place specifically. You on, but you can expect to find several other interesting can find me at several spots around the DFW area. The spirits coming from Mexico. As soon as you walk in, the best way you can find where I am DJing is through my intimate atmosphere and scent grab people’s attention Instagram accounts, @luisreyes_dj and @nantlimusic. and transport our patrons to a different place. I play a wide range of electronic contemporary and “unWHAT DRINK WOULD YOU RECOMMEND TO A FIRSTderground” dance music. Some of the genres I currently TIME GUEST? play are deep house, deep tech, folktronica, world bass Definitely the Ayahuasca cocktail. It introduces people and space disco. to tepache and eases people to try mezcal for the first WHAT MAKES WORKING IN OAK CLIFF SPECIAL? time as well. There is a little bit for everybody and for that reason, it WHAT ARE THE SIGNATURE COCKTAILS? attracts all types of clientele from all different backgrounds. The Ayahuasca and the Matsatli are our two signature I also love that it is constantly growing and evolving. You cocktails. They both have tropical and citrus flavor profiles. never know what you’re gonna see next. My only concern The Ayahuasca has a little bit of a funkier flavor due to the is that it might lose its charm one day. Let us all cross our tepache (fermented pineapple), the ginger, and piloncillo fingers so that won’t ever happen! adds spiced notes to the cocktail. The Matsatli is our take on a mule. We make it more interesting by adding passion Ayahuasca, 334 W. Jefferson Blvd., 469.687.0005, info@xamancafe.com
8
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
from our Oak Cliff home to yours. ALEXANDRA BRADY alexbrady@dpmre.com
817.773.8574
JASON DOYLE SPENCER jds@dpmre.com
MELISSA O’BRIEN
210.557.2527
ANN ANDREWS
annandrews@dpmre.com
melissa@dpmre.com
214.616.8343
KATELYN GAST
281.639.4254
katelyn@dpmre.com
919.306.7021
opgdallas.com @opgdallas
anty*
ers must request a quote, purchase, the generator with a participating dealer. terms and conditions.
Prepare Prepare for for unexpected unexpected power outages with power outages with aa or unexpected Generac home standby Generac home standby utages with a generator generator
BACKED BY A YEAR-ROUND
CLOG-FREE GUARANTEE
E
FREE
7-Year 7-Year Extended Extended Warranty* Warranty* A A $695 $695 Value! Value!
Limited Limited Time Time Off Offer er -- Call Call for for Details Details
7-Year Extended Warranty* A $695 Value! Special Special Financing Financing Available Available
Subject Subjectto toCredit CreditApproval Approval - Call for Details
Available
proval
*To *Toqualify, qualify,consumers consumersmust mustrequest requestaaquote, quote,purchase, purchase, install installand andactivate activatethe thegenerator generatorwith withaaparticipating participatingdealer. dealer. Call Callfor foraafull fulllist listof ofterms termsand andconditions. conditions.
*To qualify, consumers must request a quote, purchase, install and activate the generator with a participating dealer. Call for a full list of terms and conditions.
2
D
1
R
TH GU
0438
TT
EXCLUSIVE LIMITED TIME OFFER!
NATIO
’S
866-643-0438 866-643-0438
FREE QUOTE!
E
N
home standby REQUEST REQUEST A A FREE FREE QUOTE! QUOTE! r
ER GUA
OFF
FINANCING THAT FITS YOUR BUDGET!1 Promo Code: 285
Subject to credit approval. Call for details.
1
CALL US TODAY FOR
A FREE ESTIMATE
15% & 10 % YOUR ENTIRE PURCHASE *
+
5% OFF
TO THE FIRST 50 CALLERS ONLY! **
SENIORS & MILITARY!
OFF
WE INSTALL
YEAR-ROUND! LIFETIME WARRANTY
1-855-595-2102
Mon-Thurs: 8am-11pm, Fri-Sat: 8am-5pm, Sun: 2pm-8pm EST
*For those who qualify. One coupon per household. No obligation estimate valid for 1 year. **Offer valid at time of estimate only 2The leading consumer reporting agency conducted a 16 month outdoor test of gutter guards in 2010 and recognized LeafFilter as the “#1 rated professionally installed gutter guard system in America.” Manufactured in Plainwell, Michigan and processed at LMT Mercer Group in Ohio. See Representative for full warranty details. CSLB# 1035795 DOPL #10783658-5501 License# 7656 License# 50145 License# 41354 License# 99338 License# 128344 License# 218294 WA UBI# 603 233 977 License# 2102212986 License# 2106212946 License# 2705132153A License# LEAFFNW822JZ License# WV056912 License# WC-29998-H17 Nassau HIC License# H01067000 Registration# 176447 Registration# HIC.0649905 Registration# C127229 Registration# C127230 Registration# 366920918 Registration# PC6475 Registration# IR731804 Registration# 13VH09953900 Registration# PA069383 Suffolk HIC License# 52229-H License# 2705169445 License# 262000022 License# 262000403 License# 0086990 Registration# H-19114
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
9
SORROW ON THE SAVANNA
No one takes animal casualties harder than the keepers at the Dallas Zoo, so three giraffe deaths in a month’s time — and five in the past six years — is taking a toll. Story by CHRISTINA HUGHES BABB Illustrations by JESSICA TURNER
H
umans of Oak Cliff can tap into that sense of awe that accompanies proximity to an ocean, mountain range or grand canyon without leaving the neighborhood. Cross I-30 and enter the Dallas Zoo. Think that’s overselling it? Try this. From the feeding platform overlooking the Giants of the Savanna exhibit, lock eye-to-obsidian-eye with Tebogo, the friendliest in a dwindling herd of reticulated giraffes. Tebogo — nuzzler of necks, nibbler of hair, chewer of smartphones (though he prefers lettuce) — and his knobby, scratchable horns, called ossicones, that are used to defend himself in territorial disputes. Look him up and down. Marvel at all 18 feet of him, at least 35% neck, coated in
If that’s the home you’re looking for, you need a real estate agent to match.
that tawny-ivory pattern that resembles a cracked desert floor. The world looks different after an encounter with this bull, his skyscraping fellows and the elephants, zebras, ostriches, impalas and guinea fowl that share his plain. But, the Dallas Zoo has had a run of tragedy within its giraffe population. In the past six years, three calves have died, one in October, followed by two adult deaths. On Oct. 3 Marekani died at six months, a result of an accidental collision while running. In 2019 Witten, a 1-year-old giraffe, died while under anesthesia. Baby Kipenzi died in 2015 after a collision and a broken neck. The late October, early November deaths of Auggie, 19, and Jesse, 14, could be connected, according to the zoo. Necropsies pointed to liver damage, leading vets to focus on the possibility that they were exposed to a toxin through a food source, item in the exhibit space or a foreign object. Doctors also are testing for zoonotic diseases and working along with experts from across the country to analyze lab test results on blood, tissue, food, plants and other items. They removed several plants as a precautionary measure and have ruled out a couple possibilities, including the COVID vaccine. Dallas Zoo
After two years of creating their dream home, life came calling. ... and we helped answer the call. Our clients say farewell to Oak Cliff as they embark on the adventure of a lifetime.
Our love of Oak Cliff homes is matched only by our love for this community itself. From the historic districts to the up-and-coming neighborhoods, we are passionate about what makes this community, and those that call it home, special. Our passion stems from one simple ideal: putting the ‘real’ back in real estate. Our professional success hinges on your personal success – if you’re looking for a change in 2021, we would love to help make your dreams a reality.
Diane Sherman | 469.767.1823 dsherman@daveperrymiller.com Vinnie Sherman | 214.562.6388 vsherman@daveperrymiller.com TOP
R E A LTO R S
An Ebby Halliday Company
it doesn’t get more
2020
Subscribe to our weekly newsletter to stay in the know about what’s happening in
than us
our neighborhood. Subscribe here:
advocatemag.com/social
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
11
has not begun to inoculate the animals against COVID and is on a waiting list to receive doses. The zoo also eliminated encephalomyocarditis, a disease of interest, but are still awaiting results on other zoonotic illnesses. Zoo personnel are working every angle to prevent further casualties, but they say they are confident they’ve eliminated possible risks and feel “very confident” allowing animals back into the habitat.
INSIDE THE ZOO We visited the Dallas Zoo following Marekani’s injury-related euthanization, before the two adults’ deaths. Matt James, the Oak Cliff resident who oversees the zoo’s animal care team, points out that the Dallas Zoo has raised several healthy giraffe babies. In the wild, about 50% of calves die in the first year compared to a little under 25% inside a managed care zoo, he says. Still, he takes losses hard. These events can be so devastating to the zoo personnel that psychologists come in when an animal dies. “Losing three calves in six years is really hard on us, but the more unfortunate thing is we cannot point to a single cause and go fix it,” James says. An investigation — utilizing cameras placed in the barn and around the range — follows an injury. Plus, the team reports to an accrediting body called the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which means close oversight and annual in-depth inspections. AZA president and CEO Dan Ashe says animal care and health is foremost for every one of its accredited facilities. “Dallas Zoo is keeping us informed and consulting expert colleagues throughout our community of members to help understand the highly unusual and tragic giraffe deaths that have occurred recently,” he says. “We have every confidence in their professionalism, their dedication, and in their ultimate success.” Internal and external investigations reveal none of the calf deaths have been caused by neglect or wrongdoings by
12
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
the zoologists and veterinarians on the animal care team. Still, the staff never stops seeking improvements to animal safety and well-being, James says. “With Witten, Kipinzi and Marekani, each incident was a unique situation. We try to learn and mitigate the risk,” he says. “The mortality rate is still much higher than we would like and we want to continue to find ways to get that firstyear mortality to be as low as possible.” Tempering the giraffes’ freedom to gallop amid the desert brooms and weeping love grass of the pseudo sub-Saharan range while also monitoring their welfare presents a challenge. “It’s a dynamic group. We try to give them as much space as possible, but with those freedoms there are unfortunate accidents,” James laments. Under the AZA’s supervision, Dallas’ zoo participates in a Species Survival Plan Program — there are some 500 species involved in these programs whereby accredited zoos and aquariums breed and transfer animals in an effort to keep their respective populations alive and healthy. James points out that in the wild, giraffes are undergoing what many experts have come to call a silent extinction. “Giraffes are going extinct in the wild at an alarming rate … driven by wildlife disease and habitat destruction,” he explains, and he says the SSP is vital to creating sustainable populations. Zoos in the program are building what he calls a Noah’s Ark, an “insurance population” for animals whose extinction will occur in the wild because, he says, many of the species in the zoo’s care will go extinct in our lifetime. Animals born and raised in zoos will live their lives in managed parks. Not in the foreseeable future, but someday, “when we can figure out all of our wildlife issues” we can start repopulating the wild, James says. Zoos also facilitate the relationship between humans and wildlife. Getting people to conserve habitats and endangered species means making them care, James explains.
“Connect, care and conserve,” he says. “If you can connect people with the animals and get them to care about them, they’ll learn to change their habits to support conservation programs, and they’ll help us conserve these animals.” That’s where the zoo’s communications and marketing manager Chelsey Norris (also an Oak Cliff resident) comes in. The zoo’s public relations policy is to share, by way of social media, details about park successes as well as calamity. Norris seems genuinely eager to educate the masses about the zoo’s inner workings, challenges and champions. “Masses” is no exaggeration. Her update about Marekani garnered 7,000 comments in less than 24 hours. And they are not all nice. “Our whole policy on social media is to get people to connect with our animals and to share the story about how much good work we’re doing, but a part of that is that people get very attached to our animals,” she says. “We have to let them know when something happens. We encourage every conversation because within them are questions and we want to respond even if we don’t have all the answers.”
OUTSIDE THE ZOO For another perspective, we spoke with Marc Bekoff, a biologist, ethologist, behavioral ecologist from University of Colorado who has toured the nation talking about animal welfare. He has a problem with the idea that giraffes are born into zoos, kept in zoos and will never leave the zoos. Bekoff does not necessarily deny the conservation and public-awareness benefits that zoos and aquariums can offer, but he is concerned that animals in captivity have lost the freedom to be who they are. No matter that the Giants of the Savanna was named one of USA Today’s best zoo habitats, Bekoff says it is impossible to reproduce their natural terrain. “You can’t replicate in captivity what they need in the wild,” he says. He says funds supporting zoological and breeding programs would be better spent on preserving the natural habitats in Africa. He adds that the use of animals as conservation “ambassadors” is disingenuous, because the creatures are “very, very different” in a zoo than they would be in the wild. The scientist and award-winning author who pals around with Jane Goodall concludes, “Dogs want to be dogs; giraffes want to be giraffes.”
work Email your resume to humanresources@ advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
13
A NOVEL APPROACH INDULGING OAK CLIFF’S PASSION FOR MANGA
G
abriel Mendez and his husband, Kenneth Denson, thought Oak Cliff needed its own version of Oak Lawn’s American Hero. Mendez quit his job, started taking basic culinary classes, learning how to purchase from food vendors, how to operate machinery and ovens. The couple even hosted a sandwich-tasting party with a test menu. “But then, somewhere in the process of writing up a business plan, someone casually mentioned Oak Cliff really needed
a comic shop,” Mendez says. “I had gotten tired of driving all the way out to Keith’s Comics in North Dallas, which I had been going to since I was 13. So, after mulling it over for a bit, trying to determine which I knew better — sandwiches or comics — we went with comic books. I’m still a solid baker, by the way.” Red Pegasus started out in 2014 on 8th Street right off of Zang Boulevard in a red-and-blue building. Mendez and Denson loved their location but felt out of the mix from the walkability of Bishop Arts.
“It was seldom that anyone came that far down the street on purpose,” Mendez says. “If they ever did, it was because that’s where they parked.” That changed after their wedding day. They left a note on the door saying, “We might be a little late today because we’re waiting at the courthouse to see if the Supreme Court is going to let us get married. If so, we’ll get married real quick and be back mid-day. Love, Team Red Pegasus.” A customer uploaded the note to the
Story by LEE ESCOBEDO | Photography by CORRIE AUNE
14
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
internet. It went viral. “We went from regular Oak Cliff inhabitants to everyone knowing our names. I don’t think I’m cut out for a spotlight like that,” Mendez says. “I remember being in the courthouse and having an overwhelming amount of cameras and microphones pushed into our faces that I ended up ditching my new husband to go hide in a courthouse bathroom stall. I remember telling him to text me when it was cool to come out.” While overwhelming, the
1234 Street Address 401 S. Windomere Ave. $000,000 $464,900 NameKucharski Here 000.000.0000 Robert 214.356.5802
1234 Street Address 781 Evergreen Hills Rd. $000,000 SOLD Name Here214.458.7663 000.000.0000 David Griffin
1234N.Street Address 1014 Clinton Ave. $000,000 SOLD Name Here 214.458.7663 000.000.0000 David Griffin
1234N.Street Address 1134 Windomere Ave. $000,000 SOLD NameKucharski Here 000.000.0000 Robert 214.356.5802
CLASSIFIED, BUT FAR FROM SECRET. Read our classifieds section for valuable services near you.
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
15
The shop has two employees, Robyn and Patrick, to help manage the store and add a layer of expertise.
couple took it they had chosen the right neighborhood for their business. “Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s when it was still such a taboo to be queer, and anyone who was had to fight for their existence, we were happily surprised by the all the warmth and acceptance,” he says. Red Pegasus made inclusion a key component of its business model, welcoming customers who are movie or comic fans and readers of all races and sexual orientations. They also strive to be receptive to what neighbors are looking for in terms of inventory. Some shops, like Titan Comics in North Dallas, are known for their extensive back issue selections. Keith’s Comics is known for its action figures and memorabilia. Red Pegasus is where you go for independent comics from outside voices from publishers like Image, BOOM! Studios and Dark Horse Comics. “We’re definitely the baby of comic book stores in Dallas at just 8 years old,” Mendez says. “Some of the greatest shops in DFW are close to 40 years old. How does one begin to compete with DFW
16
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
institutions like them?” It’s also the smallest comic book store in Dallas. Customers can order anything they want from Red Pegasus online. “We’re more of a comic book vending machine,” Mendez says. Initially Red Pegasus carried every major weekly title, a smattering of action figures and a large collection of card games, like Magic: The Gathering. But Mendez noticed a trend in the store, which affected his decision not only to scale down their single-issue collection but move down the street. They relocated in 2017 to Bishop Avenue, next to Hunky’s, with a slimmed-down selection and a renewed focus on manga and kids books. They still carry the major event comics of DC and Marvel from the last 30 years, including Civil War, Secret Wars, Crisis on Infinite Earth and Kingdom Come. He says manga, Japanese graphic novels, are very popular in our neighborhood. “Not having grown up with manga, I didn’t realize how important it was to the
Latin community,” Mendez says. “It was a demographic that I didn’t even know we were missing until they started showing up. I’m doing what I can to make sure that Latinos know that they are welcome and that we have books for everyone.” The shop has two employees, Robyn and Patrick, to help manage the store and add a layer of expertise. “That’s where Robyn, my trusted manga expert, comes in,” he says. “They’ve been with us for about six years now and have been pitching manga for maybe three of those years. I thought it best to just get out of their way and let them do their job.” The pandemic was harsh on retailers, and Red Pegasus, like businesses all over the country, is dealing with supply chain shortages. “Luckily, we had already been well-established before the pandemic hit,” Mendez says. “We still had a regular base of customers that wanted to show their support. Now we were in the precarious position of having customers that wanted to buy but we had nothing new to sell.”
CONTACT ME FOR ALL YOUR REAL ESTATE NEEDS IN DALLAS. UNDER CONTRACT IN WYNNEWOOD NORTH 1805 SHELMIRE DR 2194 SQFT 3/2.5/2 OFF MARKET SELLER RESPRESENTATION
SOLD IN TRINITY GREEN 1139 MANACOR LANE 2411 SQFT 4/3.5/2
FOR SALE IN WYNNEWOOD NORTH 510 MAYRANT DR 1780 SQFT 3/2/2
214.289.2340 getric.kw.com
3500 Maple Ave. Suite 440 Dallas, TX 75219
DECEMBER 2021
Lorem ipsum
TOP
R E A LTO R S
2020
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
17
B O N U S FO OTAG E
THE TEXAS THEATRE NOW SCREENS 10-20 SHOWS A WEEK Story by LEE ESCOBEDO | Photography by CORRIE AUNE
G R E AT N E W S F O R F I L M FANS: Oak Cliff’s only movie theater, Texas Theatre, has added a second screen upstairs. Not only will this almost double the number of showtimes and features the theater can show, but it will also enhance special events with a second bar and VIP balcony for annual events like the Oak Cliff Film Festival. With the recent renovations, capacity for the main room is now 675, w i t h t h e u psta i rs c i n e m a seating 165. Barak Epstein, the p res i d e n t of Av i a t i o n C i n e m a ,
18
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
says the new additions could prov i d e 10 - 20 sc re e n i n gs a we e k b e twe e n t h e two a u d i to r i u m s. Additionally, the stage lighting in the main auditorium has also been upgraded. Epstein has been with Avia t i o n C i n e m a , t h e g ro u p t h a t owns the Texas Theatre, since d ay o n e. H e says t h e c rea t i ve team has been thinking about adding a second theater since taking over the building in 2010. “ We e s s e n t i a l l y s t a r t e d planning the renovation back in 2015, but it took until COVID hit
in 2020 to realize we could use the forced downtime to do this major expansion,” he says. While the theater was closed for months during the economic shutdown, Aviation Cinemas never stopped planning theater improvements. “2020 was obviously a tough t i m e fo r a l l b u s i n esses eve r ywhere,” Epstei n says. “We h ad to update our plans quickly and thoroughly to make use of the unplanned downtime so we could come back 150% once the pandemic started to subside.”
Left: Barak Epstein of Aviation Cinemas. Above: A view of the Texas Theatre’s main auditorium.
Renovations for the second screen cost around $2 million. Aviation Cinemas was able to secure funds through the theater’s bank and tax credits stemming from the venue’s historic status. “ I t ’s h u ge t o f u n d i n g o n a project like ours. We can get up to 25% back from the state on our total project spend as a rebate,” he says. The theater’s second bar is under construction, but Epstein says plans don’t stop there. They have also added a VIP balcony for the main room. Epstein said it allowed for enough space to install a new 4K laser RGB projector as well as a 25-person row of seats. The upstairs cinema is fully compliant with the Americans With
Disabilities Act and includes a chair lift, elevator and hearingand visual-impaired devices for those who need it. “The original balcony sat something like 1,000 people 90 years ago, so it was built structurally, super strong,” he says. “The main thing added was the soundproof wall to seperate the two rooms. Also, part of the renovation included uncovering parts of the theater that haven’t been seen in 40 plus years, like the fountain tile you’ll see when you enter the new upstairs cinema. Also, the floor tile in both upstairs restroom lounges. Plus, we now let people use the original 1931 balcony stairwell to get to both the new cinema and the VIP
row for the downstairs cinema. Part of that restoration included restoring some original plaster ornamental design work.” The beautification process of the theater is one thing Epstein co n s i d e rs a n o n go i n g p ro cess and should add to the legacy of the theater as it serves the Oak Cliff community. What’s next? Epstein says the idea to purchase a second theater is not far off and to keep an eye on the Fine Arts Theater in Denton. “ I ’ m h o p i n g t h e i m p ro v e ments create long-term sustainability for the building, as well as some pride in being able to show off ‘the whole building’ and even more of its historic features,” he says. DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
19
food
D R E A M LOV E R Octopus tacos resurrected in Trinity Groves Story by RACHEL STONE | Photography by KATHY TRAN
20
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
Opposite page: Mangonada margarita, veggie bowl and the queso, guacamole and salsa trio. Above: Birria tacos, left, and the Gobernador which has shrimp, chile de arbol sauce, asadero cheese, pico de gallo and crema fresca.
TIJUANA MANAGED to drop its indecent reputation and become a trendy and artistic border town. The old Eagle Ford Road is now Trinity Groves. And Jesús Carmona is back. Milagro Tacos opened earlier this year after Carmona was forced to close the two locations of his Tacos Mariachi in 2020 because he broke his foot and couldn’t work during the pandemic-related restaurant slowdown. So he started a whole other restaurant, Chimichurri Argentinian Restaurant & Bar, in Bishop Arts, while still in a walking cast. Then came the “miracle.” Carmona says real estate investors — Mr. Hail Mary himself, Roger Staubach, and business partner Robert Shaw — asked him to come back to Singleton Boulevard in a corner space a few doors down from his original taquería, in the ground floor of an apartment building. It’s great because there are customers in residence, he says. Milagro Tacos gives some of the Tijuana hipster vibes of the old place, and it has the octopus tacos that made it Guy Fieri famous.
But this is a streamlined version with an emphasis on cocktails, fish and seafood. There are a dozen tacos on the menu, plus daily specials like fish tacos with crumbled chicharron and avocado mousse on Tuesdays.
“I got an offer that I couldn’t resist.” Birria fish tacos are the Thursday special — asadero cheese and codfish birria served on corn tortillas with consomé. The Campeona burger has no beef. It’s sauteed shrimp, asadero cheese, crumbled chicharrón, jalapeño glaze, cabbage, pico de gallo and guacamole. The “trendy tacos” menu features a shrimp taco served with chile de arbol sauce and asadero cheese on a flour tortilla. The Chefs for Farmers taco is a vegetarian option: julienned carrots, zucchini and yellow squash with cilantro pesto, pico de gallo and cotija cheese.
Carne asada, carnitas, barbacoa and chicken are the “traditional” options. Milagro Tacos also serves tortilla soup every day. Sides and snacks include the queso, guacamole and salsa trio with chips, plus mole fries and Mexican street corn. A mangonada margarita and mezcal bloody mary stand out on the cocktail menu, and brunch is from 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Carmona says the weeks after he broke his foot were among the lowest in his life, and Chimichurri was his way of moving on from losing the taquerías that were his pride and joy. The original Tacos Mariachi was demolished recently, along with an entire block of one-story buildings, to make way for more apartments, which will only bring him more customers. “I got an offer that I couldn’t resist,” Carmona says. “They gave me a great space. They were really nice to me, so I decided to get back into the taco business.” Milagro Tacos & Cantina, 440 Singleton Blvd. 469.872.0168. Hours: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. TuesdayFriday, 10:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Saturday, 10:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, closed Monday DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
21
the nice list BETTER SHOP LOCAL, FOR GOODNESS SAKE
Compiled by RACHEL STONE | Photography by JESSICA TURNER
Don’t let cardboard cartons pile up on your doorstep this holiday season. Our neighborhood is full of locally owned shops where Christmas elves and New Year’s angels can find everything they’re looking for. This list just scratches the surface of Oak Cliff’s robust retail scene. Before you click to buy, try cruising through an IRL shopping site for a gift that’s meaningful in more ways than one.
22
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
\
One-stop shop
(opposite page) necklace: $28 DLM Supply Co. Is our neighborhood’s mini-Nordstrom. Owner Deavon Moore worked for that retailer for 15 years before opening her own shop in TyPo in 2016. About two years ago, DLM doubled its floor space by taking over the adjacent storefront, and there is something for everyone here. A children’s enclave has baby clothes, shoes, books and toys. A section for “clean beauty” features soaps from Tennessee-based Little Seed Farms and lotions and potions from Los Poblanos Organic Farm in New Mexico. Jewelry options include the moderately priced Jenny Bird, with plenty of classy selections under $150, while this smiley face necklace could bring trendy Y2K vibes to the Gen Z-er in your life. DLM Supply Co., 837 W. Davis St., 469.917.8081, dlmsupplyco.com
Lean into local
Shower steamers: $9, stickers and pins: $4.50-$10 (page 22), sweatshirt: $75
Mosaic Makers Collective makes it difficult to choose a gift because this shop on the broad northwest corner of Bishop Avenue and 8th street is so full of fun stuff. Luckily everything in the store is made by Texas women, so you can’t go wrong here. Mosaic Makers also carries lots of apparel, including men’s and women’s T-shirts and baby clothes. This ice-dyed sweatshirt from Friscobased Nest in Progress is one of a kind. The brand’s founder, Jillian Maifert, worked as a visual manager for Anthropologie, where she was introduced to ice-dying, which employs powdered dyes and ice to create designs. She leveraged the popularity of an Instagram page she started to share home-improvement projects, and an Etsy enterprise was born.
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
23
These shower steamers from NHCO Botanical Bodycare turn any bathroom into a spa with vibrant aromas in scents like lemongrass, blood orange and ginger. The Cedar Hill-based company uses all natural plant ingredients and offers a full line of locally produced body care products, including bar soaps, bath bombs, scrubs, creams and masks. Deep Ellum-based Onderkast Studio offers letterpress and design with local flair, such as beer glasses with conceptual maps of Dallas and Fort Worth. Onderkast’s greeting cards and sassy stickers and pins make thoughtful gifts for new friends or office buddies. Mosaic Makers Collective, 401 N. Bishop Ave., mosaicmakers.co
24
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
Serve Dallas kitsch
Dallas Toile plate: $36, platter: $72, tea towel: $18 The most Dallas wallpaper in Bishop Arts originated in Austin. The Katie Kime “Dallas Toile” wallpaper lining the entrance of All Good Things sells online for $228. The print, available in four color schemes, depicts Big Tex and the State Fair of Texas, Reunion Tower, AT&T Stadium, Miron Crosby boots and Dallas big hair. The good news is you don’t have to commit to covering a powder bath to enjoy this bit of hometown whimsy. The print is also available on a line of melamine plates and platters, as well as tea towels, from All Good Things. Oklahoma native Kristen Miller opened the boutique on Tyler Street in 2017 and moved it to West 8th Street last year. Besides stationery, jewelry, bath and body items, candles and party supplies, the shop also sells college-themed and custom paper cups, plates and napkins. All Good Things, 404 W. 8th St., 214.579.9961. allgoodthingspaper.com
Tiffany and Tiffany-inspired lamps. The Art Nouveau movement retains popularity when it comes to these extravagant art pieces. The small pieces of glass soldered together into iconic designs are any room’s focal point. Prices range depending upon size and authenticity, $299-$1,299. High Street Antiques & Design 800 N. Central Expressway 972-509-7878 highstreetDFW.com
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
25
Keep the kitchen clean
Cookies: $14/nine, $27/20 Chef Juan Moreno has the culinary arts in his veins. Moreno started working in his grandfather’s restaurant in Michoacán, starting at age 7. He grew up in Oak Cliff and lives near Mountain View College. A restaurant career in Dallas put him in the kitchens of John Tesar at Spoon, Brookhaven Country Club, the Four Seasons, Omni Hotels & Resorts and most recently, Mexican Sugar. After a pandemic-related furlough last year, he launched Oak Cliff Cookie Co. with his wife, Priscilla Fonseca, who is a teacher at Brashear Elementary in Oak Cliff.
26
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
They have two kids, 7-year-old Juan Jr. and 2-year-old Demetrio. Moreno often draws inspiration from the flavors of Mexico. Favorites include marzipan and fresa con crema. There’s also chocolate churro, pecan piloncillo and dulce de calabaza (that’s pumpkin spice), alongside the classic chocolate chip. The cookies are super soft, and the delicate flavor makes them wildly addictive. Oak Cliff Cookie Co. can be found at pop-up markets around the Dallas area or ordered via Instagram. Oak Cliff Cookie Co., @oakcliffcookie on Instagram
Revolutionize the cookout
Grill and smoker: $600. It comes with four boxes of charcoal and two boxes of fire-starters as a holiday promotion. John Veatch and Cam Leggett spent three years designing the Maserati of portable grills because they noticed the market for portable outdoor grills was “a race to the bottom.” NOMAD Grills launched less than a year and a half ago, and it’s already successful enough that they’re planning to move from Bishop Avenue to a larger space on Clinton at West Davis soon. People kept telling them to move to North Dallas or the northern suburbs. “We insisted on Oak Cliff,” Leggett says. “There’s nowhere else we wanted to be. We both live here. This is our home.” They describe this briefcase grill, which is also a smoker, as “weapons-grade.” Multilayer construction is composed of an interior diecast aluminum cook box, then an airgap, which no other grill has, and an outer shell. That airgap keeps the outside surface at a low temperature, so it can sit on a wood table or bed-lined tailgate. It’s also very sturdy, so there’s
no risk of knocking it over. Once the cooking is done, you can fold it up and close the vents. It snuffs out the fire, and you can walk away with it. The grill recently won a Red Dot Award, which is given annually to the best industrial designs around the world. Instagram marketing brought them customers from all over the United States as well as Europe and Asia. The company brought all the fulfillment in house to give customers the quick turnaround they expect in an Amazon-dominated world. “Launching mid-pandemic was challenging for 1,000 reasons,” Leggett says. “Supply chains have been snarled for the last year, so we wanted to have as much control as we can as a startup.” They ship orders the same day until 4 p.m. and use FedEx so they can reach either coast in two or three days. Neighbors can visit the showroom to check them out or order online and pick one up on the same day. Each grill currently comes with four boxes of charcoal and two boxes of Tumbleweed firestarters as a holiday promotion. It’s fruitwood
charcoal sourced in Thailand that takes more effort to light but once it’s going, can smoke unassisted for several hours. They designed the fire-starter to make the charcoal easy to light. It’s pine shavings coated in natural wax that’s just placed under the charcoal. “You touch a match to it and leave it alone,” Veatch says. This fire-starting method was part of their initial business plan. Who wants to use Safeway charcoal and lighter fluid on their SpaceX grill? Leggett, who grew up in Richardson, and Veatch, who attended St. Mark’s and Highland Park high schools, are planning to throw some parties and events in their new space, which is behind Oak Cliff Beer and Wine. And we can expect more products from them in the future. “We’re in the early stages of building out a full lifestyle brand with products that make sense together,” Leggett says. NOMAD Grills, 111 N. Bishop Ave., nomadgrills.com
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
27
ANA LOG GAMES I N A DIG ITAL WO RL D Ro l l t h e d i ce o n t h i s u n i q u e B i s h o p A r ts b o u t i q u e Story by RACHEL STONE | Photography by CORRIE AUNE
S
tephen Callaghan always puts a game called Throw Throw Burrito in the window of his Bishop Arts boardgames store, because who doesn’t want to throw a rubber burrito at their loved ones in good fun? House Rules boardgames opened this year in a 600-square-foot space on West Davis at Bishop. Callaghan and his wife, Isabelle, love playing boardgames together and with their friends. And it’s always a challenge to find the latest and greatest in the market, he says. Since there wasn’t a boardgames store in Oak Cliff, they decided to start one themselves, and the shop opened its doors in June. He says customers are always looking for two-player games, another thing that makes the burrito game popular. The shop carries all kinds of games, including Pokémon cards and role-playing games. And Callaghan is always there to give recommendations. He’s played everything in the store, and he only carries games he would play.
28
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
Here are a few of his top recommendations. DANGER THE GAME
This storytelling game from a local design group is a bit like Cards of Humanity, but Callaghan says it’s better and family friendly. One player is put in “danger” with a prompt card, such as, “You’ve been kidnapped by rabid dolphins.” The other players then draw cards to get that person out of danger. Embellishment, storytelling and jokes are encouraged. PATCHWORK
“This is my wife’s favorite two-player game because she always wins,” Callaghan says. “But even though I always lose, it’s still fun.” This is a spatial game that uses Tetris-like pieces to make a quilt, and it takes 15-20 minutes to play. KING OF TOKYO
This one is great for families with young teens, but Callaghan says he plays it with
his friends sometimes because it’s hilarious, and you can play with 10 people. Rolling a custom die results in “victory points” or “smashes.” The object is to eliminate monsters, but the artwork is cartoonish and not too dark, Callaghan says. SHERLOCK HOLMES CONSULTING DETECTIVE
Murder mystery board games are extremely popular, Callaghan says. There are four versions of this one, and each comes with 10 mysteries to solve. You’re the detective receiving clues from Sherlock, such as newspaper clippings, a map of London and dialog boxes. It’s also a cooperative game to play with friends or relatives. TICKET TO RIDE: FIRST JOURNEY
This is Callaghan’s first suggestion for kids’ games, and it’s rated for ages 6 and older. It’s a faster, easier version of the popular Ticket to Ride boardgame, where players get points for building railroads across the United States.
WORSHIP
By ERIC FOLKERTH
‘Tump over’ your expectations Be l i eve i n l ov i n g k i n d n ess t h i s C h r i st m a s “G od has scattered the proud in the
thoughts of their hearts. God has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; God has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” Luke 1: 52-53 ery early in our marriage, Dennise and I were putting up our Christmas tree, when something surprising happened. This was a long time ago, when we bought a yearly real tree. The tree was in the front window of our house at the time, which was pretty far back from the street. So, we rationalized, nobody is going to see the decorations we put on the street side. Therefore, we decided to load down our tree with decorations on the *room* side of the tree instead. Our thought was: Our friends and family could enjoy all our ornaments with us. Their beauty wouldn’t be wasted with nobody seeing them. So, we decorated the tree in this way, admired it for a quick second, then went out to do some errands. When we returned, much to our surprise, the tree had tumped over, into the room. We had loaded down that side of the tree with so many large and weighty ornaments that it fell over on its side. “Tumped over” is, of course, a perfectly acceptable Texas expression. And that’s a pretty good metaphor for the Christmas season, don’t you think? The pandemic has “tumped over” our usual holiday season. But even long before it, far too many of us spend too much time trying to get things “perfect” during the holidays. Perfect presents. Perfect parties. Perfect family stories in perfectly written Christmas letters. We try to put our “good side” out toward the world for everyone to see. But sometimes we load ourselves
V
up so with so much busyness, worry and general trying to “look good” that we get out of balance, and our holiday tumps over. There is good news, of course. The entire Christmas story itself is about a God who “tumps over” all our expectations. God comes to earth as a baby, born to a migrant teenager, in a forgotten land. Christmas is about following the God who “tumps over” the expectations of perfection that we human beings far too often try to achieve and reminds us that God is present in all of God’s children, everywhere. The scripture above is from “Mary’s song,” most often called “The Magnificat.” It’s the song Mary, the mother of Jesus, sings upon understanding her place in this remarkable story. Christmas is ultimately about believing in a time when everyone has enough, when all are filled, when the haughty and proud are brought low and the suffering and sick are brought up. It’s a revolutionary message of hope, love, peace and joy for all of human kind. But if we really embrace this message of the holy season, then we’ve got to get comfortable with a time when things get “tumped over.” Just know this: God walks with us when our plans don’t go right. God doesn’t expect perfection from us. God expects lovingkindness and compassion. God born in a forgotten land to a young girl … that story “tumps over” the exceptions of what “ king” is, of what power is. Perhaps that’s just the hopeful message we need this season.
WORSHIP BAPTIST CLIFF TEMPLE BAPTIST CHURCH / 125 Sunset Ave. / 214.942.8601
Serving Oak Cliff since 1898 / CliffTemple.org / English and Spanish 9 am Contemporary Worship / 10 am Sunday School / 11 am Traditional GRACE TEMPLE BAPTIST Come to a Place of Grace!
Sunday Worship: English Service 9:30am / Spanish Service 11:00am 831 W. Tenth St. / 214.948.7587 / gracetempledallas.org
C AT H O L I C ST. CECILIA CATHOLIC PARISH / StCeciliaDallas.org / 1809 W Davis St. / Saturday - Bilingual Mass 5PM; Sunday – English Masses 7:30AM & 11AM; Spanish Masses 9AM & 1PM
DISCIPLES OF CHRIST EAST DALLAS CHRISTIAN CHURCH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185
Sunday School 9:30 am / Worship 8:30 am - Chapel 10:50 am - Sanctuary / Rev. Deborah Morgan-Stokes / edcc.org
E P I S C O PA L CHRIST EPISCOPAL CHURCH / ChristChurchDallas.org
Sunday School: 11:15am /Mass: 9am & 10am English, 12:30pm Español Wednesday Mass: 6pm English, 8pm Español / 534 W. Tenth Street
METHODIST KESSLER PARK UMC / 1215 Turner Ave./ 214.942.0098 I kpumc.org
10:30am Sunday School/11:00 Worship /All are welcome regardless or race, creed, culture, gender or sexual identity.
N O N - D E N O M I N AT I O N A L KESSLER COMMUNITY CHURCH / 2100 Leander Dr. at Hampton Rd.
“Your Hometown Church Near the Heart of the City.” 10:30 am Contemporary Service / kesslercommunitychurch.com TRINITY CHURCH OAK CLIFF / Love God. Love Others. Make Disciples.
Sundays 10:00 am / Worship & children’s Sunday School 1139 Turner Ave. / trinitychurchoakcliff.org
PRESBYTERIAN PARK CITIES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH/ 4124 Oak Lawn Ave Sunday Worship 9:00 & 11:00 A.M. To all this church opens wide her doors - pcpc.org
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
ERIC FOLKERTH is Senior Pastor at Kessler Park United Methodist Church. The Worship section is underwritten by Advocate Publishing and neighborhood businesses and churches listed. Call 214.560.4212 or email sales@ advocatemag.com for advertising information. DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
29
WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...? AC & HEAT
EMPLOYMENT
ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642
THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS
ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!
214-710-2515
dallasheatingac.com
EXTERIOR CLEANING TACLA67136C
Installations & Repairs Emergency Services 24/7 On-Call 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
WANTED: BOOKEEPER Experienced in Quick books for general construction and home flipping. Send resume or call Ricky:(512) 554-6084 R.Moises.Garza@gmail.com
APPLIANCE REPAIR JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898
BUY SELL TRADE
JD’S TREE SERVICE Mantels, Headboards, Kitchen Islands, Dining tables. Made from Local Trees. www.jdtreeservice.com 214-946-7138
CLEANING SERVICES CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133 THE CLEANING GIRLS Customized Cleaning to fit your needs Bonded. 972-462-4875 WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134
CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954 BRICK, BLOCK, Stone, Concrete, Stucco. Gonzalez Masonry. 214-395-1319 BRICK, STONEWORK, FLAGSTONE PATIOS Mortar Repair. Straighten Brick Mailboxes & Columns. Call Cirilo 214-298-7174 CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001 JOHNSON’S PAVING 214-827-1530 Concrete,Drives,Steps, Patios,Retainer Walls
DJ. MUSIC SERVICES D.J MAGNUM FOR YOUR NEXT Company Event, Reunion, Function. We Offer All Styles Of Music From 1920-2020. Wyatt 972-241-3588
FENCING & DECKS 4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com 214-621-3217
HANNAWOODWORKS.COM Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers. 214-435-9574
GARAGE SERVICES UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428
GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS
ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical.469-658-9163
TM
Let Us Tackle Your To-Do List! ❚ Drywall ❚ Doors ❚ Senior Safety
❚ Carpentry ❚ Small & Odd Jobs ❚ And More!
AceHandymanServices.com ❚ 972.308.6035 ©2020 Ace Handyman Services, Inc. All rights reserved. Locally owned and independently operated Franchise. Licensed & insured.
HOUSE PAINTING TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863 RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513
LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES HOLMAN IRRIGATION Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061
• Experienced Painters • Free estimates • Interior/Exterior/Cabinets • Drywall Repair, Carpentry • Luxury service • Professional Project at reasonable prices Management
972.472.2777
KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT
EC0NOMY GLASS & MIRROR Mirror, Shower, A STONECRAFT OF DALLAS Windows Repair. 24 Hr. Emergency. 214-875-1127 Granite, Quartz, Marble Countertops. 214-843-6977. Jennifer Voss PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183
ROCK GLASS CO Replace, repair: windows, mirrors, showers, screens. 214-837-7829
HANDYMAN SERVICES
BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS LLC Complete Kitchen And Bath Remodels. Tile, Granite, Marble, Travertine, Slate. Insured. 214-563-5035 www.blake-construction.com D & D TILE SERVICE Residential/Commercial.30Yrs Exp. 214-724-3408. Rodriguez_tile@att.net
DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692
FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645
HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628
STONE AGE COUNTER TOPS Granite, Quartz, Marble For Kitchen/Bath-Free Est. jennifer@gmail.com 214-412-6979
HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/ Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635 HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs, To Do Lists. Bob. 214-288-4232. Free Est. 25+yrs exp.
MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com 214-924-7058 214-770-2435 MONSTER TREE SERVICE DALLAS Certified Arborists, Fully Insured 469.983.1060
JD’s Tree Service
ANDREW'S HOME REPAIR Big/Small Jobs 214-416-6559
TK REMODELING 972-533-2872 Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com
RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT
Firewood/Cooking Wood
Locally Full service trimming & harvested planting of native trees. wood! 214.946.7138
LEGAL SERVICES A WILL? THERE IS A WAY! Estate/Probate matters.maryglennattorney.com 214-802-6768
PEST CONTROL MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment. Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT INC. Squirrels, Racoons, Skunks, Snakes, Possums, etc. Pest & Termite. Neighborhood Resident 30+ Yrs.exp. 214-827-0090
HOME REPAIR Small/Big Jobs. Int/Ext. Sheetrock, Windows, Kitchen, Bathroom 33 yrs exp. 214-875-1127 HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606
ELECTRICAL SERVICES ANNA’S ELECTRIC Your Oak Cliff Electrician Since 1978. tecl25513. 214-943-4890 ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricofdallas.com 50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333 TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658
TO ADVERTISE CALL 214.560.4212
JANUARY DEADLINE DECEMBER 8
"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"
WE REFINISH!
Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems • Tubs, Tiles or Sinks • Cultured Marble • Kitchen Countertops
214-631-8719
www.allsurfacerefinishing.com
For complete terms and conditions, visit advocatemag.com/advertisingterms.
30
KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT
G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925
FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS !!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, oldgatefence.com Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid.1-866 -433-8277 214-766-6422
CABINETRY & FURNITURE
HANDYMAN SERVICES
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
DECEMBER 2021
Licensed · Insured · Residential · Commercial · Organic
214-350-3595 • Abetterearth.crw@gmail.com
abetterearth.com
PLUMBING AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943 ANCHOR PLUMBING Your trusted Oak Cliff plumber for 30+ years. 214-946-1638.
Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com
WHERE C AN I FIND L OC AL ...? PLUMBING
30 Years of Excellent Service • Water Heaters • Water Leaks 24/7 On-Call • Sewer Backups • All Plumbing Repairs
972-379-4000
staggsplumbing.co
Master Plumber License M-17697
PLUMBING ISSUES? We’re the Experts!
ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!
ROOFING & GUTTERS
REMODELING
THE PLUMBING MANN LLC Women Owned, Family Operated For all Your Plumbing Needs RMP/Master-14240 Insured. Veterans And Senior discount. 214-327-8349
POOLS
BLAKE CONSTRUCTION CONCEPTS, LLC Complete Remodeling, Kitchens, Baths, Additions. Hardie Siding & Replacement Windows. Build On Your Own Lot. Insured. www.blake-construction.com 214-563-5035 FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com INTEX CONSTRUCTION Specialty in Ext/Int. Bath/ Kitchen/Windows, Steve.33yrs exp. 214-875-1127 O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 24 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448 RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247
CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & TK REMODELING 972-533-2872 Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996 & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration. REAL ESTATE Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD? Remodeling Facing forclosure? IG Heron Homes Call Ricardo Garza @ 469-426-7839 NEAR WRLAKE 2/1 DUPLEX. Hdwds, Appl. Yard Serv. CHA, 1/carport. $1,400+Dep. 469-879-2977
REMODELING A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC Remodeling, Painting, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing, Electrical,Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels, Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Estimates. A2HGeneralContractingLLC@gmail.com
Bob McDonald Company, Inc. BUILDERS/REMODELERS 30+ Yrs. in Business • Major Additions Complete Renovations • Kitchens/Baths
214-341-1155 bobmcdonaldco.net
SERVICES FOR YOU
BERT ROOFING INC.
Family owned and operated for over 40 years
• Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates
www.bertroofing.com
214.321.9341
SERVICES FOR YOU AT&T INTERNET. Starting at $40/month w/12-mo agmt. 1 TB of data/mo. Ask how to bundle & SAVE! Geo & svc restrictions apply.1-888-796-8850 ATTENTION ACTIVE DUTY & MILITARY VETERANS.Begin a new career & earn a Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical training available for Veterans & Families.To learn more, call 888-449-1713 BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725 DENTAL INSURANCE-Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance -not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258 DIRECTV NOW - No Satellite. $40/mo 65 Channels. Stream news, live events, sports & on demand titles. No contract/commitment. 1-866-825-6523
214.560.4212 TO ADVERTISE
DISH TV $64.99 For 190 Channels + $14.95 High Speed Internet. Free Installation, Smart HD DVR Included, Free Voice Remote. Some restrictions apply.Promo Expires 7/21/21.1-833-872-2545 DONATE YOUR CARS TO VETERANS TODAY. Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800 -245-0398 ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-402-0373 GENERAC Standby Generators. The weather is increasingly unpredictable. Be prepared for power outages. FREE 7-year extended warranty ($695 value!) Schedule your FREE in-home assessment today. Call 1-855-447-6780 Special financing for qualified customers HOME BREAK-INS take less than 60 SECONDS. Don't wait! Protect your family, your home, your assetS NOW for as little as 70¢ a day! Call 866-409-0308 THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services UPDATE YOUR HOME with beautiful new blinds & shades. Free in-home estimates make it convenient to shop from home.Professional installation. Top quality - Made in the USA. Free consultation: 877212-7578.
TUTORING/ LESSONS GARTH ORR Private math & physics tutoring that works! Grade 8-12. garthorr.com
Click Marketplace at advocatemag.com EDUCATION GUIDE 214.560.4203 OR SALES@ADVOCATEMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE
ACCEPTING NEW STUDENT APPLICATIONS 2022-2023 SCHOOL YEAR
• Reading/Writing Workshop Model • STEM Lab, Art, Music & Library Time • Spanish, PE and Recess Daily • Leadership & Community Service • Middle School - Mandarin, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Program • After School Care & Enrichment Programs
Serving Grades PK-8TH
YOUR CHILD. READY FOR LIFE. Looking for a great school? Life School is a free, public K-12 YOUR CHILD. READY FOR LIFE. YOUR CHILD. READY FOR LIFE. school that emphasizes character and leadership.
1215 Turner Ave. | 214.942.2220 | TheKesslerSchool.com
69% of our readers
Looking for a great school? School is a free, public K-12 Looking for Life a great school? school that emphasizes character andschool leadership. Life School is a free, public K-12 that
emphasizes character and leadership. Request info at lifeschool.net/learnaboutlife
Request info at lifeschool.net/learnaboutlife
say they want to know more about
private schools.
214.560.4203 OR SALES@ADVOCATEMAG.COM TO ADVERTISE
Request info at lifeschool.net/life-at-oak-cliff
*2019 CVC Audit
DECEMBER 2021
oakcliff.advocatemag.com
31
Competitor C
Competitor B
$121M
Competitor A
There’s no subtle qualifier to this statement. It’s fact – backed up by extensive market data and analysis. We pride ourselves on data transparency, and that means that apples should only be compared to apples. When you’re ready to make a move, contact your favorite Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate agent and work with the top producing real estate brand in Oak Cliff.
NORTH OAK CLIFF AREA SOLD VOLUME, YTD OCT ‘21
Dave Perry-Miller Real Estate
Many brands claim to be Number 1. We actually are.
1201woodlawn.daveperrymiller.com
SOLD, Represented Seller
506woolsey.daveperrymiller.com
1201 Woodlawn Avenue
300 S. Edgefield Avenue
506 Woolsey Drive
4 BEDROOMS | 4.1 BATHS | 3,048 SQ. FT. | $1,150,000
3 BEDROOMS | 2.1 BATHS | 2,697 SQ. FT. | $695,000
3 BEDROOMS | 3 BATHS | 2,246 SQ. FT. | $625,000
Jeremy Whiteker
Ged Dipprey & Linda Ward
Susan Melnick
214.729.1293 jeremy@jeremywhiteker.com
214.225.HOME (4663) gooddeedgroup@dpmre.com
214.460.5565 susanmelnick@daveperrymiller.com
PENDING
1319lansford.daveperrymiller.com
PENDING
408 N. Willomet Avenue
1319 Lansford Avenue
2115 Dancliff Drive
2 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS | 1,480 SQ. FT. | $450,000
3 BEDROOMS | 2.1 BATHS | 2,128 SQ. FT. | $430,000
3 BEDROOMS | 2 BATHS | 2,206 SQ. FT. | $349,900
Ged Dipprey & Sam Vachon
Michael Mahon
DeCarla Anderson
214.225.HOME (4663) gooddeedgroup@dpmre.com
214.914.5410 mmahon@daveperrymiller.com
214.695.9043 decarla@daveperrymiller.com
An Ebby Halliday Company
Price and availability subject to change. Information deemed reliable, but not guaranteed. Claim based on sold volume, 75211, 75208, 75224, 75233, 1/1/21 through 10/31/21. Includes Ebby Halliday Companies.