2023 August Oak Cliff Advocate

aug 23

contents

PROFILE

8 Grill Skills

DINING

12 Stock & Barrel

26 El Gordo Seafood

FEATURES

6 Openings and closings

22 A $30 night out

COVER 18 Tipping rules

Maraqueich Salon on Jefferson is lit up at night. Read our tips for a budget-friendly night out on page 22. Photography by Lauren Allen.

All the care Allison needs, all in one place

When your care gets complicated, you want a team that’s seen it all. Take it from Allison, whose birth plan didn’t go as expected. Her son TJ spent four days in neonatal intensive care, and her team kept her involved every step of the way. Today, TJ is thriving and his parents couldn’t be happier. Get care for your whole family at 833.46.BUMCD.

A spoonful of sugar: Cake4One takes dessert personally

Story by EMMA RUBY

Kelly Merklein is a dessert person.

And in 2017, she decided her sweet tooth needed to be shared and founded Cake4One, a dessert company that specializes in cakes sold in 10-ounce mason jars down to bite-sized, 2-ounce cake minis.

Merklein started selling individual cakes as a vendor at the Dallas Farmers Market, and in February — in the midst of that terrible ice storm that made travel impossible for a week — Cake4One moved into a new location on Beckley Avenue.

“We had the opportunity to move into the kitchen that’s attached to the Lone Star Donut shop,” Merklein says. “We do all of our baking here. We also ship all over the world, cater events, weddings and stuff like that. But Lone Star Donuts allows us to use the donut shop in the evening, so we’re open to the public each evening.”

Cake4One is open 6-11 p.m. Wednesday-Sunday, but Merklein says the late hours don’t bother her.

During the day she mixes, bakes and ices the cakes, which are all individually baked and cool off just in time for a nightly opening.

“For me, desserts have always been an evening kind of thing,” Merklein says. Cake4One is able to customize orders with photos, logos or labels that are printed on a UV Printer for events such as weddings and birthdays.

Initials are popular for wedding orders, and a “huge honor” of Merklein’s career was when Cake4One designed custom-labeled cakes for the Medal of Honor recipient dinner at the American Airlines Sky Ball.

“It’s what sets us apart, that we can do that custom image or photo, anything that the customer might like on the tops of any of the size lids,” Merklein says. Red velvet is the shop’s year-round best seller, with chocolate and carrot cake trailing close behind.

The store also sells Amy’s ice cream — hugely popular with Austin transplants and UT grads — and will expand into the cheesecake market by the end of summer.

Cake4One , 1727 N. Beckley Ave., 214.3100.1320, cake4one.com

COMING & GOING

Food and beverage changes in 2023

Story by AUSTIN WOOD

Painful goodbyes to neighborhood staples and optimistic beginnings for dynamic newcomers, the restaurant scene in Oak Cliff seems to change so quickly it causes whiplash. But we’ve been keeping track so you don’t have to. Here’s what has closed, opened or will open in 2023.

HERE

La Comida: Opened in February. 1101 N. Beckley Ave.

Olmo Market: Opened in February. 2111 S. Edgefield Ave. El Gordo Seafood: Opened in February. 451 W. Davis St.

Mintiiras : Opened in March. 418 N. Tyler St.

White Rock Brewing Co.: Opened in April. 2477 N. Beckley Ave.

Rosi’s Salvadoran Fusion

Cuisines: Opened in April. 313 W. Jefferson Blvd.

Village Baking Co.: Opened in May. 337 Melba St.

Devil’s Back Porch: Opened in May. 3011 Gulden Lane

COMING

Botolino: Opening by October. 269 N. Bishop Ave.

Graph Coffee: 1805 S. Edgefield Ave.

GOING

Greek Café and Bakery: Closed in May.

Roselli’s Pizza Frita: Closed in May.

Lucky’s Hot Chicken: Closed in June.

Azucar: Closed in July.

Photo courtesy of Cake4One

CULTURE

BEST ART GALLERY

WINNER - MERCADO369

2ND - WE ARE 1976

3RD - LUMINARTÉ FINE ART GALLERY

BEST BOOKSTORE

WINNER - THE WILD DETECTIVES

2ND - LUCKY DOG BOOKS - OAK CLIFF

3RD - WHOSE BOOKS NEIGHBORHOOD BOOKSTORE

BEST EVENT VENUE

WINNER - THE CLIFF HOUSE

2ND - OAK CLIFF SOCIETY OF FINE ARTSTURNER HOUSE

3RD - THE MASON DALLAS

BEST INDOOR ACTIVITY

WINNER - OAK CLIFF CULTURAL CENTER

2ND - OIL AND COTTON

3RD - KIDS EMPIRE DALLAS WYNNEWOOD

BEST LIBRARY

WINNER - NORTH OAK CLIFF LIBRARY

2ND - DALLAS WEST BRANCH LIBRARY

3RD - COCKRELL HILL PUBLIC LIBRARY

BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITY

WINNER - DALLAS ZOO

2ND - OAK CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE

3RD - KIDD SPRINGS PARK

BEST LIVE MUSIC

WINNER - REVELERS HALL

2ND - BISHOP EXCHANGE

3RD - THE WILD DETECTIVES

BEST PLACE TO TAKE YOUR DOG

WINNER - OAK CLIFF NATURE PRESERVE

2ND - ELMWOOF DOG PARK

3RD - MOSS PARK

BEST THEATER

WINNER - TEXAS THEATRE

2ND - KESSLER THEATER

3RD - BISHOP ARTS THEATRE CENTER

#1 IN OAK CLIFF

2022 HIGHLIGHTS

• 60 Listings Sold in North Oak Cliff

• Sold the 2 Highest sales in Kessler Park

• Set the Record for the Highest Sold Price in Kessler Park History

• Brought the Buyer to 20% of our own listings

• $75 Million sold in 2022

Jason CucciaNeville CrowellJason SaucedoKathy HewittJeremy MooreSteve Habgood

Revealing the secrets of the sizzle

Story by EMMA RUBY |

Photography by LAUREN ALLEN

While you should never need an excuse to throw some meat on the grill, summer is ripe with them nonetheless. Labor Day and the Fourth of July, backyard get-togethers and back-toschool barbecues — if you don’t end the summer with the meat sweats, you’ve done something wrong.

But if the thought of moving past the classic burgers and dogs leaves you unsure, the Oak Cliff Fantasy Football League has you covered. We sat down with several members of the OCFFL who compete in the annual Blues, Bandits & BBQ festival to discuss their tips and tricks for pulling off the perfect grilled masterpiece. Their credentials?

Over the course of three competition years, the team has brought home the award for first-place chicken (an improvement from their first year, when they placed sixth) and claimed several People’s Choice awards. The OCFFL has also been awarded the Best Overall title by the competition judges.

So follow their guidance, and you won’t feel like you’re playing with fire

the next time you step up to the flame.

BUTCHER KNOWS BEST

At the heart of every successful meal is quality ingredients, says OCFFL member Chris Culak.

Over the years of competition, the OCFFL has specialized in chicken dishes. Culak says when the team was starting out, they realized the importance of selecting the highest-caliber ingredients possible.

“Your first step is you have got to start with the right food, the right meats. You have to make sure what you’re getting is good-quality stuff,” Culak says.

The OCFFL regularly goes to Cooper’s Meat Market at Sylvan 30 for competition meats, Culak says, but any grocery store with a meat counter will provide the opportunity to “use an expert” to ensure the meat you are purchasing is the best possible cut and amount for your planned meal.

Before any BBQ, Culak recommends informing your local butcher of type of meat you’re planning to cook, how many people you’re feeding and any other information that can help them help you.

“I’m not not a meat expert. I’m not a chicken expert. But if I’m going to buy meat, and I’m going to use it in a family barbecue, or in (the Blues, Bandits & BBQ contest), I want the guy who’s the expert in the meat shop to tell me what I need,” Culak says.

GET GOOD GEAR

If there is one thing Kam Naidoo knows, it’s fire.

The pitmaster for the OCFFL, Naidoo is responsible for staying up all night with the team’s fire during the Blues, Bandits & BBQ competition to ensure the fire is burning and the food is cooking according to plan.

And as a fan of the flame, his biggest tip is to stay away from gas grills.

“The whole part of grilling is to impart that flavor, and charcoal or lump coal is going to do the best thing,” Naidoo says.

The Weber Kettle Grill is the perfect starter grill, Naidoo says, coming in at a low price point and providing “basic but amazing” results.

The kettle grill allows the griller to apply direct heat for a traditional result or bank coals to the side for a smoking effect.

“If someone’s starting out, or even if someone has some experience and wants to venture away from just pressing a button and lighting up a gas grill, that’s where I would go. And that gives you a whole world of opportunity to play around with the types of meat you cook,” Naidoo says.

Oak Cliff’s own NOMAD Grill is another Naidoo-endorsed grill for anyone who “wants to play around with something fun.”

AIM FOR FLAVORTOWN

There’s no reason to be scared of a little seasoning.

When it comes to flavoring your meat, selecting a seasoning combination, a marinade or a rub is critical, Naidoo says.

If you don’t know where to start, many grocery stores offer pre-marinated meats at the butcher counter that vary from traditional BBQ sauce to lemon pepper, teriyaki, fajita seasonings and anything else you can think of.

After years of barbecuing, Naidoo says he has uncovered flavor tricks that, while simple, elevate his dishes to the next level.

“Most people are just going to throw a piece of salmon on the grill and not think about it. But I use cedar boards, most grocery stores sell those, and just adding that … imparts an amazing flavor into the fish. Just something little changes whatever you’re eating so substantially,” Naidoo says.

If you’re interested in the cedar board trick, Naidoo soaks his planks in water before putting them on the grill with the fish on top. The board will char but not ignite, adding flavor to the dish.

And as any host knows, side dishes are just as important in making your meal shine.

Naidoo says simple tricks like adding vegetable skewers or foil-wrapped potatoes to your grill while cooking meats can help pull a well-rounded meal together effortlessly.

WHEN GRILLING: KEEP IT HOT

So maybe you have the right meat and the right equipment, and things still aren’t turning out exactly the way you hoped.

Culak recommends double-checking your heat.

“I think a big piece of what a lot of guys do at home is they don’t get their grills hot

enough. You’re taking the chicken or your ribs, your pork or whatever you’ve marinated, out of the refrigerator, and you’re sticking it out on a grill. And if your grill isn’t hot enough, the temperature can come down pretty quick,” Culak says.

In the barbecue contest, the OCFFL cooks all night long (thanks, Naidoo); keeping the fire consistently hot is the key to being successful.

It’s something that requires more preparation than most realize, Naidoo says. Weather can play a factor; if it’s cold outside, you are likely going to need more wood or coals than you would on a blazing summer day.

WHEN SMOKING: LOW AND SLOW

For a smokier protein, patience is not just a virtue, Naidoo says. It’s a requirement.

Smoking meat takes a significantly longer period of time and a lower temperature than grilling. This allows the smokey flavor to seep into the meat without the outside cooking too quickly.

Keeping that low temperature consistent throughout the entire process is necessary to the smoking technique, Naidoo says.

“If you’re smoking a 12-pound brisket, you’re trying to cook it around 225-250 degrees, and it’s going two take 12 to 16 hours or so. You have to keep that temperature consistent. If it drops to 150 and then next thing you know, it’s up to 375, that’s going to kill that piece of meat,” Naidoo says.

When it comes to smoking, Naidoo also says it’s difficult to overseason your meat. Meats that are smoked are generally much larger than those that are grilled, so you “have to season more than you think you do” to make sure your entire hunk is flavorful.

NAIL DOWN A SIGNATURE DISH

The opportunities in grilling are endless.

From chicken to beef, pork to sausage, fish to brisket, Culak understands if you love it all.

But mastering it all is no small task. Instead, he advises perfecting one protein at a time to maximize satisfaction with the meal and the hobby.

“Really go for what you’re most comfortable in making and really try to improve on that particular item,” Culak says.

Left: Vegetable skewers or foil-wrapped potatos are easy additions to the grill that help round out an entire meal.

STOCK & BARREL

Where modern American meets neighborhood comfort

Story by EMMA RUBY | Photography by KATHY TRAN

Wagyu meatballs are served on top of a spicy tomato mostarda sauce and topped with hollandaise and herbs from Stock & Barrel’s patio herb garden.

STOCK & BARREL

may pride itself on its meatloaf, but don’t walk in expecting your mama’s mystery meat recipe slathered in ketchup.

Instead, the signature dish offers a hint of nostalgia for an elevated palate.

For the last nine years, the wagyu meatloaf has remained a menu staple and a crowd favorite at the modern American restaurant, says owner and head chef Jon Stevens.

A roll of wagyu beef mixture is cut into thick medallions, which are cooked over the wood fire grill and served atop a potato, bacon and onion hash. Spicy peppercorn butter melts over the dish, infusing a richness to the plate.

Stevens and his wife, MG, opened Stock & Barrel in 2014. He says the restaurant has become a neighborhood favorite in the last near-decade, cementing itself as a Bishop Arts staple as the district has grown around it.

Originally from San Francisco, Stevens says he was looking for a familiar-feeling area to open a restaurant when he began developing the Stock & Barrel concept. The budding Bishop Arts District reminded him of neighborhood enclaves in his home city, and he was sold.

“We found this building, and it was available,” Stevens says. “So we jumped on it, and we rebuilt the whole building. Basically gutted the whole place out, took the ceiling out, the roof off and the floor out, down to a couple of walls and just started over.”

The Agua Fresca Mocktail, left, is made with cucumber, mint, ginger and citrus. The Berry Tea Spritz, right, is made with roxor gin, elderflower and mint.

FOOD & DRINKS

BEST BAKERY

WINNER - VERA’S BAKERY

2ND - CRETIA’S EATERY AND BAKE

SHOPPE

3RD - GREEK CAFE AND BAKERY (CLOSED)

BEST BBQ

WINNER - LOCKHART SMOKEHOUSE

2ND - ODOM’S BAR-B-QUE

3RD - SMOKEY JOE’S BBQ

BEST BREAKFAST

WINNER - NORMA’S CAFE

2ND - TRIBAL ALL DAY CAFE

3RD - ODDFELLOWS

BEST BRUNCH

WINNER - ODDFELLOWS

2ND - TRIBAL ALL DAY CAFE

3RD - THE MIXING BOWL BREAKFAST

TACOS

BEST BURGER

WINNER - HUNKY’S OLD FASHIONED

HAMBURGERS

2ND - COUNTRY BURGER

3RD - CHIP’S OLD FASHIONED HAMBURG -

ERS

BEST

CELEBRATORY DINNER

WINNER - PARADISO

2ND - STOCK & BARREL

3RD - ENCINA

BEST CHINESE FOOD

WINNER - SUM DANG GOOD CHINESE

2ND - MR. WONG’S CHICKEN & RICE

3RD - LUCKY RICE

BEST COCKTAILS

WINNER - TINY VICTORIES

2ND - CASABLANCA

3RD - THE BRANCA ROOM

BEST COFFEE

WINNER - HOLA CAFÉ

2ND - WHITE RHINO COFFEE

3RD - XAMÁN CAFÉ

BEST CRITICS CHOICE

WINNER - NORA

2ND - WRITTEN BY THE SEASONS

3RD - RESTAURANT BEATRICE

Now, the dining room is minimalistic but clean. Warm wood tones are complemented by cool industrial finishes, and the 40-person back patio, lit by string lights, is cozy and inviting.

The open kitchen’s backsplash of orange would make it a visual draw even if the bustling kitchen activities didn’t.

For Stevens, having an open kitchen was a priority in designing the restaurant. The open kitchen pulls back the curtain for diners rarely able to witness the nitty gritty of what goes into putting out each dish at a restaurant.

“It adds energy to the room. When it’s roaring in there, you can see the fire from the grill and little flame ups here and there, and it adds a nice comfort feel,” Stevens says. “You see and feel

all of the stress and the choreographed event that’s going on.”

The restaurant does have its “regulars,” but Stevens says an ever-evolving menu and dedication to quality keep customers coming back without ever becoming bored.

“There’s always something fresh and different going on that they can explore, and at this point, they feel like they can trust new menu items to be up to mark,” Stevens says.

The menu changes frequently.

A large chalkboard at the center of the restaurant lists daily features, and other menu items may be tweaked seasonally as ingredients go in and out of season, Stevens says.

“There’s a lot of menu renewing, so that’s kind of a nice outlet for my

creativity,” he says.

But if the description of the wagyu meatloaf had you drooling, don’t worry about missing out on that one. The wagyu meatloaf, caramelized Brussels sprouts and toffee croissant bread pudding are best-selling menu items that Stevens can’t imagine parting with.

“Those three are the real staples on the menu that don’t ever change and will never change,” Stevens says.

The restaurant boasts an extensive wine and liquor list. Signature cocktails — the cilantro lemongrass margarita for the daring, or an espresso martini for the traditional — are another point of pride.

And if Stevens can make a menu recommendation, he would point to the spicy salmon tartare tacos.

Left: Spicy salmon tartare tacos are a staple of the Stock & Barrel menu. Right: Watermelon Hearts plated with heirloom tomatoes, pickled onions, thai basil and cilantro nuoc cham dipping sauce.

A batter made of miso, sesame, flour and butter is made into tuiles — a thin, wafer-like shell — baked on a sheet and shaped into a taco. Once the shells are organized in rows of four, they’re topped with crushed avocado, a salmon tartare mixture, miso mayonnaise, serrano peppers, pickled onions and herbs.

“They’re little fun crispy bites that are textured and fresh,” Stevens says. “We took them away when we were first getting back on our feet from COVID, because they’re very laborious to make. And when we did that, a lot of people were upset. So I would say that’s probably one of our staples as well at this point.”

Stock & Barrel , 316 W. Davis St., 214.888.0150

FOOD & DRINKS

BEST DESSERT

WINNER - EMPORIUM PIES

2ND - CAKE BAR

3RD - COCOANDRÉ CHOCOLATIER

BEST DONUT SHOP

WINNER - THE SALTY DONUT

2ND - OAK CLIFF DONUTS

3RD - SOUTHERN MAID DONUTS

BEST FRENCH

WINNER - BOULEVARDIER

2ND - WHISK

3RD - ÂME

BEST FROZEN TREATS

WINNER - PICOLÉ POPS

2ND - ENCANTO POPS

3RD - PALETERIA (LA SUPER) ICE CREAM

BEST HEALTHY BITE

WINNER - TRIBAL ALL DAY CAFE

2ND - ANN’S HEALTH FOOD CENTER & MARKET

3RD - RECIPE OAK CLIFF

BEST ITALIAN FOOD

WINNER - LUCIA

2ND - PARADISO

3RD - ABRUZZO’S

BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI

WINNER - ZEN SUSHI

2ND - OSAKI SUSHI HIBACHI

3RD - SUSHIYA

BEST KOREAN

WINNER - BBBOP SEOUL KITCHEN

2ND - KIM’S HOUSE GRILL & BBQ

3RD - MOONBOWLS

BEST LATIN AMERICAN CUISINE

WINNER - GLORIA’S LATIN CUISINE

2ND - LA CALLE DOCE

3RD - ALEBRIJES CAFE

BEST MEXICAN/TEX-MEX

WINNER - LA CALLE DOCE

2ND - EL RANCHITO

3RD - GONZALEZ RESTAURANT

BEST NIGHT OUT

WINNER - 303 BAR AND GRILL

2ND - GLORIA’S LATIN CUISINE

3RD - CHIMICHURRI ARGENTINIAN

BISTRO & BAR

BEST PATIO

WINNER - PARADISO

2ND - CASABLANCA

3RD - ENO’S PIZZA TAVERN

BEST PIZZA

WINNER - ENO’S PIZZA TAVERN

2ND - HOME RUN PIZZA

3RD - NEONY PIZZA WORKS

BEST PLACE TO WATCH A

GAME

WINNER - 303 BAR AND GRILL

2ND - PHD

3RD - CANNON’S CORNER IRISH PUB

BEST SANDWICH

WINNER - NORMA’S CAFE

2ND - CHEESESTEAK HOUSE

3RD - METRO DINER OC

BEST SEAFOOD

WINNER - SUNSET CRAB SHACK

2ND - MARISCOS LA REYNA

3RD - KRIŌ

BEST TACOS

WINNER - TAQUERIA EL SI HAY

2ND - CESAR’S TACOS

3RD - TACOS LA GLORIA

BEST THAI

WINNER - CHAN THAI & PHO 88

2ND - KA-TIP THAI STREET FOOD

3RD - KIIN THAI STREET FOOD

BEST WINE LIST

WINNER - NOVA

2ND - NEIGHBORHOOD CELLAR

3RD - LUCIA

The Compensation Conundrum

Who, what, when, where and why we tip

Story by ALYSSA HIGH | Illustration by LAUREN ALLEN

You walk into a restaurant. A coffee shop. A bar. A clothing store. You get your drink or other product, and as you tap your card on the scanner, the employee flips their screen around, prompting you to choose an 18%-22% tip. You’ve got questions. Where does the tip go? What are you even tipping for?

Questions about tipping aren’t new. In fact, historical accounts show that Americans were apathetic to tipping wages in the 1860s.

“I don’t understand some businesses that are asking for tips nowadays,” one Dallasite says on Nextdoor. “Why would I tip someone for ringing up my Big Gulp. Pretty soon we will be prompted to tip during self-checkout.”

Others question the percent system, as the cost of the food doesn’t affect the server’s amount of work.

“Now, if we order a $50 bottle of wine, that’s $10. If we decide to order a $500 bottle of wine, I am expected to tip $100,” another neighbor chimed in. “Why is that? The same amount of effort went into the service.”

Others are starting to notice the flip-and-tip at retail establishments, where service isn’t occurring.

“I am baffled by the tipping option in retail stores,” one Redditer complains. “Honestly it is a little off putting. In fact, it has made me stop going into stores to shop.”

So, when do we tip?

Each owner and type of restaurant has a different school of thought when it comes to tipping and wages.

“In full-service, tip/gratuity should be more than 20%, just because of the economy the 15% is definitely obsolete,” Haystack owner Kevin Galvan says. “It should be more like 20%, 22%, 25% because of the amount of work these people are doing for $2.13 an hour.”

In Haystack restaurants where the dining isn’t fullservice, employees are paid an hourly wage, and tips are earned by employees going over-the-top.

“We make sure they’re doing something for the tips, so drinkware, refills, pre-bussing tables, offering cloth napkins, trying to offer a full-service experience even though we are fast-casual,” Galvan says. “I’ve never asked for big numbers from people because some people ask for 15%-20% on a $60 tab but you’re not doing $12 worth of work.”

Galvan pools tips among all employees, which he finds encourages every member of the team to give the best service possible.

Others, like White Rock Coffee, apply the same teamwork-style tip pool but to tipped wages.

WRC baristas split tips among all locations, and then tips are divided by the number of hours worked for each employee. This system increases wages for baristas in locations with a slower pace, with locations like Lake Highlands seeing less activity than locations in East Dallas or Preston Hollow.

“[I prefer] making a tipped wage because it’s really up to you how much you make,” says Samantha Oser, a barista at White Rock Coffee.

The tipping struggle isn’t limited to dining. Hairstylists, for example, make tipping wages at most salons and often don’t get to take home the full charge for the service.

“You’re usually splitting the cost of service with the owners. Depending on how much the commission percentage is, you can take only 60%, 50%, 40% or 30% home with you,” Kristian Taylor, a cosmetologist at Capelli Salon in Preston Hollow says. “Unfortunately, there are a lot of us who rely on those tips just to make ends meet. … A lot of people don’t realize all of the education and hard work that comes behind a service. For instance, if I worked five hours on your hair and it came out beautifully, it’d feel great to be shown that you’re appreciated by receiving more than 20%.”

LOCAL SERVICES

BEST ALTERATIONS

WINNER - VICTOR’S TAILOR SHOP

2ND - DALLAS DENIM REPAIR

3RD - TAILOR SHOP DALLAS - SHEYLA DESIGN

BEST AUTO REPAIR SHOP

WINNER - AL’S AUTO REPAIR SHOP

2ND - OAK CLIFF AUTO ELECTRIC REPAIR

3RD - BRONCO MUFFLERS & BRAKE

BEST BARBER SHOP

WINNER - OAK CLIFF BARBERS

2ND - BRASS TACKS BARBER SHOP

3RD - BISHOP BARBERS

BEST CAR WASH

WINNER - HELLO! DELUXE CAR WASH

2ND - OAK CLIFF HAND CAR WASH AND TIRES

3RD - HAMPTON’S KWIK KAR WASH

BEST CATERING

WINNER - HARDEMAN’S BAR B QUE & CATERING

2ND - BEYOND THE BOX CATERING

3RD - D JACKSON BBQ & CATERING

BEST CHIROPRACTOR

WINNER - URBAN HIPPIE WELLNESS COL -

LECTIVE

2ND - OUR WELLNESS COMMUNITY

3RD - THE BLUEPRINT

BEST CLEANING SERVICES

WINNER - PINK MAIDS CLEANING SERVICES

2ND - MURILLO HOME CLEANING

3RD - KIEST RUG CARE

BEST CONTRACTOR

WINNER - CODY & SONS PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR

2ND - SOUTHPAW TRADING COMPANY

3RD - SHEFFIELD PLUMBING

BEST DENTIST

WINNER - OAK CLIFF DENTAL CENTER

2ND - MINT DENTISTRY | BISHOP ARTS

3RD - BELLA FAMILY DENTAL

BEST DOCTOR/

MEDICAL CLINIC

WINNER - OAK CLIFF PEDIATRICS

2ND - RICHARD C. GALPERIN, DPM

3RD - MERCY FAMILY CLINIC

Why do we tip?

Federal and state labor standards allow employees who receive tips to be paid a lower minimum wage than hourly employees. In Texas, this wage is $2.13 an hour, though if the employee doesn’t make $5.12 per hour in tips, the employer must make up the difference.

How is this decided?

At the end of the shift, employees clock out and calculate how much they have received in cash and electronic tips. Tip-out, if applicable, is also calculated. Some are given their electronic tips at the end of the shift. Others wait for a weekly, biweekly or monthly paycheck.

Who receives tipped wages?

Drivers, delivery personnel, hairdressers, servers and bartenders almost always receive a tipped wage. Recently, some coffee shops and restaurants have made a switch to higher hourly wages.

Why do restaurants use tipped wages rather than hourly wages?

TERMS:

Tip-out/tip share: In many restaurants, servers share a portion of their tip with other tipped employees, particularly those who have helped them in their shift. Commonly, this includes bartenders and bussers. This can be based on a percent of sales the employee had or a percent of their tip, depending on the restaurant’s policy.

Tipped wage: In Texas, $2.13 per hour. If the employee doesn’t receive the equivalent of $5.12 per hour, employers must make up the difference to meet federal minimum wage requirements.

HOW MUCH DO I TIP:

Servers……………………….20% of the bill before tax

Bartenders…………………...20% of the bill before tax or $1 per drink for simpler drinks like beer

Baristas………………….…….20% is always nice but not required, many make hourly wages

Restaurants can have lower prices on food if they pay their servers less. Servers can make more money off of tips than they would on an hourly wage. Tipped wages incentivize employees to up-sell to their customers.

Why eliminate tipped wages?

Automatic gratuity: Some restaurants have automatic gratuity for large parties. High-end restaurants might include an automatic gratuity regardless. This ensures that the server is receiving adequate pay. If the automatic gratuity is around 20%, you are not expected to pay an additional tip.

Hairstylists/Beauticians………20% of the bill before tax for a good job, typically with cash

Other businesses that aren’t providing you a service…..do not feel obligated to tip, but you can if you’d like.

It would eliminate the wage gap between front-of-house employees and back-ofhouse employees. The wage gap between servers at restaurants that tend to have higher tabs and those with lower tabs would be smaller. Wages for tipped employees would be more regular, leaving them with a liveable wage regardless of tips. Calculating income tax would be easier — many servers avoid reporting their full wages to the IRS by not reporting all of their cash tips.

Front-of-house employee: Employees who work in the front of the restaurant and typically make tipped wages. Can include servers, bussers, bartenders and hosts.

Back-of-house employee: Employees who work in the back/the kitchen. These employees typically make hourly wages and could include cooks, quality assurance and dishwashers.

BEST DRY CLEANING

WINNER - FAULKNER’S DRY CLEANING AND LAUNDRY

2ND - ARTISTIC CLEANERS OF OAK CLIFF

3RD - BIBBENTUCKERS - KESSLER PARK

BEST FLORIST

WINNER - DIRT

2ND - GLORIA’S FLOWERS

3RD - JOYCE FLORIST OF DALLAS

BEST GYM

WINNER - OAKFIT

2ND - CLAIREVISTA HOLISTIC HEALTH & FITNESS

3RD - F45 TRAINING - BISHOP ARTS

BEST HAIR SALON

WINNER - THE BLOOM SPACE

2ND - GLOW SALON

3RD - V+F BEAUTY LOUNGE

BEST HOME IMPROVEMENT

WINNER - CODY & SONS PLUMBING, HEATING & AIR

2ND - SOUTHPAW TRADING COMPANY

3RD - SHEFFIELD PLUMBING

BEST INSURANCE

WINNER - OAK CLIFF INSURANCE

2ND - CARLOS LUEVANO JR. - STATE FARM

INSURANCE AGENT

3RD - TODD SCHARA - STATE FARM INSURANCE AGENT

BEST INTERIOR DESIGN

WINNER - HOUSE OF AMELIA

2ND - DISTRICT 1 STUDIO

3RD - MYSTIQUE PAINT & WALLPAPER

BEST LANDSCAPING

WINNER - GUTIERREZ PROPERTY MAINTENANCE

2ND - VARGAS LANDSCAPE AND SPRINKLERS

3RD - TX LAWNLEGENDS

BEST LAW OFFICE

WINNER - LAW OFFICE OF BRENDA A. GARCIA

2ND - THE FRANKLIN LAW FIRM, LLP

3RD - LAW OFFICES OF JUAN C. RODRIGUEZ

BEST MED SPA

WINNER - BELLA MEDSPA

2ND - HIGHER LEVEL SKIN & BEAUTY

3RD - DEJA YOU

BEST NAIL SALON

WINNER - NAILED UP

2ND - RESORT NAIL SPA

3RD - B B NAILS

BEST OPTICAL

WINNER - GLASS OPTICAL

2ND - TODAY’S VISION OAK CLIFF

3RD - STEVE N. NGUYEN, OD

BEST PET GROOMER

WINNER - BRUNO’S PLACE A D-I-Y DOG

WASH

2ND - OAK CLIPS PET BOUTIQUE & GROOMING

3RD - BISHOP ARTS DOG GROOMING

BEST PET SERVICES

WINNER - PAWLICIOUS COOKIES

2ND - GREEN PET

3RD - BONES & BACON DOGGY DAYCARE

BEST PLACE TO RELAX

WINNER - YAYA FOOT SPA BISHOP ARTS

2ND - JEWEL SKIN STUDIO

3RD - GSG SKIN & BODY

BEST SHOE COBBLER

WINNER - RAMIREZ BOOT MAKER

2ND - EAGLE STONE SHOE REPAIR & SHINE

3RD - ALANIS SHOE REPAIR

BEST WELLNESS STUDIO

WINNER - RESTORE WELLNESS STUDIO

2ND - BISHOP ARTS WELLNESS & RECOVERY (THE BAWR)

3RD - YOALI STUDIO

BEST YOGA/PILATES STUDIO

WINNER - OAK CLIFF PILATES

2ND - BLACK SWAN YOGA - BISHOP

3RD - JUNGLE - STUDIO FITNESS

In this neighborhood, you need a proven professional to help you find what you’re looking for. As Dallas’ experts on our city’s close-in communities, no one gets Oak Cliff quite like the pros at David Griffin & Company. Buying? Selling? Call us at 214.526.5626 or visit davidgriffin.com.

The Best of Advocate nominees were chosen by Advocate staff and contributors. These nominees were voted on by the public online to determine the winner (nominee with the highest number of votes) for each category. Nominees cannot pay to be nominated or to win. If you would like to nominate a local business for Best of 2024, email aquintero@advocatemag.com

HOW TO SPEND A WEEK OUT ON THE TOWN, WITHOUT THE WALLET DREAD

Story by EMMA RUBY

THE $30 NIGHT OUT

Photography by LAUREN ALLEN

Going out with friends can become expensive. And if you’ve been bitten by the summer social bug, chances are your wallet is feeling it, too.

A 2019 study published by Eventbrite All Access estimated the average American spends $81 on a night out. In 2023, that number is likely higher. Rising costs of food, electricity, labor and equipment have resulted in financial strain throughout the food and beverage industry, and more often than not, part of that cost is being passed to the consumer.

But in Oak Cliff, there are plenty of ways to stay social without breaking the bank.

Those of us at the Advocate challenged ourselves to spend a week socializing without spending more than $30 each night. And if $30 sounds steep, five nights on our budget still comes out as less than two $81 nights out.

Just remember to account for tax and tips when calculating your tab.

There’s no need to have a case of the Mondays when you have after-work plans.

For this activity, we recommend inviting someone you want to know better. Whether that’s a new friend from your yoga class or a potential crush, pouring over books is the perfect thing to inspire conversation, leading you to bond with someone new.

Lucky Dog Books on Jefferson Boulevard is cozy with plenty of nooks and crannies to explore, and the thrill of finding a new read among the stuffed shelves is as invigorating as finding a needle in a haystack.

Plus, the resale shop sells books brought in by the community, so the shelves of Lucky Dog Books are an anthology of Oak Cliff itself. Because the shop sells used books, prices are marked down, and you can be sure to stock up while staying on budget.

If you somehow make your way through Lucky Dog’s collection but want to continue scouring, head over to Lula B’s on Fort Worth Avenue for an endless array of vintage goods and hidden gems.

The perfect day for an after-work happy hour, we are taking a trip to Spain on Tuesday.

At Sketches of Spain in Bishop Arts, Sangria and Agua de Valencias are $6 from 5-7 p.m.

The restaurant opened right before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic but has quickly cemented itself as a neighborhood favorite.

If your office lunch has worn off, small

appetizers such as roasted eggplant or bravas come in at $10 or less. Larger appetizers such as ham croquettes or seared prawns will be a little pricier, but an appetizer and a drink will still find your tab under the $30 limit. Sitting out on Sketches of Spain’s patio, the stress of the workday is sure to melt away, and it won’t return when the bill comes. TUESDAY

Congratulations on making it halfway through the week. Wednesday is the perfect night to start defrosting for the weekend without going too crazy.

Over at Sylvan 30, Sylvan Avenue Tavern keeps things chill and inexpensive on Wednesdays.

From 8-11 p.m., the tavern offers $2 well drinks and free games of pool. The only stipulation is final tabs must be paid in cash for the discount, so be sure to stop by an ATM.

The Sylvan Avenue Tavern menu offers typical bar bites such as buffalo sauce wings and fried pickles, but if you’re hoping to steer clear of

fried foods, the menu also includes hummus made in house, a list of salads and dressings, stone-fire pizzas and more.

Salads range from $4 for a garden house side to $13.25 for a cobb salad topped with turkey, avocado and a hard boiled egg. Most pizzas start around $15 for a 9-inch, but with $2 wells, you can splurge a little more on the food here.

Plus, after you finish a round (or two or three) of free pool, head up to the rooftop seating area for a nightcap with a skyline view.

THURSDAY

Hello, date night.

Whether it’s a first date, a friend date or a rare night away from the kids, Thursday night offers the chance to connect with someone special while looking forward to the weekend ahead. And nothing is more romantic than sharing a sweet treat and a sunset walk.

Swing by Cake Bar in Trinity Groves, where a cake-by-the-slice vending machine offers fresh-baked cake slices for $7. Get one to share or a couple of flavors to sample.

Then, head over to the Ronald Kirk Bridge for a walk and talk accompanied by a perfect Downtown view.

If you’re in the mood for a nightcap, the Art Park beer garden offers a relaxing space to sip on a cold beer or a frozen cocktail while taking in local artwork and the Trinity Groves ambiance.

Unique drafts, food trucks, string lights and picnicking potential? Oak Cliff Brewing Co., you spoil us.

The neighborhood brewery’s biergarten is equipped with a taco trailer if you want to pick up an easy bite to eat, but customers also are welcome to bring food for a picnic.

We hope you had as much fun as we did. FRIDAY

Some beers are on tap at the biergarten with a tab that transfers between the patio and the tap room, but to see a full listing of Oak Cliff Brewing Co.’s beer offerings, we recommend heading inside at least once.

In the tap room, find a mid-sized beer menu that has some minor seasonal changes but is generally consistent and boasts a beer for every palate.

Pay homage to neighborhood history with a Lee Hazy Oswald, or experiment with the Mango Habanero Paleta Weisse. The Czech-style Pilsner is another favorite that bounces on and off the menu.

With the work week behind you, a cold beer in front of you, and the beautiful hills of Elmwood surrounding you, take a second to reflect on the memories and connections made throughout the week.

One of El Gordo’s signature dishes, the seafood boil, has heaping piles of shrimp, crab legs, sausage, potatoes and corn, and is drenched in a garlic-based sauce that can be ordered at varying levels of spiciness.

Story by EMMA RUBY

Photography by KATHY TRAN

While it seems Dallas’ prestige as a dining destination grows by the year, our city isn’t exactly known for its abundance of fresh seafood restaurants.

Which is why Jose Ornelas saw a wide open market when he took over his parents’ restaurant, El Gordo, in 2019.

The West Dallas eatery had been a Mexican restaurant for 14 years, but Ornelas decided to tap into some menu favorites — such as ceviche and shrimp cocktail — and expand into a full-fledged seafood spot that specializes in traditional Mexican-style seafood.

Earlier this year, Ornelas opened El Gordo’s second location on West Davis Street. The store is cozy, with a small dining room and a large patio overlooking the Bishop Arts District serving as the “main attraction.”

For many seafood eaters, ensuring fish and shellfish are fresh is a primary concern. According to Ornelas, the restaurant’s intimate setting is evidence that customers will receive a plate of seafood as fresh from the gulf as possible.

“Everything we buy is bought every other day or every day. We don’t

have a big space, so there isn’t back stock,” Ornelas says.

Eddy Giron is the kitchen manager at El Gordo Seafood, and he joined the team around the time Ornelas began reconceptualizing the menu. Giron says on top of the restaurant’s staple dishes of cajun pasta and ceviche, the prepared oysters are a standout dish on the menu.

The prepared oysters are bought fresh and shucked in house before they are topped with ceviche, cucumber pico de gallo and avocado. Each oyster combines the salty freshness of the seafood with bright summer vegetables for a flavor combination difficult to turn down.

Another crowd favorite, the seafood boil, is served in heaping piles of shrimp, crab legs, sausage, potatoes and corn, and is drenched in a garlic-based sauce that can be ordered at varying levels of spiciness, Giron says.

“Our seafood boil sauce is what sticks out the most and is what a lot of people come here for,” Giron says. “A lot of people say our flavor is something they’ve never had anywhere else.”

The restaurant also boasts a small bar that serves crowd-favorite cock -

tails and beers.

Ornelas says the Paloma is one of the most popular drinks, and is served in a traditional cantarito cup. The cup is commonly given out by vendors at the San Luis state fair, where Ornelas’ family is from, he says.

It’s a subtle nod to the family tradition Ornelas feels El Gordo is rooted in.

When searching for a neighborhood for the new El Gordo location, Ornelas says he saw Bishop Arts as a perfect spot because of its family-friendly and small business-centric nature.

“We wanted to be in a food hub. In Bishop Arts, many of the restaurants are family owned and have been here a long time,” Ornelas says. “We wanted to find a new location but keep an emphasis on family-owned restaurants.”

Ornelas says his daughter works as a server at the restaurant, and his son works there as well. His sister occasionally helps out behind the bar.

“I do want to build this out to where I can pass it on to my kids,” Ornelas says.

A third generation of El Gordo owners in the Ornelas family.

DJs, mariachi bands or other live music can usually be found on El Gordo’s covered patio during the weekends. The El Gordo Seafood bar serves crowd favorite cocktails and beers.

BEST FURNITURE STORE

WINNER - CANALES FURNITURE

2ND - SIGNATURE FURNITURE OUTLET

3RD - 23 FURNITURE

BEST GARDEN STORE

WINNER - OASIS PLANT SHOP

2ND - CACTUS QUEEN DFW

3RD - ARCADIA PARK NURSERY

BEST GIFT SHOP

WINNER - DAVIS STREET MERCANTILE

2ND - ALL GOOD THINGS

3RD - URBAN OWL

BEST HOME DECOR

WINNER - HOME ON BISHOP

2ND - ATOMIC HOME SUPPLY

BEST MEN’S STORE

WINNER - DLM SUPPLY

2ND - RIVERA WESTERN WEAR

3RD - @DAILY

BEST THRIFT/CONSIGNMENT

WINNER - LULA B’S OAK CLIFF VINTAGE SHOP

2ND - THRIFT TOWN

3RD - DOLLY ON BISHOP

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE

WINNER - DLM SUPPLY

2ND - BEATNIK FINE GOODS

3RD - BLUE DAHLIA HOME & APPAREL

AC & HEAT

ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT

Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642

THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS

Installations & Repairs

Emergency Services

24/7 On-Call

100% Satisfaction

Guarantee

ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!

TACLA67136C 214-710-2515 dallasheatingac.com

APPLIANCE REPAIR

JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE

TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898

BUY SELL TRADE

!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid.1-866 -433-8277

CABINETRY & FURNITURE

JD’S TREE SERVICE Mantels, Headboards, Kitchen Islands, Dining tables. Made from Local Trees. www.jdtreeservice.com 214-946-7138

SERNAS & BASS DESIGN-BUILD

We design, build & Install cabinets & tops! (214) 354-3074 • aldo@sernasbass.com

CLEANING SERVICES

CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133

GOLDEN CLEANING, Home Basic Clean,Move in/out. 214-500-6998

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 Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $100/hr. 1 hr min.

Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net

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 PAVING Concrete, Asphalt, Driveways. New or Repair. 214-827-1530

ELECTRICAL SERVICES

ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricdfw.com

50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333

TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658

EMPLOYMENT

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

EXTERIOR CLEANING

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

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

FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.com 214-766-6422

GARAGE SERVICES

UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428

GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS

PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183

ROCK GLASS CO Replace, Repair. Single,Double Panes. Showers, Mirrors. 214-837-7829

HANDYMAN SERVICES

DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692

HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628

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.

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

ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES

Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical.469-658-9163

Let Us Tackle Your To-Do List!

❚ Drywall ❚ Doors ❚ Senior Safety

&

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

TEXAS BEST PAINTING LLC Resd,Interiors 30Yrs. 214-527-4168

KITCHEN/BATH/TILE/GROUT

FENN CONSTRUCTION Full Service Contractor. dallastileman.com 214-343-4645

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Remodeling, Restoration. Name It — We do it. Tommy. Insured. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

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

"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"

Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems 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

JIM 972-992-4660

WE REFINISH!

• Tubs, Tiles or Sinks

• Cultured Marble

• Kitchen Countertops

214-631-8719

www.allsurfacerefinishing.com

LAWNS, GARDENS & TREES

HOLMAN IRRIGATION

Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061

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

RESPONSIBLE TREE CARE FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Firewood/Cooking Wood

Locally harvested wood!

Full service trimming & planting of native trees. 214.946.7138

NEED

local

professionals.

ANCHOR PLUMBING Your trusted Oak Cliff plumber for 30+ years. 214-946-1638.

PLUMBING ISSUES?

972-379-4000 staggsplumbing.co

POOLS

CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996

REAL ESTATE

ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD? 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. 469879-2977

OFFICE SUBLEASE In Bishop Arts. Cool, Quiet. 1,179 Sq ft. 4 rooms + kit / bath, parking. $2,950 + NNNs. 713.302-7722.

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

FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com

KEYS AND GRIM

30 years of experience in residential remodeling. “They are the best…and so nice.” ~ Mom keysandgrim.com 214-952-4490

O’BRIEN GROUP INC. Remodeling Dallas For Over 24 Years www.ObrienGroupInc.com 214-341-1448

REMODELING

RENOVATE DALLAS

renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247

S&L CONSTRUCTION All Home Services & Repairs. 214-918-8427

TK REMODELING 972-533-2872

Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration.

Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com

ROOFING & GUTTERS

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

ARE YOU A PET OWNER? Do you want to get up to 100% back on vet bills?

Physicians Mutual Insurance Company has pet coverage that can help! Call 1-844-774- 0206. insurebarkmeow.com/ads

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BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months!

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DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! ChoicePackage $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once.HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.)No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866859-0405

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SERVICES FOR YOU

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

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TUTORING/ LESSONS

GARTH ORR - TUTOR Math & Physics grade 8-12. Private Tutoring that works! garthorr.com

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We worked with Bart during one of the hottest housing markets in recent history. Bart stuck with us through several offer cycles, and each new house he found was better than the last. His background in architecture and construction is a huge plus. He always has a flashlight in the car and is ready to crawl down below a house. You won’t be disappointed with his skills and work ethic. Thanks Bart for everything!

-Maggie M.

BART THRASHER Realtor® bartthrasher@dpmre.com 469.583.4819