preston hollow

A collection of neighborhood gems

th At A re better th An the ‘best’

story by Emily Toman · photos by Benjamin Hager and Can Türkyilmaz

Creating a “best of” list isn’t really our speed. At the end of the day, who’s to say what is truly “best”? Highlighting one neighborhood shop, restaurant or experience as better than another based on votes or our (ahem) expert opinion tends to be subjective, and it doesn’t allow us to fully appreciate the countless gems in Preston Hollow.

instead of deClaring the “best” this month, we’re calling attention to the things we love about Preston Hollow — the kinds of things that wouldn’t make it on a broader “best of” list because those of us who live here are among the few who know they exist and who understand their worth.

t his story is only the beginning of our list . We’ll be highlighting the things we love weekly on the Back Talk blog at prestonhollow.advocatemag.com . We want to hear about the things you love, too. Send an email to thingswelove@advocatemag.com , and you might find your description of a neighborhood gem on our website or in the magazine.

1 Marsh Middle School Leadership Cadet Corps

There’s something to be said for junior high kids who simultaneously jump to their feet when a visitor walks into the room. The Marsh Middle School Junior reserve Officers’ Training Corps is one of the best in the region, even earning national titles. Commander David Bates built the program from scratch about a decade ago. Last year, he established the Leadership Cadet Corps academy at Marsh, where students can receive more military-focused training. It’s quite a feat for something that receives no money from the district. Just ask one of the cadets what they like about the program, and they’ll likely smile from ear to ear, take a deep breath, and perfectly articulate their giddy response in the most polite and professional of ways. as Bates said at a recent event, “We’re gettin’ it done in Dallas public schools.”

2 Scarlet O’Hara cake balls at Crème de la Cookie

6025 Royal 214.363.4766 cremedelacookie.com.

Ifthenameisn’tsinful enough, these famous red velvet cake balls are dangerously addictive. For just $1.50 each, they’re portable and tidy — easygrab-and-gotreatsfor those times when we’re craving something sweet.

3 Making the news

Everyone perks up a little when they hear about their neighborhoodonnational or even local TV news. With peoplesuchasGeorge W. Bush and roger Staubach as neighbors, we can’t help but feel special when we hear that sound bite, “… at his Preston Hollow home.”

8605 Preston

214.373.3157 rachofskyhouse.org

Of all the architectural marvels in Preston Hollow, The Rachofsky House is in a class of its own. Tucked away near the bustling Preston and Northwest Highway intersection, passersby could easily miss it. Built in 1996 by famed architect Richard Meier, some neighbors simply call it “the square house”. The all-white structure uses natural light, blurring the line between exterior and interior. It fully functions as a home with a kitchen, bathrooms, bedrooms and living spaces, but each room also is an art gallery, showcasing a permanent collection of post-World War II artwork from international artists. The exhibits continue throughout the outdoor landscape. Look closely — you’ll find some interesting pieces poking out from behind the bushes. The house offers tours for schools and groups of at least 10 people by appointment. That’s the only way to experience the Rachofsky House — stand on the back façade and consider what Meier had in mind when he designed it: “a kind of elegant case study, an exercise that encourages us to reflect upon what our notions of house and home encompass.”

5 Midnight Madness at Inwood Theatre

5458 W. Lovers

214.352.5085 landmarktheatres.com nowhere else in Dallas can you see films such as the Hitchcock-inspired train wreck “Birdemic” or the Spanish thriller “rec 2”. It’s a brilliant idea, really — B horror so bad that it’s good. at midnight every Friday and Saturday at the Inwood Theatre, patrons can grab a drink from the bar and curl up on the comfy couches for Midnight Madness. It’s almost like hanging at a friend’s house. The weekly program also presents nostalgic and lovable films such as “Ghostbusters” and “rushmore”. But moviegoers beware: People tend to laugh and talk throughout these movies, so if you’re not cool with that, then you’re out past your bedtime. admission is $10.

6 Bobcats

Forget about the countless coyote sightings — Preston Hollow is where you see the real wildlife. Our heavily treed creeks and lakes seem to provide a haven for bobcats, an uncommon predator in the city. Sure, they’re scary, and they sometimes eat your pets, but you can’t deny the beauty of seeing a wild animal like that right in your backyard. We received this note from Bruce Wilke, president of the Hillcrest Forest neighborhood association: “I got a call from a concerned neighbor, Bette Tannen, who lives on Woodmark Court. There was a family of bobcats, she said — two adults and a younger one — that had ‘staked out’ her house and seemed to be watching her little show dog … I told Bette that she ought to grab a camera instead of a gun.” We have yet to receive any photos of these elusive creatures, so please send pictures to etoman@advocatemag.com

by charles gounod

ROMEO & JULIET

Sung in French with English supertitles february 11, 13 m , 16, 19, 25, 27m

by giuseppe verdi

3 PERFORMANCE FLEX SUBSCRIPTIONS START AT $75 RIGOLETTO

Sung in Italian with English supertitles march 25, 27m , 30 april 2, 7, 10 m

SINGLE TICKETS START AT $25 214.443.1000 / DALLASOPERA.ORG

by modest mussorgsky

Boris Godunov

Sung in Russian with English supertitles april 1, 3 m , 6, 9, 15, 17m

7 Book selection at Whole Earth Provision Co.

11700 Preston 972.861.5700 wholeearthprovision.com

Ofalltheoutdoortoysandgreen-living gadgets to play with at Whole Earth Provision Co., it’s perhaps the book section where we end up spending most of our time. amid our hectic, industrial lives, at least we can dream about simpler living. Besides the predictable travel books and “places to see/ things to do before you die”, titles include “Garden Wisdom & Know How: Everything you need to Know to Live off the Land” and “Possum Living: How to Live Well Without a Job and with (almost) no Money”. The store also carries what might be the hippest bird watching manual around — “Charles Harper’s Birds and Words”, which includes different types of bird paintings with humorousandplayfuldescriptions,allwritten with great respect for our environment. and finally, the best book that may ever grace someone’scoffeetable:“LuchaLoco”, a giant collection of more than 120 portraits of Mexican wrestlers with witty one-liners, such as Dr. Muerte’s, “I teach Tae Kwan-do, I’m black-belt. and I’m also in sales.”

8 Dollhouses at Through the Keyhole

11700 Preston, Suite 625 214.691.7467 through-the-keyhole.net

Inside this quaint, Preston-Forest shop lies a miniature world representing years of hobbyists’ careful precision to create the perfect little reality. Through the Keyhole has become an institution as Dallas’ oldest miniature store, offering all the supplies to build a dream dollhouse — from Victorian mansions to rustic farmhouses. after more than 30 years in business, the shop has only recently caught the attention of children. Most of its patrons are older folks who have spent their lives tinkering with miniature dolls, appliances and detailed décor — right down to the toothpaste tube that sits on the bathroom counter. Since many of these loyal customers have moved to nursing homes and can’t physically continue their cherished hobby, Through the Keyhole has begun buying their collections and carrying them in the store. So, before you head to a big-box toy store, check this shop for true, vintage dollhouses that will pass down through generations.n

More Things We Love:

We asked readers about all of the little things they enjoy about the neighborhood.

“The best neighborhood[is the] Disney Streets. When we bought our house 15 years ago, the then-owners refused to come down on the price, citing the neighbors as worththe investment. They were right! It is not uncommon to see people out exercising, kids playing in the yard, and an easy sense of camaraderie not found elsewhere in Dallas. [And] best milkshake— Scotty P’s. My 2-year-old says they are yummy good! Need I say more?”

—KarenGoodchild, disneystreets resident

“My favorite thing in Preston Hollow is Preston Hollow Elementary School. Mydaughter is in pre-k and has begun reading,improving her writing skills and learning Spanish. I am proud my daughter attends an exemplary school rightin our neighborhood.” —anGela

davis,Preston hollow elementary mom

“Preston Hollow Early Childhood PTA is my favorite thing! We have events about once a week — like book club, educational speakers, Mom’s Night Out, playgroups, parties and children’s activities. This group has really helped me meet a bunch of neighborhood moms I probably would never have had a chance to get to know. In fact, at our last Mom’s Night Out, I sat next to a new member. I’d never met her before. We got to talking, and she lives right down the street! It makes living in Big D feel a bit more quaint.”

—Jennifer Bryarly, PhecPta

“One of my favorite places is the Preston Royal Library, where I can find a current movie, get books on tape for a road trip, or read magazines while my kids pick out their books. They always have someone’s ‘collection of things’ in the display case, which runs the gamut from a child’s collections to an adult who has been collecting for years.” —amie moyer, hillcrest mom

“A native New Yorker turned Preston Hollow resident, our family moved to Dallas seeking a better quality of life, focus on children and slower pace. What epitomizes that for us is The Barnyard at The Lamplighter School. My 4-year old son spends part of his school day handing Cheerios to the roosters, hens, pig, cow and goats. The Lamplighter barnyard harkens back to a simpler time where kids can simply be kids and enjoy the animals. I love that my little boy can stop and feed the chickens, as he has the rest of his life to worry about this pressurepacked world. Ask any Lamplighter alum — they always speak lovingly about their beloved barnyard.” charmaine tanG, Preston hollow mom of two Preschoolers

“Medical City Hospital maternity ward. What an awesome place to have babies! Those nursery nurses cannot be beat.” —valerie norris, north dallas e arly childhood Pta

“One of my all-time new favorites in Preston Hollow is the Butterscotch Pot de Crème at Neighborhood Services at Preston Royal. It comes with a shocking surprise, made with butter and scotch, and it is the most decadent dessert that will melt in your mouth. And it doesn’t hurt that the service at Neighborhood Services is impeccable, explaining the littlenuances of each dish and dessert,enough to make your mouth water.” —amy Zicarelli, sunnyBrooKe states, l amPliGhter mom

BISHOP LYNCH HIGH SCHOOL

9750 Ferguson Rd., Dallas 75228 / 214.324.3607 / www.bishoplynch.org.

LAKEHILL PREPARATORY SCHOOL

Leading to Success. 2720 Hillside Dr., Dallas 75214 / 214.826.2931, www.lakehillprep.org

THE LAB @ LAKE HIGHLANDS

10050 Shoreview Rd., Dallas 75238 / 214.901.4280 / www.thelabdallas.com

THE CHILDREN’S CENTER

1423 San Saba Dr., Dallas / 214.823.2119 / Fax 214.321.4666

scOfIeld cHRIstIaN scHOOl

7730 abrams Rd., dallas / 214.349.6843 / www.scofieldchristian.org Now Accepting Applications! Pre-K through Grade 6 OPEN HOUSE

January 19 @ 10:00 am, January 20 @ 6:30 pm, February 24 @ 7:00 pm. Scofield Christian School is a place where curiosity is encouraged and discovery is celebrated. Students are inspired to explore each topic with the gifts and talents God has given each of them. Learning with and from one another creates a special family-like bond that can be felt from the moment you step into the school. It’s a contagious spirit that is seen in every classroom and beyond. Join us for an open house and discover what makes SCS the school for your family.

st. BeRNaRd Of claIRvaux scHOOl

1420 Old Gate lane / dallas / 214-321-2897 St. Bernard of Clairvaux School has educated children in Forest Hills, Casa Linda and White

Rock neighborhoods since 1948. The experienced teaching staff is dedicated to academic excellence with a challenging curriculum and individual attention. We offer affordable tuition, PK through 8th grade, wireless slate technology, extracurricular activities, and after-school care. Please call to schedule a tour. www. stbernardofclairvaux.org 214-321-2897 st. jOHN’s ePIscOPal scHOOl

848 Harter Rd., dallas 75218 / 214.328.9131 / www.stjohnsschool.org Founded in 1953, St. John’s is an independent, co-educational day school for Pre-K through Grade 8. With a tradition for academic excellence, St. John’s programs include a challenging curriculum in a Christian environment along with instruction in the visual and performing arts, Spanish, German, French, and opportunities for athletics and community service. St. John’s goal for its students is to develop a love for learning, service to others, and leadership grounded in love, humility, and wisdom. Accredited by ISAS, SAES, and the Texas Education Agency.

St. John’s Episcopal School

st. Paul academy

6464 e. lovers ln. dallas / 214.321.1275 / www.stPaulacademy.com Grades 5-8. This is a rare opportunity to participate in coeducational, non-denominational private school exclusively for middle school students. In order to maintain a small, nurturing community of learners where students can grow and develop their talents and skills, enrollment is limited to 100 students. We offer a balanced and challenging curriculum that prepares students to enter high school with a strong academic foundation and the confidence to be successful, life-ling learners. Contact us at info@StPaulAcademy.com for pre-registration and other information.

WHIte ROcK mONtessORI scHOOl

1601 Oates dr., dallas / 214-324-5580

Founded in 1975 and located on beautiful, wooded acreage in East Dallas, WRM offers a world- class education to children ages three through 8th grade. The professional staff of this arts-integrated school is supported by specialists in the visual and performing arts, music, Spanish, P.E., and environmental science. The school’s award-winning Discovery Garden provides for an integrated gardening curriculum. Up-to-date technology is integrated into every classroom. Students are noted for their extraordinary levels of personal responsibility, independence, and selfconfidence. Contact Sue Henry (214) 324-5580

WHIte ROcK NORtH scHOOl lutHeRaN scHOOl dallas / 214.363.1630 www.ziondallas. org Toddler care thru 8th Grade. Serving Dallas for over 58 years offering a quality education in a Christ-centered learning environment. Degreed educators minister to the academic, physical, emotional, social, and spiritual needs of students and their families. Before and after school programs, Extended Care, Parents Day Out, athletics, fine arts, integrated technology, Spanish, outdoor education, Accelerated Reader, advanced math placement, and student government. Accredited by National Lutheran School & Texas District Accreditation Commissions and TANS. Contact Principal Jeff Thorman.

9727 White Rock trail dallas / 214.348.7410.

2 Years through 5th Grade. 45 years of successful students! Our accelerated curriculum provides opportunity for intellectual and physical development in a loving and nurturing environment. Character-building and civic responsibility are stressed. Facilities include indoor swimming pool, skating rink, updated playground, and state-ofthe-art technology lab. Kids Club on the Corner provides meaningful after-school experiences. Summer Camp offers field trips, swimming, and a balance of indoor and outdoor activities designed around fun-filled themes. Accredited by SACS. Call for a tour of the campus. www. WhiteRockNorthSchool.com.

BaPt IS t

WIlSHIRe BaPtISt / 4316 Abrams / 214.452.3100

Pastor George A. Mason Ph.D. / Worship 8:30 & 11:00 am

Bible Study 9:40 am / www.wilshirebc.org

dIS c IPle S Of cHRIS t

eaSt dallaS cHRIStIan cHuRcH / 629 N. Peak Street / 214.824.8185

Sunday School 9:30 am / THE TABLE Worship Gathering 9:30 am

Worship 8:30 & 10:50 am / Rev. Deborah Morgan / www.edcc.org

ePIS c OPal

cHuRcH Of tHe IncaRnatIOn / 3966 McKinney Ave / 214.521.5101

Sunday: Traditional 7:30, 9:00, 11:15 am and 5:00 pm

Contemporary 9:00, 11:15 am and 6:00 pm / incarnation.org

l ut HeR an

ZIOn lutHeRan cHuRcH & ScHOOl / 6121 E Lovers Ln.

Sunday: Sunday School 9:15 am, Worship 8:00 am, 10:30 am, & 6:00 pm / 214.363.1639 / www.ziondallas.org

met HOdIS t

lake HIgHlandS umc / 9015 Plano Rd. (at McCree) 214.348.6600 / www.lhumc.com / Sun. School 9:45 am

Sun. Worship 8:30 & 11:00 Traditional / 11:00 Contemporary

PRe SByteRIan

nORtHPaRk PReSByteRIan cHuRcH / 214.363.5457 9555 N. Central Expwy. / www.northparkpres.org

Pastor: Rev. Brent Barry / 8:30 & 11:00 am Sunday Services