Out & About

January 2014

Jan. 10

Ellis Paul

American songwriter Ellis Paul performs his folk-pop music, which critics say has helped bridge the gap between modern folk and the traditional Woody Guthriestyle sound. The Stray Birds will open the show. Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, 9555 N Central, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $18-$22 more LOCAL EVENTS or submit your own

PRESTONHOLLOW.ADVOCATEMAG.COM/EVENTS

THROUGH JAN. 19

Return to Earth

The Nasher Sculpture Center presents its first exhibition to explore ceramics by avant-garde artists, featuring Lucio Fontana, Fausto Melotti, Joan Miró, Isamu Noguchi and Pablo Picasso. The exhibit includes more than 70 pieces in a range of sizes.

Nasher Sculpture Center, 2001Flora, 214.242.5100, nashersculpturecenter.org, $5-$10 (free on first Saturdays)

JAN. 5

Cartwheel-a-thon

The Jewish Community Center will help raise money for the Genesis Women’s Shelter by inviting gymnasts of all levels to perform as many cartwheels as they can in four different 20-minute time slots.

Register by Jan. 2.

Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven, 214.739.2737, jccdallas.org, $10

JAN. 5

Orchid Society

The Greater North Texas Orchid Society meets on the first Sunday of each month. The group is dedicated to the culture, protection and appreciation of orchids all over the world.

Northaven Gardens, 770 Northaven, 214.363.5316, nhg.com, free

JAN. 7, 14, 21 & 28

Meditation Made Simple

Participants can learn a technique that explores interpersonal relationships among the mind, body and spirit during this weekly class. Unity Church of Dallas, 6525 Forest, 972.233.7106, unitydallas. org, donations accepted

Through Jan. 18

Small Works: 2013

Holiday Show

Melissa Klotz, Faith Jessup and Rachel Gardner have their artwork on display at the show, which features small pieces suitable for gifting. The exhibit includes paintings, drawings, sculptures and lithographs.

Norwood Flynn Gallery, 3318

Shorecrest, 214.351.3318, norwoodflynngallery.com, free

JAN. 11

Old Man Winter

Big Thought presents Library Live! Winter Family Fun Fest with Nadine Burke. Enjoy a story about three foxes that seek out Old Man Winter. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., children can discover how they find him and create their own take-home tree. Park Forest Branch Library, 3421 Forest, 214.670.6333, dallaslibrary2.org, free

JAN. 11

Poetry Society of Texas

A 2:30 p.m. the Poetry Society of Texas meets at the Preston Royal Library with a featured speaker. The group, one of the largest of its kind in the state, meets monthly.

Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128, dallaslibrary2.org, free

JAN. 16

Mosaic workshop

Make mosaics, fused glass or silver jewelry during Ladies Night from 6-9 p.m. at Smashing Times. Food and beverages are welcome. Reserve a spot in advance.

Smashing Times, 308 Preston Royal Shopping Center, 214.363.2088, smashingtimes.com, free

JAN. 18

Putting Clinic with Ron Samples

Join veteran golf instructor Ron Samples from 10:30-11:15 a.m. for a putting session on Klyde Warren Park’s green. Space is limited, so reserve a spot in advance. Participants must be 13 or older.

Klyde Warren Park, 2012 Woodall Rodgers Freeway, 214.239.7178, klydewarrenpark.org, free

J Diane Colter, DDS

Dr. Colter specializes in comprehensive dental care for infants, children, teens and children with special needs.

“ We recognize every child is unique and we strive to make sure his or her dental visit feels like it’s tailored just for them.”

Dr. Colter and her staff want children and their parents to feel comfortable about their visit to the dentist in the warm, caring and inviting office of All About Kids Dentistry.

Delicious Vietnamese

Wife, business partner and restaurant namesake Chi Le and her husband Joey Le are on a mission to spice up Preston Center. “There isn’t a lot of authentic Vietnamese food in this neighborhood,” Joey says, “which is why we thought this location would be unique.” Vietnamese noodle soups have grown to be quite popular and at Miss Chi Vietnamese, the Les are dishing up family recipes passed down through several generations. Customers can watch chefs prepare their spring rolls made-to order. The menu includes chicken, shrimp or tofu choices, but guests can customize the rolls any way they want, Chi says. She also notes that her pickiest customers are her two young children, who often eat at the restaurant and are “always ordering something off the menu.” Several menu options are family-style, which Chi says is common in Vietnamese culture. “You order a protein, vegetable, rice and soup to share with your family,” she says. Ordering this way, three to four people can eat, she adds. The spicy beef soup is a traditional recipe flavored with Vietnamese spices such as coriander, basil and star anise. Miss Chi’s drink menu is almost as varied and flavorful as the food menu — from Thai iced tea to craft cocktails and Texas beer on tap. “Lots of students come in to get the boba teas and Thai iced tea after school,” Joey says. The green tea has strawberry- and mango-flavored popping pearls, which Chi describes as “bursting with juice,” as opposed to the tapioca pearls in regular bubble tea — but don’t worry, the restaurant offers those too.

—Whitney Thompson

Miss Chi Vietnamese

6030 Luther, Suite 130 214.692.1000 misschivietnamese.com

AMBIANCE: MODERN

PRICE RANGE: $7-$14

HOURS:

TUESDAY-SATURDAY: 11 A.M.-10 P.M. SUNDAY: 11 A.M.-9 P.M. CLOSED MONDAY

TIP: FOR LIGHTER FARE, CHI SUGGESTS ORDERING GRILLED MEATS SUCH AS THE LEMONGRASS CHICKEN. PLUS, THE MENU ALSO INCLUDES GLUTEN-FREE AND VEGAN OPTIONS.

| THREE MORE SPOTS FOR VIETNAMESE FARE |

1 Asian Mint

Try Vietnamese with an Asian-fusion twist and some of the best pad thai in town. 11617 N. Central, Suite 135 214.363.6655 asianmint.com

2 Luv Pho

Sip the bubble tea or BYOB. The Mi Bo Kho — beef stew — is tasty, too, and can be ordered with egg noodles or a side of French bread.

7927 Forest, Suite B 972.392.2272 iluvpho.com

3 Pho Envy

The pork bun, along with other Americanized menu options, makes this a good option for those trying Vietnamese flavors for the first time.

8611 Hillcrest, Suite 190 214.987.1468 phoenvy.com a late start on the

The three people he’d have dinner with are Jesus, Pope Francis and Rudy Ruettiger. Would rather be sleeping.

Thinks Jerry Jones the owner should fire Jerry Jones the general manager.

Ran the Boston Marathon.

Can’t find his girlfriend, who is the only reason he subjects himself to this running stuff.