LAunCH

neatly dressed in khakis and a button-down shirt, neighborhood resident Sam Childers sips coffee in a corner booth at Kel’s as he flips through the pages of a book, “Images of America: Historic Dallas Hotels.” The 128-page paperback is chockfull of historic photos and anecdotes, most of which he unearthed over the past year. Childers, who earned his historian chops at the Sixth Floor and Old Red museums, recently published the book. Though it’s his first, he says it won’t be his last.

What made you interested in Dallas hotels?

I, like many historians, present papers at conventions. I did a profile of local hotels, and one was the Fairmount Hotel, where old Hollywood stars would stay. After that, people started calling me “the hotel guy,” so I just kind of fell into it.

What was your favorite part about researching the book?

I could just look at old photos all day, but the writing was the most fun for me. Because I read so much, writing comes naturally. While I was working on this book, I had to write every day because if I didn’t, I’d get distracted. I’d wake up, eat breakfast, take a shower, then head to my office and just write.

DID YOU RUN INTO ANY PROBLEMS

Along

THE WAY?

Finding the images was tough. They were from so many different sources. Some had never even been published, like the photos of the Adolphus. They were just sitting in scrapbooks in the marketing department collecting dust.

WERE THERE ANY SURPRISES

Along

THE WAY?

I learned that the original Hilton hotels were started here in Dallas by Conrad Hilton — and he’s also buried here.

WHAT IS THE INTENT BEHIND THIS BOOK?

Just education and entertainment. I like looking through old photos, and I think other people do, too. People have memories from these places, like the Baker Hotel. Anyone over the age of, say, 50 will probably have memories of that hotel.

ANYCOOL GHOST STORIES OR LOCAL LORE ABOUT THE HOTELS?

I taped something for Discovery Channel’s “Ghost Lab”, where they were investigating paranormal activity at the Lawrence Hotel. Apparently, there’s a room where, if your key won’t work when you put it in, then you have to knock and say, “Smiley, let me in.” After that, your key will work.

DO YOU HAVE ANY MORE BOOKS IN THE WORKS?

My next project will be about Lady Bird Johnson’s 1964 train trip through the South, where she promoted her husband’s presidential campaign. Presidential history is really what I love.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN DALLAS? AND WHAT DREW YOU TO PRESTON HOLLOW?

I’ve lived in Dallas 20 years, and I’m originally an Oklahoman. My mom likes to joke with me that I’m actually a Texan, though. I lived in Lake Highlands for a while, and I moved to Preston Hollow about five years ago. I really like my neighbors and the location. If you didn’t want to, you wouldn’t have to leave the area because there are so many shops, restaurants and things to do.

—NADIA HILL

‘IMAGES OF AMERICA: HISTORIC DALLAS HOTELS’ can be purchased at most major bookstores in the Dallas area, including Borders at Preston and Royal, and Barnes & Noble at Northwest Highway and Central.

North Dallas Antique Mall

shopping for antiques, collectibles, vintage, glass, fashion, jewelry, garden and much Forest Ln. 214.366.2100

L.H.O DESIGN & CONSIGN

LHO stands for Lakehouse Outfitters. It’s the perfect place to shop for lake home furnishings and personalized vintage signs for the boathouse. 2100 Irving Blvd. (in Design District) 214.748.4500. LHOConsignment.com

CAMILLE’S CREATIONS

Custom wedding plate with bride & groom’s name and wedding date; unique bride & groom couple ornament; and monogrammed towels for the special couple. 4235 W. Lovers 214.750.0073

Painting With A Twist

Express your inner artist! Instructors lead attendees in creating paintings with a featured piece of art. Bring your imagination and wine or beverage. Perfect for Private Parties as well. 5202 Lovers Ln. 214.350.9911paintingwithatwist.com

WHAT GIVES?

Small ways that you can make a big difference for neighborhood nonprofits

EAT A SANDWICH ...

at Zinsky’s Deli in Preston Royal Village. When you order the triple-decker lollapalooza — three slices of bread, three types of cheese, roast beef, pastrami, turkey, coleslaw and special sauce — a dollar of that giant $16 sandwich will benefit the Jewish Family Service of Dallas, an organization that helps Dallas residents in need, regardless of their religion, race or social class.

DONATE A BLOUSE OR BRIEFCASE ...

to Dress for Success, a nonprofit that helps disadvantaged women enter the workforce by giving them the skills and supplies they need to succeed. Part of that assistance includes workplace wardrobe.

If you’d like to help, donate women’s business attire — like suits, accessories and tote bags — at the boutique, which is housed inside Valley View Center at Preston and LBJ Freeway. Donations are accepted Monday, Wednesday and Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. For more information, email dallas@dressforsuccess.org or call 972.392.9770.

KNOW OF WAYS that neighbors can spend time, attend an event, or purchase or donate something to benefit a neighborhood nonprofit? Email your suggestion to launch@advocatemag.com.

KIDS TRIATHLON $35

&Peel the kids away from the TV for an afternoon of some friendly athletic competition. Children 7 to 14 are invited to this fifth annual event hosted by the Jewish Community Center. The competition is divided into four age groups: 7 to 8, 9 to 10, 11 to 12, and 13 to 14. The course, which varies depending on age group, includes a 100-to 200-yard swim, a 5k to 10k bike ride through neighborhood streets, and then a 1k to 2k run on the JCC grounds. The entire route is fairly flat, and sanctioned by USA Triathlon. The race beings at 7:30 a.m. at the Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. Register online at ironheadrp.com/kidstriatthej. For more information, email JCC sports and fitness director Jon Mize at jmize@jccdallas.org.

—MARLENA CHAVIRA-MEDFORD

Music At The Meadows Free

In celebration of its ongoing exhibit, “Royal Splendor in the Enlightenment: Charles IV of Spain,” the Meadows Museum presents this concert, which keeps with the spirit of that Spanish reign. Enric Madriguera, the Russell Cleveland chair of guitar studies at UT Dallas, will play pieces from the time of Charles IV’s reign and perform on several instrument replicas from that era. The performance will be inside the Bob Smith Auditorium at the Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. and reservations are not required. 214.768.1688 or smu.edu/ meadowsmuseum.

STEPHANIE’S DAY FREE This resource fair for special needs children and the people who care for them was founded by CBS 11/TXA 21 president and general manager Steve Mauldin, in honor of his autistic daughter Stephanie. From 11 a.m.-3 p.m., kids can enjoy music, games and crafts while parents and caregivers explore a wealth of resources available through local nonprofits, therapy centers, advocacy groups and parent-to-parent networks.The one-day event takes place near Macy’s at NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central. 214.363.6600 or northparkcenter.com.

SPCA PET FLIX FILM FESTIVAL $15

The Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals of Texas presents this film festival, which includes documentaries, music videos and comedies. The short films feature local pets in starring roles. Ticket sales will benefit homeless animals in the area. The festival begins at 6 p.m. inside Studio Movie Grill, 11170 N. Central. spca.org or petflix.org.

PAmPER YOuR PALATE

Af TER m ORE THAN A d E c A d E , it’s safe to say The Mercury has perfected the art of indulgent dining. Executive chef Chris Ward has masterminded purely decadent dishes, like lobster soufflé in a rich creamed brandy sauce, and 48-hour braised short ribs, which practically dissolve on your tongue. In other words, leave your diet at the door. This is a place you’ll want to splurge. And after you’re done pampering that palate, unwind in the recently added swanky Side Bar, where you can linger over an after-dinner cocktail in one of the handsome leather lounge chairs.

—MarleNa Chavira-MeDForD

Consider it the ultimate carnivore indulgence: The burger bar in the NorthPark Center store lets you choose from five types of patties (including Kobe beef), four types of buns, six kinds of cheese, and dozens of sauces and toppings.

PARk LANE & cENTRAL

214.363.8311

NEimANmAR cuS.cOm

Your Guide To Dining Out

CHUBBY’S $ When looking for a restaurant to have breakfast, lunch or dinner, we all want a place that serves up variety, hearty helpings and even bigger portions of friendliness. The Touris family has developed a recipe that delivers all of the above at a good price. With four locations in the Metroplex, Chubby’s Family Restaurant provides a rustic setting with down home cooking. Catering available. Locations: 11331 E. NW Hwy. 214-348-6065 and 7474 S. Cockrell Hill Rd. 972-298-1270.

PUT YOUR RESTAURANT INTHEMINDSOF 100,000+ HOMES MONTHAFTERMONTH >>

We not only import some of the best wines from around the world, but we also search our own backyard.

Join us June 25 - July 4 for Big State, Big Taste as we celebrate great taste from the Lone Star State.

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WHEN YOU BUY 3 OR MORE BOTTLES OF TEXAS WINES

A TO Z WINEWORKSROSÉ 2008 ($10) USA>

Welcome to the eighth annual Advocate rosé column, where motto is: If it’s summer and you have $10, you can buy a pretty good rosé — and sometimes even get change back.

The quality of rosé has improved dramatically since I started the annual rosé column. I don’t know that I have actually tasted poorly made rosé in the past couple of years. Some of them have been too expensive, but that’s another story.

The most important thing to know about rosé is that it isn’t white zinfandel (or white merlot or whatever); rosés are pink wines made with red grapes, and they aren’t sweet. Why are they pink? Because the red grape skins are left in the fermenting grape juice just long enough to color the wine. That’s how all wine gets its color, in fact. White wine is white because the skins aren’t used to color the wine.

Rosés’ fruit flavors are mostly red berries (think strawberry or cranberry). They should be served chilled, and they pair with pretty much any food, including beef and barbecue. Rosé was made for Sunday afternoon, sitting on the back porch, rosé in hand, and burgers on the grill.

A note on vintages: Look for 2009, and be wary of anything dated much earlier than 2008. Rosés are not made to age, and they should be fresh and flavorful. The color in older vintages starts to fade, like paper that yellows.

Rosé styles vary by country. Spanish wines are going to be bone dry with less fruit flavor. French and South American rosés are a little more fruity, while U.S. rosés are the most fruity of all. Some U.S. wines are so full of strawberry flavor that they might even seem sweet. Any of the following (and this is far from a complete list) are well worth trying; you can find them all at Central Market:

Yes, the name is silly, but the quality of the wine makes up for it. This is the rosé for people who want to try something other than white zinfandel. It’s not sweet, but as noted above, it’s so fruity that there is a suggestion of sweetness.

Australia isn’t much known for rosés, but this wine shows that it should be. The Yalumba is more like a Spanish rosé, with very little fruit and lots of minerality. Plus, using sangiovese gives it an interesting little something that many other rosés don’t have. Highly recommended.

Also made with sangiovese, but with more fruit (cranberry?) and not quite as much minerality as the Yalumba. This is a style of rosé for people who say they don’t like rosé because it’s too fruity.

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