Out & About

July 2012

THROUGH AUG. 26

Ugly Garden Contest 2012

Bring photos of your scorched, tired summer lawn and gardens to North Haven Gardens for a chance to win the Ugly Garden Contest and a $500 gift certificate to North Haven. The winner also will receive two free sessions with garden coach Kay Nelson as well as two spots in North Haven’s Gardening 101 class. North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven, 214.363.5316, nhg.com, free

THROUGH SEPT. 21

‘Vectors: Abstractions in Aviation Art’

Dallas financial advisor and artist Don Parr uses abstract impressionist techniques with aviation themes. His works will be on display in this exhibit, showcasing his use of aluminum panels and constructions with aircraft designs. The Frontiers of Flight Museum, 6911 Lemmon, 214.350.3600, flightmuseum.com, $5–$8

July 4

Hillcrest Forest Fourth of July

Beginning at 10 a.m., the Hillcrest Forest Neighborhood Association, Arthur Kramer PTA and Hillcrest Forest Volunteers in Patrol present the Hillcrest Forest Fourth of July celebration. The annual parade begins with a salute to the American flag followed by “The Star Spangled Banner.” Dallas Fire-Rescue will lead the parade of vintage cars, scooters and children on decorated bikes. After the parade, neighbors are invited to enjoy ice pops and balloon animals, and the “best dressed pet” will be awarded.

Kramer Elementary, 7131 Midbury, hillcrestforest.org, free

JULY 1

Town North YMCA kids triathlon

The Town North Y hosts its 12th annual kids triathlon at 7 a.m. For children ages 7-10, the event includes a 100-meter swim, 2.5mile bike and .75-mile run. Ages 11-14 will do a 200-meter swim, 5-mile bike and 1.5-mile run. Proceeds benefit the Livestrong Foundation.

4332 Northaven, 214.357.8431, ironheadrp.com, $35–$50 individual

JULY 3

Mobile dairy classroom

As a part of the Mayor’s Summer Reading Program, the Preston Royal Library will host a traveling milking parlor featuring a live cow. Children learn from trained instructor Aaron Sanders how cows are milked and how the milk travels from farm to consumer. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128, dallaslibrary2.org, free

JULY 6, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28

MoMe Yoga

Grab a yoga mat and your little one for MoMe Yoga at Bookmarks. At 10:30 a.m., mommies are invited to sing, play and feel great.

Bookmarks NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.671.1381, dallaslibrary2.org, free

JULY 13

SMU Institute for Young Pianists performance

Twenty top students from the SMU Institute for Young Pianists will perform at NorthCourt from 4:30–6 p.m. These students, grades 3–12, are participating in an intensive workshop taught by SMU faculty, graduate pedagogy students and guest artist teachers.

NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central, 214.363.7441, northparkcenter.com, free

July 6

Woodie Guthrie Fest preview show

In preparation for the 15th annual Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Oklahoma, Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse will showcase artists Joel Rafael and Don Conoscenti. Susan Herndon is the opening act. Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse, Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central, 214.363.0044, unclecalvins.org, $8–$15

Delicious

Parent-friendly

It’snot uncommon to see Elevation Burger crawling with kids. “We’ve always had the goal of making it a family-oriented place,” says general manager Eric Arden. But dining out on burgers doesn’t mean filling up on oversized greasy patties and French fries. Elevation Burger caters to the health-conscious crowd, using 100-percent USDAcertified organic, grass-fed and free-range beef. It’s topped with six-months-aged cheddar cheese. The gluten-free fries are cooked in olive oil, or you can opt for a side of Mandarin oranges instead. If there’s such a thing as a healthy burger, you’ll find it at Elevation. —Emily Toman

Elevation Burger

8611 Hillcrest, Suite 195 214.360.0088 elevationburger.com

AMBIANCE: CASUAL

PRICE RANGE: $6-$8

TIP: KIDS EAT FREE ON SUNDAYS.

1 Cibus

This Italian restaurant overlooks CenterPark Garden at NorthPark Center and has a large, open lawn where the kids can run while parents enjoy a peaceful dinner on the patio. Also, children eat free 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays if you present a Dallas PublicLibrary card. 8687 N. Central, Suite 1608 214.692.0001 cibusdallas.com

2 Penne Pomodoro

There’s something for everyone at this inexpensive Italian spot, including $1 mimosas and bloody marys during weekend brunch 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Kids eat free Wednesday nights. 11661Preston, Suite 143 214.368.3100 pennepomodoro.com

3 Neuhaus Café

Here, kids can order a tricked-out peanut butter sandwich known as “The Elvis” stuffed with bananas and honey. Parents might want something a little more sophisticated, such as the Caprese sandwich with buffalo mozzarella, balsamic vinegar and basil pesto. 5959Royal, Suite 626 214.739.4600 neuhauscafe.com

porch sippin’

Fâmega vinho verde ($7) Portugal

Texas summers are so annoyingly hot that even people who have lived here all their lives never get quite used to it. Right about now, most of us are looking at the thermostat, checking the calendar, and trying to figure out when the first cool day will get here.

Which means it’s time for porch wines. These are lighter wines, red and white, that can be served cool — or even colder — and offer relief from the heat. Typically, they’re lower in alcohol, are crisp and fresh-tasting, and can even be sweet. Plus, they won’t turn to mush if you add an ice cube.

These wines will get any porch sipping started:

This Spanish sparkling wine was made for the North Texas summer. It’s soft and generous, with sweet lemon fruit and bubbles that won’t quit. It’s a touch sweeter than most bruts (which means dry), but that’s not a problem.

A French red with just enough grapey flavor so that you can tell it’s from Beaujolais, but also lots and lots of character. Has acid and freshness, rare for a Beaujolais, as well as an earthiness and even some dark fruit. The quintessential porch red. Vinho verde means green wine in Portuguese, and yes, there is a green tint to it (and even a little fizz). But it’s made for hot weather, with low alcohol and sweetish green apple fruit, and it doesn’t require tasting panels or long discussions. You’ll see many different producers, but the wine tastes mostly the same regardless (and can often be the same wine with a different label).

—Jeff Siegel

JEFF SIEGEL’S WEEKLY WINE REVIEWS appear every Wednesday on prestonhollow.advocatemag.com

With Your Wine

Not your usual black bean and corn salad

This dish’s poor reputation is due to canned vegetables and their lack of flavor. Fortunately, there are ways around that, even if you have to use canned black beans. Use thawed frozen corn if you don’t have fresh, and cherry tomatoes are a vast improvement over the usual grocery store stuff. Serve as part of any picnic with your favorite porch wine.

GROCERY LIST

2 c cooked black beans (well-drained if canned)

1 c corn kernels

1 c cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

3-4 Tbsp chopped cilantro

1/4 c diced red onion

1 jalapeño, finely chopped

3-4 Tbsp lime juice

2 Tbsp olive oil cumin, coriander, salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS

1. Combine the black beans and corn, and microwave for 30 seconds or so to heat up.

2. Add the remaining ingredients and mix well.

Serves four as a side dish

Takes about 15 minutes

Ask the wine guy

How many grapes does it take to make a bottle of wine?

About 2 1/2 p ounds, which works out to .0002 5 o f an acre

—Jeff Siegel

ASK THE WINE GUY taste@advocatemag.com

Aboca’s Italian Grill

Cuisine of Italy – homemade fresh daily – using the best ingredients. The BYOB place to be with friends and family. Open Mother’s Day! Mon. -Thurs. 11am -9:30pm; lunch: 11am to 3pm; Fri. & Sat. open ‘til 10:30pm