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EVENTS THURSDAY 9:30 a.m. — Crafters’ Corner at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Work on projects and learn new techniques. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. — B.O.Y.S. (Boys Only Yucky Stories) at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Book club for boys in grades 2-5. This month, discuss Icky Ricky Toilet Paper Mummy by Michael Rex. Free. Call 940-349-8749 or e-mail laura.douglas@cityof denton.com.
FRIDAY Noon to 4 p.m. — American Red Cross blood drive at Lowe’s, 1255 S. Loop 288. Donors must have ID, be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit www.redcrossblood.org. 4 p.m. — Lego Builders Club for ages 6 and older at Emily Fowler Central Library, 502 Oakland St. Free. Call 940-349-8718 or e-mail stacey. irish-keffer@cityofdenton.com. 5 to 6:30 p.m. — Introduction to bird watching at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Discussion will include information about binoculars, field guides, and what to do in the field, followed by a short hike. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940-637-2294. 5:30 p.m. — “Owl Prowl” at the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM455, 10 miles east of I-35. meet at the Lost Pines Amphitheater. Doris Mager will demonstrate how to call owls and teach participants about the birds of prey. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940-6862148. 8 to 11 p.m. — Junior High Jamz for sixth- through eighth-graders at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Supervised event includes a live DJ, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, basketball and more. Student IDs are required for admission. Entry fee is $4. Call 940349-8575 or visit www.dentonparks. com.
SATURDAY 8 to 9:30 a.m. — “Flying Feathered Friends” at Pavilion 1 at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Bird watchers of all skill levels can go on a mile-long hike. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940-6372294. 10 a.m. — Birds of prey presentation by Doris Mager, including ET, her great horned owl, and other birds, at the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM455, 10 miles east of I-35. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12
IN THE SPOTLIGHT THIS WEEK
No Christmas for gangsters ‘Sam Shade’ sheds light on holiday’s true meaning fledgling music and performing company is adding its own holiday performance to the season, with shows in Corinth this weekend. Family Friendly Productions is a company that creates original scripts and scores — all of them intended for performers and audiences of all ages — for North Texas venues. The company continues its run of Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas at 7 p.m. today
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through Saturday at the Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. Interstate 35E in Corinth. The musical, which has a jazz-inspired score, opened earlier this week in the Pilot Point Community Opera House. The action happens on Christmas Eve in 1933, in the midst of the Great Depression. In Big City, reporter Dottie Deadline is trying to get to the bottom of the shared feeling of being down in the dumps that pervades the metropolis. Meanwhile, Sallie Socialite wants to build an orphanage for a group of street urchins, but Bugsy Bigtime has thrown a wrench into Sallie’s dreams. Private detective Sam Shade starts investigating Bigtime’s
subterfuge. If Sam Shade feels familiar, that’s because it has some things in common with Annie, the musical adaptation of a comic strip about a spunky redhead who won’t let the Great Depression get her down during the Christmas of 1933. (If only she can keep from being falsely adopted by imposters who care more for a huge reward than for the orphan herself.) Tickets to Sam Shade cost $5 for adults, and $3 for ages 6 and younger. Big families can see the show for $20. For reservations and more information, visit www.family friendlyproductions.com. — Lucinda Breeding
Denton Time ON THE COVER A SPUNE CHRISTMAS Bethan performs at Banter during 35 Denton in 2012. The Denton-born band is on the bill with Midlake and others this weekend at Dallas’ Texas Theatre. (Dallas Morning News file photo/Eve Edelheit) Story on Page 9
FIND IT INSIDE MUSIC Concerts and nightclub schedules. Page 2
MOVIES Reviews and summaries. Page 7
DINING Restaurant listings. Page 11
TO GET LISTED INFORMATION and older. Call 940-686-2148. Noon to 4 p.m. — American Red Cross blood drive at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Donors must have ID, be 17 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds and be in generally good health. Call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800733-2767) or visit www.redcross blood.org. 1:30 p.m. — Birds of prey presentation by Doris Mager in the amphitheater at the Johnson Branch Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM3002, 7 miles east of I-35. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940-6372294.
MONDAY 6 p.m. — Chess Night at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Players of all ages and skill levels welcome. Free. Call 940-349-8752.
TUESDAY 7 to 8:45 p.m. — North Branch Writers’ Critique Group, for those interested in writing novels, short stories, poetry or journals, meets at North Branch Library, 3020 N. Locust St. Free.
MUSIC The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Each Wed, County Rexford, 7-9pm, free. 101 W. Hickory St. 940-5665483. The Abbey Underground Thurs: Boxcar Bandits, 8pm. Fri: Soul Patrol, 8pm. Weekly events: Each Sat, “’80s and ’90s RetroActive Dance Party”; each Sun, open mic hosted by Bone
Doggie, signup at 7:30pm; each Mon, karaoke. 100 W. Walnut St. www.face book.com/TheAbbeyUnderground. American Legion Post 550 Each Fri, free karaoke at 9pm; each Tues, free pool. Live band on the last Sat of the month, free. 905 Foundation St., Pilot Point. 940-686-9901. Andy’s Bar Fri: Thieves of SunRise, 8pm. 122 N. Locust St. 940-5655400. Banter Bistro Thurs: Austin Byrd Quartet, 6pm. Fri: Oui Bis, 6pm; “Song & Story” hosted by Richard Gilbert, 8pm; Elliot Liebman and Isabel Crespo, 10pm. Sat: Bonduris Music Studio recital, 4pm; Emily Davis and Kent Shores, 6pm; the Lightning Crispies, 8pm; “Willie Dixon: A Tribute,” 10pm. Each Thurs, open mic at 8pm; each Sat, live local jazz at 6pm. 219 W. Oak St. 940-565-1638. www.dentonbanter.com. Crossroads Bar Fri: The Holophonics. 1803 Elm St. 940-808-1177. http://crossroadsbardenton.com. Dan’s Silverleaf Thurs: Amanda Shires, Sydney Wright, 9pm, $9-$12. Fri: Savage & the Big Beat, Daniel Folmer and the Designated Drivers, Forever and Everest, 10pm, $5. Sat: Brave Combo, 9pm, $10. Sun: Queen for a Day, 5:30pm, $10. Mon: Paul Slavens & Friends, 10pm, free. No smoking indoors. 103 Industrial St. 940-320-2000. www.danssilverleaf. com. Fry Street Public House Each Tues, karaoke, 9pm, free. 125 Ave. A. 940-323-9800. www.publichouse denton.com. The Garage 113 Ave. A. 940-3830045. www.thedentongarage.com. Gerhard’s German Restaurant 222 W. Hickory St. 940-381-6723. www.gvrestaurants.com.
The Greenhouse Mon: Zach Forsythe. Live jazz each Mon at 10pm, free. 600 N. Locust St. 940-484-1349. www.greenhouserestaurant denton.com. Hoochie’s Oyster House Live local music each Mon at 6pm. 207 S. Bell Ave. 940-383-0104. http://hoochies oysterhouse.com. Hailey’s Club Sun: DJ sets by Neon Indian’s Alan Palomo and Jason Faries, and Yeahdef, 9pm, $5-$10. Each Tues, ’90s music, 10pm, free-$5. 122 W. Mulberry St. 940-323-1160. www.haileysclub.com. J&J’s Pizza 118 W. Oak St. 940-3827769. www.jandjpizzadenton.com. La Milpa Mexican Restaurant Each Fri, Mariachi Quetzal, 7:309:30pm. 820 S. I-35E, Suite 101. 940-382-8470. Lone Star Attitude Burger Co. Thurs: Jennifer Holm. Fri: Shoot Low Sheriff. Sat: Isaac Hoskins. Shows at 8pm on upstairs patio, free. 113 W. Hickory St. 940-383-1022. www.lsa burger.com. Lowbrows Beer and Wine Garden 200 S. Washington St., Pilot Point. 940-686-3801. www.low brows.us. Mable Peabody’s Beauty Parlor and Chainsaw Repair Each Tues, open mic, 9pm. 1125 E. University Drive, Suite 107. 940-566-9910. Rockin’ Rodeo Thurs: Josh Ward, 8pm, free for ages 21 and older with advance tickets, or $5 at the door. 1009 Ave. C. 940-565-6611. www.rockinrodeodenton.com. Rubber Gloves Rehearsal Studios Thurs: Merry Chrisfits, Half Truths, Comedy with Clint Werth and Scott Crisp, 9pm, $5-$7. Fri: “Suite
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Include the name and description of the event, date, time, price and phone number the public can call. If it’s free, say so. If it’s a benefit, indicate the recipient of the proceeds.
TELL US ONLINE: Visit www.dentonrc.com, and click on “Let Us Know.”
E-MAIL IT TO: drc@dentonrc.com
FAX IT TO: 940-566-6888
MAIL IT TO: Denton Time 314 E. Hickory St. Denton, TX 76201
DEADLINE: Noon the Friday before publication. All information will be verified with the sender before publication; verification must be completed by noon the Monday before publication for the item to appear.
REACH US EDITORIAL & ART Features Editor Lucinda Breeding 940-566-6877 cbreeding@dentonrc.com
ADVERTISING Advertising Director Sandra Hammond 940-566-6820 Classified Manager Julie Hammond 940-566-6819 Retail Advertising Manager Shawn Reneau 940-566-6843 Advertising fax 940-566-6846
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HOLIDAY EVENTS THURSDAY
Denton Time
7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com.
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FRIDAY 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://familyfriendly productions.com. 8 p.m. — Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Bluegrass Band performs Beatles classics, played bluegrass-style, plus some holiday music, at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St. Tickets cost $20, available at the box office, online at htttp://mclgrand.tix.com or in person at the customer service window of Lewisville City Hall, 151 W Church St., during regular business hours. Visit www.mclgrand.com or call 972-2198446.
Nick of time ABOVE: Kris Kringle (Randal McCasland) consults with his elves (from left, Carla Day, Branden Laredo and Deborah Samuelson) in Denton Community Theatre’s “Miracle on 34th Street.” Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday, at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for seniors 62 and older, and $10 for children and students. For reservations, call 940-382-1915 or visit www.dentoncommunitytheatre.com.
SATURDAY 9 to 11 a.m. — Breakfast With Santa for kids ages 1-12 and their families, at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes breakfast, face painting, bounce house, crafts, letters to Santa, and visits and photos with Santa. Cost is $10 per child; free admission for adults, or $3 per plate for breakfast. Register by Thursday. Call 940-3497275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. 10 a.m. to noon — Fred Moore Day Nursery School Gospel Brunch at the Center for Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. Fundraising event includes entertainment by local choirs, food and refreshments, a silent auction of holiday wreaths, and a sale of holiday crafts created by students. The school will honor Gene Gumfory and Teri and Andre “Frenchy” Rheault for their service. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $5 for children younger than 12, available in advance at the school, 821 Cross Timber St., or at the door. For more information, call 940-387-8214. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. — Denton Humane Society Christmas Pet Pics at Calloway’s Nursery, 1601 Dallas Drive. Pets and kids can take photos with Santa Paws. First photo costs $10, $5 for additional photos;
LEFT: Kris Kringle (Randal McCasland), hired to play Santa, objects to Ms. Shellhammer’s (Sara Martin) directions to sell toys that her store has overstocked. “Why not give the children what they want?” he asks. Courtesy photos/Nelda Evarts
cash or check only. Visit www. dentonhumanesociety.org or call 940-382-PETS. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. — Holiday Drop ’N Shop for ages 3 1/2 to 5 at the
Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Event includes a candy cane hunt, crafts, bounce house, a movie, hot chocolate and a snack. Children must bring lunch. Cost is $15. Register by
Thursday. Call 940-349-7275 or visit www.dentonparks.com. Noon to 3 p.m. — “Homestead Christmas” at Lewisville Environmental Learning Area. Event includes
decorations at the historic MinorPorter log house, traditional craft projects, snacks, holiday music and
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HOLIDAY EVENTS Elves decorate a Christmas tree in the Gift of Lights holiday display at Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Worth.
Continued from Page 3 an acoustic holiday jam session. Free with regular gate admission of $5 per person, free for children 5 and younger. Front gate is at Jones Street and North Kealy Avenue in Lewisville. Musicians who would like to join the jam session will be admitted free and should e-mail lisacole@unt.edu or call 972-219-3930 to participate. 1 to 6 p.m. — Holiday Drop ’N Shop for ages 5-12 at Little Elm Recreation Center, 303 Main St. Cost is $12 per child. Kids can enjoy an afternoon of crafts, games, movies, food and fun with center staff. Registration is required. Call 972-731-3277 or visit www.littleelm.org/parks. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. — Family Friendly Productions presents Sam Shade and the Case of the True Meaning of Christmas, an original musical comedy, in the Shabbat Room at Global Spheres Center, 7801 S. I-35E in Corinth. Tickets cost $5 each, $3 for ages 6 and younger, or $20 family rate. Visit http://family friendlyproductions.com. 4:30 p.m. — “Campfire Christmas” program at the Isle du Bois Unit of Ray Roberts Lake State Park, on FM455, 10 miles east of I-35. Meet at the Lost Pines Amphitheater for a campfire, hot cocoa and treats, ornament-making and a twilight hike. Free with regular park entrance fee of $7 for ages 12 and older. Call 940686-2148. 7:30 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com. 8 p.m. — Matt Tolentino and the Singapore Slingers present a Christmas show at Medical Center of Lewisville Grand Theater, 100 N. Charles St. Tickets cost $20, available at the box office, online at htttp:// mclgrand.tix.com or in person at the customer service window of Lewisville City Hall, 151 W Church St., during regular business hours. Visit www.mclgrand.com or call 972-2198446.
SUNDAY 2 p.m. — Denton Community Theatre presents Miracle on 34th Street at the Campus Theatre, 214 W. Hickory St. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $18 for ages 62 and older, $10 for students and children. Call 940382-1915 or visit www.denton communitytheatre.com.
MONDAY 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. — Holiday Camp for children in grades K-6, with dropoff and pickup at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Each day has a themed field trip. Cost is $28 per day. For more information or to register, call 940-349-7275 or visit
DMN file photo www.dentonparks.com.
TUESDAY, DEC. 31 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. — “Noon Year’s Eve” at South Branch Library, 3228 Teasley Lane. Party for children and families includes games, art projects and refreshments. Free. Call 940-349-8752 or visit www.denton library.com. 10 p.m. — New Year’s Eve show with Denton Rock at Banter, 219 W. Oak St., presented by Headliners of Texas. Visit www.facebook.com/ dentonrockband. Up the Creek and Jesse Washmon play starting at 6 p.m. Visit www.dentonbanter.com.
WEDNESDAY, JAN. 1 10 a.m. — New Year’s brunch for Argyle seniors at the home of Dr. Larry and Lynn Sheffield Simmons. The main dish will be provided; bring a covered dish. For more information and location, call Stella McDaniel at 940-464-7438.
ONGOING 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 26-27 and 30-31, Jan. 2-3 and Jan. 6 — Holiday Camp for children in grades K-6, with dropoff and pickup at the Denton Civic Center, 321 E. McKinney St. Each day has a themed field trip. Cost is $28 per day. For more information or to register, call 940-349-7275 or visit www. dentonparks.com. Through Tuesday — Santa Claus is available for visits at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. Photos available for purchase. Visit www.shop goldentriangle.com. Through Tuesday — First United Methodist Church of Denton youths offer holiday gift-wrapping at Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E, near guest services in the J.C. Penney wing of the mall. Prices range from $3 to $8, and proceeds will fund a choir trip, summer camp and mission trips. Hours are 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday; noon to 8 p.m. Sunday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday; and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday.
Through Dec. 28 — Santa Land at Little Elm Park, 704 W. Eldorado Parkway, with an elf village, a snow hill and hot cocoa. Admission is free, but there are fees for the snow hill. Visit www.littleelm.org/parks. Through December — Kay Copeland’s Santa Collection at the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum, 110 W. Hickory St. Free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, closed holidays. Call 940-349-2850 or visit www.dentoncounty.com/ chos. Through Dec. 31 — “Everything Trains Christmas” exhibit at the Wood House of Denton, 516 N. Locust St. View an elaborate model train exhibit and donate canned food items for Denton County Friends of the Family. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday; closed on Dec. 25. Call 940-387-4098. Through Jan. 5 — The Gift of Lights & Snow, a drive-through display of 2 million LED lights at Texas Motor Speedway, 3545 Lone Star Circle, Fort Worth. Includes a Snow Village with a tubing hill, snow castles, a snowball gallery, a play area and visits with Santa. Lights-only admission is $15-$20 per car. Admission to the evening Snow Village is $12 per person. Combo packages available. For pricing and hours, visit www.giftoflightstms.com. Through Jan. 10 — Visual Arts Society of Texas holiday exhibition at the PointBank Black Box Theatre, 318 E. Hickory St. Artists include Darla Bostick, Gail Cope, Lynne Cox, Jackie Haugen, James J. Johnson Jr., Lori MacLean, Carol Rowley, Olivia Walker and Sharon Warwick. Hours are 1 to 4 p.m. Monday and Wednesday and 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday. Free. Visit www.vastarts.org.
IN THE REGION Saturday — Sea Life Aquarium at Grapevine Mills mall, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, presents a scubadiving Santa and elf at 11 a.m. and letters to Santa from noon to 2 p.m. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $16 for children ages 3-12; discounted tickets on website. Visit http://dallasdfw. sealifeus.com.
7 p.m. Saturday — The Polyphonic Spree’s “Holiday Extravaganza” at Lakewood Theatre, 1825 Abrams Road, Dallas. Family-friendly event includes performances by the Polyphonic Spree, the O’s, the Denton Senior Center’s Syncopated Ladies and more. Tickets cost $35. Visit www.theholidayextravaganza.com. Through Wednesday — Legoland Discovery Center at Grapevine Mills mall, 3000 Grapevine Mills Parkway, includes scavenger hunts through Dec. 25; letters to Santa and free milk and cookies from 2 to 4 p.m. Dec. 25; and building Lego ornaments, 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $18 for ages 3 and older; discounted tickets on website. Visit www.legolanddiscoverycenter.com. 6 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday — “A Southfork Christmas” at Southfork Ranch, 3700 Hogge Road in Parker. Lights, music, Santa Claus, and tram tours to vignettes depicting Texas holiday celebrations through the years. Admission is $12 for adults, $9 for seniors, $7 for ages 5-12. Visit www.southfork.com. Through Sunday — Kathy Burks Theatre of Puppetry Arts’ The Nutcracker, at the Dallas Children’s Theater, Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman St. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday; and 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Tickets cost $13-$40. Call 214-7400051 or visit www.dct.org. Through Dec. 29 — Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” at Music Hall at Fair Park, 909 First Ave., Dallas. Tickets cost $30.25-$101.75. Call 214-565-1116 or visit www.dallas summermusicals.org. Through Dec. 29 — WaterTower Theatre presents David Sedaris’ The Santaland Diaries at WaterTower’s Studio Theatre, 15650 Addison Road, Addison. Tickets cost $22-$27.50. Call 972-450-6232 or visit www. watertowertheatre.org. 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. nightly through Dec. 30 — Farmers Branch Christmas Tour of Lights, an evening drive through Farmers Branch, illuminated with 300,000 twinkling lights and holiday decorations. Route begins at I-35E at Valley View and continues down William Dodson Parkway to the Farmers Branch Historical Park, 2540 Farmers Branch Lane. (Park portion of the tour is closed on Christmas Day). Free. Call 972-919-2620 or visit www.fbspecialevents.com. Through Dec. 31 — Holiday at the Arboretum featuring “Angels in DeGolyer,” a collection of 400 angels in the lavish decorated DeGolyer Mansion, at the Dallas Arboretum, 8525 Garland Road. Bring your camera for pictures with Santa on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; visits by a live reindeer and costumed characters, Saturdays and Sundays. Tickets to main garden cost $10-$15, plus $3 fee for optional children’s garden; $5-$10 for parking. Open daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., closed on Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Call 214-515-6500 or visit www.dallas arboretum.org. Through Jan. 4 — Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, features what’s billed as America’s tallest indoor Christmas tree, with daily Illumination Celebration light shows,
plus Slappy’s Holiday Circus shows on weekends, visits with Santa and more. Free. Call 972-392-3363 or visit www.galleriadallas.com. Through Jan. 4 — The Gaylord Texan, 1501 Gaylord Trail in Grapevine, features the ICE! sculpture exhibit, photos with Santa, indoor “snow” tubing, gingerbread decorating and a scavenger hunt. Ticket prices vary. “Lone Star Christmas” decorations can be viewed for free (after paying to park). Call 817-7782000 or visit www.gaylordtexan.com. Through Jan. 4 — Christmas in the Square at Frisco Square includes a parachuting Santa, a snow slide, carriage rides, a trackless train, ice rink and other family fun. Free, but fees charged for carriage and train rides. Visit www.friscosquare.com. Through Jan. 4 — The Hilton Anatole’s holiday spectacular “Sparkle!” and Christmas at the Anatole, at 2201 N. Stemmons Freeway in Dallas. For schedule and more information, visit www.christmasat theanatole.com Through Jan. 5 — Dallas Cityscape at Galleria Dallas, 13350 Dallas Parkway, an exhibit of toy brick buildings with a kids’ construction zone, benefiting East Dallas Community Schools. Located on on Level 1, across from Grand Lux Cafe. Admission is $5 for ages 2 and older. Visit www.dallascityscape.com. Through Jan. 5 — Light Show Spectacular at the Town Square Gazebo in downtown Grapevine. Holiday events include Christmas on Main with seasonal characters and tractor-drawn wagon rides, Friday through Sunday. The light show continues nightly from 6 to 11 p.m. through Jan. 5 at 325 S. Main St., Grapevine. Free. Visit www.grape vinetexasusa.com/christmas. Through Jan. 5 — Christmas at the Bush Center includes lights, trimmed trees and a special exhibit, “Home for the Holidays: Christmas at the White House 2001.” Admission costs $10-$16. At the George W. Bush Presidential Library and Museum, 2943 SMU Blvd., Dallas. Call 214-2004300 or visit www.bushcenter.org. Through Jan. 5 — WaterTower Theatre presents The Game’s Afoot: Holmes for the Holidays by Ken Ludwig at 15650 Addison Road, Addison. Tickets cost $30-$40. Call 972-450-6232 or visit www.water towertheatre.org. Through Jan. 5 — The Trains at NorthPark, 4,000-square-foot toy train exhibit benefiting the Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. On Level 2 of NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway in Dallas. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, noon to 6 p.m. Sunday. Early closings 4 p.m. Tuesday, 6 p.m. Dec. 31; closed Dec. 25. Tickets cost $6 for adults, $3 for children ages 2-12 and seniors 65 and older. Visit www.rmhdallas.org/trains. Through Jan. 6 — Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Over Texas, 2201 Road to Six Flags, Arlington. Includes Frosty Snow Hill, SantaLand Express, rides, light shows, crafts and more. Tickets cost $64.99 each, $49.99 for kids shorter than 48 inches; discounts listed online. Call 817-640-8900 or visit www.sixflags.com/overtexas.
EVENTS Continued from Page 2 101: Jingle Fest” with Bryan Taylor & Ronin, House of Cards, DJ Neenyo, IamIam, Theo/Therka, Taylor Thomas & Telykast, 8pm, $5-$7. Sat: PanEctor Christmas Party with Bashe, Botany, 9pm, free-$3. Sun: Banditos, Levi Cobb & the Big Smoke, 9pm, $5-$7. No smoking indoors. 411 E. Sycamore St. 940-387-7781. www.rubberglovesdentontx.com. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern Sat: Miss Polly & Her Tiny Big Band, 1pm. Sun: Bubba Hernandez’s “Holiday Hangout,” 7-9pm. Shows on the patio, free. 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. Trail Dust Steak House 26501 E. U.S. 380 in Aubrey. 940-365-4440. www.trailduststeaks.net. Treehouse Bar & Grill Each Wed, karaoke, 9:30pm. 1512 W. Hickory St. 940-484-7900. www.thetreehouse denton.com. VFW Post 2205 Free karaoke at 8pm each Thurs, Fri and Sat. 909 Sunset St. The Whitehouse Espresso Bar and Beer Garden Each Thurs, open mic hosted by Kelbe Schrank, 7:30pm, signup at 7pm. 424 Bryan St. 940-484-2786. www.twobzandav coffeehouse.com.
VISUAL ARTS Banter Bistro 219 W. Oak St. 940565-1638. Center for the Visual Arts Greater Denton Arts Council’s galleries, meeting space and offices. 400 E. Hickory St. Free. Tues-Sun 1-5pm. Galleries closed Tuesday, Wednesday, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1. 940-382-2787. www.dentonarts.com. ● “Dancing by the Light of the Moon: The Art of Fred Marcellino,” through Jan. 17 in the Meadows Gallery. ● “Dance With Life: Works in Fiber” through Dec. 29 in the Gough Gallery. The Chestnut Tree 107 W. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm; dinner Thurs-Sat 5:30-9pm. 940-591-9475. www.chestnuttearoom.com. A Creative Art Studio Gallery, classes and workshops. 227 W. Oak St., Suite 101. Mon-Sat 12-6pm, Sun by appointment only. 940-442-1251. www.acreativeartstudio.com. Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe 200 W. Congress St. 940-3875386. The DIME Store Denton Independent Maker Exchange’s store carrying local art, crafts and vintage items, plus workshop/gallery space. TuesSat 10-6. 510 S. Locust St. 940-3812324. www.dimehandmade.com. Farmer’s & Merchant’s Gallery Early and contemporary Texas art. 100 N. Washington St., Pilot Point. Fri-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1-5pm. Appointments encouraged. 940-6862396. www.farmersandmerchants gallery.com. Gallery 010 in the TWU student union, at the corner of Bell Avenue and Administration Drive. Mon-Thurs 8-9; Fri 8-5; Sun 1-9. Free.
Green Space Arts Collective Studio/gallery available for rental. 529 Malone St. 940-595-9219. www. greenspacearts.com. Imagine Gallery at Denton Square Donuts, 208 W. Oak St. www.face book.com/imaginegallerydenton. ● “Amalgam d(8),” through Dec. 30. Group show includes works by Kaitly Arnold, Maren Henson, Caroline Irvin, Maxx Martinez, Jordan Miller, Justin Nguyen, Catherine Parkinson and Katie Vallee. Impressions by DSSLC Store selling ceramics by residents of Denton State Supported Living Center. 105 1/2 W. Hickory St. 940-3823399. Jupiter House 114 N. Locust St. 940-387-7100. ● Spiderweb Salon and Koan School collaborative gallery exhibit, through early February. Oxide Fine Art & Floral Gallery 115 W. Eagle Drive. 940-483-8900. www.oxidegallery.com. ● Ruben Miranda, featured artist for December. PointBank Black Box Performing Arts Center Denton Community Theatre’s black box performance space. Mon-Wed 1-4pm, Fri 10:30am-1pm, and during performances. 318 E. Hickory St. SCRAP Denton Nonprofit store selling reused materials for arts and crafts, with the Re:Vision Gallery featuring art made of reused and repurposed items. Classes and workshops. 215 W. Oak St. 940-391-7499. www.scrapdenton.org. ● “Crafternoon,” open workshop each Thursday, 3-6pm. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern 115 S. Elm St. 940-484-2888. www.sweet watergrillandtavern.com. tAd The Art Den, a small, artist-run space inside the Bowllery, 901 Ave. C, Suite 101. Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. www.tadgallery.org. 940-383-2695. TWU Blagg-Huey Library MonThurs 7:30am-midnight, Fri 7:30am-10pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 2pm-midnight. 1322 Oakland St.
940-898-3701. www.twu.edu/library. TWU East and West galleries in the TWU Fine Arts Building, at Oakland Street and Pioneer Circle. Free. Mon-Fri 9-4, weekends by appointment. 940-898-2530. www.twu.edu/ visual-arts. UNT Art Gallery in the UNT Art Building, 1201 W. Mulberry St. at Welch. Tues noon-5pm, Wed-Thurs 9:30am-8pm, Fri-Sat noon-5pm. Free. 940-565-4316. http://gallery.unt.edu. UNT Cora Stafford Gallery In UNT’s Oak Street Hall, 1120 W. Oak St. Tues-Fri 10am-2pm or by appointment. 940-565-4005. UNT on the Square 109 N. Elm St. Free. Mon-Fri 9am-noon & 1-5pm, with extended hours Thurs until 8pm; Sat 11am-3pm. 940-369-8257. http:// untonthesquare.unt.edu. ● Annual CVAD Faculty and Staff Exhibition, works by artists in the College of Visual Arts and Design, through Jan. 9. Visual Arts Society of Texas Member organization of the Greater Denton Arts Council offers community and continuing education for local visual artists, professional and amateur. Meetings are at the Center for the Visual Arts, 400 E. Hickory St. Monthly meetings include mini-shows and demonstrations by visiting artists. Two annual juried exhibits. Critique groups and workshops. Visit www.vastarts.org or call Executive Director Lynne Cagle Cox at 972VAST-ORG.
POINTS OF INTEREST The Bayless-Selby House Museum Restored Victorian-style home built in 1898. 317 W. Mulberry St. Tues-Sat 10am-noon and 1-3pm. Free. Handicapped accessible. Regular special events and workshops. 940349-2865. www.dentoncounty.com/ bsh. Denton County African American Museum Exhibits of historic
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Guitars, Cadillacs
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AP/Frank Micelotta, Invision
ountry music mainstay Dwight Yoakam plans to spend a little time not far from here Saturday. Yoakam, whose career spans 21 albums, will fit as much of his music as he can into his concert at WinStar World Casino and Resort. Yoakam is best known for “Honky Tonk Man” and “Guitars, Cadillacs,” but the musician (and occasional film actor) has gems from albums Buenas Noches From a Lonely Room (1988) and This Time (1993), among other titles. The concert is set for 8 p.m. Saturday in the Global Events Center at WinStar’s Rome Gaming Plaza, at 777 Casino Ave. in Thackerville, Okla. Tickets cost $35 to $55. For reservations, visit www.ticketmaster.com.
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EVENTS Continued from Page 5 black families in the county, including artwork and quilting, and personal items of the lady of the house. 317 W. Mulberry St., next to the BaylessSelby House Museum. Tues-Sat 10am-noon and 1-3pm. Free. www.dentoncounty.com/dcaam. Bethlehem in Denton County Small gallery in Sanger displaying a personal collection of 2,900 nativities. Open evenings and weekends, by appointment only. Free. Small groups and children welcome. To schedule your visit, call 940-231-4520 or e-mail jkmk@advantexmail.com. www.bethlehemindentonco.com. Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum Exhibits include photos of Denton communities, historic Hispanic and black families, farm and ranching artifacts, and special collections including Southwest American Indian and Denton County pottery, pressed glass and weaponry. Research materials, county cemetery records, genealogical info, photographs. 110 W. Hickory St. 10-4:30 Mon-Fri and 11-3 Sat, closed holidays. Free. Special monthly exhibits and lectures. Call 940-349-2850 or visit www.denton county.com/chos. ● Kay Copeland’s Santa Collection, through the holiday season, and “Big Wheels Turnin’: The Evolution of Transportation in Denton County,” through June 7. Denton Firefighters Museum Collection at Central Fire Station, 332 E. Hickory St., displays firefighting memorabilia from the 1800s to the present. 8am-5pm Mon-Fri. Closed on city holidays. Free and handicapped accessible. Hangar Ten Flying Museum WWII aircraft on display including Lockheed 10A, Beech Aircraft Stagger Wing, PT22 and Piper L-4. Mon-Sat 8am-3 pm. 1945 Matt Wright Lane. Free. 940-565-1945. Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area Three hiking trails; camping, fishing and more on the Elm Fork of the Trinity River; restored 1870 log home. Winter hours: Fri-Sun 7am-5pm. Admission is $5 per person, free for children 5 and younger. Front gate is at Jones Street and North Kealy Avenue in Lewisville. Call 972-219-3930 for directions. www.ias.unt.edu/llela. Little Chapel-in-the-Woods Built in 1939, one of 20 outstanding archi-
Alan Palomo, who lived in Denton for a minute, comes back to North Texas for a visit and DJ sets this weekend with Neon Indian band mate Jason Faries and Denton’s Yeahdef. Quick file photo
Holiday lights t’s a neon Christmas at Hailey’s Club on Sunday night. That’s a reference to the music, not the lighting. New York electronic musician (a one-time Denton resident) Alan Palomo and Jason Faries — both of Neon Indian — join Denton DJ Yeahdef for a night of tones and pulses. Both Palomo and Faries will play their own DJ sets, as will Yeahdef. Neon Indian is an alumnus
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tectural achievements in Texas. Daily 8am-5pm, except on university holidays or when booked for weddings, weekends by appointment only, TWU campus. 940-898-3644.
of 35 Denton, not to mention a two-time guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon). Neon Indian’s debut, 2009’s Psychic Chasm, sounds as fresh today as it did when it dropped. Then the outfit, which sizzles when live thanks to improvisation and smart visuals, released Era Extraña in 2011. The record had a narrative pull toward the dystopian side, less carefree and more intentional than Chasm’s beachy, nerdy,
UNT Rafes Urban Astronomy Center UNT’s astronomy center, open to the public once a month. 2350 Tom Cole Road. Visit www.astronomy.unt.edu/obsv.html.
Neon Indian members, Yeahdef spin at Hailey’s
feel-good posture. Sunday at Hailey’s should bring a night full of ear-opening goodness. Palomo, Faries (a Dallas guy who re-located to Brooklyn) and Yeahdef are cut from similar cloth. All three have a talent for sanding away too-pretty edges from electronic music, yanking melody lines through a pleasingly dirty filter and straying far from the homogeny of predictability.
Western Heritage Gallery at Stonehill Center, 5800 N. I-35, Suite 400. 940-243-3933. www.the westernheritagegallery.com. ● “JFK Texas Exhibit,” an exhibit of
Consider the work of these clever men the dancefloor soundtrack for the thinking booty-shaker, because Palomo, Faries and Yeahdef don’t lull. They get limber, twisting beats around so they sound fresh and tribal and altering the familiar until it’s exotic. Doors open at 9 p.m. at Hailey’s, 122 W. Mulberry St. Cover is $5 for ages 21 and older, $10 for ages 18 to 20. — Lucinda Breeding
photos, mementos and other items related to the life and death of President John F. Kennedy, through Dec. 29. Free; donations benefit the Denton Community Food Center.
DENTON PARKS & RECREATION Sixth- through eighth-graders can take part in Junior High Jamz from 8 to 11 p.m. Friday at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Supervised event includes a live DJ, pool tables, air hockey, foosball, basketball and more. Student IDs are required for admission. Entry fee is $4. Call 940-349-8575 for more information. ■
Denton Parks & Recreation offers group exercise classes, including Hatha flow yoga at Denia Recreation Center; cycle yoga at North Lakes Recreation Center; and Pilates, yoga, boot camp and shadow boxing at Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center. Prices vary from $20 to $75. For more information and to register, visit www.dentonparks.com or call 940-349-7278.
■ Dance classes for kids are offered at Denia Recreation Center, 1001 Parvin St., and Martin Luther King Jr. Recreation Center, 1300 Wilson St. Choose from hip-hop, ballet or jazz, and learn coordination and rhythm. Each class costs $30. For more information, visit www. dentonparks.com or call 940-3497275.
■ The Denton Senior Center offers tai chi, yoga and Zumba for adults of all ages. The classes are lowimpact, but can yield results. Each class costs $30. For more information and to register, visit www. dentonparks.com or call 940-3498720. ■ An American Red Cross Lifeguard
Instructor Course, which teaches students to become a lifeguard training instructor, will be offered Dec. 20-22 at the Denton Natatorium. Students must be able to complete a full lifeguard challenge on the first day, including all physical and written tests. Course costs $250 for Denton residents. Call 940-349-8800 for more information or to register.
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MOVIES THEATERS
Denton Time
Cinemark Denton 2825 Wind River Lane off I-35E. 940-535-2654. www. cinemark.com. Movie Tavern 916 W. University Drive. 940-566-FILM (3456). www.movietavern.com. Carmike Hickory Creek 16 8380 S. I-35E, Hickory Creek. 940-3212788. www.carmike.com. Silver Cinemas Inside Golden Triangle Mall, 2201 S. I-35E. 940-3871957. www.silvercinemasinc.com.
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OPENING THIS WEEK Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues (★★★1⁄2) Everything about 2004’s Anchorman, a cult classic of the Will Ferrell oeuvre, and its lead character, Ron Burgundy, was puffed up and absurd and ridiculous. And so, why wouldn’t the sequel be even more puffed up, more absurd and more ridiculous? It’s 1980, and Burgundy and Veronica Corningstone (Christina Applegate), now married, host a morning show together. Burgundy gets fired, but opportunity comes in the form of a job offer at a new 24-hour news channel. He heads for New York, stopping to gather the old news team — overly emotional sportscaster Champ Kind (David Koechner), overly sexed reporter Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd) and overly insane weatherman Brick Tamland (Steve Carell, reliably hilarious). With James Marsden, Meagan Good and Kristen Wiig, and directed with total self-assurance by Adam McKay. Rated PG-13, 119 minutes. Opened Wednesday. — The Associated Press Saving Mr. Banks (★★★) Tom Hanks stars as Walt Disney and Emma Thompson turns in a spirited performance as Mrs. P.L. Travers, the author of Mary Poppins. He brings her to Hollywood from England in hopes of landing the movie rights to her book. But he finds her cantankerous and obstructionist at every turn. Amusingly entertaining with two fine lead performances. Rated PG-13, 125 minutes. Opening Friday. — Boo Allen Walking With Dinosaurs 3D (★1⁄2) Like an elaborately decorated wedding cake, the kid-friendly Walking With Dinosaurs 3D may leave you wondering how something so stunning could end up being so bland. Aesthetic attention to detail goes only so far when the content is mediocre. The movie begins with a modern-day framing device about an archaeologist (Karl Urban) on a dig with his niece and nephew, and then goes back to prehistoric times to follow a young pachyrhinosaurus, Patchi (voiced by Justin Long), and a colorful bird named Alex (John Leguizamo). The movie aims to show the harshness of the dinosaur-eat-dinosaur world, yet comedy and a little love soften the reality. Rated PG, 80 minutes. Opening Friday. — The Washington Post
NOW PLAYING The Book Thief (★★) A slice of
CBS Films
Llewyn (Oscar Isaac, left) and Jim (Justin Timberlake) work on a song in “Inside Llewyn Davis.”
’60s folk, remixed By Boo Allen Film Critic booa@att.net
Personal demons dog musician in Coens’ merry trip through era
Llewyn Davis is a mooch. And he’s a bit of a jerk. But he’s also a pretty good folk singer in 1961 Greenwich Village and looks to be part Bob Dylan, part Dave Van Ronk, and unequal parts any other guy with a guitar who broke on the scene around that time. As played by Oscar Isaac, the title character of Inside Llewyn Davis — the infinitely entertaining new shaggy dog story from the masters of the genre, brothers Joel and Ethan Coen — is, in fact, a passable performer. It’s Llewyn’s personal life that is a disaster, and for that, the film never hits dry spots but rambles on, with the viewer secure in knowing that something or
someone outrageous will soon arrive. While the Coens take focus on this burgeoning folk music scene, little can be gleaned of their opinion of those who make up this eclectic group. The brothers might be commenting on how these people who would go on to help change the course of the country later that same decade were all massive screw-ups. The musicians share some personal weaknesses, but what they all seem to have in common is an ability to sing soulful tunes. New songs have been penned to go along with some standards, all adequately performed, as the Coens refrain from turning this
into a satire of poor execution by misguided souls. Llewyn plays his songs at the local coffee shop. When he leaves, he grabs a sofa wherever he has least worn out his welcome. He must leave one spot because he has impregnated Jean (Carey Mulligan), the girlfriend of his good friend Jim (Justin Timberlake). At the apartment of a couple of Upper East Side liberals, he loses their cat and then insults them before leaving. Before long, for some vaguely defined reason, he ends up on the road to Chicago, sharing driving time with another musical oddity, the surly Roland
Holocaust history filters through a gauzy lens in this treacly rendering of Markus Zusak’s novel of the same name. In late 1930s Germany, an illiterate girl, Liesel (a bland Sophie
Nelisse), is taken from her mother and placed with foster parents (Geoffrey Rush and Emily Watson), then learns the joy of reading while having innocuous adventures with a friend.
She also finds time to help hide a Jewish man. Rated PG-13, 131 minutes. — B.A. Dallas Buyers Club (★★★) In a true story, Matthew McConaughey
Inside Llewyn Davis Rated R, 105 minutes. Opens Friday at the Angelika Plano and Landmark Magnolia in Dallas.
Turner (John Goodman). Once in town, Llewyn auditions for Bud Grossman (F. Murray Abraham), the owner of a folk club who simply tells him, “I don’t see a lot of money here.” The Coens take us along this merry, highly evocative trip as they drop a deadpan hilarious line here and there while pausing to accentuate human foibles that affect us all — even 1960s folk singers. plays Ron Woodroof, an electrician and part-time cowboy who tests HIV positive in 1985 and is given a month
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MOVIES Continued from Page 7 to live. He turns to alternative drugs, obtaining them in trips around the globe, eventually organizing the buyers’ club, a ruse for others to buy them. Touching, persuasive performances from McConaughey and Jared Leto. Jennifer Garner plays an attending, caring physician. Rated R, 117 minutes. — B.A. Delivery Man (★★1⁄2) In this tepid remake of the 2011 French-Canadian serious comedy Starbuck, Vince Vaughn plays the title character, a hapless meat deliveryman who learns that he has fathered more than 500 children stemming from 20 years previous when he made anonymous yet copious donations to a sperm bank. Now, 142 of the offspring are suing to have his identity revealed. Chris Pratt plays the equally hapless lawyer fighting to retain his friend’s anonymity. Rated PG-13, 103 minutes. — B.A. Frozen (★★★1⁄2) Disney’s new movie, very roughly based on Hans Christian Andersen’s “The Snow Queen,” follows two princesses: rambunctious young Anna (voiced by Kristen Bell as an adult) and older sister Elsa (Idina Menzel), who has the secret, magical ability to chill whatever she touches. When Elsa’s coronation day approaches, a squabble between the sisters sets off a freak cold snap throughout the land. Rated PG, 85 minutes. — Minneapolis Star Tribune The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (★★★1⁄2) The first film of Peter Jackson’s Hobbit trilogy, last year’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, took way too long to get going and then dragged for much of its 169 minutes. The Desolation of Smaug is not much shorter but it feels brisker, lighter, funnier. Instead of a drawn-out intro, we get right to the action — the quest of Bilbo (Martin Freeman, himself livelier and funnier) and the band of dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (a suitably noble Richard Armitage) to reclaim the kingdom of Erebor from the frightening dragon Smaug. Rated PG-13, 161 minutes. — AP Homefront (★★★) Homefront was directed by Gary Fleder (Kiss the Girls, The Impostor), but the more meaningful credit here is that Sylvester Stallone wrote the screenplay. Based on a novel by Chuck Logan, it’s the story of a Drug Enforcement Agency officer (Jason Statham) forced to move to remote Louisiana, in order to escape the wrath of the drug-dealing motorcycle gang that he’s helped destroy. Rated R, 100 minutes. — San Francisco Chronicle The Hunger Games: Catching Fire (★★★) The action roars along in this second film edition of Suzanne Collins’ popular novels. Katniss (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta (Josh Hutcherson) again face off against a team of rivals, but this time heavy intrigue at the capital looms large, particularly with President Snow (Donald Sutherland) and Plutarch Heavensbee (Philip Seymour Hoffman). Much looks familiar, but impressive special effects and outlandish costumes
Sony/Columbia Pictures
Bradley Cooper, left, plays an FBI agent and Christian Bale is a con man in “American Hustle.”
Wide lapels and fiery fights In American Hustle, director David O. Russell’s latest exercise in confrontation, a fine cast works its way through the hideous styles and fashions of the 1970s to deliver a steady stream of diverting titillation. Russell and co-writer Eric Singer have taken a true story and given it some engaging plot twists, while lovingly exaggerating every character and situation. And if Singer and Russell had not taken such liberties, the movie would not be nearly as much fun. Christian Bale plays beefy Ir-
ving Rosenfeld, a small-time Bronx grifter in 1978 who takes great care with his mock-beaver comb-over. He has his hand in various schemes, mostly to support his unstable wife, Rosalyn (Jennifer Lawrence). Irving stumbles into swindling as well as a personal partnership with the highly duplicitous Sydney Prosser (Amy Adams), a matchup that ends with a bust by FBI agent Richie DiMaso (Bradley Cooper). Before long, Irving and soul mate Sydney conspire with DiMasio to bring down Carmine Polito (Jeremy Renner), the mayor of Camden, N.J. The movie expands the investigation long enough to ensnare members of Congress through the notorious Abscam scandal. None of this sounds much
out of the ordinary, but Russell orchestrates his scenes for maximum discomfort, raising overall ire with his trademark collisions. All of these combustible scenes benefit greatly from the army of behind-the-scenes technicians who adorn Adams and Lawrence in eye-catching, cleavage-accentuating costumes, while sprucing up the men’s hairstyles for constant amusement, if not amazement.
Russell’s work has consistently shown a fondness for supplying his actors with dialogue and then pairing them off and letting them rip at each other, sometimes joining in himself. Obviously, this fractious method has caused some problems over the years, but in films like American Hustle, it can bring needed energy to mundane scenes. For instance, at one point, Russell lets Oscar winner Lawrence loose for no reason. She screams, shakes, and then shimmies across the room, leaving the viewer fearing she will explode. Her actions may not help further define her character, but, like many directorial touches, it adds a telling spice to Russell’s tangy confection.
serve as visual distractions. With an excellent supporting cast: Jeffrey Wright, Elizabeth Banks, Stanley Tucci, Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson and Lenny Kravitz. Rated PG-13, 146 minutes. — B.A.
A Madea Christmas Coaxed into helping a friend pay her daughter a surprise holiday visit, the stern, sassy matriarch Madea (Tyler Perry) shakes up a small rural town preparing for its annual Christmas Jubilee. Rated
PG-13, 100 minutes. — Los Angeles Times Out of the Furnace (★★1⁄2) Casey Affleck and Christian Bale play two woeful brothers in a small Pennsylvania iron mill town. They look headed
in opposite directions but end up on the same path in this violent, gloomy film from co-writer and director Scott Cooper. Woody Harrelson plays the quintessential bad guy headed for a fall. Rated R, 116 minutes. — B.A.
Styling, script lend tang to ‘Hustle’ By Boo Allen Film Critic booa@att.net
American Hustle Rated R, 138 minutes. Opens Friday.
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COVER STORY
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Courtesy photo
Midlake includes, from left, Eric Nichelson, McKenzie Smith, Jesse Chandler, Eric Pulido, Joey McClellan and Paul Alexander. The Denton band headlines “A Spune Christmas” on Saturday at Dallas’ Texas Theatre.
Holidays, with a flourish Spune greets season with Midlake, more By Lucinda Breeding Features Editor cbreeding@dentonrc.com
pune put Denton’s Midlake at the top of the bill for one of several of the production company’s Christmas concerts in North Texas. The Denton band is still touring in support of one of the year’s most anticipated local releases, Antiphon, and continues on to the United Kingdom and Europe in 2014. Midlake isn’t the only band with strong Denton ties on the bill for “A Spune Christmas,” which happens Saturday at the Texas Theatre in Dallas’
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Oak Cliff. Dallas band Air Review makes regular treks to Little D, and Bethan is the brainchild of one-time University of North Texas student Jessi James Hall. Also on the lineup are a few other Dallas names: musician and producer Datahowler, jazz hip-hop cat Topic and experimental hip-hop artist Sam Lao (a protege of the underrated Dallas hip-hop artist and producer Brain Gang). Spune advertises the concert as a quiet night away from the daily grind, with the deal sweetened by the promise of craft cocktails and the company’s own recipe for wassail. While Midlake will definitely end the evening with gentle tidings, the party won’t be without beats. (Denton residents can vouch for Midlake’s exemplary treatment of
John Lennon’s “Happy Xmas (War Is Over),” should the band offer it as the gift it is for Spune fans.) And for a fair share of Midlake’s local fans, the concert will be the first time to hear live treatments of the new album. For Midlake, Antiphon represents a departure. It’s the band’s first recording since the departure of its lead vocalist Tim Smith, with guitarist Eric Pulido stepping in as the main man behind the mic. The change isn’t too jarring, but mostly because Midlake offers up another album that is at its best when digested in its entirety. The record features 10 tracks that retain the band’s easy listening sort of status — unfurling melodies and pretty harmonies laid over a bed of guitar, keyboard and
A SPUNE CHRISTMAS What: Midlake, Air Review, Bethan, Datahowler, Topic and Sam Lao, in music company Spune Productions’ annual holiday concert When: 8 p.m. Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. Where: Texas Theatre, 231 W. Jefferson Blvd. in Dallas Details: Tickets cost $12 in advance, $15 at the door. For reservations, visit http://bit.ly/1ccESPl. On the Web: http://spune.com/show/ spunechristmas
the occasional winds. And yet Antiphon is noticeably grittier, thanks in part to Pulido’s fret See SPUNE on 10
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From Page 9
Spune work, which feels a little more alt-rock in spots than the English folk-rock so often associated with the band. Like the 2010 release before it, Courage of Others, Antiphon unfolds very much like a concept album. The opening track is named for the sung liturgical response in higher-liturgy Christian churches. An antiphon is often a unison affirmation of Scripture, usually crafted poetically, and is sometimes a unison answer to an edict from the pulpit. So each track — especially the heavy-hearted “Provider” and the celebratory “The Old and the Young” — is a series of responses to the ever-hungry and happily secular marketplace. “Corruption” could be taken as a criticism of the false prophesy of unchecked capitalism. And remember, Midlake penned the record before the new pope wagged an anointed finger in the direction of the proudly craven Wall Streeters. “We went to the moon with oil tycoons,” Pulido sings, the last note of the phrase dropping off in an unexpected angle. The rest of the song comes in suggestions. “Bearing all the fruit, they own that too,” Pulido sings. “Slammed our daughter, religion, our father. Who is mother?” The song trails off with a guitar whining in the distance, carried by refrains of “ah.” “It’s Going Down” comes as close to rocking as any on the album. The mid-tempo song features up-tempo drumming and perhaps the most accessible songwriting on Antiphon. The album segues seamlessly into “Vale,” and then dips into Smithera flute phrases. There are bright flashes of this post-Smith Midlake. (We’ll say it here: There is a rock opera in this band’s future. The band should make it happen.) Midlake also keeps up its airy-fairy instrumentation, chimes and harp giving way to the expected flute on “Provider Reprise,” which actually sidesteps parody and answers the second track from a more powerful, assured standpoint. The orchestral-sounding
Dallas Morning News file photo
Datahowler performs at Club Dada in Dallas in March. bass drum punctuates the song with an authoritative pulse. In this reprise, the chorus gets the repeat. “Provider, carry on,” Pulido sings, sounding almost choirboy correct, with careful vowels and stable tenor. “Far from the golden age, following down the foxhole in the ground. Don’t delay. Carry on, far from the golden age.” Then, the song ends with a spacey, lava-like billow of noise and the hum of — what is that? — a cello? Savor any of Antiphon you can get at the concert. Some fans will show up at the show craving holiday music. Bethan can fill the need easily, and without offending the Advent-shy unchurched. Last winter, the band made Bethan Presents Christmas, a five-track EP that gives “Let All Mortal Flesh Keep Silence” a creepy foreboding before taking a major risk with “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” Retro rhythm guitar, brush drumming and sultry vocals by Hall paint a picture of a barfly waiting for her Christmas miracle — or a bloody end conjured by David Lynch. With this delivery, which would scald the souls of purists round the world, we get it. Hall is asking Emmanuel (which means “God with us,” remember) because we’re forsaken. If you want religion with this carol, search Spotify for Chanticleer’s Christmas music. Bethan gets things back on a more sacred track with a sweet and simple “O Holy Night.” No opera theatrics, no pipe organ bearing down on you. Just acoustic guitar and Hall’s voice eventually set against bass, violin and gorgeous harmony. LUCINDA BREEDING can be reached at 940-566-6877.
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DINING RESTAURANTS AMERICAN CUISINE
Scripture St. Mon-Sat 11-10, Sun 11:30-9. $-$$. 940-382-5437.
BARBECUE
Central Grill 1005 Ave. C. 940-3239464. Dusty’s Bar and Grill Laid-back bar just off the Square serves a beltbusting burger and fries, a kitchen homily for meat and cheese lovers. Seven plasma TVs for fans to track the game, or patrons can take part in interactive trivia and poker. Kitchen open throughout business hours. 119 S. Elm St. Daily noon-2am. $-$$. 940-243-7300. www.dustysbar.com. Hooligans 104 N. Locust St. 940442-6950. www.hooligansonline.com. The LABB 218 W. Oak St. 940-2934240. www.thelabbdenton.com. The Loophole Square staple has charming menu with cleverly named items, like Misdemeanor and Felony nachos. Decent range of burgers. 119 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am; food served until midnight. Full bar. $-$$. 940-565-0770. www.loopholepub. com. Pourhouse Sports Grill Classy sports bar and restaurant boasts large TVs and a theater-style media room and serves burgers, pizza, salads and generous main courses. Full bar. 3350 Unicorn Lake Blvd. Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11-12. $-$$. 940-484-7455. Rocky’s Sports Bar Big games on big screens plus some pretty big tastes, too. Now open for lunch. For finger food, roll chicken chipotle and battered jalapeno and onion strips are standouts. Homestyle burgers; savory Caesar salad with chicken. Full bar. 2000 W. University Drive. Daily 11am-2am. $. 940-382-6090. Rooster’s Roadhouse “We Ain’t Chicken” is what the eatery claims, though the menu kindly includes it on a sandwich and in a wing basket — plus barbecue, burgers and hangout appetizers (cheese fries, tamales, and queso and chips). Beer. 113 Industrial St. Sun-Wed 11-10; Thurs-Sat 11midnight. $. 940-382-4227. www.roosters-roadhouse.com. RT’s Neighborhood Bar 1100 Dallas Drive, Suite 124. 940-381-2277. Sweetwater Grill & Tavern It may claim a place among the world’s other memorable pubs, rathskellers, hangouts and haunts where the food satisfies as much as the libations that wash them down. 115 S. Elm St. Tues-Sat 11-2am, Sun-Mon 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-484-2888. www.sweetwatergrillandtavern.com. Treehouse Bar & Grill 1512 W. Hickory St. Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight. 940-484-7900. www.thetreehousedenton.com. II Charlies Bar & Grill 809 Sunset St. 940-891-1100.
Banter Bistro Gourmet sandwiches and salads, breakfast items, coffee and espresso. Beer and wine. 219 W. Oak St. Daily 10am-midnight. $. 940-565-1638. www.dentonbanter. com. Bochy’s Bistro Fusion menu grabs elements of European cuisines with many salad and sandwich selections. Winning Greek chicken lisi panini. Artful desserts: tuxedo cake, cream cheese brownie. 2430 I-35E, Suite 136. Mon-Thurs 8-3, Fri-Sat 8-9, Sun brunch 8-3. $$. 940-387-3354. www.bochys.com. Cachette Bistro 144 N. Old Town Blvd., Suite 1, Argyle. Mon-Fri 7:30am-5pm, Sat 8am-3pm. 940464-3041. www.cachettebistro.com. The Chestnut Tree Salads, sandwiches, soups and other lunch and brunch options served in back of small shop on the Square. Chicken pot pie is stellar. Tasty quiche. Decadent fudge lava cake and rich carrot cake. Revolving dinner menu. 107 W. Hickory St. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sat 9am-2:30pm; dinner Thurs-Sat 5:30-9pm. $-$$. 940-591-9475. www.chestnuttearoom.com. Sidewalk Bistro 2900 Wind River Lane, Suite 132. Sun-Mon 7am-3pm, Tues-Sat 7am-9pm. 940-591-1999. www.sidewalk-bistro.com.
ASIAN
BRITISH
Gobi Mongolian Grill and Asian Diner 717 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940387-6666. Mr. Chopsticks This pan-Asian eatery does a little Chinese, Japanese, Thai and even Indian food. Offers a plethora of tasty appetizers and entrees. Many vegetarian dishes (some with egg). Beer and wine. 1633
The Abbey Inn Restaurant & Pub Full bar. 101 W. Hickory St. Sun-Wed 11-10, Thurs-Sat 11-midnight. $-$$. 940-566-5483.
Clint’s BBQ Barbecue spot serves up brisket, ribs, pulled pork, sausage, chicken and breakfast too. 921 S. U.S. Highway 377, Aubrey. Tues-Thurs 6am-8pm; Fri-Sat 6am-9pm; Sun 6am-3pm. 940-365-9338. www.clintsbbq.com. Gold Mine BBQ 222 W. Hickory St., Suite 102. 940-387-4999. www. texasgoldminebbq.com. Metzler’s Bar-B-Q Much more than a barbecue joint, with wine and beer shop, deli with German foods and more. Smoked turkey is lean yet juicy; generous doses of delightful barbecue sauce. Tender, well-priced chicken-fried steak. Hot sausage sampler has a secret weapon: spicy mustard. Beer and wine. 628 Londonderry Lane. Daily 10:30am-10pm. $. 940591-1652. Old House BBQ 1007 Ave. C. 940383-3536. The Smokehouse Denton barbecue joint serves up surprisingly tender and juicy beef, pork, chicken and catfish. Good sauces, bulky sandwiches and mashed potatoes near perfection. Good pies and cobblers. Beer and wine. 1123 Fort Worth Drive. SunThurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$. 940566-3073.
BISTROS AND CAFES
BRUNCH Cups and Crepes Eatery serves up both traditional American and European breakfasts and lunch. Get biscuits
and gravy or test a crepe filled with rich hazelnut spread. Specialty coffees. 309 Fry St. Tues-Sun 8am-3pm. $. 940-387-1696. Loco Cafe Casual breakfast/lunch cafe that’s a sister restaurant to the Greenhouse Restaurant across the street. Signature plate is the Loco Moco: stacked hash browns topped with eggs, cheese, salsa or gravy with a fresh biscuit. 603 N. Locust St. Mon-Fri 6am-2pm; Sat-Sun 7am-3pm. $-$$. 940-387-1413. Royal’s Bagels & Deli 503 W. University Drive. Daily 6:30am-2pm. $. 940-808-1009. www.facebook. com/RoyalsBagels. Seven Mile Cafe Breakfast, brunch and lunch spot, including vegan options. 311 W. Congress St. Daily 7am-3pm. 940-808-0200. www. sevenmilecafe.com.
CHINESE Buffet King Dining spot serves more than 200 items of Chinese cuisine, Mongolian grill and sushi. 2251 S. Loop 288. Mon-Thurs 11-9:30, Fri-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-387-0888. Chinatown Cafe Bountiful buffet guarantees no visit need taste like another. Good selections include cucumber salad, spring rolls, orange chicken, crispy pan-fried noodles, beef with asparagus, steamed mussels. Beer and wine. 2317 W. University Drive. Mon-Thurs 11-9, Fri 11-10, Sat 11:30-10, Sun 11:30-10. $. 940-3828797. Golden China Small restaurant boasts quick and friendly service. Nice selections on buffet tables include wonton and egg drop soups, teriyaki chicken and hot pepper chicken. Beer and wine. 717 I-35E, Suite 100. Daily 11-10. $. 940-566-5588. Taipei Railroad Restaurant 4405 Pockrus Paige Road. Mon-Sat 5-9pm. 940-387-3871.
CREOLE Eminent Kings & Queens Creole Restaurant 1614 W. University Drive. Mon-Sat 10-9, Sun 1-7pm. 940-4650517. www.kingsandqueenscreole restaurant.com.
ECLECTIC Bears Den Food Safari Dine with two rescued bears at Sharkarosa Wildlife Ranch’s restaurant, specializing in brick oven pizza. Full bar. 11670 Massey Road, Pilot Point. Tues-Fri 5-9pm, Sat 11am-10pm, Sun 11am-4pm. $-$$. 940-489-3064. www.bearsden texas.com. Denton Square Donuts 208 W. Oak St. Daily 7:30am-5:30pm. 940220-9447. www.dsdonuts.com. All About Mac This “macaroni and cheese emporium” near UNT offers more than two dozen flavors. 1206 W. Hickory St. Sun-Thurs 11-10, Fri-Sat 11am-3am. 940-808-1003. www.all aboutmacrestaurants.com.
FINE DINING The Great American Grill at Hilton Garden Inn, 3110 Colorado Blvd. Dinner: Daily 5-10pm. 940-891-4700. The Greenhouse Restaurant Casual dining atmosphere complements fresh seafood, beef and chick-
DINING PROFILE AND LISTINGS POLICY Restaurant profiles and listings are compiled by the Denton Record-Chronicle and The Dallas Morning News. A comprehensive list of Dallas-Fort Worth area restaurants is available at www.guidelive.com Denton Time publishes restaurant profiles and a guide of restaurants that have been featured in the weekly dining section and online at DentonRC.com. Profiles and listings are not related to advertising and are published as space is available. Denton Time does not publish reviews. Incorrect information can be reported by e-mail to drc@dentonrc.com, by phone to 940-566-
en from the grill. Even vegetarian selections get a flavor boost from the woodpile. Starters are rich: spinachartichoke dip, asiago olives. Refined cocktails and rich desserts. Patio dining available. 600 N. Locust St. Mon-Thurs 11-10, Fri 11-11, Sat 12-11, Sun noon-9 (bar stays open later). $-$$. 940-484-1349. www.greenhouse restaurantdenton.com. Hannah’s Off the Square Executive chef Sheena Croft’s “upscale comfort food” puts the focus on local, seasonal ingredients. Steaks get A-plus. Tempting desserts. Full bar. No checks. 111 W. Mulberry St. Lunch: Mon-Sat 11-3. Brunch: Sun 10:30am-3pm. Dinner: Sun-Mon 4:30-9; Tues-Thurs 4:30-10; Fri-Sat 4:30-11. $$-$$$. 940-566-1110. www.hannahsoffthesquare.com. Queenie’s Steakhouse Chef Tim Love’s steakhouse just off the downtown Square. Live jazz nightly. Full bar. 115 E. Hickory St. Lunch: Fri 11:30-2:30. Dinner: Wed-Thurs 4:3010pm, Fri-Sat 4:30-11pm. $$-$$$. 940-442-6834. www.queeniessteak house.com. The Wildwood Inn Elegant dining room tucked away in a bed and breakfast. Excellent food like hearty soups, Angus rib-eye, meal-size salads and daily specials. Beer and wine. 2602 Lillian Miller Parkway. Thurs-Sat 6-10pm. $$$. 940-2434919. www.denton-wildwoodinn.com.
GERMAN Gerhard’s German Restaurant 222 W. Hickory St. 940-381-6723. www.gvrestaurants.com.
HAMBURGERS Burger Time Machine 301 W. University Drive. 940-384-1133. Burguesa Burger 214 E. Hickory St. 940-442-6113. www.burguesa.com. Cool Beans Funky atmosphere in old building. Menu offers foodstuffs that go well with a cold beer — fried
6860 or by fax to 940-566-6888. To be considered for a profile, send the restaurant name,address, phone nuber, days and hours of operation and a copy of the menu to: Denton Time Editor, P.O. Box 369, Denton, TX 76202. Please indicate whether the restaurant is new or has changed ownership, chefs or menus.
PRICE KEY Average complete inner per person, including appetizer, entree and dessert. $ Less than $10 $$ $10-$25 $$$ $25-$50 $$$$ More than $50
things, nachos, hamburgers, etc. Veggie burger too dependent on salt, but good fries are crispy with skin still attached. Full bar. 1210 W. Hickory St. Daily 11am-2am. $. 940-382-7025. Denton County Independent Hamburger Co. Custom-built burgers with a juicy, generous patty, fresh fixings on a worthy bun. Also available: chicken sandwich and limited salad bar. Beer. 715 Sunset St. Mon-Sat 11-8. $. 940-382-3037. Lone Star Attitude Burger Co. Gourmet burgers, sandwiches, salads and more in a joint that doubles as a shrine to Texas music and has a rooftop view of the Square. Full bar. 113 W. Hickory St. Mon-Wed 11ammidnight, Thurs-Sat 11am-2am, Sun 11am-midnight. $-$$. 940-383-1022. www.lsaburger.com. Mr. Frosty Old-timey joint has all your fast-food faves but with homemade quality, including its own root beer. Atmosphere and jukebox take you back to the ’50s. 1002 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Sun 11am-11pm. $. 940387-5449. RG Burgers & Grill 2430 S. I-35E, Suite 172. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. 940-383-2431. www.bochys.com/ rgs.html.
HOME COOKING Babe’s Chicken Dinner House 204 N. Fourth St., Sanger. Tues-Fri 4:30-9pm, Sat 11-9 and Sun 11-3. $-$$. 940-458-0000. Bonnie’s Kitchen 6420 N. I-35. 940-383-1455. Cartwright’s Ranch House Restaurant on the Square serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, featuring chicken-fried steak, hamburgers and steaks. Family-style service available. 111 N. Elm St. 940-387-7706. www.cartwrightsranchhouse.com. Jay’s Cafe 110 W. Main St., Pilot Point. 940-686-0158.
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DINING Continued from Page 11 OldWest Cafe As winner of the Best Breakfast and Best Homestyle Cooking titles in Best of Denton 2009 through 2013, this eatery offers a wide selection of homemade meals. Denton location: 1020 Dallas Drive. Mon-Sat 6am-2pm, Sun 7am-2pm. $. 940-382-8220. Sanger location: 711 N. Fifth St. Daily 7am-2pm. 940-4587358. 817-442-9378. Prairie House Restaurant Open since 1989, this Texas eatery serves up mesquite-grilled steaks, baby-back ribs, buffalo burgers, chicken-fried rib-eyes and other assorted dishes. 10001 U.S. Highway 380, Cross Roads. Daily 7:30am-10pm. $-$$. 940-4409760. www.phtexas.com.
ICE CREAM Beth Marie’s Old-Fashioned Ice Cream and Soda Fountain Parlor with lots of yummy treats, including more than 40 ice creams made on premises. Soups and sandwiches at lunch. 117 W. Hickory St. Mon-Wed 11-10pm; Thurs 11-10:30; Fri-Sat 11-11:15; Sun noon-10pm. 940-384-1818. Unicorn Lake location: 2900 Wind River Lane. Mon-Wed 11-9; Thurs 11-10; Fri-Sat 11-11; Sun noon-9pm. 940-5911010. www.bethmaries.com.
INDIAN Bawarchi Biryani Point 909 Ave. C. 940-898-8889. www.bawarchi biryanipoint.com. Rasoi, The Indian Kitchen Housed in a converted gas station, this Indian dining spot offers a small but carefully prepared buffet menu of curries (both meat and vegetarian), beans, basmati rice and samosas. 1002 Ave. C. Daily 11am-9:30pm. $. 940-5666125.
JAPANESE Avocado Sushi Restaurant 2430 S. I-35E, Suite 126. 940-383-9812. I Love Sushi 917 Sunset St. MonThurs 11am-3pm & 5-10pm, Fri 11am-3pm & 5-10:30pm; Sat noon-10:30pm; Sun 12:30-9pm. $$. 940-891-6060. J Sushi 1400 S. Loop 288, Suite 100. 940-387-8833. jsushibar.com. Keiichi Sushi chef Keiichi Nagano turns eel, fluke, squid, salmon, yellowtail and tuna into sashimi. Daily fish specials and pasta dishes served with an Asian flair. Homemade tiramisu and fruit sorbets. Wine and beer. 500 N. Elm St. Tues-Sat 5-11. $$-$$$. 940-382-7505. Shogun Steakhouse & Sushi Bar 3606 S. I-35E, Suite 100. 940-3827800. Sushi Cafe 1401 W. Oak St. 940380-1030.
KOREAN Czen 408 North Texas Blvd. 940383-2387.
MEXICAN/TEX-MEX Casa Galaviz Comfortable, homey atmosphere at small, diner-style restaurant that caters to the morning and noon crowd. Known for homemade flour tortillas and authentic Mexican dishes from barbacoa to menudo. BYOB. 508 S. Elm St. MonFri 7-7; Sat-Sun 7-5. $. 940-387-2675. Chilitos Delicious guacamole; albondigas soup rich with chunky vegetables and big, tender meatballs. Standout: savory pork carnitas. Attentive, friendly staff. Menudo on weekends, breakfast anytime. Daily lunch specials. Full bar. 621 S. Lake Dallas Drive, Lake Dallas. Mon-Fri 11-9, Sat 10-9. $-$$. 940-321-5522. El Chaparral Grille Restaurant serves a duo of American and Mexican-style dishes for breakfast, lunch and catering events. Daily specials, and breakfast buffet on Sundays. 324 E. McKinney St., Suite 102. Mon-Fri 7am-2pm; Sun 8am-2pm. $. 940-2431313. El Guapo’s Huge menu encompasses Tex-Mex and Mexican standards as well as ribs, brisket and twists like Santana’s Supernatural Quesadillas (fajita chicken and bacon) and jalapeno-stuffed shrimp. Ilada Parilla Asada steak with avocado was a little salty; enchiladas are very good. Full bar. 419 S. Elm St. Mon-Fri 11-10, Sat-Sun 11-11. $$. 940-566-5575. Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Eatery stakes claim of wide variety in local taco territory. Soft and crispy tacos available with shrimp, fish, chicken, garlic shredded beef and veggies. Breakfast burritos too. Beer, wine and margaritas. $. Multiple locations. Downtown Denton: 115 Industrial St. Mon-Tues 6:30am-10pm, Wed 6:30am-11pm, Thurs 6:30am-midnight, Fri-Sat 7am-2am, Sun 6:30am-10pm. 940380-8226. I-35E location: 2412 S. I-35E, 940-488-4779. La Estrella Mini Market 602 E.
McKinney St. 940-566-3405. La Mexicana Strictly authentic Mexican with enough Tex-Mex to keep locals happy. Chili relleno is a winner, with earthy beans and rice. Chicken enchiladas are complex, savory. Also available: more than a dozen seafood dishes, and menudo served daily. Beer. 619 S. Locust St. Daily 9-10. $. 940-483-8019. La Milpa Mexican Restaurant 820 S. I-35E, Suite 101. 940-3828470. Los Toreros 2900 Wind River Lane, Suite 134. Sun-Thurs 11am-9:30pm; Fri-Sat 11am-midnight. 940-390-7693. Mazatlan Mexican Restaurant Authentic Mexican dining includes worthy chicken enchiladas and flautas. Fine standard combo choices and breakfast items with reasonable prices. Quick service. Beer and wine. 1928 N. Ruddell St. Tues-Fri 11-9:30, Sat 8am-9:30pm, Sun 8-4. $. 940566-1718. Mi Casita Mexican Food Fresh, tasty, no-frills Tex-Mex at good prices. Tacos, fajitas, quesadillas, chalupas and more plus daily specials and breakfast offerings. Fast and friendly service. Beer and wine. 110 N. Carroll Blvd. Mon-Sat 7am-9pm. $. 940-891-1932. Mi Casita Express: 905 W. University Drive, 940-891-1938. Mi Casita: 2221 S. I-35E, 940-891-1500. Miguelito’s Mexican Restaurant The basics: brisk service, family atmosphere and essential selections at a reasonable price. Sopapillas and flan are winners. Beer and margaritas. 1412 N. Stemmons St., Sanger. 940458-0073. Mi Ranchito Small, family-operated, authentic Tex-Mex spot with $5.50 lunch specials Tues-Fri. Beer. 122 Fort Worth Drive. Tues-Thurs 11am-3pm, 5-9:30pm; Fri-Sun 11-10. $. 940-3811167. Raphael’s Restaurante Mexicano Not your standard Tex-Mex — worth the drive. Sampler appetizer comes with crunchy chicken flautas, fresh guacamole. Pechuga (grilled chicken breast) in creme good to the
last bite, and beef fajitas are juicy and flavorful. Full bar. 26615 U.S. 380 East, Aubrey. Tues-Sat 11-10, Sun 11-9. $-$$. 940-440-9483. Rusty Taco 210 E. Hickory St. 940483-8226. www.therustytaco.com. Taco Lady 1101 E. McKinney St. 940-380-8188. Taqueria El Picante 1305 Knight St., Suite A. Mon-Fri 10-6, Sat-Sun 8-5. 940-382-2100. Tortilleria Tierra Caliente 1607 E. McKinney St., Suite 800. 940-5916807. Tortilleria La Sabrocita 201 Dallas Drive. 940-382-0720. Veronica’s Cafe 803 E. McKinney St. 940-565-9809. Villa Grande Mexican Restaurant 12000 U.S. 380 East, Cross Roads. 940-365-1700. Denton location: 2530 W. University Drive, 940382-6416.
MIDDLE EASTERN Green Zatar Family-owned restaurant/market does it all from scratch, and with speed. Meats like gyros and succulent Sultani Kebab, plus veggie combo and crunchy falafel. Superb saffron rice and sauteed vegetables; impressive baklava. BYOB. 609 Sunset St. Daily 11-10. $-$$. 940-3832051. www.greenzatar.com.
versity Drive. 940-566-1823. New York Sub Hub $. 906 Ave. C. Mon-Sat 10-10, Sun 11-10. 940-3833213. Other locations: 1400 S. Loop 288, Suites 102-2, in Denton Crossing; Mon-Sun 10:30-10; 940-383-3233. 4271 FM2181, No. 308, in Corinth; Mon-Sat 10:30-9, Sun 11-7; 940-4972530. Weinberger’s Deli Chicago-style sandwiches including the Italian beef bistro, sausages, gyros, soups and more. 311 E. Hickory St., Suite 110. Mon-Sat 10am-7pm, Sun 10am-3pm. 940-566-5900. www.weinbergers denton.com.
SEAFOOD Dani Rae’s Gulf Coast Kitchen 2303 S. I-35E. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-898-1404. Frilly’s Seafood Bayou Kitchen Plenty of Cajun standards and Texas fusion plates. Everything gets plenty of spice — sometimes too much. Sides like jalapeno cornbread, red beans and rice are extra. Beer and wine. 1925 Denison St. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-9:30. $$. 940-243-2126. Hoochie’s Oyster House 207 S. Bell Ave. Sun-Thurs 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm. 940-383-0104. http:// hoochiesoysterhouse.com.
STEAK NATURAL/VEGETARIAN The Bowllery Rice, noodle and veggie bowls featuring sauces and dressings made from scratch, with teriyaki and other meats. Fresh juices and smoothies. 901 Ave. C, Suite 101. Tues-Sun 11am-9pm. $-$$. 940-3832695. http://thebowllery.com. Cupboard Natural Foods and Cafe Cozy cafe inside food store serves things the natural way. Winning salads; also good soups, smoothies and sandwiches, both with and without meat. Wonderful breakfast. 200 W. Congress St. Mon-Sat 8-8, Sun 10-7. $. 940-387-5386.
SANDWICHES New York Sub-Way 305 W. Uni-
Ranchman’s Cafe Legendary cafe sticks to old-fashioned steaks and tradition. Oversized steaks and delicious chicken-fried steak. Homey meringue pies; order baked potato ahead. BYOB. 110 W. Bailey St., Ponder. Sun-Thurs 11-9, Fri-Sat 11-10. $-$$$. 940-479-2221. www.ranch man.com. Trail Dust Steak House Informal dress (neckties will be clipped). Dance to live C&W. 26501 U.S. 380 East, Aubrey. $$. 940-365-4440. www.trailduststeaks.net.
VIETNAMESE Viet Bites 702 S. Elm St. 940-8081717. Mon-Thurs 11-8:30; Fri-Sun 11-9. www.vietbites.com.
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