BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES

I was with Cherri Oakley today, who told me she has lunch tomorrow with the Morton’s Steakhouse peep from Chicago and she is worried about this weather. As a Chicago-born girl, I told her, they are going to get here and see the snow (or tinges of it) and go, big deal. We Chicagoans are used to troublesome weather and you just get up, go out, and carry on! But I did spend the day protecting all the plants now nestled in our $200 Flowerhouse greenhouse.
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RE: TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE

I agree, Paige, that the talent at Tillman’s is top class. And I’ve seen a sample menu. Looks delicious. (Who doesn’t love them some truffled popcorn for a free starter? Beats chips and salsa.) But for those of us who live in the OC, we’ll miss the old Tillman’s Corner a little. Ricky Tillman was a pioneer. He and his wife opened their Bishop Arts restaurant back when nothing was going on in the famed entertainment district. Now eateries like Hattie’s, Veracruz, and the newly open Cafe Madrid entice diners to traverse the murky Trinity for fine cuisine in Da Hood. Ricky has passed away but his wife Sara keeps the legacy going. It looks like her and Todd will have a hit on their hands. But I can’t help but be just a little sad for the old Corner. Sniff.

TILLMAN’S ROADHOUSE

Just got off the phone with Todd Fiscus who told me all about his new restaurant (so new they don’t move the furniture in until Thurs!) and let me tell you, this is going to be something to crow about! Hit jump for the scoop.
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PA RUM PUM PUM RUMTOPF

For the girl who has everything, bet she won’t have this. Rumtopf Pots are filled with seasonal fresh fruits, rum or brandy, and sugar to ferment for 3 months. After fermentation, you’ve got a healthy little compote for desserts and champagne (recipe here). It’s the gift that keeps on giving. No, literally: it’s, like, three months later and it’s still giving. Cool!

WHAT’S YOUR LOT SIZE, BABY

So I’m reading the good ole PCP when I happen upon Merritt Patterson’s column “So You Want to Move to the Bubble”.

She writes: “You must know your lot size and be ready to compare it to others. You should also know about “the station wagon man” that lives at Purdue and Dickens and be able to give an educated guess as to what his pie-shaped lot would go for.”

Anybody from outside the Park Cities know their lot size by heart? I can barely remember my own address, so I’m out. And what’s the story on the station wagon man?

RE: ART THERAPY

What is it about the cropped image that makes it even more interesting? OK, those weren’t my words, but theirs, and I second the thought!

Also interesting: Chow.com’s “Fork on the Left, Knife on the Floor,” where four designers have reinterpreted the classic place setting. It should give you tons of great ideas for your holiday dinner parties! My favorite? Hard to pick. But Jason Miller’s tiny mariachi is pretty dern cute. Check it out.

GLOBAL WARMING CASE IN COURT TODAY

The Supreme Court is hearing arguments today over one of the largest environmental cases in recent history. The pivotal question being answered is, can the government regulate producers of greenhouse gases? Obviously, energy producing states like Texas, and law makers who support Bush, would vote no. Many others, including the majority in 15 states, vehemently disagree. Should be an interesting day in court…. If the federal government rules in favor of more stringent regulation, there will be huge ripples down the CO2 emissions chain, including potential impact for homebuilders. Recent numbers released by the USGBC show that the byproducts of residential construction are large contributors to the emissions/global warming problem.

RE: STORM YARD PREP

I checked with the Master Gardener hotline 214-904-3050, and they agree with the advice that was on the front page of the Dallas Morning News this morning. Well watered yards and well mulched potted plants should weather this cold snap very well. The ground is still warm enough to prevent any freeze damage - jut make sure your yard isn’t dry.

RE: GREENDIMES

Hey Paige - Don’t you love it when Daily Candy sends out info that is actually worthwhile? I get so irritated with the advertising they now allow to be sent to subscribers… However, GreenDimes is really a great organization - serious about doing the right thing. I encourage everyone to check it out!

ART THERAPY

Escape from the mall Friday, and check out Janaki Lennie’s ethereal oil paintings at Holly Johnson Gallery. This work, aptly named “Breathing Space”, has to be the polar opposite of crowds, bright lights, and too many Christmas carols. Namaste.

DALLAS ARCHITECTURE FORUM *TONIGHT*

If you’re feeling a little washed out & need something to spark your imagination (what? The inflatables aren’t working?), stop by the Dallas Architecture Forum tonight for a speech from scientist turned public servant Jeremy Harris, advocate of urban environmental issues, former mayor of Honolulu, & author of Honolulu: The Sustainable Rebirth of an American City. I’ll be there with bells on! And don’t worry if you’re not an architect- I can barely tie my own shoes and I still love these lectures.

Tonight, 7PM (6PM reception)
Horchow Auditorium
Dallas Museum of Art

JUNK REMOVAL

From today’s Daily Candy something homeowners needs and greenies will love:

What kills 100 million trees a year, uses 28 billion gallons of water, and weighs about 70 pounds? Junk mail. Greendimes is doing its part to change that. Sign up for the service, and for ten cents a day they will stalk, scream, and stop the madness on your behalf. Choose from three membership levels: Seedlings pay $3 a month (plus credit card fees), Saplings pay $36 per year, and Trees are freed from junk mail for life for just $360.