Who Says Dreams Don’t Come True?

The Trophy Husband was suspiciously AWOL from our marital bed yesterday morning.  I suspected he was dashing to Target to select a gnome at the behest of The Spawn. 

I was right.

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Let’s Talk Meat

Did you know that May is National BBQ Month? Like teacher appreciation week and Black History Month, it’s more awareness than anything else. And because I don’t live with a barbecue expert (dad) anymore, it’s time to learn. Good ole J.W. Foster, the Fairmont’s chef, is reviewing all things Texas barbecue: preparing ribs, sausage, and brisket; using a variety of different woods to enhance the meat’s flavor; learning how to create your own sauces. Post-lecture, enjoy meat and libations. For reservations and details, call 214-720-5340. $95 per person.

Mother’s Day’s Ideas (x4)

1. Time with Mom: Swiss Avenue Historic District Mother’s Day Home & Garden Tour, May 10 and 11. Promote historic preservation and citizen involvement while securing the title of best child. $15 in advance, $20 at the door.
2. Sweets with Mom: Cakes from La Duni Latin Café are now available online with a 5 percent discount. Order favorites such as the famed Quatro Leches Cake, and save yourself half the calories by splitting it con tu mama.
3. Flowers for Mom: See No. 2. La Duni now offers signature arrangements (at left) of Amazon roses, tulips, lilies, and orchids online. With 72 hours notice and a few clicks, La Duni’s signature arrangements will be made to order at $20 and up.
4. Best choice: All the above.

Everyone Gets Cake

Peggy and I just returned from cake and champagne at George Cameron Nash’s showroom. (150 Dallas Design Center) People, there’s still time to enjoy petit fours and Veuve Clicquot. Drop by today, and wish George a happy 21st birthday. Also, enjoy the luscious bright flowers (excuse the poor cell phone image) by Chris Whanger.

Slick Returns Home, Canine Amber Alert Cancelled

Excitement abounds at Chez Tackett.

As I returned home from my early morning garden center run to cherry-pick crimson hued zinnias…I saw my Trophy Husband standing on the corner of our cul-de-sac.  His car was parked akimbo to the curb.  Said spouse was waving his arms, then crouched, then began making kissing gestures.  I assumed this was directed toward me. 

My heart filled with mushy girl feelings, thinking of how loving and romantic my man is, and then I saw the object of my husband’s attention.   

Meet Slick, a Boston terrier/rat terrier mix, and longtime Waterview neighborhood resident.

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A New Voice On The Block

Amanda Tackett joins D Home in the morning as our newest blogger. You already know her from Amanda’s Dream House. She’s nervous, so help her out. I don’t get why — Amanda is locally famous with a cult following of Dream House groupies and one of the funniest writers in town. She’s got plenty to talk about — she’s doing all the renovations on a fabulous but crumbling 60s era house herself. I can’t wait to see what she blogs about first…

April in Paris in Inwood Village

If you haven’t had a chance to sample this, shame on you. Our favorite souffle restaurant Rise No.1, featured in the March DHome and the May DMagazine, is having French accordian music on the patio on Saturday, and, of course, dinner on Friday and Saturday. All part of Inwood Village’s family friendly weekend event, I’m sure there will be music, food and fun everywhere.

Trinity and Design District

More controversy about Lower Oak Lawn - the people responsible for efforts behind branding the Design District as “Trinity and Design District” are having a problem with the new name of Lower Oak Lawn. Yesterday, Ed Oakley, Bob Darrouset, Gary Elam, and Brendon Bass discussed the fact that not one of them had been consulted, and that the Wood Partners that are building the proposed condominiums were not aware of this new name. Seems that this decision was made by Pegasus Ablon Properties, and that to close streets and access TIF dollars, they will have to go through the political process. I’m just reporting, but it seems it may be time for the new kid to make nice with the neighbors.

Ed Harris Look-Alike in the Fairmont Kitchen

Candy tells us at a meeting a few weeks ago that there’s a good looking chef doing some exciting things with the cuisine at the Fairmont Hotel. “He looks like George Harris,” Candy says. George Harrison? We wondered. “No, not the Beatle,” Candy says. “Ed Harrison?” she suggested. “Ah, Ed Harris,” we said in unison. Well, no matter who he looks like, the word on the ground is that the new executive chef, J.W. Foster, is using all sorts of local purveyors for Texas quail, venison, and even grapefruit. We’ve also heard he’s instituted some wide ranging “green” procedures for the kitchens. He even bicycles to work. What’s the verdict on the food? I appeal to you, dear readers.

Quick, Dig Out The Limoges

PBS Antiques Roadshow porcelain appraisers David Lackey and Debby DuBay will be in Dallas April 10 & 11 at Forestwood Antiques Mall…

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Park Cities Home Tour

Don’t miss the Park Cities Historical and Preservation Society home tour this weekend. It may be crummy weather, but when else can you: wander through a new home at 3507 Crescent that truly complements the area; enjoy a 1915 bungalow at 3511 Lindenwood; visit a 1926 Tudor being restored according to the original blueprints at 4209 Arcady; walk through an original Hal Thomson at 4329 Livingston; or, my personal favorite, enjoy the salon like living room at 4340 Versailles, where I intend to spend many deep thinking evenings (possibly involving Malbec wine) with my friend Christine Allison.

Interview with Philippe Starck

Philippe Starck seems to be sending mixed messages these days. D Magazine Frontburner reviewed this interview where the French designer proclaimed “design is dead”. Last week at West Week in LA, Starck and David Sutherland unveiled a new collection “RobinWood”, which is the first collaboration between the two furniture giants. Read below for the interview - I think Starck had a great time designing this extraordinary collection, and talks about it in his usual mischievous, irreverant way. But, maybe he just had a great time working with David Sutherland. Wait one month for the May DHome to see more. (more…)

More Artful Blooms at Fashion in the Park

Sure, the focus was fashion, but there was some fabulous floral rivaling the couture. At the left is Rachael Wise of Cymbidium’s sunny frock made of yellow roses at Club Monaco. While visiting with Club Monaco’s Stacey Casper, she suggested a trend that has been popping up in both fashion and home accessories. I’m going to follow it and share my finds with you soon. At right is a sample of the purple orchids filling the mall; the planters from Neiman Marcus to Dillard’s are simply spilling over with these beauties.

Screen Door

Look for the opening of One Arts Plaza’s “down home” restaurant Screen Door next month. I don’t know about down home - I would say it will be more Southern mansion, since George Nash and Terry Sweeney are doing the interior design. And, luxury brand Cameron Collection is making it’s first big move into the contract furniture arena by making all the seating. I saw the dining chairs in the finishing stage, hand rubbed, by the way, no sprayed on finish here. This is truly a Dallas restaurant with a Dallas owner, Scott Jones, by Dallas designers, and with Dallas made furniture. Count those tax dollars.

Bunny Williams’ “Point of View”

Dallas is laying out the red carpet for famed interior designer Bunny Williams this weekend and Monday. First, a patron party on Saturday, then a talk and luncheon at “Art in Bloom” the annual floral symposium benefiting the DMA, and on to a book signing and fashion show at Forty Five Ten on McKinney. Her new book “Point of View” will be a must-see - she’s one of the most talented and experienced designers on the planet, her list of clients from the last 3 decades is a who’s who of influential people. And don’t forget her garden shop Treillage in Manhattan is the model for all the fresh garden shops that have sprung up in the last few years.

Models at One Arts Plaza

Yesterday was busy. After the presentation at Walter Lee Culp, I went to One Arts Plaza to see the models that my friends at Scott+Cooner did. Of course, they are flawless. But, what can you expect with architecture by Lionel Morrison, furniture from Scott+Cooner, art from Marty Walker and Holly Johnson, and rugs from Odegard? Both models had grand terraces big enough for dining tables and seating areas - just one problem. The noise from 75 made it hard to carry on a conversation. Oh well, I guess you could always pretend it was the sound of the ocean, or, as Laura suggested, have cocktails at 4 am.

Baccarat’s Dark Side

Baccarat is old school, like 1764, circa Louis XV. Although I typically think of them in this sort of clear crystal variety, they’ve been producing small quantities of black crystal for years. Lately there’s been a black splash; you’ve probably spotted a black chandelier or two, but with the recent enlistment of Philippe Starck who’s reinvented pieces in the modern context, black is back. (Or as the Dallas store’s manager said, “Black is way in.”) The stems shown are not Philippe’s; they are the handy work of design student Stephanie Balini of the Ecole Nationale Superieures des Arts Decoratif. Using black and clear crystal, Stephanie created two stemware collections, “day” and “night.” I prefer the night glasses, but you won’t know what’s floating in your glass. Four custom decorated glasses, $2,500.

Lower Oak Lawn?

I just got back in town and read about this in Dallas Dirt. After all the efforts to have a cohesive design district, including arts and antiques, and showrooms, I can’t believe the choice of names would be Lower Oak Lawn. What happened to the Dallas Art and Design District? That kind of reinforces the area, and makes it the kind of shopping destination that it should be all over the Southwest. It’s great to have restaurants, we’ve wanted them forever, but what do you lose in the translation, if you don’t have the D word (decorative or design) anywhere? I agree with Martha Tiller, I think some store owners that have been in the area forever are going to be pretty unhappy.

Paige Phelps

Okay Paige, even though you referred to me vaguely as “the writer of the blog” in your post at your fancy new job at the News, I’ll ignore it. Notice I used your full name in the title, no less.

Ebby Halliday’s Birthday

Was yesterday. And the bamboo-patterned chairs from her office done by the late interior designer Audrey Price are, for some reason, scattered all over Barney’s shoe department. Or at least they were for the fun D Magazine party at Barneys. I mean, when a girl wants to try on shoes, sometimes she just needs her own special chair…

Culinary Connection Has Trasloco-ed

Jessica and I were up at Fusion Home Fashion last week, and when we stopped by Culinary Connection, we found it empty. Turns out, it has trasloco-ed a mere 400 feet away on Bishop Street (E-10) near Cru Wine Bar (convenient planning on the part of owner Pam Vincent). If you don’t make it up there before then, stop by April 4 for the grand reopening featuring Tuscan hors d’oeuvres and vino. Buon appetito!

City by Design

Sometimes we complain about bad design in Dallas, let’s not forget there’s a lot of good design. “City by Design” is a new series of coffee table books, (we love coffee table books) about architecture and design by Brian Carabet, and he starts right here in Dallas. The focus on the book is work done by local architects and features over 50 projects including the Belmont Hotel in Oak Cliff, Nobu restaurant, and the RadioShack campus in Fort Worth. Read the DMN article here. And be proud.

Victory Park Parking Situation

Ever thought, “I’d really like to pop down to Haven for some shopping?” But then wondered–dun dun duh–”where will I park?” Victory Park’s got your back (tires, that is). Today marks the dawn of complementary valet Thursdays through Sundays from noon-5 p.m. The drop-off is Victory Park Lane and Museum Way. (And I know the resemblance is striking, but that isn’t my Jetta featured in the photo.)

Dallas Contemporary

Beau Black and Stephen Dunn hosted a party at their new swank new home introducing the design community to the newest addition to the Design District - Dallas Contemporary museum is moving to 161 Glass St. Their current lease on Swiss Ave ends in 2009, and they have bought an old industrial building that is being magically renovated by the award-winning architect Edward Baum. Director Joan Davidow presented the plans with a little history of their mission and the compelling reason for a contemporary museum as well as the encyclopedic DMA. This is what excites me - it is the meeting point between art and design, and a great way to really make the district a fusion of both.

NYLO Opens in Style

Another hotel opening? It’s not where you are thinking. NYLO Hotel, in Plano near McAfee, Pepsico, and other corporate headquarters, aims to cater to business travelers. Room rates are reasonable. (In fact this weekend, book a room for one night at $119 and get the second night free. More than doable.) The polished concrete floors, exposed brick, and mod furniture are a delightful departure from the uninspiring pastel palette most travelers expect. The pizazz can be attributed to designer Stephane Dupoux, who has created award-winning restaurants and nightspots such as New York’s Cielo and Buddha Bar and London’s Cocoon. (I shouldn’t leave out Project Runway’s Daniel Vosovic either.) The Loft restaurant features pink faux cowhides, straw-filled plexiglas tables, his infamous cocoon chairs, and orangesicle-colored accents. Perfect for a TX Exes party.

DIFFA Gems

 Feast your eyes on these pups generously lent to me by J. Pacetti for DIFFA, where everyone is be-jewelled — design by Mauboussin in 18K yellow gold: 55 cts diamonds, 15 cts rubies, 15 cts sapphires, 15 cts emeralds. And they felt like heaven to wear.

Elloise Abbott and Rusty Arena

Rusty Arena, one of the most talented textile artists we know, has just announced his new partnership with Betsie Weatherford, owner of the Elloise Abbott showrooms. We say perfect, because Rusty is as talented as they come, and, like many terrifically creative people, could use a little business savvy. Betsie has all that, and she’s represented Arena Design for years. Look for lots of new delicious product from this “21st century Fortuny.”

March Design Calendar

[Karim Rashid, left, will speak at the Dallas Architecture Forum March 29]

March 3: Meet the great Italian product designer Alessio Alessi at his new Dallas store, Alessi Dallas, located at 629 Preston Royal Shopping Center.

March 5: Dallas designer and showroom owner Jan Showers is previewing her new spring shipment from Paris. 1308 Slocum Street. Lunch from 11:30 - 1. RSVP, 214.747.5252

March 25: Patrick Frey, president of French fabric house Pierre Frey, will talk about the history of French textiles and how they are used today in modern interiors. 4pm presentation, cocktails from 5-6pm, at Walter Lee Culp Associates. 214.651.0510.

March 29: Celebrated pop designer Karim Rashid will join designer and architect Christopher Deam and architect and urban designer Howard Elkus at a symposium for the Dallas Architecture Forum. The trio will discuss interior and product design from 9 am - 1pm, at the Inwood Theater. $50 per ticket, 214.764.2406 for ticket information.

News on Newport

The Newport Collection is alive and well, thanks, on Slocum St and at the Elloise Abbott showroom. Yes, Blair Newport has cancer, but he is responding well to treatment, and Dennis is taking good care of the showroom. Go see him, and ask about Blair while you’re at it. Blair is one of my favorite people in the industry - he is such a gentleman, and, having grown up at the EC Dicken showroom, he is truly an expert on antiques. Get well, we need you back.

Joy and Sadness at Rise

In a few weeks, you’ll be reading a feature on Rise in DHome, the wonderful new restaurant in Inwood Village that has opened to unbelievable success. You’ll hear about the delicious souffles and the unconventional furnishings. What you won’t read is that this is Hedda Dowd’s dream finally realized - she hounded her partner Mark McGuire for several years before he said yes, he would go in with her. Her vision is a decidedly un-hurried dining experience where patrons can relax on old sofas, maybe read a book or become friendly with otherwise strangers. It has been a success beyond her wildest hopes and dreams. And then, this….. On February 12, Hedda’s husband Jack came home from a trip to London ill with what he thought were kidney stones. By the end of the week, he was diagnosed with a particularly cruel, virulent form of leukemia. He died on Saturday.

Those of us at DHome that worked on the feature and enjoyed the fantastic hospitality of Hedda, Mark, Cherif and the Rise staff share in their sadness.