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James Bond is having a moment …

Happily, you can share that moment with him … well, sort of. A handful of fun, James Bond-flavored events are landing just in time for the launch of the Daniel Craig-flavored “Skyfall” movie, which hits theaters this weekend.

First up is tonight’s free 007-themed party at Texas Theatre. Dubbed “The World Is Not Enough 2,” the event will feature the world music stylings of Djs Wikkid Beat! and Gabriel, and guests are encouraged to dress as their favorite Bond movie character. Party kicks off after the 8:45 p.m. screening of “Skyfall” at the historic Oak Cliff venue. Click through to the jump for more Bond …

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Big fun at Sewell MINI of Plano

Yes, that is your neighborhood celebu-chef and mine, Kent Rathbun, peering under the hood of a MINI at the opening bash for Sewell MINI of Plano. But he’s not checking the transmission (that’s under the hood, right?), he’s perusing a bevy of sweet treats set up on a clear serving platform tucked under the hood — coolness! And that was the tip of this crazy party’s iceberg …

I arrived late — and hungry. As local geek ’80s band the Spazmatics waged a rock war against KISS tribute band Destroyer outside, I nibbled on some Rathbun-catered mini-dishes (wink!) and sipped on wine. My friend was dying to lead me around the facility, so I followed, chicken leg in hand.

Wow, and what a facility. Back inside, the centerpiece of the main room was a popcorn bar (above), complete with all types of flavors, including the addictive favorite, jalapeno ranch. I must’ve eaten a pound of it!

Through a couple doors, past some giant snack and candy containers and a mini-arcade (wink-wink!), we stumbled upon DJ Lucy Wrubel doing her thing right near the dessert car. Sweet standouts were the little fruit tarts and those insanely yummy chocolate crinkle cookies. Funness!

On the opposite side of the popcorn bar, a MINI was used as a blank canvas (above), with brushes and cans of paint nearby for guests to leave behind their artistic signature. I didn’t want to get my hands dirty, since I was going to need them to shovel more jalapeno ranch popcorn down my throat, so I headed out the front door to sit on a live longhorn and smile for a photo. And the evening ended the way it began — full of very interesting randomness!

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Randomly fine spot for sports

When most folks are looking for someplace to watch the game, a wine bar probably doesn’t pop up too high on the radar. Buuuut, if you’re looking for a cool, non-sports-bar setting in which to enjoy this afternoon’s Rangers game, you might drop by Veritas Wine Room on Henderson. I watched last week’s (albeit abysmal) Cowboys game there and had a buh-last! I sipped on bubbly whilst focusing on one of the bar’s two giant projection screens. With all the regulars who stop in, the place has the friendly vibe perfect for settling in for a spell …

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State-Thomas restaurant preview

This week I checked out the still-under-construction restaurant, the Nodding Donkey, and I can’t wait to hang out there. The site at 2900 Thomas St. seems like it’ll be the perfect little neighborhood spot, which the operators know a little something about — partners Tony Winkler and Jonathan Calabrese also run local fave State & Allen Lounge, just up the street.

Winkler tells me he’s going for the “Norm effect” at the saloon-inspired Donkey, meaning the everyone-knows-your-name feel as embodied in “Cheers.” That means offering a huge bar space, tons of flat-screen TVs, garage door-style windows that open out to the street, a dog-friendly patio space and an area for bean bag and ring tosses. Fun!

On the food end, Calabrese says the menu will highlight eats with touches of Texas cookery — Tex-Mex and BBQ, thanks to at least two smokers at the restaurant. But fun stuff like a deep-fried PB&J and a bacon-wrapped Kobe hot dog. Also in the works is a list of signature cocktails. To keep the casual fun factor going, though, beers will be served in cans and everything else in Mason jars.

The Nodding Donkey is slated to open around Oct. 14 or 15. More pics below; check out some artists renderings at the resto’s website.

The unfinished bar area

With temps cooling down, these cool garage doors should be open from opening day.

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Do you ‘heart’ boba tea?

If you’re a fan of the fruity Asian smoothie-like concoctions that come with a huge straw and tapioca balls at the bottom of the cup, get thee to Preston Forest Village tonight. At 6 p.m. local Dallas caterer/apron maven Lisa Garza (above) will host the launch party for I Heart Boba, a new spot to get your sip on.

From the press release:

I Heart Boba, features over 100 different flavors of Boba tea flavors and combinations. Boba tea, a traditional Taiwanese style tea drink with fresh tapioca pieces at the bottom of the drink, has been modernized to include coffee, smoothies, slushies, juices and flavored jellies all customizable to your taste.

Garza will also create her own signature boba tea, while DJ Brandon Olds provides the musical entertainment. I Heart Boba is at 11661 Preston Road, Suite 210, at the southwest corner of the intersection; party goes until 10 p.m.