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Taking a holiday/school break

I hate to break it to ya, chicadees, but your Dallas Diva has to take the rest of November off. Not just for the holidays but because I’m wrapping up my master’s in creative writing, and my thesis is due on Dec. 1. So I need to take these last days of the month to put a bow tie on my work — wish me luck! And I’ll see you in December!! Till then, hope you have a warm and wonderful Thanksgiving … and Black Friday

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Enter the Dragon Street

So last night, after having no luck finding jeans at The Warehouse Sale featuring Rock & Republic gear (ALERTS: Sizes run hella small, AND wear some nice skivvies — the changing rooms are communal behind those curtains.), I was lured to the Design on Dragon block party in just off Oak Lawn and near Riverside. What a wonderfuckingful time!! Many galleries and design studios flung their doors open, and served up snackies and wine or cocktails as guests strolled from shop to shop and pedicab drivers sped by. The weather was fitting for the event, too — right at about 70 degrees and clear, for a view of the shimmery skyline. Some shops hosted live bands, others blared radios while one gallery snagged crooner Ricki Derek for a performance.

All this hullaballo had me wondering, why the eff doesn’t the Design District do this more often?! And why aren’t there a couple bars or bistros on Dragon Street?

I’m tellin’ ya, these handsome blocks seemed sorely underutilized. I know part of it is the nature of the businesses — these high-end design stores are often open by appointment only, and only to interior designers. Not exactly an environment that lends itself to lots of street traffic. Still … I’d love to see some funky, open-to-the-public boutiques — a vintage store, an antique store or two, a used-book seller — that would hopefully, in turn, bring in the auxiliary business such as the bistro and the bar. Maaan, in Austin, a street like this woulda evolved into a charming, under-the-radar draw with a quickness.

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Office space invader

So I’ve been coffeehouse-hopping, trying to figure out where I should do my freelance residency, and you know what? I love all of the the cafes I’ve hit so far! Decisions, y’all.

First place I hit — FINALLY — was Murray Street Coffee (above), at the east edge of Deep Ellum. Ahh, the atmosphere was at once relaxing and motivating. Meaning I felt right at home and also felt driven to get a lot of stuff done. Perfect! Adding to my delight was the sandwich I ate on my first visit — the Blinker. Seasoned scrambled eggs, white cheddar cheese and prosciutto on an English muffin? Tastebud nirvana. I had the much-lauded turkey and cheese sandwich on another occasion, and I could see what all the fuss was about. The chewy ciabatta was crusty with just enough give not to overpower the fillings. The chipotle aioli was a standout, and I asked for extra. Booyah!

My second coffeehouse was Crooked Tree Coffeehouse in Uptown, the polar opposite of Deep Ellum, in terms of neighborhood feel. CTC had the same cozy feel — even moreso, since it feels like you’re chillin’ in the house of your friend who’s only living in that house cuz she married that surgeon. There’s a variety of easy chairs, sofas and desk chairs to sit out, so whether you prefer to slouch, couch potato-like, on a couch or pretend you’re in the office (albeit an office where the hissss of the milk steamer resonates), they’ve got you covered. Nice thing is they’re open late; not-so-nice is that it’s chilly. Pack a sweata!

Today I’m working from Pearl Cup, which was my favorite cafe before I met Murray Street. They’ve added quite a few items to their menu, though their hot cocoa is as foamy and delightful as always. After a little wireless server ookiness, I was soon surfing and watching folks stroll along Henderson Ave.

For now, I see myself rotating from among these three spots, cuz I still have some other cafes to check out. Notable omission is Starbucks, cuz DUDE — that place is effing loud. It feels so much better to support the local guys, too!

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