BEST ART SPACE | Oliver Francis Gallery
If Dallas’ art scene needed one thing, it was a scruffy, flexible art space, the kind of gallery room that could host paintings, welcome parties, show emerging artists, and all within a critical framework that ensured a certain quality. That’s Oliver Francis. Artist and operator Kevin Jacobs has given local artists something of a community nexus point.
READERS’ PICK: DALLAS CONTEMPORARY
BEST CONTEMPORARY/MODERN FURNITURE | Smink
Do you like art? In the market for some furniture from the likes of Minotti and MDF Italia? Need an interesting lighting solution? Jennifer and Autumn Smink and Dawn Gibson can help. Their Dragon Street showroom has floating walls, an on-site warehouse, and fine art, as well as sleek furniture and accessories that will make even the most anti-clutter person consider hoarding.
READERS’ PICK: CANTONI
BEST BAKERY FOR SWEETS | Casa Linda Bakery
Over the last year, we’ve been dazzled by fancy cupcakes and trendy cake balls. They’re pretty (and pricey), but when we want a taste of nostalgia, we head here for conventional cupcakes (only $1), traditional decorated sheet cakes, and (our favorite) the Mr. Clown iced cookie, the best $2 you will ever spend if you are shopping with a grouchy child.
READERS’ PICK: LA DUNI
BEST GOURMET SHOP | Bolsa Mercado
Though it shares its name with next-door sibling Bolsa restaurant, this gourmet-to-go market stands on its own as one of the city’s most imaginative foodie destinations. Even those not from Oak Cliff gladly cross the Trinity River for chef Jeff Harris’ house-made goodies, including sausages, salads, sandwiches, and more. Baker Lily Hanson makes pies, tarts, and kolaches. Shelves are stocked with gourmet oddities, with many things procured locally.
READERS’ PICK: EATZI’S
