SYMPHONY STARTERS
Along with some regular orchestral standards, the Dallas Symphony Orchestra’s 1983 winter-spring season will feature one world premiere and several special performances commemorating the centennials of rarely heard composers.To begin, pianist David Golub, Isaac Stern’s accompanist in the film, From Mao to Mozart, opens the series January 6 and 8 performing Schumann’s concerto under guest conductor David Zin-man. Stern will perform January 14, 15 and 16, playing Sibelius’ Violin Concerto under Eduardo Mata.
Mezzo-soprano Katherine Ciesinski will join baritone John Cheek January 21 and 22 in a concert version of Bela Bartok’s Bluebeard’s Castle, with Mata conducting Ravel’s Mother Goose Suite for Orchestra on the same program. The month’s activities will end January 27 and 29 with Mata conducting Beethoven (the Coriolan Overture) and more Bartók (the Third Piano Concerto), as well as Gustav Hoist’s The Planets. Jan 6-29 at Fair Park Music Hall. Thur, Fri and Sat at 8 pm, Sun at 2:30 pm. Tickets $14.50-$4. 692-0203. -Wayne Lee Gay
AN ARTIST AND HIS DOG
Millions of TV viewers who watched the videotapes that William Wegman made of his addled and lugubrious Weimaraner, Man Ray, never suspected that they were viewing High Art. But for 12 years, Wegman and his dog played the Museum of Modern Art and the Leo Castelli Gallery, as well as The Tonight Show and Saturday Night Live.
Wegman acquired the Weimaraner through a newspaper ad back in 1970. He named the pup in honor of one of the leading artists of the zany Twenties art movement, “dada.” He discovered that the dog had a flair for unintended comedy.
Wegman’s videotapes always had a kind of vaudevillian quality; the dog fit in perfectly. Their first videotape together featured Man – as he came to be known – noisily gnawing a microphone as if it were a bone.
Late this month, an exhibit of Wegman’s works opens at the Fort Worth Art Museum. Although Man died earlier this year, he is much in evidence in the show, which features a number of works created by artist and dog. Included are videotapes, altered photographs and about 20 large-format Polaroid prints from book, Man’s Best Friend.
The show, which runs January 30 through March 6, is perfect for anyone who loves art, comedy and dogs – not necessarily in that order. Fort Worth Art Museum, 1309 Montgomery. Sun 1-5, Tue 10-9, Wed-Sat 10-5. (817)738-9215.
– Ken Barrow
BROADWAY ENCORE
If history repeats itself, it even, sometimes, makes amends. This month, Theatre Three brings a late-blooming Broadway success to Dallas. In 1939, Paul Osborn’s Morning’s at Seven opened in New York to tepid reviews and unimpressed audiences. It closed after only 44 performances. But in 1980, director Vivian Mata-lon resurrected the play at the Lyceum Theatre where it became the surprise hit of the Broadway season and garnered three Tony awards. It continued to run for 564 performances.
This funny, touching story of four sisters, set in the adjacent backyards of two of them, should be well-suited -both dramatically and stage-wise -to the considerable abilities of Theatre Three and director Charles Howard. The play explores the subtle, often silent communication between family members, and the complex feelings that stem from strong blood ties.
Previews Jan 1 at 8:30 pm (tickets $8) and Jan 2 at 2:30 pm (tickets $7) and 7 pm (tickets $6.50). Jan 4-Feb 12 at Theatre Three, The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. Tue-Thur at 8 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Sun at 2:30 pm & 7 pm. Tickets $12 Fri & Sat; $9.50 Wed, Thur & Sun matinee; $8.50 Tue & Sun evening. 748-5191. -Tim Allis
NIGHTLIFE
Andrew’s. II you’re looking for imaginative drinks and a charming atmosphere, Andrew’s is the place for you. The decor is Scottish pub with lots of brick, and the service is efficient. The drink menu is larger than the food menu (great for liquid diets), with specialties ranging from hot coffee drinks to tutti-frutti tropical knockouts. (3301 McKinney. 521-6535. 14930Midway 385-1613 Daily 11:15am-2am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 2-7 pm. daily 11 pm-2am. All credit cards.)
Arthur’s. The bar at Arthur’s is definitely not a place where the Dudley Moore-type Arthur would hang out It’s classy, yes, but caters to a very subdued. over-30 crowd. Have a few drinks and talk yourself into staying for an exquisite meal. (8350 N Central Expwy. 361-8833. Mon-Fri 11:30am-2am, Sat6pm-2 am, Sun 6 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)
Bagatelle. If you’re tired of your rowdy friends and would like to slip into a plush, dark booth for a smooth drink and a little intimate conversation, this is the perfect place What you’ll find at Bagatelle is good food and great jazz Karen Edwards sings and plays the piano Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday nights, the Paul Guerrero Jazz Quartet performs Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights. (4925 Greenville. 692-8225 Mon-Wed 11:30 am-midnight, Thur till 1 am, Fri & Sal till 2 am; Sun brunch 10:30-2. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4:30-7. All credit cards.)
Balboa Cale. This relaxing, dark fern bar offers good drinks, expeditious service and moderate crowds. The menu consists of fairly filling sandwiches and hamburgers, smooth guacamole and chips and salads-all reasonably priced. The Greenville Avenue location includes a patio for balmy nights and only a small bar The crowd there is a bit livelier and is louder; a pub atmosphere is prevalent with a big screen TV and dart tourneys four times a week. (3604 Oak Lawn. 521-1068. 7015 Greenville. 369-7027 Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. MC. V. AE.)
Belle Starr. If Levis originated in the Old West, designer cowboy jeans may have originated at Belle Starr-the new West. But this place isn’t too slick: the semi-urban cowboys and cowgirls who polka and two-step on Belle’s large dance floor certainly know Hank Williams when they hear him. (7724 N Central near Southwestern. 750-4787. Mon-Sat 7 pm-2 am. Sun 4 pm-2 am. All credit cards.)
Biff’s. Not many local eating and drinking establishments offer both a beautiful view and excellent food. Look out Biff’s window through the lush greenery of Old Vickery park; with the sunlight filtering through the trees, even the snarled traffic on Greenville somehow seems peaceful. The combination nachos here are a civic treasure. The drinks are average. (7402 Greenville. 696-1952. Daily 11 am-2 am. Happy hour Mon Fri 4-7 AE. MC. V.)
Billy Bob’s Texas. It was only a matter of time before someone built a c/w nightclub bigger than Gilley’s. The worlds largest honky tonk, Billy Bob’s has 42 bar stations, six shops. two restaurants, a seating capacity of 6,000, real cowboys riding real bulls in a stockyard arena, and some of the biggest names in country music (2520 N Commerce. Fort Worth. (817)625-6491. Daily 10am-2am. V, MC. AE.)
Café Dallas. II you’re out to pick up someone and you can’t do it here, there must be something wrong. This place is literally overflowing with eager young (well, maybe not quite so young) swingles in all shapes and sizes. Anything is “in” here; as long as you act like you belong, you will And Cafe Dallas has one of the best sound systems in Dallas So, it you like to dance (anything from disco to new wave to rock) and don’t mind a few indecent proposals, Cafe Dallas is for you, (5500 Greenville. 987-0066. Mon Thur 3 pm-2 am. Fri till 3 am. Sat 8 pm-3 am. Sun 8 pm-2am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 3 pm-9 pm. AE, MC, V.)
Cardinal Puff’s. Mostly we love the atmosphere here-open rooms tilled with gentle breezes, plants, garden furniture and an occasional wandering cat It’s a good place for conversation and is relaxing, but the drinks (our margaritas tasted like 7-Eleven Slurpees) could stand some revamping. (4615 Greenville. 369 1969 Mon-Sat 11 30 am 2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 11:30-7 MC. AE. DC. V.)
Chelsea Corner. Almost hidden at the intersection of Monticello and McKinney. Chelsea Corner offers the “fun” food and drinks of upper Greenville Avenue in a casual atmosphere more akin to lower Greenville Avenue-without being either The well drinks are potent and reasonably priced, and the special drinks (like the Frozen Tumbleweed and the Scarlet Fever) are luscious. (4830 McKinney 522-3501 Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am. Sat & Sun noon-2 am. Sun brunch noon-3 All credit cards)
Confetti. One man’s clutter is another man’s eclectic, and this is possibly the most eclectic bar in Dallas Dangling bicycles, zigzag neon and poster-plastered walls expose a theme bar that couldn’t decide upon a theme But if you can dig your way through the crowd, you’ll discover two flashy dance noors. several well-manned bars-maybe even Mr or Ms Right Music varies here Irom Fifties doo-wa to Eighties do-whatever Be prepared for a long line out the door on Friday and Saturday nights (5201 Matilda off Lovers Lane 369-6969 Mon Thur 4:30 pm-2 am. Fri 4 30 pm 4 am. Sat 7 pm-4 am. Sun 7 pm-2 am Weekend cover $2 All credit cards.)
East-Side. This place has all the new wave elements black and white tile, gladiolas. avant-garde art on the walls But somehow. East-Side seems passe Even after savoring several of East-Side’s strong drinks, its difficult to loosen up and feel at ease here Part of the problem seems to be that there is |ust loo much space Perhaps if the tables were closer together, palrons wouldn’t leel so isolated The drinks are good. Ihe fried zucchini is top-notch and the |ukebox is truly eclectic (7035 Green ville 987-0559 Mon-Fri 5 pm-2 am. Sat & Sun 6 pm-2 am MC. V. CB. AE )
Eight-O. You’ll have a hard time just sitting and chatting here-sooner or later your feel will involuntarily lap themselves over to the compact dance floor for a workout to the tunes of Ihe city’s best jukebox But between the good drinks, good company and Ihe innovative decor, just sitting and chatting is an appealing proposition Food is available (The Quadrangle, 2800 Routh. suite 125 741 0817 Mon Sat 11 30 am-2 am, Sun 6 pm-2 am with live music at night Live lazz at lunch Wed-Sat. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 MC. AE. V.)
Encore. Return to a simpler time, when neon and black and white tile and glass bricks represented “wild times.” and Frank Sinatra music was considered too dangerous (or impressionable young girls Encore is a Forties and Fifties echo, with a friendly, well-mixed crowd, good Greek food and burgers, and live entertainment Wed-Sat (3520 Oak Lawn. 526-9055 Mon & Tue 11:30 am midnight. Wed-Fri 11 30 am-2 am. Sat 8 pm-2 am. AE. V. MC.)
élan. Some of the b p (beautiful people) may have left last year’s preferred watering hole for greener pastures, but elan is still not exactly deserted There will always be those who care enough for exclusivity to buy it for a $350 membership fee Happy hour gets you two drinks for the price of one. and perhaps one of the most generous free buffets in town (Mon-Fri5pm-8pm) Be forewarned There are two house wines, and you have to ask for the better one. Beau Rivage. by name If you don’t have a membership, you can buy a 3-day guest pass for $25. (5111 Green ville. 692 9855 Mon-Fri 4 pm.2 am. Sat 7 pm-2 am Closed Sun Happy hour Mon-Fn 4-9 All credit cards )
Fender’s Bar and Grill. This Northwest Highway hot spot may remind you of some place you’ve been before-several places, in fact With its schlocky Hollywood posters, stained glass, Phillips 66 signs, recessed lighting and often forgetful service, Fender’s is Everyclub. grown lax with a success that’s due partly to location However, you can escape the cloned interior to the wicker butterfly chairs in the window atrium, or lose yourself in the excellent jazz featured five nights a week (2828 W Northwest Hwy. 350-4240 Mon-Thur 11 am-11 pm, Fri & Sat 11 till midnight, Sun 5:30pm-11 pm. AE, MC, V.)
Four Seasons Ballroom. Big-band music for ballroom dancing A strict dress code is enforced- dresses for the ladies, and coats and ties for the gentlemen Only setups, beer and soft drinks are served, except on Fridays, when food is available Cover varies Free dance lessons are offered (4930 Military Pkwy. 3490390 or 381-9072 Wed 8:45 pm-12 15 am, Fri 9 pm-12 30 am & first Sat of each month 9 pm 1 am. No credit cards.)
Greenville Avenue Country Club. One step inside the door of this low-key, easygoing place, and the name country club takes on a new meaning Drinks are served inside the “clubhouse” where the surroundings are warm and comlortable, or outside, around a cool, blue pool At this “country club” though, the only big shots are the ones they’ll pour into your glass. (3619 Greenville. 826-5650 MonSal 11 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. AE, MC. V.)
Greenville Bar & Grill. Dallas’ oldest bar-that’s what the owners claim-has alleviated the crowding somewhat with the opening of an adjoining, quieter room You may be more comfortable in the addition, especially if you want to be heard, but the real GB&G is still out in the boisterous main room. The drinks are straight-up and strong The entertainment is eccentric and erratic. (2821 Greenville. 823-6691. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am, Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour Mon Fri 4-7 AE.)
Ground Zero. Sixties go-go gone new wave ga-ga “Dallas’ first nuclear bar” features live bands (nightly except Sunday), plenty of parquet and oh, yeah a dancing girl in a cage. (6844 Twin Hills, one block south of Park Lane 363-0167 Nightly 8 pm-2 am Cover varies. MC. V. AE.)
Hot Klub. Dallas’ premiere punk showplace is. in a word, authentic The Hot Klub features the best new wave bands in Texas as well as groups from all across the country. The atmosphere well, there is no atmosphere, except for the music and the crowd, which can be an unruly-dare we say rough? -bunch of serious punkers. (4350 Maple 526-9432.)
Joe Miller’s. What a perfect afternoon bar for casual conversation-easy on the background music, soft on the lights and hard on the sledgehammer drinks that-along with the media crowd- have helped build Joes reputation While you’re settling the world’s problems, check out Joe’s photo gallery of quasi-celebrities. the droll posters and other oddities And watch that third drink (3531 McKinney 521-2261 Mon-Fri noon-2 am. AE. MC. V.)
Knox Street Pub. Over the years, this neighborhood bar has worn very, very well It’s a slice of the Sixties, popular with Woodstock exes and the work-shirt and jeans set. but attracts other folks as well Knox Street has its cadre of regulars, but there’s no cliquish spirit here The menu is limited but the fare is reasonably priced and substantial; try the beef stew on some nippy afternoon (3230 Knox 526 94 76. Mon-Sat 11 am-2am Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. Closed Sun. No credit cards.)
La Cave. Ah. a place for lovers. For discussion and good wine This small, chic wine shop/bar has a walk-in wine cellar with an incredible collection of foreign and domestic wines A few entrees are offered, but we suggest sticking to the cheese, and nut and fruit trays (2926 N Henderson. 826-2190 Wine shop Mon-Sat 10 am 11 30 pm Bistro Mon-Fri. noon-11 30 pm All credit cards $$)
Lakewood Yacht Club. Every neighborhood has a hangout that has become a local institution. It’s the place to grab a cold beer and a good sandwich with friends It’s the place to celebrate after a Softball victory or drown your sorrows after a defeat. Lakewood Yacht Club is such an institution-a laid-back, comfortable place where probably half the people there at any given time know each other, and the other half feel as if they do. The beer is always Icy cold; the atmosphere is homey. (2009Abrams. 824-1390. Mon-Fri 11 am-2 am. Sat & Sun noon-2 am. AE, MC, V.)
Les Saisons. A far cry from the usual fern racks of Greenville and the hi-tech of Oak Lawn, Les Saisons is a quiet haven for grown-ups. This is a place for smooth, elegant drinks and music that can be savored or left as backdrop conversation. The view from the bar isn’t as spectacular as that from the restaurant, but the surroundings are attractive and comfortable (165 Turtle Creek Village. Oak Lawn at Blackburn. 528-1102. Daily 11.30 am-1:30 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7. All credit cards.)
Longhorn Ballroom. So what if it’s crowded and smoky, the covers too high, the tourists are too many. This is Bob Wills’ Longhorn Ballroom, the place for kicker dancin’, beer drinkin’ and hell raisin’. You’ll fit in whether you can dance or not, and you might as well plan on coming home with bruised toenails (those rhinestone cowboys really can be oafs). No one should live in Dallas and not go to the Longhorn at least once It’s a Texas tradition. (216 Corinth at Industrial. 428-3128. Wed & Thur 7 pm-1 am, Fri & Sat 7 pm-2 am, Sun 5 pm-midnight. All credit cards.)
The Lounge. What an unlikely location for a bar! This semi-art deco, semi-hi-tech retreat sits in the lobby of the Inwood Theater, separated from the movies and the moviegoers by high walls of water and its own outside door But the Lounge is sans ceiling allowing patrons to share the view of the ocean motif mural that seems to float high above the theater lobby. This is an attractive place to discuss films at great length. (5458 W Lovers Lane. 350-7834. Sun-Thur 5 pm-midnight, Fri & Sat 5 pm-2 am. AE.)
Mariano’s. If nachos and frozen margaritas are your passion, then Mariano’s is the place for you. The problem is that every other nacho/frozen mar-garita lover in town will have beaten you there. The bar is small and crowded, and a mariachi band is usually blaring “El Rancho Grande ’ and other favorites to make your visit a truly Tex-Mex experience. (5500 Greenville. 691-3888. Mon-Wed 11 am-midnight, Thur 11 am-1 am, Fri 11 am-2 am, Sat noon-2 am. Sun noon-10 pm. Happy hour daily 11-7. MC. V. AE.)
Nick’s Uptown. Behind the Venetian blinds at Nick’s Uptown, you’ll find an unlikely (but likable) melange of attempted hi-tech and Fifties drugstore decor. The mostly 30ish crowd is drawn by solid acts like Al “TNT” Braggs as well as national bands doing one-night stands. Nick’s has stiff prices lor not-so-stiff drinks, but the service is cordial and the overall effect makes for a pleasant evening (3606 Greenville. 827-4802, Daily 8 pm-2 am. AE. MC. V.)
Nostromo. Before venturing to Nostromo. it is advisable to have one or all of the following: (1) the looks of a New York model. (2) the clothes of a New York designer, (3) the blase countenance of a New York socialite. (4) an entourage. If the above applies, welcome to Nostromo. If not, good luck getting in without a lengthy wait, especially on weekends Nostromo offers the jet set and the would-be jet set strong drinks, good service and a stark, well-lit place to spread their feathers. (4519 Travis. 528-8880. Mon-Fri 11:30 am-2 am, Sat 6 pm-2 am. Sun 6 pm-midnight. Reservations recommended. Jackets required tor men after 6 pm. AE, MC, V.)
Piaf’s. It used to be so easy to get a table at Piaf’s. Now there’s more of a crowd at this California-esque bar/restaurant, but so it goes with a good thing. Fortunately, the crowd is varied and lively, as are the food and drink. Best of all, Piafs remains casual, comfortable and fairly quiet. (4527 Travis. 526-3730. Mon-Sat 11:30 am-2 am. Sun 11:30 am-midnight. Sun brunch 11:30-3. Happy hour daily 4-7 pm & 11 pm-closing. Kitchen open till 1:30 am Thur-Sat, till midnight Sun-Wed. All credit cards.)
Poor David’s Pub. It’s easy to bypass this Sixties holdover on your way to somewhere else, but if you’re looking for decent live music, that may be a mistake. Sure, Poor David’s is tiny and dark and has absolutely no stage All the better to concentrate on the music, which, more often than not. is worth hearing. (2900 McKinney. 821-9891. Mon & Wed-Fri 4 pm-2 am, Sat 7 pm-2 am. Happy hour 4-8 pm weekdays Closed Sun and Tue No credit cards.)
Popsicle Toes. The name may be a bit odd (taken from a Michael Franks tune), but this place has great jazz-funk and an enjoyable, casual cosmopolitan clientele We’ve never been to a Dallas bar that is so comfortably integrated or felt so at home on a first visit just sitting and listening to the music Regulars such as Phyrework. Buster Brown, and Pore. Cooke and Neal seem able to do it all-from jazz to rock to country. (5627 Dyer 368 9706. Tue-Sun 8 pm-2 am. Closed Mon. TGIF Fri 4-7pm. MC. V, AE.)The Quiet Man. This is the quintessential neighborhood bar. defined as one of those places you go to only if you’re meeting some buddies to quaff some brews and swap stories. A lone stranger here sticks out like a Ralph Lauren shirt. Check out one of the city’s best beer bottle collections. When Knox was widened a tew years ago, the Quiet Man lost some of its beer garden out front, but that |ust means the regulars have to squeeze a bit closer together. (3120 Knox. 526-6180 Tue-Sat noon-2 am, Sun and Mon A pmmidnight. Live music Thur nights. No credit cards.)
The Railhead. Quality entertainment with no cover charge is the drawing card here, a rarity that almost overcomes the club’s major irritations: You can’t run a cash tab during happy hour, the drinks are only so-so and the wait-persons sometimes wait loo long before visiting your table. (6919 Twin Hills. 369-8700. Sun & Mon 5 pm-1 am, Tue-Sat 5 pm-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-7. All credit cards.)
San Francisco Rose. When relaxing at SFR. it’s easy to teel as it you’re in someone’s living room, rather than a lower Greenville bar Seating consists of cozy groupings of easy chairs and overstuffed Victorian sofas. If you’re with a group or alone, this arrangement lends itself to the cause. If, however, you’re looking for a place for an intimate conversation for two, you may be hard pressed to find privacy.(3024 Greenville. 826-2020. Mon-Sat 11 am-2 am. Sun noon-2 am. Happy hour Mon-Fri 5-7. AE, MC, V. DC.)
6051 Club. Even if 6051 is hard to find, and the place looks like a beauty shop-turned-pizza-joint, it is the place to go for jazz. The service is good, the drinks are substantial and the music is generally outstanding. (6057 Forest Lane. 661-3393. Thur-Sat 9 pm-2 am. MC, V.)
The Sock Hop. What’s new at the Sock Hop? Better to ask what’s old, since the theme here is Fifties/ early Sixties. The Sock Hop has the front end of a ’57 Chevy, bebopping waitresses in cheerleader garb and other “Happy Days ’ regalia. Best of all. the house band. “Dash.” plays some of the best nostalgia rock in town. New management plans to import big-name acts like the Drifters, the Coasters and Tommy James. It’s a nice place to forget the Eighties. (2946 W Northwest Hwy. 352-6856. Tue-Sun 4 pm-2 am. Happy hour 4-7:30 No credit cards.)
St. Martin’s. St. Martin’s has been among our favorite romantic nightspots for some time. Now we’ve begun to enjoy its lunch specials as well. We don’t know of another place in town with-such unassuming class, good service, pleasant classical music and an intelligent selection of wines. The recent crowds at St. Martin’s are making it a little more difticult to find a table on Friday and Saturday evenings. (3020 Greenville. 826-0940 Lunch: Mon-Fri 11 am 3 pm Dinner Mon Thur 5 pm-11 pm; Fri 5 pm 1 am, Sat 1 1 am 1 am. Sun brunch 11:30 am-3 pm All credit cards )
Stoneleigh P. This is an artist’s bar And a businessman’s bar And a construction worker’s bar And a housewife’s night-out-on-the-town bar And lust about anyone’s bar There are no pretenses here, lust a lot of open space and room to “do your own thing There’s a great |ukebox, a varied selection of magazines and always an interesting assortment of people (2926 Maple 741-0824 Mon-Sat 11am-2am, Sun noon-midnight Happy hour Mon-Fri 4-7 AE.)
Strictly TaBu. A recent return to the TaBu confirms our faith in Dallas’ best jazz bar if not just for the |azz -which is varied and lively-but tor the easy, unpretentious atmosphere We like the dining area in the back, where pizza and pasta are the highlights This is the pertect place (or a late-night rendezvous with an intimate stranger-or an old friend (4111 Lomo Alto 522-8101 Live music nightly at 9:30 Food served Mon Thur 5 pm-midnight. Fri-Sal 6 pm 1 am. Sun 6 pm-midnight Bar open Tue Sat until 2 am. Sun and Mon until 1 am All credit cards.)
Tejas. The look here is weathered adobe hacienda and you almost expect to see gunslingers sidle up to the bar, especially when the wildly eclectic jukebox is spinning Tex Ritters theme from High Noon But there’s also Gershwin. Billie Holliday and a host of other musical rarities seldom found outside the Stoneleigh P Tejas makes a superb three-napkin burger on a wheat bun and nachos that might be called Super Surface Nachos You’ll want to lay on the guacamole and sour cream, which come in generous portions (2100 Greenville. 828-2131 Daily 3 pm-2 am Happy hour Mon Fri 3-7 AE.)
Texas Tea House. The Tea House is a triendly, trendless c/w spot to drink beer and enjoy the harmony-lacking but good-natured Will Barnes Band The beer is cold, the crowd is always rowdy and the bleachers (this is strictly a beer garden) aren’t loo bad, unless the night is chilly (3400 Kings Road 526-9171 Tue Sat 8 pm.2 am No credit cards)
Vickery Feed Store. An odd but appealing mixture of country and class Wooden walls, wooden floor and a hometown atmosphere are combined with burgundy vinyl booths and slick black tabletops in what turns out to be a very pleasant watering hole Good drinks, great deli/snack food and some of Ihe friendliest service in town. (6918 Greenville 363-9198 Daily 11 am 2 am Happy hour Sun-Fri 3 7. Sat noon 7 MC, V. AE)
The White Elephant Saloon. In 1887. Luke Short, then the owner of the White Elephant, shot it out with a former U.S. marshal Now the Elephant has c/w music six nights a week and a lot ot tourists trying desperately to learn to two-step on a small dance floor (106 E Exchange, Fort Worth (817)624-1887 Mon Sat 11 am 2 am. Closed Sun MC. AE. V.)
The Wine Press. From the floor to the very high ceiling of The Wine Press are racks upon racks of bottles of wine, therein lies the atmosphere of this artsy Oak Lawn brasserie We enjoy sampling several different wines by the glass, and are particularly delighted with the flavors of the different cheesecakes The omelets are good, too (4217 Oak Lawn 522-8720 Mon-Sat 11 am 2 am Sun noon-2 am. No reservations MC. V. AE)
Zanzibar Deli. A fresh face on the burger-spattered strip of lower Greenville Avenue, Zanzibar offers drinks and great deli food in a colorful cafe setting The atmosphere is odd enough to work neon, pink and green walls, and glass bricks (2912 Greenville 828 2250 Tue-Sat 11 am-2am. Sun Warn 2pm and 7 pm-midnight. Mon 11 am-midnight AE)
FILM
Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Along with the seminars and lectures relating to the El Greco of Toledo exhibition, the DMFA will present the feature film “El Greco” starring Mel Ferrer Jan 6 at 7:30pm in the Museum Auditorium at Fair Park. Free. 421-4187.
Granada Theatre. “Dial M for Mystery” is a 10-week program of classic mystery films beginning Jan 13 with the Hitchcock double “Dial M for Murder” and “To Catch a Thief.” both with Grace Kelly Jan 20 “Notorious” and “Spellbound” – more Hitchcock, this time with Ingrid Bergman Jan 27 “Murder Ahoy” and “Murder She Said”-Margaret Rutherford stars as Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple 3524 Greenville 823-9610.
University of Texas at Dallas. Jan 12 “Un Chien Andalou” and “War Game ” Jan 14: “Every Man for Himself-Jean Luc Godard’s most recent comedy of sex and politics Jan 19: ’Marat/Sade’’-a fairly effective film version of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s enthusiastic production of the Peter Weiss play Jan 21 “Fireman’s Ball “-screwball comedy from Eastern Europe directed by Milos (“Hair.” “Ragtime”) Foreman Jan 26: “Fedora”- mildly amusing period piece directed by Billy Wilder, Jan 28: “Seventh Seal”-Max Von Sydow plays chess with death in this Bergman classic. All showings are in the Founders North Auditorium, UTD campus. Richardson Tickets $2 adults. $1 under 16 or over 65; 50￠ UTD students with ID. 690-2945.
THEATER
Beyond Therapy. Christopher Durang’s amusing 1981 comedy involves some moderately appealing neurotics and their seriously wacko shrinks. Watch tor the lady psychologist who speaks pure tree association Previews Jan 5 and 6 at 8 pm (tickets $6 50) Jan 7-Feb 19 at the New Arts Theatre. 702 Ross Ave at Market Tue-Thur at 8 pm. Fri & Sat at 8:30 pm. Sun at 2 30 pm Tickets $10.50 Fri & Sat; $7 50 Tue-Thur & Sun 761-9064.
Division Street. This recent farce by Steven Tesich (screenwriter of “Breaking Away”) pokes tun at Sixties radicalism and Seventies materialism Staging is by Dale AJ Rose, the closest to a celebrity director in Dallas Jan 5-Feb 13 at Stage No 1, Greenville Avenue Theatre. 2914 Greenville Wed-Fri at 8:15 pm. Sat at 5:30 pm & 9 pm, Sun at 7 pm Tickets $10 Fn & Sat. $8 50 Wed. Thur & Sun. 760-9542.
Songwriter. A small-town Texas girl attempts to make it in the Nashville scene in this original musical by Texan Carol Bowers The music is “contemporary” country/western. Jan 19-Feb 26 at Stage West. 821 W Vickery. Fort Worth Wed & Thur at 8 pm, Fri & Sat at 8:30pm Tickets $8 50 Sat. $8 Fri; $7 Wed & Thur. Dinner available Wed-Sat trom 7 pm (817)332-6238.
The Spanish Brabanter(Part II). The usually enjoy able Hip Pocket Theater ensemble is a mere flicker of its customary sell in this static, flatulent portrait of 17th-century Amsterdam lowlile: a tired and vulgar accompaniment to a tine touring show of paintings from the same place and period, Jan 16.22,23. 29 & 30 at (he Kimbell Art Museum auditorium. 1101 Will Rogers Road West. Fort Worth. Reservation fee $5 (817)332-8451.
Topeka Scuffle. The setting is a janitor’s closet serving as a makeshift dressing room lor three clowns preparing for a matinee in a municipal coliseum. This is a new script by Dallas Theater Center resident company member Paul Munger. Jan 11-29 at Down Center Stage. Dallas Theater Center. 3636 Turtle Creek Blvd Tue-Thur at 8 pm. Fri & Sat at 8 30 pm Tickets $7 Fri & Sal. $6 Tue-Thur. 526-8857.
MUSIC
BL Lacerta. Modern dancers Dickie Arnold and Sally Wenk Johnson join Dallas’ improvisatory chamber ensemble Jan 21 at 8 pm at the Bath House Cultural Center. 521 E Lawther Drive Tickets $6. 381-3509 or 823-4136.
Dallas Chamber Music Society. The Borodin Trio performs Jan 17 at 8 15 pm at Caruth Auditorium, SMU campus. Ticket $6 526-7301 or 521-3831
Dallas Chamber Orchestra. An all Schubert eve ning features the Adagio for Piano and Strings, the Quintet in C for Strings and the “Arpeggione” Sonata for Viola and Piano. Jan 23 at 7 pm at Caruth Auditorium. SMU campus. Tickets $7.50 826-6974 or 526-7380.
Dallas Pops Orchestra. Superpops 83 opens with Victor Borge on Jan 7. followed by Professor Peter Schickele and the music of P.D.Q. Bach on Jan 28. Both performances are at 8 pm at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $16-$7 692-0203.
Dallas Symphony Orchestra. David Zinman conducts Rachmaninoff’s Second Symphony. Faure’s “Pelleas et Melisande” Suite and Schumann’s Piano Concerto, with soloists David Golub, Jan 6 & 8 at 8:15 pm. Music director Eduardo Mata returns to The poaium tor Beetnoven s Eignin aympnuny, Mendelssohn’s music for “A Midsummer Night’s Dream ” and Sibelius’ Violin Concerto, with soloist Isaac Stern, Jan 14 & 15 at 8:15 pm and Jan 16 at 2:30 pm. The following week brings Ravel’s “Mother Goose” and a concert version of Bartoks opera “Bluebeards Castle. ” with vocalists Katherine Ciesinski and John Cheek. Jan 21 & 22 at 8:15 pm. Mala conducts more Bartok with Peter FrankI at the piano for the Concerto No. 3 on a program also featuring Beethoven’s “Coriolan ” Overture and Hoist’s “The Planets,” Jan 27 & 29 at 8:15 pm. All concerts are at Fair Park Music Hall. Tickets $14 50-$4. 692-0203.
Fort Worth Opera. Gilbert and Sullivan’s “The Gondoliers” lakes the stage with James Billings. Sheryl Woods, Elizabeth Hynes, Richard McKee and Beverly Evans conducted by Rudolf Kruger, Jan 14 at 8 pm and Jan 16 at 2:30 pm at the Tarrant County Convention Center. 1111 Houston St, Fort Worth Tickets $25-$5 429-1181 or (817) 731-0833
Fort Worth Symphony. Jack Jones appears with the Fort Worth Symphony “Pops” Jan 8 at 8 pm at Tarrant County Convention Center, 1111 Houston St. Fort Worth Tickets $17.50$9.50. The Texas Little Symphony will perform Handel’s Concerto Grosso No. 6 and Poulenc’s Sinfonietta. with John Giordano conducting Jan 11 at 8 pm at Landreth Auditorium. University at W Cantey. Fort Worth Tickets $12-$6. Pianist Bella Davidovich plays Saint-Saris’ Second Concerto with conductor Giordano on a concert also featuring Brahms’ Haydn Variations and Prokofiev’s Fifth Symphony Jan 22 at 8 pm and Jan 23 at 3 pm at the Tarrant County Convention Center Tickets $14-$3. (817)921-2676
Van Cliburn Foundation. The Van Cliburn Celebrity Series continues with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra featuring conductor and violin soloist Pin-chas Zukerman performing Mendelssohn’s 10th String Symphony and Symphony No 4 in A (“Italian”) and Beethoven’s Violin Concerto in D, Op 61. Jan 18 at 7:30pm at Landreth Auditorium, University at W Cantey. Fort Worth. Tickets $15-$7.50. (817) 738-6509.
DANCE
Dallas Ballet. Dallas Ballet enters a new era when it opens the newly renovated Majestic Theatre with a mixed repertory program consisting of Balanchine’s “Concerto Barocco.” Flindt’s “Toreador Pas de Deaux” and “The Lesson.” and John Cranko’s “Jeu de Cartes.” Jan 27 & 28 at 8 pm. Jan 29 & 30 at 2 pm and 8 pm. The Majestic. 1925 Elm. Tickets $25-$5 744-4430.
ART
American Artists in Normandy and Brittany. Notall aspiring 19th-century American artists went to Paris Some, including Whistler. Sargent. Twacht-man and Hassam, wandered off the beaten track to discover and paint the picturesque regions of Northern France Amon Carter Museum. 3501 Camp Bowie. Fort Worth Through Feb 6 Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5:30. (817) 738-1933.
El Greco of Toledo. A show of international importance and stunning visual splendor, this exhibit offers a fresh interpretation of the often misunderstood and enigmatic artist who stands among the masters of Western art. Dallas Museum of Fine Arts. Fair Park Through Feb 6 Tue-Sun 11-6. Mon 1-6. Tickets $3, children under 12. $1. Free on Mondays. 421-4188.
Goya and the Art of His Time. Francisco Goya’s dark visions of madness and war still trouble the modern world, but his lighter works charmed his 18th-century contemporaries Meadows Museum and Meadows Gallery. SMU campus Through Feb 8 Mon-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5 692-2727.
Maritshuis: Dutch Painting of the Golden Age. Rembrandt, Vermeer, Hals, van Ruisdael and others-the Dutch cared enough to send the very best tor this exhibit Included are 40 fine examples of 17th-century painting from the Royal Picture Gallery, The Hague Kimbell Art Museum. 1101 Will Rogers Road West, Fort Worth Through Jan 30. Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5.(817)332-8451.
Out of the Forties: A Portrait of Texas from the Standard Oil Collection. After World War II. Stand ard Oil sent photographers across America to take pictures illustrating its slogan. “There’s a drop of oil in the life of everyone ” What they found in Texas- a state in dramatic transition-is the sub|ect of this exhibit Amon Carter Museum, 3501 Camp Bowie. Fort Worth Through Feb 6 Tue-Sat 10-5, Sun 1 -5 30 (817)738-1933.
The Paintings of Jusepe de Ribera. His paintings of martyrs, saints and philosophers are intensely spiritual but also strikingly physical-fitting subjects lor an artist who was born in Spain but who spent most of his life near sunny Naples. Italy Kimbell Art Museum. 1101 Will Rogers Road West. Fort Worth. Through Feb 6 Tue-Sat 10-5. Sun 1-5 (817) 332-8451.
The Shopping Bag: Portable Graphic Art. No longer just something in which to bring home the Dacon. shopping Dags nave become status symbols and art obiects. These were contributed from stores around the world The Science Place. Fair Park. Through Jan 9 Tue-Sat 9-5. Sun noon 5 428-8351.
Sol Lewltt. The artist and an assistant have created a large drawing directly on the gallery wall lor this show, which also includes a number of smaller. framed pencil drawings. Carol Taylor Art, 2508 Cedar Springs. Through Jan 30 Tue-Sat 10-5. 745-1923
ENLIOHTENMENT
SEMINARS, EVENTS, ETC.
International Symposium: “Goya and the Arts ofHis Time.” Internationally known scholars will present papers on the works of Goya and his contemporaries Meadows School of the Arts. Bob Hope Theater. SMU campus Jan 13 at 10 am Free 692-2727.
The Isthmus Institute. Sir John Eccles. a 1963Nobel Prize recipient in medical neurophysiology.will give a presentation entitled “Voluntary Movement. Free Will and Moral Responsibility” A response will be given by Dr Albert C Outler, Professor Emeritus. Perkins School of Theology. SMUUniversity of Texas Health Science Center, GoochAuditorium. 5323 Harry Hines Jan 29 at 8 30 amAdmission $20. 369-2350.
