Things To Do In Dallas

If you do not know what is going on the weekend shame on you! Here are some hints…. ITS ST. PATRICK’S DAY!!! It is everyone’s favorite time of year to be Irish (any excuse to drink) Thanks to Marky Mark Cuban, Dallas get’s the annual Lower Greenville St. Patrick’s Day Parade. It begins at 7am with the running of the 5k, and once the healthy are done rubbing it in our faces, let the parade begin! Well the parade will start at 11am, but it will begin! It starts at Blackwell and ends at Mockingbird. It’s free to watch, but BYOB or find a bar because drinkin’ ain’t free. I always recommend taking the DART down to either Park Lane or Mockingbird and walking to the parade.

If you decide that staying for the after party just isn’t your thing then here are some places to party that will be just as much fun!

BY THE WAY…If you are interested in joining the 5k it’s $20 to enter. Register at https://secure.getmeregistered.com/register.php?event_id=5617&quit=1&taff=37

ADDISON
The Flying Saucer

The beer lovers’ pub of choice will be serving $3 Irish pints all day (including Guinness, Smithwick’s, Harp, Murphy’s Red, Murphy’s Stout, and Harpoon Celtic) and hosting DJ JD, who’s on deck at 9:30 pm.

Sherlock’s Baker St. Pub

This bar is huge and a guaranteed good time. The big tent outside will be set up and ready for lots of party people, live music, green beer, and a DJ later in the evening.

Dukes

Although this well known bar has nothing to do with being Irish, they still offer great drink specials as well as one of the best patios in Addison.

McFadden’s

As newest bar in Addison, McFadden’s is definitely holding its own. Get there early to find a primo spot at the bar and make sure to bring lots of cash for the beer tubs. They do not have a ton of parking available, but make up for it with the space they have inside. There will be live music and lots of drinks.

TheLondoner

As the not-so-redheaded- step-child this British pub still likes to act like they are on St Patrick’s Day. They will be serving food and drink all night. No cover charge.

ARLINGTON

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

This Irish watering hole is serving Irish nachos, green beer, and entertainment, including music inside and outside in the tent area, bagpipe players, Irish dancers, and live music by Hill City Band, Morning People, Sting Rays, and Clearfork. Party starts at 11 am.

UPPER GREENVILLE
The Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade goes right through this area, so expect a crowd. Any watering hole that offers you a chance to squeeze through the masses and get to the bar is a good place to rest. 

LOWER GREENVILLE
It’s the BLOCK PARTY!!! WOOP WOOP $8 gets you in the gate and you can party on the streets with your friends. You can move in and out of bars, grab a cold brew and hamburger from street vendors, and hear live music.

UPTOWN

The Idle Rich Pub

As part of the two-day tent party, which begins on Friday, you’ll find live music by The Killdares, Irish dancing, bagpiping, and Irish food, including corned beef and cabbage plate, fish and chips, Shepherd’s pie, and corned beef reubens served from 11 am to 10 pm. Festivities start at 10 am.

FAR NORTH DALLAS

Mad Tavern

The new Alice in Wonderland-themed Irish pub way, way up in Far North Dallas will be open at 7 am (like they are every day) and serving Irish-themed drink and food specials. With nice weather (fingers crossed), the bar on patio will be the place to be with a band playing at 5 pm and 10 pm.

PLANO

Ringos

This Irish/ English pub throws one heck of a party at the Shops of Legacy. Ringos throws a three in one party; the covered garage party, the tent party and the normal everyday pub party. The garage offers a large ceiling with a cash only bar. There will be plenty of free standing ATM’s for those who forget or run out. The tent will offer live music and lots of drinks, and the bar will remain the same. Not to worry the shops bring in tons of port-o-potty’s for this event.

DOWNTOWN PLANO

Filmore Pub

The Filmore offers a variety of whiskey’s in the heart of Downtown Plano, which gives it that authentic Irish twist. This is a great bar to come to if you prefer staying close to home or the Dart. The atmosphere will make you feel like a true Irishman.

FRISCO

Lochranns Eatery & Irish Pub

Every year across from the Dr. Pepper Field in Frisco, this Irish pub throws one heck of a party. With real Irish music, people and food, you can’t help but want to throw back a couple of Guinness and play with your shamrocks! Come for the people stay for the fun!

MY FINAL THOUGHT…

Please make sure to stay hydrated if you are going to the parade. That means drinking more than just beer. Also DO NOT under any circumstances drive drunk! Cops are going to be out in full force and they take only prisoners. Plus we don’t want anyone dying because they weren’t sober enough to drive.

St. Patrick’ s Day is about having fun don’t ruin it!

Well if the world is going to end in 2012, thanks for the extra day! Happy Leap Year everyone! No we aren’t talking about that horribly sappy movie *EHHH WRONG ANSWER!!!* We are talking about that extra day in the shortest month of the year that only comes every 4 years along with the Olympics.  Since today technically doesn’t exist we have come up with some fun things to do, as well as a forecast into this weekends festivities.

Tonight (or is it)

Come hang out with us at the Dallas Arboretum for a Coppola tasting and dinner. Contact Debbie Parker at 214.515.6511 or dparker@dallasarboretum.org for reservations. Dinner is $89 per person or $170 per couple. The menu features escargot, duck, lamb, and salmon all prepared to excite the taste buds, and each paired with one of Francis Ford Coppola’s wines.

After dinner, if we aren’t too toasted, Wednesday’s mean #high fashion (thank you tosh.o) at the ever so popular Candleroom. For those of you who have never been make sure you dress to impress, entry is based on the doorman’s opinion.

If those are just much too fancy for you on a Wednesday night then come toLower Greenvilleto the Sigel’s liquor store. No we aren’t going to rob you, but it is the last Wednesday in February which gives you one more chance to indulge in the new food truck fad that has swept the coasts. Tonight from 5pm to 8pm Rock and Roll Tacos, Ruthie’s Rolling Cafe, and Easy Slider will be serving up their delicacies. Come for the food stay for the fun. Sigel’s5757 Greenville Ave

After eating at the trucks come to Sherlock’s Pub in Dallas, right off Park lane and 75. Come see where #Hamilton was caught drinking. Tonight they have $1.50 pints and $2.25 big beers, with live music.

Tomorrow In the mood for metal? Great! Friday at the Palladium Ballroom, Megadeath and Motorhead will be performing. The show starts at 6:30 and tickets are $50 a piece. Tickets are still available at the box office or online. Come get your metal on! Friday’s inDallas offer so many options on where to go and what to do. If you have any questions about what’s going on ask me Cheeky Monkey, tell me what you have going on and what area you want to play in. I can do a whole itinerary if you please. Finally this weekend is the opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge. Calling it Bridge-o-rama (what a stupid name) Saturday, the general public is invited to participate in the Trinity River Levee Run or stop by the free street fair, featuring local bands, fireworks, and of course, food. There will be a good old-fashioned ribbon-cutting on Sunday, if you feel like getting up with the sun.

Once you are done spending the day at the bridge opening on Saturday, head down to the American Airline center where the Dallas Mavs will be playing the Utah Jazz to defend their title of NBA Champions.  Tickets are still available online or through Ticketmaster. Everyone please enjoy your weekend responsibly. Happy Leap Year!!!

It is literally a day from Valentine’s Day and if you don’t have a game plan you better get crackin’. After much research I, Cheeky Monkey, have discovered that Valentine’s Day is very expensive, unless you know where to go. Lucky for you I do! I know that there are many places to choose from here are my top 5 most romantic (and affordable) places to dine.

1. Covino’s- This quaint Italian bistro is located in the heart of Plano. A well known neighborhood eatery Covino’s has a well established cliental. Although it doesn’t look like much Covino’s has some of the best food in Plano for the last 20 years. It offers the ultimate homemade Italian experience, with fresh pasta, pizza and desserts. Some of the menu items include calamari, Covino’s salad, and fresh pasta with your choice of sauce. The main reason to come to this place is for the pizza. Get it any way you want, New Yorkstyle, deep dish, Strombolior calzone, no matter what you choose its going to be awesome. Now before you leave make sure to have a piece of Mrs. Covino’s, made-fresh-daily cheesecake. I’m not kidding you when I say this is melt in your mouth good. Oh and did I mention, save money by BYOB/W. Covino’s does not offer alcohol so if you want a glass make sure you bring one. 3265 Independence PkwyPlano, TX75075 behind ½ Priced Books.

2. CruWineBar-Cru has several locations throughout DFW. The location in Allen at Watters Creek is definitely the most romantic. Always an outstanding A++ for their food Cru offers a dining experience with some of the best wine around. They have a four-course selection menu available for Valentine’s Day for only $50. Cru has always been a go to for me as far as good food and drinks go. They offer such a large selection that it makes it hard to choose which one is the best. Not to mention that because of their business they are always changing the menu. A definite must try.842 Market Street,Allen,Texas75013(972) 908-2532

3. Victor Tango- If you don’t know about Victor Tango, please try it. A tapas bar, Victor Tango offers a variety to of the yummiest (yes it’s a word) food inDallas, hands down. It’s located right off of the Knox-Henderson exit from 75. It has an eclectic array of cocktails that can range form a jalapeño-strawberry mojito to my personal favorite the Moscow Mule. Oh and the food! Just try everything, seriously its all good. Ok if I had to choose, definitely the crab Mac n’cheese, hanger steak, and (omg) their sticky toffee cake. It’s all just so good. I love the atmosphere, service and food. If I could I would eat here everyday no joke. A definite winner if you have a foodie in your life. Oh and no reservations so get there early!3001 North Henderson Avenue,Dallas,TX75206(214) 252-8595

4. Edoko Sushi- at Edoko Sushi, you get more than you bargain for. It is not just a sushi bar, but a robata bar as well. What is robata you ask? Well robata is translated as “around the fireplace”; this ancient Japanese custom of cooking in a charcoal-fired hearth brings a new twist in Japanese cuisine to Frisco, TX. Edoko Sushi has definitely mastered it too! You can choose to sit at either the sushi bar or the robata bar, and enjoy looking at all the amazing food that leaves the kitchens. With options to choose from and lots of great pieces of “food art” Edoko is definitely a wonderful experience. 5490 Texas121, Frisco, TX75034
   (214) 618-9888

5. The Place at Perry’s- This little jewel is not going to be the most budget savvy, but we have never had a bad experience here. The Place is right off McKinney Ave in uptown. When you walk in the atmosphere is very warm and inviting. My experience here has been just wonderful the service is impeccable and the food is to die for. If you are looking for a great place for a steak inDallas definitely try the porterhouse, it is cooked to perfection (medium-rare my preference) and is served piping hot. The signature item on the menu though that everyone must try at least once, is the brown-paper bag apple pie. This has got to be one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth. Ignore the simple presentation, the flavors of every bite will leave you wanting more and more, and trust me you don’t want to miss out on this experience. They accept reservations and highly recommend them on holidays and weekends.2911 Routh Street,Dallas,TX75201            (214) 871-9991

 So where ever you choose to spend this Valentine’s Day remember that it’s not about where you go, but who you go with. Enjoy one of the recommendations, or if you have any other questions please feel free to ask, remember we don’t list everything we know just our top places. HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY XOXO

Ah l’amour, what else could be better? You and your loved one looking into each others eyes wondering how the hell you spent $300 on flowers!!! Ugh give me a break people, Valentine’s Day is great, but you don’t have to break your budget trying to make someone who already loves you, love you even more. Cheeky Monkey will show you how to give your honey a great, romantical evening without spending all your money.

Flowers:

            They are beautiful, they smell great, and they are dead! If you want to buy that special someone flowers this Valentine’s Day here are some tips for saving money.

1. DON’T DO ROSES- although the traditional flower is a beauty, the normal price you pay for a dozen roses any other time of year is roughly $20, but not on Valentine’s Day my friends, the average dozen runs about $40 dollars. That is double the amount just because of the time of year.
2. Buy them at a grocery store- You may think that this is ill-given advice, but hear me out. Places like Central Market, Whole Foods, and even Kroger, offer the same flowers for almost half of what any florist will charge. They may not come with a guarantee or delivery, but they will do the job.
3. Buy seasonal flowers- One of the tricks to buying almost any flower, fruit or vegetable is to buy what is in season. The prices are driven down by the supply available.
4. The container- Vases can be found almost anywhere. TryMarshalls, Target, TJMaxx, or Michaels, you will have better control of how much you are spending, and since you are DIY-ing it will give you that sense of accomplishment.

Lingerie:

            Oooo, it’s so sexy and kinky and soooo freaking expensive. Here is the deal lingerie is fun, but it can really add up quick. If you want to seduce your lover try something simple like white cotton panties and one of his shirts. Or do the lonely housewife and wear nothing but a kitchen apron and heels (oolala). Use your imagination and you’ll find that things around your house (think Varsity Blues) are sexier than new delicates.

            If you must get your lover a new negligee, try discount stores like Marshalls, Nordstrom Rack, ½ of ½ , they all offer name brand products without the name brand price (lol I’m like a freaking commercial)

Candy:

            Alright I’m a little bias when candy is involved, but I have found the trick to getting the sweets you want to eat, at a sweet deal!

1. If you can wait on the candy buy it the day after V-day. All stores will take almost 50% off the prices just to get rid of their inventory.
2. No you can’t wait one day? Alright go get a Sunday newspaper, open it up, now start cutting coupons.
3. Buy in bulk. But how is that sexy? Well its not, but if you have a trail of kisses leading to the bedroom who cares about the candy.
4. Make your own sweets. Its much cheaper to make your own sweets and it adds that personal touch.

 Now you know how to save on Valentine’s Day. Remember it’s not about how much you spend, but how you spend it. The special person in your life wants nothing more than to share an evening with you and enjoy each others company. Cheeky Monkey out! #fling poo #fling poo #fling poo!!!

Stay tuned for places to eat on Valentine’s Day…