Excerpt
The following is from the February 5, 2011, edition of The Wall Street Journal. SMU Music Professor Jose Bowen, dean of Meadows School of the Arts, was interviewed for this story.
For years, Dallas has been living down its big-hair-and-big-hats reputation. But with new spikes on the skyline, a transformed cultural landscape and a decidedly cosmopolitan makeover, visitors will be hard-pressed to find the "Dallas" of the '80s in its newest, grown-up incarnation. . .
Dean of the Meadows School of the Arts and professor of music at Southern Methodist University
Outdoor Art: Valley House Gallery & Sculpture Garden. Situated on 4.5 wooded acres in North Dallas, this oasis is the oldest gallery in Dallas. It specializes in Texas artists, and features a wonderfully walkable sculpture garden. 6616 Spring Valley Rd., valleyhouse.com
Un-Texan Cuisine: Lalibela. Although this tiny Ethiopian restaurant is in a strip mall, if you order the veggie or meat combo, you'll forget the surroundings. Don't use a fork; use your injera bread. 9191 Forest Lane, lalibeladallas.com
Little Things: Nuvo. This Oak Lawn-area emporium for gifts, unique books, jewelry and cards features plenty of Dallas artists. 3900 Cedar Springs Rd., nuvodallas.com
Pop Art: The Soda Gallery. Located in the great Bishop Arts District, here you can sample 200 types of soda, including over 30 types of root beer. Pop open a bottle, challenge someone to Chinese checkers and sample some vintage-style candy. 408 N. Bishop Ave. #101, thesodagallery.com
Night Spot: Bar Celine. Owner Donald Chick transformed this East Dallas garage into a moody, sexy bar and nightclub and named it after his wife. The vintage furniture and Wednesday night jazz make it a scene. The bar is behind its sister restaurant, Park. 1921 Henderson Ave., barceline.com