Dallas: Oddfellows

In the midst of the usual emails

that people send me

asking for advice 

on European hotspots

such as London, Paris & Florence...

I've been receiving a few 

for a place that I know just as well:

Dallas, Texas.

I'm a born & bred Texan, mes amis.

I get to go back a handful of times

each year in between semesters.

I was there over the weekend 

for a quick work trip...

and got to add a new place 

to my "go" list for the Big D.

Don't miss a breakfast/brunch

at Oddfellows the next time

life brings you through the Big D.

It would be so sad.

In fact, don't skip out on the Bishop Arts area in general.

It's got so many amazing places tucked in it.

And with how popular it is becoming, 

you may feel like the odd man out 

if you did.

{Sorry, couldn't help myself.}

Obviously, we weren't planning on getting our pictures taken when we rolled out of bed. Oh well. In living color.

Also,

a few other "musts" for your required visit:

Start with an order of the Beignets,

don't ask questions.

Just trust me.

I personally will recommend the Huevos Rancheros

for many reasons, but mainly because

that bottom layer of corn tortilla is a crispy wonderland.

Go ahead and follow your instinct with the gingerbread pancake-

though skip the red velvet, it's a disappointment.

Lattes are great there.

Fresh squeezed orange juice is a treat.

Oh my, 

I really think 

you're going to love it there.

*    *   *

Go getcha some:

Oddfellows

316 West 7th Street

Dallas, Texas 75208

Local Tip: Get there before 9 on the weekend

or be prepared to WAIT (like 30-45min) for a table.

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy

Rise To The Occasion

On Friday,

there was a small table

of really nice people

having a great time

over some awesome soufflés

at Dallas' beloved 

Rise No. 1.

It was such a great time,

and- as admittedly awkward as those parties can be at the beginning-

turned out to be a FUN evening.

It's always so refreshing (and dare I say, "flattering?")

to meet people who read my blog.

The internet can be a tricky place

with false identities (ahem, Aspiring Kennedy?)

and tiny little profile pics...

You can never be too sure about who you're meeting out there.

So to show up and meet completely awesome/normal people

really floored me.

I can't believe that such cool people 

 take the time to read my blog.

I'm not even sure my own mom reads it.

Ok, I'm drifting...

All that to say,

I was on a high from getting to hang out 

with so many sweet ladies.

Thanks for coming out-

blogger meet-ups wouldn't be nearly as fun

if no one was there to actually meet up!

And now, 

some pictures

to prove that it actually happened.

the set-up.

fancy fizzy water

viola got some swag from the party. a sophie giraffe from helen! merci. :)

getting our instagrams on... #dallasbloggerbash

marshmallow soup  with floating "marshmallows" of mini goat cheese souffles!

crab souffle.

les femmes du blogging :)

bread pudding soufflé

table dancing.

me & my co-host, beth dotolo.

this strawberry souffle has been on my mind ever since the party. gorgeous!

last ladies standing. closing down the party!

*all images original to Aspiring Kennedy