CONSISTENTLY GOOD
At 25, this restaurant continues to please

Gershwin’s has called Dallas home for the past 25 years. They must be doing something right to have stuck around that long, and that something just might be adapting to the changing tastes of local diners.

Regulars will notice that the menu has undergone some adjustments recently, but nothing too startling: just a few new dishes added here and there, with a few others removed. But the food is still carefully prepared New American cuisine, served up by chef Filemon Nobas and complemented by and extensive wine list.

And diners can choose from a variety of comfortable atmospheres. Indeed, Gershwin’s – with an outdoor patio for cocktails, a marble-topped bar room, and more than one dining area – claims to have “a variety of atmospheres to suit anyone at any time of day or night.” Contemplated by soft, nightly piano music, rich wood surroundings, etched glasswork and ambient lighting. Gershwin’s makes for a peaceful and enjoyable meal.

GERSHWIN’S
8442 Walnut Hill at Greenville 214-373-7171
www.gershwinsdallas.com FB, OD, RR, $$$

Grilled Prime Beef Tenderloin with Alaskan King Crab
(Serves one)
9 oz center cut of prime tenderloin beef
1 Alaskan King Crab
2 Russet potatoes, peeled, boiled and mashed
1 cup Demi Glace
1 medium shallot, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon tarragon
½ cup Madeira wine
2 tablespoons heavy cream
2 egg yolks, whisked
2 tablespoons white wine
½ cup butter

Marinate tenderloin for 24 hours with fresh olive oil and one teaspoon each of thyme, garlic and rosemary. Grill tenderloin over open flame until desired doneness. Boil Alaskan King Crab for 1-2 minutes, then chop into 1-inch pieces. Prepare Madeira sauce: Saute Demi Glace, shallots, garlic, thyme and tarragon for two minutes. Add Madeira, and simmer for three minutes. Add cream; simmer for one minute. Add salt and pepper to taste. Prepare Tarragon Bernaise sauce: Simmer egg yolks and white wine, then add butter and continue to simmer adding tarragon, salt and pepper last. To plate the dish: Place mashed potatoes in center of dish, with tenderloin on top. Top with Alaskan King Crab and Tarragon Bernaise sauce and surround with Madeira cream sauce.

cut a rug

Square Dance Lessons C’mon, admit it. Even when you got stuck with kids who had sweaty hands, you still enjoyed those grade school square dances. You probably even remember how to promenade and allemande left. But here – with these lessons held Saturdays, Feb. 7, 14 & 21 and March 6, 13 & 20 – you might learn a few more of the hundreds of square dance moves. According the sponsor, Nortex Association, you might even meet a new dance partner. $30 per person for three six-hour classes. Call 214-502-2296 or 972-223-7268 for locations and information.

on stage

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse It seems strange somehow to go listen to folk music at church, but at least here you won’t encounter any stinky drunkards wanting to show you their love beads. Northpark Presbyterian Church is a smoke-free venue for live music. This month’s schedule includes: Feb. 6, Chris Smither ($12/$15); Feb. 13, Robin & Linda Williams, with Bill Staines ($15); Feb. 14, The Sherpas ($15); Feb. 20, Michael Fracasso, with Kim Miller ($12/$15); Feb. 27, Songweaver Band, with Butch Morgan. All shows start at 8 p.m. 9555 N. Central. For information, call 214-363-0044 or visit www.unclecalvins.org

arts & entertainment

Sketching In the Galleries Thursday, Feb. 5, public gallery tour at 6 p.m. and sketching with artist Cynthia Padilla at 6:30 p.m. Meadows Museum, 5900 Bishop, on the SMU campus. Materials are provided at this free event. Call 214-768-2516.

Art Gallery Opening Saturday, Feb. 7, 6-9 p.m. The Nest celebrates the opening of its fine art gallery inside the store with a reception honoring local artist Dahlia Woods. Woods’ show, Love Italian Style & Texas, Too, features recent landscapes and architectural views of Italy and Texas and runs through March 14. Located at 6731 Snyder Plaza. Call 214-373-4444 or visit www.shopthenest.com for information.

The Stinky Cheeseman and More Through Sunday, Feb. 22, Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 1:30 p.m. and 4:30 p.m., it’s happily ever laughter in these warped fairy tales, told with an offbeat and irreverent flair. Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children. El Centro College Performance Hall, 801 N. Main. Call 214-740-0051 for reservations and ticket information.

Two September Through Saturday, Feb. 21. Undermain Theatre presents this production by Mac Wellman, which tells the story of the United States’ covert operation in Vietnam at the end of World War II. Tickets range from $10-$25, with performances on Tuesdays-Saturdays. Student, senior and group discounts are available. Call 214-747-5515 for tickets or visit www.undermain.com for information.

Library Exhibit Through Sunday, June 24. The Dallas Museum of Art features this small but important collection of American quilts created from the 1820s to 1945. The exhibition is part of Quilt Mania, a citywide collaboration among 11 Dallas-area cultural institutions. Tickets to the DMA are $6 for adults, $4 for senior adults and children 12 and under. Downtown Dallas, between St. Paul and Harwood, just south of Woodall Rogers Freeway. For information visit www.dallasmuseumofart.org or call 214-922-2100. To learn about Quilt Mania, visit www.quiltmania.org or call 214-979-6476.

The Snowmaiden Feb. 19-22 and Feb. 26-29, 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. A world premiere adaptation of Aleksandr Ostrovsky’s 19-century play, commissioned specifically as a showcase for the Meadow School’s graduate actors. Based on a famous Russian fable about the daughter of winter and spring who discovers what it means to be human. Bob Hope Theatre, 6101 Bishop on the SMU campus. Tickets are $6-$12. Call 214-768-2787 for tickets and information.

Magneticfireflies Friday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m. Meadows Wind Ensemble presents this free concert featuring the world premiere of guest composer Augusta Read Thomas’ Concerto for Horn and Chamber Orchestra with soloist Greg Hustis, principal horn. Caruth Auditorium, 6101 Bishop on the SMU campus. Call 214-768-1951 for information.

community

German Fairy Tale Road Saturday, Feb. 14, noon-5 p.m. The Dallas Children’s Museum presents this second event in its cultural stories series, highlighting German fairy tales. Make gingerbread houses, learn Alpine dances and dress up in costumes to act out the stories yourself! For information, call 972-380-0404 or visit www.dallaschildrens.org.

Photography Club Thursdays, 1 p.m. This class is for anyone who has ever taken photographs and wondered what they could do to get better results. Some classes include outings to local sites for picture taking. All you need is a camera, film and enthusiasm. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact scane@jccdallas.com.

Hoops in the Highlands Saturday, March 20, Lake Highlands Jr. High and White Rock, Wallace, Northlake and Lake Highlands elementary schools are teaming up to put on an event for the entire community – a 3-on-3 basketball tournament with separate divisions for adults and teams comprised of students in grades 2-8. There will be fun for everyone, including contests, exciting entertainment and a Fun Zone. Highland Oaks Church of Christ, 10805 Kingsley. Cost is $60 per team; includes four players per team. For registration and sponsorship information, call 214-349-2128 or visit www.hoopsinthehighlands.net.

health & fitness

Jazzercise Mondays, 10-11 a.m. Dance and get fit at the same time. $10 for JCC members and $15 for non-members per session. Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.

Stretching and Exercise Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, 9-10 a.m. Stretching and low-impact group exercises with instructor Dorothy Gross. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact info@jccdallas.com

library

Library Live! Flamenco Tuesday, Feb. 10, 10:30 a.m. Wearing a brilliant native costume, Maria-Paz Rogers teaches students about the customs of Spain, her native country. Students will explore the essential elements of flamenco, from the costume to the steps while learning a simple flamenco dance. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Preston Royal Book Discussion Group Wednesday, Feb. 18, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a discussion of Mrs. Kimble, by Jennifer Haigh. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

literary

The Writers Studio Sunday, Feb. 1, 7-9 p.m. The Writer’s Garret and KERA 90.1 present author T.C. Boyle as part of a series of interviews with some of the world’s most accomplished writers, recorded live for radio broadcast. Theatre Three, 2800 Routh in the Quadrangle. For information, visit www.writersgarret.org or call 214-871-3300.

Reader’s Theatre Mondays, 1 p.m. Sharon Cane leads weekly sessions reading various plays, with one or more performances planned throughout the year. No memorization required. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact info@jccdallas.com.

Author Signings and Events Saturday, Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m., author and public speaker Tony Jear will discuss his latest book, Life is a Series of Presentations; Saturday, Feb. 7, 2 p.m. Julian Haber, M.D. will sign copies of his revised and updated book, ADHD: The Great Misdiagnosis, answering questions about ADHD on an individual basis; Tuesday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., best-selling suspense author Brad Meltzer will discuss Zero Game, his latest thriller; Wednesday, Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., Christopher Phillips will discuss his book, The Six Questions of Socrates: A Modern-Day Journey of Discovery Through World Philosophy; Thursday, Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., H.W. Brands will discuss and sign his newest book, Lone Star Nation: How a Ragtag Army of Courageous Volunteers Won the Battle for Texas Independence. Barnes and Noble at Lincoln Park, 7700 West Northwest Hwy. Ste. 300. 214-739-1124.

seniors

Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This friendly group of men and women ages 60+ meets weekly for classes such as Tai Chi, pilates, wellness techniques and intermediate line dancing. Also offered are spirited panel discussions, speakers, book reviews, musical presentations, medical advice, card games and social activities. Bring lunch; coffee is provided. Newcomers welcome. For more information, call executive secretary Anabel at 214-350-0465. Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood.

Exercise For Older Adults Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 9-10 a.m. A stretching and low-impact group exercise class for seniors, led by instructor Dorothy Glass. For information, contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.

AARP Free Income Tax Help Mondays (except Feb. 16), noon-4 p.m. Bring your W-2, 1099 or any other current tax information and a copy of your previous year’s tax return. AARP offers this free assistance to anyone, provided that no one ages 55+ are waiting for help. Call to confirm dates and times. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

RECEPTACLES OF CULTURE

Do you subscribe to National Geographic? Do you love pottery? Do you know all the heroes, gods and monsters of Greek mythology? If you answered yes to any one of these, this event will probably interest you. On Sunday, Feb. 8, at 1 p.m., Southern Methodist University’s Meadows Museum launches a new exhibit: Greek Vase Painting: Form, Figure, and Narrative – Treasures of the national Archaeological Museum in Madrid. SMU is calling it a “landmark exhibition of ancient treasures organized for an exclusive showing in Dallas and featuring works never lent abroad.” The exhibit includes 44 painted Greek, Etruscan and Italic vases, dating from the eighth through third century B.C. Many of the vases illustrate themes from Greek mythology, Athenian social rituals and scenes of everyday life. The Meadows Museum will be the only venue for this exhibit in the United States. Open through June 6. Free to the public. 5900 Bishop, on the SMU campus. Call 214-768-2516 for information.