SUPPER CLUB
Longtime lunch spot opens for the night crowd

There’s just not enough room here to say all the great things about Maudee’s.

Tucked away in an ugly strip mall off Lovers, the restaurant is unexpectedly beautiful and elegant-looking. The high-ceilinged walls are painted a deep old-world red, there’s a gorgeous fireplace at the far end of the dining area, and tapestries and antiques add a richness and elegance.

The restaurant’s successes are no surprise given that owner Meredith Strode’s great-grandmother is the Mrs. Baird. Strode bought the restaurant over two years ago from original owner Lynn McIlheny.

In late 2003, Strode introduced the supper club concept, opening Maudee’s for dinner for the first time on Friday and Saturday nights. For just over $25, diners get a homemade soup and sourdough roll with tarragon butter spread, a salad and a choice of three entrees served with fresh vegetables and potatoes. And to make sure her customers don’t become bored, Strode changes the “American with a French twist” menu seasonally.

MAUDEE’S CAFÉ AND SUPPER CLUB
4433 Lovers 214-526-9750 www.maudees.com
HOURS: Lunch Mon-Sat 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Afternoon tea (by reservation only) Mon-Sat 3-5 p.m.; Dinner Fri-Sat 6-10 p.m.

Roasted Salmon Fillet with Lemon Caper Beurre Blanc (Serves 4)

SALMON:
2 lbs salmon fillets
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon each, kosher salt & black pepper
SAUCE:
1 cup Chardonnay wine
1 teaspoon lemon peel
1 oz chopped shallots
4 oz heavy cream
½ cup unsalted butter
1 lemon
1 oz capers
VEGETABLES:
12 oz yellow squash & 12 oz zucchini
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
POTATOES:
5 Yukon gold potatoes
1 clove garlic
5 oz heavy cream
4 oz unsalted butter

Preheat oven to 450. Preheat skillet on high. Season the salmon with salt, pepper and garlic. Drizzle with olive oil. Add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter to skillet, and place fillets one at a time into skillet. Sear skinless side 3-4 minutes or until golden brown. Transfer fillets to oven and roast with skin side up for an additional 2-3 minutes.

In separate saucepan, bring Chardonnay to a boil with lemon peel and shallot. Add cream and reduce on high heat. Add butter slowly so as not to break. Simmer. Add fresh lemon juice to taste and whisk.

Slice squash and zuchinni on a diagonal. Season with salt and pepper. Heat skillet on high, add 1 tablespoon butter, and saute vegetables for 3 minutes.

Peel potatoes, and chop into quarters. Place in boiling water. When soft to the touch, remove and drain excess water. Place in mixing bowl. Add garlic, 4 oz. unsalted butter and 5 oz cream. Whisk until smooth and creamy.

To plate, rest salmon fillet over individual portions of vegetables and potatoes. Drizzle sauce around salmon and sprinkle with capers.

children’s classic

The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe Chances are you’ve read the book. Now don’t miss your last chance to catch this classic at the Dallas Children’s Theater’s final two showings. Sunday, April 4, 1:30 & 4:30 p.m. $15, adults; $13, children. For ages 7+. Rosewood Center for Family Arts, 5938 Skillman. Call the box office at 214-740-0051 for tickets.

charitable event

Celebrity Waiter Gala Since 1993, the Child Abuse Prevention Center has assisted more than 1,956 children. On May 1, you can help them help even more by attending this event, featuring dinner, dancing and silent and live auctions, along with the antics of celebrity waiters. Waiters will include Chris Harrison, host of “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette,” U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions and Miss Texas, Sunni Cranfill. Individual tickets are $250. Call Brooke Damon at 214-370-9810 or visit excap.org for information.

outdoor fun

Preston Hollow In The Park Join your neighbors for an afternoon of fun. The Preston Hollow Women’s Club hosts this fourth annual event, featuring fun for children of all ages, food, entertainment provided by local schools and Our Pooch Parade and Dog Show Contest. Sunday, April 25, 4-7 p.m. Dog Show and Contest will begin at 5 p.m. Dogs will be judged on Best Dressed, Best Bark, Most Talented, Owner/Pet Look-a-like and Best Retriever. Preston Hollow Park at the corner of Thackery and Park.

arts & entertainment

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse April 2, Tracy Grammer with Eric Balkey opening ($12); April 16, Dave Mallett with Steve Key opening ($12); April 23, Adrian Legg with Sloan Wainwright opening ($15 advance/$18 door); April 30, Still on the Hill with Jayson Bales opening ($12). A smoke-free, alcohol-free venue for live music. All shows start at 8 p.m. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central. For information, call 214-363-0044 or visit www.unclecalvins.org.

Sarah, Plain and Tall Friday, April 2-Sunday, April 25 The Dallas Children’s Theater presents this touching story of loss, love and the simple joys of life. Recommend for ages 8 and up; tickets are $15 for adults and $13 for children. At El Centro College Performance Hall, 801 N. Main. Call 214-740-0051 for tickets and show time.

The Spirit of Women Thursday, April 22, 7 p.m. A documentary film by Cynthia Salzman Mondell and Allen Mondell about women’s struggle and triumphs for equal rights, including footage from the 1977 National Women’s Conference in Houston. $12. SMU’s Hughes Trigg Auditorium. Call 214-826-3863 for tickets and information.

The Mill on the Floss April 15-18 and 22-25, 8 p.m. Thu-Sat, 2 p.m. Sundays. An adaptation of George Elliot’s classic story of a passionately spirited woman at odds with the provincial world into which she was born. $6-$12. Greer Garson Theatre, 6101 Bishop on SMU campus. Call 214-768-2787 for information and tickets.

Library Exhibit Throughout April: Entertainment Cats, by Bettye Stephens. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal.

Through the Needle’s Eye 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 more information visit dallasmuseumofart.org or call 214-922-2100. To learn about Quilt Mania, visit quiltmania.org or call 214-979-6476.

community

Author and Writing Events Wednesday, April 7, 7:30 p.m. Marlane Miller, author of Brainstyles for Lovers; Thursday, April 8, 7:30 p.m., Danny Lanier, author of Setting the Pace for Business Success: How to Maximize your Potential and Get What You Want; Saturday, April 10, 1 p.m., Paula LaRocque, author of The Book on Writing: Thursday, April 17, 1:30 p.m., editing workshop featuring Dr. Bonnie Franke; Friday, April 23, 6:30 p.m. Daniel J. Hale and Matthew LaBrot, authors of Green Streak.

Spring Open House Sunday, April 25, 2-4 p.m. Join Preston Hollow Elementary School for refreshments, continuous school tours and a Q&A in the library with principal Teresa Parker and current school families. 6423 Walnut Hill.

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 Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact scane@jccdallas.com.

health & fitness

Tour Dallas Bike Event Saturday, April 3. Bring family, friends and co-workers down to American Airlines Center for an urban bike adventure. Three routes to choose from: 8-mile, 20-mile and 30-mile. The routes include visits to: Sixth Floor Museum, Dealey Plaza, City Hall, Old Swiss Avenue, White Rock Lake, Turtle Creek Boulevard and the Good Latimer tunnel. Net proceeds will to go Dallas CASA. All routes start at 8 a.m. For information, visit tourdallas.org for registration and information.

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 Jewish Community Center, 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

Films ‘n Fun Saturday, April 10, 2 p.m. Join in the fun for Easter films and snacks. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-6376.

Library Live! Mrs. Pocket’s Playtime Tuesday, April 13, 6 p.m. While sharing a trunk filled with an array of costumes and puppets, Lynn Baskind recounts fairy tales and students dramatize them. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-6376.

Library Live! Multicultural Dance Tuesday, April 13, 10:30 a.m. Classes will study explorer routes to understand how the African people and their customs traveled from one country to another, influencing the dance and music of the Americas. With Pam Johnson-Angeles. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Tuesday Fun Time Tuesdays, 6 p.m. Crafts and stories for children of all ages. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-6376.

literary

Preston Royal Book Discussion Group Wednesday, April 21, 10:30 a.m. Join us for a lively and fun discussion of “No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency,” by Alexander McCall Smith. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

The Writers Studio Sunday, April 18, 7-9 p.m. The Writer’s Garret and KERA 90.1 present author Julia Alvarez 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 writersgarret.org or call 214-871-3300.

Readers’ 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.

seniors

Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. This friendly group of men and women ages 60+ celebrates its 10th anniversary this month, with each session featuring representatives of the various religious organizations that helped make the center a success. Bring lunch; coffee is provided. Newcomers welcome. Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For information, call Anabel at 214-350-0465.

AARP Free Income Tax Help Mondays 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 Open to all; priority given to those aged 55+. Call to confirm dates and times. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

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.

MEADOWS SCHOOL’S DIVISION OF DANCE

SPRING DANCE CONCERT When it comes to cultural experiences, the symphony, orchestra and theater often get preference over dance productions. But if you’ve ever been to one, you know how amazing it can be to watch trained dancers perform feats of agility and grace that would have most of us careening toward the emergency room. This month, join the Meadows School’s Division of Dance for its annual production, featuring the premier of “Ebony Concert” by dance professor Sabrina Madison-Cannon, set to a Stravinsky score performed live by the Meadows Wind Ensemble. Also featured: “One in Five,” a comic ballet, and two works by visiting Artist-in-Residence Allan Kinzie. Wednesday, April 21-Sunday, April 25, 8 p.m. Wed-Sat, 2 p.m. Sunday. $6-$12. The Bob Hope Theatre, 6101 Bishop, Call 214-768-2787 for information and tickets.