Tucked away on one of the side streets in Preston Center, chef and owner James Neel admits Tramontana is easy to miss. “It’s unassuming from the outside,” he says. But once you’ve been introduced to the quaint French restaurant, you’ll take note. In fact, that’s how Neel built his business, he says. “We’d get employees of surrounding office buildings in at lunch, and then they’d start coming back at night with their wives.” The hook? “It’s like being in Europe or New York. It’s comfortable and cozy and cool – you can really escape Dallas for a night,” Neel says. The menu helps carry that feeling, with staples such as the signature red wine-braised Veal Osso Bucco with wild mushroom risotto (pictured) and pan-roasted sea bass. Customers also enjoy Neel’s selection of dessert souffles. And if you can’t find anything on the menu to suit your fancy, just let Neel know – he likes catering to his customers’ needs. “If somebody wants something special, I’ll cook it,” he says. “I just love to cook.”
TRAMONTANA
8220 WESTCHESTER
(Preston Center)
214-368-4188
Mybistro.net
HOURS: Tues-Fri
(lunch) 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
(dinner) 5:30-10 p.m.
$$$, FB, RR
They may not be in New Orleans for Mardi Gras this month, but the folks from the North Texas Chapter Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America are partying Big Easy style. Highlights of this year’s Soul Revival to benefit the CCFA include entertainment by rockin’ Gospel trio Roy Murray’s Choir of Joy and jazz by The Breggett Rideau Group, a live and silent auction and delectable Cajun cuisine served amid a sea of floating, vintage airplanes. Why the airplanes? Well, the CCFA chose to hold this year’s event at Dallas’ “newest and most dynamic party venue” – The Frontier of Flight Museum at Love Field. After dinner, plan to boogie down with top-40 cover band Signed, Sealed & Delivered. And if you just want to show up for dessert and dancing, that’s no problem. Tickets are also being sold for just the after-dinner activities at $100 a person and $150 for couples
Arts & Entertainment
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Friday, Feb. 4 – Cliff Eberhardt, Friday, Feb. 11 – Bernice Lewis, Saturday, Feb. 12 – Patty Larkin, Friday, Feb. 18 – Bill Staines and Friday, Feb. 25 – Robin and Linda Williams. All shows $12, unless otherwise stated. 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 unclecalvins.org.
William Eggleston Sunday, Feb. 5–Sunday, May 15, William Eggleston: The Los Alamos Project explores Eggleston’s groundbreaking work in color photography. JER Chilton Galleries, 1717 N. Harwood.
Meshuggah-Nunsl Thursday, Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 12, 8 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 13, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. A hilarious blend of Fiddler on the Roof and Nunsense presented by the J Players. $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Zale Auditorium, Aaron Family JCC, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact Judy Cohn at 214-239-7115 or jcohn@jccdallas.org.
Patrice Pike Saturday, Feb. 19, 8 p.m. Intimate concert series at Bend Studio. Non-smoking venue, bring your own wine and beer. Yoga class before the show and mini chair massages. $25 in advance. Limited seating. For information visit bendstudio.com.
China’s Forbidden City Through Sunday, May 29. “Splendors of China’s Forbidden City: The Glorious Reign of Emperor Qianlong” showcases more than 400 artifacts from 18th century imperial China. JER Chilton Galleries, 1717 N. Harwood.
Community
Free Lectures at Northaven Gardens Saturday, Feb. 5, 1:30 p.m. – Feng Shui by Laura Schellinger; Saturday, Feb. 12, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – “Organic Weekend”; Sunday, Feb. 13, 1:30-3:30 p.m. – “Rose Q&A”; and Sunday, Feb. 20 – “Greenhouse Open House.” 7700 Northaven. 214-363-5316.
Science Expo Wednesday, Feb. 9 and Thursday, Feb. 10. The 7th Annual Science Expo at the Wise Academy invites all schools with pre-K and kindergarten classes to attend. Reservations are required. 5608 Northaven, 214-739-3636.
Parents Workshop Sunday, Feb. 13, 9-10:30 a.m., Temple Shalom, 6930 Alpha; and Sunday, Feb. 27, 9:30-11 a.m. Adal Chaverim, 6150 Independence Pkwy, Ste. E, Plano. Presented by The Wise Academy and Union for Reform Judaism, this workshop is focused on creating a toolbox to better prepare parents for their children (grades 4-6) in adolescence. For information, contact Rabbi Nancy Kasten at the Wise Academy, 214-739-3636.
Walden Plano Quartet Sunday, Feb. 13, 7:30 p.m. Concert for lovers of classical chamber music. Viola and Cello duo by Rebecca Clark. $20 at the door, $18 for seniors, $8 for adults. First Unitarian Church of Dallas, 4015 Normandy. For more information call 214-691-5652.
Winston Auction and Gala Saturday, Feb. 26. Celebrate Winston’s 30th birthday with entertainment and food. Raise money for Winston Endowment, Financial Aid, Faculty Continuing Education and Mavericks-Winston Science Events. Winston Gym, 5707 Royal. 214-691-6950.
Book Signings & Discussion Friday, Feb. 11, 7 p.m. Gary Renard – “The Disappearance of the Universe: Straight Talk About Illusions, Past Lives, Religion, Sex, Politics and the Miracles of Forgiveness”; Saturday, Feb. 12, 1 p.m., art historian and professor Alessandra Comini – “In Passionate Pursuit”; and Sunday, Feb. 27, 2 p.m. historian James Crisp – “Sleuthing the Alamo: Davy Crockett’s Last Stand & Other Mysteries of the Texas Revolution.” Barnes & Noble, 7700 Northwest Highway.
Live at the Sands Saturday, March 5, 7 p.m.-midnight. Friends of Hillcrest High School and Franklin Middle School present this event featuring ‘60s Vegas-style music and show, live and silent auction, buffet dinner and cash bar. $35 per person. 701 E. Campbell, Richardson. For tickets, contact Perrin Walker at 214-692-6321.
Health & Fitness
Dharma Talks Sunday, Feb. 13 and Feb. 20, 3-4 p.m. Learn the role of the spiritual teacher and the integration of Buddhism into Western Society. $20 per class in advance, $25 at the door. For registration and information, contact Ally David at Bend Studio, 5014 McKinney. 214-841-9642; bendstudio.com.
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.
Leukemia Society Every 4th Wednesday. All patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and myeloma are invited to attend these support group programs. Free. Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400 For meeting times or information, call Shelby Brangan at 972-354-8303.
Library
Fables and Folktales Tuesday, Feb. 8, 10:30 a.m. Dan Gibson embellishes his stories with traditional folk music from Liberia, India. Japan and the U.S. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Library Live! Tuesday, Feb. 8, 6 p.m. Making it up as we go with George Gagliardi. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Valentine’s Day Party Saturday, Feb. 12, 3 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Preston Royal Book Club Wednesday, Feb. 16, 10:30 a.m. Join a lively discussion of Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Leyendo Juntos Saturday, Feb. 19, 11 a.m. Celebrity readers from Telemundo TV Channel 39 will present bilingual stories that both children and their parents will enjoy. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
ABC’s of College Education Saturday, Feb. 26, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Discussion for college-bound students and their parents. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Pajama Storytime Monday, Feb. 28, 7 p.m. Pajamas, laps and stuffed animals are welcome for this evening storytime for ages 3 and older and their parents/caregivers. Snacks included. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Seniors
Shepherd’s Center Thursdays, Feb. 3, 10, 17 and 24, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Members of this interfaith 55+ group of men and women will meet for a program of fitness, mental stimulation and the enjoyment of friendship and shared interests. Lover’s Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For information, contact Anabel at 214-350-0465.
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.
