Longevity is the name of the game for 31-year-old Mexican eatery Mario and Alberto. “We’ve had the same chef for 29 years; Juan – he’s the only bartender who’s been on that bar…we’ve got employees who have been with us from 15-25 years,” says owner Jose Chac Salazar, explaining that before he bought the restaurant three years ago, he had been the general manager for a “very long time.” And in that long time, the restaurant has become known for its great food and reasonable prices. A staple for loyal customers is the Filete de la Casa, a filet mignon plugged with garlic and bell peppers straight from Mexico. If food and familiar faces don’t draw you in, maybe a frosty margarita will. All day Monday-Wednesday, and until 3 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Mario and Alberto offers “Upgrade Margarita.” Which means, for all their tequila-loving patrons, a bigger margarita for the price of a regular.
MARIO AND ALBERTO
12817 PRESTON
972-980-7296
HOURS: Mon-Thurs
11 a.m.-9 p.m.
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
$$, FB
MASTER SCULPTOR
FREDERICK HART EXHIBITION
Friday, April 8, 6-9 p.m.
Opening reception;
Show continues through May.
Southwest Gallery, 4500 Sigma.
Swgallery.com, 972-960-8935
Often described as one of America’s greatest living representational artists, American sculptor Frederick Hart (1943-1999) is best known for his work on the Washington National Cathedral and the statue of the Three Soldiers he created for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the nation’s capitol. This month, Hart’s work will be exhibited at Southwest Gallery. At an opening reception April 8, Hart’s wife, Lindy, will unveil new works including “Study of the Artist’s Wife” and “Figures and Fragments. Washington National Cathedral Collection.” “Songs of Grace,” which will be added to the permanent collection of the Hermitage in St. Petersburg, Russia, also will be on display.
Arts & Entertainment
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Friday, April 1 – Ann Zimmerman; Friday, April 8 – Kat Eggleston and Kate Macleod; Friday, April 15 – Brooks Williams; Friday, April 22 – Christopher Williams; and Friday, April 29 – Jez Lowe. 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
Artist Frederick Hart Friday, April 8, 6-9 p.m. Opening reception featuring Hart’s sculptures from the façade of Washington’s National Cathedral. Meet the artist’s wife, Lindy Hart. Show continues through May. Southwest Gallery, 4500 Sigma. For information visit swgallery.com or call 972-960-8935.
The OXYmorons Saturday, April 9, 8 p.m. Catch this improve group from San Antonio and enjoy dessert and coffee at the J Comedy Club. $30. Reservations required. Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For reservations: jccdallas.org or 214-739-2737.
Royal Families of Ancient Egypt Saturday, April 16, 9 a.m. All-day seminar by Dr. Aidan Dodson of the University of Bristol. $50. Reservations required. Fondren Science Building, Room 119, SMU. For information: arce-ntexas.org or 972-416-9482.
William Eggleston Through Sunday, May 15. William Eggleston: The Los Alamos Project explores Eggleston’s groundbreaking work in color photography. J.E.R. Chilton Galleries, 1717 N. Harwood.
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. J.E.R. Chilton Galleries, 1717 N. Harwood.
Community
Vance C. Miller Golf Tournament Monday, April 4. The 8th annual memorial tournament will be a Florida Scramble. Entry fees are donated to charity and are tax-deductible. Beneficiaries include Literacy Instruction For Texas and the Vance C. Miller Jr. Classical Guitar Scholarship Fund at SMU. Prestonwood Country Club – the Hills Course, 6600 Columbine Way, Plano. For information call Jerome Mosman at 214-824-2000.
Preston Hollow Elementary Round Up Sunday, April 10, 2-4 p.m. Tour the school, meet the teachers and ask questions. 6423 Walnut Hill. For information contact Kirsten Schorsch at 214-987-2522 or kirsts@aol.com.
Mother’s Day Luncheon Tuesday, April 26, 11:30 a.m. The 12th Annual Genesis Shelter luncheon will feature keynote speaker Maya Angelou. Hyatt Regency Hotel, Landmark Ballroom, 300 Reunion Blvd. For information call 214-559-2050.
8th Annual Pot of Gold Luncheon Friday, April 29, 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Supports Rainbow Days, an organization that teaches kids skills for a drug-free future. Wyndham Anatole Hotel. For information: 214-887-0726 or rdkids.org.
Health & Fitness
Dallas Area Parkinsonism Society Monday, April 11, 12 p.m. The speaker will be Ann Langford presenting “Fairy Tales for Grown-ups.” $8.50 a person, includes luncheon. University Park United Methodist Church, 4024 Caruth. For reservations call 972-620-7600.
National Pilates Day Saturday, April 16, noon-1:30 p.m. Free class demonstrating pilates mat work and a sampling of pilates equipment. Oasis Mind-Body Conditioning Center, Preston Forest Center, 11661 Preston, Suite 184. To register call 214-692-6613 or email oasisbody@earthlink.net.
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 information, call Shelby Brangan at 972-354-8303.
Library
Free Income Tax Help Mondays, April 4 & 11, noon-4 p.m. Bring all tax records and a copy of last year’s tax return. Sponsored by Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128. And Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Super Saturday Saturday, April 9, 3 p.m. Crafts, snacks and fun. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Library Live! Tuesday, April 12, 10:30 a.m. East Indian Dance with Alpana Jacobs. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Latin American Ethnic Tuesday, April 12, 6 p.m. Discover the rhythms of the Aztecs, Incas and Mayans. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Preston Royal Book Club Wednesday, April 20, 10:30 a.m. Join a lively discussion of “Himalayan Dhaba” by Craig Danner. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Seniors
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. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.
