Recently opened in the former space of Earl’s (and before that Houston’s), Walnut Hill Grill offers up a menu full of traditional American staples, such as the club sandwich, grilled meatloaf and three different kinds of burgers. “A lot of the food we do here is really simple, but it’s well done,” says operations manager Colleen Diaz. During the day, Walnut Hill Grill has been building up a group of regulars from the many surrounding offices, but Diaz says they are hoping to draw in more neighborhood customers as well. They’ve recently expanded their menu to include items that had only been on the specials menu, such as the popular peppercorn tenderloin tips (pictured below) and feature a Sunday brunch with standard brunch time fare (i.e. eggs benedict, omelettes and pancakes). Another draw is the drink specials. In addition to happy hour, Walnut Hill Grill has “something special each day, all day.” For example, Fridays have been bringing in a big crowd – all wines are $5 a glass.

WALNUT HILL GRILL
8141 WALNUT HILL
214-750-5348

HOURS: Mon-Thu 11 a.m.-10 p.m.;
Fri & Sat 11 a.m.-11 p.m.;
Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
$$, FB

OPA!
GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL OF DALLAS
Sept. 23-25, Fri 10 a.m.-11:30 p.m.;
Sat. 11 a.m.-11:30 p.m.;
Sun 11 a.m.-6 p.m.
Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church
13555 Hillcrest
$5, $3 for children 5-12

Get a little slice of life on the Mediterranean this month at the 49th Annual Greek Food Festival of Dallas. This longtime tradition features authentic Greek food – including dishes from the best Greek restaurants in Dallas, live entertainment and Greek music and folk dancing demonstrations. In addition to the food and fun, you won’t want to miss the “Agora” Marketplace. It’s full of Greek imports – oil paintings, vases, linens, leather, jewelry and, of course, the “Groceria.” That’s where you’ll find plenty of Greek spices, olive oils, cheeses, olives and dry foods. A special preview night benefiting Genesis Women’s Shelter kicks off the event on Thursday, Sept. 22 with a seated dinner. Advanced tickets are available at the Holy Trinity Orthodox Church at 972-991-1166. For information visit opadallas.com.

Arts & Entertainment

Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Sept. 9 – David Lamolle, Sept. 16 – Robin Greenstein and Sept. 23 – Dana Cooper. 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: 214-363-0044 or visit unclecalvins.org.

Jewish Film Festival Saturday, Sept. 10 through Thursday, Sept. 22. JCC of Dallas presents the 9th annual International Jewish Film Festival of Dallas with eight films from throughout the world: “Campfire,” “Max Davidson Silent Comedy Retrospective,” “The Rashevski Tango,” “Watermarks,” “Only Human,” “The Quarrel,” “The Apprenticeship of Duddy Kravitz,” and “Gloomy Sunday.” For information and tickets visit jccdallas.org/jccdev/ProgramsTemplate.asp or call 214-739-2737.

Jack and the Beanstalk Saturday, Oct. 1-Nov. 20, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. and 1 p.m.; Sundays, 2 p.m. Premiering this fall, Slappy’s Puppet Playhouse will present a new production of this classic English fairy tale. $7 for children and $8 for adults. Galleria Mall, third level, 13350 Dallas Parkway. For information or reservations, call 214-369-4849 or visit slappysplayhouse.com.

Community

Cooper Institute Lecture Wednesday, Sept. 21, 6:30 p.m. (reception, followed by lecture and dinner) Professor Jim Hill will present “Public Health Action for the Epidemics of Poor Diet and Physical Activity,” at the home of Caren and Peter Kline. $125. For tickets, contact Mary Westfall at 214-969-0090.

Storytime Saturday Saturdays, 11 a.m. Parents and children are invited to participate together as talented performers lead interactive storytelling, improvisational comedy routines and sing-a-longs. Children’s Play Place, Level 3 (near Saks Fifth Avenue), Dallas Galleria. For information call 972-702-7100.

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 Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.org.

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 Garcia at 972-354-8303.

Library

Library Live! Tuesday, Sept. 13, 10:30 a.m. Children delight in the sounds used in Zulu and other languages. Boitumelo will introduce insects and animals of Africa through folk songs. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Leyendo Juntos Saturday, Sept. 17, 2 p.m. Celebrity readers from Telemundo TV Channel 39 will present bilingual stories for children and parents. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Saturday Craft Saturday, Sept. 24, 2:30 p.m. Children have fun creating a different craft project each month. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Computer Classes Mondays (except Sept. 5) and Tuesdays, 5 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.

Literary

Preston Royal Book Discussion Wednesday, Sept. 21, 10:30 a.m. Join a lively and fun discussion of “Man and Wife” by Tony Parsons. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.

Seniors

Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas Thursday, Sept. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Morning activities include Pilates, armchair exercises, tai chi and intermediate line dancing followed by a panel discussion. Programs feature speakers, book reviews and travelogues. Bring a brown bag lunch; coffee is provided. Shepherd’s Center of North Dallas is a group of interfaith, 55+ senior citizens eager to remain mentally and physically active. Lovers Lane United Methodist Church, 9200 Inwood. For information call 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.