Bella Luna Ristorante owner and chef Sam Billelo didn’t make it through culinary school, but that’s fine by him. “I’m a second generation Italian; I’ve been cooking for 20-something years. I dropped out because I realized that I was learning so much more with my grandmother,” he says. And, in fact, many of Bella Luna’s menu items come from family recipes passed down by grandma. But the rest of the menu, Billelo says, is made up of his own inventions. “If someone comes here and orders Vitello al Vino Bianco (sautéed veal cutlet in white wine sauce topped with pearl onions and peas) they aren’t going to get that anywhere else because it’s a dish I created,” he says.
Veal is the most popular entrée choice for his customers, he says, because of the way it’s prepared – hand-cut by Billelo himself. Don’t worry if you’re not into veal. There are plenty of other dishes to choose from, including fresh seafood, steak, chicken and, of course, pasta. While you’re there, you might want to try some of Billelo’s award-winning tiramisu.
BELLA LUNA RISTORANTE
12835 PRESTON RD.
972-239-0600
HOURS:
Mon-Fri 11 a.m.-3 p.m.,
5 p.m.-10 p.m.;
Sat-Sun 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
$$, FB
SANTA ON ICE
HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING
AND ICE SKATING SHOW
Dallas Galleria
Friday, Nov. 25, noon
and Saturdays at 7 p.m.
Free
It’s the day after Thanksgiving. For many of us, that can mean one of two things: Either we’ve slipped into a food-induced coma, or we’re well on our way into the land of lethargy. But the folks at the Dallas Galleria have just the answer, and he goes by the name of “Missile Toes.” During this yearly tradition at the Galleria Ice Skating Center, “Missile Toes,” the ice skating Santa, shoots fireworks off the back of his ice skates as he performs. Then he kicks off the holiday season by lighting the 95-foot tall indoor Christmas tree for the first time. Other performers at the Friday event include Ben Agosto and Tanith Belvin, the U.S. National Dance Champions. Famed Olympic Champion Dorothy Hamill will perform during the tree lighting ceremony Saturday, Nov. 26. And if that’s not enough to get you off your couch, maybe the free holiday ice-skating will. Performances continue every Saturday at 7 p.m. through December. For information visit galleriarink.com, or contact Mary House at the Galleria Ice Skating Center at 972-392-3361.
Arts & Entertainment
Uncle Calvin’s Coffeehouse Fridays, Nov. 4, Karen Mal, Eric Hansen; Nov. 11, Carrie Newcomer; Nov. 18, Geoff Muldaur; Nov. 25, Closed; Dec. 2 Gregg Greenway. 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 unclecalvins.org.
Spree Designer Showcase “Holiday Spree” Thursday, Nov. 17, 5-9 p.m. This designer showcase event features more than 30 independent designers. Dallas Center for Contemporary Art, 2801 Swiss. $6 with RSVP, $10 at the door. For information visit spreedallas.com.
The 2005 Trains at NorthPark Nov. 19-Jan. 1, Monday-Saturday, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday, noon-6 p.m. The Trains at NorthPark is the most elaborate toy train exhibit in Texas, spanning more than 2,800 feet and towering 20 feet in the air. Proceeds from the exhibit benefit The Ronald McDonald House of Dallas. Admission is $4 for adults and $3 for children. High Court (between Neiman’s and Dillard’s). NorthPark Center, US 75 and Northwest Hwy. For information contact Laura Chavoya at 214-631-7354.
Jack and the Beanstalk Through Nov. 20, Fridays, 10:30 a.m.; Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. & 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. Children, $7, adults, $8. Galleria Mall, third level, 13350 Dallas Parkway. For information or reservations call 214-369-4849 or visit slappysplayhouse.com.
DIFFA Rouge Sunday, Nov. 20, 7-10 p.m. Dallas’ leading designers, architects, artists, florists and celebrities create beautiful wreaths and holiday-themed gifts, featured in a silent auction benefiting the Design Industries Foundation Fighting AIDS. $50. Neiman Marcus Court, NorthPark Center. For tickets call 214-748-8580 or visit diffadallas.org.
Leslie Ann Burns “Charm of India” Photography On display through Dec. 1. The Tempest Tea Room, 5600 W. Lovers, Ste. 111.
Community
JCC Senior Expo Tuesday, Nov. 1, 8:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Information Expo for older adults, their children and caregivers. Exhibit booths, giveaways, entertainment, free seminars. JCC of Dallas, 7900 Northaven. For information call Sharon Balaban at 214-239-7126.
Shalom Tots and Me Mondays, 9:30-11 a.m. Nov. 7-Dec. 12. Temple Shalom of Dallas Preschool is opening a program for toddlers and moms/caregivers. Shalom Tots and Me for young toddlers meets Monday mornings for six-week sessions. Each session is $100 with a $10 registration fee and will include art activities, story time, music and movement in the new facility. 4020 Hedgcoxe. Please call Bonnie Rubinstein, Director of Early Childhood Education at Temple Shalom of Dallas, for information at 972-661-5025.
Walkabout Th’World Monday, Nov. 7, 6:30 p.m. A W.T. White High School fundraiser, including dinner and auction. Music performances by the W.T. White Snow Choir and sophomore Michael Maternowski. Tickets are $5 (includes dinner). W.T. White High School cafeteria, 4505 Ridgeside Dr., 972-502-6200.
Cooper Institute Lecture Tuesday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. (reception, followed by lecture and dinner). Professor Claude Bouchard will present “The Global Obesity Problem and What to Do About It,” hosted by Deedie and Rusty Rose. $125. For tickets contact Mary Westfall at 214-969-0090.
Free Egypt Lecture Saturday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Alwyn Burridge, Egyptologist, will present “Egyptian Mummies Say ‘Don’t Lose Your Head.’” Room 119, SMU Fondren Science Building. For information call 972-416-9482.
Thanksgiving Break at the J Nov. 21-23, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Gym-time, arts and crafts, cooking, video games, movies, snacks and swimming in the indoor pool. $30 for members, $45 for non-members. JCC of Dallas, 7900 Northaven. For information contact Julie Sutker at 214-239-7152.
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 per session for JCC members; $15 for non-members. Aaron Family Jewish Community Center, 7900 Northaven. For information, contact jcohn@jccdallas.com.
Leukemia Society Every fourth 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
Senior Caregiving Saturday, Nov. 5, 2-3:30 p.m. Physical, mental, medical, legal and financial topics will be discussed. Presented by Pat Peiser of the Area Agency on Aging. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Library Live! Tuesday, Nov. 8, 10:30 a.m. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214-670-6376 and Saturday, Nov. 12, 2:30 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214-670-7128. Puppet Pal’s storytime with Sandy Shrout.
Leyendo Juntos Saturday, Nov. 19, 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.
National Children’s Book Week Saturday, Nov. 19, 2 p.m. Celebrate with a special showing of “Holes,” a film based on the Newbery Award-winning book. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal. 214-670-7128.
Computer Classes Mondays and Thursdays, 5 p.m. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214-670-6376.
Literary
Preston Royal Book Discussion Wednesday, Nov. 16, 10:30 a.m. Join a lively and fun discussion of “As A Driven Leaf,” by Milton Steinberg. 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. For information contact aangorina@jccdallas.org.
