“Just keep it simple.” That’s the back-to-basics philosophy of Mansour Gorji, the chef and owner of Canary Café. “Unfortunately, chefs tend to think the more you put into a dish, the better it tastes – but really, simplicity is best.” One taste of his cuisine, and it’s clear he’s right. The food is fresh, cooked with simple methods, and robust yet not over-seasoned. Gorji fuses several Mediterranean influences, resulting in a menu as diverse as the region it spans. Succulent seafood is a specialty – and surprisingly, so is steak, which isn’t typical in Mediterranean fare. But that hasn’t fazed Gorji. He proved it’s not just cowboys who can cook a mean steak when he became the two-time champ at the Texas Steak Cook Off. He swears the secret to his success is his steak primer – which you can pick up at the Preston/Forest Whole Foods, along with a few other Gorji Gourmet sauces he has created. Or if you’d rather let him do the cooking, you can drop in for one of his five weekly dinners. “I am the only chef here, so that’s why I only do five dinners a week. My saying around here is ‘let me cook for you tonight,’ and I really mean that: If I’m not here, the kitchen is closed.

CANARY CAFÉ
5100 BELT LINE
SUITE 402
972.503.7080

HOURS:

Tues-Thurs, 5-9:30 p.m.
Fri-Sat, 5-10:30 p.m.

Pop a cork, and let the vino flow: WineFest 2007 has arrived. Here you can pleasure your palette with food and wine pairings from some of the city’s top restaurants, such as Sambuca, Blue Mesa Grill, Clay Pit, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, May Dragon, Mercy and Go Fish – just to name a few. Plus, bid it up at the onsite silent auction. Proceeds from this fifth-annual festival will benefit The 500 Inc., a volunteer group supporting local arts for 42 years. WineFest 2007 will be Saturday, Nov. 10, from 7-10 p.m. at the Addison Conference Center, 15650 Addison. Advance tickets can be purchased at winefest500.com and cost $30 before Thursday, Nov. 8. Tickets at the door are $35. And because those ticket prices buy you all you can eat and drink, you really get a bang for your buck. For information call 214.565.0200 or visit 500inc.org.

Arts & Entertainment

MAN, MYTH AND MAGIC FREE Thursday, Nov. 1, through Friday, Nov. 30. Tuesdays through Fridays, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Check out some cool art and learn a little more about the Native American culture in the process at this month-long exhibition. It features Canadian painter and sculptor Chris Johnson “Ice Bear” (Ojibway), a Native American artist whose work spans the gamut from sculptures to landscapes to contemporary 3-D graphics and vast abstracts defined by lifelike representational elements. Native Arts Center and Gallery, 732 Preston Forest Shopping Center, 214.265.0071.

EXHIBITION OF THE DRAWING ALBUM OF J. BEUCHOT FREE Through Saturday, Dec. 8. The work of 19th century French artist J. Beuchot will be put on exhibit, featuring more than 90 watercolors, original drawings, and gouaches, Beaux Arts, 1505 Hi Line, 214.741.5555 or beauxartsart.com.

THROUGH THE EYES OF THE CONDOR FREE Through Tuesday, Jan. 15, 10 a.m.-9 p.m. A retrospective exhibition of aerial photography from the series “Through the Eyes of the Condor: An Aerial Vision of Latin America,” by Dallas-based photographer Robert Haas. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway. 214.363.7441 or northparkcenter.com.

UNCLE CALVIN’S COFFEEHOUSE 25TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION Fridays, Nov. 2, 9, 16 & 30, 8 p.m. The coffeehouse and acoustic music venue celebrates its 25th anniversary with a series of musical performances, from such local talents as Emilie Aronson, Bill Nash, Pierce Pettis, Sara Hickman and Terri Hendrix. Tickets for Nov. 2, $2. All other nights, tickets are $20-$25. Northpark Presbyterian Church, 9555 N. Central Expressway. 214.363.0044 or unclecalvins.org.

DOUG VARONE AND DANCERS Friday, Nov. 2, and Saturday, Nov. 3, 8 p.m. Doug Varone and his team of dancers perform work that has been heralded as “among the most compelling in the contemporary repertory.” $14-$59, $5 for students. McFarlin Auditorium on the SMU campus. 214.528.5576 or titas.org.

WINDS AND STRINGS Sunday, Nov. 4, 6 p.m. A Camerata Winds performance of three classical works, including Beethoven’s Seplet and Devienne’s “Quartet in C.” $20. $16 for seniors, $8 for students and children. First United Lutheran Church, 6202 E. Mockingbird, 214.731.0044.

STRING EXTRAORDINAIRE FREE Saturday, Nov. 10 and Saturday, Nov. 24, 1-4 p.m. Richmond Punch will showcase his viola repertoire in a series of concerts at NorthPark Center, this month with trios in the NorthCourt and near Carolina Herrera, The Juilliard graduate and Aspen Music Festival alum has made solo and ensemble appearances at Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center and the Kimmel Center. 8687 N. Central Expressway, northparkcenter.com.

OSWALD’S GHOST FREE Monday, Nov. 19, 7 p.m. Commemorating the 44th anniversary of JFK’s assassination, a free public screening of the documentary “Oswald’s Ghost” will be held, including a Q&A discussion with film director Robert Stone. Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza, 411 Elm. 214.747.6660 or jfk.org.

BANCROFT FAMILY THANKSGIVING CONCERT FREE Saturday, Nov. 24, 2:30 p.m. The Dallas Symphony brass join organist Tim Effler for a Thanksgiving performance. First United Methodist Church, 1928 Ross. 214.520.2219 or fineartchamberplayers.org.

Community

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF DALLAS FREE Wednesday, Nov. 7, 6:30-7:45 p.m. An informational meeting for women interested in becoming a member of the League or finding out a little more. The League of Dallas has a long history of training women by developing their skills as volunteers to improve our community. The league also raises funds to build and sustain the nonprofit agencies we partner with each year, donating nearly $1 million and 120,000 volunteer hours to these agencies annually. No RSVP required. 8003 Inwood.

WATER-WISE GARDENING MICRO-TALKS FREE Saturday, Nov. 10, 9 a.m.-noon and Tuesday, Nov. 20, 7-8:30 p.m. The City of Dallas Water Utilities is partnering with the Dallas County Master Gardeners Assocation, Texas Cooperative Extension-Dallas County and the Dallas Park and Recreation Department to teach garden aficionados about water-wise landscaping in quick 30-minute mini-seminars. On Nov. 10, 9 a.m., “Native and Adaptive Plants”; 9:45 a.m., “Earthkind Roses”: and 10:30 a.m., “Companion Planting.” On Nov. 20: 7 p.m., “Native and Adaptive Plants”; and 7:45 p.m., “Earthkind Roses.” Marcus Annex Senior Center, 2910 Modella. To register, call 214.904.3053 between 8:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Dallasmastergardeners.org. For information, contact Nancy Scripps, 214.357.8822, ext. 204, or newmember@jld.net.

DALLAS COUNTY A&M MOTHERS CLUB Thursday, Nov. 15, 7-9 p.m. The monthly meeting’s guest speaker is Meghan Danahey, a Channel 8 weather reporter and Texas A&M graduate. Texas A&M Extension Center, 17360 Coit, dallasaggiemoms.org.

OIL PAINTING Wednesdays, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. $20 per month with ID card. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. Contact Mary Ann, 214.352.7366.

BIG-D BARBERSHOP HARMONY CHORUS Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. Men of all ages who love to sing are invited to participate. Experience not required. Town Village North, 12271 Coit, 972.247.4345.

Family

BOOKWORM BASH FREE Friday, Nov. 2 through Sunday, Nov. 4. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping for the bookworms in your life, or find that perfect read for yourself. Thousands of books will be for sales at bargain prices, with proceeds benefiting senior adult services. Addison Circle Park, 4970 Addison Circle.

WHEN I GROW UP TO BE A DADDY Wednesday, Nov. 7, 7 p.m. Bodie Spangler, author of “When I Grow Up to Be a Daddy,” will speak about ways to instill Christian values in children in a world full of temptations. $15. University Park United Methodist Church, 4024 Caruth, 214.368.1435.

FOURTH ANNUAL TRUCK TIME Sunday, Nov. 11, 11 a.m. Parents and children of all ages are invited to check out a collection of large trucks, tractors, earth movers, fire trucks and police vehicles. $5 for ages 2 and older, free for children under 2. 9041 Douglas, 214.361.6606.

HEALING ESTRANGED RELATIONSHIPS, INC. Meets second Monday of the month, 6-7:30 p.m. HER Group is a support group for women estranged from an adult child. Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird, third floor in room 326. For information, contact Cheryle Robbins at 214.523.2248 or robbinsc@hpumc.org.

STROLLERFIT EXERCISE Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, 8:15-9:05 a.m. Class blends exercise science, infant and child development, and group dynamics into a 50-minute workout experience. Babies and children are immersed in the workout with auditory, visual and tactile stimulation, all safely from their stroller. First class free. Reverchon Recreation Center, 3505 Maple. 214.321.5575, strollerfit.com or joan.bond@strollerfit.com.

NORTHPARK CENTER ACTIVITIES FREE Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. for preschool-age children, and Saturdays at 2 p.m. for elementary-age children. Dallas Public Library series with opportunities to listen to stories, sing, dance and participate in hands-on activities. NorthPark Center, 8687 N. Central Expressway. 214.363.7441 or northparkcenter.com.

STORYTIME SATURDAYS FREE Saturdays, 11 a.m. Parents and children are invited to participate in interactive storytelling, improvisational comedy routines and sing-a-longs. Children’s Play Place, Level 3 (near Saks Fifth Avenue), Dallas Galleria, 13350 Dallas Pkwy. 972.702.7100 or galleriadallas.com.

ALERT CHILD OF TEXAS Saturdays, 9-10 a.m. for ages 4-7, and 10-11 a.m. for ages 8 and older. Self-defense and anti-kidnapping classes brought to you by the Dallas Parks and Recreation Department. $8 per class with a $12 registration fee. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway, 972.578.7555.

Health & Fitness

HEART HEALTHY COOKING CLASS Monday, Nov. 5, 6:30-9 p.m. Diet and nutrition experts will join Central Market cooking instructors for an evening focusing on healthy holiday recipes, including butternut squash soup with pear marmalade; turkey roulade with leeks, carrots and walnuts topped with cranberry jus; orange scented sweet potatoes; and braised Swiss chard. Hosted by Medical City Heart. $40. Central Market, 5750 E. Lovers, 214.361.5754.

JAZZERCISE Monthly classes offer a total body-conditioning program to re-energize your life. $13 per class or $36 per month. Call for class times. Walnut Hill Recreation Center, 10011 Midway. 972.241.2434.

THE LEUKEMIA AND LYMPHOMA SOCIETY FREE Every fourth Wednesday. All patients, family members and friends affected by leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s and melanoma are invited to attend these support group programs. Texas Oncology at Medical City Dallas, 7777 Forest, Ste. 400. 972.354.8303.

Library

WHO’S YOUR FAVORITE BOOK CHARACTER? FREE Thursday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Nov. 29. Draw a picture of your favorite book character and be entered in a drawing for cool, book-related prizes. Open to ages 3-13. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335.

NATIONAL FAMILY LITERACY DAY FREE Thursday, Nov. 1, 4-5 p.m. Meet to discuss how literacy affects your family. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

PAJAMA STORYTIME FREE Thursday, Nov. 8, 6:30 p.m. Pajamas and stuffed animals are welcome for this evening storytime. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

DIABETES SCREENING AND HEALTH FAIR FREE Saturday, Nov. 10, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. American Diabetes Association and other organizations will be on site to provide information about health, and diabetes screening will be available. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

CHILDREN’S BOOK WEEK FREE Monday, Nov. 12, 2-4 p.m. Celebrate children’s books and the worlds books open for all of us. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

SONGS OF SOUTH AFRICA FREE Thursday, Nov. 15, 4 p.m. The insects and animals of Africa are presented through Zulu folk songs. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

DALLAS LACE SOCIETY FREE Tuesdays, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Anyone interested in learning how to make bobbin lace, knit, tat or crochet is invited to attend informal and fun lessons, or to work on individual projects. No experience required. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335.

COMPUTER BASICS FREE Mondays, 5 p.m. Learn how to put that computer to work. Call for this month’s schedule. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh, 214.670.6376.

TODDLER TIME FREE Stories and activities for ages 12-36 months and their caregivers. Tuesdays, 10:30 a.m. at Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128; Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. at Park Forest Library, 3421 Forest, 214.670.6333.

PRESCHOOL STORYTIME FREE Stories and activities for ages 3-5 and their caregivers. Wednesdays and Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. at Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335; Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Park Forest Library, 3421 Forest, 214.670.6333; Fridays, 10:30 a.m. at Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128.

WEE WIGGLE WITH BOOKS FREE Wednesdays, 11:30 a.m. Stories and activities for children ages 2 and older and their caregivers. Walnut Hill Library, 9495 Marsh. 214.670.6376.

PURLS KNITTING GROUP FREE Fridays, 1-3 p.m. (except Nov. 23). Experienced knitters or come to learn. Preston Royal Library, 5626 Royal, 214.670.7128.

ESL CLASSES FREE Saturdays, noon. For adults who want to learn English. Registration required for each class. Call to register and for more information. Forest Green Library, 9015 Forest, 214.670.1335.

Seniors

SENIOR AEROBICS Every Monday, Wednesday and Friday 8-9 a.m. A low-impact, yet vigorous workout with less of the jumping, twisting and impact of traditional aerobics. $56 for eight classes; first class free. Churchill Recreation Center, 6906 Churchill. Contact Charles Plafcan, 214.954.0777.

SENIOR CONNECTIONS SUPPORT GROUP FREE Thursday, Nov. 1 and Thursday, Nov. 15, 10-11:30 a.m. The bi-weekly support group for adults age 50 and older offers a seminar on Social Security Nov. 1 and on successful job searching Nov. 15. 1215 Skiles. 214.823.5700 or TheSeniorSource.org.

SENIORNET COMPUTER CLASSES This non-profit organization offers a variety of how-to computer classes for today’s active older adult. Seven per class, one-on-one instruction with easy-to-follow instruction manuals. C.C. Young Retirement Community, 4847 W. Lawther. For a complete list of classes and dates, contact Mary, 214.841.2818.