Americans are expected to spend less on travel this year, which means that a lot of us are staying here in Dallas this summer, or we’re only going as far as San Antonio — maybe.
Sitting by the pool, reading novels, and pretending you can hear the waves crashing are OK ways to get through the onerous swelter of Texas in July, if you’re saving money by sticking close to home. But for a break in the idleness, our neighborhood has plenty of options for self-improvement.
And besides, there’s nothing good on TV.
Cool classes on cooking, fitness and do-it-yourself projects abound. We’ve picked a few that are unique and worth the price.
Date Night at Sur La Table
Cooking with your honey
Why it’s worth a try: Ever heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach”? It works for women, too.
If you go: Call ahead a week or so to reserve your spot, as 16 people make a full class. The schedule is available in the store or online months in advance.
Everyone wants their guy or girl to think they’re fantastic in the kitchen. If you know how to cook up something luscious, that someone special might find you a little more scrumptious. Even better, the two of you can do it together — cook, that is. And you can both learn how at Sur La Table’s Date Night classes.
Date Night is designed for couples, and each class focuses on a culinary region, such as Tuscany or Provence. India is the destination for the July 31 class, where students will make tandoori chicken, vegetable coconut curry, and carrot and ginger soup.
Date Night is one of the most popular classes, but Sur La Table offers a range of classes throughout the week. Other upcoming courses include “All American” on July 3, “Slim Pickin’s for a Full Plate” on July 11, and “Global Kitchen: Greece” on Aug. 18. Most classes are under $80 per person and, of course, you get to eat what you make.
Where: 4527 Travis
When: Several classes per week, including one every Friday and Saturday.
How much: Typically between $69 and $79 per person
For more information: 214.219.4404 or surlatable.com
Mosaic Art
Smash something
Why it’s worth a try: You get to break stuff in the name of art.
If you go: Bring your broken china or tiles.
How perfect is the name Smashing Times? Because, you see, smashing stuff makes for a smashingly fun time. And that’s what you get to do at this art mosaic studio, where goggled customers take hammers to tile, ceramic and china.
Instructors will help you create a mosaic design on decorative items you can purchase at the studio, including picture frames, mirrors and tables. Smashing Times provides tile, marbles and other things for your designs, but customers are welcome to bring their own broken china or tiles. You also can bring your own items to decorate, such as a table or picture frame, and pay according to the materials you use.
On Thursdays, Smashing Times holds a ladies night, where women can work on any project, relieve some stress and BYOB. The store recently added silver jewelry making classes as well.
And if you like mosaic work, but don’t trust your own artistic abilities, you can commission shop owner Robin Oldham to tile something for you.
Where: Smashing Times, 308 Preston Royal Shopping Center
When: Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
How much: $10 to $175, depending on the project
For more information: 214.363.2088 or
smashingtimes.com
Capoeira Dallas
Say it with us: “cap-oh-WAY-dah”
Why it’s worth a try: Because the description includes the hyphenated term “Afro-Brazilian”.
If you go: Wear loose-fitting pants. (Real capoeristas wear loose white trousers and practice barefooted.)
Practitioners of this Afro-Brazilian art form look so cool doing it. Capoeira is a mix of martial arts, acrobatics and dance, plus singing and percussion. If you’ve ever seen these artists, who are known as “capoeristas”, then you know that their fitness level is a little intimidating. But Dianna Adams insists that anyone can do it. She and her husband, Chad, run Capoeira Dallas.
“The great thing about capoeira is that it can be tailored to anyone’s ability level,” she says, adding that students range in age from 13 to 71. The classes also include instruction on Brazilian culture, Portugese language, singing, and playing percussion instruments.
If you’ve ever wanted to try it, now is the time. Capoeira Dallas is offering four classes for $10 to newcomers.
Where: Oasis Mind-Body Studio at Preston & Forest
When: Beginner classes are Mondays at 8:30 p.m., and Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m.
How much: $99 a month for two classes per week, or $149 a month for unlimited classes
For more information: capdallas.com
Cathartic Dance Adventure
Thursday night baggage drop-off
Why it’s worth a try: Because it’s cathartic, man.
If you go: Be prepared to release your angst.
Oak Lawn restaurant Cosmic Café has more than just yummy vegetarian food. It also has yummy smoothies and shakes.
But, wait, there’s more. The café offers classes, including yoga and meditation. The one that caught our attention, however, is the Thursday night “Cathartic Dance Adventure”. The name, we’re told, says it all.
Instructors begin with some basic dance moves, but once they’re warmed up, the party really starts as the class gets its emotional purge on.
The great thing about Cosmic Café’s classes (a full listing of which is available online) is that they’re practically free. A $5 donation is requested, but if you’re broke this week, you can pay next week. It’s relaxed like that.
Where: 2912 Oak Lawn Ave
When: Thursdays at 8:30 p.m.
How much: $5 suggested donation
For more information: 214.521.6157 or
cosmiccafedallas.com
