South Side’s new cool place to grab a beer or a sandwich (but like craft beer and gourmet sandwiches) is located in between the equally cool NYLO hotel and Gilley’s. Their aptly named grand opening, “Rollin’ with the Homies,” was jam packed with the friendly hipsters that tend to frequent the area along with Full Circle Tavern gals Jennifer Bonner and Lara Whittington. It was casual, music-filled, and completely welcoming.

But such a successful opening shouldn’t garner any surprise. The menu could be enough to draw people in, but aside from that, there’s not much competition for the “tavern.”  The only restaurants close (within walking distance) are Cedar Social and Terrace Bistro in the NYLO Hotel, and all are so different in atmosphere and menu that I wouldn’t really expect them to compete too much. I would still expect Cedar Social to be the top choice for a swanky night out, but FCT could get a lock on the fun lunch crowd.

If all that isn’t enough to get you to come out to South Side, this menu should do it.

The rest of the songs on their new EP, entitled Patterns, follow a similar sound with a couple that are a little slower and emotional but none that come off as too heavy for a warm nights spent dancing with friends

Where: Full Circle Tavern, 1319 S. Lamar Street, Dallas, TX.       

When: Thursday, May 9, 2013, 5 to 7PM

Roll with Full Circle Tavern gals Jennifer Bonner and Lara Whittington at “Rollin’ with the Homies” – FCT’s grand opening celebration on Thursday, May 9, 2013. Come on down from 5 to 7 p.m. for complimentary small bites and beer and specialty drinks from Franconia and Deep Eddy Vodka. Partygoers can test their luck and enter to win a drawing for goods like a complimentary FCT lunch, a hug from the manager, a patio party for 10 and more.

For more info about South Side’s new neighborhood restaurant and the “cozy happiness” it will bring, head to our original article.

The hit NBC reality show is on an 11-city, cross-country search to find new contestants for the next edition of the hit show; and they’re headed to Dallas!

Auditions will be held at Gilley’s in South Side on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Criteria:

• Have some charisma
• Be at least 18
• Have a weight-loss goal of at least 80 pounds
• Have a desire to change your life for good

The Biggest Loser contestants will compete for a $250,000 grand prize throughout the 15th season of the popular show.

For information on how to apply, please visit www.nbc.com/casting andwww.thebiggestlosercasting.com. People will not be allowed to line up prior to three hours before the start of the open call. Candidates should bring a non-returnable photo of themselves.

Mueller, along with Jack Matthews and Donnie Nelson, recently spoke at an event for CEOLink, a Texas non-profit member based organization that acts as a welcome committee for CEOs that have relocated to Texas.

When NYLO began in 2004, its headquarters was located in New York City. After making the move to Atlanta, Mueller began looking for an even better place for NYLO. They were looking for a market that was growing and somewhere they could expand, which naturally led them to Dallas. Though NYLO had several hotels in North Texas already, there were several factors that lead to the move. There are the obvious reasons, like no taxes and the low cost of living, but what might not be as evident, is that Dallas is one of the top hospitality markets with what Mueller believes is one of “the best airports in the country.”

After being introduced to Jack, who has made great strides in developing and transforming South Dallas over the past few years, including South Side on Lamar and the Omni Hotel in downtown Dallas, Mueller decided that NYLO Dallas South Side would become the company’s fourth hotel in DFW. What distinguishes NYLO South Side is its authenticity. While all NYLO hotels have a modern, urban look to them, they are usually built from the ground up in “not so urban” settings. The NYLO in South Side found its home in the restoration of the old Dallas Coffin Co. building.

“This is our style,” said Mueller, “and it’s perfect for here.”

For more YouPlusDallas videos featuring South Side, head to our South Dallas Channel.

From Jennifer Bonner and Lara Whittington of EdiblEnvy Catering, the relaxed pub is sure to become a neighborhood favorite. An extensive craft beer list, hearty sandwiches, vegetarian options, and rotating chips flavors like “truffle” and “Bloody Mary” should ensure that.

“We’re excited to become part of the South Lamar community and can’t wait to share our delicious food and ‘everyone-knows-your-name’ style with our neighbors. Our friends will tell you we love to laugh and have a good time, so we want FCT to reflect that,” says Lara.

As a self-taught chef whose whole life has centered around food, Jennifer Bonner is pouring her heart and soul into the menu. “You’ll find traces of my background from my mid-West roots to deep southern cooking. Comfort food means something different to everyone, but our food will leave you with a cozy happiness.”

Full Circle Tavern is set to open mid-April, with brunch beginning shortly after.

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The new campaign reflects the many changes that have taken place over the past 18 months, including the continued development of the Arts District, the opening of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, the completion of Klyde Warren Park, and of course, the NYLO hotel in South Side.

Dallas CVB has placed a life-size “B” and “G” in prime locations throughout the metroplex, prompting locals to become the “I” and share their photos via social media using the hashtag #DallasBIG. The NYLO was chosen as one of the locations for the intallations, along with Klyde Warren Park, Main Street Garden, Reunion Tower, Omni Dallas, Deep Ellum, The Perot Museum and more.

{photo via}

Winners will receive a prize package that consists of a one-of-a-kind Dallas experience. Some of the packages include (but are not limited to) $500 in NorthPark Gold, a behind-the-scenes meeting with the Mavericks, a racetrack driving experience at Texas Motor Speedway, and a private dinner by FT33’s Chef Matt McAllister. Grand prize winners will partake in the most premium of Dallas experiences with accommodations at The Joule or the NYLO.

Head up to NYLO’s Soda Bar for your chance at a one-of-a-kind Dallas experience and the opportunity to participate in the rebranding of our city.

For more information on the DallasBIG contest, head to visitdallas.com/big/faqs/. 

When The Beat first opened in 2007, South Side Dallas looked a little different than it does today. A sketch of what the area might look included a boutique hotel across the street (the NYLO), a new police headquarters next door, and a luxury hotel (the Omni) connected to the convention center down the road. Those vague drawings have since become a reality, and there’s more to come.

This is what sets The Beat apart from so many other loft apartment towers in Dallas. That, competitive prices, and unbelievable views of downtown Dallas. For those who are still skeptic of South Side, Jack Matthews’ developments in the area should certainly set minds at ease.

For anyone else still questioning South Side’s residential capabilities, I’d imagine their experience would be similar to mine before I was able to tour The Beat. I had seen it from afar, but my expectations were relatively low when I arrived at The Beat last week. That quickly changed almost the moment I stepped into the low impact building’s lobby. It wasn’t grand, but it had an elegance and a modern coolness that was instantly inviting. Pair that with some well-decorated units, a saltwater pool with an enviable view of downtown, and the safety that comes with keycards, and my low expectations were more than met.

My guide, Fernando Gonzalez, Vice President of Al Coker & Associates, said this was nothing new; in fact, it’s one of The Beat’s residents’ favorite things about their building.

“People want to bring people to show them all there is to do here and how cool the area really is,” said Gonzalez.

Gonzalez explained The Beat’s diverse residents, ranging from the creative type to the empty nesters looking to downsize.

While units are still selling at The Beat, a sister apartment building will soon be in the works next door to The Beat. The project is currently dubbed The Beat Phase 2.

For those who have yet to experience the vibrant community of South Side or the trendy loft tower in the heart of it all, I suggest you schedule a visit.

Make a toast to hump day with The Cedar’s Social Mexican Monk. Cheers!

Where: Absinthe Lounge        

21+

It’s maddening to think of how much undiscovered talent is out there. Thankfully, Dallas-based Mad Swirl is paying attention! Their monthly Open Mic takes place the first Wednesday of every month at 8:00 p.m. sharp where they “will swirl it up madly in the live way” in South Side’s Absinthe Lounge. The goal is to provide a showcase for artists in this “mad, mad world.” We’re talking all kinds of artists; from poets and musicians, to actors and Elvis impersonators. All mad talented of course.

Catch this month’s featured performer, Gayle Bell, tomorrow night. Get there early to get one of the 17 spots on their lineup for the night or just take in all the swirled up madness. It’s bound to be great.