DailyCandy All Cities

Republican Party

2009-11-20T18:00:00Z

The Republic Opens

He says: The Marina’s new bar and grill, The Republic, has twenty American craft brewskis on tap, and 40 more in bottles.

She says: It’s from the Bin 38 guys, so there’s a sweet list of boutique American wines.

He says: Updates on pub grub, like sous vide buffalo wings and a house-ground burger with duck fat fries, rock.

She says: Sustainable ingredients and more refined options, like pan-roasted escolar with soy-ginger glaze, taste even better.

He says: I can watch the big game on an 82-inch flat-screen — starting early Sunday mornings.

She says: They cover up the tube when there isn’t a big game — and my girlfriends and I can order make-your-own mimosas at Sunday brunch.

He says: The comfy leather club chairs make me feel at home.

She says: The lighting in the Redwood-and-copper-accented dining room makes me look great.

He says: I love you, honey.

She says: I love The Republic, too.

The Republic, 3213 Scott Street, at Lombard Street (415-817-1337 or republicsf.com).

Photo: Courtesy of The Republic

A Tisket, a Tasket

2009-11-20T17:30:00Z

Afternoon Delights from Holly Flora

You’ve said, “Please enjoy this obligatory thank-you fudge,” and, “This teddy bear was the only hypoallergenic thing in the hospital gift shop.”

But now you can say what you actually mean with Afternoon Delights from whimsical floral design company Holly Flora.

Featuring hand-selected wines, cheeses, and local produce and adorned with floral touches, visionaries Holly Vesecky and Rebecca Uchtman’s plentiful baskets are available for local delivery.

While Fall Harvest (think pomegranates and persimmons from Vesecky’s farm in Ojai, Bosc pears, local honey, whole nuts, freshly baked baguettes, and more) translates to just about anything, what better way to convey, “Have a nice day,” than with the Tequila Terrarium, a 350-milliliter bottle of booze set in a mini desert scene of succulents and sand?

You can say that again.

Holly Flora (310-559-5705 or hollyflora.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Holly Flora

Freezy Street

2009-11-20T15:30:00Z

Snookelfritz Ice Cream Artistry

This season, cuddling is a hot commodity.

You need a main freeze.

Take a bite out of the biting cold with Snookelfritz, a just-launched artisanal ice cream company from pastry chef Nancy Silver.

With stints at Trotter’s, Blackbird, and Bistro Campagne under her belt, Silver’s no novice. A stickler for simplicity, seasonality, and sustainability, she uses farm-fresh ingredients (Nichols Farm fruits, Chicago Honey Co-op honey, local dairy) to create flavors that’ll make you melt.

Maple syrup with candied hickory nut and salted caramel apple neatly curb your salty-sweet craving. Honey creme fraiche is velvety smooth and balanced. Roasted pumpkin’s creamy authenticity makes the canned version seem cruel.

Pick up Snookelfritz at Green City Market through New Year’s. In 2010, Silver will gladly whip up a pint upon request.

You’re one cool customer.

Available at Green City Market, at The Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 North Cannon Drive, at Fullerton Avenue. For custom orders, e-mail snookelfritz@hotmail.com.

Photo: Andrew Storms / Flickr

Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

2009-11-20T14:45:00Z

East Side Social Club Opens

A preview of the Gilroy family Thanksgiving.

Billy: We got a lot to be grateful for. East Side Social Club opens on Monday. The whole family, working together.

Jimmy: Here we go. My kid brother’s on a roll. What’s this, your 90th place, Mr. Macao Trading-Employees Only-Match?

Billy: You talk, Sir Legendary Sunday Night Bartender at Raoul’s for decades.

Jimmy: Hey. Don’t age me. Can I help it if we inherited the gene from Grandma, the original owner of Grotta Azzurra? (Before Little Italy was a culinary joke.)

Billy: Yeah, and East Side’s special. An Italian-American joint, like the social club Dad used to run on East 10th. Cozy booths, black and white photos of DiMaggio. Linguini with clam sauce, gnocchi Bolognese, sirloin with braised radicchio. Devon, my boy, you learned well at A Voce and Chanterelle.

Devon: Grace, tell Dad to shut up. You’re the GM. That’s your job.

Grace: That’s enough, guys. Can someone pass the gravy?

East Side Social Club, 230 East 51st Street, between Second and Third Avenues (212-355-9442 or esscnyc.com).

Photo: Billy Farrell / Courtesy of Patrick McMullan

More Than Words

2009-11-20T14:15:00Z

Library: Archives of Fashion Vintage Shop

It was Miss Lail with the horsebit belt in the library.

Need a bigger clue? We’re talking about Library: Archives of Fashion, an online vintage shop out of Charleston.

At the helm is Lauren Lail, who sees each fashion piece as a story, together creating a unique anthology.

Designer items share virtual racks with no names, all dangling reasonable price tags and detailed measurements.

Hopeless romantics will be drawn to floral dresses, ruffled tops, and crochet vests. Big sunglasses, chunky belts, and animal prints will appeal to those with a penchant for drama. And boyfriend cardis and blazers offer self-help on days when you’re not feeling your thinnest.

There are times we can all use a cover-up.

Available online at libraryfashion.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Sully Sullivan Photography

There's No Place Like Om

2009-11-20T11:30:00Z

Sweet Zen Home Services

Concentrate on your mind. Let all thoughts leave. Allow nothingness to enter.

Ahem, all thoughts include preparing for Christmas company, which means shopping, baking, and briefing your holidate on your family’s particular dysfunction.

The latter is up to you alone, but Sweet Zen can assist with the rest.

Putting you on the right path to peaceful living, Sarah Benner will come to your home to help clean, organize, and cook. Leave your meal planning and preparation, dusting, even that recurring mound on your desk to her.

The Art Institute of Seattle grad studied pastry making, meaning she can teach you how or whip up fresh cookies and more for which you can take the credit.

Because you need to treat yourself now and Zen.

Sweet Zen (206-356-0822 or sweet-zen.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Sarah Benner

Can You Year Me Now?

2009-11-20T09:30:00Z

We Are 1976 Boutique Opens

What do Apple computers, the Ramones, and your first poopy diaper have in common?

They all splashed on the scene in ’76.

To remind us of the year’s achievements: We Are 1976, a new North Henderson shop owned by three thirtysomethings. The boutique, which quietly opens this week, backs budding brands like Superheadz (decorative Japanese cameras), Saikai (minimalist porcelain tabletop items), Pirwi (sustainable wood figurines), and Jeffrey Brown paperbacks.

They pimp creatives closer to home, too, such as F Is for Frank metal rings and bracelets and letterpress art by Casey McGarr of Inky Lips Press and Studio 204’s Kim Neiman and Virgil Scott. In January, they’ll also offer bookbinding classes taught by a local expert.

Which means a reading rainbow’s around the corner.

We Are 1976, 1902 North Henderson Avenue (214-821-1976 or weare1976.com).

Crackalackin'

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Crackerman Crackers

Who can take a wafer,
Sprinkle it with seeds,
Mix it with no yeast
And a grain or three?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes the crisps with love and makes your cheese taste good.

Who can bake the whole grains
Into a tasty loaf,
Spread on a little butter,
And ooh is that good stuff?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes the bread with love and makes your sandwich taste good.

Stefan Uch makes
Everything he bakes
Satisfying and delicious.
He’ll even bring them to your party,
’Cause he’s German, and he’s hearty.

Who can be all organic,
And still taste good,
Add some spices and some oil,
So they won’t taste like wood?

The Crackerman can.
The Crackerman can, ’cause he bakes his carbs with love and makes your belly feel good.

Available Saturdays, 10 a.m.-4 p.m., at the Coconut Grove Farmers Market, 3300 Grand Avenue, Coconut Grove; online at crackermancrackers.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Crackerman

Life of Pie

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Dangerously Delicious DC's Early Holiday Orders

Family bonding fills the pit of your stomach with a heaping slice of anxiety (and a side of dread).

This Thanksgiving stuff it with baked goods instead, courtesy of Dangerously Delicious DC.

Owner Rodney Henry, who started baking to keep himself afloat while touring with rock bands, has been making his pies — with all-natural, fresh ingredients (no syrups here) — in Baltimore for years.

Though still not officially open, his new Atlas District bakery is firing its ovens early for holiday orders. Choose from pumpkin, cinnamon-laced apple, pecan, or Southern sweet potato. Can’t decide? An order of three scores free delivery within the area.

In early December, hit up the vivid red chandelier-lit shop for dozens of sweet, savory, and often irreverent pies. Case in point: The DC-centric Marionberry Pie topped with rock candy (wah wah).

The holiday hurdles are coming.

Just keep your eyes on the pies.

Dangerously Delicious DC, 1339 H Street NE, between 13th and 14th Streets (202-398-7437 or dangerouspiesdc.com). For pie orders, e-mail orders@dangerouspiesdc.com or call 202-398-7437.

Photo: Courtesy of Dangerously Delicious DC

Three's Company

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Symphony 8 Restaurant Opens

You’re all about a good ménage à trois (ooh la la).

Which is why Symphony 8 may be perfect for you — it’s not just one resto opening this weekend, it’s three.

Pop into the fancy red and black Symphony 8 dining room for Josh Davis’s bistro menu of citrus-glazed duck breast, Guinness-braised short ribs, and pesto- and goat-cheese-crusted salmon.

For something less highfalutin, wander down a few steps into Siansa 8, the come-as-you-are Irish pub (massive black bar, high-top tables, more than 60 brews). Snack on shepherd’s pie, beer-battered fish and chips, and a full Irish breakfast (black and white puddings, bangers, potatoes, brown bread) served all day.

In a couple of weeks, you can tug on the secret bookcase in the corner and head down the stairs to Prohibited, a speakeasy with plenty of booths for lounging.

The spot is perfect for private parties.

The more the merrier.

Symphony 8, 8 Westland Avenue, Back Bay (617-267-1200 or symphony8boston.com).

Photo: Courtesy of Symphony 8

Caviar Dreams

2009-11-20T08:30:00Z

Spa East's Caviar Nail Treatment

You stopped fishing for compliments on fashion experiments when your best pal asked if you were up for Hobo of the Year.

But there’s no swimming upstream to get respect for caviar nails.

Spa East’s new finger-bedazzling service is a party-ready treatment and a fun way to spice up your manicure routine.

A technician starts by giving you a standard mani (one of the best we’ve had), then affixes two or three rhinestones to the painted nail to make an uneven surface. Then she puts little flat-on-one-side beads in the color of your choice on and around the stones. We suggest contrasting hues for the polish and beads or the all-black voodoo.

You can get them in a diagonal stripe, a cluster, or all over the nail bed. The results will definitely catch you some props.

Reely truly.

Available at Spa East, 1040 North Second Street, unit 301 (215-829-1009 or spa-east.net).

Shuffle Ball Change

2009-11-20T07:00:00Z

Tips or Taps Dance and Lingerie Studio

Tiptoeing around situations has never been your forte. Especially when you’re wearing stilettos and a hoochie Santa elf outfit.

Something tells us that Tips or Taps will be just your tempo.

The Livi Rae Lingerie spin-off boutique and dance studio teaches techniques that students can actually play out in their bedrooms (and not just their heads). Trained dance pros lead ballet fusion classes, the Trench Coat Takedown series, and Miami-style booty shake sessions.

A wrought-iron bed, trapeze fixture (a retail display, not a practice bar, people), and naughty gifts make a private party (book ’em Saturdays after 3 p.m.) a tantalizing option for getting your freak on.

Although, at this rate, you’re not gonna need any mistletoe.

Tips or Taps, 440 Barrett Parkway, suite 62, Kennesaw (678-224-5699 or tipsortaps.com). Grand opening party, Saturday, 7:30-11:30 p.m.

Photo: George Eastman House / Flickr

A Shawl Story

2009-11-20T06:00:00Z

Ahilya Cashmere Scarves Launch

The scene: a cold and dark November evening.

You’ve managed to peel yourself off the couch and dress in your finest to attend the first of many festive occasions. Then you reach the door — and realize that a bobbly scarf isn’t going to cut it with your elegant ensemble.

Enter: self-taught artist Manuela Moollan with Ahilya, her super-chic collection of shawls.

Cut to: Kashmir, where the delicate cashmere cover-ups are hand-spun, hand-woven and hand-dyed by artisans using the traditional textile process. The ultra-fine shawls are lined in metallic threads (for subtle sparkle). Diamond-weave stoles are made with Chantilly or Calais lace.

Exit: threadbare pashmina.

And that’s a wrap.

Available at Liberty, Great Marlborough Street, W1B 5AH (020 7734 1234 or liberty.co.uk); online at strawberryandcream.com. To see styles, go to ahilya.com.

Photo: Courtesy of Ahilya

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T18:00:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

Fashion passes; style remains.

COVET
Chanel Reopens
What: A newly renovated, three-story mecca for Lagerfeld disciples, complete with Cruise 2009-10 Collection exclusives and complimentary makeup sessions on Friday and Saturday.
Why: Loco for Coco.
When: Opens Fri., 10 a.m.
Where: 156 Geary St., at Stockton St. (415-981-1550).

ORDER
Bento415
What: A new delivery service (and Potrero Hill storefront) offering SF-inspired, locally sourced bento boxes made fresh daily, like the North Beach (spicy coppa tramezzino, eggplant caponata with grilled flatbread, and more).
Why: A more inspired lunch box.
When: Opens Thurs., 7 a.m.
Where: 300 De Haro St., at 16th St., ste. 342 (415-355-1269).

BATTLE
Pumpkin Cooking Contest at Omnivore Books on Food
What: Prepare your best sweet or savory creation using pumpkin or pumpkin seeds and let the public pick a winner.
Why: Use your gourd.
When: Sat., 4-5 p.m.
Where: 3885a Cesar Chavez St., at Church St. (415-282-4712).

WITNESS
House of Diehl’s Style Wars
What: Eight designers create garments from vintage pieces and household objects live on the runway in five-minute knockout rounds.
Why: Make it work.
When: Sat., 10 p.m.
Where: Mezzanine, 444 Jessie St., at Mint St. (415-625-8880). Tickets online at sanfrancisco.going.com.

UNWIND
Yoga, Wine, Chocolate, and Cheese Workshop
What: Potentially pure bliss. A yoga session followed by a wine-soaked guided mediation and chocolate and cheese tasting.
Why: Life is like a box of chocolates (while you’re in savasana, at least).
When: Tonight, 7 p.m.
Where: Cocoon Urban Day Spa, 330 First St., at Folsom St., 2nd flr. Reservations at 415-777-0100.

ACCESSORIZE
Colleen Mauer Designs Trunk Show
What: Check out the Bernal Heights-based designer’s entire collection of clean-lined, geometric-inspired jewelry.
Why: No junk in this trunk.
When: Tonight, 5-9 p.m.
Where: Fleurt, 15 Clement St., at Arguello Blvd. (415-751-2747).

Or would you rather get out of town this weekend? Just grab a toothbrush and check out our road trip suggestions at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Chanel

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T17:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

This is just the kind of weekend you can sink your teeth into.

DO
Eastside Walk It Out
What: Personal trainer Lou Becker’s hour-plus, low-impact workout (drills, isolations, Pilates) takes you out and about in Elysian Park.
Why: Go take a hike.
When: Wed., 8 a.m.; Sat., 10:30 a.m.
Where: E-mail beckerl77@yahoo.com for exact meet-up location.

PRIMP
Shiatsu Eye Massage
What: Weilding the ultra-luxe Start Over eye cream, Valerie Plotnikova at the Sunday Riley Modern Skincare counter refreshers your peepers with complimentary mini-treatments.
Why: See it to believe it.
When: Wed.-Sat., noon-5 p.m.
Where: Barneys New York, 9570 Wilshire Blvd., at Camden Dr., Beverly Hills (310-276-4400).

SEE
Arias with a Twist
What: Legendary drag sensation Joey Arias (dressed in Thierry Mugler, of course) and madcap puppetmaster Basil Twist bring their debaucherous theatrical cabinet of curiosities and song out west.
Why: Not the same old song and dance.
When: Wed.-Sat., 8:30 p.m.; Sun., 7 p.m.
Where: REDCAT, 631 W. Second St., at S. Hope St., Downtown (213-237-2800).

Baby It’s You
What: Musical tale of Florence Greenberg, who makes a break from New Jersey housewifedom in 1961 to take on the male-dominated entertainment business with her girl group, The Shirelles.
Why: It is you.
When: Tues.-Fri., 8 p.m.; Sat. 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun., 2 & 7 p.m.
Where: Pasadena Playhouse, 39 S. El Molino Ave., b/t E. Colorado Blvd. & E. Green St., Pasadena (626-356-7529).

Mindthegap
What: ANPQuarterly founder P.M. Tenore curates large-scale installations, graffiti, sculpture, and paintings from Phil Frost and Barry McGee for the inaugural exhibition of Prism Gallery.
Why: Watch where you’re going.
When: Opening reception, Fri., 6-10 p.m. Tues.-Thurs., 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-7 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Prism, 8746 W. Sunset Blvd., b/t Sunset Plaza Dr. & Horn Ave., West Hollywood (310-289-1301).

Need to make a run for it? Find out where to hide out with our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Wildfox Couture

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T15:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s World Toilet Day. You’re flush with excitement.

ORDER
Your Bird
What: Reserve one of Caveny Farm’s Heritage Bourbon Red turkeys for extra-flavorful feasting.
Why: Cry fowl.
When: Thru Thurs. Pickup, Sat., 11:30 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sun., 5-9 p.m.
Where: Osteria Via Stato, 620 N. State St., at Ontario St. Order by calling 312-642-8450.

BUY
Boy by Band of Outsiders Trunk Show
What: Preorder looks from the spring collection and meet designer Scott Sternberg.
Why: Band together for customized schoolboy blazers.
When: Sat., 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Where: Barneys New York, 15 E. Oak St., at Rush St. (312-587-1700).

DO
Southport Lights Up
What: A festive shopping corridor of sales and freebies.
Why: Samples at Julius Meinl, 20 percent off at Tula, and 10 percent off at Trousseau.
When: Tonight, 5-8 p.m.
Where: Southport Ave., b/t Belmont Ave. & Irving Park Rd.

OM
Moksha Yoga Center Logan Square
What: Newest addition to the studio’s mini empire offers vinyasa, hatha, ashtanga, and other disciplines.
Why: Fend off Thanksgiving fat before it settles in.
When: Daily. Class schedule online at mokshayoga.com.
Where: 2528 W. Armitage Ave., at Bingham St., ste. 202 (773-235-9642).

SPOOL
The Sweatshop of Love’s Yarn Crawl
What: Starting from the DIY Trunk Show, tour local knitting shops for discounts, prizes, and crafty revelry.
Why: Special offers at Nina: a Well-Knit Shop and Knitting Workshop.
When: Sat. Trunk show, 10 a.m.; crawl, 11 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Schedule online at thesweatshopoflove.com.
Where: Pulaski Park Fieldhouse, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., at Cleaver St.

Wanna get away instead? Grab your keys and check out our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Getty Images

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:45:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s never too cold for ice cream.

TREAT
Spot Dessert Bar Opens
What: Pastry whiz Pichet Ong serves up Thai coffee pudding, white miso semifreddo, and toppings like caramelized rice crispies and vanilla-poached persimmon in his new subterranean sweets den.
Why: Buy one, get one free when you mention DailyCandy Fri.-Sun.
When: Daily, 10 a.m.-midnight.
Where: 13 St. Marks Pl., b/t Second & Third Aves. (212-677-5670).

TRADE
Score! Pop-Up Swap
What: Oh, come all ye unwanted stuff. Nab other people’s discarded wares (clothes, household items, books, etc.) while unloading your own.
Why: All proceeds benefit City Harvest, and all unclaimed goods will be donated to charity.
When: Sat., 1-7 p.m.
Where: 3rd Ward, 195 Morgan Ave., b/t Meadow & Stagg Sts., Bushwick (718-715-4961). Entry is $3 with R.S.V.P.

DONATE
Help Feed New York’s Needy
What: Buy a bag of fresh produce and leave it with us to donate to local charities and missions in need. Can’t make it? Help raise money for the Food Bank for New York City.
Why: No one should go hungry.
When: Sat., 8 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Where: Greenpoint Farmers Market, McCarren Park, Driggs Ave., b/t N. 12th St. & Union Ave.

SHOP
A Little Wicked Boutique
What: Sisters Robyn and Bianca Moreno have stocked their new LES store with reasonably priced vintage clothing, shoes, and accessories, and local labels like Elisa Jimenez.
Why: Free-flowing wine and style advice. Mention DailyCandy for 25 percent off Fri.-Sun.
When: Tues.-Sat., noon-8 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: 279 E. Houston St., b/t Clinton & Suffolk Sts. (212-777-1190).

Krel-to-Go Quickie Couture
What: Custom knitwear in less than an hour. The Miami-based designers will whip up anything from a pencil skirt ($70) and scarf ($60) to a sweater for your dog ($40) and even a onesie for your man ($225).
Why: It’s a knitty situation.
When: Sat., noon-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-8 p.m.
Where: Eva New York, 355a Bowery, b/t 3rd & 4th Sts. (212-925-3890).

Or would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Spot Dessert Bar

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T14:15:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

It’s a dog’s life.

MAKE
Cake for Canines
What: Give Fido a little something to be grateful for this Thanksgiving (or his next b-day) with a doggie dessert mix. For bonus points, get the bone-shaped cupcake pan.
Why: You’ve got a case of puppy love.
Where: Online at puppycake.com.

SAVE
Heidi Merrick Sale
What: The L.A. designer is discounting dresses, bathing suits, skirts, and blouses by 50-75 percent.
Why: It’s going, going, gone.
Where: Online at heidimerrick.com.

USE
Wordnik
What: The comprehensive online dictionary includes pronunciations, relevant quotes, etymologies, and recent appearances on Twitter and Flickr.
Why: Spread the words.
Where: Online at wordnik.com.

ORGANIZE
LobotoMe Notepads
What: Handy checklists make for more efficient packing, grocery shopping, working out, meal planning, and more.
Why: You’d forget your head if it weren’t attached.
Where: Online at lobotome.com.

WATCH
Handmade Nation
What: Artist/first-time filmmaker Faythe Levine traveled across America to make this inspiring documentary about the recent rise of crafting and DIY.
Why: Get creative juices flowing.
Where: Online at buyolympia.com.

EAT
Full Circle Flavors
What: Three lovely sisters in Pennsylvania make chocolaty Amaretto, Limoncello, and Orangecello cakes.
Why: You’re well rounded.
Where: Online at fullcircleflavors.com.

Would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Puppy Cake

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T11:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

You’re with the band.

HANG
Expo 87
What: Three nights of NW music, films, and animated shorts featuring twenty performances with an interactive Seattle band genealogy by KEXP’s Rachel Ratner.
Why: Rock around the block.
When: Films, Thurs., 7-10 p.m. Music, Fri., 5-11 p.m.; Sat., 4-10 p.m.
Where: Cairo, 507 E. Mercer St. (206-453-4077); The Anne Bonny, 534 Summit Ave. E (206-382-7845).

DRINK
Sip
What: New wine bar and restaurant has 70 pours and more than 250 bottles from around the world. A $20 cover on opening night benefits Saint Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Why: Sniff, swirl, Sip.
When: Opens Thurs., 5-9 p.m. Mon.-Fri., 11:30 a.m.-midnight; Sat. & Sun., 4:30 p.m.-midnight.
Where: 909 Fifth Ave. (206-682-2779).

SHOP
Early Holiday Shopping
What: Get 20 percent off purchases at Birgitta, Blackbird, and The Field House; free makeup consultations; personal shopping; and holiday recipes while sipping hot toddies and champagne.
Why: Find your holiday cheers.
When: Sun., 4-8 p.m.
Where: Birgitta and Blackbird, 5410 22nd Ave. NW (206-547-2524); The Field House, 5465 Leary Ave. (206-297-6093). R.S.V.P. to birgitta@blackbirdballard.com.

EAT
The Swinery on Main
What: Stop by the walk-up window for handheld breakfast (herby lard biscuit with egg, cheddar, and a rosemary sausage patty) and linner (griddled bacon dogs and lamby joes).
Why: Pig out and about.
When: Daily, 7 a.m.-3 p.m. See website for additional hours.
Where: 220 Fourth Ave. S. (206-932-4211).

LISTEN
Give
What: A digital compilation with more than 30 tracks by Fleet Foxes, The Cave Singers, The Moondoggies, Visqueen, Throw Me the Statue, Ben Gibbard, The Dutchess and the Duke, and more.
Why: Proceeds benefit Arts Corps and local food banks.
When: You’re in the giving mood.
Where: Online at giveseattle.org.

PLAY
Smash Putt Miniature Golf Apocalypse
What: Uber-mechanized mini course complete with levitating balls, moving holes, explosions, and alcoholic bevvies.
Why: It’s gripping.
When: Thru Nov. 28. Fri. & Sat., 6 p.m.-1:30 a.m.; Sun., 6 p.m.-midnight. Family matinees, Sat., noon-2 p.m.
Where: 912 12th Ave. Tickets online at smashputt.com.

Or would you rather hit the road this weekend? All you need is a change of clothes and our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

The Weekend Guide

2009-11-19T09:30:00Z

What to Do This Weekend

If you’re a little bit country …

SHOP
Uptown Country Home
What: The shabby chic furniture and accessories mecca slashes everything (yes, everything) 30 percent to make room for holiday merch.
Why: Clean ’n’ clear.
When: Thurs.-Sat., 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Where: 3419 Milton Ave. (469-232-2042).

Holiday Shopping Night
What: Lovers Lane fashion boutiques Lou Lou, Mine, and Hemline serve wine, small bites, and 25 percent off purchases.
Why: The price is right.
When: Thurs., 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Where: Lovers Ln., b/t Armstrong Pkwy. & Lomo Alto Dr.

HEAR
The Blind
What: The super-bad rock cover band jams to Michael, Journey, AC/DC, and more at the new NYLO Dallas/Las Colinas.
Why: Happy hour specials ’til 10 p.m.
When: Sat., 8 p.m.
Where: 1001 W. Royal Ln., Irving (972-373-8900).

BROWSE
Etsy Dallas Jingle Bash
What: Handcrafted goodies from 50-plus local artists, live music, cocktails, and a swagtastic raffle.
Why: Gift bags for the first 50 peeps.
When: Sat., 1-7 p.m.
Where: Sons of Hermann Hall, 3414 Elm St. (214-747-4422).

HELP
Winter Coat and Food Drive
What: Round up warm jackets and nonperishable food to support Goodwill and the North Texas Food Bank.
Why: Free fromage, vino, and chocolate from Scardello Artisan Cheese and Cork.
When: Thurs., 6-9 p.m. Donations also accepted Fri. & Sat., 10 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sun., noon-6 p.m.
Where: Gardens, 3699 McKinney Ave., ste. 310 (214-528-7770).

DO
Tru Salon’s Wedding Day Open House
What: The budding beauty spot debuts its second-floor bridal salon with bubbly, hair demos, and loads of in-house services.
Why: The first 50 visitors to mention DailyCandy get free beauty booty.
When: Thurs. Open house, 3-5 p.m.; reception, 6-8 p.m.
Where: 2715 Fairmount St. (214-965-0373).

Wanna leave town this weekend? Don’t escape without our road trip tips at dailycandy.com/guides.

Photo: Courtesy of Uptown Country Home