DALLAS (January 20, 2012) – It’s a day of love poems, romance and surprise engagements: Valentine’s Day. This February 14th, Ristorante Nicola, located at 8111 Preston Road in Dallas, invites guys (and ladies) to take a bended knee in an elegant atmosphere with exquisite food that will not be soon forgotten. Every couple who “pops the question” during the evening’s meal will receive a complimentary dinner*. To make the event extra special, the staff at Ristorante Nicola will even work with suitors on a one-on-one basis before the big day to determine a perfect surprise presentation. Imagine a loved one’s expression when the tiramisu arrives topped with an engagement ring!

The evening’s three-course San Valentino (Valentine’s Day) menu, for those getting engaged or just enjoying a dinner together, is $89 per couple plus tax and gratuity. It will be available on Tuesday, February 14 from 5 to 10 p.m. The restaurant’s most treasured items from the regular menu of house-made pastas and other delicacies will also be available during this time. Reservations can be made by calling (214) 379-1111 or by visiting www.nicoladallas.com.

The Valentine’s Day menu begins with two complimentary Pomegrinis – a refreshing cocktail of Prosecco and pomegranate juice. Guests can then choose a Primi (First Course) of Focaccia Pomodoro e Basilico, signature flatbread with tomatoes and basil, or Gamberoni Insalata Pesta, poached jumbo shrimp atop a mango, papaya, avocado and mache salad tossed with blood orange vinaigrette. A wine pairing of Pinot Grigio Baroni Fini is available for $9. For Secondi (“Seconds” in English) guests may select among entrees including: Spiedini Di Capesante, prosciutto wrapped sea scallops and filet mignon skewers drizzled with veal balsamic reduction and served with a wild baby arugula, fennel and pink grapefruit salad (paired with Montepulciano D’Abruzzo Illuminati for $11); Tagliatelle All’Astice Con Piselli, a narrow-strip pasta tossed with lobster meat, sweet peas and red bell peppers in lobster sauce (paired with Gavi Batasiolo for $9); or Filetto Di Branzino, pan-roasted fish fillet topped with oven roasted tomatoes, diced jumbo shrimp, butternut squash purée and leak-butter sauce (paired with Morgan, Chardonnay, Santa Lucia Highlands for $11) .

To end the evening, the Dolce (Dessert) is Mousse Di Cioccolato Fondente, semi-sweet chocolate mousse with fresh strawberries, passion fruit sauce and white chocolate shavings. It can be paired with Moscato D’Asti Mionetto for $8.

* Eligibility for the “Pop the Question” promotion requires notification of intent at time of reservation. All proposals must be witnessed by a designated Ristorante Nicola staff member. Guests who “Pop the Question” on February 14, 2012 will receive a gift certificate for $50 for a future meal valid from February 15 through December 30, 2012.

With a commitment to fashion forward frames, Occhiali Modern Optics is proud to now carry the CHROME HEARTS® eyewear line and will be hosting a special trunk show on Thursday, October 13 from 4 to 8 p.m. This event marks one of the first events in Occhiali’s new, larger space in the Plaza at Preston Center, 8300 Preston Road #310 (next to Orvis, facing Preston Road).

“CHROME HEARTS is a surprisingly diverse collection of styles that range from conservative and classic to bold and edgy,” says storeowner, Lisa Methvin. “And this trunk show is a great way to show off the exciting line as well as our new space.”

Recognized for its extensive product line and hand-craftsmanship, CHROME HEARTS has been honored with the Council of Fashion Designers of America Accessory Designer of the Year Award and has been included in such prestigious exhibits as the “Rock Style” collection at the Met’s Costume Institute and “The Nature of Diamonds” exhibit at Tokyo’s National Science Museum.

Complimentary valet will be offered for this event.

About Occhiali Modern Optics:
Occhiali Modern Optics is Dallas’ leading boutique for luxury eyewear featuring a wide array of styles from top designers such as Anne et Valentin, Gold & Wood, Alain Mikli, Tom Ford, Lindberg and others. Known for its knowledgeable and friendly staff, Occhiali works with customers to help them select the perfect frames for their face, their personality and their lives. Due to construction at the Plaza at Preston Center, Occhiali has relocated within the Center to 8300 Preston Road #310 (next to Orvis facing Preston Road). For more information, please call (214) 368-2777.

The kitchen is supposed to be the heart of the house, but for many homeowners the space is lacking the personality that it deserves. With this in mind, SnappyKitchens.com is on the search to find Dallas-area’s “Neediest Kitchens.” During this three-month promotion, applicants will have a chance to submit photos of their deprived kitchens in hopes of winning some complimentary updates including new hardware, faucets, countertops, sinks and backsplashes. Additionally, one lucky winner will receive a complete kitchen makeover.

The contest began October 1, 2011, with the hardware and faucet portion. All month long, Dallas-area homeowners^* can submit photos of their needy kitchens to SnappyKitchen.com’s Facebook page. That month’s winner, determined by popular vote on Facebook, will be selected on October 31. From November 1-30, 2011, is the countertop and sink promotion. All entries made during this month will be eligible to receive not only new surfaces, but, literally, a new kitchen sink! In December, contestants can try for a new backsplash. Entries are eligible from December 1-31, 2011 with the winner receiving a brand new backsplash.

“The whole premise behind SnappyKitchens.com is to help customers dream and draft a new kitchen that fits their needs and their budget,” says Mary Kathryn Reese, SnappyKitchens.com co-founder and president. “We wanted to find Dallas-area’s ‘Neediest Kitchens’ to give people a chance to fix up those less-than-desirable spaces. It’s a great kitchen that turns a house into a home.”

The “Neediest Kitchens” competition wraps up in January 2012 when the homes selected from October, November and December compete to see who is chosen for a Complete Kitchen Makeover. Work on all projects will begin in February 2012 with completion by March 2012.

About SnappyKitchens.com:
Snappy Kitchens is owned by Mary Kathryn Reese and Jennifer Sherrill and supported by a team of designers and installers with expertise in kitchen design and remodeling. With backgrounds in management consulting, Reese and Sherrill combined their success with Fortune 500 companies with their passions for cooking and remodeling to start a custom kitchen design and remodeling firm, Kitchen Design Concepts. Noticing an ever-increasing number of consumers looking for updates versus complete kitchen remodels, they created SnappyKitchens.com to help clients update their kitchens without the expense and time required for a complete remodel. For more information, visit www.snappykitchens.com or call (214) 390-1600.

* See rules on the Facebook page for eligibility requirements.

After another successful spring and summer of helping groups of people to bring fitness into their daily lives, Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp will host it’s final 2011 outdoor six-week training session beginning Monday, October 10 at Lee Park in Dallas. First-timers are invited to try one morning or evening class for FREE on Wednesday, October 12. However, RSVP is required to Lead Trainer Billy Young at billy@bootycampcentral.com or by calling (214) 219-3300 to ensure space.

Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp is dedicated to helping people lose weight and strengthen their cores. Unlike a lone trip to the gym, Booty Camp brings together a group of people from various fitness levels to work as a group toward the next step that is right for them.

Dr. Eric Peay, a chiropractor and owner of COREhealth Wellness Center, created this distinctive boot camp fitness program in 2007 in response to patients who needed to lose weight but were too intimidated by gyms and “yelling,” military-style boot camps to get started. Booty Camp was born as a safe, effective and friendly way for people of all shapes and sizes to lose weight while learning how to bring healthy living into every part of their daily lives. The name “Booty Camp” came about from participants who noticed the program’s emphasis on keeping a firm tush during many of the exercises, too.

“While spring and summer are nice, fall is the perfect weather for training outdoors,” says Dr. Peay. “The cooler weather is really refreshing when you are working up a sweat. And once it gets too cold to be outside, we’ll have our small group training sessions so people can keep the momentum going all winter long.”

Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp is offered five days a week in the morning and the evening to fit the needs of busy professionals. Attendees can choose a Two-Day Session ($199), a Three-Day Session ($275), or a Five-Day “Anytime” Session ($325) that allows participants to attend up to five classes weekly (with a minimum commitment of three). The final session of the 2011 season of Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp begins Monday, October 10 and runs through Friday, November 18.

Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp is held at Lee Park, 3400 Turtle Creek Boulevard, in Dallas. Morning sessions begin at 5:50 a.m. and end at 7 a.m. Evening sessions begin at 6:20 p.m. and end at 7:30 p.m. Small group workouts are also offered by appointment in the COREhealth Wellness Center fitness studio at 3131 Turtle Creek Blvd, Suite 820, in Dallas with an expanded offering beginning November 28.

Certified Personal Trainers Billy Young, LeMarc Johnson and Jeni Maldonado lead all of the exercises. During the six-week program, Booty Campers experience a variety of different workout styles ranging from military-style basic training drills to core and abdominal workouts. The group also takes excursions to the nearby Katy Trail to help vary the routine. And because the camper-to-instructor ratio is well balanced, the instructors can fine-tune each workout to fit the needs of each attendee.

Dr. Peay attends camps weekly to personally assess campers’ progress and to share information about other wellness options. In doing such, he brings in experts and information in areas including nutrition, massage and chiropractic care.

Registration for Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp is available by calling (214) 219-3300 or e-mailing billy@bootycampcentral.com. More information can also be found online at www.bootycampcentral.com or at https://www.facebook.com/bootycampcentral.

Title Marks Dallas Food Artist’s Eighth Gold Medal And Undisputed Role As Queen Of The Baking Jungle

DALLAS – Bronwen Weber, Frosted Art Bakery & Studio’s executive chef, was crowned the winner of Food Network Challenge: Lion King Cakes which aired on Sunday, September 25. The win marked her 14th medal from the Food Network Challenges (more than any other contestant), as well as her eighth gold (first place) medal, which is three more than the second best challenger.

As part of the competition, Weber and three other cake designers were challenged with transforming scenes from the Disney classic The Lion King into edible works of art. Weber’s design featured the film’s villain, Scar, and the hyenas in a dark, scary cave scene, with a bubbling sugar moat under lit by remote controlled LED lights. The cake was another one of Bronwen’s signature cantilevered engineering marvels; the laughing hyenas swirled and rotated while sinister smoke enveloped them.

“This was a really fun challenge, and I’m thrilled to win,” says Weber. “The Lion King characters are very familiar to people, so every detail had to be perfect.”

In addition to the title of champion cake maker, Weber also received $10,000 for her winning creation. The Food Network Challenge will air again tonight, Monday, September 26 at 7:00 PM ET/PT. For more details, visit http://www.foodnetwork.com/food-network-challenge/lion-king-cakes/index.html.

About Bronwen
Chef Bronwen Weber’s cake designs and living-out-loud approach to sugar and spice have been published in Brides Magazine, American Cake Decorating Magazine, and England’s Cakecraft Magazine, among many others. She has won countless Grand Prize, Gold Medal, and Best of Show distinctions in numerous competitions, including Food Network challenges, the American Culinary Federation, and various cake shows around the country.

About Frosted Art Bakery & Studio
North Texas’ home for specialty cakes beyond the imagination, Frosted Art Bakery & Studio is located at 1546 Edison Street, Dallas, TX 75207 (in the Design District). Hours are by appointment only Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. To make an appointment, please call (214) 760-8707 or visit www.frostedart.com for more information.

DALLAS – On Wednesday, April 20, more than 300 business community leaders are expected to gather for the tenth annual Spirit of Entrepreneurship celebration, where Herb Kelleher, co-founder and chairman emeritus of Southwest Airlines, will be inducted into the “Ring of Entrepreneurs.”  The invitation-only event, this year entitled “LUV Your Company LUV Your Community,” is hosted by the Entrepreneurs For North Texas (EFNT), a fund of Communities Foundation of Texas that facilitates community involvement and philanthropy for small and mid-size companies.

After a reception at 6 p.m., to be held at the foundation’s headquarters at 5500 Caruth Haven Lane in Dallas, Kelleher will be introduced by Ray Hunt and then will participate in a Q&A session moderated by Patrick Brandt, CEO of Telligent Systems, Inc. Also during the event, the North Star Award, given to individuals who have set a “shining example” for their leadership in community involvement, will be presented to Sunny Morris, president of CORE24, Global 360. Both have contributed countless volunteer hours and resources to many local charitable organizations, as well as proven that relentless and generous leadership can make North Texas a better place to live and work.

“This event is a celebration of the generosity and entrepreneurial spirit that shape our community,” said Pam Gerber, executive director of EFNT. “Recognizing these role models in corporate citizenship is an important and effective way to encourage involvement.”

Kelleher joins a prestigious group of leaders who have been inducted into the “Ring of Entrepreneurs” for their far-reaching commitment in philanthropy. Previous honorees include Bill Lively, Jim Keyes, Ray Hunt, Craig Hall, Roger Staubach, T. Boone Pickens, and Charles and Sam Wyly.

Proceeds from the event’s sponsors and silent auction will go to support EFNT, which leverages the resources of entrepreneurs and their companies to give back to their communities while they build their businesses and professional networks. Auction items include a Cooper Clinic Health View Scan;
Key-Whitman Eye Center Lasik Surgery; a cocktail party for 20 guests at The Capital Grille; a 48-inch strand of Freshwater Pearls; Round of Golf for 4 at Vaquero Country Club; and autographed game-worn shoes from Jason “JET” Terry. Additionally, EFNT will be featuring unique “Face Time” lunch auction items with business leaders including Garrett Boone, Charles Wyly, Jim Keyes, Bill Lively and Phil Romano.

The event is supported by the “Spirit Of The Entrepreneur” sponsors Hunt Investment Group and Hunt Energy Enterprises; platinum sponsors Sevin Rosen Funds and Warrior Group; silent auction sponsors Tellligent and iWave Software; V.I.P reception sponsors; BKD, LLP; Roach Howard Smith & Barton; silver sponsor Ernst & Young; Montgomery Coscia Greilich, LLP and bigBANG!; bronze sponsors Coda Construction; hck2 Partners; MarketWave; copper sponsors Alon USA; Comerica; Hall Way Group; Heritage Auction Galleries; Frontier Capital; Business Access; Cabot Consultants; Metz Insurance & Financial.  In-kind donors are D CEO, Food Glorious Food, Salum, Komali, Big Box-Little Box, Carter Malouf Private Jeweler, Chris Kraus Photography, Edward Baumann Clothiers, Hail Merry Foods, J.H. Productions, JR’s Assurance, Jef Tingley Communications, One Art Director, Paciugo Gelato, Padgett Printing, Snap the Picture, Studio Movie Grill and TMS Ruge.

About EFNT:
The Entrepreneurs For North Texas (EFNT) is a fund of Communities Foundation of Texas (CFT) that facilitates community involvement and philanthropy for small and mid size companies who want to make a beneficial impact onour community.  Operating as an outsourced community affairs department, EFNT provides its member companies with the resources to assist them in developing a company culture of good corporate citizenship. Today, more than 100 companies in North Texas participate in EFNT, and more than 40 underwriters significantly support the effort. Additional information is available at www.efnt.org.

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Anyone who wears glasses will attest, a pair of frames needs to be as functional as it is fashionable. Occhiali Modern Optics, located 8304 Preston Center Plaza Drive in The Plaza at Preston Center, invites guests to peruse the best of both worlds during a special trunk show on Thursday, February 24 from 3 to 7 p.m. featuring two eyewear designers: Bellinger and Cogan.

Founded by Danish designers Malene and Claus Bellinger Diederichsen, Bellinger is a unique line based on the combination of opposites: the masculine and the feminine, colorful and eye-catching Mediterranean inspiration and Danish design, humor and seriousness, success and humbleness. Bellinger is not your typical Danish design company, as it eschews the streamlined and minimalist, concentrating instead on taking pride in creating eyewear with a sense of fun and a twinkle in the eye.

The Cogan line by Yves Cogan is inspired by exploration, travel, architecture and design. These distinct glasses are a way for men and women to assert their visual identity. Made and designed in Jura, France, since 1994, these frames are noted for their distinct temple design. With much of the collection is crafted from titanium, one of the strongest and lightest weight metals available, the glasses are as comfortable as they are sophisticated.

“Occhiali Modern Optics really stands out for our efforts to buy differently – refreshing, stylish and fashion forward,” says owner Lisa Methvin. “Bellinger and Cogan are exactly the kinds of lines our customers love. They are functional, but also a great conversation starter.”

Shoppers are invited to stop and stroll the February 24 trunk show while enjoying a glass of wine and a 20 percent savings on all purchases excluding readers.

About Occhiali:
Occhiali Modern Optics is Dallas’ leading boutique for luxury eyewear featuring a wide array of styles from top designers such as David Yurman, Anne et Valentin, Gold & Wood, Alain Mikli, Tom Ford, Lindberg and others. Known for its highly knowledgeable staff, Occhiali works with customers to help them select the perfect frames for their face, their personality and their lives. Visit www.occhialimodernoptics.com .

One of the great things about a career in PR and marketing is that you are always learning new things. With each new client comes the opportunity to try a new food, learn about a new product or experience something you’ve never done before.

Such was the case when I started working with COREhealth Wellness Center last year. In educating myself about the client, I learned more about the wide world of chiropractic services, nutrition, wellness and exercise. And I knew that if I wanted to promote Dr. Peay’s Booty Camp, a group exercise program held at Lee Park, I would have to do more than write a press release. I would have to walk the talk, or in this case – run it.

Ten months later, I’m happy to report that group exercise has become a huge part of my life. On April 9, I’ll be joining my fellow work out buddies for a 6.2 mile Mud Run.

I recently had the opportunity to share this journey toward fitness in an issue of the Dallas Voice. Take a peek at the article and look for my follow up after the run, assuming I cross the finish line and don’t opt for a mud bath instead.

http://www.dallasvoice.com/body-fitness-dirty-britches-1065523.html

When I started Jef Tingley Communications four years ago, one of my first clients came in the form of a giant toy drive thanks in part to my dear friend and colleague Aimee Sheahan, Sheahan Communications. This year, we’re still going strong serving as the “elves” for the WFAA-TV’s Santa’s Helpers toy drive, a 41-year-old tradition that collects more than 70,000 toys for children in need around North Texas.

Unlike some of my other projects and clients which focus on writing and media relations, WFAA-TV’s Santa’s Helpers is all about community relations – another important part of any business relationship. It gives me the chance to work with 25 non-profit agencies that service just about every ZIP code in North Texas. And more importantly, it gives me a chance to give back.

If you are looking for a way to rally your employees or gather your friends with a true impact, a toy drive is  a sure fire way to go. It’s all the fun of shopping with the added benefit of philanthropy.

To learn more about Santa’s Helpers please visit the link below:

http://special.wfaa.com/santashelpers/

While November usually heralds an influx of turkey and sweet potato dishes to restaurant menus, Ristorante Nicola, located at 8111 Preston Road (ground floor of the Chase Bank building), is using the autumnal occasion to bring forth bold, exotic flavors as part of its seasonal menu change.

Available now, the fall menu created by Chef Luigi Iannuario includes highlights such as Insalata di Autunno, a salad of roasted beets, butternut squash, baby arugula, toasted almonds and a pomegranate and blood orange vinaigrette ($11), or the Cappellacci di Zucca, pumpkin ravioli with sage cream sauce, pomegranate, amaretto cookie crumbles and Parmesan cheese ($17). For the more adventurous diner, there’s the Pappardelle al Ragu di Cinghiale, large ribbon pasta with wild boar ragout, fresh herbs and Pamigiano-Reggiano cheese ($18).

Lunch guests on the go can take advantage of the daily Piatto Presto, a small side salad, cup of minestrone soup, dessert of the day and choice of either Salmone alla Senape, salmon with mustard sauce; Paillard di Pollo, grilled, thinly-sliced chicken with lemon and capers; Casarecci alla Bolognese, pasta with savory meat sauce; or Panino di Pollo, roasted chicken with caramelized onion and basil pesto aioli on grilled ciabatta bread ($14.50). All four courses arrive simultaneously allowing for busy patrons to dine well even on a short lunch break.

To cap off the workweek, Ristorante Nicola has expanded its Italian-style happy hour. Guests can enjoy discounted drink prices and complimentary passed appetizers Monday through Friday from 4 to 7 p.m. (and from 4 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays during “Martinis & Manicures,” a girls’ night out event taking place through December 16, 2010).

Revelers can choose from $7 house wines and specialty cocktails such as martinis and cosmos, and $5 highballs. Passed appetizers including wood-oven baked pizzas, olives, cheeses and mini sandwiches will also be available to stave off end-of-day hunger.

Ristorante Nicola is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. with lunch service through 5:00 when the dinner menu is presented. Sunday hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with a special brunch menu served until 4 p.m.

For more information, the public can call (214) 379-1111 or visit www.nicoladallas.com.
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