GAYBORHOOD WATCH: DALLAS
The Cedars: The Lone Star State's New Hot Spot
When nighttime falls, a once-forgotten corner just south of Dallas's downtown skyscrapers glows in vibrant neon.
Live music and nouveau cuisine beckon metrosexuals and postgays alike.
The Cedars (not to be confused with the gayborhood of Oak Lawn's Cedar Springs Road) is a scrappy ghetto that's quickly emerging as an enclave of polished town homes, swanky eateries, and funky nightlife.
Its renaissance Is so cutting-edge that the savviest of gay Dallasites haven't even heard of it.
In the 1870s, a forest of red cedars covered the area, which was known for its Victorian manors and Jewish immigrants (these streets were the boyhood stomping grounds of Aaron Spelling, and Stanley Marcus of Neiman's fame grew up nearby).
By the late 1920s the Cedars was in industrial deterioration, but In the mid 1990s artists began to convert low-slung brick warehouses into work-live spaces, with modern developers and nightlife soon following.
Live music and nouveau cuisine beckon metrosexuals and postgays alike.
The Cedars (not to be confused with the gayborhood of Oak Lawn's Cedar Springs Road) is a scrappy ghetto that's quickly emerging as an enclave of polished town homes, swanky eateries, and funky nightlife.
Its renaissance Is so cutting-edge that the savviest of gay Dallasites haven't even heard of it.
In the 1870s, a forest of red cedars covered the area, which was known for its Victorian manors and Jewish immigrants (these streets were the boyhood stomping grounds of Aaron Spelling, and Stanley Marcus of Neiman's fame grew up nearby).
By the late 1920s the Cedars was in industrial deterioration, but In the mid 1990s artists began to convert low-slung brick warehouses into work-live spaces, with modern developers and nightlife soon following.
1: GARNER FRANKLIN KLEIN BATH BODY HOME
If you even set foot inside Gus Klein's boutique, you're bound to leave smelling better.
The gay craftsman started out creating intoxicating soy-based candles. Now he's introduced a fragrant bath and beauty line in addition to his diffuser line.
But customers can customize their own aromas: Klein hosts hands-on workshops-like Boys Night Out — where patrons can create their own lotions, scrubs, and bath balms.
1112 5. Akard St.
If you even set foot inside Gus Klein's boutique, you're bound to leave smelling better.
The gay craftsman started out creating intoxicating soy-based candles. Now he's introduced a fragrant bath and beauty line in addition to his diffuser line.
But customers can customize their own aromas: Klein hosts hands-on workshops-like Boys Night Out — where patrons can create their own lotions, scrubs, and bath balms.
1112 5. Akard St.
2: THE PALLADIUM BALLROOM AT GILLEY'S DALLAS
One of Dallas' best acoustic venues, it opened in early 2007.
Jake Shears christened its stage with his spit at a Scissor Sisters gig.
And Morrissey greeted the packed 10,O00-square-foot venue with a "Saddle up, Dallas!"
1135 5. Lamar St.
One of Dallas' best acoustic venues, it opened in early 2007.
Jake Shears christened its stage with his spit at a Scissor Sisters gig.
And Morrissey greeted the packed 10,O00-square-foot venue with a "Saddle up, Dallas!"
1135 5. Lamar St.
3: AMUSE
Amuse's Sunday brunch is impressive, featuring bottomless mimosas and a dog-friendly patio (complete with pooch menus).
Inside, dark-wood curio cases bisect the dining area from the contempo lounge.
Try the cider-marinated pork chops with a side of bleu cheese bacon risotto cake.
Order the s·more fondue or peanut butter-and-jelly chocolate truffle lollipops.
Adventurous chef Doug Brown is a master of New American Eclectic cuisine who also is a headliner for Toast to Life, the annual fundraiser for Dallas' LGBT resource center.
1326 S. Lamar St.
Amuse's Sunday brunch is impressive, featuring bottomless mimosas and a dog-friendly patio (complete with pooch menus).
Inside, dark-wood curio cases bisect the dining area from the contempo lounge.
Try the cider-marinated pork chops with a side of bleu cheese bacon risotto cake.
Order the s·more fondue or peanut butter-and-jelly chocolate truffle lollipops.
Adventurous chef Doug Brown is a master of New American Eclectic cuisine who also is a headliner for Toast to Life, the annual fundraiser for Dallas' LGBT resource center.
1326 S. Lamar St.
4: SOUTH SIDE ON LAMAR
The rebirth of an old Sears, Roebuck and Co. mailorder center is the Cedars' most magnificent revitalization project.
In 1999, the gigantic 10-story complex was transformed into 457 loft units.
And the converted basement is an underground city with galleries, artisan studios, a boho caffeine palace and a haute cocktail lounge.
1409 S. Lamar St.
The rebirth of an old Sears, Roebuck and Co. mailorder center is the Cedars' most magnificent revitalization project.
In 1999, the gigantic 10-story complex was transformed into 457 loft units.
And the converted basement is an underground city with galleries, artisan studios, a boho caffeine palace and a haute cocktail lounge.
1409 S. Lamar St.
