If you haven’t heard yet there’s a new dessert place in Dallas called Sprinkles. Wow. In their small Preston Center store you can experience some of the most decadent cupcakes you’ve ever tasted.

One of the things I anticipate with the most pleasure at any conference is the opportunity to explore new restaurants and foods from diverse cultures. I love to cook, and I like to taste an authentic version before I attempt to duplicate it in my own kitchen. Sometimes that taste is enough to encourage me to go forward, or otherwise to convice me that my enjoyment must br reserved for that particular place and time alone.
Dallas is a remarkably diverse city. World-wide cultures are represented in its restaurants. Lucky for us, many are within easy reach of the downtown hotels and convention center.
On Fridays for the next few weeks, I will post suggestions for some dining experiences that sound interesting to me, and I hope that readers may find them interesting, too. I will try to include fine meals for both the budget-conscious and those who want to reserve at least one night during the conference for splurging. Advance reservations are always recommended. So let's begin with.....

Cremona has been called a genuine treasure of Dallas with incredible food and reasonable prices. Real Italians have brought a slice of their homeland to Texas. One reviewer called it the "best kept secret in Dallas." Candle-lit tables are intimate enough for couples, and there is accommodation for groups as well. Cremona features live music on Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Find all this at 3136 Routh Street, tucked away between uptown and Turtle Creek. Call 214-871-1115.

Angry Dog is a Deep Ellum bar and cafe. Many say it is the best burger place in the city. Find classic rock 'n roll on the juke box, and all the funky atmosphere of this historic district. A meal will cost around $20. Angry Dog is at 2726 Commerce Street, 214-741-4406.

Ruth S.

Today’s post is from Carolyn Davidson, Assistant Director for the North Texas Regional Library System:

In Fort Worth, you can explore many museums that are world-famous for the beauty of their architecture and the quality of their collections. The Kimbell Art Museum is world renown and is worth a drive to Fort Worth. Across the street is the Modern Art Museum – the building itself is a work of art. The Fort Worth Cultural District, home to five wonderful museums in a relaxing, park-like setting is a great place to start your tour.

While you are enjoying the TLA conference, why not enjoy dinner in another country as well?

Specifically, let's try the Mediterranean cuisine of Cafe Ismir at 3711 Greenville Avenue, an easy cab ride from the downtown hotels. There is a prix fixe approach here ($15 per person according to one review) -- the waiter will ask if you wish vegetarian or non-vegetarian and with that decision made, sit back and relax. The meal begins with hummus and pita and continues with plate after plate of entrees: beef and lamb, chicken and falafel, roasted vegetables -- as much as you want. Finish with a honeyed dessert, Turkish coffee, and a visit to the Kismet nightclub next door. Cafe Ismir was named a D Best by D Magazine. Call for reservations at 214-826-7788.

Maybe you'd like a quick trip to South America? Spend an evening at Texas de Brazil at 2727 Cedar Springs. This is a classy all-you-can-eat place featuring Brazilian skewered meats. A touch pricey but patrons say it's worth it for the experience. Also reported: "a mind-boggling salad bar and divine desserts." Call them at 214-720-1414.

Ruth S.

The Local Arrangements Committee would love to see everyone volunteer for the conference. Anyone in the community is welcome to volunteer. Non-librarians and non-professionals who give 4 or more hours of their time will recieve a free Exhibits Pass.

I personally think you should consider volunteering for EVENTS ARRANGEMENTS. This fun and exciting committee will be making sure the authors and presenters are set up in their rooms. I just happen to be one of the co-chairs of this committee so I can guarantee you'll have a fabulous time with us. ;)

Librarians being the party animals they are, no discussion of Dallas after dark would be complete without a list of places noted for their alcoholic offerings. All these clubs mentioned are downtown or close to downtown on Greenville Avenue.

Zubar is at 2012 Greenville. It offers the latest dance music in an upscale, chic ambiance. If local art turns you on, check out the walls here -- the art is for sale. Might make a nice souvenir of a trip to Dallas in 2008. A patio adds to the relaxation level. 214-887-0071.

Obar, 1602 Main Street, suite B has been voted the best bar and the best patio in downtown Dallas. Are you a hipster? This posh subterranean spot is for you. A specialty drink is the Honeysuckle Martini. Sounds like a chick drink to me. If you are riding Dart Rail, get off at the Akard Street station. 214-747-6227.

And as long as you are getting off at Akard and Main, check out the City Tavern at 1402 Main, near the Akard intersection. The place is great for people-watching. The lunch and dinner menus are standard bar fare, but worth a mention -- burgers, sandwiches, salads, quesadillas and the like. They have over 40 bottled beer choices, 16 drafts, and a few wines. 214-745-1402.

If more than three dozen beer choices are not enough, look in at Stan's Blue Note, 2908 Greenville Avenue. They have over 150 bottled beers, and the new Taphouse section features over 50 beers on tap. This is a long-time favorite Greenville Avenue hotspot. That means lots of young people having noisy fun.

Two Rows Restaurant and Brewery is at 5500 Greenville Avenue, Suite 1300. They offer true homemade beer that gets good reviews. Try the cheddar-honey pepper-bacon burger or, if you must, choose the "fit for life" menu options. 214-696-2739.

And no list of Dallas downtown nightlife would be complete without mention of Dick's Last Resort, long a favorite spot for a "bucket of chiky, goldy fry'd" and the beer to go with it. Very casual at 2211 Lamar.