BEST OF....

Isn't it cool how the media these days has become so collaborative?  Who doesn't LOVE a curated list of what's fun, what's delicious, and the year's most fabulous visits and venues?  D Magazine, here in Dallas, has truly embraced the "Best Of", helping to put our city on the map.  We are thrilled that Elizabeth Showers was chosen as the Editor's Choice Best Jewelry Designer of Big D this year, and alongside so many other bests of Dallas.

In the spirit of CONGRATULATIONS, I thought we'd give a shout out to some of our very favorites of this year's Best of Big D.  (And if you aren't a Dallasite yourself, we know you will travel through the Big D, for business or pleasure.  Keep these handy in your travel file.)

We too LOVE these eating spots:

Best Gourmet

Eatzi's!  I'm a lunchtime regular...so easy with it near my office.  Sushi, sandwiches, and incredible prepared dinners.  Love their sign as you walk out:  See you Tomorrow!  A combination of "thanks for coming" and "yep, we know you don't cook!"

Best Vegetarian

I adore Cosmic Cafe.  Great food (and homemade Chai)  It's such a calming, peaceful hideaway, right in the heart of the busy Oak Lawn area.

Best Burger

I'm picky, and Twisted Root is a great burger!

Best Chinese

Royal China is not just my favorite Chinese in Dallas, it's one of my favorite restaurants.  I've traveled to Hong Kong and China 5 times, and Royal China nails it.  My girlfriends took me there tonight to celebrate my 42nd birthday, and once again, yuuuummmmmy!

Best Ice Cream

Paciugo's Straciatella - basically, a high quality chocolate chip - is delicious.

And watering holes:

Best Coffee

I'm dating a coffee aficionado, which has me very often switching from my staple green tea over to the dark stuff.  Tommy is always looking for a better Americano, and we are very excited to try Cultivar Coffee. 

Best Hotel Bar

I'm not a bar-goer, but there's a special place in my heart for the Library Bar at the Warwick Hotel.  I was a cocktail waitress there as I was starting my business, at age 24.  I wasn't too great at it, but kinda had fun doing it!  

Best Bar with Games

Barcadia is so much fun.  Lots of vintage video games with my favorite being Ms. Pac-Man.  Remember her?

And when you visit Dallas, you must shop these favorites:

Best Designer Label

Forty Five Ten of course!  We love their team, and Brian Bolke has a great eye.  Our  Monkey Tales Collection lives exclusively at Forty Five Ten.

Best Jewelry Store

Ylang 23 is an amazing store.  The Teichmans are super smart and have designed an incredible website featuring a truly creative array of jewelry designers.  I also love Reader's Pick Nine-Eighteen.  We're neighbors in our Turtle Creek offices, and co-owner Darin Kunz has been a friend for many years (since our first jobs together working as sales associates at Crate & Barrel).

Best Fine Jewelry Designer

Carter Malouf is the Reader's Pick...I adore Carter.

We love sharing trade secrets with one another, and his fun wife Jill's law firm is in my building.

Best Shop for Outdoor Furniture and Accessories

Big Mango Trading Company is, indeed, a "wonderland".  I admire Lori and Jaime Smith's work and love that their inspiration never rests...they take frequent trips to Indonesia.  

I am fascinated and would love to tag along soon!

Best Custom Clothier for Women

Nha Khanh is an incredible ready-to-wear collection!  I sat on a panel of 3 designers for the FGI (Fashion Group International) Career Fair recently, and Khanh Nguyen was on the panel with me.  I was moved by her smarts, her humility and sheer talent.  I may ask her to design a dress for me, one day soon.

Best Consignment Women's Clothing

I have been consigning my clothes with Clotheshorse Anonymous for years.  I love thinking about what glamorous events some of my favorite ex-outfits might attend without me.

And for some CULTURE, high brow or otherwise:

Best Museum

We are so lucky in Dallas.  The Dallas Museum of Art is incredible...so easy to drop in for a smaller exhibit (changing constantly) or stay a full afternoon for meditation or to get inspiration.  But the new Perot Museum of Nature and Sciences is an experience, for all ages. These two museums alone are reason to bring you to Dallas.

Best Movie Theater
Angelika Film Center gives me a feeling of being in New York.  I could choose almost any film they feature, no matter the genre, and like it.

And these?  Dallas' cultural ICONS:

Best TV News Team:  WFAA CHANNEL 8!  

Ronda Gibbons White has been with WFAA since her early 20s and is one of my very very bestest of the best friends, and Best of Big D Broadcaster Gloria Campos is a faithful supporter of the Elisa Project, my beloved favorite non-profit for support from and awareness of eating disorders.

Best Athlete:  DIRK NOWITZKI!  I have always had a little crush on him.  There is something so inspiring and attractive about his spirit.

Best Annual Festival:  STATE FAIR OF TEXAS...a walk down memory lane for me.  I've been going every September or October since I was a little girl.  I will always eat a Fletcher's corny dog with LOTS of mustard, a Diet Dr. Pepper, and ride the bumper cars and ferris wheel.  It's one of my favorite things to do every year. 

I love Dallas.  It is vibrant and dynamic, it's changing every time I turn around.  (I even wrote an entire post on how my city inspires me, read it here.)  D Magazine captures the heart and soul of that vibrancy, every month on the newstands, and more (on the big screen and small, with incredible sponsorships and crazy fun events.  And online, check it out here.) 

We love you D Mag--keep up your amazing work!

Feel Beautiful!

Elizabeth

For the entire list of Best of Big D: Shopping 2013, click here.