Historic Uptown- to 360 Degree Panoramic Views Downtown
Nuzzled in the northern portion of the “Lone Star State,” is the aristocratic conurbation of Dallas, Texas. The perfect mix of classic objet d’art and urban modern chic, this sophisticated metropolis is enveloped in a cloak of historic and contemporary elegance. Although the city is best known for its famous football team, the Dallas Cowboys, there is so much more to this little southwestern US gem, than just America’s favorite (football) team. Uptown will take you on a journey back in time, while downtown will propel you to reach new heights. This past January, I visited the area- and this is what I experienced.
The Upscale and Trendy Uptown Community
The chichi uptown area is an urban hub, cherished by young professionals and seasoned socialites alike. The community has everything from eclectic eateries, to posh fine dining, with the most appetizing of food. Uptown is home to one of the most prominent restaurants in all of Dallas, TX, the legendary, (The) Mansion Restaurant of Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek. This once private estate, originally constructed in 1908, is widely celebrated today for its redolent and luscious, Contemporary American, world-class cuisine with regional influences and exceptional service. This beloved prize of Dallas draws in the local au courant, as well as those who travel the domestic and international social circuit.
During my time in Dallas, I dined at the acclaimed, (The) Mansion Restaurant. I was blown away by the stellar customer service and depth of seasoning in the dishes served. From the delightful sunchoke “ravioli” soup, to the succulent pan seared –salmon field greens salad, my palate was pleasantly aroused by the fusion of bold and piquant flavors. Alongside, Chef de Cuisine, Nicolas Walker, Executive Sous Chef, Jared Harms, helps to create these remarkable plates. Though at the time of my visit, the restaurant was in the process of hiring a new Executive Chef, there was certainly no absence of taste or flavor in their mouth-watering dishes. Additionally, this past April marked The Mansion Restaurant’s 35th Anniversary. Since opening, they have proudly served over 175,000 bowls of their iconic tortilla soup, which remains a staple on the menu today. In addition to the dining room, the Mansion Restaurant also has a spacious terrace just off the area and a contemporary bar with a private feel for guests just around the bend.
The adjoining hotel, Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, is equally as beautiful. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly greeted by the attendant outside. Upon crossing the threshold, I was met by a staff of smiling faces and a gorgeous lobby, bedecked in matching rosewood peach décor, which is the favorite color of Mrs. Hunt, who built the addition onto The Mansion Restaurant in 1981. The 143 stylish hotel rooms (128 standard rooms and 15 amazing suites) follow suit, showcasing a comparable level of sophistication, equipped with private bars, balconies and custom bath products. The hotel also features a large gym, an outdoor swimming pool, laundry service, twice daily housekeeping, valet parking, complimentary sedan service within five miles and even a room for masseuse services off the Health and Fitness Studio (gym.)
Rosewood Mansion is home to the upper echelon of the world. In 1936, the late US President, Franklin Delino Roosevelt was a guest of the Mansion. His visit resulted in the creation of a magnificently decorated room, known as the FDR Suite, which still exists today. Since that time, a number of other dignitaries and notables have dined and lodged at this super lux property. For more information, visit www.rosewoodhotels.com
A Dynamic Downtown Experience That Will Expand Your Horizons
For an opportunity to witness breathtaking aerial views of the city, I recommend a stop by Reunion Tower, which is attached to the Hyatt Regency Dallas downtown. This stunning piece of architecture commenced construction in 1976 and officially opened in April of 1978. It’s a slender structure with a glass ball (dome) that is unlike any other building in town. During my visit to Dallas, I was fortunate enough to experience Reunion Tower. When I arrived on the first floor, I was invited to take a picture with props before heading up. After dawdling around a bit for the camera, I set out for the elevator, en route to the GeO-Deck. The swift ride up was informative thanks to the guide on board and the views through the glass panels were astounding. When the door opened, I immediately canvased the floor. I saw everything from telescopes to interactive touchscreens and high definition cameras. In the background, I gazed upon the amazing 360 degree panoramic views of downtown Dallas and the surrounding areas -from 470 feet up in the sky. I ventured outside onto the observation deck after walking the perimeter inside, which made for one overall “elevated” time.
Additionally, there are two restaurants on site at Reunion Tower. The first is Cloud Nine Café, which is just a level above the GeO-Deck observation level and the other is Five Sixty, which is located inside the ball house at the top. Cloud Nice Café offers a casual menu amidst the backdrop of perfect skyline views, as the floor revolves, granting visitors the chance to see the city from various angles. While Five Sixty, is an upscale restaurant that sits 50 stories high and gives diners floor-to-ceiling, 360 degree revolving room views. There is a luxurious main dining room and two glass bars for guests who’ve made the expedition 560 feet up in the sky. Diners can delight in the Asian inspired dishes over “heightened” conversation in posh surroundings. For more information on Reunion Tower and its restaurants visit www.reuniontower.com.
Dallas is filled with a surfeit of spectacular restaurants, hotels, museums, coffee houses and shopping. Service is impeccable and offerings range to suite the most deluxe of taste. To learn more about the locations above and other area favorites, go to www.visitdallas.com
