Dining: Tapas about town

Where do you eat after a show at House of Blues? The sophisticated late-dinner-and-rock show date is a relatively new possibility here; sobering up at Cafe Brazil with french toast drenched in raspberry sauce and cheap flavored coffee used to be appropriate for every occasion in Deep Ellum. There was really no reason then to stray far from area clubs, or from the beloved cafe on Elm Street. 

Then came House of Blues in all it's glory, with it's spic-and-span restrooms and near-disturbing lack of cigarette smoke, and sometimes, jeans. The vibe turns even an Old 97s set into a "performance." An appropriate precursor is more than called for. But it has to be cool. And priced so as not to break the bank, what with cover at the grand HOB.

I offer Sangria on Cole, with it's Spanish cafe-style seating and cost-effective, share-able menu items. Tapas are festive by nature, and this place does them justice. For a trio for two to share, try the delectable ground lamb skewer, chicken and black chorizo cannelloni with bechamel, and quaint arugula salad with beet and pear. 

Fashion: Because you're one of a kind, Bride-to-be

          Dallas Morning News

If anything good can come from Bride Wars' release amid the planning season for summer weddings, it's a fright-induced crusade for settling the details now. Although the double-booked venue disaster in the film is a rare demise, sisters, the same-or-subtly-similar-dress-as-acquaintance tragedy could very well happen to you.

So don't waste time sifting through clones at a big-box store to "get ideas." Fancy schmancy Highland Park shop Patsy's Bridal is selling off designer samples for ubercheap at its annual sale starting Friday. Here's a peek at a few of the Jenny Lee and Judd Waddell dresses among the treasury, some of them 75% off.

Doors open at 10 a.m.; sale ends Saturday at 5 a.m. 

Remember the sweet-and-sour hitch in sample sales -- sizes go fast.

Patsy's Bridal
The Shops of Highland Park
4244 Oak Lawn Avenue Dallas, Texas 75219
214.528.1227