Issue link: http://papercitymagazine.uberflip.com/i/106706
STEPHEN DUX Pebble + Pine Blushington GETTING PRETTY SOON Blushington, 4218 Oak Lawn Ave., 214.521.9200; blushington.com C THE GAME CHANGER Pebble + Pine, 408 N Bishop Ave., 214.942.4653; pebbleandpine.com With a philosophy that includes such truisms as People Matter Most, Comfort is Priority, Functionality Rules/Pretense Loses, Charity Feels Good and Made In America Makes Sense, Nick Griffin could be mistaken for a self-help guru instead of what he is: a PGA Class A Pro and owner of Pebble + Pine, a Bishop Arts outpost for hard-to-come-across golf labels. Just don't expect to shop for drivers and putters in this loft-like space — instead, think everything from organic cotton polo shirts and croc-embossed wingtips to cologne and coffee-table books. "We carry a lot of unique brands you can't really find anywhere else," Griffin explains. "In the typical club shop, the only difference may be the logo on the shirts." The other distinction is an exclusive focus on American-made goods including Austin-based Criquet, Allen Edmonds, Marine Layer, Grown + Sewn, Titleist and Billykirk. Beyond that, you can practice your putt on the in-store green or quaff a beer from the ever-present keg while watching a game on the flat screen. Those who want to keep their level of play on par with their Pebble + Pine-acquired style can also book a private lesson with Griffin. Lauren Scheinin ome mid-December, Blushington Makeup & Beauty Lounge will be a dream come true for those still stumped by the perfectly applied "I'm not wearing any makeup" face. Founder Stephi Maron is transplanting her concept of affordable application from Los Angeles to The Shops at Highland Park via a pretty-in-pink space conveniently located next to blow-out mainstay Drybar. Any full-face application — involving product from Kevyn Aucoin, Stila, Becca and Julie Hewett — is $40. Choose from packages such as Pure & Simple, Life of the Party, Simply Glowing, Lucky Stars, Cutting Edge and Smoke & Mirrors for looks ranging from natural and sun-kissed to full-on Hollywood glamour; those short on time can opt for the $30 eyes-only treatment. Blushington also offers technique classes, parties, wedding packages and memberships for the frequent visitor. Take your place at one of the 10 stations in the 1,200-square-foot space designed by Josh Heitler of Lacina-Heitler Architects, and prepare for total transformation. Savannah Christian EVERY SECOND COUNTS Omega, 8687 N. Central Expressway, 469.232.9999; omegawatches.com FRESH SPOTS TO SHOP GAZE AND GRAZE , WE'RE PERFECTING OUR SWINGS, MUDDLING TINCTURES, PUTTING ON A FRESH FACE, GETTING IN TICK-TOCK SHAPE AND QUAFFING PRE-CURTAIN. V enerable Swiss watchmaker Omega makes a timely arrival at NorthPark Center for the holiday season. And while the company has seen lots of action throughout its 150-plus year history — including all six of our lunar landings — its latest limited-edition appearance on the wrist of James Bond in Skyfall reaffirms its up-to-theminute relevance. (Act quickly to ensure your own commonality with Daniel Craig, as only 5,007 of that particular style exist.) The 1,307-square foot boutique is the brand's singular storefront in the DFW area and includes the complete collection of timepieces, fine jewelry and leather goods; the in-house service desk ensures any Omega remains in tip-tock shape. Savannah Christian PRESENCE & ABSINTHE Café des Artistes, 1722 Routh St. in One Arts Plaza, 214.217.6888; cdadallas.com STEPHEN DUX Cook Hall WHAT'S COOKIN' Cook Hall at W Dallas, 2440 Victory Park Lane, 214.397.4111; cookhalldallas.com If chemistry class had been as fun as the Cocktail Kit at W Dallas' new Cook Hall, our careers may have taken a different path. But even nonscientific types can order this wire basket full of tools — plus an armload of housemade shrubs, bitters and tinctures — then add a few drops of this, an ounce of that, plus the liquor of choice, and concoct a signature libation. On request, a jeans-and-Converse-clad server brings a bouquet of fresh herbs for muddling or garnishing; there's also a little black book of (mostly legible) recipes handwritten by previous Kit mixologists. Of course, the bar pros are happy to do the work, too; a glass wall reveals the stock of craft beers available for specialty cocktails such as the Ginger Shandy (Pilsner Urquell, gin, lime) and Grapefruit Cooler (wheat beer, tequila and grapefruit juice with a paprika/sea salt rim). Cook Hall gives the American gastropub a New West edge, with clusters of Edison bulbs illuminating rugged trestle tables (big enough for your meal and your iPads), Reata-worthy tufted leather banquettes and black hair-hide wall panels that keep the acoustics conversation-friendly. Chef Rick Graff, a Craft veteran, guides a locally sourced menu that mixes the surprising (radish toast, kale Caesar salad, duck tacos with house-made tortillas) and the soothingly familiar (chicken soup, pimento mac and cheese, glazed baby-back ribs), plus tempting breakfast and brunch offerings. Karen Muncy I Café des Artistes f we didn't know how much work goes into launching a restaurant, we might think Dallas dining impresario Alberto Lombardi merely waved his well-tempered magic wand to create Café des Artistes. The luxe new sibling of his popular Café Toulouse is the perfect preor post-performance perch for champagne or cocktails (try the absinthe-kissed Sazerac), an early supper or late-night nosh. Channeling Midnight in Paris, the room juxtaposes tasseled velvet curtains, leather banquettes, bentwood chairs and brass railings. Globe-light chandeliers cast a flattering glow from crimson-coffered ceilings onto diners tucking into French bistro classics — think steak frites, omelets, salade niçoise — alongside Cali-Euro dishes developed by Texas-born executive chef David Garwacki. A pianist at the baby grand makes things even more retro-cozy — set your iPhone alarm to avoid missing your curtain. Karen Muncy