Over the last few days we have had an opportunity to sample the Urban lifestyle, let me tell you that it does not disappoint. We had the privilege of seeing two world-renowned architects, two diversely beautiful theaters, and enjoy dinner with friends in the Bishop Arts District. Let me give you a brief rundown...

On Thursday afternoon we were privileged to hear renowned architect Rem Koolhaas discuss his thoughts and design process of his recently opened project, The Dee and Charles Wyly Theatre. This theatre was brilliantly designed to think outside of the "normal" theatre set up. You enter, from below street level, into an open lobby that has both indoor and outdoor gathering areas. When the doors are opened to the Theatre you can either take one of the several elevators or the staircase up to stage level which is street level. Rem Koolhaas took his design influence from the buildings of the 1950's Coney Island. A building that was able to vertically inhabit multiple ideas. Green spaces, Theatre offices, Stage Fly, Back of house, front of house, everything in one tall "package". This has been clearly achieved and is a stunning theatre to experience. I urge you to check it out when you can.



After the lecture at The Wyly, we headed over to Eno's Pizza Tavern in the Bishop Arts District near Oak Cliff in Dallas. This is a charming area that really is somewhat of a lost jewel of Dallas. There is an eclectic mix of people and places. You have a classy, upscale southern eatery named Hattie's just across the way from a Tattoo Parlor. There is something for everyone. Eno's Pizza was fantastic. It had fresh local ingredients, root beer on tap, and a superbly designed restaurant. The food was AMAZING! We enjoyed Truffle Cheese Bread with a Lemon Vodka dipping Sauce, the super tasty root beer and we split two pizzas between the four of us. We had the Moma's Pizza and the Local Pie. They were by far the best pizza I have ever had. The Moma's pizza was Eno's answer to your typical Margherita pizza, thin crispy crust, fresh basil, perfect local mozzarella and fresh mushrooms (we added these). The local pie changes daily, it is prepared with fresh local ingredients and will not disappoint, ours came with free-range chicken, fresh spinach, homemade pesto, and the delicious mozzarella. They are all wood fired and are super tasty!!! Check them out at www.enospizza.com



Last but definitely not the least... and not to mention my personal favorite, we were able to hear Lord Norman Foster speak about his particular design process in his newly opened Winspear Opera House. This building is by far the most amazing opera house I have ever entered. It has crisp red glass panels that follow the oval shape of the interior structure. It is all delicately placed under a stunning roof structure that covers an enormous amount of outdoor space, including an Artist's Square that will showcase bands and ensembles in an intimate outdoor setting. The louvered roof design allows the outdoor space to be enjoyed practically year round. On the interior of the theatre itself, there is a stunning 318 acrylic spire chandelier that gracefully descends from the opera ceiling as to appear as individual shooting stars. Lord Norman Foster credited the move toward Urban Revitalization as his inspiration for the design of the Winspear. It helps to create not just an Opera House but a social gathering place for the people of Dallas. I strongly encourage you taking in a performance at The Winspear Opera House as soon as you can. It is quite the experience.




Lord Norman Foster (purple jacket)

Feel free to check out the website for The AT&T Performing Arts Center, which includes both The Wyly Theatre and The Winspear Opera House, by visiting my Links section on the right hand side of my blog.

Also, There will be a FREE open house event for the public on Sunday, October 18,2009 starting at 11:00AM. Feel free to check out the details at www.attpac.org/grandopening

Hope to see you all there, after church of course!

~The Urban Mama