Home to the NFL’s Cowboys and the NBA’s Mavericks, Dallas, Texas, has a solid sports reputation. It’s also an important business center. According to the online career source guide WetFeet, Dallas is expected to lead the U.S. in employment growth through 2010. Home to 140,000 businesses, it is also the headquarters for 6,000 of them. Wells Fargo, AT&T, Exxon, and Frito-Lay are among the companies represented in this southern city. In May 2004, Dallas will host the Black Enterprise/Microsoft Entrepreneur’s Conference. The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) held its national conference there in August.
Dallas is also the home of DeDe McGuire, the popular, morning-radio personality and high-energy co-host of the Doug Banks Show, which is broadcast in more than 40 markets. We checked in with DeDe for advice on some of the best places for business travelers to stay, eat, shop, and be entertained.
AROUND TOWN DALLAS, TEXAS
FIRST-CLASS ACCOMMODATIONS The Mansion on Turtle Creek (2821 Turtle Creek Blvd.; 214-559-2100; www .mansiononturtlecreek.com) provides stellar service and amenities for business and recreation, plus award-winning dishes in its restaurant by celebrity chef Dean Fearing. “If you like sushi, [you’d like] Tei Tei Robata Bar (2906 North Henderson; 214-828-2400; www.dallasdinesout.com). I love the atmosphere and everything about that restaurant.”
The Four Seasons Resort and Club (4150 North MacArthur Blvd., Irving, Texas; 972-717-0700; www.fourseasons.com): Situated on 400 acres, The Four Seasons offers business and leisure amenities.
a-slot="/21868623726/site264.tmus/amp3" data-multi-size="320x50,300x250" data-multi-size-validation="false" rtc-config='{"vendors": {"prebidappnexuspsp": {"PLACEMENT_ID": "27198239"}}, "timeoutMillis": 500}'>Wyndham Anatole (2201 Stemmons Freeway; 214-748-1200): Among its many conferences, the Wyndham will host the Black Enterprise/Microsoft Entrepreneurs Conference in 2004.
Hotel ZaZa (2332 Leonard St.; 800-597-8399; www.hotelzaza.com): This urban business den brings Mediterranean flair down home in 13 concept suites, including the West Indies, Zen, Bohemia, and Erotica. Room rates range from $195 to $285 with suites as high as $1,450 per night.
DOWN HOME
“You’ve got to check out our rib joints. Williams Chicken (3009 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.; 214-428-5708) is black-owned and has 31 locations all over Dallas. Oh my God! Two Podners Bar-B-Q & Seafood (3121 South Loop 12; 214-374-5228) has the best Bar-B-Q and they have a special sauce. It’s so good!”
GETTING AROUND DALLAS
DeDe suggests renting a car. Dallas is so vast, cab fares can get hefty. Fares from DFW airport to downtown Dallas are approximately $38, $43 to downtown Fort Worth.
BEST NIGHTLIFE
Addison Improv Comedy Club (4980 Belt Line Rd.; 972-404-8501) showcases local celebrities. “Phat Tuesdays is where up-and-coming black comedians appear. Every other Thursday there’s a Mardi Gras-like celebration. There’s also First Fridays, which take place at different places around Dallas. You can check that out on www.dallasblack.com.”
“The Samba Room (4514 Travis St.; 214-522-4137) serves Cuban and other Latin dishes, as well as great drinks.” The Magnolia Theater (3699 McKinney Avenue; 214-520-0098; themagnolia@magpictures.com) specializes in independent films for sophisticated moviegoers. There is a bar, and patrons are allowed wine in the theater.
BEST SPAS
“The Mood Spa (2723 McKinney Avenue; 214-303-1223) was owned by the late Paula McClure. I also love The Greenhouse Spa (5560 W. Lovers Lane; 214-654-9800), which is a full-service day spa for men and women.”
BEST HAIR SERVICES
“Kelvin Walthall Salon on Elms Street (214-651-9015) in Deep Ellum services men and women. He has a beautiful, art deco salon. Plus, the guy loves what he does. It’s just a great experience going there. Dual Functions on McKinney (214-526-6682) does women’s styling exclusively. Erica Knight (is the stylist to) all the ball players’ wives.”