by Loren Buckles

YEEHAW COWBOYS! Dallas is one of the best cities I’ve been to for dining and nightlife. My sister went to college in Dallas and loved the city so much she stayed. Every time we visit we try new places and explore the city. This spotlight will highlight restaurants near the convention center and across the city.

1. Texas Spice – New American
   555 S Lamar Dallas, TX 75202
   Texas Spice | Dallas, TX Restaurant
2. The Exchange Hall –New American Food Court
   211 S Akard St Dallas, TX 75202
3. The Henry – New American
   2301 Akard St Ste 250 Dallas, TX 75201
4. Sky Blossom – Asian Fusion, Vietnamese
   1514 Elm St Ste 611 Dallas, TX 75201
   skyblossombistro.com
5. Partenope Ristorante – Italian, Pizza, Wine Bar
   1903 Main St Dallas, TX 75201
6. Uno Mas – Tex-Mex, Mexican
   1525 Main St Dallas, TX 75201

Bonus Feature:
Leela’s Wine Bar – Uptown – Pizza, Wine Bar, Salad
2355 Olive St Ste 145 Dallas, TX 75201

Looking for a fun Event after work? Check out this website to see what’s happening during your visit.

Dallas Events: Concerts, Festivals & More in DFW | Visit Dallas

By Loren Buckles

Orlando is my hometown, and I had a really hard time narrowing this down. I tried to keep my recommendations near the convention center. These are some of my favorites. If anyone needs a dinner buddy when you are in Orlando, let me know!

1. Hampton Social – New American ($$)

9101 International Dr Orlando, FL 32819

I love the vibe here, beach coastal and they have Rose on tap.

2. KAVAS Tacos + Tequila – Mexican ($$)

9101 International Dr Ste 1198 Orlando, FL 32819

**My husband and I really love this restaurant. It’s a great atmosphere and the food is some of the best Mexican we’ve had. Also, next to Hampton Social.

3. Peperoncino – Italian ($$)

7988 Via Dellagio Way Ste 108 Orlando, FL 32819

This Hidden gem is some of the best Italian I’ve had outside of Italy. The owners are from Italy and they make everything from scratch. This is a must visit.

4. Kabooki Sushi Sandlake – Japanese, Sushi Bar ($$)

 7705 Turkey Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819

This is a really fun little place, really cool vibe and the sushi is unique and amazing.

5. The Whiskey – American ($$)

7563 W Sand Lake Rd Orlando, FL 32819

This watering hole has some of the best burgers I’ve ever had. This is a fun local staple.

BONUS:

@ The Diner – Breakfast and Brunch ($$)

9938 Universal Blvd Ste 140 Orlando, FL 32819

Defiantly worth a visit, get there early or you will have to wait in line.

**Loren and hubby on a date night in Orlando!

Atlanta City and Restaurant Spotlight

1. Culinary Dropout – New American  ($$)                                                                                   1000 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30318

2. The Consulate – New American  ($$)                                                                                            10 10th St NW Atlanta, GA 30309 MENU

3. South City Kitchen Midtown – Southern  ($$)                                                                         1144 Crescent Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30309

4. Max ’s Coal Oven Pizzería – Italian  ($$)                                                                                      300 Marietta St NW Atlanta, GA 30313

Recommendation from Atlanta local Kevin Allen:

5. Ponce City Market                                                                                                                        675 Ponce De Leon Ave NE Atlanta, GA 30308 Ponce City Market

Ponce City Market is probably the top highlight for things to do around town if you’re here for a visit. It’s an old Mill they redeveloped for trendy food and shopping. It also sits along the beltline, which is a path that will eventually encircle the entire city.

Looking for a fun Event after work? Check out this website to see what’s happening during your visit.

Official Atlanta Guide for Travelers and Locals | Discover Atlanta 

 

1. Christkindlmarket – Chicago – (November 17 – December 24)

2.The Great Dickens Christmas Fair – San Francisco – (November 18 – December 17)

3. Christkindlmarkt Alpine – Helen, Georgia – (November 25 – December 3)

4. Downtown Holiday Market – Washington, D.C. – (November 17 – December 23)

5. Denver Christkindlmarket – Denver – (November 17 – December 23)

6. Holiday Shops at Winter Village at Bryant Park – NYC – (Early November to Mid-January )

7. Christmas Village – Philadelphia – (November 18 – December 24)

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

This iconic city is known for some of the best restaurants in the country. This spotlight will highlight restaurants near the convention center and across the city.  Click on the restaurant name for more information.

1. The Peppermill Restaurant & Fireside Lounge – American Traditional 2985 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109
2. Yardbird – Southern / New American 3355 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109
3. Nacho Daddy – Mexican / American 3663 Las Vegas Blvd S Las Vegas, NV 89109
4. Buddy V’s Ristorante – Italian / Wine Bar 3327 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109
5. Yama Sushi The Strip – Sushi 3049 S Las Vegas Blvd #20, Las Vegas, NV 89109
6. Esther’s Kitchen – Italian Scratch Kitchen 1130 S Casino Center Blvd #110, Las Vegas, NV 89104

Looking for a fun event after work? Check out the links below to see what’s happening during your visit.

• The BEST Downtown Las Vegas Museums & exhibitions 2023

• The 7 Best Fall Events in Las Vegas 2022 (vegasmagazine.com)

• Free Las Vegas, NV Events | Eventbrite

*Contributed by Loren Buckles

 

CHICAGO!

It’s been stated that restaurant options around the Convention Center are a poor representation of the city’s culinary reputation. However, due to new developments popping up in the areas near the Convention Center, awesome new places to eat are starting to emerge. Here are a few restaurants that are worth a visit. Click on the restaurant name for more information.

1. Mustard Seed Kitchen – American Traditional  49 E Cermak Rd, Chicago, IL 60616
2. La Cantina – Mexican  1911 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
3. Apolonia – Mediterranean/ Italian   2201 S Michigan Ave, Chicago, IL 60616
4. Au Cheval – American Traditional  800 W Randolph St Chicago, IL 60607
5. Ema – Mediterranean/ Tapas  74 W Illinois St Chicago, IL 60654
6. Harold’s Chicken Shack – Chicago Landmark   2132 Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60616

Looking for a fun Event after work? Check out this website to see what’s happening during your visit.

http://www.choosechicago.com

*Contributed by Loren Buckles