If there's anything we need, it's tips on entertaining. Something inside screams that our next throw-down must have more to it than a game of Cranium and Li'l Smokies with barbecue sauce in a slow cooker, so we're heading to the Dallas Convention Center for the 15th Annual Partyfest Extravaganza. Event planners and other professionals in the party and event industry (we're talkin' top chefs, caterers, limo companies, audio/visual specialists and decorators) can guide us on ending our next shindig with a bang as opposed to the yawns we've received in the past. Plus, we never like to pass up a silent auction when prizes include hotel and restaurant packages and the proceeds benefit public television and radio. The most enticing feature, however, is that all this is there for the taking as admission is free. Of course, a real planner would have given out this info on a handmade invite, but, like the Partyfest, this paper is free. So deal with it. The convention center is located at 650 S. Griffin St. with festivities in Hall A from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday. Call 214-652-4300.
Friday, September 26
Hummus? And they hardly even know us! Set the mouth to salivate because Saints Constantine & Helen Orthodox Church is laying out the spread for the Mediterranean Food Bazaar. Ten years ago, the church started exposing the public to authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, and now it's the congregation's largest funding event. Traditional Middle Eastern music adds ambience, and a children's carnival keeps the kids in check with ring-tossing, face-painting and craft activities. That leaves plenty of opportunity for the grown-ups to chow on dolmas, falafel, baklava and stuffed kibbee. Admission is free, with food tickets available for $10. The event also features a raffle of cash prizes of more than $2,000, plus other high-dollar items. Only 200 raffle tickets are available for $100 each. All proceeds go to relocation and building expansion for the church, located at 3755 Walnut Hill Lane. The stuffing of pie holes commences at 4 p.m. Friday and lasts until 11 p.m. The times on Saturday (10 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and Sunday (noon to 6 p.m.) also allow for their share of shoveling. For tickets and info, call 214-350-2104.
Saturday, September 27
All right, guys, we know it's no fun to "turn your head and cough" or be inspired to sing "Moon River" à la Fletch. But fun or no, physicals and prostate screenings are of the utmost importance. Unfortunately, prostate cancer is on the rise, so raising awareness is critical. Hence, the C.H. Hale Prostate Cancer Play for the Cure campaign. On Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., the campaign organizes a plethora of tournaments, including dominoes, spades, PS2 Madden 2004 and basketball. For the foodies, there's even a barbecue cook-off. The $5-per-person tournament entry fee benefits the C.H. Hale Prostate Cancer Foundation and, of course, its efforts to raise even more awareness of the disease. Saturday is game-playing day, whether it consists of hoops at the park or a few hours with controller in hand. Why not flaunt those skills for a good cause? Oh, and get a free prostate screening while you're at it. The tournaments take place at Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church, 1819 N. Washington. Call 214-398-3038.
Sunday, September 28
Any true fan of architecture knows the name Tadao Ando. Now much of Dallas and Fort Worth do, too, because of the genius' design of the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth. The museum begins screening the documentary made about Ando and the design and construction of this masterpiece, which is his largest project outside Japan. The film covers the design process, his signature use of concrete and the opinions of Ando's peers as well as discussion of the architect's influences. The stunning structure celebrates birthday No. 1 with the Making the Modern documentary screening on Sunday, and the film will screen each Sunday thereafter through December 28. Film admission is $5, or $3 when added to regular admission to the Modern, 3200 Darnell St., Fort Worth. Call 1-866-824-5566 or visit www.themodern.org.
Monday, September 29
This is no joke: We once exfoliated our face using packing tape. C'mon, we were in a pinch. Young and naíve, we had no clue what determined skin types, how to address skin strength or how important it is to wash off makeup even when one is piss-drunk. Today, we've seen the light, but we're willing to see even more of it, especially if it's free. Diagnosis: Great Skin Event helps the ladies with daily skin care, prevention and protection with a seminar by Dr. Sarah Weitzul of the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center and a one-on-one consultation with a Clinique skin expert. The event offers six sessions Monday (10:30 a.m., noon, 1:30 p.m., 3:30 p.m., 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.) at Neiman Marcus NorthPark, 400 NorthPark Center. Space is limited, and appointments are required. Call 214-363-8311 ext. 2129.
Tuesday, September 30
Single folk know how hard it is to shop and cook for one person. If it weren't for prepackaged chicken breasts and Easy Mac, most singles' diets would consist of a bowl of cereal standing up in the kitchen waiting for the foam in our diet cola to fizzle out. OK, who are we kidding? That's exactly what it is. That chicken is still in the freezer with no plans on thawing for quite a while, and Easy Mac is atrocious. A walking blessing for loners, Lanie Fioretti conquers the tough job of cooking for one with Cooking for One...or Two!, a class full of gourmet goods, samples, recipe cards and other singles. The class is for students 21 and up and encourages mixing, mingling and a glass of wine. Register early as Lanie is a popular instructor, and be at Whole Foods Highland Park, 4100 Lomo Alto, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The class is $10. Call 214-520-7993.
Wednesday, October 1
For one night only, the city has the honor of hosting 15 of the finest jazz musicians playing today. The Dallas Symphony Orchestra welcomes the Lincoln Center Jazz Orchestra featuring Wynton Marsalis. One of the most acclaimed artists and composers of his time, Marsalis and the crew of soloists and ensemble players arrive for what will likely be one more sold-out performance under their belts. The LCJO performs a repertoire consisting of compositions and arrangements by greats such as Ellington, Basie, Monk, Williams and Strayhorn with Marsalis at the helm as music director. Jazz buff or no, at least one or two recognizable tunes will lure the ears, and the intricate melodies and outstanding musicianship will convert many a naysayer to the religion of jazz. The band swings onstage at 8 p.m. Wednesday at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center, 2301 Flora St. Tickets are $25 to $75. Call 214-692-0203.
