An Insider's Guide to J.R.'s Dallas

Saddle up—Dallas is back! And here's where to eat, drink, dress, and play like a Ewing in the city.|Article: Erin Shaw Street

The beloved nighttime soap returns this month—premiering June 13 on TNT— and the new version features all the intrigue and romance of the original, plus a whole new generation of characters. (Thankfully, they’ve lost the shoulder pads.) We asked cast members Linda Gray, who plays Sue Ellen, and Patrick Duffy, the levelheaded Bobby Ewing, to speculate where the current characters would go in the real Dallas.

Where To Eat
Lucia
Linda Gray describes Sue Ellen as Dallas’ resident foodie and says she spent many nights exploring the Dallas food scene to get into character. Lucia is one of Linda’s local favorites— and once you walk through the doors, you’ll feel right at home, too, welcomed by David Uygur (the chef) and his wife, Jennifer (the wine director). Settle in and enjoy David’s house-made cured meats and salumi ($23), handmade gnocchi ($21), and olive oil cake with fresh citrus ($8). 408 West Eighth Street, Suite 101; luciadallas.com or 214/948-4998

Oak
Anchoring the up-and-coming Dallas Design District, Oak’s menu reflects the city’s global influences, with a nod to Texas mainstays. Chef Jason Maddy serves appetizers such as Moroccan octopus and Pork Jowls ($11) alongside Grilled Filet of Beef ($32) and Brussels Sprouts ($7). Oak has recently opened for lunch and brunch— snag a table on the patio, and pretend you’re on the phone with J.R., discussing an oil deal. 1628 Oak Lawn Avenue; oakdallas.com or 214/712-9700

Marquee Grill
Marquee Grill features an Art Deco decor and an awesome meat-lovers’ menu. Top Chef All-Star contestant Tre Wilcox serves his interpretations of Dallas classics such as Beeman Ranch filets made from kobe tender, Texas-raised beef ($33-$47) and short rib-foie gras-stuffed burgers ($22). Don’t leave without trying one of the Trial Margaritas, tangy concoctions of Milagro Silver tequila, fruit, Texas honey, and lemon juice ($11). 33 Highland Park Village; marqueegrill.com or 214/522-6035

Where to Shop
Forty Five Ten
The 8,000-square-foot shop is packed with exclusive high-end furniture, home decor, and clothing. (it’s a favorite of such folks as Laura Bush and Jessica Simpson.) Bobby’s new wife, Ann, would probably pick Texas designer Jan Barboglio’s etched-glass bud vases (starting at $58) or an iron sculpture by Irving artist Larry Whiteley (starting at $200). For a more budget-friendly Forty Five Ten experience, check out the newly opened Five and Ten in Highland Park Village, where you can pick up a set of Gaia cloth napkins for less than $50. 4510 McKinney Avenue; fortyfiveten.com or 214/559-4510

V.O.D.
This boutique features designs from around the world—before they hit Barney’s across town. Having helped launch a retail revolution in West Dallas’ Victory Park development, it’s the place where the Ewing women would go for items they don’t want anyone else to wear first. Owner Jackie Bolin, a former fashion journalist, has an eye for under-the-radar designers from around the world. From long, flowing dresses by Vanessa Bruno to spiked gold rings by Tom Binns, the boutique offers an edgy but timeless selection ($75 and up). 2418 Victory Park Lane; vodboutique.com or 214/754-0644

Hadleigh's
J.R. (and his conniving son, John Ross) would probably get their custom suits made here, a shop where gentlemen are measured while they sip Scotch. Husband-and-wife team Ed and Gable Shaikh moved their appointment only atelier from their home to a chic Highland Park address in 2009. Stocked with hand-knit cashmere ties, Cesare Attoline clothing, and Mazzarelli dress shirts, it’s luxurious without being stuffy. Although their custom-made suits start at $1,700, you can buy a hand-stitched leather cell phone case for only $75. 74 Highland Park Village; hadleighsbespoke.com or 214/770-4743

What to Do
Dallas Museum of Art
Patrick speculates that Bobby and Ann would be patrons of this museum (admission $10), which boasts more than 25,000 pieces, including one of the finest collections of postwar and contemporary art in the country. Check out this summer’s exhibit of George Grosz’s paintings depicting Dallas landscapes and society in the 1950s. The museum is located in the Dallas Arts District (thedallasartsdistrict.org), which is also home to a number of other art museums and venues, including the AT&T Performing Arts Center, Nasher Sculpture Center, The Crow Collection of Asian Art, Winspear Opera House, and Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center (the performance venue of the Dallas Symphony Orchestra). 1717 North Harwood Street; dallasmuseumofart.org or 214/922-1200

Joule
Head to this luxury boutique hotel for a cocktail at its rooftop bar (open to the public at night and on weekends). It looks out onto the hotel’s pool that extends 8 feet out over the side of the building. If you want to check in and spend the night, ask the concierge to reserve a poolside bungalow for a day of relaxation that includes a visit from the hotel’s tanning butler. Bungalow packages are $400; room rates start at $248. 1530 Main Street; thejouledallas.com

Hiatus Spa and Retreat
All of that who-shot-whom drama calls for an 80-minute mani-pedi at the Hiatus Spa and Retreat ($100), where you can lie back in a zero gravity chair as you get your nails done with toxin-free, vegan polish. The flaxseed eye pillow and lavender-infused neck wrap will help you look your best as you head back to Southfork for another 60 minutes of intrigue and romance. 5560 West Lovers Lane, #250; hiatusspa.com or 214/352-4111

Where do they shoot J.R. this time?
In Dallas! when the original program aired from 1978 to 1991, the show was filmed in Los Angeles and at the Southfork Ranch in Parker, about 25 miles north of Dallas. This time around, the entire production was done in Dallas and at the ranch, with the cast and crew relocating to the city for five months. “In the 30 years since we first shot in Dallas, it has grown to become a hugely urbane, metropolitan city,” says Patrick. To immerse yourself fully into the world of the Ewings, visit Southfork, which offers tours 9:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. daily ($11). southfork.com

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