Violetta Valéry is the emotional center of La Traviata, and one of opera’s most human characters. At first glance she seems to have everything: wealth, beauty, and a glamorous social life in Paris. But Violetta is also a courtesan—admired in public, judged in private—and she understands that the world she lives in offers comfort without respect. On top of that, she is quietly dying of tuberculosis, a fact that gives her story a constant sense of urgency.
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Hotel Crescent Court has officially unveiled that the next culinary icon to be featured in its Celebrity Chef Series will be none other than Dallas legend, Kent Rathbun:
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San Antonio comes alive each spring with Fiesta, a citywide celebration that rivals the spectacle of Mardi Gras. Running from April 16–26, 2026, Fiesta honors the heroes of the Alamo while showcasing the city’s vibrant culture, culinary scene, and artistic spirit. Streets are transformed with colorful parades, live music, and food-focused events, and attendees have long embraced the tradition of collecting commemorative medals. These medals, distributed by participating organizations, have evolved into a unique fundraising practice, making Fiesta the largest single-source fundraiser for nonprofit organizations in San Antonio and cementing its role as both a cultural and philanthropic institution.
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The Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas, is raising the bar for wine lovers with the launch of the Knife Sommelier Series: Fraîche Edition at Knife Italian Steak, where guests will enjoy a five-course culinary experience from five Ritz-Carlton chefs paired with exceptional wines curated by acclaimed guest sommelier Michael Kennedy, founder of Fraîche Wine Group, which features a robust portfolio of small, family-owned wineries from California, Oregon, Washington, Italy and France.
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At Escondido Tex-Mex Patio, enchiladas may be the anchor, but the menu is built to flex. Their Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas hit the table exactly the way you want them to—soft corn tortillas packed with pulled chicken, blanketed in a bold, roasted green chile sauce, and finished with melted cheese that edges just into indulgent territory. The sauce is bright and vegetal, the chicken juicy, and the whole thing tastes like it was made with intent, not shortcut. Paired with smoky refried beans and rice with just enough bite, this is the kind of plate that reminds you why Tex-Mex remains undefeated.
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In East Dallas, where pho and bánh mì often take center stage, Vietnam Restaurant Bar & Grill quietly serves one of the city’s most satisfying hidden gems: bánh xèo. This savory Vietnamese pancake is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, and at this longtime neighborhood favorite, it arrives sizzling, golden, and larger than the plate meant to hold it. It’s a dish that invites conversation, sharing, and a bit of hands-on fun—exactly the kind of experience that keeps diners coming back.
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Green Point Seafood and Oyster Bar stands out as a destination for seafood lovers craving freshness, flavor, and a touch of coastal charm. Born from a shared passion among seafood enthusiasts, the restaurant was inspired by travels to celebrated seafood hubs across the United States. The founders wanted to bring a true taste of the coast to Texas, crafting a menu that celebrates the diversity and richness of maritime cuisine.
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Spring in the Texas Hill Country wouldn’t feel complete without a visit to Gruene, where historic dance halls, riverside patios, and boutique shops set the perfect backdrop for the annual Gruene Crawfish Festival. Each March and early April, locals and visitors flock to this historic district to dig into piles of spicy, perfectly boiled crawfish, sip cold drinks, and soak in the warm Texas sun.
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