– GLF Editors
HULA HUT
Looking to add a little spice to family night? Look no further than Hula Hut.
The tropical themed dining destination that started in 1993 on Lake Austin, brought its tiki torches, bamboo walls, grass-thatched bars, lavish Pu Pu Platters, and thousands of colored lights to Lake Lewisville in 2015, and has been a hit for fun-seekers ever since.
Here, it’s always island time, according to Joey Stanion, Assistant General Manager at the Little Elm location and 10-year Hula Hut veteran. “Walk through our doors and be transported to the beach, complete with reggae music, tropical libations, island vibes, and a delicious dining experience offering the freshest made-from-scratch Tex-Mex with a surfer twist on your classic favorites.”
After a day of boating on Lake Lewisville or enjoying the nearby sand volleyball courts and parks, pop in for Happy Hour with $4 select appetizers or a $5 Texas martini. Joey says, “Check out the erupting volcano, “shark” infested waters, and palm trees as you enjoy lakefront dining at its best!”
And, the food is darn good, too. They describe it as “Tex-Mex with a Polynesian Twist.” Now, that’s something to say “Aloha” to!
hulahutlittleelm.com
GET YOUR SURF UP
Surfers at heart won’t have to travel far to ride the waves! At Plano’s Shops at Willow Bend, a FlowRider indoor surfing installation is located at AquaShop Indoor Surfing. Rides are $20 for 30 minutes.
myaquahop.com
VISIT A MUSEUM
The summer is the perfect time to catch up on art, culture, and science. When the sun is at its highest, head to any of the museums in the city to learn about simply anything and everything. The DMA has free admission, the Perot is great for science aficionados, and the Nasher is a treasure for sculpture enthusiasts.
Or head out to HALL Park in Frisco to enjoy both the art and its remarkable setting. Winding walking trails, lush landscaping, lakes and fountains have been specially designed to complement the art and provide a fitting backdrop for the work.
hallpark.com
perotmuseum.org
nashersculpturecenter.org
dma.org
GO ICE SKATING
You don’t need to be a pro to get your chill on at StarCenter Ice Rink in Frisco or at Galleria Dallas.
galleriaiceskatingcenter.com
nhl.com/stars/starcenters.com
GIOVANNI’S
When you travel to new places, it’s always a good idea to ask where the “locals” go to eat to find the best spots. When you’re eating cultural cuisine near home, ask someone who is from that cultural background where to go. That’s how you’ll find the best-tasting, most authentic experience. For Mediterranean, that place is Giovanni’s in North Dallas, and new owner Alex Kashanian is proud to continue the restaurant’s 28-year legacy of great food in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
When the opportunity arose to take over Giovanni’s, Alex who had spent most of his professional life in the IT field, knew it was the perfect fit to incorporate his Iranian roots in the city he has called home for nearly two decades. “I wanted to have a unique restaurant in Dallas for families and friends to gather for great food and to celebrate their milestones,” he shares.
The restaurant also embraces its Italian beginnings. The executive chef has been at Giovanni’s for 28 years, so the Italian favorites, including the pasta primavera, eggplant parmesan, and lasagna, that customers keep coming in for will remain on the menu. But, the Mediterranean selections are the ones about which Alex is especially passionate, and he ensures everything is cooked authentically. Items like ghorme sabzi (a beef stew with fresh herbs served over basmati rice) takes an entire day to prepare. Giovanni’s uses only the freshest ingredients, some delivered farm to table from a local grower. “We try to make sure it’s perfect,” Alex says.
The restaurant offers more than great food. Giovanni’s also offers a full bar, big screen TV’s, room to entertain large and private parties, and a stage with live music and performers every Friday and Saturday night, from jazz singers to belly dancers.
Alex is hopeful that the restaurant will not only be the legacy he leaves for his family, but also that the culture of good food and good times will leave customers feeling like they’ve had a truly memorable experience.
giovannisusa.com
