38 GoodLifeFamilyMag.com JULY | AUGUST 2019 Hot Spots! CHECK OUT THESE COOL PLACES TO HEAT UP YOUR SUMMER FUN 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 cul- tural cuisine near home, ask someone who is from that cultural back- ground 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 cel- ebrate 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, in- cluding 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 Satur- day 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 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 ICE AT THE GAYLORD TEXAN HALL PARK: MORE THAN 200 WORKS CREATED BY ARTISTS FROM ALL OVER THE WORLD ARE ON DISPLAY AND VISITORS CAN EXPERIENCE THE LARGEST PRIVATE COLLECTION OF CONTEMPORARY TEXAS SCULPTURE EVER ASSEMBLED IN THE TEXAS SCULPTURE GARDEN. GIOVANNI’S SPACIOUS DINING AREA OFFERS PLENTY OF ROOM TO ENTERTAIN LARGE PARTIES AND ENJOY LIVE MUSIC EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT, FROM JAZZ SINGERS TO BELLY DANCERS. – GLFEditors