Around Town in May

Eastern Hills Country Club was auctioned off for just over $4 million.

In spite of our severe drought conditions the bluebonnets have made their appearance right on schedule. The season for outdoor festivals has begun and there’s a lot of outdoor activities to enjoy. It looks like golfers won’t be golfing at the Eastern Hills Country Club since the property was sold in an auction that took place outside the Bankruptcy Court. The winning bid was $4,050,000 and the winning bidder was Victor Ballas, who owns about 200 other properties in the DFW area. At this writing his plans for the 180 acre country club is unknown. In the meantime, the grass and weeds on the property are coming up, just like the bluebonnets.

The Garland/Rowlett Messenger teamed up withe Friends of Olde Downtown to sell Easter baskets at Marketplace on the Square. The contents of the baskets were donated by downtown businesses and the proceeds from their sale were donated to Good Samaritans of Garland, to help fund the purchase of items for their food pantry. We were impressed with the generosity of the businesses: Alston’s Old Home Place, Dos Banderas, Baker’s Furniture, The Generator, Lemmond’s Hair Cutters, The Ivy Cottage, Main Street Deli, Main Street Cafe, Paint Me a Party, Paw Paw’s Sweet Shop, Rowlett Florist, Business World, Synergy Bank, The Payton Group, Kurry King Spice Shop, and Resurrected Designs. Let’s not forget those very generous gift certificates from Therapeutic Massage on State Street!

Speaking of Downtown Garland businesses, Alston’s Old Home Place has decided to close after 18 years of selling antiques at that location. Their liquidation sale is in progress and there are great bargains to be had among their crystal chandeliers and garden accessories, in particular. A new antique emporium just opened on Main Street near the corner of Seventh. Resurrected Designs provides a new look for old household items. They’ve just opened.

Also at Seventh and Main Street is the soon to open Taste at Poetry Place, They will offer freshly prepared food with menus changing weekly. A chef will be on staff to cater to the events at Poetry Place and oversee the operation of the restaurant on a daily basis. We were told that this new restaurant will open in mid-May.

La Bella’s Italian Grill on Broadway and Rosehill in South Garland is the place we catch up on local goings on and enjoy local artist Bob Wilson’s artwork. We’re particularly fond of his Frank Sinatra oil portrait. This place is strictly BYOB, but they’re ready to accommodate wine and beer drinkers with the appropriate accoutrements. At present, a favorite topic for discussion is the auction of the country club.

We were recently asked to recommend a “romantic” restaurant in the area and we were quick to respond with “India Garden.” As soon as one opens the door to this lovely little restaurant he’s greeted with the sweet, pungent aromas of Southern Indian cuisine. With a saffron silk canopy and crystal chandeliers, Indian artifacts and lilting Hindi music softly playing in the background, the ambiance is exotic and romantic. The ambiance is comfortable and pleasing and the food is offered in varying degrees of spicy. On our last visit we learned that the owner, Mr. Sunny, is opening a second restaurant in Rockwall. The new place will be opening sometime in mid-May.

One of the hottest topics for discussion this past month has been the election. In District 5 Councilman John Willas had termed out after serving for 6 years and former councilman Billy Mack Williams and businessman Terry Kaliney are campaigning for that seat. Mr. Williams is a retired general contractor and Mr. Kaliney is the owner and operator of Ebenezer’s Restaurant and Bar. He has been at the same location on property he owns for the past 28 years. He is stepping outside his comfort zone to serve his community and effect positive change to favor and support small businesses and help grown our tax base.

This is prom dress shopping season and we’d like to remind shoppers that we have several very nice resale stores in Garland, and Boogie Nights, specializing in vintage (70’s) apparel. Remember that you don’t have to overspend to look your best!