OK, this may be a month or so away, but as you’ll see, it’s worth planning ahead for and making advanced arrangements. A while back, we alerted you to an event where fine chefs prepared inventive takes on cafeteria food, and here we have an0ther seemingly casual affair where some of the areas finest chefs let their hair down for a bit (but not without a hair net, of course!)

Chef’s Picnic at the Lake in Dallas on June 26th from 12pm – 3pm is going to be quite the celebration, indeed. There are other notable causes that tie-in to this event, above and beyond the food, of course. Two Dallas-area institutions are celebrating 100 year Anniversary: White Rock Lake and The Dallas Chapter of the Red Cross.

Check out the Press release for the full information:

Featuring a picnic lunch prepared by Dallas’ top chefs, served from the original Bath House concession stand, along with beer, wine and refreshments from Ben E. Keith, music, and exhibition of old-school photographs and memorabilia from White Rock Lake and the American Red Cross – Dallas Area Chapter and more, Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake will transport guests to a time when White Rock Lake was the staple of summertime in Dallas. 

Deep Eddy Sweet Tea vodka will be serving up signature cocktails including the Minty Deep Daily, The Skinny Dip and The Deep Eddy Splash.

Leading a team of DFW’s finest Chefs, The Grape’s Brian C. Luscher along with Janice Provost, Parigi; Marc Cassel, Peavy Road (coming soon); Graham Dodds, Bolsa; Jeff Harris, RedFork; Nathan Tate and Randall Copeland, Restaurant Ava; Diane and Justin Fourton, Pecan Lodge; and Hollie Dorethy, Personal Chef, prepare an extraordinary seated picnic luncheon with their unique spin on the traditional al fresco-fare.

Proceeds from Chefs’ Picnic at the Lakebenefit the American Red Cross – Dallas Area Chapter and the Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration which will help fund ten capital projects to include enhancing hike and bike trails, improving parking lots, renovating White Rock Dog Park, restoring the park forests and more.

Sponsors to date include Comerica White Rock Lake Centennial Celebration, Ben E. Keith, The Grape, Highland Park Cafeteria and the American Red Cross – Dallas Chapter.

Tickets are $55 per person in advance and include complimentary valet parking at The Bath House Cultural Center, located at 521 East Lawther Drive in Dallas.  For more information and to purchase tickets go to www.highlandparkcafeteria.com or call 214-632-0784.

Chefs’ Picnic at the Lake is held in conjunction with The Beach Party of the Century hosted by For the Love of the Lake with support from White Rock Lake Foundation and the Friends of the Bath House.  For a full list of events June 25-26 and to purchase tickets go to www.whiterocklake.org or call 214-660-1100.

 OK, we’ll admit from the start that the idea which is about to be discussed didn’t originate in our own minds. Sorry, but we hope you appreciate our honesty.

Thanks to inspiration from a recent Dallas Observer article, and from the project that Nine Bullets.Net has been partaking in for a few months now, we know that it’s our time to do something for the bands in Texas trying to make a real go of it and get things…KICKSTARTED (sorry, had to).

For the uninitiated, Kickstarter is a still somewhat young site that enables bands (and artists of all types) to reach out into cyberspace in order to let their fans and/or possible patrons what new project they are working on, and what the artist will do for the donor, should the donor decide to anty-up some cash to help the project in-question along the road to completion. Some proposals are great: A donor coughs up $10.00 and the artist will send that person an early release of the album, or some extra goodies. Some bands offer such premiums as in-house concerts or trips to an out-of-town show if a large donation is made. There a few rules that also help make things nice and neat for all involved, too. The artist has to set a goal, and if that monetary goal isn’t reached by a certain date, the pledges that have been made will not go to the band. Basically: The band needs to really make sure what they are offering is worth the goal that they have set for themselves and they have given fans enough reason to shell out a bit of dough to help their cause.

So, here we are. Beginning with this post, we will choose at least one Texas-based Kickstarter project each month to support with our own money (personal note: this has already been cleared with the wife, so it’s for real!). Of course, we’ll then tell you about the artist and the project and encourage you to also lend a helping hand. For the most part, the projects will be of the musical variety, but there are plenty of intriguing artistic pursuits other than music on the docket at Kickstarter, so expect a couple of those as well.

So, here goes: The first Texas-based Kickstarter project we are supporting is (drumroll, please!)…. Ruby James from Austin, TX! She’s planning on recording an album at the legendary Sun Studios, and she is over halfway to her $10,000 goal. Let’s help her get there!

From what we can tell, James is following in he line of wonderful, soulful songstresses that Austin seems to just churn out. That doesnt mean she’s made of maney, of course. So, check out their Kisckstarter page and give the video a look and become one of their backers!

We tend to think of Zoos as theme-park attractions that bring in thousands of people and generate maybe millions of dollars a year in revenue. Heck, that’s probably true for many of the country’s best Zoos. The factual, business side of the matter is that many of our favorite Zoos are not only businesses, but ones that run on very small profit margins, or are run as non-profits.

Also, as is easily forgotten, Zoos work in ways far beyond what we see when a rogue chimp spits water out of his cage, or a giraffe cranes it’s neck to grab an illusive, luscious shred of food. The research and man-power that goes into the various conservation projects that many Zoos participate in cost untold amounts of money, which can be difficult for an organization that’s run as a non-profit to commonly have on-hand.

Recently, Waco’s Cameron Park Zoo launched a new photo-store, where a large portion of the proceeds will go directly to aiding the conservation and awareness projects that the Zoo itself holds very dear. Cameron Park Zoo is an AZA accredited (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) organization. AZA members spend $90 million dollars annually on 400 different conservation projects in over 100 different countries. Impressive, right? Kind of makes one feel guilty for wondering if the $8 souvenir soda cup is really worth it.

So, as you plan your weekend family excursions, or coordinate fun side-tips on your next vacation, keep in mind not only the Cameron Park Zoo, but be sure to return home and pick up a momento from your visit. It’ll mean a lot to you, but possibly even more to the animals you visited.

Hey, let it be known that we here at The Squawker are all about good causes. Throw in a few excellent musical acts and we’re really all about lending a helping hand.

What’s that, you say? One of the performers is a talented singer-songwriter that we were just wow’d by at SXSW last weekend? Come again? The benefit show is at what is possibly Dallas’ grandest, most historic halls of music?

OK, we’re in, then. Arm, consider yourself lightly twisted.

The Dallas-based Wandering Chicken Wire Show will be hosting the North Texas Music Makers Showcase, benefiting the SPCA, this Sunday at Sons of Hermann Hall. Music, puppies in need of some love and old-timey Dallas: that’s a great combo for a Sunday agenda, folks.

Yes, the line-up is solid to begin with, especially given that Greg Reichel will be throwing down. But, it’s a late addition to the schedule that really has us excited. Bonnie Whitmore, who you may remember from my SXSW Saturday notes, will also be playing on that fine day. In fact, that’ll be her second show at “Sons” within a 48 hour period (she’s playing with Adam Carroll and Scott Nolan there on Friday night).

While the name is funny, the Wandering Chicken Wire Show’s cause is nothing less than noble. Each month, the organization of musicians picks a worthy charity to support, thus ensuring that the love is indeed spread.

So, there. Add love to the already heady mix of great music, good causes and great venues. By going, it’ll almost be like you’re not actually making much effort, because it’ll be so much fun, but never fear, the fun will go to a great cause and will be appreciated by the animals of North Texas for some time to come.

On March 13th, Chefs for Farmers will bring in some of North Texas’ best chefs to personally operate a cafeteria line in order to raise awareness for a couple of worthy causes. Foodie heroes such as John Tesar (formerly of The Mansion), burger king-pins Jack Perkins (Maple & Motor), and Brian Luscher (The Grape) and recent award-winner Tim Byres (Smoke) will be slinging their creative and classic takes on cafeteria classics comprised from farm-fresh ingredients.

Guest judges, including television host Gary Cogill and restaurant luminary Gene Street will help guests decide which dishes are indeed the best as they pile on the culinary goodness atop their trays at the venerable Dallas eatery, the Highland Park Cafeteria. Dishes that will have participants salivating are Duck Meatballs, Wild Boar Sloppy Joes and even Tater Tots with Pork Belly, among many other tantalizing offerings.

If only the elementary school lunch planners of the world would get wind of this menu!

Of course, the dining is a fun cause, but the proceeds and notoriety that the event will generate will help causes that aim to help many others. The relatively new host organization, Chefs for Farmers, was formed in 2010 and exists to help create a greater awareness for North Texas-area farms and farmers. Sadly, such awareness is sorely needed, as so many farmers face uphill battles of many types on a daily basis.

The event’s primary beneficiary, The Family Place, will receive a portion of the proceeds which will go a long way in helping Dallas’ largest provider of family violence services continue to offer help and programs to thousands of victims of family violence each year.

More details are available at Chefs for Farmers website, as well as tickets to this worthy and tasty event. Go to www.chefsforfarmers.com to secure your place in line!

Hopefully, it wasn’t lost on everyone that this week marked another Texas Independance Day. Of course, that also means that another legendary and pride-inducing, albeit somber, point in history is also welcoming another turn of the calendar.

The Battle of The Alamo took place between February 23rd and March 6th of 1836. The shocking losses suffered by the forces that had held its ground so bravely for that fortnight proved to be a galvanizing force, helping propel the rebel squad, led by Sam Houston, to a resounding and revolutionary victory over the Mexican forces of General Santa Anna just over a month later.

These days, the Alamo stands as not only a moving tourist attraction in the middle of a busy downtown collection of modernity, but as a symbol of Texan pride and resilience. It is with both of those attributes that the city of San Antonio asks people from all over the country to come, learn and remember what happened during what was perhaps our state’s most pivotal two weeks.

Concerts, lectures, exhibits and remembrances will be in great supply between March 3rd and March 6th. Go to www.visitsanantonio.com/alamo/events for more information.

BestofTexas.com and BestBuzz are very excited and honored to be sponsoring the ‘Best Party in Texas’ Super Bowl charity event with the Jose Feliciano Foundation, and we’re giving away Two FREE VIP Tickets (value $2,000) for the party to a lucky winner at 5pm on Friday!

To be entered to win, all you have to do is go “LIKE” us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/BestofTexas) or go “FOLLOW” us on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/BestofTexas) and Re-Tweet or Re-Post this link on your page!

This Saturday night, February 5th from 9pm to 3am, we will be partying it up at the Embassy Suites Outdoor World with some of the hottest celebrities and athletes in the world. This will be the BEST party in Texas, and 100% of the proceeds go to support these fabulous charities: Gridiron Greats, CSD, Ronald McDonald House, Friends of Wednesday’s Child, NOVA Center, Habitat for Humanity, Dallas Margarita Society, and Dallas Children’s Charities.

Only a few tickets are left before the party sells out, and you can get tickets while they are still available by contacting Jeannie McLaughlin at info@superbowldallas.org or call 972-983-4258.

Many surprises are in store for the evening and you’ll mix and mingle with such celebrities as Carmen Electra, Aubrey O’Day, Bill and Giuliana Rancic, Randy Jackson from American Idol, cast members from Glee and 90210, Hayden Panettiere, the Ultimate Cheerleaders, the Conan O’Brien Show, Beyonce, and so many more! Athletes attending include Mike Ditka, Jay Novacek, Tony Dorsett, and the list keeps growing so check out this page for an up-to-date list.

The cocktails will be flowing and the night will be full of entertainment from DJ Krave, Emerald City Band and more. Guests will also be able to participate in a silent auction which includes everything from autographed sports memorabilia to “experience” prizes, such as a night of cooking in the kitchen with Iron Chef Winner, Kent Rathbun, then enjoying dinner at Abacus with a guest! There will even be a gorgeous one-of-a-kind diamond “football” ring that was created by Gauthier just for this event, and is worth over $10,000! Specialty cocktails by Texas’s own, Deep Eddy Sweet Tea and warm, fresh chocolate chip cookies by Tiff’s Treats are just a few of the treats to be had at the event.

None of this could happen without our amazing sponsors and we’re so grateful that the community has come together to support this amazing night before the big Super Bowl game in Dallas, TX!

AND, to top off this fabulous night, Best of Texas and BestBuzz will be giving away an exclusive VIP vacation for two to the Cayman Islands! After all this freezing snow, we figured what could be better than a nice tropical vacation to a Caribbean island?

This luxury dream vacation to Grand Cayman includes all of this and MORE:

• Airfare for two from any Cayman Airways hub with complementary Rum Punch (value $1,200)
• Six nights hotel stay at the Sunshine Suites Resort Grand Cayman (value $3,000)
• Private 3 Hour Luxury Yacht Cruise for Two (value $975) – includes snorkeling and snorkel gear, wave-runner, water-skiing, wakeboarding, stop at the famous Stingray City Sandbar, tropical fruit kabobs and more. Watch a video of Cayman Luxury Charters: http://bit.ly/eY5pAe
• Waterfront Ocean Fine Dining VIP Dinner for Two at The Wharf Restaurant & Bar (value $125)
• VIP Table with Bottle Service at the new Elements Ultra Lounge in Grand Cayman (value $500)

You can visit www.BestBuzz.bz/superbowl for more information.

BestBuzz is the new mobile-local-social app for BestofTexas.com and it will be launching throughout DFW this February! To be invited to the BestBuzz launch party, please register at www.BestBuzz.bz today. Guests will be able to download the free BestBuzz app for iPhone or Android and ‘buzz-in’ at the party to automatically be entered to win a vacation to Grand Cayman!

To WIN VIP tickets to the ‘Best Party in Texas’, all you need to do is go “LIKE” us on Facebook (www.Facebook.com/BestofTexas) or go “FOLLOW” us on Twitter (www.Twitter.com/BestofTexas) and Re-Tweet or Re-Post this link on your page!

See you at the BEST PARTY IN TEXAS!

For more information about BestBuzz or BestofTexas.com, please contact carrie@bestoftexas.com.

Head out to the Hangar Hotel in Fredericksburg, Texas and help support the United Service Organization (USO) while ringing in 2011 in style, 1940s style that is.

The Hangar Hotel and Conference Center will be hosting their first ever New Year’s Eve Hangar Dance on Friday, December 31, 2010. A percentage of the event’s proceeds will be donated to USO Ft. Hood, which delivers programs and services to more than 40,000 service members and their families.

The dance will feature big band music by Fredericksburg local Bill Smallwood and The Lonestar Swing Orchestra.

Attendees can participate in swing dance lessons from 8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., the band will play from 9:00 p.m. until 12:30 a.m. Tickets are $40 a person ($10 per person discount for anyone who purchases two nights at the Hangar Hotel) and includes a complimentary champagne toast, party favors, black-eyed peas and cornbread at midnight.

Attendees are encouraged to wear their best 1940s inspired outfit and participate in the costume contest. Those donning a military uniform will receive a coupon for a free drink – just don’t be AD, since you can’t drink in uniform!

The Hangar Hotel, located adjacent to the Gillespie County Airport, was designed to mimic the look of a WWII airplane hangar, providing the perfect setting for a USO style dance. The event will be held in the Pacific Showroom, located next to the hotel, which is decorated in South Pacific/WWII style complete with palm trees and tiki bar.

For more information or to purchase a ticket to the dance contact the Hangar Hotel at (830) 997-9990.

And now…enjoy Glenn Miller and the Army Air Force Band