Dallas Bonds For AA Center Upgraded

Fitch has raised the rating of American Airlines Center bonds to A+. The report notes that the city has earned $50 million in additional tax collections off its $111.7 million investment. And that’s before rental income from the Center itself. Not to say that I told you so, but indeed we told you so.

Bad News at the Pump Means Good News for Your Local Movie Rental Company

That’s what Blockbuster CEO Jim Keyes said today. He think the first quarter is going to be a good one because people don’t want to drive to the movie theaters and would rather rent DVD and stay at home. (Don’t they still have to drive to their local Blockbuster Media store, assuming they aren’t in the delivery program?) He also said the writer’s strike will boost rentals. With that, sir, I concur. And you don’t have to hit me upside the head with a giant American Gladiator Q-tip to say so.

Cowboys Fans, Rejoice

If you are of the opinion that Tony Romo would not and could not concentrate on x’s and o’s with J. Simp in attendance, take heart: She’s not going to the game.

Something Fun to Do Next Thursday

Next Thursday, January 17, is my birthday. I have fun plans. But if I didn’t, I would definitely attend “Your Element,” a funky art party happening at f.i.g. Full disclosure: It’s a D Magazine event. But our parties are always a blast, so that’s a good thing. Anyway, four local artists (Frankie Garcia III, Mikki Mallow, Bob Poe, and Zach Saucedo) will be displaying their works in individual studios, and then each one will auction off one item themed after earth, wind, fire, or water. (I like the one at the left. It’s called “P.E.A.C.E.- Silver(K)” by Saucedo). Proceeds benefit The Fashionistas, so guys, you know there will be hot chicks there too. Jump for all the details, and for tickets go to www.fashionistas.org.

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Bride’s Cake Takes the Cake

An eagle-eyed FrontBurnervian points our Web browsers in this general direction for a picture of the wedding cake of Allen’s Chidi Ogbuta. The i-Reporter (?) had her wedding cake made to look like … her. Kinda creepy, actually.

Spotted at Whole Foods: Mavericks Bench Warmer

Just got back from the Whole Foods location on Lemmon, where former Fab Fiver and current Maverick high-fiver Juwan Howard was picking up lunch. I would have wished him luck tonight against the Detroit Pistons, but really, I have as much chance getting some run tonight as he does. Seemed like a nice guy though, or polite at any rate.

Tristan Simon To Open New Bar

I know I’m just dishing myself up for snarky Tristan Simon-related comments this morning, but it’s Wednesday, and my head is fuzzy so I don’t really care. As it was first reported here, Consilient Restaurants is getting back into the bar biz with Victor Tango’s, a speakeasy/upscale pub/anti-nightclub opening up in the old Sense space. Estimated opening date is March 15.

What we know so far: There will not be any lists, bottle service, or guns–soda guns, that is. The focus is on handcrafted drinks with fresh ingredients (think the Porch’s Blackberry Smash), and in addition to cocktails, there will be a bar menu that rotates nightly. Which seems like it might be tough to pull off, but what do I know. Music will be eclectic, but will not include techno, and the vibe is casual. In lieu of traditional sign, they’re thinking of just using one with a martini glass. If the martini glass is illuminated, it means they’re open.

Oh yes–Victor Tango is bar slang for a vodka tonic. Now you know.

Bachelor Baddy?

Why is Nick Badovinus leaving Consilient Restaurants? One reality-loving FBvian has a (purely speculative) guess:

I’m an avid viewer of The Bachelor TV show and I know at one point in time they were looking for a chef/restaurant owner as their next bachelor. From the information I’ve read about “Baddy,” he’s sounds like one great guy. Hard working, loves his work, great personality, etc. … Do you think Nick is the next Bachelor?

Restaurant Inspection Reports Are On SideDish Blogroll

Jack, I mean Trey, if you’ll triangulate your coordinates here you’ll find a link to the results of the Health Department’s food inspection scores for Dallas restaurants. Copy that?

Leading Off

1) If Dallas doesn’t already post its health inspections online like Fort Worth does now, it should.

2)  Remember how those busybodies in Duncanville City Hall claimed their crackdown on the Cherry Pit was only about parking? Yep, they were lying through their tooth.

3) Dallas SWAT has raided two wrong addresses in the last year. I’m sure it won’t happen again.