Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge Super Bowl lighting

If you don’t want to venture out in the cold tonight to watch the first “official” test lighting of the Margaret Hunt Hill Bridge, you might want to use the MHHB Cam that caught Tim’s fascination way back when.

Don’t expect an immediate turn-on. It’s going to gradually brighten starting around 6-ish.

Wim Bens of Lakewood Brewing Company

We’re a few days into 2012. You’ve made your obligatory, perfunctory visit to the gym down the street. That workout you gave yourself Monday night was killer. You could really feel the burn, right? Got those endorphins up and activated. Man, you walked out of there with some kind of a buzz. You can hardly wait to do it again next year.

Let’s drink to your success. In the January issue of the print version of FrontBurner, David Hopkins writes about the three new microbreweries that have come to slake our city’s thirst for fermented grains. One of them — Lakewood Brewing Company — is hosting a tasting of its Imperial Sweet Stout at the Libertine Bar tonight. And all it’ll cost you is the donation of a canned good for the local food bank. They expect the brew to go fast, so get there early. Starts at 7 p.m.

Not willing to abandon your new year’s resolution to pursue a healthier lifestyle until next week? Other things to do in Dallas here.

We’re glad you shared so much of your valuable wasting-time-at-work with us this year at DMagazine.com. We feel it’s our sacred duty to provide you hilarious, insightful, provocative, sexy content. Even when we’re all off on our holiday break.

So we humbly present to you a countdown of the 10 most popular postings of the year from our D Empire of Web Logs, including FrontBurner, SideDish, FrontRow, ShopTalk, BridalBuzz, RealPoints, D Home, and StyleSheet.

Don’t blame us if you don’t like the list. You’re the people who kept clicking on these things.

10. Call Off the Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade (FrontBurner)

In which Tim Rogers decries the “tragedy” of the news that Dallas Police are not going to allow people to wander around with open containers of alcohol during the annual event that he calls “the best day to be alive in Dallas every year.” Only the story he’d heard wasn’t quite right.

The cast of Big Rich Texas

9. The Big Rich Texas Off Camera Feud (FrontBurner)

When we’re gathered together at our fancy dinner parties, sipping wine and polishing our monocles, we agree wholeheartedly that “reality” television most assuredly spells the death of American culture. Then we retire to our homes, flip on our DVRs, and binge on a Real Housewives marathon. Point is, we know you secretly care about this crap. We’ve got the numbers to prove it.

8. In-N-Out Burger Opening Madness (SideDish)

Frequent FrontBurner and SideDish commenter Brooks Powell filed this report about the crazy opening day of the first In-N-Out Burger in Texas back in May. Millions of years of evolutionary development, and yet the human species retains the capacity to believe that a fast-food burger could ever be worth waiting hours in line.

7. First In-N-Out Burger in Dallas is Approved For Garland Texas!! (SideDish)

How did we know we wanted to print a D Magazine cover story on the impending arrival of In-N-Out Burger in North Texas? Because when Nancy Nichols posted this item in May of 2010, the inbound traffic that it generated crashed our website. It remained a top draw this year, as the In-N-Out Burger invasion began.

Dude, I haven't been this excited since the McRib came back.

6. Cameron Mitchell: No Glee For Me (FrontBurner)

Hadn’t heard of Cameron Mitchell, or The Glee Project, before our Christine Perez caught us up to speed about the reality show in which contestants were vying for a role on the Fox TV show about high school kids who suffer under the curse of a nefarious dancing demon who forces them to break into overblown, overproduced renditions of top 40 hits. (OK, OK, that’s not entirely accurate. But wouldn’t you rather watch that show?)

5. Cameron Mitchell: A Glee Project Winner After All (FrontBurner)

Apparently young Cameron Mitchell gained a significant fan base after bowing out of the Glee Project due to some vague moral objection. And apparently DMagazine.com became the Web’s No. 1 source for Cameron Mitchell news.

4. Big Rich Texas Episode 1 Recap (FrontRow)

See, told you that you care about this crap. Merritt Patterson wrote the Web’s best weekly recap of this train wreck of a show.

You're honestly telling me you'd rather gawk at Rosie Huntington-Whiteley than Optimus Prime?

3. Movie Review: Can Transformers 3 Overcome a Disastrous Second Installment? (FrontRow)

Can a movie’s leading lady be so hot that she distracts you from being able to enjoy the giant robot battles you paid to see? Is this ever a valid criticism, especially of a Michael Bay film? These and other Autobot-vs-Decepticon matters are dissected in the epic comments section of this post. This is what the Internet was invented for.

2. Leslie Birkland of Style Network’s Big Rich Texas Speaks Out About Pamela Martin Duarte (FrontRow)

Or maybe this is what the Internet was invented for.

And now, the most popular blog post of 2011:

It's tough to be a football god.

1. Troy Aikman and His Wife Split Up (FrontBurner)

We didn’t know we’d be breaking the news of Troy Aikman’s separation from his wife (they were later divorced) when we put him on our February cover ahead of Super Bowl XLV at Cowboys Stadium and included a line about how the Cowboys legend spoke to us “on marriage and loss.” We swear. No, really. Really, we didn’t.

I mean, really.

Plenty of just-plain pretty people too, like these ladies at the Joule.

Thanks largely to Super Bowl XLV and the Dallas Mavericks’ trip to the NBA Finals, 2011 was a celebrity-packed year for the Dallas nightlife scene.

Check out our absolute favorite nightlife photos of the year. Right here.

photography by Jerry McClure

Some of you will want to do it big. Sequins, jackets, bottle service, the whole nine yards.

Some of you will want to celebrate casually. At your favorite bar. With your favorite beer. Wearing your favorite jeans. (I’ll be in a cabin, far away, enjoying the peace and quiet.)

No matter your disposition, here’s a list of everything we know is happening around town for New Year’s Eve. Feel free to check back for updates to the list.

And for New Year’s Eve meals and New Year’s Day brunches, check out SideDish.

ABSINTHE LOUNGE
Absinthe Lounge presents “Champagne Life.” DJ C Love and DJ No Nekk in the mixxx. For tables or couch areas, call 469-939-5061.

ADAIR’S SALOON
Southern Drive & the Tom Cheatham band. Absolutely free. Show starts at 9 p.m. Free party favors and midnight toast

BEAUTY BAR
No cover and a Champagne toast with DJ Redeye, 10 p.m.-2 a.m.

BELMONT HOTEL. Free party and a Champagne toast at the Belmont Hotel with DJ Tigerbee.

BLACKFRIAR PUB
Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, DJ spinning at 9 pm. $5 cover after 9 pm. Get there early to make sure you’re with us for
the midnight toast!

BROOKLYN JAZZ CAFE
Welcome to Brooklyn’s Recession Buster New Year’s Eve Throwback Party! The 2012 New Year’s Eve 70’s Party is $20 per person and $35 per couple. It includes one drink, champagne toast, party favors, live band, DJ party with 70s and 80s music, best dressed costume contest, and prizes for individual and couples. Breakfast is served at midnight.

CANDLEROOM
RSVP for table reservations at 214-370-4155 or events@candleroomdallas.com. Reservations are limited.

CAPITOL PUB
DJ Tyrone Smiley rocks into the new year starting at 10 p.m. Five dollars gets you in, plus a Pearl Light can or glass of champagne. Free champagne toast at midnight and complimentary party favors.

photography by Jerry McClure

CHAMPPS ADDISON
Casino night features package choices (platinum package, gold package, or silver) that allow you to group several options: dinner for two, transportation and accommodations at local hotel, casino money, champagne toast at midnight, and the chance to win prizes.

Platinum Package: $129.99 per couple, $99.99 single. Includes deluxe accommodations at the Courtyard Marriott or  Springhill Suites in Addison, transportation to and from Champps, dinner for two, $6,000 in casino money, Champagne toast at midnight, and a chance to win prizes at 12:30 p.m.

Gold Package: $69.99 per couple or $39.99 single. Includes dinner for two, $6000 in casino money, Champagne toast at midnight, and a chance to win prizes.

Silver Package: $20 per person, Includes $6,000 in casino money, Champagne toast at midnight, and chance to win prizes.

CITY TAVERN
Music by Here in Arms, Virgin Wolves, and The Nicholsons. Free Champagne Toast and Party Favors. $10 Cover

CLUB DADA
Doors open at 8 p.m. Cover is $20 at door and $17 in advance (includes Champagne toast and party favors). Music by Astronautalis, GalleryCat, Hello Lover, The Rich Girls (Hall & Oates tribute), and Mystery Skulls.

DISH
Holiday craft cocktails from acclaimed barman Trevor Landry and limited edition Moet Imperial Gold Bottles. Bottle service available. Premium open bar available upon request for $50 per person from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dance the night away with special guest DJ Jose G. Count down the new year with a Champagne toast, party favors, and balloon drop. For reservations, call 214-522-3474 or visit www.dish-dallas.com.

EL RANCHITO
Mexican rock band Alebrije will perform from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Full menu served until 11:30 p.m. Party favors and complimentary Champagne will be provided. After 10 p.m., there will be a cover charge of $10 for adults and $5 for children 12 and up.

FIVE SIXTY
Dallas partygoers are invited to celebrate the new year at a private after-party in the Five Sixty Tower. Guests will mix, mingle, and nosh on an array of light bites by chef Patton Robertson, including Korean-style “Kalbi” short ribs, lobster spring rolls, steak with spicy harissa satay, and hand-rolled sushi. DJs Jen Miller and Paul Paredes will spin the party into the new year as partygoers sip on all-inclusive cocktails or order from a select bottle-service menu. At midnight, guests will welcome 2012 with a complimentary Champagne toast while watching the fireworks display at Victory Park. Tickets for the private after-party in The Tower, including complimentary valet, can be purchased in advance for $150 or at the door for $175. Call 214-741-5560 to reserve a spot.

FOX & HOUND RICHARDSON
$4 Big Beers and $13 Buckets of Bud & Bud Light, $1 Jello shots, $10 ribeye steak dinner, balloon drop, and complimentary Champagne toast at midnight, with cash and prize giveaways.

J. BLACK’S
Doors open at 6 p.m. Enjoy entertainment by DJ Bryan C. Tickets run from $40 per individual to $575 for a table for six and includes a Champagne toast.

GILLEY’S DALLAS
In the Palladium Ballroom: NYE Celebration featuring Miguel. Tickets: $40 in advance up to $100 at the door. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. All ages.

In the South Side Music Hall: Wade Bowen’s NYE Bash with opening act Charlie Worsham. Tickets are $15 in advance and $20 at the doors. Doors open at 8 p.m. Show starts at 9 p.m. 18+ only.

photography by Jerry McClure

GINGER MAN
Party favors and a beer toast at midnight.  Small giveaways. No cover.

GRANADA THEATER
Jonathan Tyler and the Northern Lights, plus Ishi and Kirby Brown. Tickets at granadatheater.com. VIP tickets are available and include complimentary champagne, a VIP goodie bag, balcony seating.

THE GRAPEVINE BAR
Limited availability. Dinner buffet from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Champagne toast at midnight, party hats and favors, dance music all night, shuttle at 1 a.m. to a beautiful suite at a local hotel. $65 in advance, $80 at the door. Buy through Grapevine’s website or Facebook page. Special room rates available at hotel.

HOTEL ZAZA
Pricing starts at $1200. Includes: 8 people entry to event, two bottles of Ketel One (or liquor of choice), one magnum bottle of Heidsieck Monopole Champagne. To book, call 214-550.-9500 or email cmartin@hotelzaza.com.

IDLE RICH
Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, DJ spinning at 9 pm. $5 cover after 9 pm. Get there early to make sure you’re with us for
the midnight toast!

IRON CACTUS
Step into the Roaring ’20s with Chinatown Band Live and DJ on each floor. $70 per guest in advance ($100 at the door) includes beer & wine and light hors d’oeuvres and a Champagne toast. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. Party starts at 9 p.m.

KNOX STREET PUB
Happy hour prices all night long. Ladies free. Guys $20 (their first drink free if they get to the bar before 10). Party favors. Complimentary Champagne toast at midnight. Bottle service on patio available.

LA GRANGE
Third annual “Sue Year’s Eve” with The Boys Named Sue. Special guests this year are One Red Cent & Mariachi Quetzal. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door.

LONDONER ADDISON
British NYE starts at 6 p.m., followed by A Hard Night’s Day at 9 p.m. and a complimentary Champagne toast and party favors at midnight. Come dressed in black or white. $4 Stoli and Stoli flavors all night. No cover.

THE MANSION BAR
Open from 3 p.m. to 2 a.m. with entertainment by George Anderson and the Signature Band. The group plays a variety of music, from contemporary to disco to the classics. No cover.

MANTUS
No cover charge. Party favors and a Champagne toast at midnight. Bottle service available.

photography by Jerry McClure

MEDDLESOME MOTH
Normal Moth menu, with added specials including Oysters and Pearls with cavier, Maine lobster with saffron foam stuffed with roasted carnival cauliflower, New Zealand rack of lamb with turnip puree and roasted root vegetables. Desserts are Black Forest Cake with cranberry Indian pudding. Champagne toast and party favors. Reservations recommended.

NODDING DONKEY
DJ Molek Ular at 10 p.m., $5 Ciroc, $5 Hornitos, $3 Baby Guiness, Champagne toast at midnight, and opportunity to win a trip to Vegas.

NYLO PLANO HOTEL
Live DJ from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Open bar until 1 a.m. and party favors. Heavy hors d’oeuvres from 8 p.m. to 2 a.m. Tickets $100, and $50 after 11 p.m.

THE OLD MONK
Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, DJ spinning at 9 pm. No cover. Get there early to make sure you’re with us for
the midnight toast!

PLUSH
Main Street Empire features DJ Ivy, $30 in advance. Table reservations are available for big groups from $850 to $2,000.

POOR DAVID’S PUB
Bugs Henderson performs, with Josh Alan opening the show. Tickets at frontgatetickets.com, or arrive early at 7 p.m.

RATTLESNAKE BAR
Rattlesnake Bar: 11:30 a.m. to 1:45 a.m., no cover charge. Full bar menu available. Live music also featured in the Lobby from 9 p.m., with balloon drops in the Rattlesnake Bar and Live Oak Bar at midnight. Reservations: 214.922.4848

RENFIELD’S CORNER
Champagne toast at midnight, party favors, DJ spinning at 9 pm. $5 cover after 9 pm. Get there early to make sure you’re with us for
the midnight toast!

photography by Jerry McClure

TEDDY’S ROOM
Tickets are $50 per person or $80 per couple, and tickets include a two-hour hosted bar for Grey Goose Vodka drinks from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. and also complimentary Champagne for a midnight toast. Tickets can be purchased from www.teddysroomdallas.com. Burlesque performance by Ani Vera and the Rough Riders Band and tunes by DJ NVS.

THE JOULE PENTHOUSE
Time: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Pricing: $150 per person for hotel guests and Charlie Palmer patrons, $200 per person for general admission, $300 per person for second seating 2-course prix fixe dinner in Charlie Palmer at The Joule. To obtain admission tickets or special event Charlie Palmer seating, email RSVP@TheJouleDallas.com.

THE LIBERTINE BAR
For NYE we have DJ Rob Viktum from 10 p.m. raising the roof with old school tunes to dance the year away to.

THE McKINNEY AVENUE TAVERN
All drinks are regular price and no cover all night long. Karaoke night with a karaoke-Champagne toast at midnight. Big Al will lead the crowd in “Auld Lang Syne” at midnight. Free Champagne and a free party favor.

SUNSET LOUNGE
Featuring music by DJ Tek-Neek, party favors and noise makers, live countdown, and Champagne toast at midnight. $40 pre-sale and $50 at the door. Pre-sale tickets available at www.sunsetlounge2011.eventbrite.com. For bottle service, call 214-823-8193.

TEXAS THEATRE. Hollywood-theme costume party with three DJs and a live musical guest. Tickets are $15.

TREES
Ugly Mustard and Slow Roosevelt. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $20 to $25.

UPTOWN BAR & GRILL
Sing-in-the-New-Year Karaoke. Starts at 9:30 p.m. Free Champagne toast at midnight.

URBAN CRUST 32 DEGREES BAR
DJ at 32 Degrees Rooftop Bar from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Champagne toast at midnight.

WINDMILL LOUNGE
Join us for our 7th annual Around the World on New Year’s Eve Party. We ring in the new year somewhere in the world every hour on the hour with much fanfare and free bubbly. Complimentary late-night buffet, with black-eyed peas of course. DJs on hand. No cover.

Dallas by night provided scenery worth capturing.

Selecting the most memorable images from D Magazine this year was tough. At first it was going to be a list of the 10 best, but that proved impossible. Then it was going to be the best 12 or 13, but that still left too many out. So I included even more.

See for yourself. Click here for my review of the best pictures of the year.

Friday (Dec. 23)

If you haven’t done so already, get yourself over to the Kalita Humphreys Theater to see the Dallas Theater Center’s version of A Christmas Carol. Read FrontRow’s glowing review before you go.

Saturday (Dec. 24)

It’s Christmas Eve, and the last evening to check out the Texas Ballet Theater’s production of The Nutcracker. Snowflakes will sprinkle down at the Bass Hall, even if we’re not actually looking at a white Christmas. If, God forbid, you find yourself doing some last-minute shopping at NorthPark with kids in tow, the trains will be up and running and Santa will still be in residence.

Not celebrating Christmas? Single? Jewish, perhaps? Hit the Matzoh Ball at the House of Blues, where you can enjoy kosher snacks, a DJ, and dancing.

Sunday (Dec. 25)

According to certain friends and colleagues, the Mavericks game is probably the best present they could have received. Escape (or tune out) particularly insufferable family members to watch our guys hoist their championship banner and take on the Miami Heat at the American Airlines Center.

Need a place to eat? SideDish has been compiling a handy list of restaurants that will be open on Christmas Day.

Monday (Dec. 26)

Boxing Day! If your kids are already driving you bonkers, pack them off to camp. The Labs at Lakewood still have space left for their “Let’s Get Physical” series. Rather than Olivia Newton-John’s phenomenal dance moves, budding builders will learn all about the physical sciences and engineering. Each class involves something hands-on that they get to take home.

Tuesday (Dec. 27)

The Beulaville Baptist Book Club presents a Bur-less-Q Nutcracker. Writer/actor Mark-Brian Sonna’s spoof on ballet’s bread and butter.

Plus: a fundraiser for Lauren Scruggs, the fashion blogger/part time model injured in a freak accident, at Sambuca 360 in Plano. The $20 donation at the door benefits her recovery costs, which includes surgeries and long-term care.

Wednesday (Dec. 28)

A Ride With Bob at the Eisemann Center. I interviewed Asleep at the Wheel frontman Ray Benson a few months ago over on FrontRow, and we chatted a bit about the show. It’s a slice of Texas history that’ll take you through the life and music of western swing legend Bob Wills. Wear your cowboy boots.

Thursday (Dec. 29)

One of your last opportunities to go snow tubing indoors at the Gaylord Texan. Also, did you know that there’s a circus in town? The Lone Star Circus has set up a big top in the Rosewood Center for Family Arts, and Thursday is the opening evening to see a dazzling display of skill from acrobats, tightrope walkers, and contortionists hailing from all over the world.

Friday (Dec. 30)

Seryn at the Kessler Theater with Doug Burr and David Ramirez. Mesa for dinner.

Saturday (Dec. 31)

Lights All Night passes a little more than you want to spend? I hear you. Not in my budget, either. Check out Jonathan Tyler and Northern Lights at the Granada alongside other notable local acts. A champagne toast at midnight seals the deal.

Need other ideas for how to ring in the New Year? Raya will have a full guide posted on FrontBurner on Monday.

Sunday (Jan. 1)

Hungover brunch at Oddfellows or Dream Cafe (both locations are open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.) One last train ride at NorthPark before the journey ends for the year.

Monday (Jan. 2)

What do you do the Monday after New Year’s? If you’re lucky enough to have the day off, I suggest a day at the movies. FrontRow has reviews of all the latest releases (I’m most excited about Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy and A Dangerous Method), plus, a rundown of the best films from 2011.

Want more? Click.

photography by Bode Helm

Whether you’re a fan of music or our 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas competition, Thursday night is a good night to celebrate at the Warwick Melrose Hotel which is raising a toast to 10 Most Beautiful Winner (and former D cover model) Aubree-Anna Stinson, who graces Library Bar attendees with her smooth vocals every week. Tickets are being sold for $25 a piece which will include “heavy appetizers and a champagne toast,” and, of course, a live performance by Aubree-Anna. For tickets to the “Celebration Party,”  call 972-841-5864. Apparently, tickets are going quickly. Thursday, December 15 at 7 pm.

She’ll get you next time, Corning.

When I told my friend Rhonda about the VIP invite to a fancy Medieval Times premiere, she said, “‘Tis most splendid,’” and we jumped into my Toyota Avalon (which, incidentally, dates back to the days of yore) and headed down I-35. The whole VIP thing was called into question almost immediately when the lord working the front desk couldn’t locate my name on his scroll. After spelling my name three times, he gave up, wrote down our names, handed us some blue crowns, shoved us into a picture with a princess, and sent us on our way.

Here’s where things get weird. Our fellow VIPs—and there were hundreds of them milling about—were dressed up. Very dressed up. Like Hollywood premiere dressed up. Men were rocking suits; ladies were dressed in formals. We saw a lady in full armor and a few kids—but on the whole, this was a group of adults dressed for an evening on the town. The Woodbridge was flowing. Guests posed for red-carpet pictures with employees. And the jousting started early as everyone jockeyed for free stuff (cheese cubes, Beef Wellington, and “dragon throat,” which just turned out to be egg rolls).

Speaking of free, guess what wasn’t? Drinks. Nothing makes you feel less like a VIP than paying $25 for a round of drinks, but we managed.

Drinks in hand, we mixed and mingled, looked at high-priced merchandise ($35 for a “wench” t-shirt seems high), popped into the privy, and checked out ye olde smoking patio. We were pretty busy. But an hour later, even with the cheese and dragon throat, we were like, “Huzzah! We’re pretty hungry! Let’s get the show on the road!”

Finally, by 7:45 p.m., we were seated at our table of fellow blue VIPs in the Casa Valiente section. Between sips of Michelob Ultra, the gentleman next to me told me he was there because his girlfriend works for the CVB. “There are a lot of people from the CVB here,” he explained. Nothing says “VIP” like “CVB,” apparently. Whatever the case, the place was certainly not full—but it was pretty packed.

Our assigned server Bill introduced himself and gave his spiel in an accent that spanned British to Southeast Texas. I wanted to interrupt him with, “I bid you, an ale, sir!” Luckily, Rhonda reminded me that only moat water (tea) and dragon’s spit (Pepsi) were free and that I would have to wait for a different waiter for adult beverages.

A word about that: you know how at most bars, you order a drink, the service provider comes back with the drink, and then asks you to pay? Yeah, not at Medieval Times. I don’t know if people are walking the check or saying, “I have naught,” after the dude comes back with the drinks, but whatever the case, you will pay upfront.

Anyway, the rest of the night was pretty much fine. The tomato soup, rib, chicken, potatoes, and apple pie were pretty much as I remembered. The bread was different. The rib was apparently larger. But for the most part, everything was pretty much the same. We still ate with our hands. While I’m sure the script and music changed, the premise remains the same. There’s a king and a princess. Guys on horses fight one another. The dude with the falcon comes out, and the falcon does his figure-eight routine. Players die. A guy with long hair wins.  Or, as the press release pointed out, “The live show will still feature two- and four-legged performers with a utensil-free meal serviced in a castle-inspired arena.”

All of which is to say: it’s still awesome.

The new performance officially starts tonight. Go to medievaltimes.com for tickets.