There has been a lot going on in Dallas lately. And much more is in store for the future.

DallasFood.org released their final choices for the Chicken Fried Steak Countdown today. The Beaujolais Nouveau Festival is tonight.* Whole Foods is having a tasting tomorrow, too. More wine-related events can be found at DallasWine.com.

Next week marks the opening of Dallas Roof Gardens:

The top level of the downtown resto hosts a rooftop stream and dizzying (stay strong) views of the city. One floor below, thereâs the ultra-swank Petrus Lounge. And a quick walk down the staircase brings you into the main dining room, where chef David Gilbert (formerly of The Beverly Hilton) whips up palate-pleasing fare.

Coming up at the end of the year, New Year’s Eve at the Nasher. Tickets aren’t cheap, but Wolfgang Puck is making dinner.

And to make the Arts District construction a bit more bearable, I found some nice imagery of the Dee and Charles Wyly Theater and the Winspear Opera House. The Dallas Center for the Performing Arts Foundation has exciting plans in store for our city.

I’m participating in a little weight loss competition along with the guys from the office. The goal is to lose the largest percentage of weight in 45 days. You can read more about the competition, along with daily updates, at our blog.