The Perfect Night: Friday, January 12

by Teresa Gubbins

Hey little birdy, isn't it time to think about refeathering the nest?

There's nothing wrong, exactly, with your front yard. Nothing wrong as long as you like weeds. I mean, if that look works for you, then by all means.

There's also the chance that your neighbors will run you out of the 'hood. So head for the Dallas Home Show, a house-and-garden-fest with what they promise are "thousands" of ideas and products on fixing up your house, your yard, your life. Remodeling experts will dole out advice. There'll be how-to workshops and cooking demos ("free samples," yes?).

One of these would look wicked cool in your kitchen.

Thusly inspired, you'll be in the right frame of mind to appreciate the stunning redesign of Tillman's Roadhouse, the newly re-opened restaurant in the Bishop Arts District. Celebridesigner duo Todd Fiscus and Rob Dailey have created a fantastical interior that combines high elements with low. Feast your eyes on the row of twinkly Murano-glass chandeliers juxtaposed against a wall made of tree stumps. Admire -- from afar, that is -- the chunky belt buckles, designed by Brad Oldham, worn by the waiters.

Try to land a couch in the bar and order up one of their delicious fruity cocktails such as the prickly-pear margarita. Chase it with the "trio of fries" -- russets, sweet, and purple potatoes -- served in a branded wooden box.

Finish up at Nodding Dog Coffee Company, right around the corner, open until midnight on weekends. Sip your drizzled caramel latte for as long as you like; that dead grass at home isn't going anywhere.