64 September 21 - 27, 2023 dallasobserver.com DALLAS OBSERVER contents | shopping & services | Arts & entertAinment | Food & drink | sports & recreAtion going to hit you up to ask how you think the first date went. What you need is a trip to Barley House, the best bar in Dallas to find current and former frat guys. The guys here won’t even ask you what your name is, and that’s just fine. Grab a pitcher of beer, do some shots and let loose with Logan, Kyle or … Todd. He’ll take you back to his beige unfurnished apartment, you’ll have a good time, and you’ll never have to hear him tell you about how he could have been a professional athlete if it wasn’t for that one injury in high school. 5612 SMU Blvd. 214-824-0306, barleyhouse.com Best Lionheart Courtney Vucekovich It can’t be easy to come forward with claims of abuse, but doing that in front of the entire world takes some serious guts. That’s just what Dallas-based entrepreneur Courtney Vucekovich did in House of Hammer, a Discovery+ docuseries in which she airs gruesome accusations (including flirtations with cannibalism) against her ex-boyfriend, actor Armie Hammer. Vucekovich alleges that her romance with Hammer turned so dark that it left her with PTSD. Several other women detailed similar accounts, which Hammer has denied. Vucekovich’s bravery and mental health advocacy will undoubtedly help countless women avoid toxic relationships. Best Congressional Freshman U.S. Rep. Jasmine Crockett From the Texas House to the U.S. House, Jasmine Crockett’s political star continues to rise. Crockett previously earned the Observer’s “Best Freshman Lawmaker” during her time representing Texas House District 100, which stretches across parts of Dallas. She’s now bringing that same fighting spirit to the nation’s capital, where she recently went viral for her verbal takedown of U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert, the controversial Colorado Republican, after Boebert was rude to a witness at a congressional hearing. Crockett’s dedication to voting rights and civil liberties is apparent, and we’re excited to see where her political career takes her next. Best Community radio station KUZU, 92.9 FM Since launching several years ago, KUZU 92.9 FM has been disrupting the airwaves in Denton in the best way possible. The nonprofit radio station champions local artists, helping to keep the North Texas music scene alive and well. Its grade-A DJs spin some of the most eclectic selections around, and KUZU’s true DIY spirit cements its place as the standard- bearer for community radio. Be sure to roll up a fat doobie and tune into 92.9 FM for an always-excellent mix of killer tunes. 317 S. Elm St., Denton 940-441-5525, kuzu.fm Best Cover song Joshua Ray Walker Does Lizzo For most musicians, the idea of covering Queen Lizzo must feel pretty daunting. Joshua Ray Walker, Dallas’ consummate country king, was clearly up to the challenge. In Walker’s take on “Cuz I Love You,” his majestic vocal range is on full display, sending chills up listeners’ spines. Damn, that man can hold a falsetto note like no one’s business. The banger’s black- and-white music video was directed by Walker, who captivates on screen in a gender-bending outfit complete with a feather boa. We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again: Walker is destined to become country royalty. Best Hulu star Anthony “Lanky” Langston, Secret Chef We love it when North Texans get to strut their talents on TV, and that’s exactly what Anthony “Lanky” Langston did on Secret Chef. The bartender-cum-home chef — who also works at the ever-delectable Ten : One Artisanal Cheese Shop in Denton — recently took home the top prize on the Hulu cooking competition, brought to viewers by executive producer and famed restaurateur David Chang. Langston’s smarts and culinary creativity set him apart from the pack, and he ultimately wound up winning the $100,000 grand prize. Best vioLinist Scott Tixier Did y’all know we have a five-time Grammy Award-winning violinist in our midst? A recent addition to the city, Tixier is an incredibly accomplished violinist. Originally from Paris, he moved to New York some years ago. Lucky for us, his next move was to our little old city. He’s played with Stevie Wonder, Adele, Hans Zimmer, Beyonce and many more insanely famous people. He’s also a professor at UNT. So, yeah, he does a lot. You can 469-904-2665 4910 Columbia ave. Dallas, Texas 903-710-2028 17581 olD JaCksonville hwy, FlinT Tx 75762 Hand built not bougHt. kingpen helios eZ Cartridges Prime Cartridges Cheyenne ProFessional TaTToo suPPly For Pros only Call for your appointment or design Commissions today! QualiTy TraDiTional TaTToos in Dallas Franklins TaTToo anD suPPly
