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Taking care of your Loved One Is What We Do BEST!

It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always

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Home Care In Dallas, TX

Home Care Dallas, TX

They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.

However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic The Grassy Knoll gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.

Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Dallas, TX is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.

 In-Home Care Dallas, TX

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The Always Best Care Difference

Since 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.

Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.

The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.

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TESTIMONIALS

“I was blessed to find this job two weeks ago. I have met wonderful people during my tenure here so far. All of the staff has been welcoming and truly make me feel like family. I have never felt more appreciated. This is a five star company!!”

Sylvia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great environment for growth and great team!”

Neeva S.
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TESTIMONIALS

“We were so happy with Always Best Care. They took great car of my parents for over 2 years. Very professional care givers. The staff loves working for the company and the owner takes great care of them. If ever needed we would use their services again.”

Mary L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone in their office is knowledgeable and have gone above and beyond to answer all of my questions. They definitely have the heart for caring for the elderly and experts in placement.”

Wendy O.
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TESTIMONIALS

“I have been with the company like almost 3years but the staff is wonderful n caring they go out and beyond for there clients .”

Nakia B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great service”

Patrice B.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Dear Mr. Gardner, I am writing to express my gratitude for the commitment and service of your employee, Shameka Kelly. Through your agency, Ms. Kelly was connected to our family to serve as a caregiver for my sister Victoria who was in the late states of ALS/Lou Gehrigs disease and required 24-hr. care at home. Shameka served as full-time caregiver under the direction of Victorias husband Ron, who was able to keep my sister at home until her passing this past March. This catastrophic and incurable disease rendered my sister completely paralyzed wheelchair bound, unable to speak, bathe, eat or even lift a finger to do anything for herself. Shameka did what most caregivers would not or simply could not do because of the stamina and patience required to care for Victoria. Before Shameka, we hired a multitude of caregivers who came and went sometimes only after one day because of how strenuous and taxing being a caregiver to my sister was. Day after day, Shameka arrived for the job with a smile on her face and the patience and commitment to go with it. My sister Victoria grew to love Shameka, as we all have. It was a great comfort to us because we knew that if Shameka was on duty, my sister was in good hands. Shamekas character, integrity, humor, honesty and professionalism are beyond reproach. She is an extremely caring individual who is always upbeat, optimistic, and patient. She was an answer to prayer for our family and became more than a caregiver she became part of our family. She has my highest recommendation for any task or client that may be placed before her. And we will be forever grateful. Kindest regards, Pamela Meek North Richland Hills, TX”

Pamela M.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”

Rebekah A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”

J L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Best place to work. My coworkers are caring, compassionate and ready to step in at any moment to help. It's not a job when you love what you do. It's a calling.”

Sherry T.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”

Rosemarie L.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Everyone is so loving and caring not just the client but the whole family...as well as their staff...it is just the one to choose... Always best care. Means always you get the best..and they are it.”

rebekah A.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Great Staff with Great Hearts... Always Best Care Senior Services”

Marcus G.
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TESTIMONIALS

“Always Best Care provides a needed service, not just to elderly clients but to their families as well. When you need someone to sit with your ailing relative, call Always Best Care. They will work with you to provide the service you need at a price that you can afford. Their caregivers are experienced and will treat your family as though they were "their" family member. Don't miss going to work or have anxiety attacks because you need someone to care for your parents, take them to their medical appointments, or simply spend a few hours during the day making sure that they are safe, fed, groomed, had their meds, and maybe even have someone to play a little chess with. Call Always Best Care!! They are awe-some!”

J L.

What is Non-Medical Senior Care in Dallas, TX?

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Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.

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When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.

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The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.

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At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.

 Senior Care Dallas, TX

Types of Elderly Care in Dallas, TX

To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:

Personal Care

Personal Care Services

If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.

Common personal care services include assistance with:

  • Eating
  • Mobility Issues
  • Incontinence
  • Bathing
  • Dressing
  • Grooming

Respite Care Dallas, TX
Home Helper

Home Helper Services

Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.

Common home helper care services include assistance with:

  • Medication Reminders
  • Meal Preparation
  • Pet Care
  • Prescription Refills
  • Morning Wake-Up
  • Walking
  • Reading
 Caregivers Dallas, TX
Companionship Services

Companionship Services

Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Klyde Warren Park with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.

Common companionship services include:

  • Grocery Shopping
  • Transportation to Appointments
  • Nutritional Assistance
  • Conversation
  • Planning Outings
  • Completing Errands
  • Transportation to Community
  • Events and Social Outings
Home Care Dallas, TX
Respite Care

Respite Care Services

According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local The Mansion Restaurant or visit John Neely Bryan Cabin, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.

At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.

If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.

 In-Home Care Dallas, TX

Benefits of Home Care in Dallas, TX

Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:

Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.

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Aging in Place: The Preferred Choice for Most Seniors

While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.

In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.

Here are just a few of the reasons why older men and women prefer to age at home:

How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?

A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.

With the help of elderly care in Dallas, TX, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.

Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.

Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.

For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.

More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.

In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.

With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.

 Elderly Care Dallas, TX

Affordable Care

In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.

Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.

At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.

In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:

If your loved one qualifies, Medicaid may help reduce in-home care costs. Review your TX's Medicaid program laws and benefits, and make sure your senior's financial and medical needs meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.
Attendance and aid benefits through military service can cover a portion of the costs associated with in-home care for veterans and their spouses.
Many senior care services like in-home care are included in long-term care insurance options. Research different long-term care solutions to find a plan that provides coverage for senior care.
Home care can be included as part of a senior's private insurance plan. Read over your loved one's insurance policy carefully or speak with their insurance provider to determine if in-home care is covered.
Depending on the life insurance plan, you may be able to apply your policy toward long-term care. You may be able to use long-term-care coverage to help pay for in-home elderly care.
 Senior Care Dallas, TX

Compassionate Care. Trusted Caregivers.

When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.

Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.

At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Dallas, TX understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.

Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.

Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.

Assisted Living Referral Services

While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.

Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.


Respite Care Dallas, TX

At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.

Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:

  • Housekeeping
  • Laundry
  • Recreational Activities
  • Social Outings
  • Emergency Medical Response
  • Medication Monitoring
  • Family Visitation
  • Personal Care
 Caregivers Dallas, TX

At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.

Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.

Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:

  • Belmont Village Senior Living Turtle Creek
  • Silver Leaf Assisted Living
  • The Sage Oak
  • Silver Leaf Assisted Living & Memory Care
  • Vitality Living Preston Hollow
  • Monticello West
Home Care Dallas, TX

For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.

 In-Home Care Dallas, TX

Taking the First Step with Always Best Care

The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:

A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way

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A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive

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Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider

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Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.

If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.

At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Dallas, TX 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.

When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.

 Elderly Care Dallas, TX

Latest News in Dallas, TX

10 Spots to Eat Mouthwatering Chicken Wings Around Dallas

Whether an accompaniment to a football game and beer or just a slightly messy dinner, there’s no denying the appeal of an excellent chicken wing. From seriously crisp Korean versions to traditional Buffalo wings, these establishments serve the city’s sauciest, crispiest, juiciest wings.Go forth, and get ready to use a lot of napkins as you make your way through this list of spots serving Dallas’s best chicken wings. Just in time for the Big Game....

Whether an accompaniment to a football game and beer or just a slightly messy dinner, there’s no denying the appeal of an excellent chicken wing. From seriously crisp Korean versions to traditional Buffalo wings, these establishments serve the city’s sauciest, crispiest, juiciest wings.

Go forth, and get ready to use a lot of napkins as you make your way through this list of spots serving Dallas’s best chicken wings. Just in time for the Big Game.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process.

This Addison Circle bar is popular among sports enthusiasts, and the wings are at least partly why. Combine the lemon pepper and Buffalo sauces for a truly transcendent chicken wing experience.

Fried to a perfect crisp and showered in even crispier garlic, the crispy wings at Zaap are an essential order. Consider trying them as part of the Zaap combo, which pairs those wings with sticky rice and a refreshing papaya salad.

This SMU bar serves up classic bar food, and of course, that includes wings. Ask for sauce medium, hot, or barbecue and add on Frank’s Red Hot and butter to make ‘em extra delish.

For folks who are really into wings, this East Dallas mainstay offers a lot of different takes. Notably, you can get one wing in an “I Told You So” sauce made with Carolina reaper, scorpion, and ghost peppers. It comes with a no-refunds warning. Traditionalists, stick to the battered wings.

Dive bar lovers across the internet rave about the wings at this Lakewood joint. It’s just Vietnamese-style fried chicken wings that will hit the spot.

Tender, juicy, perfectly-crisp wings await at this under-the-radar fried chicken gem. Pair tenders (hey, they’re boneless wings, right?) or bone-in wings with a variety of sauces like spicy barbecue, buffalo sauce, and a ton of excellent sides.

Grab a tray of smoked wings at Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole’s spot in East Dallas. The smoking means these will taste a bit different from the largely fried and barbecued wings elsewhere on this list. The dish comes topped with thick dollops of hot sauce and a miso blue cheese to cool things down.

While Pie Tap is rightfully known for its pizza, the wings are worth raving about too. They’re served lollipop style, with the bone sticking out, with hot honey or lemon pepper sauce and blue cheese. It makes for a lovely bite.

A favorite for Deep Ellum revelers, the wings at Angry Dog have a devoted loyal following. Typical buffalo and lemon pepper options are on offer, along with a super-hot version that only serious pepper junkies should consume.

Some of the best wings in DFW can be found at this Bishop Arts restaurant. The Korean fusion style is simple enough and produces simply delicious wings.

This Addison Circle bar is popular among sports enthusiasts, and the wings are at least partly why. Combine the lemon pepper and Buffalo sauces for a truly transcendent chicken wing experience.

Fried to a perfect crisp and showered in even crispier garlic, the crispy wings at Zaap are an essential order. Consider trying them as part of the Zaap combo, which pairs those wings with sticky rice and a refreshing papaya salad.

This SMU bar serves up classic bar food, and of course, that includes wings. Ask for sauce medium, hot, or barbecue and add on Frank’s Red Hot and butter to make ‘em extra delish.

For folks who are really into wings, this East Dallas mainstay offers a lot of different takes. Notably, you can get one wing in an “I Told You So” sauce made with Carolina reaper, scorpion, and ghost peppers. It comes with a no-refunds warning. Traditionalists, stick to the battered wings.

Dive bar lovers across the internet rave about the wings at this Lakewood joint. It’s just Vietnamese-style fried chicken wings that will hit the spot.

Tender, juicy, perfectly-crisp wings await at this under-the-radar fried chicken gem. Pair tenders (hey, they’re boneless wings, right?) or bone-in wings with a variety of sauces like spicy barbecue, buffalo sauce, and a ton of excellent sides.

Grab a tray of smoked wings at Aaron Franklin and Tyson Cole’s spot in East Dallas. The smoking means these will taste a bit different from the largely fried and barbecued wings elsewhere on this list. The dish comes topped with thick dollops of hot sauce and a miso blue cheese to cool things down.

While Pie Tap is rightfully known for its pizza, the wings are worth raving about too. They’re served lollipop style, with the bone sticking out, with hot honey or lemon pepper sauce and blue cheese. It makes for a lovely bite.

A favorite for Deep Ellum revelers, the wings at Angry Dog have a devoted loyal following. Typical buffalo and lemon pepper options are on offer, along with a super-hot version that only serious pepper junkies should consume.

Some of the best wings in DFW can be found at this Bishop Arts restaurant. The Korean fusion style is simple enough and produces simply delicious wings.

Think Dallas-Fort Worth has had enough Arctic blasts? Wait for the wrath of polar vortex

Dallas-Fort Worth has endured wild swings in the weather in January — from frigid temperatures, a dusting of snow then a warming trend and a bit of rain. But winter may not be done with us yet. An unpredictable polar vortex may still have a say in how miserable our winter can become.As swaths of the U.S. Midwest and Northeast had to dig out from massive snowstorms, North Texas felt the sting of Arctic blasts that chill...

Dallas-Fort Worth has endured wild swings in the weather in January — from frigid temperatures, a dusting of snow then a warming trend and a bit of rain. But winter may not be done with us yet. An unpredictable polar vortex may still have a say in how miserable our winter can become.

As swaths of the U.S. Midwest and Northeast had to dig out from massive snowstorms, North Texas felt the sting of Arctic blasts that chilled the region down to the low teens for a few days. The cold air sucked up condensation from warmer area lake waters resulting in a thin dusting of snow across Dallas-Fort Worth — a phenomenon called “lake effect snow” normally associated with areas along the Great Lakes.

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Think Texas has had enough Arctic blasts? Wait for the wrath of polar vortex.

4 Texas cities to watch spectacular total solar eclipse in April.

Thirty states were included in alerts for dangerously low temperatures and wind chills in the past week with readings dropping to minus-16 in Kansas City, 1 degree in Oklahoma City, minus-10 in Chicago and minus-27 in Bismarck, N.D. Snow coverreached its greatest mid-January extent over the contiguous United States in the last 20 years.

The disruption of the polar vortex early in January is partly to blame for the cold spell we experienced.

“A disrupted polar vortex increases the odds that the tropospheric jet stream will stay shifted farther south, which increases the risk for cold air outbreaks,” according to the Polar Vortex Blog by Laura Ciasto and Amy Butler on the website Climate.gov.

The polar vortex is extensive coverage of low pressure and cold air surrounding Earth’s poles. When the vortex is strong and stable, the polar jet stream shifts northward, keeping the cold air in the Arctic. But when the vortex weakens or is disrupted, the jet stream often becomes extremely wavy, allowing warm air to flood into the Arctic and polar air to sink down into the mid-latitudes.

We’ve seen this phenomenon in action. The polar vortex played a role in the extreme winter weather outbreak that struck Texas in February 2021, UN weather experts said.

“We did have a sudden stratospheric warming in January,” explained Butler, a NOAA stratosphere expert. “The polar vortex weakened. It got stretched out of shape and slid southward off the pole. Most of the time when this happens — and it happens on average about every other year in the Arctic — some part of the mid-latitudes will ultimately experience a cold air outbreak. The disruption of the vortex encouraged the polar jet stream to become wavier for several weeks, and in combination with other weather patterns, created favorable conditions for a severe cold air outbreak in the central U.S.”

It does seem like we are seeing the effects of the polar vortex more regularly. The last time Texas was in the grip of the weather event was in December 2022.

Global warming has increased the number of polar vortex outbreaks, a study found. While they used to only happen once every other year or so, the research shows they are now close to happening yearly, if not more, said study lead author Judah Cohen, a winter storm expert for Atmospheric Environmental Research. The number of times the polar vortex has weakened per year has more than doubled since the early 1980s.

And lately, the polar vortex has been acting erratic, climate experts say.

“If we had to characterize the behavior of the stratospheric polar vortex over the last week, we’d say it’s acting … squirrely,” according to the Polar Vortex Blog. “Living up to the celebrity status we bestowed upon it, the stratosphere seems to know everyone is watching and has decided to do something unexpected.”

This could mean more winter snow and ice for Texas as the jet stream is pushed farther south than normal.

“This ‘loading of the dice’ for cold air can persist for up to 6 weeks after the vortex is disrupted, making these events relevant for weather timescales, but also for longer sub-seasonal forecasts,” Climate.gov says.

TWU taps Monica Christopher as inaugural president of Dallas campus

Jan. 18, 2024 ? DENTON ? Texas Woman’s University has named longtime nonprofit executive and community relations veteran Monica Christopher as the inaugural president of the university’s Dallas campus. She begins her role on Feb. 1.Christopher, who has held key fundraising and relationship building posts spanning 25 years at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, will lead the Dallas campus as it works to elevate the impact of the campus in the Dallas community.“Monica is an...

Jan. 18, 2024 ? DENTON ? Texas Woman’s University has named longtime nonprofit executive and community relations veteran Monica Christopher as the inaugural president of the university’s Dallas campus. She begins her role on Feb. 1.

Christopher, who has held key fundraising and relationship building posts spanning 25 years at Communities Foundation of Texas and The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, will lead the Dallas campus as it works to elevate the impact of the campus in the Dallas community.

“Monica is an exceptional innovator and collaborator with a solid track record of successful fundraising and relationship building in Dallas, which will serve Texas Woman’s well in its quest to grow the Dallas campus,” Texas Woman’s Chancellor Carine Feyten said.

“Her Dallas roots run deep, and she has an extensive background working with boards, foundations, nonprofits and corporations. With her leadership at Texas Woman’s ? Dallas and her partnership with other university and college leaders, I can see Dallas developing into even more of a destination city for those seeking higher education credentials,” Feyten added. “Monica demonstrates great passion for her work and exudes a polished, energetic professionalism.”

As president, Christopher will provide strategic leadership for the campus, which is located in the Southwestern Medical District. She will work with students, faculty, staff and key stakeholders — including alumni, community members, business and industry leaders, legislators and policymakers — to ensure Texas Woman’s is a key contributor to the higher education landscape in Dallas.

“Texas Woman’s has a distinguished history in Dallas, and I am honored and beyond thrilled to serve as the inaugural president of the Dallas campus,” Christopher said. “I look forward to working with the university’s talented faculty, staff and students to grow the campus, build on its legacy of excellence and bring greater awareness to the outstanding degree programs offered here.”

The State of Texas established Texas Woman’s University System in 2021 as its seventh university system, pushing its Dallas and Houston campuses to transform, grow and continue serving the state and its communities as the nation’s only system with a woman-focused mission. Among the system’s strategic priorities is installing leadership at both campuses. A search is currently underway for a Houston campus president.

About TWU Dallas

Texas Woman’s first established a presence in Dallas in 1954, when the nursing program was launched at Parkland Hospital. Today, the T. Boone Pickens Institute of Health Sciences – Dallas Center is a 190,000-square-foot facility that sits in the heart of the Southwestern Medical District. Since then, Texas Woman’s has become a notable contributor to the healthcare workforce, graduating an average of 2,000 nursing and allied health professionals each year.

The Dallas campus also is home to the renowned Stroke Center, which provides more than 5,000 hours of clinical, neuro-rehabilitation services annually at no cost to members of the community. In addition to an MBA and graduate level Healthcare Administration programs, the Dallas campus offers upper-level undergraduate, graduate and doctoral programs in nursing, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

About Monica Christopher

Christopher is the inaugural president of Texas Woman’s Dallas campus. A seasoned fundraiser and community relations professional, she has served in key positions in both areas for the last 25 years, forging numerous successful private-public sector partnerships and amassing extensive experience in cultivating and stewarding major donors, grant making, program management, and public speaking. During her 15-year tenure at Dallas-based Communities Foundation of Texas, she rose to the level of senior vice president and chief giving and community impact officer, leading several teams in fundraising efforts that set new benchmarks in gifts and funds created. While at The Dallas Morning News/WFAA, she also held several positions over nearly 10 years in community relations aimed at building community engagement, raising brand awareness and coordinating charity events. Additional leadership roles for Christopher include involvement in the Dallas Regional Chamber, Dallas Summit, Junior League of Dallas, Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, and the Women’s Auxiliary at Children’s Medical Center, among other organizations.

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Media Contact

Matt FloresAssistant Vice President, University Communications940-898-3456 [email protected]

Parts of DFW see up to 2 inches of lake-effect snow

Lake effect snow is most common near the Great Lakes, but while rare in North Texas lake effect snow can happen in DFW and did happen overnight.Why the lake effect snow in Texas? Water temperatures across most North Texas lakes are still in the 40s. Cold air moving over the warmer water causes warm air with moisture to rise. When the winds are at the appropriate direction and speed (winds can`t be too strong or too light and must have a long enough fetch over the water) the lift allows for clouds to form and eventually precipitation....

Lake effect snow is most common near the Great Lakes, but while rare in North Texas lake effect snow can happen in DFW and did happen overnight.

Why the lake effect snow in Texas? Water temperatures across most North Texas lakes are still in the 40s. Cold air moving over the warmer water causes warm air with moisture to rise. When the winds are at the appropriate direction and speed (winds can`t be too strong or too light and must have a long enough fetch over the water) the lift allows for clouds to form and eventually precipitation.

As a result, areas in North Texas south of area lakes received the most snow overnight. Generally, that was southern Dallas and Tarrant counties.

Some areas saw up to 2 inches of snow.

Drier air moves into North Texas later Monday morning, ending the snow.

Your winter weather photos – Jan. 14 & 15 Snow

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Snow covered 3 year old Lottie taken by freshman at Lone Oak ISD, Colton Baker, Point, TX on his Aunt & Uncles DEW Farm!

COLD WEATHER PREPARATION

Winterizing Your HomeBefore the cold, replace worn weatherstripping on doors and windows to ensure there is a good seal. This will make sure warm air stays inside and cold air stays outside. Most modern windows are sealed inside the frame, but older windows may be sealed with a glaze that can crack and need replacing. The glaze may need to be applied above a certain temperature and it'll need time to cure -- this maintenance is ideally done in the spring or fall. Lastly, check your gutters to make sure they are clear and allow for water to flow freely to the downspout. Blocked gutters can lead to water entering the home. The Texas Department of Insurance also recommends trimming trees away from power lines, homes, and cars and checking the insulation level in attics.

Protecting Your PipesMost North Texans know to insulate their outdoor faucets, but if the cold snap is prolonged it could be a good idea to also leave inside faucets on external walls dripping overnight so that they don't freeze. The drip, drip, drip from running faucets, if heard, can be annoying, so put a sponge or towel in the sink to silently catch each drop. If you're leaving town for a few days, the Texas Department of Insurance recommends leaving cabinet doors open so that pipes on external walls are more exposed to heat. If you have pipes in an attic or crawlspace, are any other exposed pipes outdoors, they'll need insulation too. About those external faucets, disconnect hoses and insulate the valves. Wrapping valves with towels is not the best long-term solution. Most if not all North Texas hardware stores sell inexpensive exterior faucet covers made of foam that easily attach to the faucet bib in just a few seconds and do a great job protecting the pipe from freezing. If you suspect a pipe has frozen, keep the faucet open so that water can flow when it melts. Additionally, make sure you know where your main water valve is located (and how to turn it off) in the event a pipe bursts.

Bring in Your PetsEven if you have a pet or animal that normally lives or sleeps outdoors, they could be susceptible to cold, hypothermia, and pneumonia. The SPCA of Texas says if you're cold outside, odds are your pet is cold too. Bring pets inside and make sure other outdoor animals have appropriate shelter, dry and well insulated, to protect them from frigid temperatures and possible death.

Protecting Your PlantsPerennial potted plants should be brought indoors. Plants that cannot be brought inside will need to be covered. Delicate plants can be covered with sheets, blankets, or landscaping frost blankets which can trap heat. During times of extreme cold, multiple frost blankets may be used. For plants left outside, a day or two before a freeze hits, the Dallas Arboretum recommends watering the soil only by hand only, keeping the foliage dry, to insulate the plant's roots. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension has more here on how to protect plants from frosts and freezes. AgriLife also has tips on how to plant for the winter.

Turn Off Your Sprinkler SystemYou want to turn off your irrigation system for several reasons. One is that you don't want it running on its normal schedule, potentially throwing water on streets where it can freeze and be dangerous for passing cars. Second, you don't want to risk any broken pipes or valves that may come with a system that has not been winterized. To winterize your system, the city of Fort Worth recommends timers and back-flow devices both be turned off, even if you have freeze or rain sensors installed and that the main line be drained. Any pipes that are above the ground should also be insulated.

HVACMany air filters should be changed or cleaned every three months, or every season. But that's not the only winterizing needed for your HVAC system. You should have your ductwork checked regularly for holes (whether from vibration or rodents) to make sure the airflow is uninterrupted. If part of your HVAC is in the attic, it may also be home to rats, mice, and squirrels who find the warmth of the unit an ideal spot to build a nest.

Swimming PoolsEven if you have a freeze protector among your pool equipment, you'll want to look at the pump every day to make sure it's moving water through your pipes. Those pipes, too, can burst if they freeze.

BatteriesIt's always a good idea to have a supply of fresh batteries in the event they're needed for flashlights during a power outage. If you didn't replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors during daylight saving time -- now is a good time to make the switch. It's also a good idea to make sure your phone is charged so that you'll have access to timely information in the event of a power loss. Having a backup battery or power source to recharge your phone is also a good idea.

The 12 Hottest Restaurants in Dallas, January 2024

New restaurants are opening rapidly in Dallas, and this map answers the vital question, “Where are the buzziest places to eat right now?”In this month’s update of the Eater Dallas Heatmap, fall seems to be tentatively approaching. January brings a sushi place to the Design District specializing in classic treatments, a pizza spot from a fine dining chef, and a giant patio dining space in East Dallas....

New restaurants are opening rapidly in Dallas, and this map answers the vital question, “Where are the buzziest places to eat right now?”

In this month’s update of the Eater Dallas Heatmap, fall seems to be tentatively approaching. January brings a sushi place to the Design District specializing in classic treatments, a pizza spot from a fine dining chef, and a giant patio dining space in East Dallas.

For all the latest Dallas dining intel, subscribe to Eater Dallas’ newsletter.

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Eater maps are curated by editors and aim to reflect a diversity of neighborhoods, cuisines, and prices. Learn more about our editorial process. If you buy something or book a reservation from an Eater link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics policy.

Those who live in Far East Dallas know there aren’t enough good places to eat around these parts. Mike McRae, who has Table 13 in Addison and Stan’s Blue Note on Greenville, opened this bistro and it covers the gamut, food-wise. While the menu is very Texas-forward with a good dose of bar food, the mains are classic American fare: salmon, pork chop, filet mignon, halibut, and quail.

Looking for a new sushi spot? Look no further. Pearl is helmed by chef Shine Tamaoki, formerly of Nobu Dallas. He’s crafted the menu to reflect Japanese dishes and include flavor profiles from his hometown of Yamanashi, which sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Brothers Greg and Nik Katz, the former of whom is behind Beverly’s and Clifton Club, opened a casual spot for lunch and dinner, with Gulf seafood, northern oysters, cocktails and bubbly, and a giant horseshoe-shaped bar.

What is contemporary Chinese cuisine, we asked when speaking to the chefs and owners that created this new restaurant. The best answers might be found on its menu, among the American Chinese dishes that diners already know. It’s the roasted Berkshire pork char siu, crispy pastrami egg rolls, Alaskan king crab salad, and wok-fried lamb shoulder. It’s contemporary cooking done with Chinese traditional methods with flourishes to style it.

When we went to Via Triozzi before it opened for a photo shoot, we got to try several dishes. The bolognese served with tagliatelle became a dish we obsessed over. It’s that good. Owner an executive chef Leigh Hutchinson oversees a kitchen with daily house-made pasta (it makes a difference) and breads, and has crafted a menu from family recipes and her favorite tastes of Italy.

The interview with chef Matt McCallister, who developed the menu for this spot, made it sound so good. Simple food, simply done with lots of options for vegetarians and vegans. While we’re skeptical about the QR code service experience, it’s not mandatory here and a solid all-day cafe option that doesn’t break the bank is always welcome. Especially for the work from home crowd.

Looking for lunch or an early dinner in Downtown? A new option just popped up with a pair of highly pedigreed chefs. Jennie Kelley was one of the masterminds behind Frank, a must-try pop-up that ran for years in the city, and Brandon Moore who ran the kitchen at Ocean Prime. The duo previously collaborated at Better Half. Now, they’re doing a very nice lunch and what they call “aparitivo hour” food from 3 to 7 p.m., which includes Detroit-style pizza, shared plates, natural wines, local beers, and batch cocktails.

Omakase anyone? This spot in the East Quarter offers a 17-course experience in a pair of subterranean rooms that hold only 12 guests. Its an intimate eating experience, obviously, with fish flown in daily from Japan, Australia, and California. A meal costs is $165 per person, with curated sake and wine pairings available at an additional cost. A $50 deposit per person is required with a reservation.

Graham Elliot and Felipe Amenta have opened their barbecue spot in Fort Worth. But there are no paper plates, steel trays, or rolls of paper towels here — it’s strictly china, cloth napkins, and real silverware. The menu isn’t a by-the-pound structure either, it’s strictly sandwiches and entrees presented as meals and not a vehicle for meat.

Grab a slice or a sandwich at this renovated gas station turned Italian deli in Oak Cliff, courtesy of chef Chad Dolezal, who was born and raised in Dallas and moved back after years of work in fine dining, most recently in Austin. The bright and airy ambience embraces the exposed brick of the original building and outdoor seating is plentiful. It serves thin, crispy crusted pizzas with fresh ingredients that holds its form well to be leftovers when an inevitable over-order happens.

East Dallas gets a family-friendly patio spot with the newest restaurant from Jon Alexis (you know him from TJ’s Seafood, Ramble Room, and Escondido Tex-Mex Patio). Oh, and non-family folks can rejoice because this patio is big enough to include space for the adults (kid-free or not) to drink. All that, and a massive indoor dining room too. The menu has a little bit of all the American classics, from chicken sandwiches and burgers to entree-sized salads to seafood and vegan bowls to flatbreads.

The Design District lands a new sushi joint — and it’s not omakase. Shodo serves classic cuts from across representations. The menu features tataki (pounded) beef, a poke bowl, yakitori (skewered), onigri (rice balls), and handrolls, along with sashimi and nigiri bites and sushi rolls.

Those who live in Far East Dallas know there aren’t enough good places to eat around these parts. Mike McRae, who has Table 13 in Addison and Stan’s Blue Note on Greenville, opened this bistro and it covers the gamut, food-wise. While the menu is very Texas-forward with a good dose of bar food, the mains are classic American fare: salmon, pork chop, filet mignon, halibut, and quail.

Looking for a new sushi spot? Look no further. Pearl is helmed by chef Shine Tamaoki, formerly of Nobu Dallas. He’s crafted the menu to reflect Japanese dishes and include flavor profiles from his hometown of Yamanashi, which sits in the shadow of Mount Fuji.

Brothers Greg and Nik Katz, the former of whom is behind Beverly’s and Clifton Club, opened a casual spot for lunch and dinner, with Gulf seafood, northern oysters, cocktails and bubbly, and a giant horseshoe-shaped bar.

What is contemporary Chinese cuisine, we asked when speaking to the chefs and owners that created this new restaurant. The best answers might be found on its menu, among the American Chinese dishes that diners already know. It’s the roasted Berkshire pork char siu, crispy pastrami egg rolls, Alaskan king crab salad, and wok-fried lamb shoulder. It’s contemporary cooking done with Chinese traditional methods with flourishes to style it.

When we went to Via Triozzi before it opened for a photo shoot, we got to try several dishes. The bolognese served with tagliatelle became a dish we obsessed over. It’s that good. Owner an executive chef Leigh Hutchinson oversees a kitchen with daily house-made pasta (it makes a difference) and breads, and has crafted a menu from family recipes and her favorite tastes of Italy.

The interview with chef Matt McCallister, who developed the menu for this spot, made it sound so good. Simple food, simply done with lots of options for vegetarians and vegans. While we’re skeptical about the QR code service experience, it’s not mandatory here and a solid all-day cafe option that doesn’t break the bank is always welcome. Especially for the work from home crowd.

Looking for lunch or an early dinner in Downtown? A new option just popped up with a pair of highly pedigreed chefs. Jennie Kelley was one of the masterminds behind Frank, a must-try pop-up that ran for years in the city, and Brandon Moore who ran the kitchen at Ocean Prime. The duo previously collaborated at Better Half. Now, they’re doing a very nice lunch and what they call “aparitivo hour” food from 3 to 7 p.m., which includes Detroit-style pizza, shared plates, natural wines, local beers, and batch cocktails.

Omakase anyone? This spot in the East Quarter offers a 17-course experience in a pair of subterranean rooms that hold only 12 guests. Its an intimate eating experience, obviously, with fish flown in daily from Japan, Australia, and California. A meal costs is $165 per person, with curated sake and wine pairings available at an additional cost. A $50 deposit per person is required with a reservation.

Graham Elliot and Felipe Amenta have opened their barbecue spot in Fort Worth. But there are no paper plates, steel trays, or rolls of paper towels here — it’s strictly china, cloth napkins, and real silverware. The menu isn’t a by-the-pound structure either, it’s strictly sandwiches and entrees presented as meals and not a vehicle for meat.

Grab a slice or a sandwich at this renovated gas station turned Italian deli in Oak Cliff, courtesy of chef Chad Dolezal, who was born and raised in Dallas and moved back after years of work in fine dining, most recently in Austin. The bright and airy ambience embraces the exposed brick of the original building and outdoor seating is plentiful. It serves thin, crispy crusted pizzas with fresh ingredients that holds its form well to be leftovers when an inevitable over-order happens.

East Dallas gets a family-friendly patio spot with the newest restaurant from Jon Alexis (you know him from TJ’s Seafood, Ramble Room, and Escondido Tex-Mex Patio). Oh, and non-family folks can rejoice because this patio is big enough to include space for the adults (kid-free or not) to drink. All that, and a massive indoor dining room too. The menu has a little bit of all the American classics, from chicken sandwiches and burgers to entree-sized salads to seafood and vegan bowls to flatbreads.

The Design District lands a new sushi joint — and it’s not omakase. Shodo serves classic cuts from across representations. The menu features tataki (pounded) beef, a poke bowl, yakitori (skewered), onigri (rice balls), and handrolls, along with sashimi and nigiri bites and sushi rolls.

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