On Wednesday, March 31 Dallas was introduced to a new culinary event,
“Savor Mexico”.  Desperados Mexican Restaurant, known by many as a Dallas landmark,  partnered with el Consul dado de Mexico, the Universidad del Valle de Mexico in San Luis Portosi and the Texas Chefs Association to present the next course in Mexican food. Desperados has a longstanding tradition of introducing new and delectable tastes from Mexico to its legions of patrons and was proud to be a part of this cultural event. Over fifteen of the top senior students from the universidad participated in a culinary competition with dishes indigenous to their San Luis Portosi and Hausteca region. The professors, other executive chefs and celebrity judges came together to choose the top three. Over 2o0 invited guests experienced the many unique creations at the Milestone Culinary Arts Center in Dallas. In addition, a portion of the ticket sales and other donations totaled over $5,000  which went to the GAABA Scholarship Fund  

 Savor Mexico Provided

• A delight to the palate of all who attend by presenting award winning regional Mexican cuisine with all the passions associated with the Mexican culture

• Demonstrated the latest flavors and cooking techniques from the Universidad del Valle de Mexico and the GLION Institute of Switzerland

• Provided a cultural exchange between student chefs from Mexico and student chefs from the United States

• Raised money in support of the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association’s (G.A.A.B.A.) College Scholarship Fund

Wrapped Burrito Creation

Savor Mexico Appetizer

Dongkwon Shin, Emmett J. Conrad High School, will major in biomedicine at Texas A&M University; his goal is to become a doctor. Luzmaria Cuevas, North Dallas High School, will attend the University of Texas at Dallas; she plans to become an English as a Second Language teacher. Alicia Santana, Woodrow Wilson High School, will attend the University of Texas at Austin, and plans to study philosophy and journalism.

“Our association is proud to award these scholarships for the second year, providing financial assistance to three deserving high school students in our area,” said Jorge Levy, GAABA president and owner of Desperados Mexican Restaurant. “We have a commitment to higher education and take pride in giving back to the community. We feel it is important to support the Dallas ISD in its efforts to prepare the next generation for success.”

The Greenville Avenue Area Business Association, a non-profit organization comprised of more than 50 merchants, promotes business development in the area and creates general awareness programs for the community. GAABA funds scholarships from proceeds from its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

 This year, profits from the first Savor Mexico student chefs competition rounded out the fund.

GAABA Board members Jake Levy and Angela Morris with Woodrow Wilson HS winner Luzmaria Cuevas (center)

Jake Levy with Woodrow Wilson HS winner Alicia Santana

March 2, 2010

Dear Jorge and G.A.A.B.A.,

I wanted to take the time to thank you again for your generous support of our needy families during the Christmas Season.  They are always appreciative and ask that we thank you for the gift cards which allow them to have a wonderful meal at Christmas.

May God grant you and your family a prosperous year filled with joy and good health.

Sincerely,

Sandra Cortinas

Director of Business Administration

Cathedral Shrine of the Virgin of Guadalupe

There’s been a tragedy in our neighborhood today.  A fire roared through Terilli’s, Greenville Ave Bar & Grill, Hurricane and Mick’s Bar.  It devastated a beautifully historic building as well as the lives of the people that were committed to the businesses within.  Fire is relentless and unmerciful and we are all thankful that no one was injured throughout this heartbreak.  But the realities of this catastrophe are just beginning.  We are pulling together as a community and helping the employees and staff of these businesses and we invite you to do the same. 

Please donate to the Restaurant Employees Relief Fund at your local BB&T branch, Branch Banking & Trust.

The Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Parade is as much a Dallas tradition as Neiman Marcus, the Dallas Cowboys and the State Fair.  This parade is over three decades old and is steeped in history and revelry.  As a matter of fact St. Patrick’s Day is more than just a parade on Greenville Ave.; it’s a whole day of fun and festivities.  But I digress.  The parade is why we are here. 

The parade is the life blood behind the Greenville Avenue Area Business Association’s College Scholarship Fund.  Yes I said scholarship fund.  For years our little “neighborhood” parade had been growing, and growing.  Now we are the largest St. Patrick’s Parade in the Southwest and we seriously rival the parades in places such as New York, Chicago, Boston and Philadelphia.  But we are in serious trouble.

 The costs have risen to enormous proportions, the police being the major increase.  Our fair city has doubled the number of police in a span of the last five years.  “More people equal more police.”  A reasonable assumption but our boys in blue make up more than half of our TOTAL budget.  This is staggering.  Other costs have risen with the evolution and now we are in need of some help. 

 Come out and help “Save the Parade.”  G.A.A.B.A. has come up with the perfect solution, a Happy Hour!  Every Friday, leading up to the parade, one of the local Greenville Ave. establishments will host a Save the Parade Happy Hour.  Enjoy great drink specials, prizes, games, food and the satisfaction of doing your small part in Saving Your Parade.  We will not give up the fight.  Details in the calendar section of this website and in the Dallas Observer.  Erin Go Bragh!

If you are a member of GAABA, we have created a number of ways for you to benefit from the website. You can blog, add to the calendar and create a member profile. We’ve created a few videos to show you step-by-step how to use the site.

Once you’ve received your log-in and password, you’ll be able to do all of these things.

Set Up Your Profile

Post on the GAABA Blog

Add Events to the GAABA Calendar

Upload Pictures to the GAABA Image Gallery

Crime Report for the Greenville Area of Dallas:
Crime report 09 SECTOR 210

GAABA AREA 2009 Crime Report

Hey guys – we’re offering some great specials for GAABA members this month. Feel free to stop by or call today to see how we can help you with your personal and business financial needs.

• Merchant Services “Meet or Beat” offer - If we can’t meet or beat your current rate, you’ll receive a $200 dollar Visa gift card.  
• Colonial Choice @ Work – offering you and your employees special discounts on mortgages and other bank services. Call today to schedule your free on-site visit!
• We’re offering very compeitive rates on Money Market and CDs - call or stop by to get the latest details.
• Ask us about our FREE Business Checking and our Freedom Checking account that gives you cash back and rewards FREE!

Call or stop by today – we value your business we take pride in knowing each and every one of our customers by name. Come see why we promise “you’ll like it here!”

Angela Morris
Branch Manager – Greenville Ave.
GAABA Treasurer
2724 Greenville Ave.
(214) 874-7500

Hey everyone, this year’s parade, although a little chilly was a rousing success.  Thanks to all who participated.  If there are any comments or suggestions please let us know as we want every year to be better than the last.

Jorge Levy

GAABA President