We love a list, and a (Secret) Local List is even better. Today, DFW Style Daily’s exclusive series continues with shopping, dining, and entertainment picks from a trendsetting young philanthropist.

As the founder of the Dallas Autumn Ball, Adam Kraus is a champion for our city’s kids, but before becoming a hometown hero, he was better known as a hockey star at Boston University. Channeling his sports expertise to develop a game-changing approach to giving back, the Irving native returned to Texas to launch his first philanthropic initiative.  

On mission to demystify Big D’s famously exclusive charity circuit, Kraus (pictured above, left, with Mayor Mike Rawlings) created a uniquely inclusive black tie ball in 2013. He successfully rallied young peers in support of the Dallas Education Foundation’s Project: Amplify, raising more than $20,000 for at-risk, struggling students. The second annual Dallas Autumn Ball will rock Hotel ZaZa on November 7, but before the soirée gets underway, Kraus is revealing the happenings and hot spots that’ll fill his social calendar this season.  

  Foodie Favorite: A regular at one of Greenville Avenue’s most desirable dining destinations, Kraus reveals, “I’m a big fan of HG Supply Co. Everything they serve is so fresh and healthy, and the rooftop offers a terrific view of downtown."  

Go-To Boutique: “Too many people rely on an overtly undone definition of ‘cool,’ but I want to bring back the bygone era when taking pride in your appearance was considered a sign of respect,” asserts today’s trendsetter. “Accordingly, I often head to Malouf’s in Southlake, as they always have great designer finds for men and women.”  

  Artistic Addiction: An avid collector of work by Dallas-based creatives, Kraus enthuses, “I recently bought my first piece by local artist Caleb Jack at the Artisan’s Collective in the Bishop Arts District. I don’t apply a technical perspective when choosing art, as I believe the beauty of any work is indeed in the eye of the beholder!”  

Best Buys: “Blownaway is by far the ‘best buy’ I’ve discovered lately,” notes Kraus of Dallas’ hot new on-demand blowout service. “I think the on-call hair and makeup concept is truly genius.”  

  I Heart Dallas: Kraus, a self-professed live music lover, frequently treats friends to local shows. He concludes, “I really enjoy catching a great performance at the Granada Theater or venturing into Deep Ellum for concerts and dinner, since more and more great restaurants seem to be popping up there!”       Adam Kraus and Mayor Mike Rawlings photo, credit Kaltenbach Photography. Additional images via individual restaurants and retailers.