As host of KNON 89.3 FM's Tuesday Morning Blend, Nil Ferrin knows a thing or two about Dallas. With over a decade of experience in radio, Nil gained experience across Texas and Oklahoma at UTD TV, KERA and KVSP before graduating from UTD in 2016. When she's not on-air, she can be found hanging with her barmaster hubby Daniel (AKA Charlie Tips) and kid, or her three very attached pets. You can catch Nil every Tuesday on her Dallas Observer Music Award-nominated radio show/podcast "The Tuesday Morning Blend" from 7 to 9 a.m. weekly as she interviews local artists. Hanging with creatives is her thing and she knows a thing or two about live music. This Dallas local is way into the local culture and that includes the plethora of restaurants and shops we have to offer. Read on for her Best In Dallas list!
"I am first generation Afghan American, so Afghan food is my comfort food," Nil told us. "I find myself at Nora on Lower Greenville anytime I have a special occasion or just have a craving for my type of home cooking. Every time I’m there I want to order the whole menu because it all looks so delicious!" Off the Afghan bistro's eclectic menu, Nil recommends the Bulanee pastries, Mantoo dumplings and Kofta Chalao meatballs. She insists a rooftop table with a view and the restaurant's fresh craft cocktails.
Cocktail Culture: Parker Barrow's
This Bishop Arts eatery turns out craft beer, delicious cocktails and sandwiches, delicatessen-style. Nil's favorite spot is where her husband works, Parker and Barrow's. "Right now I'm stuck on their Paloma!" she exclaimed. "It tastes like grapefruit-flavored lemonade with a little bit of fizz...so good!"
Artistic Addiction: Photographer Breonny Lee
"She is an amazing photographer," Nil told us of her friend and colleague Breonny Lee. "She runs live stream and does most of the visuals for our show and her music photography is some of the best I've seen! She has this fantastic way of working with light and capturing movement in her images." The radio personality feels lucky to have a live mini concert from local artists every week at her office.
This Deep Ellum neighborhood swap shop is overflowing with collectibles, antiques, toys and a huge selection of vintage vinyl. "B4 has everything!" Nil told us. "From vintage toys to records to glassware...it has it all."
Brain Candy: Main Street District Walking Tour
A true fan of our city's history, Nil loves the Dallas Center for Architecture's open-to-the-public walking tours of Main Street. "It was like a dream come true," she told us of the 90-minute tours of local buildings from the 1890's to the present day. "You get to learn all about the history of buildings downtown. It’s fascinating!" Tours are held on the first and third Saturdays of each month at the ceremonial entrance to the Dallas Museum of Art (Flora and Harwood) rain or shine.
"Something that definitely captures the heart of this city is KNON," Nil stated. "Every part of Dallas is represented at this radio station!" The listener-supported radio station is held near to Nil's heart for many reasons, one being that its volunteer-run with local DJs playing their favorite tunes daily. "In just one day you can hear country, blues, rock, hip hop, Tejano, Jazz, Gospel, and sometimes more! It really is wonderful."
Image 1 courtesy of Breonny Lee. Image 2 courtesy of Wikipedia. Image 3 courtesy of Brick & Vine. Image 4 courtesy of Breonny Lee of Wanz Dover. Image 4 courtesy of Chester County Ramblings. Image 5 courtesy of Comerica. Image 6 courtesy of Sarah Sellers.