shopping Archives | Victory Park

Victory Park has been home to the Medina Oven & Bar since 2007. When selecting his restaurant’s location, Sam Benoikken carefully sought out his storefront, looking for a space in an area he loved and was backed by a strong community of people and businesses. Lucky for us, Sam found that in Victory Park and has been a neighborhood favorite ever since.

It had always been a dream for Sam Benoikken to open a Moroccan restaurant. At the age of 16, he moved to America to make his dream a reality. Sam spent years learning the hospitality industry and gained 20 years of food and beverage experience with high-end dining. Sam also received his Bachelor of Science in hotel and restaurant management.

When it came to Medina Oven & Bar, Sam always emphasized the importance of service, creativity, and impeccable quality for the casual-chic restaurant. He brought a sense of authenticity without losing focus on creating a sophisticated ambiance.

When not hard at work, Sam enjoyed spending time with his wife, Susan. He also had a deep passion for soccer. If Susan was too busy to watch a match, he could always count on their cat, Firk, to be his loyal companion. Sharing more than the love of sports, Susan brought a passion for music and animals into their marriage. Susan hopes to one day be able to start her own passion project, an animal rescue.

At the end of 2019, Sam Benoikken passed away unexpectedly, leaving Medina Oven & Bar in the care of his loving wife. As Susan continues to uphold his legacy, there have been many challenges along the way, naming COVID as the most recent obstacle. With the support of her family and friends, Susan has been able to keep the restaurant open and continues to serve the community.

She credits Victory Park as being a “wonderful community of people.” During the day, Susan tries to find time to sit outside by the fountain to watch all of the different people going by. It’s from this spot that she can see what her husband saw so many years ago: a place where people live and gather to enjoy great food, drinks, music and activities.

The word Medina, by definition, refers to the “center of the city” in Morocco. Sam wanted to provide Dallas and the Metroplex something of value: a restaurant that blends innovation with tradition. Guests feel transported to another world while they experience the savory cuisine and sensual music that make up what some consider to be the center of Dallas’ restaurant scene.

Since taking sole ownership, Susan has made the executive decision to increase focus on to-go and delivery services. She teases that Medina has a few new and exciting things coming down the line and encourages guests to keep an eye on the restaurant’s website and social channels for updates and events for the near future.

You can support Sam’s legacy by taking on a lively and enriched dining experience at Medina Oven & Bar.

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and you’ve shown your love for your Dad via personalized golf balls, unnecessary new tools to complicate drinking beer or whiskey, the latest in fishing gear, a tie, BBQ equipment, and the list goes on. It’s a tried and true recipe to make him smile. Why not mix it up this year by Giving Dad a victorious weekend! Here’s our guide to Father’s Day in Victory Park!

7 Ways Victory Park will make Father’s Day special:

Get Fit

If you’re a family that enjoys being active, plan your own 5k fun run. Get creative with a special medal for Dad and bestow it during a closing ceremony. Etsy has plenty of dad-approved, punny medals that can be shipped out just in time. Don’t forget that a fun run isn’t the same without the recovery beers the Katy Trail and the Trinity Strand Trail have convenient stops right at Victory Park to walk over and kick back with an ice-cold beer (A Texas summer must!). If your preference is an indoor workout, don’t count out a fun fitness class with Orangetheory or Classic Pilates!

Skip the Grill

Photo Credit: Rathbun Curbside BBQ

This year, give Dad a well-deserved break from grilling and attend a pop-up BBQ event hosted by celebrity chef Kent Rathbun. Due to the limited quantity and high demand, it is advised that you pre-order your Father’s Day feast online. Everyone is guaranteed to leave satisfied as Rathbun’s unique menus have attracted both local and national acclaim. The grill is hot, pre-order BBQ for easy pick-up in front of Imoto Dallas this Friday, June 19th, from 4 – 7 PM! Don’t miss out on the Early Bird Special by ordering before June 17th to receive 10% off! Order here!

Respect the Man Cave

Photo Credit: Read Between The Lines

Where does your Dad spend the most time? Does he have a home office, man cave, or another special place? You are sure to find the perfect gift at Read Between The Lines, like a Texas state letterpress, some visually appealing playing cards, or even a new art addition to be displayed in his favorite place. This way, he can always be reminded of how much you love him. Read Between the Lines’ created a perfectly curated Father’s Day collection if you are not sure what to get him.

Dad Jokes for Days

It seems like dads live to embarrass their kids, and honestly, we’re here for it! We love to see a good, friendly dad troll on Instagram – especially when they’re trying to recreate their kids’ photos. For 21st century memories, grab a few fun conceptions and have free range to create your goofiest Instagram/Tik Tok moments. Dads can learn new tricks, they’ve been watching your Tik Toks dances during quarantine and are dying to be included! Bonus: as you laugh the day away, you will be making tangible memories to last a lifetime! You also never know when it could help to have a goofy photo of your father lying around…

Give Dad an Escape

It’s no secret that 2020 has provided us all with lots of quality time, but some might even say too much quality time. Whether you’re brainstorming for your father or the father of your kids, the thing that the man in your life might be wanting most is some time away. Trade the ‘Honey Do List’ in for a day pass to W Dallas – Victory. This will give him a chance to grab a book and spend time relaxing and unwinding while taking in the gorgeous city views. Oh yeah, did we mention that the day pass includes unlimited access to the famous, heated, rooftop pool, poolside food and drink service, and wifi? What a way to spend the day!

A Puzzle for Dads

For the Dad that loves puzzles, give him a challenge at Escapology Dallas! With many themed rooms to choose from at varying levels, the whole family can put their minds to the test. Which family member will lead the team to escape?!

Keep it Simple

Sometimes simple is best. One thing that people everywhere have in common is the love of food. This makes Victory Park the best place to celebrate Father’s Day! With so many incredible options to choose from, Dad is almost guaranteed to head home, feeling full of both love and food. Some of the most popular dad-approved cuisines include brunch at Dibs, a long-bone pork chop from Billy Can Can, tacos from Mesero, any treat from Sift + Pour, and so much more! Find a full list of dining options in Victory Park here.

For the Sweetest Dads

How many times have you caught your Dad sneaking the last dessert in the house? This Father’s Day weekend get out of the house for a sweet treat. Whatever your Dad’s favorite dessert is, Victory Park has an array of handmade delectables to fit the bill. If you are looking for baked goods, Victory Park has tons of options like Sift + Pour and Café Victoria. Remember the childhood ice cream outings on a summer evening? Return the favor and treat your Dad to a cone at the newly opened Aqua S.

There is no wrong way to celebrate Father’s Day. The most important part is to take the weekend to tell your dad or father figure in your life just how much they mean to you.

From the Victory Park team, wishing you a Happy Father’s Day!

We know it’s hard giving up your annual family beach vacation, camping trips, climbing adventures, and weekends at the lake, but all hope is not lost! While not as distant as you might have hoped, staycations can be a great way to let yourself relax and spend time with those you love. Better yet, Victory Park has a diverse selection of restaurants, shops, and trails that you can get lost in.

Need some more inspiration? Here’s your complete guide to a weekend staycation in Victory Park.

Friday:

Check-in to your room at the W Dallas – Victory Hotel

Photo Credit: W Hotel Dallas

We know you’ve been eager to tiptoe around a pool and escape your own home again. The W Dallas – Victory Hotel is a luxury hotel perfectly located within walking distance to anything you could want. Even better, pets are welcome! (click here for weekend deal availability)

After checking-in, take some time to settle into your room and explore what the hotel has to offer. Soak in the beautiful city views and get lost exploring the fabulous art adorning the halls.

Eat until your heart’s content

Photo credit: Hero By HGSPLY

It’s fine, we all do it. We go on vacation, and we EAT! We eat like nobody is watching! No salads, no small portions. We go on vacation to relax and enjoy ourselves, and that means eating what we want to. Wonderful food creations can be found both inside and outside the hotel, including W Living Room if you want drinks and small plates and at Cook Hall, if you’re looking for a more filling meal. Venturing out of your home for the weekend will yield delicious and memorable experiences. Newly opened, Mot Hai Ba gives you a taste of Vietnam in an exciting modern interpretation of French-Vietnamese cuisine, no plane or passport needed!

If the weather is nice, we suggest going for an evening stroll to dinner or out for a drink. Exploring the city under the lights, can tie a bow on the perfect evening. Just walking two blocks down, you will pass over ten restaurants, including Billy Can Can, Mesero, Imoto, Dibs on Victory, Burgundy Swine Wine Bar, Jinya Ramen, and more! While you’re out, explore the neighborhood and have fun window shopping.

Saturday:

Go out for a light breakfast

Photo Credit: Cafe Victoria

Just a few steps away is the treasured neighborhood coffee shop, Cafe Victoria. Get a strong start to your day with your choice of a coffee beverage or the ever-popular matcha latte and a savory baked good. Before you leave, don’t forget to get your 4-legged friend a CapPOOCHino.

Photo Credit: Read Between the Lines

What could be a better way to wrap up a vacation than some retail therapy? Victory Park has many shops for you to find something for yourself or a friend. From Read Between The Lines, V.O.D. Boutique, Simply Elegant Dallas, and The Hangar, you must hit them all.

Rehydrate and restore

Photo Credit: Freshii

After exploring new parts of Dallas and stretching your legs, it’s time to rehydrate and care for your body. Start by picking up a vitamin-packed snack at Feed Me Pronto or at Freshii. Then head back to the hotel for a shower and a power nap. However, you won’t want to nap too long, or else you might miss your appointment at Joanna Czech! Located right next to your hotel, you’ll enter into an afternoon of heaven with signature services like individualized facial treatments, exclusive LED skin therapies and aesthetic services by private appointment.

Escape reality

You’ve dined, explored, and relaxed. Now it’s time to turn your staycation into an adventure. Take your chances and see if you have what it takes to crack the codes, find hidden clues, and solve the puzzle in a 60-minute, adrenalin pumping Escapology game. You’re guaranteed an amazing experience and fun memories to enjoy with your family for years to come, but we can’t promise your escape.

Sunday:

Sleep in and take your time

The last day of any vacation is always bittersweet. You likely don’t have far to travel, so why rush off? Go ahead and request a late check-out, sleep in, and take your time getting ready. After a nice long, hot shower, you can check out and pack up your car. Don’t get too sad, turning over the keys, though, because being out of the hotel doesn’t mean your vacation is over.

Hit the trails

Photo Credit: Katy Trail

Spend Sunday basking in the outdoors, re-discover Dallas on one of the most popular trailheads in town, The Katy Trail. No matter your style of exercise, whether you’re a casual walker, a rollerblader, training for a 5K, or a hobby cyclist, anyone can enjoy the 3.5-mile path. Feel like you’ve been transported out of the city and into a nature oasis.

Family Sundaes

If you’re the type that typically brings souvenirs back from trips for loved ones, It’Sugar is the perfect place to find fun oversized candy and sweets sure to light up the face of the person who watered your plants. When you’re finished shopping, treat the family to a sundae from Aqua S before grabbing road snacks at 7-Eleven and heading home!

Staycations can be just as relaxing and fun as any vacation. But staycations have an added bonus, you don’t have to worry about your vacation finds not fitting in your suitcase to go back home or the travel time to get back to your front door. What will you do for your staycation?