IN THE KITCHEN WITH MasterChef Junior Contestant (and Entrepreneur & Actress)
KRISTELL AGUILAR
ALSO FEATURING CUTE PUPS ADOPTED IN AUSTIN, INTERVIEWS WITH ANDY RODDICK, LAUREN ZIMA & MORE
For the Kids...
You don’t need a crystal ball to see that 11-year-old Kristell Aguilar has a bright, successful future ahead. She’s the kind of kid who makes nearly any adult think, “I should be doing more.” A triple threat entrepreneur, chef and actress, the young Austinite has a business baking and selling individually wrapped “Kristell’s Brownies” (that are sold at her family’s food truck Ensenda ATX), she took her cheffing skills to “Masterchef Junior” earlier this year and started summer as an actress in a locally shot short film.
Kristell’s fortunate to have the privilege of two generations of strong women, her mother and grandmother, guiding her. Oftentimes, kids have to find role models and support outside the family. Thankfully, Austin has dozens of charities successfully working towards improving the lives of kids, providing everything from mental health tools to after school activities. Inside we chat with Andy Roddick about his namesake foundation that has been serving Austin kids in Texas for more than 24 years! And, we talk to Lauren Zima about the camp she’s working to bring to Austin to help children dealing with grief after losing a parent or sibling.
We also share stories of four-legged kids saved by city shelters and local rescues before being adopted by big-hearted pet parents. As the mom of two rescue dogs, I’m filled with overwhelming love and gratitude daily due to the unconditional love from my furry kids. I think they know you saved them from a potentially worse fate. If you’re considering adding a pet to your family, which I can’t recommend enough, consider saving a life from one of the many rescue organizations in Austin, many of which are currently overpopulated. If you have your heart set on a specific breed, google it and you’ll probably be surprised to find there’s a dedicated rescue for nearly every one of them.
Hope you enjoy the last days of summer and we’ll see you back in September for the Style Issue!
Cheers,
JENNIFER BIRN, EDITOR @AUSTINLIFESTYLEMAGAZINE
August 2024
PUBLISHER
Joe Kerby | joe.kerby@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Jennifer Birn | jennifer.birn@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Stephanie Coultress O'Neill
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Doug Still
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Mary Albers
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
GRAND OPENING
January 3, 2024
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city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Made In Cookware launched an Outdoor Dining Collection, also available in Harbour Blue and Stone Grey 2: The Marigold Yellow collection pays homage to the pool at the Commodore Perry Estate 3: Guests at the launch party experience CPE's new menu items served on Made In Cookware 4: Lizy Levy leaves the Round Top Film Festival announcement party with a swag bag 5: Shanna and Skylar Schanen, the mother/ daughter duo behind the creation of the Round Top Film Festival. 6: Guests at the Round Top Film Festival pool party at Commodore Perry Estate 7: Brendon Rooney, Christy Carlson Romano, Shonnery Pettit and Katerina Cotroneo at the RTFF event at CPE
Want to be seen in the magazine?
ALEX MONTOYA
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photo credit: Megan Bucknall
Rescued BEST FRIENDS
SAVE A DOG AND GIVE THEM (AND MAYBE YOU!) A NEW LEASE ON LIFE, LIKE THESE AUSTINITES…
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
2. Priscilla Pugsley, Save an Angel
1. Ralph, SNIPSA (Spay Neuter Inject Project of San Antonio).
3. Benny/Cocker Spaniel Rescue of San Antonio and Austin
Austin’s animal shelters are in crisis, putting our place as the biggest no-kill dog city in the country at-risk. Full of parks, hiking trails, restaurants and outdoor patios that not only allow, but often cater to dogs, Austin is also one of the most dog-friendly places on the planet. And, there’s a rescue for nearly every breed. I can honestly say rescuing my two dogs has changed my life for the better more than I could ever articulate. Dogs often somehow know you saved their life, and their love and gratitude is infinite. These rescue parents agree.
1. RALPH WOLSKI: Jen and Matt Wolski rescued Ralph from SNIPSA (Spay Neuter Inject Project of San Antonio). Jen says, “Ralph is the most amazing companion; he has brought us incredible comfort in a year when our two dogs passed away. With his overbite, scruffy coat, and quirky personality, he makes us laugh every day. We couldn't imagine a world without him!”
2. MISS PRISCILLA PUGSLEY was rescued by Dani Dudek of SpilltheATX from Save an Angel New Year’s Day 2023. Dani tells us, “On Christmas in 2022 I decided I was lonely and needed to add to my fur family (I already had a 12-year-old tabby cat). On the rare occasion I would look at available rescues on Petfinder I would only search
Pomeranian, Maltese and Yorkie. For some reason, I decided this time to add pug to the mix. A picture came up of a skinny little pug with one eye and I was smitten. January 1 she came for a "trial" stay and never left. She's turned my single independent life upside down and I wouldn't have it any other way!”
3. SIR BENNY was rescued by Jen Birn (this author) and Doug Still January 2023 from Cocker Spaniel Rescue of San Antonio and Austin. We rescued him at one-yearold. About six months later, he got early onset glaucoma and we had to remove both of his eyeballs to alleviate the pain, but he’s still the happiest, most affectionate guy who surprises us daily with how adept he is at navigating the world.
5. Luna, Austin Pet’s Alive
6. Lando/Love-a-Bull
8. Sonal, Max & Mark, Classic Canines
7. Luke from Jack Jack's Pack
4. Oso/Final Frontier
4. OSO was adopted from Final Frontier. His owner says, “Oso is such a sweet boy! He is getting the love and attention he’s always wanted his entire life, and we have a new cuddle bug. He’s living a much happier life now, and so are we with him a part of our family.”
5. LUNA: Manja Obid adopted beautiful Luna from Austin Pets Alive. She says, “She was five months old and the last of the three siblings that got adopted. She is so loved and spends most of her time belly up like this.”
6. LANDO: Brian and Bryce adopted Lando from Love-a-Bull, a volunteer-run organization dedicated to rescue, education, and advocacy to improve the lives and image of pit bull-type dogs. His owners said, “Lando has been the perfect addition to the family! As soon as we saw him we had to give him a home. He’s so loving and cuddly, and absolutely exhausts our other dog Boba because they play nonstop!”
7. LUKE: Luke was rescued from Jack Jack's Pack. We’re told this poor pup was dumped in the streets and in a boarding facility for seven months. Jack Jack’s Pack visited him daily for weeks to help build his confidence around humans because he wasn’t even able to be touched due to fear. He went into foster for one month, got adopted and is now a completely domesticated and loving dog.
8. MAX: Sonal and Mark rescued senior dog Max through Classic Canines, a sub-group of volunteers at Austin Animal Shelter focused on displaced senior dogs. Max was found tied up at a park and spent 3 months at the shelter. Sonal and Mark share, “We chose Max because he was an urgent need dog at the time. After one month, we knew we couldn’t give him up and adopted him. Max is now 11.5 years old and thriving.
WATCH THIS GIRL
‘Masterchef Junior’ contestant/entrepreneur/actress Kristell Aguilar dreams big, works hard and is just getting started
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY DOUG STILL
Some may recognize Kristell Aguilar as the sweet face that often peers out of her family’s food truck Ensenada ATX, run by her grandmother and aunt with help from her mom, Christina. It opened in East Austin neighboring Cuantos Tacos about two years ago, when Kristell, her mom and grandmother moved from Mexico to Austin. It was through the food truck Kristell connected with local food bloggers who inspired and encouraged her to start her own food blog, documenting all her culinary adventures.
We learned about Kristell when she appeared as a contestant on Season 9 of “Masterchef Junior” earlier this year. She was 10-years-old. We met her, her grandmother and her mom at Ensenada ATX where we sampled Ensenada’s homemade, individually-wrapped ‘Kristell’s Brownies” that mix Kristell’s passions for cooking and being an entrepreneur. They’re not to be missed! We then joined her at a family friend’s house, where she made the Austin Lifestyle team her delicious Fresh Tuna Tostadas. Between bites, we chatted with this tenacious preteen about her experience on the show, where she has her sights set for the future, advice for other kids with a passion, and more.
HOW WAS YOUR EXPERIENCE ON “MASTERCHEF JUNIOR”?
The process was so much fun! It was such a great experience and I really enjoyed it. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART?
I met so many new friends and obviously got to meet the world’s most known chef Gordon Ramsey and his daughter Tilly Ramsey.
WHAT WAS THE HARDEST PART?
Saying goodbye to all my new friends.
WHAT’S SOMETHING YOU LEARNED FROM BEING ON THE SHOW?
One of the most important lessons I learned from being on this show is to never give up. Even when
things don’t go your way, always face challenges with your head held high and be proud of how far you’ve come.
DID A LOT OF YOUR FRIENDS AT SCHOOL WATCH?
Yes! My teachers were so supportive as well as my classmates.
HOW DID YOU START COOKING?
Thanks to my mom’s passion for food and our family’s roots in the food industry, I’ve always been involved in the kitchen. I started helping mommy in the kitchen as well as cooking with my grandma, making flour tortillas, when I was about three to four-years-old.
WAS YOUR FAMILY INVOLVED IN RESTAURANTS
PRIOR TO ENSENADA ATX?
Yes, my mommy had a restaurant in Mexico and supported my dad in running two food trucks in San Diego. Now we have my grandma’s food truck and my mommy has her own startup salsa company called Ensenada Salsas, which specializes in Salsa Macha.
HOW DID THINGS TRANSITION FROM COOKING WITH YOUR FAMILY TO COOKING ON YOUR OWN?
I started cooking on my own because I love food. Whenever I went places, I thought, I can make that at home! Sometimes, I just wanted to make food for my mommy and bring it to her in bed. I loved making her pancakes, bacon and eggs in the mornings. I also loved baking cupcakes and taking them to my neighbors’ houses. Creating dishes I saw on Instagram or TikTok and giving them my own touch was always a fun challenge for me.
DO YOU USE RECIPE BOOKS OR MAKE UP YOUR OWN RECIPES?
Both. I love seeing new recipes on Instagram or TikTok and I also love learning from my mommy. I enjoy creating my own little recipes with whatever we have at home. CONTINUED >
FRESH TUNA TOSTADA RECIPE
Ingredients:
• Fresh tuna
• 2 limes (juice)
• Soy sauce
• Salt
• 1 avocado
• 1 corn tostada
• 1 red onion
• Distilled white vinegar
• Pepper
• Salsa Macha
• Shiitake mushrooms
• Sesame oil
Directions:
1. Avocado Mix: Smash the avocado with the juice of one lime and salt to taste. Set aside.
2. Pickled Onions: Thinly slice the red onion. Let the slices sit in distilled white vinegar with a pinch of salt and pepper to pickle for at least an hour.
3. Marinated Tuna: Slice the fresh tuna into small pieces. Let it marinate with the juice of the remaining lime, a splash of soy sauce, and a pinch of salt. Set aside.
4. Cook the shiitake mushrooms in a pan with sesame oil. Add a splash of lime juice and salt to taste. Cook until tender and set aside.
5. Assembly:
• Spread the avocado mix evenly over the corn tostada.
• Add the marinated tuna on top of the avocado spread.
• Top with cooked shiitake mushrooms.
• Garnish with pickled onions.
• Drizzle with Salsa Macha.
*I chose to make Tuna Tostadas today because the city where I grew up in Mexico Ensenada BC is a port known for its seafood, so I grew up eating a lot of seafood dishes. One of my favorites is the tuna tostada, which is a popular dish there.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT COOKING?
One of the things I enjoy most about cooking and food is that it brings people together. We love spending time together as a family and cooking. I always love having pizza or empanada challenges with my Tío Greg. It makes everything so much fun and it creates great memories.
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN BAKING BROWNIES?
The past three to four years, but it has been two years since I started selling my brownies at Ensenada ATX consistently.
WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO MAKE BROWNIES FOR ENSENADA?
One day while helping my Nana I noticed there were no desserts on her menu and I suggested adding desserts. People love them after a meal. She said she didn't have time for that right then so I asked if I could make brownies to sell.
WHAT MAKES YOUR BROWNIES UNIQUE?
My brownies stand out because I give them my own unique twist. I bake some with peanut butter and walnuts with marshmallow. I also have specialties like Gansito with strawberry jam and Choco roll with pineapple jam. I strive to keep changing up the flavors to offer a variety of options.
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM AFTER HIGH SCHOOL?
I love cooking and the food industry surrounds me. After high school, I definitely want to have my own company. I would also love to be a TV host in the food industry because I'm passionate about learning how food is made, trying new dishes and meeting people who create wonderful food. I also have a passion for acting and modeling and would like to be a Gucci model one day.
YOU’VE STARTED ACTING, CAN YOU SHARE ANYTHING ABOUT ANY PROJECTS YOU HAVE COMING UP?
I have always been interested in acting and modeling. They’re passions of mine I'm eager to explore further. I filmed a short film this summer with an Austin writer/director which is an opportunity I'm incredibly thankful for. It's an amazing chance for me to pursue my dreams in acting and embrace new opportunities.
DO YOU HAVE ADVICE FOR OTHER KIDS ON PURSUING THEIR PASSIONS?
Yes, to always pursue your dreams and believe in yourself. It's important to have goals to work for, but never forget to be kind and grateful.
QUICK FIRE:
FAVORITE FOOD Tacos!
FAVORITE THING TO COOK Pizza
FAVORITE FAMOUS CHEF Nick DiGiovanni
FAVORITE AUSTIN RESTAURANTS
Nixta Taqueria, Discada, Veracruz Fonda, Bacalar, Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum, David’s Doughi’s Bagels and of course, Ensenada ATX
FAVORITE THING TO DO (BESIDES COOKING) Travel with my mommy, play with my friends, Roblox , make jewelry and watch my favorite TV shows.
FAVORITE TV SHOWS: “Hannah Montana” & “Raven’s Home”
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EXPERIENCE CAMPS PROVIDE FUN, SUPPORT AND MORE FOR GRIEVING CHILDREN
Lauren Zima Wants ExCamps in Texas
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
“
The fun and community of a camp environment makes grief a little easier and kids more comfortable and open to healing.
Experience Camps are no-cost one-week overnight summer camps for grieving children who have lost a parent, sibling or primary caregiver. They empower kids with coping skills to help them move forward with their lives. Lauren Zima, who along with husband Chris Harrison is co-hosting a new show for Dr. Phil McGraw’s Merit Street Media, lost her dad in 2010 when she was 22-years-old, a devastating loss she’s shared publicly on social media. On one of these occasions Lauren told Austin Lifestyle a woman reached out and told her about ExCamps. That was May 2023. Today ExCamps has become a significant part of Lauren’s life.
“It felt like the cause I’d been looking for,” she says. “I’d always wanted a way to honor my dad, but hadn’t found the right organization. This felt perfect because the hardest thing about losing my dad was how young my siblings and I were; our youth was shattered, and in many ways, our family broken. I got in touch with ExCamps immediately and told them I wanted to be involved. They were sweet and asked if I wanted to come do a visit, and I said, ‘Well, I hope this doesn’t sound weird - but I’d love to come be a counselor!’ If I’m going to be involved in something, I want to fully understand it. They fit me in and I volunteered for a week as a counselor at the Maine location, Camp Somerset. It was life-changing. After that week I told them I wanted to do all I could to help. I’m now on the board and my goal is to get a camp in Texas! There is so much need here: 1 out of every 14 children in Texas will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18 - that’s 536,000 kids. In the last 5 years, ExCamps has seen a 300% increase in applications from Texas. Grief support resources are generally hard to find or overbooked, and in many small towns in Texas, they’re nonexistent.”
Lauren says day-to-day is like a traditional summer camp with activities like soccer, water sports, art, scavenger hunts, tug-of-war and meals in the dining hall. The evening campfires are where they deviate. “They’re beautifully emotional times where the kids have the opportunity to speak about the person they lost and share and support each other.” She continues, “The fun and community of a camp environment makes grief a little easier and kids more comfortable and open to healing. Grief is something we’ll all go through, yet we don’t learn about it in school, and even adults feel uncomfortable talking about it, so it’s tough for kids. But, the campers call this ‘the best week ever,’ because it’s the one time a year when everyone they’re around understands the life-altering pain they’re going through and where their pain can be met with a shared experience, an ease, and a lot of joy.”
Sara Deren founded ExCamps in 2009 and currently has seven locations nationally.
“Six million children in the U.S. will experience the death of a parent or sibling by the time they turn 18. That’s 1 in 12 kids,” she says, adding, “Most of them would tell you they feel like they are the only ones going through it. One camper described it as feeling like he was in a fishbowl. He could see people outside the fishbowl, but he couldn’t talk to them or connect with them. At camp, he told us, everyone is in the fishbowl together.“
Lauren is currently spearheading fundraising to open a camp in Texas. Her goal is to raise $1 million for the Texas camp to open in 2026. That $1 million would keep the location open and fully serving the kids of Texas for five years. Learn more at https://experiencecamps.org/
MORE GOOD causes doing for kids
SPOTLIGHTING THE ANDY RODDICK FOUNDATION, TKC, AUSTIN ANGELS, VERY RARY
AUSTIN CONTEMPORARY & CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Andy Roddick and Brooklyn Decker with Megan and Lee Maen, Photo by: by Tyler Schmitt, courtesy of ARF
Andy Roddick founded The Andy Roddick Foundation (ARF) in 2000, at the age of 17. It’s since raised over $20 million dollars and helped tens of thousands of Austin kids. We had a chat with him at the ARF Casino Night that doubled as grand opening of BOA Steakhouse.
WHAT WAS THE INITIAL INSPIRATION BEHIND STARTING ARF?
When your heroes are doing cool stuff, when your idol is Agassi and you see that he’s transformed an entire side of Vegas, and you meet Billy Jean King and see what she’s done…I wanted to see how to affect Austin in the most positive way and after school summer programming was a need we felt that we could service. Now we serve 40,000 kids a day in Austin. It’s grown from our first event which was a tennis clinic in a parking lot that raised a couple thousand bucks.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF 24 YEARS LATER?
I think consistency. It’s continuity, delivering high-quality programs and being transparent about what percentage of our funds go where and how we deliver it.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO ACCOMPLISH IN THE NEXT 24 YEARS?
To build. We started with Pecan Springs and then it was East Austin, then central Austin, central Texas, so making it bigger. As Austin grows, the cost of living grows and the people we serve tends to get a little bit more from the center of town, so just helping families deal with those things. And eye on the prize, we have to deliver quality programs.
IN YOUR OWN 41 YEARS YOU’VE ACCOMPLISHED A LOT, WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO PERSONALLY FOR THE NEXT 41 YEARS?
My kids are eight and six, it would be fun to see them grow into quality humans. I think that dictates most days. You can help tens of thousands of kids, but I can’t make my kids sit still for dinner.
THE KINDNESS CAMPAIGN
It will be ten years in 2025 since Andra Liemandt founded The Kindness Campaign (TKC), a nonprofit focused on teaching social-emotional learning skills to kids in fun, engaging ways, and she’s not slowing down. Earlier this year guests of TKC’s Art of Kindness Gala received preview paperback copies of Andra’s first children’s book Enoughie Finds His Superpower, the origin story of their mascot Enoughie Buddy, in their gift bags. The book is due out in hardcover in time for the holidays and with the proceeds going back to TKC, it’s a gift that’s inspirational, uplifting, entertaining and does good just by purchasing it. The book, Enoughie Buddies and more can be found on their website at https://www.tkckindness.org/
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AUSTIN ANGELS
Austin Angels is a nonprofit that supports foster children, youth, and families in the foster care community with intentional giving, relationship building, and mentorship. They do this through their ‘Dare to Dream’ mentorship program, their Love Box program, which provides emotional and financial support to both foster children/youth and their foster families, as well as annual events. They’re currently in need of Love Box volunteers, specifically in Williamson County. They’re also gearing up for their annual Food Fight for Youth in Foster Care November 14, where Austin’s finest chefs, caterers, food trucks, distillers, brewers, and restaurants compete in a culinary competition. The event includes unlimited drinks and bites, exciting games and live music from The Spazmatics. Find out more about the Love Box program and Food Fight at www.austinangels.com
THE VERY ‘RARY AT THE CONTEMPORARY AUSTIN
The Contemporary Austin believes art has the capacity to change lives and should be accessible to everybody. The Very ‘Rary event, that will take place November 3, brings families from all over Austin together for an afternoon of art and amazement, while garnering support for The Contemporary Austin’s award-winning arts education programs. The event attracts more than 1,000 kids and their families to the enchanting, lakeside grounds of Laguna Gloria for artful adventures, spellbinding performances and activities. The money raised goes towards free family events, workshops for teachers, Art School scholarships and more. These programs serve thousands of visitors each year, fostering social and emotional learning and cultivating the earliest seeds of a lifelong love of the arts.
3 CENTER FOR CHILD PROTECTION
People are often familiar with CCP’s fun fundraisers like Dancing with the Stars Austin, golf and bingo events, but not as many are educated on where the money raised is spent. Every day CPP serves approximately 3-5 new children who have either been physically abused, sexually abused or witnessed a violent crime. They arrive at the Center, get treatment if needed, (Dell Children’s Medical Center CARE Team operates an on-site clinic to treat children), share their story with a professional in a forensics interview and are supported on a path to justice and healing. Learn more at https://centerforchildprotection.org
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Mickler the dog at CPP
Image courtesy The Contemporary Austin. Photography by Jason Lowrie/BFA.com© BFA.
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Horseshoe Bay Action & Relaxin' at
A HILL COUNTRY ESCAPE FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
The Floating Pool
Horseshoe Bay Resort, built along the shores of Lake Lyndon B. Johnson, is just over an hour away from downtown Austin but provides a getaway as good as many that require a plane ticket and a lot more travel to enjoy. The resort has private home and condo rentals as well as rooms in a main hotel tower.
During a stay at Horseshoe Bay guests can spend a day on the water or on the green. There are paddleboards, kayaks and Sea-Doos available to rent and take out on the lake or for a hosted experience, guests can charter a fishing boat tour or book a wakeboarding or wakesurfing lesson. Pro tip – for first-timers the latter is easier to learn.
For those who rather relax, there’s a spa with a sauna, resistance pool and menu of services and they recently debuted the only Floating Pool in North America. The pool floats on the edge of Lake LBJ and has a neighboring sandy beach where guests can get cocktails and light bites from The Shack, Sand Bar, and H2O Bar. Kids and thrill-seeking adults will like the Splash Safari Aqua Park with a floating obstacle course, climbing walls, slides, balance beams and more.
Out of the water, people come to the resort to take a swing at their three golf courses designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and a signature Jack Nicklaus members-only course. There’s also an 18-hole neonlit course that’s fun for veteran and amateur golfers alike. And, this summer Horseshoe Bay became home to the Mouratoglou Tennis Center, an esteemed tennis program named after Patrick Mouratoglou, a tennis instructor known for producing world-ranked tennis stars including Serena Williams and Coco Gauff. The tennis center offers lessons in tennis and pickleball and weekend camps for each.
To stay fueled for all the activities there are several dining options. J’s Bar & Restaurant in the main tower has an abundant weekend brunch buffet with everything from an omelet station to a donut bar for a reasonable price. For a lakefront view, guests can dine at Waterfront Bar & Grill. But, the real culinary prize is Cap Rock, generally reserved for Horseshoe Bay members. The kitchen is helmed by Chef Miguel Ortiz and the dining experience is delightful. Chef shared that the redfish with spatzle is a family recipe and we see why it has a place on the menu. Other favorites are the Roasted Tomahawk Porkchop with smoked cheddar Barton Creek stone ground grits and brussels sprouts and the rich but rewarding Chateaubriand for two, served with mashed potatoes, carrots and lobster claws. While it’s a perk of membership, membership is something to consider for golf and/ or tennis aficionados. It also includes year-round events and the resort boasts it’s “one of the friendliest memberships in Texas.” Find more information about the resort and membership at www.hsbresort.com
Red fish and spaetzle
LOCKER ROOM TALK
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
Chatting with Dani Pereira at C4 Energy’s third annual Austin FC Energy Experience
Austin-based energy drink brand C4 did it again, hosting what’s become an annual event at Q2 Stadium where 100 local fans of the hometown soccer team had the chance to train alongside their favorite players, right on the pitch. Workout drills were run by Austin FC trainers with a cool down by trainers from elite gym The Kollective. Off the field, lucky guests could tour the team’s locker rooms, where Dani Pereira along with Matt Bersano and CJ Fodroy signed autographs.
We talked to Dani Pereira before he hit the field to kick the ball with fans. He told us that in an average game, if he plays the complete game, he’ll run 11 kilometers in the 90 minutes—the equivalent of about 7 miles! He says he doesn’t have many game-day rituals but admits, “I like to put my socks backwards, the right on the left and, left and right.” On days off, Dani says he loves Austin because, “You never run out of things to do here,” and his favorite restaurant is Red Ash.
Back-to-School Shopping Prep
Incorporating these key pieces into your child’s back-to-school wardrobe will ensure they are ready to take on the school year with confidence and style.
1. FUNCTIONAL JUMPSUITS: Ideal for active kids, play jumpsuits offer functionality with a little flair. Look for breathable fabrics and easy-to-wear designs that allow for plenty of movement.
2. COMFORTABLE T-SHIRT DRESSES: T-shirt dresses are a versatile choice that can effortlessly elevate a casual look. They’re perfect for layering and provide a comfortable option that can be dressed up or down.
3. TRENDY GRAPHIC T-SHIRTS: Let your kids express their personalities with graphic t-shirts. These shirts are not only trendy but serve as a fun way for children to show off their favorite artists and interests.
4. BREEZY SUNDRESSES: For warmer days, sundresses are a staple. Opt for lightweight, airy fabrics that keep your child cool and stylish. Sundresses are easy to wear and perfect for both school and weekend activities.
Refresh your child's wardrobe with pieces that combine style and practicality. Here are four must-haves:
Justyn LeFebvre
AUGUST 14TH-18TH
Cirque
du
Soleil Songblazers
Bass Concert Hall | 7:00 PM
This one-of-a-kind theatrical production celebrates country music and pays homage to its legendary and modern-day trailblazers. With trademark acrobatic and live musical performances showcasing the captivating artistry of Cirque du Soleil and the soul-stirring melodies of beloved country rhythms, this engaging experience celebrates the diverse influences of country music and its heartfelt stories through time.
AUGUST 23RD
Shaboozey to Perform at PBR Gambler Days
Presented by Tecovas Moody Center
Shaboozey seems to be popping up everywhere lately. The Alt-Country/Hi-Hop artist will be in Austin performing for fans at Professional Bull Riding team the Austin Gamblers as part of the Ford Fan Fest in the Dell Technologies Plaza. Go to PRB.com or MoodyCenterATX.com for more information.
FAVORITE THINGS 5
ARTICLE BY JENNIFER BIRN
1. MADEIN COOKWARE’S OUTDOOR DINING COLLECTION:
The perfect summer meal set. The Marigold Yellow pays homage to the Commodore Perry Estate’s yellow & white pool area. madeincookware.com/
2. SKINCARE JUNKIE:
Fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, vegan skincare formulas created by an award-winning dermatologist and packaged in pretty pastels. skincarejunkie.com/
3. DAGNE DOVER’S KYOTO PET CARRIER:
The company that makes bags with a pocket for everything has done it again for your canine or feline. Currently available in three colors. www.dagnedover.com/
4. BARKIN CREEK DOG KITCHEN’S FRESH FOOD: They use locally-sourced ingredients and cook the meals in-house (at their multiple locations) to make nutritious, better-for-your-dog, unprocessed meals. barkincreek.com
5. CLYDE’S BIG BOOK OF BRAVE:
From The Big Adventures of Glenn Acres Gang series, Christine Glenn’s latest follows a cat named Clyde as he overcomes his fear of night. www.glennacresgang.com/
