Conroe, TX October 2023

The Gastronomy Issue

FOOD + BEVERAGE

CELEBRATE OKTOBERFEST WITH OUR LOCAL BREWERIES!

FINE FOOD WITH FAMILY AND LOVE

LIFE + CULTURE

STROLL HISTORIC DOWNTOWN CONROE RESTAURANTS

ENTERTAINMENT

SCARING OURSELVES SENSELESS

Haley Jamison Realtor®

Neal Hogg Realtor®

Steven Paul Boll Realtor®

Myka Zito Realtor®

Ute Busse Realtor®

Lisa Gregory Founder | Broker | Realtor®

Cheryl VanBebber Realtor®

Time to Eat, Drink and Be Scared!

While trying to determine what to call this issue, I came across the definition of epicure, which is a person who takes particular pleasure in fine food and drink. It struck me a bit much for our audience, though, so I went with Gastronomy. Gastronomy is also the art or science of good eating and perhaps a bit more mainstream, so I went with it. The Food and Drink issue was just too wordy for my taste.

So, in this Gastronomy Issue, you’ll learn about the three local breweries that grace our cover and why we like to invite the fourth guy, Micheal, who is creepily hanging out behind the bar, to join our Halloween festivities year after year. It is October, after all, so we will do our best to prepare you for the Oktoberfest season and help you get your scare on.

In addition, we have some wonderful places to tell you about that are sure to satisfy your hunger no matter what you’re craving. Plus, we will show you how Mike Kelton, the owner of Hunger Crush Cafe, is constantly thinking of new ways to bring you great food while connecting to the community.

Finally, we will tell you a story that came about after my husband and I ate at Amore’s Fine Dining. We were eating in the bar when the owner, Alfred, told us how he and his wife gave up being doctors to offer their children a better life in America. It is an incredible love story that I am sure you will enjoy.

So as we recover from our long hot summer with some cooler temperatures that encourage us to venture back outdoors again. Happy Halloween!

ALISON KARTEVOLD, PUBLISHER @CONROECITYLIFESTYLE

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Alison Kartevold | Alison.Kartevold@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Margie Taylor | margie.taylor@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kimberly Sutton, Morgan Freeman, Ian Garrett, Leah Lamp

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Mellonhead Photography, Kimberly Sutton

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Evan Duevall

LAYOUT DESIGNER Andi Foster

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

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Tag your Instagram photos with @ConroeCityLifestyle

1: Susie Pokorski, Young Texas Artists, was awarded Citizen of the Year at Conroe Founder’s Day. 2: Groundbreaking for future home of U.S. Army SGT Joanna Ellenbeck in The Woodlands Hills, Willis. 3: The Junior League of The Woodlands volunteered at the Yes to Youth Gala Boom.

4: Stuff the Bus Drive for School Supplies with Jennifer Huffine and Pauline Veazey. 5: Senator Brandon Creighton met with the local chambers during a review of 88th Legislative Session 6: Luann Riley, pastor at The Woodlands Methodist Church, spoke at the Family Promise Luncheon 7: Community Assistance Center held “Strike Out Hunger Bowling Tournament” to raise funds for their pantry.

PAT SPACKEY

HOWARD HUGHES THE WOODLANDS HILLS

CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER

CONROE/LAKE CONROE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FAMILY PROMISE COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE CENTER

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District Hires General Manager

Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District plays a pivotal role in managing the groundwater resources of Montgomery County. As the new General Manager, Sarah Kouba leads with an impressive background in engineering and program leadership. Sarah Kouba will assume various key responsibilities critical to SGCD's mission and growth. She will serve as the primary District contact for staff, public relations, and outreach initiatives, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, legislators, and the media. lonestargcd.org

Photography: Lone Star Groundwater Conservation District

Angel Reach has New Apartments!

Angel Reach Village is a Conroe area community of homes available to youth who have aged out of the foster care system as well as those who are at-risk for homelessness between the ages of 18-24.  The first phase of the Village is planned for 16 total duplexes providing 32 homes. AngelReach.org

Family Promise Receives Donation from the KILT Classic

The Big McC Club are alumni of McCullough High School before The Woodlands High School was built, formed a nonprofit to give back to their community. Recently the Big McC Club donated $10,000 to Family Promise of Montgomery County from their golf tournament, the KILT Classic. bigmccclub.com CONTINUED >

Photography: Angel Reach

Photography: Family Promise of Montgomery County

Texas First Bank breaks ground in Conroe

On August 16 Texas First Bank broke ground on a new combined bank and insurance agency in Conroe located at 1965 S. Loop 336 W, next to Ocean Car Wash. Texas First Bank and Texas First Insurance will be at one location for a one-stop shop in 2024. Texas First Bank was established in 1973 and is celebrating 50 years with 27 locations around Houston. texasfirst.bank

Photography: Texas First Bank

Mike Painter to take lead role at New Danville

New Danville selected Mike Painter, the former Director of Programs at the Montgomery County Food Bank (MCFB) to serve as the President and CEO of the local nonprofit serving special needs adults. New Danville is a nonprofit community located on 42 acres in Willis for special needs adults and those who need similar services. It strives to empower and support its clients and residents as they live, learn, work and grow to their potential. NewDanville.org

Photography: New Danville

New Downtown Manager for City of Conroe

The City of Conroe has hired a new Downtown Manager, Michael Corbett, who started his role in August. He will be responsible for economic development, programming, infrastructure improvements, cultural arts, destination marketing, grant funding initiatives, and maintaining strong working relationships with the business community, government agencies, and non-profit organizations. After attending Texas A&M University with a Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences degree, Corbett spent nearly ten years working with The Woodlands Township.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Conroe

Photography: City of Conroe

local experiences

The best places and things to do in our area.

As a self-proclaimed fashionista I want to share my favorite places to go in Conroe for fun, fashion, and meeting up with like-minded friends around town for drinks, food, and conversation. There are so many, but I will share my favorites with you, and you decide what to add to your own list.

Our Picks for Foods to Feast On

THE TABLE AT MADELEY: I do love a good glass of wine or a morning mocha sitting on the patio. The sunset is beautiful and the mornings are peaceful.  316 Madeley Street Conroe, Texas 77301

MAIN STREET MERCHANTS: Many vintage styles are at the boutique, and I love seeing the women that come in and how they wear fashion in their own style.  208 North Main Street Conroe, Texas 77301

AMORES FINE DINING: I love sushi and steak all day long! Amores of 105 is probably my favorite restaurant located at Lake Conroe. Best steak! 14860 Hwy 105, Montgomery, Texas 77356

202 MAIN: 202 Main is my place for handmade cocktails and the energy is amazing! Try the martini at The Red Brick Tavern. Both venues are downtown.  202 Main Street, Conroe, Texas 77301

JORDAN LOVES JAMES: Jordan Loves James Jewelry is absolute favorite. Jordon designs while her dad, James, is the inspiration. Available online at jordonlovesjamesjewelry.com or at downtown Conroe events. 208 N. Main, Conroe, Texas 77301

MEET THIS MONTH’S CURATOR

Alyssa Jackson | @AfterOursVintage

Alyssa Jackson moved to downtown Conroe during the pandemic and quickly fell in love with the people and history. Fashion has always been very intriguing and now Alyssa works on her own vintage goods line, After Ours Vintage. Alyssa was employed at Main Street Merchants and learned about owning a boutique by the owners. She was intrigued and learned fashion is a way to express yourself in wearable art. When she began sharing and selling vintage clothes and other items she loved the incredible feeling. Her products were featured in three downtown Conroe boutiques. Learn more about the collection and have them curated for you by following her IG or contacting her at Alyssaj696@gmail.com (832) 443-9728.

202 Main Scan for more photos and the full list.

DR. GUY BURROWS M. D. is a board-certified neurologist with fellowship training in peripheral nerve disorders and neuromuscular diseases. In 2006, Dr. Burrows established a neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorder medical practice in Beverly Hills and Palm Springs, California, with hospital affiliations at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles and Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs.

For five years prior to opening the Burrows Muscle and Nerve Center, Dr. Burrows M.D. provided neuromuscular and peripheral nerve disorders care and served as the Director of Infusions at Mischer Neuroscience AssociatesThe Woodlands.

WE TREAT THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS AND MORE

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

• Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP)

• Guillain-Barre syndrome

• Inflammatory myopathies

• Mitochondria disorders

• Multi-focal motor neuropathy (MMN)

• Muscle disease disorders

• Muscular dystrophy (MD)

• Myasthenia gravis (MG)

• Myopathy/inflammatory myopathy

• Myositis immune-related polyneuropathy

• Peripheral neuropathy

• Polymyositis

• Unexplained numbness and tingling

OFFERING THE FOLLOWING CLINICAL SERVICES:

• EMG Studies/Nerve Conduction Studies

• Neuromuscular and Peripheral Nerve Disorder Evaluations

• Muscle, Nerve and Skin Biopsies

• IVIG and Biologic Infusion Services

• Botox Injections for spasms

For a full spectrum of services and diagnoses, visit our website www.BurrowsMuscleAndNerve.com

281.404.3666

• 9191 Pinecroft Drive, Suite 200, Shenandoah, TX 77380

Office Hours: Monday through Friday 8:00am–5:00pm

• www.burrowsmuscleandnerve.com

Savoring Amoré

ARTICLE BY MORGAN FREEMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELONHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

A Story of Food, Family, and Love

Alfred Limani sweeps from his kitchen, lofting a tray of cappuccinos topped with a cloud of whipped cream, drizzles of syrup, and sprinkles of powdered sugar. While a writer might expect to be greeted with some type of food when covering a restaurant, Alfred’s enthusiasm for hospitality leaves something extra in its

Owners Alfred and Vjosa with son Redon Limani

Top view of the plated dinner entrees. The garlic rolls are famous!

wake. For him, it is a joy to place his creation in front of you, and it leaves one feeling like a member of the Amoré family rather than a mere guest.

Dr. Alfred Limani and his wife, Dr. Vjosa Limani, left former Yugoslavia with their two small children, Redon and Luiza, during

the turmoil of the country’s breakup for new opportunities in the United States. While both worked as physicians before the move, in America, Alfred started out in construction and cleaning houses, but he soon realized a dormant set of skills could prove useful in his pursuit of success. Alfred’s father ran a restaurant

for over 50 years and taught Alfred everything about the business. “I am very good in the kitchen,” Alfred says, and funnily enough, it is a skill set he never thought he’d use.

You can find Amoré Fine Dining and Spirits heading West on Highway 105 just past the first views of Lake Conroe Park. The restaurant serves up fine Italian cuisine, fresh seafood, high-quality steaks, and a variety of libations. The atmosphere is both elegant and relaxed, with nice views of the water from many of the tables. Romantic art hanging above secluded booths makes it a perfect spot for a date night. If you are in search of somewhere to enjoy the company of friends or even strangers, the scarlet carpet and dark wood of the Lounge creates a warm atmosphere for lively conversation. For large groups, the restaurant has private rooms available to host events like wedding receptions and birthdays.

How did Alfred go from working manual labor to owning the most elegant restaurant on Lake Conroe? The answer lies in the name. Amoré is Italian for love. “Love for people, love for community, love for country,” says Alfred. “Every morning when I wake up, I say God bless America. God bless Conroe and my community because if you love America, America will love you.” The love Alfred describes is visible in every aspect of the business.

CONTINUED >

“Amoré is Italian for love. Love for people, love for community, love for country,” Alfred said with passion.

It was the love of family and friends that initially got Amoré up and running. With the support of Gilbert and Kay Bazan, Alfred was able to go from a small Bistro on Walden Road to the successful restaurant that exists today. His love of family inspires the hard work it takes to hold on to that success. Of his wife, Alfred says, “I am not here without her. She is my love.” He says his children Redon and Luiza also give him inspiration.

But Alfred’s love does not stop there. He believes in serving the community. Amoré regularly donates breakfast to the Lone Star Honor Flight Veterans Group, and they are

also involved with the annual Bethlehem City at West Conroe Baptist Church. Redon says working with his father in the restaurant cultivated a love of service that inspired his study of pre-med at Texas Christian University and aspiration to one day work in emergency medicine.

There is no denying that Amoré is fine dining, and the atmosphere is certainly one of elegance. However, it is not the kind of place that inspires the fear of using the wrong fork or spilling sauce on a pristine tablecloth. Instead, Amoré welcomes you to dine comfortably, just like one of the family.

Chicken Parmesan with fresh parmesan

Crushing Hunger on Lake Conroe

HUNGER CRUSH CAFÉ - ITS EVOLUTION INCLUDES A BOAT-FRIENDLY MENU, A PASSPORT TO THE WINE WORLD, PLUS CLASSICS & COFFEE

Hunger Crush Café opened in 2022 at the Waterpoint Marina on Lake Conroe, next to the long-established Fajita Jacks. The food is excellent, but there is something more happening here. Hunger Crush was established using a different concept, one that encourages patrons to connect and give back to the community.

BEVERAGE

Boat entry with patio at Hunger Crush

Boat Slips at Hunger Crush

Front entrance to Hunger Crush during Car Show

Owners Mary and Mike Kelton, Hunger Crush

“Hunger Crush Café is all about community,” says Owner Mike Kelton. “We want people to put their phones down and talk to each other – connect. We have a table tent that says, ‘No phone zone. Talk to each other. Share your lives.’ I think our disagreements would go away if we just sat down and talked to each other.”

Since opening, Kelton says they’ve continued to let their mood and menu evolve to suit their clientele’s desires.

“We will be adding additional lighting, more frozen cocktail machines, and wine and mimosa flights. We’ve purchased a beverage cart to use for tableside, build-your-own Bloody Marys, micheladas, and mimosas,” he says.

Given their lake-side location, Kelton implemented a boat-friendly menu this past summer with food items that don’t require a spoon or knife.

“Breakfast boats are served in a boat-looking bowl that only requires a fork,” he says. “There are 75-plus boat slips where boaters can dock and come into the café, and we want to offer them some convenient, hand-held tasty food.”

They offer a special wine dinner on the last Tuesday of every month as well. “We are currently doing a Passport to Wine World. Each month, we go to a different wine country with foods and wines from that country. October will be Argentina,” Kelton says.

“The first Saturday of every month is Classics & Coffee from 8-10 a.m. It’s a classic car meetup,” he says, where the Breakfast Hunger Board is a favorite that raises funds for the Food Bank.

The restaurant has a large community table where it’s encouraged to share the Hunger Board, a meal for two on a branded charcuterie board.

“We donate 2.5 meals to the Montgomery County Food Bank for every board we sell. We also have a line on our receipts where customers can make a monetary donation to the food bank,” shared Kelton.

Hunger Crush Café aims to provide a fun, friendly, family atmosphere where Kelton takes care of his customers and employees.

“We feel very strongly about supporting our community. I believe that if we are going to accept money from the community by way of doing business, then we need to give back to that community,” Kelton says. “We truly love this community. Mary and I also consider our staff as part of our family, and supporting the community also means taking care of them. We always step in when our employees have needs.”

Whether that means buying special baby formula for one or their staff or providing PTO for weeks after a needed surgery, the Keltons step up.

“One of our managers wanted to buy a house, so I gave her an advance on her bonus to help her with the down payment. We feed them often. We profit share when we have strong sales periods,” he says. “I have staff members who have been with me from day one –one of which is a family of four. I had people help me throughout my career. It feels good to be able to pass that forward.”

The Keltons also own two Sweet Paris Creperies and Cafes, one in The Woodlands and one in Austin, and The Treehouse Café in Magnolia. Stop by with an appetite and say hello.

Large selection of food on the menu for every palette.

CONROE’S BREWERIES Local

ARTICLE BY IAN GARRETT

PHOTOGRAPHY BY MELONHEAD PHOTOGRAPHY

SOUTHERN STAR, FASS BREWING AND B-52 BREWING COMPANY READY FOR THE OKTOBERFEST SEASON

Dave Fougeron, CEO of Southern Star Brewing

Since its founding in 1881, Conroe has been known for its hard-working residents. At the end of a hard day’s work, few things refresh someone, like a beer or two. So raise a stein for Oktoberfest at one or all of these local breweries: Southern Star Brewery, B52 Brewing Company, and Fass Brewing.

Keith Amador, the events coordinator of Southern Star, and Dave Fougeron , the brewery’s CEO, have worked together for years. Fougeron started Southern Star in 2007 while Amador joined the brewery in 2015, eight years after it opened and a year before it moved from its original location to a custom-built facility on 13 acres.

“I started home brewing in college because I couldn’t afford to drink the beer I liked all of the time. After graduating with a degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences, I had a choice between pursuing my degree or brewing professionally,” said Fougeron when asked about the origins of Southern Star. “Obviously, I chose the latter.”

Southern Star specializes in consistent, crisp, clean beers. Their best-known is  Bombshell Blonde ale, which is fermented at lower temperatures and is especially clean. Their highest-rated beer is Buried Hatchet Stout

“We do tons of events that bring our community togethermany with live music. We also organize cornhole events with the CASA Child Advocates, Montgomery County Choral Society, and we have hosted numerous events for veterans.”

Indoors, the brewery boasts an extraordinary tap room that overlooks the production brewhouse, and outdoors, people can enjoy a Biergarten with a live music stage and a disc golf course.

Keith Amador, the general manager of Southern Star, Dylan Emmons, brewer and president of Fass Brewing, and Kris Gray,Operations Manager at B52

Kris Gray is the operations manager for B52, having joined the brewery a couple of years ago with a long history of brewing behind him. “I fell in love with the art of beer,” he said. “I actually received degrees in brewing and business and hoped to manage breweries.”

B52 was founded by two beer-loving brothers – Brent and Chad Daniel – in 2014. Craft brewing was like home to them (literally); while at college, their house and garage were set up as a microbrewery. After settling on a business plan, they created their brewery from converted shipping containers.

With indoor and outdoor seating, food trucks on-site, B52 caters to a large audience. “Not only do we have more than twenty house-brewed beers on tap, but we also feature a large selection of wine, cider, and mead,” said Gray.

The ‘new kid on the block’ in Conroe is Fass Brewing, which opened in October of 2021 under the guidance of Dylan Emmons, brewer and president of the business.

“I began home brewing when I was 19 years old. At the time, I couldn’t legally buy beer, but I could buy all the stuff to make it,” he said. “While my peers were drinking cheap macro lager, I was trying to find and brew IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and European beers.”

Once Emmons turned 21, he got employed at a large regional brewery, eventually leaving to attend brewing school in Chicago at The Siebel Institute and Munich at The Doemens Academy.

“Eventually, my father, cousin, and I decided we wanted to open our own brewery. We wanted to bring a style of ambiance, beer, and service to the area that hadn’t been seen before, so we searched for a building that could provide a canvas for our vision. It turns out that building happened to be the Gentry Building in Downtown Conroe.”

New Kid on the Block, Dylan Emmons of Fass Brewing

Kris Gray, Operations Manager at B-52

The Gentry Building was built in 1911, constructed with brick after a horrendous fire ravaged Conroe. Though Fass is the newest brewery, it enjoys being in the oldest building, bringing old-world charm to the area.

“We try to bring a sense of community to Downtown Conroe through our events. We host an Oktoberfest and Springfest every year, and now a Lagerfest, where we invite a bunch of friends from other breweries to pour their lagers on Main Street.”

Southern Star Brewery, 3525 N Frazier St., is open Thursdays through Sundays, with brewery tours at 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. every Saturday. B52 Brewing Company,12470 Milroy Lane, is open Tuesdays through Sundays and allows pets. And Fass Brewing, 236 N Main, is open seven days a week, with hours that local shoppers, diners, and theatergoers can readily take advantage of.

All three breweries are connected to the community, with events serving nonprofits. And they are within a few miles of each other to explore beer tasting on your own with a designated driver or an Uber!

Original Brewery in Conroe-Southern Star Brewing Owners, Deidre and Dave Fougeron

BOO-TIFUL LAMPLIGHT GHOST TOURS

the history you hear on a tour is as accurate as we know it to be, as I work closely with the Historical Society. The ghost stories… well, you’ll have to decide for yourself, but all the stories are first person. I collected them from the people who live or work in Montgomery. These are their experiences, and they have entrusted me with passing their stories on. And there are so many stories in this historic little town.

IT’S TIME FOR MONTGOMERY COUNTY SPOOKS TO

ARTICLE BY LEAH LAMP | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

The belief in spirits, hauntings, and the supernatural is deeply personal for each of us. Many times, our belief starts with the experiences of our parents and grandparents. If they passed on stories of their encounters with ghosts or hauntings when you were a child, then you likely grew up with some level of belief and maybe even had your own brush with the supernatural.

But whether you are a staunch skeptic, a firm believer, or are like most of us and fall somewhere in between, a ghost tour is a fun and interactive way to get a crash course on the history of a town. It also allows us to gain a real connection with the residents that live in that town--both past and present--through their stories and their legends.

My name is Leah Lamp, and I own and operate Lamplight Ghost Tours. We feature a 90-minute walking tour through the very historic - and haunted - Old Town of Montgomery, Texas. All

Montgomery is one of the oldest settlements in Texas. It was chartered as a city in 1837 under the Republic of Texas, back when this land was its own sovereign country and not just a state. The town grew into a bustling community with churches, saloons, a hotel, a train station, and other businesses and homes, all surrounding the county courthouse that sat at its center.

While there were no significant battles in the area, there is a location in Montgomery that was the site of a Confederate army camp during the Civil War. The train station also saw its share of soldiers traveling to and from the war, many on their last journey home in a pine box. Apparitions of Confederate soldiers have been seen all around Montgomery, but most sightings happen within the three historic cemeteries.

When you book an outing with Lamplight Ghost Tours, you will get a glimpse into how the city was laid out back in its heyday and visit the location of many buildings and homes that date back to the 1800s. We begin and end each ghost tour in the oldest commercial building in town, the First State Bank. The brick structure is a hotbed of paranormal activity experienced

Oldest Commercial Building in Montgomery-First State Bank

by the last three tenants. Currently, the building houses H-Wines, a wine bar serving fantastic and award-winning wines produced in Texas and France. You are welcome to purchase a glass to take along with you on the ghost tour.

To book a tour, visit LamplightGhostTours. com , where there are many public tours to choose from. A private tour may be arranged through the website for groups of 6 or more people. For groups of 10 or more, whether on a public or private tour, a discount code will allow $5 off each ticket in the group. The tour is about a mile long, but for those who can’t or don’t want to walk the route, a limited number of hayride tours are available.

Tours fill up quickly during the spooky season, so book a tour now at LamplightGhostTours. com and join the adventure where there is real history and real hauntings!

Leah Lamp of Lamplight Ghost Tours

Stroll Historic Downtown Conroe’s Restaurants

If the only time you wander into downtown Conroe is for Jury duty, you need to make a plan to come to this Historic area for some art, music, shopping, games, drinks, and good food. All of which can be found within walking distance of each other.

Besides attending live theatre performances at The Crighton and The Owen Theatres, downtown Conroe has become a hotspot for live music, karaoke, and delicious, diverse food in the past few years. Many independently-owned restaurants with music venues are also popping up as

Conroe has earned the distinction of being a Texas music-friendly community. In addition, some eateries host trivia and board game events, an annual Spelling Bee, and weekly open mic nights.

Most of Conroe’s restaurants survived the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic or are brand new, born because of the pandemic. Now they are facing a new challenge, food costs are up 24 percent, and labor costs are up 13-23 percent compared to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Texas Restaurant Association. So restaurants need to maximize their sales

KIMBERLY SUTTON

The Red Brick Tavern

to survive today’s economic climate, and local communities need to support these independently-owned eateries.

“The restaurant industry took a massive beating during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was touch-and-go on a daily basis,” said Debbie Glenn-Cross, owner of The Red Brick Tavern. “We relied on our relationships with vendors, The Texas Restaurant Association, local government officials, and customers to navigate the pandemic. We are grateful for the Texas Restaurant Association, and we also thank our devoted customers who ordered to-go meals that kept us in business.”

The longest-running, independently-owned downtown restaurant, celebrating 11 years in September, is Red Brick Tavern , which began with the mission of helping to revitalize the downtown area with a “foodie restaurant” and live music, said Glenn-Cross. Besides being a mother of four, owning a restaurant, a commercial real estate and insurance business, Glenn-Cross is a songwriter and the lead singer of the band “Southern Disposition.”

The Red Brick Tavern offers music three to six times per week, showcasing singer/songwriters and the “story behind the song.” For the past eight years, country singer Jim Sloan has hosted a Southern Gospel Brunch every Sunday.

“Some of our best-selling dishes are barbecue meatloaf, pistachio-crusted chicken, filet mignon pizza, craft-beer queso, the H-Town Burger, HatchChile pulled pork enchiladas and gourmet deviled eggs,” said Glenn-Cross.

In recent months, the restaurant rolled out the RBT Breakfast, starting every day at 7 a.m. with freshly ground roasted coffee, breakfast tacos, French toast, and traditional breakfast dishes. theredbricktavern.com

Most Conroe residents who have worked or lived downtown are familiar with Jose’s Villa Italia Restaurant , where, for 17 years, Norma Coronelli served authentic Italian food to many of the judges and attorneys surrounding the courthouse. After

she died in 2011, her family sold the restaurant, menu, and recipes to her long-time chef, Jose Grimaldo, and his wife, Yolanda.

Grimaldo moved the restaurant to the historic Cochran home, built in 1918, on the corner at 603 N. Thompson, across the street from the Sadler Commissioner Court Building.

For years, while Alan “Barb” Sadler was Montgomery County judge, Sadler enjoyed eating at Villa Italia. Jose’s even has a dining room named in honor of him: the Judge Sadler dining room, a round table with six executive chairs in a small private room. Jose said many of the downtown attorneys and business people also like having lunch meetings in the room.

For a quiet and slower-paced lunch, perfect for one-on-one conversations and lunch meetings, Villa Italia offers lunch specials during the weekdays. Tables feature real china, glass, and silver with white linen tablecloths and napkins. A single, longstemmed rose adds a beautiful touch to each table, something you rarely find.

Grimaldo prepares delicious lunch specials like fresh salmon, veal, shrimp, and a variety of pastas. All dishes are fresh and homemade, including his desserts of Tiramisu, Cannoli, and cheesecake.

Jose’s Villa Italia is open for lunch and dinner Monday through Friday, dinner only on Saturday, and closed on Sundays. “We have specials starting at $10.95 to $12.95 and they are different every day,” Grimaldo said. “Everything is homemade.”

The long-standing house has various rooms for parties, meetings, and special events, all decorated with a homey Italian feel. For reservations or to-go orders, call 936-539-5599.

Pacific Yard House co-owner Teak Daniele has years of restaurant experience and said good customer service and consistency is the key to a restaurant’s success. Great food, great employees, and a great experience, as long as it is consistent.

“Employees are the backbone of the restaurant business,” Daniele said.

“The City of Conroe is such a vibrant community and we look forward to not only bringing a bit of diversity to the food scene and giving our patrons a relaxing atmosphere to gather with friends for music, dancing, or hosting events but working alongside our fellow residents to improve our city through community outreach”.

(TX Vintage Bar & Grill)

“Customers are here to escape from reality for a couple of hours,” he said. “We are trying to create an atmosphere here. Hopefully, you will feel comfortable sitting here for two hours eating and listening to music.”

Each week, Pacific Yard House offers live music, trivia night, and story-telling’ Tuesdays, among other events, with food and drink specials every day.

Their extensive appetizer menu will fulfill anyone’s dreams, from Kimchi Loaded Fries to Boudin Balls to Keto Nachos and smoked and fried Chicken Wings. The entrees include a 12 oz. ribeye, fried chicken, shrimp and grits, fried catfish, and smoked barbecue ribs.

PacificYardHouse.com

202 Main  was developed by owners Keath and Alison Krueger with their business partner, Adam Isbell. The Krueger’s also own The Branding Iron and Switch Hair Studio on Main Street, bringing a lot of value to downtown.

202 Main is a one-of-a-kind venue with a restaurant, two bars, a stage, and an ample patio space located in the back to host karaoke on Wednesdays and an open mic on Sundays, among a number of other live music artists.

The menu is comfort food, a mix of gourmet eats, and handcrafted signature cocktails. “We combine old recipes with new techniques to bring you delicious meals at a fair price,” he said.

“We combine old recipes with new techniques to bring you delicious meals at a fair price.”

Jose outside his venue, Jose's Italia Villa

Customers can choose dishes like Mississippi Mama Egg Rolls, Wisconsin Cheese Curds, Tuscan Flatbread, Miracle City Hot Chicken sandwiches, burgers, and various types of tacos, salads, and wraps.

The Kruegers plan to continue to grow and serve the community. They are open for lunch Tuesday-Sunday and serve brunch on Sundays. 202MainConroe.com

The all-new TX-Vintage Bar & Grill , at 219 Simonton Street, opened in July, adding the first-ever Middle Eastern dishes to the downtown restaurant collective. Under Eastern Flames on the menu, dishes like Chicken and Beef Kabob, Chicken and Beef Boti, Chicken Shawarma, and Gyro Wraps add to the otherwise Texan menu of burgers, sandwiches, fajitas, and ribeye steaks.

“Our Middle Eastern dishes are unique to the area, and we always recommend stepping out and trying something new. You never know if you like it until you try it,” said owner Mani Haider. “The Holy Fries has had raving reviews and continues to be a top seller. Another item on the menu that is unmatched in

flavor and presentation would be our Fettuccine Alfredo, served with chicken or shrimp. We also offer beef and chicken kabobs grilled to perfection and Chicken Shawarma, which is a dish that is cooked rotisserie-style and cut into thin slices,” he said. “Our brisket menu represents our Texas roots with brisket nachos, tacos, quesadillas, and sandwiches.”

“First and foremost, customer service is something we instill in our employees, including ourselves,” said General Manager Ahad Farooki. “We like to ensure that everyone has a great time, served great food and drinks and our customers enjoy their experience and spread the word.”

“The City of Conroe is such a vibrant community, and we look forward to not only bringing a bit of diversity to the food scene and giving our patrons a relaxing atmosphere to gather with friends for music, dancing, or hosting events but working alongside our fellow residents to improve our city through community outreach,” Haider said. Facebook TX-Vintage Bar & Grill .

Entrance to 202 Main Street view on Simonton of TX Vintage Bar & Grill

Why We Like to Be Scared

ARTICLE BY IAN GARRETT PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

FIGHT, FLIGHT, OR FRIGHT, WE CAN’T HELP FEELING FEARFUL

Whether it’s hopping on board a rollercoaster, to braving I-45 speeders on a Saturday night, or willingly attending a haunted house, we enjoy exposing ourselves to situations that scare us.

But why do we insist on getting scared voluntarily?

Conventional medicine tells us that we are surrounded by two types of fears at any given time: innate fears (fears that are ‘built in’ and part of us from birth) and learned fears, which manifest themselves from situations. Innate fears include falling, loud noises, shadowed shapes in the dark, or being stalked by something meaner and larger than you. These innate fears are hardwired into us as they are into most animals; they’re the type of fear designed to keep us safe by raising red flags in our psyche.

Learned fears can stem from anything like a scary movie or a roach crawling across your foot. While some fears qualify as phobias and go far beyond just being a little scared of something, most learned fears are easily managed by humans, as we have the capacity to learn from these fears themselves and make them more manageable.

Whether our fears are formed into our DNA while we are still in the womb or learned from experience, or they’re a specific personal fear shared by all, one inescapable point is that sometimes we seek out these fears of our own volition. Our brain response to fear can be pleasurable, like jumping out of an aircraft time and time again.

Kids like to be scared on Halloween.

Watching a scary movie.

The thrill of a rollercoaster

When experiencing fear, several parts of the brain join up to process the input of the scary situation, shunt to the relevant emotional outlet, and activates the ‘fight or flight’ response in us.

The ‘fight or flight’ response tends to give us the biggest thrill or chill from being scared witless. Being scared triggers the release of body chemicals that result in increases of heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and pupil size, which all go to survival. An increased heart rate increases the availability of oxygen to the heart; the increased circulation shunts blood vessels you wouldn’t need at that moment to your muscles and brain; raising your breathing rate adds oxygen to your blood; and your dilated pupils allow in more light to improve vision.

A fright to the system also releases endorphins and a hormone called dopamine, which are ‘feel-good’ body chemicals. Dopamine is released after a satisfying meal or happy romantic encounter. Scientists have even postulated that this hormone release also fills us with a sense of peace at the end of our lives and might even account for some ‘seeing a light at the end of the tunnel.’

It is the ‘fight or flight’ response that tends to give us the biggest thrill or chill from being scared witless. Being scared triggers the release of catecholamines, which include adrenaline and noradrenaline. This increases heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and pupil size, which all go to survival.

This month, you can use the Halloween season to embrace the creepy-crawlies, and dive into a nearby haunted house or scary movie marathon, and quite possibly end up on the far side feeling better about things.

There is a local spine-tingling outlet for you to partake in. Lamplight Ghost Tours features 90-minute walking tours of nearby Montgomery. Whether a

public or private tour, you’ll enjoy starting and ending in the First State Bank building, the oldest commercial building in town that has some unique history and a ghost or two. It also houses a wine bar to give you some liquid courage. And be sure to tell them we sent you.

“Fear is a basic, intense emotion aroused by the detection of imminent threat, involving an immediate alarm reaction that mobilizes the organism by triggering a set of physiological changes including rapid heartbeat, redirection of blood flow toward the gut, tensing of the muscles, and a general mobilization to take action.”

An eerie night with a full moon is haunting.

A tale or two around the campfire seems to come alive after dark.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

OCTOBER 7TH

Angel Reach Road Rally and Scavenger Hunt

Join Angel Reach for a fun-filled family adventure following clues to several locations around the Conroe area, looking for items to fill a welcome bag for the youth.

$250 per car – for as many people that you can fit in your car

$25 per person – entrance to B52 Finish Line party only AngelReach.org

OCTOBER 7TH

CAC Duck Race

MARGARITAVILLE LAKE RESORT

The 16th Annual CAC Duck Race is a family friendly community fundraising event benefiting Community Assistance Center. 10,000 rubber ducks will tumble, splash, bob, and slosh down the lazy river at Margaritaville Lake Resort racing to the finish line to win "QUACK"tacular prizes for their adopters! DuckRace.com/Moco

Fall into Fun Fest

HERITAGE PLACE PARK IN CONROE | 10:00 AM

North Houston Moms presents this event with a bounce house, face painting, rock wall, trackless train, stage entertainers, music, food trucks & more. The day will bring families and local small businesses together for fall fun while further fostering connection in the community. A portion of all proceeds will go toward Angel Reach.

Sip

and Shop at Grand Central Park

GRAND CENTRAL PARK, CONROE | 11:00 AM

Shoppers can browse vendors in between sips of beverages when Sip & Shop returns to Grand Central Park 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7. Purchase unique items at The Lake House, 1039 Lake House Drive, Conroe, TX 77304. Food trucks include Godfather’s Pizza, Katy Sliders, Frio’s Gourmet Pops & Red Velvet Rib Co.  grandcentralparktx.com/sip .

Montgomery County Choral Society Fall Concert

FIRST METHODIST CHURCH CONROE | 7:00 PM

Join the Montgomery County Choral Society for an enlightening evening celebrating Americana starting 7 pm, at the First Methodist Conroe, 4308 W. Davis. MCChoral.org

Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival

DOWNTOWN CONROE

Starting at 11am on Saturday 10/14/23 for the 2023 Conroe Cajun Catfish Festival. Live Music, full carnival for the kids, street entertainers, food court featuring cajun specialites, and lots of vendors!

Friday Oct. 13 - 6P - 12A

Saturday Oct. 14 - 11A - 12A

Sunday Oct. 15 - 12P - 6P

The festival is located in the heart of downtown Conroe, Texas. Information www.friendsofconroe.com

OCTOBER 14TH

Murder at the Disco THE WOODLANDS RESORT

7:00 PM

Hosted by The Woodlands Charities with dancing, live music by The Fab 5, axe throwing a, costume contest, fortune tellers, and so much more to benefit local nonprofits. All Ears!, Angel Reach, Dancing Thru Life, Habitat for Humanity, Mosaics of Mercy, New Danville, Rotary Club The Woodlands, Special Angels of the Woodlands, The Woodlands Family YMCA, and YES to YOUTH.

OCTOBER 19TH

Faith and Freedom Prayer

Breakfast hosted by Judge Wayne Mack

LONE STAR CONVENTION

CENTER | 7:00 AM

The 9th Annual Judge Wayne Mack's Faith and Freedom Breakfast will be October 19th at Lone Star Convention Center. Doors open at 6:30am. Keynote Speaker: Eric Metaxas, author.  Tickets available at WayneMack.org

OCTOBER 21ST

Witches' Night Out Conjure

Fair at B-52 Brewing

B-52 BREWING IN CONROE

3:00 PM

Witches' Night Out will be bringing the festivities to our amazing host B52 Brewing in Conroe Saturday, October 21st from 3-9pm. This outdoor event is free. Bring the dog! Events include a costume contest for both kids and adults, LED hoop show, Trick or Treating for the Kids, vendors, tattoos, brews from B52 Brewing, and food trucks.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Conroe

Conroe City Lifestyle’s Foodie Favorites

Our staff has some choice selections from local restaurants to satisfy all your cravings!

ARTICLE BY STAFF | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED

We all know what we want when we crave Mexican, Chinese, BBQ, Seafood, sweet, savory, or just a salad. As the staff travels throughout the greater Conroe area, we have tested go-to places for our favorites.  As this is our premiere Food Issue, we wanted to share our favorites from local eateries, and then perhaps next year, you can submit your favorites to share in the October issue.

Tex-Mex: CAMILA’S TEX-MEXI CUE

1245 Grand Central Parkway, Conroe

Sushi: WO SUSHI FUSION

810 Pine Market Ave, Woodforest

Frozen Margaritas Flight: BLACK WALNUT 2971 Hawthorne Dr, Conroe

Asian: DRAGON BOWL C NOODLE BAR 118 Simonton, Conroe

Chocolate: CHOCOLATE PASSION 1520 N. Frazier, Conroe

Loaded Fries: PACIFIC YARD HOUSE 101 Metcalf Street, Conroe

Mediterranean: MEZZE #1 1205 Grand Central Parkway, Conroe

Burger: THE RED BRICK TAVERN 119 Simonton, Conroe

BBQ Plate: MCKENZIE’S BBQ 1501 N. Frazier, Conroe

Catfish: VERNON’S KUNTRY KATFISH 5000 W. Davis, Conroe

Food Truck: KAOW KAJUN ASIAN ON WHEELS various locations

Winery: BLUE EPIPHANY WINERY 400 Bryant Road, Conroe

Breakfast: 105 CAFE 3010 W. Davis, Conroe

Brunch: HODGE PODGE LODGE 300 Prairie Street, Montgomery

Steakhouse: RANSOM’S STEAKHOUSE 300 CB Stewart Drive, Montgomery

Home-baked Cookies: MONTGOMERY BAKEHOUSE 240 Longmire Road, Conroe

Cakes: VERNELE’S BAKERY call to order (936) 521-2589

Produce: MAIN STREET MARKET Saturdays at Courthouse Square Conroe

Charcuterie: THE CUTERIE 1219 Grand Central Parkway, Conroe

Cajun: VOODOO GRILL 1205 Grand Central Blvd, Conroe

Chicken Fried Steak: THE FISH POND 17091 Hwy 75, Willis

Daily Specials: WHISTLE STOP CAFE 11133 IH 45 S, Conroe

Craft Cocktails: 202 MAIN 202 Main Street, Conroe

The list of favorites does not end with our few selections here. Please share some of your favorites with us on social media so we can add them to our list! Don’t forget the images!  The Conroe/Lake Conroe Chamber hosts a Tastefest each year in June, allowing one ticket to try over 40 restaurants in our community. One ticket, 40 restaurants! You can’t beat that!

Tex-Mex - Camila's TexMexi-Que- TexMex

Chocolatiers - Chocolate Passion

Sushi - Wo Sushi Fusion

BBQ Loaded FriesPacific Yard House

Custom Charcuterie BoardThe Cuterie

Frozen Margarita Flights - Black Walnut Café

Asian Noodles - Dragon Bowl Z

Mediterranean - Mezze #1-

"Home-baked" cookiesMontgomery Bakehouse

Burger - Space City BurgerThe Red Brick Tavern

Local Steaks - Ransom's raises their own Japanese Wagyu and American Wagyu beef.

Cakes for any occasion - Vernele's Bakery Catfish - Vernon's Kuntry Katfish

Chicken Fried Steak - The Fish Pond

Craft Cocktails - 202 Main.

Photo: Black Betty

BBQ Plate - McKenzie's Barbeque

Food Truck - Kajun Asian on Wheels

Winery - Blue Epiphany Winery

Breakfast - 105 Café

Brunch - Hodge Podge Lodge

Fresh Produce - Conroe's Main Street Market

Cajun Inspired - Voodoo Grill

Daily Specials - Whistle Stop Cafépictured is Tuesday Pork Chops