Savoring the Season
There’s something magical about the way food brings us together. Whether it’s an impromptu dinner with friends, a carefully planned holiday spread, or a spontaneous happy hour after work, food has a way of turning everyday moments into shared memories. This October, as the air turns crisp and autumn settles in, we’re celebrating all the delicious ways food connects us — from cozy gatherings to lively nights out.
Personally, I’ve always had a soft spot for a good happy hour. There’s nothing quite like catching up with friends on a perfect Texas patio at sunset, drink in hand, as laughter fills the air and the day winds down. It’s not just about the cocktails — it’s about the pause, the presence, and the people.
In this month’s Food & Drink Issue, we’re serving up a feast of inspiration. From our spotlight on local restaurants and must-try menus to the best karaoke spots where dinner turns into a show, you’ll find plenty of reasons to explore our city through your taste buds.
We’re also proud to highlight our Nonprofit of the Month: Independence Gardens, a remarkable organization committed to providing children and communities with access to fresh food and nutrition education. Their mission goes beyond filling plates; it’s about restoring dignity, cultivating leadership, educating communities, and ensuring that no one in our city goes hungry.
And with Halloween just around the corner, don’t miss our favorite spooky snacks and creative treats — perfect for parties, family nights, or simply embracing the playful spirit of the season.
Here’s to the meals that bring us closer, the stories shared around tables, and the flavors that linger long after the last bite.
Cheers,
ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @CROSSTIMBERSCITYLIFESTYLE
Are you on the association board for your subdivision? We would love to partner with you to host our events in your neighborhood! Do you have someone you would like to nominate for Student, Educator, Veteran, Athlete, Artist, Good Human, NonProfit or First Responder of the Month? Contact us for information on how you or your nominee can be included in upcoming articles. We encourage you to share your events and ideas with us. Just give us a shout. We want to hear from you.
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Mallory Newell | mallory.mckeever@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com
STAFF WRITERS
Amy Young, Sophie Betzhold, Isabella Van Trease
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Kolich
LAYOUT DESIGNER Emily Lisenbee
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Learn how to start your own
3:5-6
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1-7: Being a member of the local Chamber of Commerce offers valuable opportunities to grow your business, expand your network, and engage with the local community. Members enjoy increased visibility through ribbon cuttings and promotional support, along with access to dynamic groups like the Women’s Alliance and Young Professionals, which provide leadership development and meaningful connections. The Chamber hosts a variety of networking events, educational workshops, and marketing opportunities designed to help businesses thrive. With strong advocacy efforts and a commitment to community engagement, the Chamber empowers its members to make a lasting impact both professionally and locally.
Creative Elements
Thinking about making some changes in your home? Dreaming about a new kitchen or bathroom you saw on Pinterest or Houzz? Whether it is changing your current look for more modern, clean lines, updating the traditional to more transitional,or simply making your space more functional, Creative Elements is ready to make your next step a reality
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business monthly
Professional Black Belt Academy Now Open in Flower Mound
Professional Black Belt Academy Flower Mound opens a new location at 2851 Cross Timbers Rd. The academy is known for its dedication to building confidence, discipline, and respect through high-quality martial arts instruction for students of all ages. With a strong focus on personal development and community engagement, Professional Black Belt Academy offers a supportive environment where students can thrive—both on and off the mat.
Home Smiles Celebrates Grand Opening
Home Smiles offers a convenient, subscription-based solution for routine home maintenance—helping homeowners save time, reduce repair costs, and protect their investments. From HVAC filter changes to dryer vent cleaning and safety checks, their services are designed to keep homes running smoothly year-round. Congratulations to Home Smiles on their grand opening in Flower Mound, and welcome to the local business community! info@homesmiles.com (817) 704-0636
Floor Coverings International Opens Lewisville Location
Congratulations Floor Coverings International on the grand opening of their newest location in Lewisville. Known for bringing the flooring showroom directly to customers’ homes, Floor Coverings International offers a wide selection of high-quality flooring options—from hardwood and carpet to tile, luxury vinyl, and more—combined with expert guidance and personalized service. 118 Lynn Ave #806, Lewisville, TX 75057 (469) 940-7907
Photography by Professional Black Belt Academy
Photography by Flower Mound Chamber of Commerce
Photography by Lewisville Area Chamber of Commerce
Nonprofit of the Month
HOW INDEPENDENCE GARDENS IS GROWING
HEALTHY FUTURES IN SCHOOLS
After her non-profit’s annual event, Chonnie Richey describes a phone call she will never forget. Her non-profit, Independence Gardens, had just finished its program, Come and EAT IT, that allows kids to explore and expand their culinary knowledge by creating their own meal with a chef’s instruction and sharing the meal together at the end. One can only imagine how the chef might feel after hours spent in a room full of children and food, so Richey was surprised when the chef called her the next day, asking if they could host the event weekly. The chef explained the reason for his request - a boy who refused to eat his food with the others after making it. The little boy had told the instructor he wanted to bring it back to his parents as he believed they would never be able to afford such a nice meal. The meal they had created: a caesar salad.
The “caesar salad story” as coined by Richey, is a reaffirmation of the heart of Independence Gardens, her passion project created in 2013 that aims “to provide all children — especially those in underserved communities — access to fresh food and empower them through nutrition education, leadership development, and innovative solutions that address food insecurity, health equity, and climate impact.” By giving children a seed to grow from, the nonprofit teaches leadership, innovative thinking, and nutrition education by action.
The Come and EAT IT program is just one of the various projects Independence Gardens uses to spread its message in the community. Over 795 students participated in Come and EAT IT, Independence Gardens’ trademark Chef-cooking program, with plans to offer the immersive program to 1200 students in 2026. The nonprofit has constructed community gardens and hydroponic towers in three local elementary schools to allow children access to fresh food year-round, planning to create more each year. For those who wish to bring their gardening skills indoors, they can participate in “the Beanstalk Project,” which teaches hydroponic gardening that can grow up to 30 pounds of food. The charitable organization has also recently sparked a new initiative in collaboration with EarthX to offer 100 middle school and high school-aged girls leadership and sustainability training for twelve weeks, a ticket to the Climate Youth Summit in Dallas, and a chance to pitch their own sustainability prototypes on a global stage. Each program promotes innovative thinking through hands-on experience, leadership skills by strengthening collaboration, nutrition education through engaging activities, and is free to participate in, thanks to generous donations from the community and partners. Independence Gardens focuses on providing its services to Title 1 schools – schools that receive federal funding to support students from low-income families. These are targeted to ensure no kid is left hungry for learning or leaving school on an empty stomach–one of the main reasons for Richey creating the organization. Afterall, it was while tasting and observing her own daughter’s school lunch that the idea for the nonprofit was formed. Since then, Independence Gardens continues to grow and thrive through various projects and programs while keeping the mission simple: “that {kids} can go to school and get fresh food,” Richey says.
“By giving children a seed to grow from, the nonprofit teaches leadership, innovative thinking, and nutrition education by action.”
ARTICLE BY ISABELLA VAN
TREASE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELINE
MERRICK: MERRICK MULTIMEDIA
LOVE-LIT AT LAKESIDE
3 Date Night Options Both Beautiful and Delicious
As the Autumn breeze drifts in, Flower Mound’s Lakeside neighborhood becomes the perfect date night backdrop. Dine beneath glowing patio lights, stroll along shops and restaurants, and cuddle up near warming fireplaces. For your next night out, here are three restaurants ideal for a cozy, love-lit meal:
LOS CAMINOS MODERN COCINA
Located across from the Shops at Lakeside, Los Caminos wraps diners in a tropical, hacienda-inspired glow. Enjoy coastal cuisine in the stylish dining room or a spicy margarita on the year-round, climate-controlled patio. Unexpected flavors fill the elevated Mexican-inspired menu. Indulge in lobster fajitas, Veracruz-style red snapper, or a tried-and-true favorite, barbacoa tacos. Sip on a variety of Mexican wines, margaritas, or mezcal martinis. For a sweet and memorable finish, try the churro cheesecake. To Flower Mound diners, the flavors and romantic escape of Tulum or Cabo San Lucas are closer than they appear.
SAKHUU THAI
Since opening in November 2024, Sakhuu Thai has quickly become a local gem for authentic and fresh cuisine in the heart of Lakeside. With a buzzy atmosphere that feels like you’ve stepped into a chic city hideaway, it welcomes couples looking for a night of vibrance and adventure. An extensive happy hour menu offers a wide selection of inventive cocktails, beer, and sake with significant specials generous in flavor and portion. Menu standouts include the visually stunning emerald dumplings, delicate bites wrapped in jade-green rice dough, and the signature white pad thai, a beautifully balanced twist on the classic that feels both comforting and elevated. Pair these with a showstopping dessert like their Banana Bombay, and you’ve got a date night that’s memorable and delicious.
CLINK WINE BAR + BITES
Tucked into the Shops at Lakeside, Clink Wine Bar + Bites offers the casual intimacy of scratch-made tapas and thoughtfully curated wines and cocktails. With 16 wines and 4 beers on tap, rotating global selections by the glass or bottle, and decadent white and red flights, it’s a relaxed yet refined atmosphere to linger and connect. Their shareable menu is perfect for conversation, chat over a charcuterie board, a sweet and savory naan flatbread, or the indulgent whipped feta dip topped with hot-honey and pistachio. For a first date or for the 50th anniversary, Clink Wine Bar + Bites offers the opportunity and ambience to ignite a spark.
Artist of the Month
ARTICLE BY AMY YOUNG PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY NATALIE TISCHLER
Artist Natalie Tischler Uses Cake as a Canvas
Julia Child said, “A party without cake is just a meeting.” With cake holding such an important role, choosing a delicious and beautiful cake can elevate your gathering from mundane to magical. Artist Natalie Tischler certainly understands this sentiment.
Natalie Tischler began painting abstract landscapes on canvas with watercolors and acrylics. After discovering a palette knife, Tischler began to wonder if her canvas could be expanded to the top of a cake. Upon receiving an invitation to a friend’s cake party, she thought, “This is my chance to go all out.” And she did. None of the party guests had ever seen anything like her cake canvas, and Tischler quickly decided to add buttercream frosting and a food-grade paintbrush to her artistic toolbox.
As an artist, Natalie mixes the colors herself to get unique shades for her frosting paintings. Her creativity even stretches to the fillings, ranging from cookies to jam to chocolate pearls. “A filling is a fun surprise people are not expecting when they take a bite,” adds Natalie. She works from a landscape photograph or her imagination to create a stunning painting on the cake.
Text Tischler at 972.318.2721 and visit her on Instagram @natalietischlerart to experience more of her art on both cakes and canvases.
“A filling is a fun surprise people are not expecting when they take a bite.”
DESERT HAIKU
Capture the ethereal beauty of the Texas desert with this captivating abstract painting, inspired by the unique landscape surrounding Marfa. The artwork features a harmonious blend of soft blues, warm creams, and vibrant red accents, evoking the serene yet dramatic essence of the region.
This piece is perfect for art enthusiasts seeking a modern and evocative representation of the American Southwest. It would be a striking addition to any home or office, sparking conversation and contemplation.
As a local artist, my original work is readily available and can be delivered anywhere in the DFW
ENTERTAIN WITH EASE
ARTICLE BY AMY YOUNG
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO THE PERFECT CHARCUTERIE BOARD
You’ve likely seen them on Instagram, admired them at parties, and may have even attempted one yourself, only to end up with a few sad chunks of cheese, sweaty meat, and a pile of crackers. But with the help of charcuterie stylist Dawn Aviles, creating a board has never been easier.
Provided by Dawn Aviles: Vivi's Boards
STEP TWO: GATHER THE INGREDIENTS
STEP ONE: SELECT THE BOARD
If you don’t already have the ideal wooden charcuterie board, chances are you can find one in a pinch at a local grocery store or online. Depending on the occasion, you can also choose to use your counter as a board and lay down parchment paper.
You may think you need to outsource fancy meats and cheeses to wow your guests, but to Aviles, Central Market and HEB combine quality and affordability. Though she may opt to acquire more high-end ingredients depending on the occasion, as well as making her own crackers, bread, and jams, she suggests simply buying your favorite selection of meats, cheeses, fruits, crackers, and more. Aim for 3 oz of meat and 3 oz of cheese per person.
STEP FOUR: ENJOY THE FRUITS OF YOUR LABOR
Watch as your guests’ faces light up at the sight of your homemade charcuterie board. Decorate the table around it with festive fall decor to add an extra flair. And if you aren’t satisfied, allow the experts at Vivi’s Boards to cater your next event. 01
STEP THREE: ASSEMBLY TIME
Start simply by creating a centerpiece. Use a sliced wheel of brie or a bowl of jam to build around. From folding the meat to create a flower or simply cutting the cheese into triangles, there is no wrong way to style the food. Add the meats, cheese, crackers, fruit, or nuts around the center and try to keep a variation of textures and colors.
02 03 04
Everyone Deserves a Happy Halloween
ARTICLE BY FATIMA DURRANI Goblins, Goons, and Gummy Worms for All
Halloween is a widely anticipated holiday, but it can bring on anxiety and dread for those who suffer from food allergies, sensory overload, or certain diseases.
As a community, it’s important to educate ourselves on the physical and emotional impact these conditions have on our kids. For those children who feel excluded— and yet have to watch their costumed friends giggle as they devour Kit Kats and Snickers —we can make a difference.
Here are some simple alternatives that can help keep all our kids feel safe and included:
Colored pumpkins are a terrific visual cue for awareness. A blue pumpkin signals that a child has autism or sensory processing disorder. A teal pumpkin indicates that a house offers non-food treats (think pencils, bookmarks, and stickers!) for those with food allergies. A purple pumpkin represents epilepsy awareness.
Food allergens can impact a child’s quality of life in a major way—and are secretly disguised in non-food items too. For example, when choosing non-food “fun” items, be careful of things like moldable clay which may contain wheat. For those with celiac disease, this is a red flag. Similarly, provide non-sugary treats as an alternative choice for diabetic children (Rice Krispie treats made with stevia, anyone?).
For children who may suffer from sensory overload, providing treats in a bowl closer to the sidewalk may be helpful. This option allows them to grab candy without having to walk up (on a sometimes darkly lit pathway), ring a doorbell, and face a person with a scary mask! Children with limited mobility (or in wheelchairs) may also appreciate this easier accessibility to goodies.
Rarely do we speak of “invisible” disabilities, which can completely disrupt a child’s life. Kids with focus issues, anxious tendencies, or those with certain autoimmune conditions can also hide emotions behind their own masks. Thus, it’s best to refrain from asking things like “Why aren’t you wearing a costume?” Or, even worse, to push for an answer if you are met with silence to your question.
ARTICLE BY MEL BOBAN
How To Stay Festive And Healthy? Sure Thing
Halloween is typically filled to the brim with salt, sugar and carbs. It can be hard to stay on the nutrition wagon during spooky season, but there are plenty of fun ways to add a festive spin to favorite healthy dishes.
pumpkin FRUIT BOWL
With luck finding a melon or watermelon at the store, simply carve it like a jack-o-lantern and make the mouth large enough to have other sliced fruit emerging, such as cut pineapple, sliced grapes and apple chunks. Along the side, peel mini oranges and add a green stem to mimic pumpkins.
spooky CHARCUTERIE
These fan favorite boards can easily be kept healthy with some additions. Make any treat spooky with edible eyeballs. Adding them to a small snack such as mini bell peppers or grapes and strawberries is a fun way to stay on theme without sacrificing a healthy streak. Eyeball salami rolls also can be added, starting first with a green olive in the center, surrounded by a roll of mozzarella cheese and then surrounded by salami or even prosciutto.
stuffed PEPPERS
This fall staple easily can be incorporated into a fall gathering or Halloween night by carving jacko-lantern faces in orange peppers, and resuming a favorite recipe from there. Serving bread on the side? Use a skull or pumpkin shaped cookie cutter to re-shape it.
ghostly DIP
Hummus and pitas can be made scary in no time. Use a ghost shaped cookie cutter to shape pita bread, lightly toast and serve with red pepper hummus, which is usually orange in color.
jack-o-lantern VEGGIE TRAY
The easiest bet for a quick and healthy Halloween treat? You can’t go wrong with a veggie tray shaped like a jack-o-lantern. Use baby carrots as the base, and cucumber or celery to shape the mouth and stem. The eyes? Two round bowls of veggie dip.
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A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS OCTOBER 2025
events
OCTOBER 3RD – 5TH
Lebanese Food Festival
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church, 719 University Place, Lewisville | 10:30 AM
Our Lady of Lebanon Maronite Catholic Church invites you to partake in the 26th Lebanese Food Festival! Learn more at ourladylebanon.com
OCTOBER 4TH
Concert in the Park - A Celebration of ABBA
Doubletree Ranch Park | 7:00 PM
The City of Highland Village Parks and Recreation invites you to the park for a night of music, food, and fun! This family event will feature our own local bands in a celebration of ABBA!
OCTOBER 10TH – 11TH
Fall Festival
Flower Mound River Walk
The Town of Flower Mound is hosting its inaugural Fall Festival! Bring your friends, neighbors, and family for an event that will bring the community together for a time of celebrating autumn with food, vendors, and fun!
OCTOBER 18TH
TXFallenPD Tribute Event
Doubletree Ranch Park | 8:00 AM
The TXFallenPD Tribute honors the lives of Texas officers. All funds raised go to aiding the families of Texas officers killed in the line of duty. This community event includes 5Ks, bike races, yard games, vendors, live music, a kid zone, food, and drinks!
OCTOBER 19TH
Dirt Circus Flower Mound
Trailhead Running Supply | 7:30 AM
Dirt Circus is a series of free community events organized to celebrate local races and race directors! This festival will include a social run, food, raffles, fun, and highlight local races, run clubs, brands, and other local businesses!
OCTOBER 20TH
Rockin' October
T's Bar and Grill, 1305 S State Hwy 121 #430, Lewisville | 12:00 PM
Studio 801 presents Rockin' October, an original rock and singer/songwriter music festival! This festival will include original rock performances from local bands, local vendor shopping, and rocking out!
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OCTOBER 23RD
City Lifestyle B2B Networking Happy Hour
The Bartonville Store, 96 McMakin Rd. Bartonville | 5:30 PM
Calling all local business owners and professionals. Join us for our first Cross Timbers Happy Hour sponsored by City Lifestyle. Come build relationships and grow your business. Light appetizers and your first drink are provided. And don’t forget about the Halloween costume contest! There will be two categories being judged: Traditional Best Halloween costume and Best Costume that represents your business. Live music after the event!
OCTOBER 25TH
Flower Mound Smoke & Whiskey Fest
The Promenade at the Flower Mound River Walk | 1:00 PM
The Smoke & Whiskey Fest is more than just a cookout, but the home of the Texas State BBQ Championship. Come taste some incredible brisket, vote, crown a winner, and take part in the Whiskey Corral. This event is presented by the Summit Club of Flower Mound!
OCTOBER 25TH
Chalk the Park Art Contest
Twin Coves Park | 11:00 AM
The Town of Flower Mound invites artists of all ages and skill levels to showcase their creativity at the Chalk the Park Art Contest. The first 75 registrants receive chalk, and prizes are awarded by age group, along with special awards for most inspiring, most unique, and best fall-themed artwork! Stop by to participate or just admire!
FEAST YOUR WAY TO WINTER
Fall’s best cookbooks for perfect cold
season prep
Crisper air and shorter days call for cozy nights, whipping up a homemade meal in soft slippers and your favorite robe. Staying home on a Friday night in the fall doesn’t mean you’re giving up — quite the opposite! Think of it as carb loading before the championship game or a prep session before that major test. You’re practicing your winter hibernation skills, stretching those lounging muscles, and getting ready to win winter. And consider this roundup of cookbooks as your personal trainer. If you can make a hearty, succulent roast with confidence and ease as the leaves fall outside, imagine what you can do when it’s 20 degrees and snowing. Now, go get ’em!
Pizza Night: Deliciously Doable Recipes for Pizza and Salad
When you hear “Pizza Night”, a picture appears of the entire family gathered ’round with good food and lots of laughs (with popcorn and a movie to wrap up the occasion, naturally). This collection of yum contains 52 seasonal pizza varieties, each with unique salad pairings. It’s like pizza night on overdrive. Now, when you plan the family’s favorite end-of-the-week event, you’ll have this in your arsenal.
Mastering Bread:
The Art and Practice of Handmade Sourdough, Yeast Bread, and Pastry
We know you want to turn and run in the opposite direction after reading this title, but don’t be afraid! Take a glance at the reviews, and you’ll see words like easy, lovely, informative, inspiring, and our favorite, “great for beginner bread makers!” No equipment is required, just basic ingredients and a can-do attitude. It’s also a nice little piece of décor for your kitchen countertop.
Health Nut: A Feel-Good Cookbook
You may see Health Nut and say to yourself, ‘Booooring!’ but healthy food doesn’t have to be tasteless food. Flip through the vibrant pages of this trusty sidekick, and you’ll find good-for-you dishes with flavorful combinations the whole family will love. With practical instructions and helpful tips, it’s almost as if the author peeked into your pantry and built her recipes around ingredients you already have.
The Modern Hippie Table: Recipes and Menus for Eating Simply and Living Beautifully
You’ll find more than 70 recipes in this gorgeous compilation. Author/lifestyle blogger Lauren Thomas wants her readers to slow down and create a whole mood around their food, one that is beautiful, inviting, and… delicious. Her recipes are achievable for the novice and experienced chef and come with tips on tablescaping, cocktail mixing, and more. So, double knot that apron because you’re going to learn some stuff and eat very, very well.
ARTICLE BY EMILY MCKEEVER
