Frisco, TX October 2023

YOUR SMILE

is our specialty

So you’ve been thinking about orthodontics as an adult. It can be scary to take the next step, but after hearing all the reasons to get adult ortho at Jensen Orthodontic Arts, you’re going to run (not walk) to your free consultation with Dr Jensen. Consider why orthodontics should be on your to-do list:

1. It’s Trending: Google “Ortho as an adult” and you’ll learn two things: It’s never too late to get your teeth straight AND, you aren’t alone if you want to get started as an adult.

2. It’s Affordable: You deserve the power of a beautiful smile and the fees shouldn’t hold you back. We provide excellent orthodontic treatment at reasonable prices.

3. It’s A Confidence Booster: The difference a straight grin can make in your personal and professional life is so impactful that you won’t want to push this item off your to-do list.

4. You Have Esthetic Treatment Options: Clear braces, Invisalign, Lingual (tongue-side) braces.

5. Your Teeth May Have Shifted After Braces: What else on our bodies doesn’t change with time?! Teeth wear, settle and shift over time if you don’t do something about it.

6. It’s Good For You: Enjoy better tooth health, avoid potential jaw pain, headaches, digestive issues, or even sleep apnea.

At Jensen Orthodontic Arts, we don’t let anything hold you back from getting the straight smile you deserve. Whether you’re seven or seventy-two, Dr Jensen and his team are here to give you the results that make you happy.

Smiles and

Photo by Dr. Jensen

Dr. Doug Jensen, DDS, MS Board-Certified Orthodontist, Prosthodontist Husband

Father Of One Girl Lover Of Cars And Airplanes Singer In A Choir Tap Dancer Living In Prosper, TX

Welcome, Autumn

With the changing seasons comes a change in what we're craving, and with fall that often means comfort food. October is our most delectable issue of the year.

The smells of fall bring memories to my mind of sitting in my mom’s kitchen, and the aroma of cinnamon, apple, pumpkin, chili and soups of any kind brings me right back to her table.

There's definitely an art to creating a flavorful dish that not only satisfies our taste buds but evokes memories. The aroma of certain spices and foods can bring us right back to our childhood, which can be incredibly powerful and comforting. Food brings us all together, and whether we're sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

We'd also like to draw your attention to the exhibit titled "Woven Together Exhibit: Exploring South Asian Textiles" now at the Frisco Heritage Museum through Oct. 21. One of the artistic elements and feel-good memories you can see in-person is this lovely wedding gown highlighted here, which was worn by Munira Syeda for her ceremony.

As always, thanks for reading, and we’ll see you around town!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Sharon Duffy Thomas | sharon.duffy@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

William Thomas | william.thomas@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Amy Schmidt | amy.schmidt@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Laura Hamby | laura.hamby@citylifestyle.com

STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER

Lucy Thornton

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bailey Morris, Don Seaman

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Zoe Trewin

SHARON DUFFY THOMAS, PUBLISHER @FRISCOCITYLIFESTYLE

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 Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Photography: Lucy Thornton

Lamar National Bank Recognizing Frisco Community Volunteers

Volunteers are the heart of Frisco and neighboring areas. In support of this generous community, we’re spotlighting some of Frisco’s finest volunteers on a monthly basis. These are volunteers who exhibit passion, reliability, integrity, teamwork, positivity and energy. We salute their contributions of time, effort and talent to Frisco’s needs, causes or missions without personal financial gain.

HELP PREVENT HUNGER HERE LOCALLY

The FeedFrisco volunteer-bolstered initiative is a great opportunity for a group, family or organization to provide community contributions by collecting food, or raising funds to keep the Frisco Family Services Market stocked. Food Donation Drop-off Location: 9085 Dogwood St. (next to Frisco Resale).

Drop-off hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Frisco Resale representatives also can accept non-perishable food on Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Other ways to assist FeedFrisco:

1. Sponsor an ‘Adopt-a-Shelf’ to keep a specific Market section stocked.

2. Make financial donations.

3. Host food donation drives.

4. When shopping online through Amazon’s charitable foundation (Smile.Amazon.com), the retailer contributes 0.5% of purchase totals to FeedFrisco/FFS. It’s a simple, no-extra-cost way to support this local food cause.

Regarding questions, call 972.335.9495 or email William@FriscoFamilyServices.org.

6801 Gaylord Pkwy, Ste 101 Frisco, TX 75034

city scene

Where

neighbors can see and be seen.

Want to be seen in the magazine?

Tag your Instagram photos with @friscocitylifestyle

1: Prime IV Hydration & Wellness opened in Frisco at 3205 Main St., Ste. 239. 2: Frisco Mayor Jeff Cheney presents retiring Chamber CEO Tony Felker after 19 years of service. 3: Robot-run Pizza Jukebox and Red Mango frozen yogurt shop, opened inside Walmart, 16066 SH 121.

4: Frisco High School Band members helped American Bank open in Frisco at 3382 Preston Road. 5: Modera Gastroenterology opened a gastroenterologist-specialty clinic for GI issues. Text 469.746.3193 for appointments. 6: Smokin' Oak Wood-Fired Pizza & Taproom opened in Frisco at 2601 Preston Road, #2221. 7: Dilophosaurus: The seasonal exhibit at Heard Museum, Dinosaurs Live!, runs through Feb. 19, 2024.

COURTESY OF SMOKIN' OAK WOOD-FIRED PIZZA & TAPROOM

HEARD NATURAL SCIENCE MUSEUM & WILDLIFE SANCTUARY

FRISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FRISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

FRISCO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Tonya Dangerfield, MBA, REALTOR®, Life Insurance Agent

Nick Dangerfield, REALTOR®

business monthly

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Hutchins' Full Service Catering For Fall

Great for autumn-themed outdoor gatherings is the Hutchins Barbecue catering package. It typically includes three meats of choice, two sides, bread, condiments and barbecue sauce. Drinks and banana pudding can be added at extra charges. Hutchins staffers arrive about one hour prior to the event to set up serving area. They cut meat on-site; sides self-served. At the end of the meal, they clean and break down their serving area. Phone 972.540.1920 or email catering@hutchinsbbq.com.

BarnHill Vineyards To Host Saturday Sip & Shop Oct. 7

On Oct. 7, from noon to 5 p.m., the BarnHill Vineyards team in Anna at 11917 County Road 509 will host a fall-themed event, Saturday Sip & Shop. It will include local vendors, live music, a food truck and Texas wine. Vendors have items that can be perfect holiday preparation products or gifts. Organizers indicate this free event with complimentary parking is family- and dog-friendly (must be on a leash). For more details, visit BarnHillVineyards.com

80s-Themed Bash Hosted For Hunger Awareness Month

The Monument Realty PGA District at the Omni PGA Frisco was the spot for a worthy cause on Sept. 2. The team there threw a retro-80s themed bash with a canned food drive and live music. Popular DFW-area band 80’s Mix Tape performed. Guests donned their best 80s attire and donated non-perishable food items for Frisco Family Services. Prizes were awarded for costumes, including a $300 PGA District credit for first prize.

Photography Courtesy of Hutchins Barbecue

Photography by Zoe Trewin

Photography by Sunwest Communications

We value the specific needs of each individual client. Our commitment to provide a superior level of service and attention to detail will be evident as we partner with you through every step of the process.

Frisco Chamber of Commerce President/CEO Announces Retirement

Frisco Chamber of Commerce

President/CEO Tony Felker retired after 19 years of service to the chamber. During that time, Tony congratulated 500 Leadership Frisco graduates, founded the Leadership Exchange Trip program, and launched the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, which consistently produced talented middle and high school business owners who rank nationally in the Saunders Scholars Competition. He also laid groundwork for what will become Frisco Chamber of Commerce Foundation, a 501(c)(3) addition to the current organization.

Frisco Interim Fire Chief Promoted To Chief

Lee Glover was promoted to Frisco fire chief. Since last September, he served as interim fire chief. He was selected from five finalists from throughout Texas. He started his career with the Frisco Fire Department in 1991, and became a lieutenant, captain and deputy chief. He served as an assistant chief from 2009–2022, overseeing areas of administration, support services and emergency services. He's a member of International Association of Fire Chiefs

Woven Together Exhibit: Exploring South Asian Textiles

This Frisco Heritage Museum exhibit focuses on South Asian cultural fabrics and materials, particularly found in Pakistan, India and Bangladesh. It highlights the exquisite craftsmanship and artistry of the region and celebrates the vibrant culture and colors of the South Asian community in Frisco. In addition to the main exhibit, they have presentations and demonstrations throughout the year that cover related topics; this month's is "Life in Frisco" on Oct. 21 at 1 p.m.

Scan to read more.

Photography by Frisco Chamber of Commerce

Photography by City of Frisco

Photography by Munira Syeda, Chic & Gold; her wedding dress will be on display

Unique Café Launches In Capital One At Stonebriar Mall

Capital One just opened the first DFW Capital One Café in Stonebriar Mall. This new Café in Frisco offers a first-of-its-kind banking experience where anyone can relax, refuel and take care of their banking needs. Visitors can take advantage of workspaces, free Wi-Fi, ATMs and order selection of hand-crafted beverages and snacks. The Café provides financial education resources and tools. It also features a room where nonprofits can use the space to host events

Want to be featured?

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

Photography by Dala Communications

30 YEARS FOR RANDY'S STEAKHOUSE

30 Reasons Diners Love This Family-Owned Restaurant

ARTICLE BY AMY SCHMIDT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY LUCY THORNTON

Established in 1993, Randy’s Steakhouse, one of Frisco’s most distinguished dining destinations has been a staple for diners who appreciate the art of fine dining and the allure of perfectly prepared steaks, seafood and wine. This year marks Randy's Steakhouse 30th year of culinary excellence. Via this feature,  Frisco City Lifestyle celebrates with at least 30 reasons why diners love the restaurant.

1. Randy's Steakhouse, family-owned and operated by Randy Burks, epitomizes Texan hospitality.

2. Guests of special events and parties delight at personal greetings on the welcoming chalkboard.

3. Randy, who enjoys "making friends," wows guests by visiting each table, ensuring the best dining experience is had by all.

4. The steakhouse resides in the T.J. Campbell house, which was built in 1869, is listed on the Texas Historical Registry and anchors Downtown Frisco.

5. Randy lovingly transformed the Victorian house into a prime steakhouse, paying close attention to the history and significance of not only the house, but to Frisco's heritage and the proximity to the Shawnee Trail.

6. Favorite waiters, such as Vegas, add to the experience by telling stories about the home and some of Frisco's history that even longtime residents don't know.

7. Guests enjoy the cozy, timeless ambiance of seven separate dining rooms, two fireplaces, and even patio dining.

8. The restaurant boasts of a robust, 200-plus bottle international wine selection.

9. Speaking of wine, Randy hosts a monthly wine dinner on the last Thursday of the month, each course pairing meticulously chosen wines with delectable dishes.

10. Couples celebrating milestone anniversaries choose Randy's Steakhouse for its romantic ambiance, and they're surprised with a personal visit from Chef Randy and a bottle of Randy's anniversary wine.

CONTINUED > Randy's signature Blackberry Filet

Susie and Randy Burks

11. Even birthday celebrations call for a visit from Randy and a bottle of his birthday wine.

12. Randy's Steakhouse has five different menus, including the wine dinner, to meet various occasions and celebrations.

13. Guests wanting a tailored, simplified menu of some of Randy's favorite entrées and desserts can choose from the budget-friendly, three-course Fixed Price Menu.

14. Guests wanting to celebrate in style can choose from four, expertly curated party packages ranging from $60-$80 per person.

15. Not every guest wants the full dining experience, so Randy has curated a bar menu that boasts upscaled traditional bar fare, such as beef filet nachos, prime rib sandwiches, classic cheeseburgers and loaded French fries.

16. Food guests rave about the upscale culinary delights; it's hard to find just one favorite.

17. Each prime steak is meticulously sourced, hand-cut and masterfully grilled to perfection in-house.

18. BLACKBERRY FILET! This savory favorite was originally created to complement a particular wine, and became a surprise success.

19. Yelp and Google reviewers repeatedly mention the glory of the Bleu cheese filet, one expounding with "the walnuts added the perfect crunch, the bleu cheese was melty and delicious..."

20. The oft-mentioned 12-ounce tenderloin tournedoes are served with Randy's cognac bordelaise sauce, and is a must try.

21. Randy's is not limited to steaks; there are fresh, fine seafood options.

22. Oh! The lobster tail--broiled Australian lobster tail served with hot, melted butter.

23. Alaskan. King. Crab. Legs.

24. "The turtle soup is to die for! Bon appétit.”

25. The side dishes are just as expertly and artfully created as the main entrées.

26. High praise is given for the "golden crust" and "gorgeous creaminess" of the macaroni and cheese side dish, as well as Randy's famous garlic mashed potatoes.

27. Appetizers? Yes, please! Thick cut, crispy onion rings, tender calamari in remoulade sauce, and 'Mud Bugs'--fried crawfish tails in Randy's sauce--are just a few of the favorite offerings.

28. Even something as simple as a wedge salad with Bleu cheese dressing is elevated to fan-favorite status at Randy's Steakhouse.

29. Dessert. Randy's famous bread pudding, with Jack Daniel's sauce and cinnamon ice cream probably belongs with the main entrées, as it's a luxurious meal in itself.

30. And, finally, what is Randy's favorite option to eat? The prime bone-in ribeye...tender and juicy, "the marbling is what gives it flavor."

Local and visiting diners alike enjoy the essence of Texan hospitality in this historical, yet upscale setting in Frisco’s premier destination for steak lovers and fine dining. With a dedicated staff and Chef Randy committed to providing impeccable service within a warm, inviting atmosphere, the staff provides dining experiences not to be forgotten. This is why Frisco--and we, the Lifestyle team--love Randy’s Steakhouse.

30 cheers to Randy's Steakhouse 30 years!

972.335.3066

RandysSteakhouse.com

"TRANSFORMING THIS BEAUTIFUL VICTORIAN HOME TO A FULLSERVICE RESTAURANT TOOK RESEARCH AND EXPERTISE. WE TOOK UTMOST CARE TO PRESERVE THE HISTORICAL AURA THAT THE MCCALLUM FAMILY HAD GIVEN THEIR HOME."

Chicken topped with Randy's Marsala Sauce

make a difference through food

Frisco Location Of Nonprofit Children's Hunger Fund Shares Nourishment And Hope Of Gospel

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED BY CHILDREN'S HUNGER FUND/FRISCO

Operating from a Frisco warehouse at 16005 Gateway Drive, Suite 200, is Children's Hunger Fund, a Californiaheadquartered Christian nonprofit ministry that provides food to children in need. Since 1991, 96% of the fund's revenue supports programs that serve children and families struggling with food insecurity. Frisco City Lifestyle asked Hal Williams, the group's senior coordinator of relationship development, how the local community can assist.

HOW DOES CHF WORK?

"CHF delivers hope to suffering children and their families, beginning by delivering a Food Pak, a box of non-perishable food. This step creates opportunities to build relationships. Often, when people struggle financially, they don’t want others to know so they distance themselves. We facilitate the opportunities for true hope and solutions."

WHAT ITEMS ARE NEEDED?

"We routinely need Food Paks items: pasta, cans of vegetables/tuna/beans, peanut butter, fruit snacks, granola bars."

HOW CAN INDIVIDUALS OR BUSINESS TEAMS BEST ASSIST CHF'S EFFORTS?

"Businesses, churches, schools and other groups can participate with Project Food Pak (PFP). We bring refolded boxes with shopping lists to your location. You pass out boxes to employees, congregation members or school groups to take home. Fill boxes with items on the shopping list; then return the box to your location, from which we'll arrange for it to be picked up for Food Paks.

We have volunteer opportunities throughout the year, for sorting and packaging.

Monetary and food product donations are always appreciated."

800.708.7589 | ChildrensHungerFund.org

"You’d be surprised how many of our Frisco neighbors are struggling to make ends meet. But we can all help together," says Hal Williams, Children's Hunger Fund senior coordinator of relationship development.

Helmed by brothers Tim and Trey Hutchins, Hutchins BBQ offers a variety of the best, authentic Texas barbecue in the Dallas area. Our long-standing commitment to the craft has led to recognition among the “50 Best BBQ Joints” by Texas Monthly three times running.

We’re honored to uphold the traditions of Texas BBQ and admire the innovations of new generations of pitmasters joining the ranks. Whether you’re old school or new school, there’s something for everyone at our family table!

Visit us in McKinney, Frisco or online for your dining and catering needs.

McKinney Location: 1301 N. Tennessee Street McKinney, TX 75069

Frisco Location: 9225 Preston Road Frisco, TX 75033

PHYSICAL THERAPY IN FRISCO

Frisco Physical Therapy is joining ACHIEVE PHYSICAL THERAPY & PERFORMANCE

as a valued part of their team. Our name may be changing, but our experience, dedication, and loyalty within the community remain strong. We look forward to a continued partnership with all of our patients and referring physicians in order to help keep Frisco active and healthy.

AT ACHIEVE PHYSICAL THERAPY & PERFORMANCE, FRISCO, our number one priority is the patient. We strive to provide individualized treatment with hands-on, compassionate care. We do not rush our patients or our clinicians. Rather, we perform comprehensive evaluations and encourage patient input for treatment planning and goal setting. 7548 Preston Rd, STE 145, Frisco, TX 75034

We accept most insurance including Medicare & Worker’s Comp.

| 972-712-9693

RECENT RESTAURANT ROUNDUP

New(er) Eateries In Frisco Offer Fresh Flavors Of Japan, Slaws, Shakes, Artisan Bites With Sophisticated Twists, Cookies And Cakes

Bluefin restaurant opened in west Frisco at 615 Main St., Suite 100, with a menu of traditional sushi, sashimi, bowls, hibachi and bento boxes. BluefinFresh.com

Imura Sushi & Robata is now located at 8050 Preston Road, Suite 106, as a Japanese sushi bar with an Asian fusion menu. They offer diners sushi rolls and robata, a method of cooking in which food is skewered and grilled slowly over hot charcoal, according to Imura Sushi & Robata’s Facebook page: Facebook.com/ImuraSushi .

All-natural, made-to-order chicken sandwiches are available at Birdcall ,

located at 5350 Preston Road in Frisco. With lunch and evening meal hours of operation, they also serve salads, sides, desserts and kids' meals. See more menu options at EatBirdcall.com .

Handcrafted gourmet pizzas and pretzels, plus exclusive signature drinks, can be secured at  The Owl Bar And Boards , 6363 Dallas Parkway, Suite 120. Finish meals with a S'mores board. Visit TheOwlFrisco.com to see the daily alcohol drink specials.

Enjoy appetizers, mariscos, seafood, sushi, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, plate options and more handcrafted Mexican meals, all reportedly made

from 20-plus fresh ingredients at Sr. Ozzy's Frisco. Dine in or pick up traditional or original meals with an advertised free chips and salsa on every order at 9500 Dallas Parkway, #200. Collect more background details regarding the founder at SrOzzys.com/Frisco-TX

Freaky Taco in Frisco at 6377 Custer Road offers dine-in and carryout options. The restaurant serves traditional tacos with twists. Fan favorites appear to be Korean barbecue, tandoori chicken and Baja fish. In addition, Freaky Taco also offers vegetarian and vegan options. Visit FreakyTaco.com

Tucked inside a Frisco strip mall at 6549 Coit Road, Suite 118, is La Creme Bakery Cafe , a small shop serving handmade pastries, breads, cakes and other treats. Popular options are banana bread, croissants and chocolate ganache cake. The bakery also offers custom cakes for birthdays, weddings and special occasions. Take a look at options on LaCremeBakerycafe.com .

Napoli’s Pizza On The Go  opened a Frisco location at 4747 4th Army Drive to offer Italian dishes such as pizzas, baked pastas, calzones and strombolis. For online ordering and

pick up, go to  NapolisOnTheGo.com/ Frisco-location .

Now operating from 9292 Warren Parkway, Suite 100, is Hunan Chef, serving up items such as cucumber salad, vegetable lo mein, sauteed tofu, spicy shrimp and braised eggplant. See HunanChefFrisco.com . Wetzel's Pretzels is reportedly slated to open in Frisco at Stonebriar Centre during November. It will serve soft premium pretzels, dips, Wetzel Dogs and snacks at 2601 Preston Road. More about the California-headquartered chain can be gleaned at  Wetzels.com. The company reportedly has 400 locations

across the United States, Canada and Central America. This summer, the company's leaders launched a refreshing Guava Mangonada drink, featuring the popular chili lime seasoning brand Tajín. During December, Dirty Dough is expected to open a 3420 Main St., Suite 150. The cookie company is slated to offer customers their cookies with “unique flavor profiles,” such as Lime In The Coconut, Raspberry Fudge Brownie, The Muscle, Cookies n Creme, Chocolate Peanut Butter Crunch and Ooey Gooey Butter Cake. Those interested can register to receive a notification for cookie flavors of the week at DirtyDoughCookies.com

How would you like to meet with our owner, Tim Michel, within 24 hours of when you reach out? We can even provide a quote immediately on-site at your home, and arrange for glass installation within 8 to 10 days.

We’re committed to prompt, helpful customer service because we’re locally owned and have the flexibility of not being a franchise. In fact, Tim has lived in North Texas for 40 years.

ARTICLE BY BAILEY MORRIS

Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub

This homemade sugar scrub is easy to make and leaves you with silky soft skin

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup of granulated sugar

• ½ cup of oil (almond oil or olive oil works best)

• ½ teaspoon vitamin E oil

• ½ teaspoon real vanilla extract

• 15 drops lavender essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

Sugar scrubs are amazing for getting rid of dead skin and exfoliating to reveal soft skin. To make this Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub, mix all ingredients together and store in an airtight jar.

Bring joy back into the kitchen.

Bringing Joy

Back into the Kitchen

Chef Dennis Prescott Talks Falling in Love with Feeding People and the Connection Food Creates

Whether you know him from the Netflix hit Restaurants on the Edge or from his absolutely mouth-watering food photos as @dennistheprescott on the ‘gram, this former-musician turned internationally-renowned Chef is an amazingly talented, thoughtful, and globe-trotting force to be reckoned with. When it comes to inspiration for creating experiences around food and your community, as well as creating travel bucket lists to some of the world’s

most unique and delicious destinations off the beaten path, Chef ‘Dennis The Prescott’ is a culinary change maker whose feed you’ll want to feast on.

Originally an aspiring musician, Canadian-born Dennis Prescott’s journey began while in university with a single invitation from another solo musician who asked him to tour with him around the US. This eventually took him to Nashville where they began making records and pursuing their musical dreams.

In the midst of all of this eating take out, dollar menus, etc, had become a way of life for Dennis. A friend stressed that he needed to start taking care of himself, and the advice was simple: “You need to start eating better.” He knew his bad eating habits weren’t good for mind, body or spirit, but he didn’t know where to begin to make changes. However, Prescott thought to himself, “I KNOW good food because I have literally traveled all over America, all over Canada, and into Europe with my music, eating great food and learning what I like.”

“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you.

The Start

Dennis went to a nearby library and borrowed three books only to have his friend ask why he chose those in particular. Dennis remembers saying verbatim, “I don’t know? The guy on the cover looks kinda good looking, and I feel like I could probably pull these recipes off, and he seems really happy too!” As it turned out they were three books by Jamie Oliver; it’s just that he had no idea who Jamie Oliver was at the time.

Flash forward and Dennis’ first dinner-hosting experiment was made up of twenty people from the music studio, all sitting in camping chairs with beer koozies and makeshift tables in his apartment.

“I remember at the time this moment of, okay, the food is on the table, it’s a stressful thing, and then everybody tucks in and they take their first bite, and there’s a moment of hush that kind of came over everyone; it got really quiet just for a second, and then everyone started talking and getting into it and I fell in love with food right there at that moment. I didn’t realize that you can create these beautiful experiential moments at the table in the same way that I did playing someone’s favorite love song. Knowing that that was a thing to me was the most fascinating thing in the world.”

Dennis even got to the point where he was cooking so much that he started to forget what recipes he had successfully made, so he began a photo journal and started taking photos of all his completed dishes. And so it began like it does for most; Dennis began posting food photos to Instagram for the next few years.

“All of that was initially with no agenda, no intentionality; I just loved it and I wanted to share. I fell in love with feeding people.”

Regarding social media, Dennis’s professional advice is to check your DMs. A person who worked at Food & Wine Magazine at the time sent him a DM, asking if he would do recipes for the magazine, which turned into writing a monthly column. That experience helped him land a cookbook deal, which led to a wealth of TV and media publicity and Dennis feels he owes a lot of his success to that first opportunity with Food & Wine Magazine. Oh, and did we mention he is a self-taught photographer who now does all of his own food shots? This guy has drive.

His drive and innate talents ultimately led him to the opportunity of a lifetime via another DM. This time, it was a Netflix executive producer who offered him the chance to work for two seasons on Restaurants on the Edge, a show where “three food and design experts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture beyond their gorgeous views.“

What followed were 13 episodes over nine months where they traveled to and filmed restaurant revivals that included three in Canada, one in the continental US, one in Hawaii, and others outside of North America, including Hong Kong, Slovenia, Austria, Malta, St. Lucia and Finland.

If I can inspire more time as a community at the table, then that’s a win.”

Travel Recommendations for Foodies

“Slovenia borders Italy and Croatia, which is to say there are a lot of shared values in and around food; they have really great cheese, dairy, beef, pasta, but very few tourists, hardly any. So if you love Italy, that kind of specific travel and food experience, particularly Northern Italy, because you can see the Alps from where they are. It’s picture perfect, a beautiful place, and also where orange wine is from.”

Dennis also highly recommends Costa Rica, Hawaii and Finland.

“Most people love the idea of travel, but we tend to pick the same places when we travel, and there is nothing wrong with that, they are amazing for a reason, but when you get off the beaten path a little bit, you learn the difference between vacation and travel.”

One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start? I don’t know how to get going, so I just don’t.’

Rather than overcomplicating it, Dennis recommends cooking the things that bring you joy — things that are on a restaurant menu you can’t NOT order because you’re so pumped that those dishes are on there.

“Find the things that you love. Take the stress out of food. Feed people because all they really care about is spending time with you. Bring joy back into the kitchen.”

Call today at 469-406-6064 or visit www.customhandymen.com to discuss your construction or maintenance needs in McKinney, TX, and surrounding communities.

PLUMBING

OCTOBER

events

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

OCTOBER 4TH - 8TH PGA

Jr. League Championship

FIELDS RANCH WEST AT PGA

FRISCO | 8:30 AM

Twelve 13u teams from across the country will compete in the National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship. This is the celebratory, culminating event of the PGA Jr. League Championship Season. The 2022 National Car Rental PGA Jr. League Championship was held during October at Grayhawk Golf Club in Scottsdale, Arizona. For updates, go online to PGAJrLeague.com .

OCTOBER 7TH

Frisco Oktoberfest

FRISCO SQUARE | 11:00 AM

Willkommen to the 4th annual Frisco Oktoberfest, which concludes at 9 p.m. The opening ceremony includes a traditional keg tapping, with the first attendees receiving free bier until the keg is tapped out. The event also has delicious food, bier stein hoisting competition, brat eating competition, keg rolling races, stein races, dachshund dash, and a Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest competition.

OCTOBER 7TH

Frisco Arts Walk and Run

HALL PARK | 8:30 AM

The run/walk route takes participants through the scenic Texas Sculpture Garden with pop-up musicians, dancers, vocalists, actors and visual artists. Attendees pass by the new Kaleidoscope Park and

future Frisco Performing Arts Center. Funds raised from the event support local art advocacy, education and outreach initiatives. Initial registration price was $35 each, but increases closer to the event.

OCTOBER 7TH

FC Dallas Vs. San Jose Earthquakes

TOYOTA STADIUM | 7:30 PM

This American professional soccer club is based in the Dallas–Fort Worth metroplex. The franchise began play in 1996 as a league charter club. San Jose Earthquakes are based in San Jose, California. Originally as the San Jose Clash, the franchise began play in 1996, also as one of the charter members of the Western Conference of Major League Soccer.

OCTOBER 7TH

Whistlestop Jamboree

FRISCO RAIL YARD | 12:00 PM

This annual music festival is sponsored by The Frisco Music Scene. Jud Block and others promise to provide an entire day of mayhem and debauchery soundtracked with music from all of North Texas's best singer-songwriters. This free event typically takes place until to 11 p.m. at  9040 First St.

OCTOBER 28TH

Boho Market

FRISCO SQUARE | 10:00 AM

The Boho Market, held at 8843 Coleman Blvd., brings a variety of small and local businesses together for patrons who want to spend the day having fun shopping while supporting the community. The market is free admission and parking. It also is family- and pet-friendly. It usually concludes at 4 p.m. or 5 p.m.

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It’s Pumpkin Bread Season

The Perfect Recipe For Some Autumn Comfort

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 teaspoon baking soda

• 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

• 1 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1/2 teaspoon ginger

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 1/2 cups canned pumpkin

• 1 1/2 cups sugar

• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 1/2 cup vegetable oil or canola oil

• 1/2 cup melted butter

• 2 eggs

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a mixing bowl, add the flour, baking soda and baking powder, spices, and salt. Set aside.

3. Combine the oil, butter, and vanilla in a liquid measuring cup.

4. In a mixing bowl (with a paddle attachment), beat the pumpkin, sugar, and eggs until combined.

5. Turn the mixer to low and slowly add the liquid ingredients. Let this process take about 1 to 2 minutes so the mixture becomes light and fluffy.

6. Using a spatula, fold the dry ingredients into the wet and slowly fold until the ingredients are blended.

7. Prepare a 10 x 5 loaf pan by buttering it really well and then adding a strip of parchment paper to the bottom and up the sides for easy removal.

8. Bake in a preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. The bread will be fully risen in the center, like a loaf. Make sure it’s fully cooked and brown on the top otherwise it will fall in the middle once removed from the oven.

ARTICLE BY DON SEAMAN