Good Food, Great Company, and Fall Fun
As the air turns crisp and the scent of autumn fills our neighborhoods, we couldn’t think of a better time to dive into one of life’s greatest joys: food and drink. This month’s issue celebrates the flavors, the gatherings, and the local spots that bring our community together.
We’re shining a special spotlight on Giulia’s Café, a true hometown treasure where every plate is served with heart. Whether you’re stopping by for a warm latte on a cool morning or a cozy meal shared with friends, Giulia’s embodies the comfort and connection that food can bring. October also brings a spirit of celebration and a little spookiness with Halloween just around the corner. From neighborhood trick-or-treat traditions to themed bites and sips, there’s no shortage of ways to indulge in the fun this season.
And for those who love to pair good food with great company and sports, GOATS Sports Bar is the place to be. With an energetic atmosphere, hearty favorites, and plenty of screens to catch the big game, it’s a reminder that food and drink are often best enjoyed in the company of others.
We hope this issue inspires you to gather, savor, and celebrate. Whether you’re sharing a meal at a local café, toasting the season with friends, or treating the kids to a Halloween delight, may this month remind us all of the joy that food and drink bring to our lives.
ALEXIS JACKSON, PUBLISHER @LAKESIDECITYLIFESTYLE
October 2025
PUBLISHER
Alexis Jackson | alexis.jackson@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Shannon Spake | shannon.spake@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Clareece Montero | clareece.montero@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Jason Laumer | jason.laumer@citylifestyle.com
Tina Laumer | tina.laumer@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Amber McMahan amber@growingsproutsphotography.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Rachel Chrisman
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
Clean Fuel. Clean Air. Clean Earth.
Community Waste Disposal is proud to have introduced compressed natural gas (CNG) waste disposal trucks to the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex. CNG vehicles run more quietly and produce fewer emissions than diesel trucks, creating cleaner skies and more peaceful neighborhoods for everyone to enjoy!
OCTOBER 2025
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: Equine Instincts an art collective in downtown Aubrey, is one of Aubrey’s newest businesses. 2: Congratulations to the owners of Dos Mezclas Restaurant on the recent completion of their renovation! 3: August LE•NKS was a success! Thanks to Pymed Technologies for sponsoring and spotlighting healthcare innovation. 4: Our Chamber Luncheon was sold out! Thanks Drew Bailey, Poached Brunch House, and everyone supporting Little Elm’s growth. 5: Little Elm Mayor and Council donated school supplies, supporting LEISD’s Back to School Bash success. 6: New Little Elm residents received bags packed with goodies, thanks to Chamber members and Ambassadors’ efforts. 7: Fortunata Winery featured a $25 Pizza Flight—three scratch-made pizzas, perfect for sharing or savoring!
Want to be seen in the magazine?
LITTLE ELM CHAMBER
LITTLE
LITTLE
FORTUNATA WINERY
AUBREY MUNICIPAL
AUBREY
Alexis turned a magazine into community.
City Lifestyle isn’t just a publication — it’s a pulse. A rhythm of voices, neighbors, and stories woven together by someone who believes in the power of connection. As we expand, we’re looking for people ready to turn care into community. Are you ready to be that spark?
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City Lifestyle
Published by Alexis Loved by Lakeside
The Barnes Group
The Barnes Group revolutionizes how businesses manage their most valuable asset – their people. Specializing in providing payroll, HR and staffing services, the Barnes Group gives clients that extra support needed in their operations. Their tailored solutions fit just about every business need, giving company leaders more of an opportunity to empower their teams and take their organization to new heights.
Photography by The Barnes Group
Olivia Clarke Homes
With your family’s lifestyle at the center of our design process, Olivia Clarke Homes ensures that every inch of your home – from rooms to hallways to storage space – is thoughtfully crafted to support your unique needs. We build spaces for relaxation, entertainment and functional living, which make being at home exactly what you’ve always wanted it to be: simply perfect.
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Giulia’s
Giulia’s Cafe is a cozy breakfast and lunch spot in the heart of Aubrey, Texas, where the food is as warm as the welcome.
Giulia’s Cafe offers chef-driven dishes using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients. In addition to the delicious food, the owners, Tony and Giulia, make everyone feel like they’re part of the family the moment they step foot into the cafe. We’re open Tuesday through Sunday 7 am - 2 pm.
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Photography by Olivia Clarke Homes
Photography by Giulia's Cafe
ARTICLE BY SHANNON SPAKE | PHOTOGRAPHY
WHERE FOOD, FAMILY, AND TRADITIONAL HOSPITALITY SHINE
GIULIA’S CAFÉ
BY AMBER MCMAHAN
In a town that’s quickly growing but still treasures its neighborly roots, Giulia’s Café has become a gathering place where new faces and longtime locals come together around the table.
Anthony and Giulia’s backgrounds in fine dining are at the core of everything they do. Both spent years working long hours in upscale restaurants, mastering technique, service, and presenta-
“MORE THAN MEALS, GIULIA’S CAFÉ SERVES CONNECTION, COMFORT, AND COMMUNITY DAILY.”
Owned by Anthony and Giulia Porcaro, the café offers more than just freshly made meals—it delivers a sense of belonging. From the moment you walk through the door, you’re greeted with warmth, the comfort of scratch-made food, and the kind of hospitality that makes a new community feel like home.
Conveniently located along Highway 377, Giulia’s Café blends a cozy country-chic style with the hum of happy conversation. The space is both relaxed and refined—think rustic farmhouse touches, soft wood accents, easy to read menus, and country touches that bring a sense of charm to each table. The natural light spilling across the booths in the morning makes breakfast feel like home, while the warm glow in the evenings sets the perfect tone for a late lunch. It’s an environment that’s inviting but polished, perfectly reflecting the Porcaros’ ability to bring fine dining touches into an approachable, family-focused café.
tion at the highest levels. But what they craved most wasn’t more awards or a bigger kitchen—it was balance. They dreamed of a restaurant that still honored culinary excellence but allowed them to slow down, enjoy life, and create a space where neighbors felt like family. When they discovered Aubrey, a community on the cusp of exciting growth yet rich in small-town spirit, they knew they had found the place to bring their vision to life.
From day one, Giulia’s Café has stood apart because of its people. In an era when many restaurants rely on tablets and kiosks, here you’ll find attentive servers who learn your name, remember your favorite order, and take genuine pride in making each visit personal. For parents, it’s the kind of workplace where they want their teenagers to start out. Young staff members don’t just learn how to balance trays and clear tables—they develop a strong work ethic, practice the art of warm
conversation, and embrace the timeless value of putting the customer first. Some customers even have their very own personal coffee mugs in the shop. In many ways, Giulia’s is helping shape Aubrey’s next generation, one shift at a time.
The heart of the café, of course, is the menu. Breakfast and brunch may be the most popular meals, and for good reason. Fluffy pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, chicken and waffles, and a traditional eggs Benedict with velvety hollandaise are just a few of the favorites that keep locals coming back time and again. Every dish is made from scratch with fresh, quality ingredients, and the Porcaros’ fine dining backgrounds shine in the little details— the seasoning, the balance of flavors, the consistency of execution.
But to stop at breakfast would be to miss one of the café’s most talked-about plates: the Pork Chop. Bursting with flavor, the chop is marinated and then seared to a golden crust, locking in its natural juices. It’s served alongside perfectly roasted vegetables—al dente, never overdone and mashed potatoes—ensuring that every bite offers both freshness and depth. The plate itself is a study in balance, rustic in spirit, elevated in execution. It’s the kind of dish that feels equally at home in a fine dining restaurant in Dallas as it does in the cozy country chic setting of Giulia’s Café.
“GIULIA’S CAFÉ TURNS GOOD MEALS INTO LASTING MEMORIES.”
And for those who crave even more sophistication, Giulia’s has a surprise up its sleeve: Invitation-Only dinners . These exclusive evenings are a bestkept secret among the café’s most loyal patrons. Featuring premium cuts of beef and specialty proteins sourced from the same suppliers as those high-end steakhouses in Dallas, New York, and Las Vegas, these dinners rival any special-occasion restaurant experience. Multi-course menus are designed with care, showcasing Anthony and Giulia’s ability to transform their café into a destination for refined dining. Guests often leave remarking that the quality, service, and atmosphere rival—and in some ways surpass—the city’s most celebrated steakhouses, all while enjoying the warmth and intimacy of Aubrey’s small-town charm. Contact Guilia’s to find out more about this special, reserved seating for such a memorable culinary experience.
Still, as elevated as these evenings can be, Giulia’s remains grounded in community. Families gather there for Saturday brunch, neighbors linger over weekday coffee, and children sometimes don miniature aprons and chef hats to “help” in the kitchen—
“AT
same spirit of kindness continued throughout the day until the very last guest walked out without paying a cent. “That’s the heart of Aubrey,” Giulia says with a smile.
For Anthony and Giulia, Giulia’s Café is more than a business—it’s a way
GIULIA’S CAFÉ, EVERY MEAL NOURISHES BOTH THE BODY AND SOUL.”
adorable reminders that food and fellowship go hand in hand. The Porcaros don’t just serve food; they serve moments of connection.
That connection extends far beyond the café walls. Giulia’s caters weddings, family reunions, and church gatherings, ensuring that their food is part of life’s most meaningful occasions. They give generously to local fundraisers, donate meals where needed, and treat every community cause as their own. It’s no wonder their café has become woven into the very fabric of Aubrey.
And perhaps nothing captures the spirit of the place more than a story Giulia loves to tell. One afternoon, a group of veterans and first responders quietly began picking up the tabs of strangers in the café. A young family, touched by their generosity, chose to pay it forward to the next table. That
of life. They’ve traded the relentless pace of fine dining for something more meaningful: a place where the food is made with intention, the service is personal, and the community is at the center of it all. “We couldn’t have asked for a better town to call home,” Giulia reflects. “The people here have embraced us, and we’re honored to be part of their lives.”
At Giulia’s Café, country chic charm meets heartfelt hospitality, creating a dining experience that nourishes both body and soul. Whether you stop in for brunch with friends, linger over a pork chop lunch, or are fortunate enough to be invited to one of their exclusive fine dining evenings, you’ll discover what makes this café so special: good food, good company, and the kind of warmth that turns a growing community into a true home.
Mustang Lakes
Cambridge Crossing
The Parks
More Than Just Fidgeting
A PARENTS' INTRODUCTION FOR ADHD
AWARENESS MONTH
ARTICLE BY BRYNA TALAMANTEZ, MS, LMFT
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADELINE MERRICK: MERRICK MULTIMEDIA
Imagine you are sitting in class all day long, being told to stay in your chair. You try your best to not move around because you are told that is a distraction. You take a deep breath and tell yourself you just have to try harder to focus. You understand the things you are learning, but attending to your assigned task and getting the work done is hard to do, especially if you don’t find the subject you’re learning about particularly interesting or useful.
There are many things that make it hard to get through the school day: the bright lights, loud classmates, assemblies, and building and maintaining friendships with others can be difficult and anxiety provoking. Even with these hurdles, no one notices how much you struggle to get through the day. You’re smart, quiet, and overall a good kid. You get good grades. However, you sometimes forget to turn in assignments you’ve finished, have a hard time organizing yourself, and struggle regulating your emotions. There are days this leads you to have self doubt, low self-esteem, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. You shy away from telling others how much of a daily battle you fight inside your own brain, because at the end of the day, you think everyone is fighting their brains this much, so on you go.
Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder has resurfaced as a trending topic on social media. In the age of getting a lot of information from the apps we visit daily, we are flooded with the thoughts, opinions, and personal experiences of many in this space. But what is ADHD? What are some signs your child might have ADHD? How can you support your child if you suspect they have ADHD and then receive a diagnosis?
THERE ARE THREE TYPES OF ADHD:
1. Hyperactive : This type is often what people associate with ADHD. Children may struggle to sit still, fidget constantly, be “always on the go,” interrupt, talk excessively, and have difficulty waiting their turn. They may also be impulsive, struggle with concentration, have trouble regulating emotions, and face challenges with organization.
2. Inattentive: Often undetected, these children may misplace items, get distracted easily, forget daily responsibilities like brushing their teeth, have short attention spans, and show poor listening skills. They struggle to pay attention even when directly spoken to and have challenges with organization and multitasking.
3. Combined : Children with this type show signs of both hyperactive and inattentive ADHD.
In addition to the diagnostic criteria described above for the different types of ADHD, there are other traits commonly found among individuals with ADHD. These can include a strong sense of moral justice, heightened sensitivity to light, sound, or textures, deficits in working memory, time blindness, sleep difficulties, forgetting to eat, racing thoughts, social anxiety, and rejection sensitivity dysphoria. As you can imagine, navigating all these things, especially as a child or a teenager, can lead to complex feelings, including low self-esteem, depression, and anxiety.
What can you do if you suspect your child has ADHD? First, take a deep breath. Luckily, there are many people ready to help you and your child navigate the process to a potential diagnosis. Next, there are places that offer testing in the area. You can choose to start with
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“Research has shown that the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of behavioral therapy paired with an ADHD medication that works best for the person’s body.”
“Remember, ADHD is not a reflection of effort or intelligence. It’s a difference in how the brain processes and regulates emotions and attention.”
your child’s pediatrician for referrals, or you can reach out to a licensed therapist, such as myself, to provide you with referrals. Then, once your child has their diagnosis, you will determine with your team of providers what methods of treatment will be best for your child.
Research has shown that the best treatment for ADHD is a combination of behavioral therapy paired with an ADHD medication that works best for the person’s body. There are several types of medications that can be prescribed, and your doctors can elaborate further on what might work best for your child.
Alongside therapy and medication, there are practical ways you can help your child manage their ADHD. It is important to ensure that your child has a balance between physical activity—like running, walking, swimming, or riding their bike—for emotional regulation and restorative activities such as coloring, playing video games, or watching their favorite show. Regular movement should be incorporated into your child’s daily routine to support emotional regulation. There will be days that my clients show up for therapy and their adults tell me their kids have struggled that week with controlling their bodies at school, like hitting others, not being able to stand in line, or they have been extra emotional. This also tends to happen when the weather is yucky. My first suggestion is always movement. Let your kid RUN AROUND. I have several clients that spend 20-30 minutes at the park almost every day after school before doing anything else, and it has been life changing for their whole family system. Parents can also tell when their child misses trips to the park multiple days in a row, because their kids struggle with emotional regulation.
People with ADHD can be sensitive to sound and light, and there are ways we can help our children with these sensitivities. A helpful tool is noise canceling headphones which can be used in loud situations like assemblies or going to restaurants. This can be done with over-the-head headphones or by using Loops,
a brand of earbuds that are noise canceling. You can also adjust lighting at home with lamps or natural light instead of relying on bright overhead lights, which amplify symptoms. You can work with teachers and school staff to implement supports in the classroom too. Encourage your child to advocate for their needs by first practicing how to communicate their needs with you!
Routines are incredibly helpful for individuals with ADHD, though they often resist them. A paradox for people with ADHD is while they push back on routines, they truly thrive on structure, which then helps with their executive functioning. Supporting your children with routines now will help them learn what works best so they can maintain effective habits as they grow older and lose the built-in structure of school.
Finding support for your family doesn’t have to be scary, but it is important. There are therapists that offer social skills groups for kids and teens to help them learn and grow in ways that work best for them in addition to individual therapy. There is also support available for parents and adults with ADHD. We are here to help you and your children navigate this diagnosis, which can sometimes feel daunting because it looks so different for each person.
ADHD can feel overwhelming for you and your child but with understanding, structure, and support, children and their families can thrive. By recognizing your child’s unique needs, harnessing their strengths, and accessing resources, you can help them build emotional regulation, confidence, and lifelong skills for success. Remember, ADHD is not a reflection of effort or intelligence. It’s a difference in how the brain processes and regulates emotions and attention. With the right strategies and support, your child can flourish!
Bryna Talamantez, MS, LMFT, of Talamantez Therapy offers therapy for kids, teens, adults and families. Visit https://talamanteztherapy.com/ for more information.
LEARN MORE: Bryna Talamantez is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and co-owner of Talamantez Therapy. She specializes in working with children, teens, and families navigating ADHD, grief, anxiety, and life transitions.
EVERY CHILD 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:
01
COLORED PUMPKINS
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?).
NON-FOOD “FUN” ITEMS “INVISIBLE” DISABILITIES
SIDEWALK TREATS
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.
02 03 04
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.
THE GAME IS ALWAYS ON at GOAT’s Sports Bar & Grill
Bringing a “Big Stadium Atmosphere” to the Community
At GOATs Arena Sports Bar & Grill in Fairview, game day spills across two floors, onto dozens of TVs, and through three separate audio zones. Texas Rangers fans can cheer in one section, while Dallas Cowboys supporters listen to their game steps away.
“It’s one of the things that sets us apart,” says Bella Becerra, general manager. “We can play three audios at the same time, which means no one has to miss their game.”
Opened in late 2023, the Fairview location is the second for the locally owned sports bar, following its original Frisco site. The sports bar aims to take the energy and atmosphere felt inside a game day stadium and recreate it with all the comforts of a restaurant setting— meaning there’s no need to wait for a play to end to get another round.
The sports bar also routinely plays the highly coveted UFC fight nights for patrons looking for a place to watch the event and grab a bite to eat.
However, the draw goes beyond the screens and sports schedules.
GOATs has carved out a place as a gathering spot for the Fairview and Allen communities. Regulars range from business leaders holding quiet weekday lunches to families with kids taking advantage of the nearby playground.
Becerra says weekday mornings are often filled with networking groups, while weekends bring in alumni decked out in school colors, cheering side by side with neighbors.
That sense of connection extends to the local teams. High school playoff games, championship runs, and even student-athlete milestones have been streamed on the big screens, including Becerra’s own daughter’s wrestling match when she qualified for state.
“Texas teams are usually the ones that will bring the most crowd,” says Becerra. “We also support local sports, and we’re happy to play games for any parents or family members who are not able to be there.”
“We want people to feel comfortable and at home here,” Becerra adds. “This is a place for the community.”
The food at GOATs matches the high-energy atmosphere, with game-day staples like “dirty” nachos piled high with fresh jalapeños, cheese, and veggies. For those looking for something more elevated, lamb lollipops often surprise guests with their fine-dining quality. However, the undisputed star is the wings.
“Our wings are the best,” says Bacerra. “We put a lot of love and pride into our wings, and they are hands down the most popular item. The secret to our wings is the whole process…we marinate them for 10 hours before putting them in the fryer.”
Behind the bar, GOATs boasts 64 beers on tap to cater to draft lovers, while cocktails like the hibiscus-infused “Tight Leggings” martini draw a loyal following. During the week, the sports bar has happy hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., where patrons can score $2.99 domestic beers and $5 wells.
Recently, GOATs has been expanding its playbook, offering patrons a chance to trade their game-day chants for music trivia and karaoke nights.
“Our main focus is sports, of course, but I’m trying to incorporate something new and fun for the community,” Bacerra says. “The community has been really good to us. I’m very blessed.”
To plan your next visit to GOATs Arena Sports Bar & Grill, visit www.goatsarena.us
WHAT MAKES THE SPORTS BAR EXPERIENCE AT GOATS DIFFERENT?
• Two floors
• Dozens of TVs
• Three separate audio zones
• NFL Sundays with live DJs during commercial breaks
• High school playoff games streamed for local families
• Atmosphere blends big-game energy with a neighborly feel
• 64 beers on tap
• Karaoke and trivia nights
• Wings marinated for 10+ hours
THE SEASON’S BEST SANDWICHES
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
Stacked forFall
There’s something deeply satisfying about a well-made sandwich—especially when it comes together with minimal effort but delivers big on flavor. As the season changes and appetites grow heartier, fall is the perfect time to get creative with ingredients tucked between slices of crusty bread or buttery rolls. Whether you’re looking to upgrade your lunch routine, enjoy comforting flavors and bold textures, or impress guests with a no-fuss meal, these easy-tomake sandwiches strike the perfect balance between simple and sensational.
INGREDIENTS
• 3 oz goat cheese
• Fresh arugula
• ¼ cup caramelized onions
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• Honey, to taste
• Butter for toasting the bread
• Rotisserie chicken breast thinly sliced
• Sourdough bread, buttered (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
Spread goat cheese on one side of the bread. Top the cheese with arugula, caramelized onions, sliced pears and chicken breast. Drizzle with honey. Top with remaining slice of sourdough bread. Use a griddle or panini press to heat the sandwich.
Glazed Pear & Chicken Sandwich
Honey
Caprese French Bread
Roasted Tomato & Mozzarella
INGREDIENTS
• French bread loaf, halved lengthwise
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 tsp thyme or rosemary
• Salt, pepper, chili flakes (optional)
• 8 oz fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 cup arugula
• 2–4 tbsp pesto (thinned with olive oil)
• Balsamic glaze
• Optional: 4 slices prosciutto
• Fresh basil
INSTRUCTIONS
Toss cherry tomatoes with olive oil, garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Roast at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until soft and caramelized. Brush bread with olive oil. Toast in the oven at 375°F for 5–7 minutes until crisp. Layer mozzarella slices on the toasted bread. Add fresh basil. Return to the oven for 3–5 minutes, just until melted. Optional: Top with roasted tomatoes, arugula, and prosciutto (if using). Drizzle with pesto and balsamic glaze.
INGREDIENTS
• 1 grilled chicken breast
• 2 slices pepper jack cheese
• 2 slices cooked bacon
• 1 tbsp fruit jam (fig, raspberry, or jalapeño recommended)
• A handful of fresh arugula
• 3–4 cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 tbsp garlic aioli
• 1 brioche bun (toasted)
INSTRUCTIONS
Lightly butter the inside of the bun and toast in a skillet or oven until golden brown. Spread a layer of garlic aioli on the bottom bun. Add the sliced grilled chicken breast. Place the pepper jack cheese over the hot chicken to slightly melt it. Layer on the crispy bacon slices. Add halved cherry tomatoes and a small handful of arugula. Spread the jam on the top bun. Enjoy!
Sweet & Spicy Grilled Chicken Sandwich
Savory Roast Beef with Horseradish Cream
INGREDIENTS
• 2 slices crusty bread (sourdough, ciabatta, French bread)
• 6 oz roast beef
• 2 slices provolone cheese
• 2 tbsp butter (for toasting)
• 2 ½ tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp horseradish sauce
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• Arugula
• Cherry tomato
• Caramelized onions
INSTRUCTIONS
Toast the bread. Butter one side of each slice and toast in a skillet until golden. Heat roast beef briefly in a pan. To make the spread, mix mayo, horseradish sauce, and Dijon. Spread on the toasted bread. Layer roast beef, cheese, and broil briefly to melt. Add arugula, tomato, and caramelized onions if using. Top with the second slice of bread.
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
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.
OCTOBER 2ND
State of the Town and Community Expo
400 Lobo Ln, Little Elm, TX 75068 | 5:00 PM
Start your evening at the Community Expo, where you’ll discover local businesses, enjoy tasty food, and enter exciting giveaways. Then, stay for the State of the Town to hear updates from local and state representatives on projects, future plans, and key initiatives shaping Little Elm. Each adult guest receives a $25 restaurant voucher—must be present after the State of the Town presentation
OCTOBER 2ND
Line Dancing Lessons at Fortunata Winery
2297 FM-2931, Providence Village, TX 76227 | 6:30 PM
Join us at Fortunata Winery for an evening of wine, food, and fun line dancing! Lessons begin at 6:30pm, with our instructor guiding every step—perfect for beginners or seasoned dancers. Arrive early to enjoy wine and our Thursday menu before the dancing kicks off. Just $7/person. Sign up here: fortunatawinery.com/Line-Dancing.
OCTOBER 4TH
Aubrey 39th Annual Peanut Festival
136 E Mulberry St, Aubrey, TX 76227 | 9:00 AM
Aubrey’s Event of the Year is back! Celebrate the 39th Annual Peanut Festival with amazing vendors, delicious food, live entertainment, and a full day of family fun. Enjoy the parade at 10 AM, shop artisan crafts, and explore the FREE Kid Zone featuring pony rides, face painting, a petting zoo, train rides, bounce houses, and more.
OCTOBER 11TH
Live at The Lawn™: 90 Proof
125 Main St., Little Elm, Texas 75068 | 7:00 PM
We’re going Live at The Lawn™ with DFW’s hottest ’90s country cover band—90 Proof! Get ready for an authentic, high-energy show packed with chart-topping hits from legends like Garth Brooks, Alan Jackson, Toby Keith, and King George. Experience the unforgettable sounds of the era when country music reigned, brought to life with passion and precision.
OCTOBER 25TH
Lights, Camera, The Lawn: Hotel Transylvania
303 Main St., Little Elm, TX 75068 | 7:00 PM
Join us at The Lawn™ on Saturday, October 25, at 7 p.m. to watch Hotel Transylvania! Movie description: Dracula's plans to host a monsters-only celebration for his daughter Mavis' birthday are complicated when an ordinary human unwittingly checks in at the luxurious Hotel Transylvania and falls for Drac's daughter.
OCTOBER 25TH
Aubrey Haunted Harvest!
1817 Spring Hill Rd, Aubrey, TX 76227 | 5:30 PM
Get ready for a frightfully fun evening at Aubrey Haunted Harvest! Formerly Trunk or Treat, this event now features a spooky new name and location. Enjoy a Haunted Hayride, an outdoor scary movie, Trunk or Treat for the kids, and plenty of eerie excitement for all ages. A night of thrills and chills awaits!
