Topeka, KS October 2021

O C TO B E R 2 02 1

We Are The Golden City FO O D AN D D RI N K IS S U E F ED EL I’ S ESPRES S O M AR T I N I REM EM B ERI N G P O R 'E RI C HARD S R AISI N G T H E BAR O N BAR CAR T S

TOPEKA ER & HOSPITAL

Dianna Cox, CNO, BSN, RN

We

Mark Rogers, M.D.

Sam Marsh, ADN, RN

Our Nurses

October is the month we celebrate our ER Nurses.

Their compassion, empathy and skills help make Topeka ER & Hospital THE go-to Hospital when you are sick.

Come and experience the difference and discover why we are the 5-star ER and Hospital!

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LIFESTYLE LETTER

OCTOBER 2021 PUBLISHER

Brian Rodehorst | brian.rodehorst@lifestylepubs.com EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Fall Is Fantastic...

Eat It Up and Drink It In! AHH FALL...CHILLY NIGHTS, CHUNKY SWEATERS, AND COMFORT FOOD. We thought it was only fitting in this month’s edition to celebrate food and drink.

Food is the most universal and timeless human connection. The physical comfort it furnishes the body combined with the emotional pleasure it provides the soul has bound humankind together for century upon century. Follow us as we explore the Golden City in search of fine food, frou-frou drinks, and fall fun.

Kathy Graham | kathy.graham@lifestylepubs.com SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

Alison Beebe | topcityflavorista@gmail.com AD DESIGNER

Rachel Chrisman L AYO UT DESIGNER

Emily Lisenbee CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Kelsey Huber, Sue Baldani, Linda Ditch CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Thomas Hall, Kristol Kumar

In our Local Experience section, we’ve scoured Topeka to find the best warm and wonderful dishes from local restaurants. Discover mouthwatering mac-n-cheese, to-die-for fries, mile-high pies and more. Plus, make the most of autumn by exploring the outdoors. Crisp days are perfect for visiting a pumpkin patch, going apple picking, or taking in a local festival or rodeo. We’ve got it all right here in Topeka!

Take a walk down memory lane with the Cummins family and learn about the history of Por'e Richard’s Cafe, an iconic Topeka restaurant known for its great food, dark smoky atmosphere and night owl hours till 4 am. And speaking of the past, discover new ways to bring a bit of the 50s back with our updated themed bar carts.

You’ll want one in every room! Also, Lilly Grace shows you what the young ladies will be wearing this fall too.

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

Oh, we can’t forget about the liquid culinary concoctions. Coffee lovers, learn how

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

to create your own creamy dreamy cocktail - the espresso martini. It’s perfect as an

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

after dinner drink, but it’s so good, you may want it for breakfast!

Finally, we give you a sneak peek inside Topeka businessman Steve Duncan’s “Cave” complete with everything a man could want - restored hot rods, home the-

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

atre, and the coolest car bar you’ve ever seen. That’s right, it’s a bar made from a 1951 Pontiac Tin Woody! You never know what surprises you’ll discover when we take you on our insider tour of Topeka.

Happy fall y’all!

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

Blessings,

ARIZONA | CALIFORNIA | COLORADO | CONNECTICUT | FLORIDA | GEORGIA

Kathy Graham, Editor

IDAHO | ILLINOIS | KANSAS | MARYLAND | MASSACHUSETTS | MICHIGAN MINNESOTA | MISSOURI | MONTANA | NEVADA | NEW JERSEY NORTH CAROLINA | OHIO | OKLAHOMA | OREGON | PENNSYLVANIA SOUTH CAROLINA | TENNESSEE | TEXAS | VIRGINIA | WASHINGTON

ON THE COVER Fedeli’s Restaurant inside the Cyrus Hotel

PHOTOGRAPHY BY THOMAS HALL 4

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

Proverbs 3:5-6 Topeka Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Topeka area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors.

Information in Topeka Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

We may look a little different, but we are still offering the same level of care to help you maintain your health.

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5

INSIDE THE ISSUE OCTOBER 2021

FEATURES 18 Taking a Tour of Steve Duncan's Hot Rod Hangout Testosterone-infused car cave

24 Remembering Por’e Richards Memories of an iconic Topeka eatery

28 Fashion and Fun A girls’ boutique that puts the smile in shopping

28 18

32 Raising the Bar on Bar Carts Not just for drinks

24

32

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

8

Around Town

12

Local Experiences

14

Culinary Creations

18

Renovate & Refine

24 Times Past 28 Locally Owned 32 DIY 36 Inspired By 38 Realty Report

HE SUCCESS S TORIES

Real People. Real Stories.

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Results vary based on starting weight and program adherence. Featured patient success stories did not receive promotional consideration.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

7

AROUND TOWN

THE NEW PIANO MAN 785.783.8900

Join Michael Cavanaugh as he sings the hits of Billy Joel and Elton John. Hand picked by Billy Joel to play him on Broadway. One night only - Saturday,

SHOP LOCAL. SHOP BROOKWOOD. Located at 29th & Oakley

October 23rd at 7:30pm at Topeka Performing Arts Center. For tickets visit topekaperformingarts.org.

shopbrookwood.com

EVERGY PLAZA

BREW BANK

Experience DOWNTOWN

MONSTER’S AND MARTINIS BALLROOM BASH Join us for a night of spooky fun in the new Townsite Avenue Ballroom on Saturday, October 30th at 7pm. $50 per person includes, Haunted Hall, heavy appetizers, open bar, dancing and spooky stuff. Costumes required for entry. Visit townsitetower.com for more information.

THE PENNANT downtowntopekainc.com 8

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

AXE & ALE

Sometimes real estate decisions aren’t based on location but timing.

Contact me to learn more.

CALHOUN JEWELERS HAS A NEW APPRAISAL CLINIC What is your jewelry worth? Your insurance is only as good as your appraisal. Soften the blow of lost or stolen jewelry by having a current appraisal.

Calhoun's Jewelers now offers jewelry appraisals by a GIA Gemologist, while you wait. To learn more call 785-267-4450 or visit calhounsjewelers.com

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A/C • Heating • Plumbing • Bath Remodeling High quality, Made in the USA 10 years parts and labor warranty.

SPOOKTACULAR TIME Tender Loving Care Pet Nursing Hotel will have a Pet Costume Contest and Party held Saturday, October 30th, 11am-1pm. Prizes for: the most boo-tiful costume, most bewitching costume, scariest costume and most creative costume. Call 785.329.6141 for more information.

Visit tlcpetnursinghotel.com

We are here to make you comfortable in your own home.

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Call Blue Dot Today! 785.272.1633 CONTINUED >

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CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

9

AROUND TOWN

CASA OF SHAWNEE COUNTY HOMES FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR Join us for the 34th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour on November 20th & 21st! See our Facebook page: CASA of Shawnee County Homes for the Holidays. All proceeds help us fulfill our mission to advocate for children who have experienced abuse or neglect who are involved with the courts. See you there!

NEW LOCATION FOR PERFORMANCE TIRE & AUTO For over 50 years, Performance Tire & Auto

“There can be joy and peace at the end of life. It deserves the same dignity and respect as the beginning of life.

has been the trusted name in automotive service,

Midland Care Hospice helps provide comfort and peace for patients and their families at a very difficult and personal time in their lives. We can provide an oasis of calm to the patient and focus on meeting the end-of-life needs."

tire service? Visit them today for the best customer

tires, and wheels. Now they're proudly serving in two locations with the newest store at 1634 S Topeka Blvd. Ready for your next auto repair or experience in our area. For more information go to performancetopeka.com.

- Camille Carson, Midland Care Staff Member

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact us at CityLifestyle.com/

Topeka using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think.

10

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

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LOCAL EXPERIENCES

FOODIE DURING THE HARVEST SEASON, OUR FOODIE COMMUNITY IS RIPE FOR THE PICKING. From family-friendly outings, pumpkin patches and apple orchards to seasonal dinners, our city has plenty to offer during this time of year.

SEASONAL COMFORT FOODS + Grilled cheese tops many comfort food lists and The Wheel Barrel in NOTO offers just about any variety you can imagine.

925 North Kansas Avenue Topeka, KS + Josey Baking Co. specializes in savory and sweet kolaches—a Czech pastry filled with fruits or savory morsels. Try the famous sausage and gravy kolache.

3119 SW Huntoon, Topeka, Kansas 66604 + Chocolate. Need we say more. Hazel Hill in downtown Topeka makes melt-in-your-mouth chocolate confections in multiple varieties.

724 S Kansas Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66603 + Sometimes, you just need pie. Bradly’s Corner Café is famous for its pies. Coconut Cream is tops, but there are many more varieties.

844 N Kansas Ave Topeka, KS + Baking season has arrived. Moburts has the cinnamon, vanilla, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice you’ll need for fall baking, plus many more.

820 S. Kansas Ave, Topeka, Kansas 66612 12

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

scan for more city-wide tips

FALL ACTIVITIES + This fall, Berry Hill UPick Farm, best known for its sunflower fields and pick-your-own strawberries and corn, will have its first pumpkin patch.

5840 SE Croco Rd., Berryton, Kansas 66409 + The apples are ready at Rees Fruit Farm. Buy them by the peck or bushel at their orchard market, and don’t forget the apple cider!

2476 K4 HWY, Topeka, Kansas 66617 + Gary’s Berries Fall Festival begins September 17th, featuring a vast pumpkin patch and a Christmas-themed corn maze. There’s plenty of family fun attractions available.

Jefferson, KS + Every October, Forest Park Conference and Retreat Center hosts the Topeka Haunted Woods, a half-mile trail of terror.

3158 Se 10th St Topeka, KS

scan for more city-wide tips

+ The inaugural Topeka Fall Fest takes place at The Vinewood on October 9th. There will be music, food, crafts, games, a fitness fair, and more.

2848 Se 29th St Topeka, KS

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CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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CULINARY CREATIONS

Fedel i ’s E spresso Ma r t i n i ARTICLE LINDA DITCH PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

AARON ZENTNER STANDS BEHIND THE BAR ADJACENT TO FEDELI’S RESTAURANT IN THE CYRUS HOTEL. He measures ingredients for his signature espresso martini into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. After a brisk shake, the dark libation is strained into a martini glass and topped with espresso sugar.

Many of the ingredients in this exceptional libation come from local purveyors. The espresso is from PT’s Coffee Roasting Co., Moburts supplies the espresso sugar, and the Woodford Reserve bourbon is from a particular barrel earmarked for their supplier Vern’s Liquor. Even the coffee liquor is made in-house, flavored with orange peel and spices.

Cooking was originally Zentner’s first love. He started working at The White Linen to learn the culinary craft from Chef Adam VanDonge. While there he realized his love was for crafting cocktails.

Zentner created the cocktail because he felt a good espresso martini was missing in Topeka.

“I hope this is it.” he says with a smile.

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Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

Fedeli’s Espresso Martini Serves 1

+ 1/2 ounce Belvedere vodka + 3/4 ounce Woodford Reserve Double Oak Bourbon + 1 ounce coffee liqueur + 3/4 ounce PT’s Flying Monkey espresso + 1/2 ounce salted maple syrup + Moburts espresso sugar, for garnish Pour all the ingredients except the espresso sugar into an ice-filled cocktail shaker. Shake until mixed and chilled. Strain into a martini glass and sprinkle with espresso sugar.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

15

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Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

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17

RENOVATE & REFINE

Hot Rod Hangout Highlights + Antique Car Bar + Home Theater + Classic Cars + Shuffleboard Table + Sports Memorbilia + Commissioned Artwork

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

TESTOSTERONE-INFUSED CAR CAVE

18

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

Take a Tour of Steve Duncan’s Hot Rod Hangout

“So, I thoug ht, ‘W hat the heck ca n you do w ith ha l f a ca r? ’ a nd we ca me up w ith th is idea,” he says, mot ion i ng a bove h is head.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN A SUCCESSFUL BUSINESSMAN

and we were dominating the competition,” he says. “So they

WITH A SERIOUS CAR CRUSH DECIDES TO FINALLY CON-

changed the rules and said kids couldn’t compete,” he grins. No

SOLIDATE ALL OF HIS TOYS IN ONE BUILDING? You get

matter. He has traveled the country trailering cars and showing

Steve Duncan’s awesome and impressive Car Cave. The “cave”,

them in car competitions and by the look of his trophy case, he’s

as he and his wife Janney refer to it, began about a year ago

won his fair share. From NSRA (National Street Rod Association)

in a warehouse on their business property where they run SD

to Goodguys Rod and Custom Association to local and national

Engineering in Topeka.

car shows, the awards are a testament to his lifelong passion.

The first thing you see when you walk in the door to the ware-

It stands to reason that a car guy’s “cave” would have an over-

house is the front half of a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster busting

arching automobile theme, and Steve’s cave does not disappoint.

through the wall above you. “I got that one as part of a package

Guests are greeted by a one-of-a-kind car bar. You heard that

deal with another 1930 Ford. The barn they were in had fallen

right. It’s part car, part bar. This wrap-around bar was custom

in and damaged the back half of the car,” Steve explains. “So, I

made from a 1951 Pontiac Tin Woody. “The car bar was actually

thought, ‘What the heck can you do with half a car?’ and we came

Janney’s idea,” Steve shared. The entire front end and driver’s side

up with this idea,” he says, motioning above his head.

make up the front and side of the bar. Even the dashboard is inte-

Steve has been a car fanatic for years. In 1965, at the age of 11 he raced slot cars with his dad. “My dad was good with electronics

grated into the curve of the wooden bar and it features working headlights and a horn just for fun.

CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

" I com m i s sione d g r aph ic a r t i s t , L a r r y Gro s sm a n ,

f rom C a l i for n i a to cre ate t h i s 6' x 8' v i nyl mu r a l

for t he c ave," S teve s a id . " It's got my c a r s , my

H a rley, my w i fe, my s on

a nd even my do g i n it . It's

s up er det a i le d , r i g ht dow n to Ja n ney's ref le ct ion i n my s u n g l a s s e s ."

Venture deeper into the cave and you’ll find Steve’s

The rest of the room is adorned with interesting finds

double-decker collection of cars, with some parked on the

like a set of Harley Davidson bar height tables and

floor and others on hydraulic lifts above creating the feel

matching chairs, a 1951 regulation size shuffleboard

of a life-sized Matchbox 20 car case. Walking along the

table from the Moose Lodge in Dodge City, a coat rack

colorful row of cars, you see a shiny red 1934 Ford with

fashioned from gleaming chrome gear shifters, and four

suicide doors flanked by a royal blue ‘32 Ford Roadster.

“chandeliers” made from the aforementioned 1930 Ford

Next to it sits a yellow 1930 Ford with a beautiful beige

Model A Roadster’s wheels. Even the bathroom mirrors

Learjet leather interior, followed by a sleek jet black 1966

are made from antique Ford grilles. Everywhere you

Impala. Seemingly floating above, you’ll find a candy blue

look you see a unique item, and Steve has a story for

Ford Roadster with yellow flames on the side, a silver ‘69

just about every one.

Z28 Camaro, and a ‘95 Corvette Indy Pace Car. And those are just the really fun ones!

20

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

While Steve enjoys his testosterone-infused car cave,

180-inch drop down screen and 14 speakers for a serious

there is a section just for Janney. We followed him up a

surround- sound experience. With an integrated karaoke

set of stairs to the loft and discovered a dance studio

system, the good times are sure to roll. “I want this to be

where Janney can practice her traditional Chinese dances

a place for the whole family to enjoy,” Steve said. That

with her dance troupe. It features mirrored walls, a wall-

family includes the talented management team at SD

mounted TV, a stereo system, and a walk-in dressing room

Engineering, who helped put the ‘cave’ together within

where she can store her large collection of colorful dance

a year’s time while still keeping the business running.

costumes. “She’s had a lot of great input every step of the

“I’m looking forward to hosting some fun parties, poker

way,” he said. “She’s the planner...I’m the doer.”

nights, and big-screen bashes here,” Steve said with a

Every good man cave has a home theater system.

smile. “It’s gonna be great!”

CONTINUED >

Steve and Janney’s features a 4K Sony projector with a

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

21

RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

22

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

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TIMES PAST

Re m e m b e r i n g Po r ’e R i c h a r d s

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

ARTICLE LINDA DITCH | PHOTOGRAPHY THOMAS HALL

POR’E 24

ASK LONGTIME TOPEKANS TO NAME A NOWCLOSED RESTAURANT THEY WISH WOULD MAKE A COMEBACK, AND POR’E RICHARDS JUST MIGHT TOP THE LIST. The iconic eatery, first opened at S.E. Ninth and Quincy in 1957 by owner Richard Cummins, was known for its dark, cozy atmosphere and all-American cuisine. The location changed to Seventh and S. Kansas Ave. in 1984, where Iron Rail Brewing is today.

Many people remember Por’e Richards having a jukebox in every booth and staying open until 4 a.m. The atmosphere was dark and

“At that time, it was one of the only places open

smoky. Brass railings, Tiffany-style lamps, and

late night and serving food until 4 a.m., which

paintings of tiki-bar-themed green ladies com-

was huge,” says Richard’s son, Brandon. “It was

pleted the décor.

always available and convenient.”

The restaurant served breakfast all day.

The in-house butcher prepared their prime rib and steaks, while the bakery made cinnamon rolls, pies, cookies, and the popular devil dogs.

Richard’s wife, Ida, says people often ask her for the restaurant’s French onion soup recipe.

Unfortunately, the kitchen’s recipe book was lost after they closed.

Richard was known as a kind, soft-spoken gentleman who would give you his last quarter if you needed it. He welcomed customers at the front door, joined them at their table when invited, and quietly observed the dining room from a back corner.

“He would be there, being watchful without encumbering the guest experience, and letting the staff do their thing,” says Brandon.

Ida adds, “He was very, very caring. He was a very honest, sincere person.”

CONTINUED >

RICHARDS

MEMORIES OF AN ICONIC TOPEKA EATERY

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

25

TIMES PAST (CONTINUED)

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Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

ASH BOUTIQUE A WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE OFFERING CONTEMPORARY WOMEN’S FASHION. 921 SOUTH KANSAS AVENUE | TOPEKA, KS

785.438.2345 shopashboutique.com bvf

Richard died in 1989. Never having managed a restaurant, Ida depended on the longtime staff to keep things going until diminished downtown visitors led to its closure in 2001.

“The employees that stuck around had developed these friendships and relationships over 20-some years with our guests,” Brandon says. “So, it wasn’t just my dad. It was everybody running the place that had deep-standing relationships with regulars.”

Brandon was five years old when his dad died. He remembers coming to the restaurant with his Aunt Ruth at 5 a.m. She would prep the baked goods, and he would nap in one of the booths before school.

“For me, hearing everyone’s stories about Por’e

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Richard’s has actually helped me better know my dad,” he says. “I’m living vicariously through everyone who got to meet him. If anything, it’s really heartening that it lives on in the way that it has. It doesn’t matter how big the city is or how fancy the

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CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

27

LOCALLY OWNED

FA S H I O N and

FUN

A GIRLS’ BOUTIQUE THAT PUTS THE SMILE IN SHOPPING ARTICLE SUE BALDANI PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTOL KUMAR

28

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

WHILE OPERATING ASH BOUTIQUE FOR THE LAST

She does this by offering workshops and private events in

SEVEN YEARS, OWNER ASHLEY CARSON NOTICED

the store. There have been do-it-yourself succulent parties,

A LOT OF YOUNG GIRLS COMING IN WITH THEIR

make-your-own pillow workshops, and tie-dye parties.

MOMS WHO REALLY WANTED THE MORE GROWN-UP

“We do things to bring girls together, and not in a way that

STYLES, BUT THEY WERE TOO YOUNG FOR THEM.

just involves shopping,” she says. “Instead, this is a place

When her own daughters, Lilly and Grace, became tweens,

where you can be you, celebrate you as you are.”

she found that she was having the same problem finding

“As we look back on our adolescence, it’s always an interest-

the right styles, quality and price points. So, in November of

ing period. I think that if we can help our young girls go through

2020, on Small Business Saturday, she opened Lilly Grace, a

it with grace and fun, that’s what the store is here to do.” With

girls’ boutique, in Topeka.

these events, she partners with and promotes other female-

“My daughters are the inspiration behind the store,” she

owned small businesses as well, which is very important to her.

says. “We’re in that tween/teen age and I wanted to provide a

In addition to clothing and parties, Lilly Grace offers acces-

place where they could get high-quality clothes that weren’t

sories and items meant to foster creativity. “Half of our store

going to break the bank.” The boutique carries clothing from

is just all fun stuff that little girls, and actually little boys, really

size 3 to the more junior sizes.

love,” says Ashley. “Not only do I have daughters, but I also

Since Lilly, age 12, and Grace, age 9, have very different

have three young sons [Matthew is 6, Noah is 4, and Jacob is

styles, there is an eclectic mix of clothing to be found. Some

2]. When they come in they want all the markers, the art kits,

are a little dressier and fashion forward and others are sporty

the DIY kits and the stuffed animals.”

and casual. “For the fall, we’re seeing a huge 90s throwback,

She and her staff are also proud to offer the best in per-

so there’s a lot of plaid skirts and flannels, crop tops, over-

sonalized service. “We know a lot of our customers’ names

sized jeans and sweatshirts.” Denim skirts are also back.

and we want you and your girls to feel special.”

Lilly Grace isn’t just about clothes though. “I also wanted

To see all that Lilly Grace offers, scroll through its

to provide an atmosphere for our girls,” says Ashley. “One

Facebook page, stop into the store at 3123 SW Huntoon

of the things we’ve done really well at ASH Boutique is to

Street, or go to the ASH website, and click on the Girls tab.

create a community, and I really wanted to extend that community down to our younger girls.”

Model's are Ashley's daughters, Lilly and Grace.

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

29

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Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

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31

DIY

Raising the Bar on Bar Carts

COFFEE BAR CART

01

Perk up a corner of your kitchen with a coffee bar.

Display all the cute mugs you can stand along with your favorite flavors of coffee. There’s plenty of room for your coffee maker, favorite flavored syrups, fun signage and more. Plus, guests always know where to find their morning brew and you get more cabinet space. With this caffeinated cart, making your morning coffee definitely won’t be a grind.

Give yourself the gift of relaxation with a luxury spa

NOT JUST FOR DRINKS

cart. Load it up with loofahs, lotion, a scented candle, bath bombs, your favorite book and a bluetooth

ARTICLE KELSEY HUBER PHOTOGRAPHY KRISTOL KUMAR

speaker. Then lock the door and leave the real world far behind. Turn free time into “me” time as you soak or shower your troubles away. Oh, and a little wine or chocolate is never a bad idea either. The spa cart is perfect for guest bathrooms too!

SPAHHH CART

THE BAR CART HIT ITS PEAK OF POPULARITY IN THE 1950S AND WITH THE RECENT RESURGENCE OF MID-CENTURY MODERN HOMES AND DESIGNS, IT SEEMS THE CHARMING LITTLE BAR CART HAS COME ALONG FOR THE RIDE. But today’s rolling open-air cart can do much more than display drinks! It seems at home in any room from the kitchen to the bedroom to the bathroom. Check out these updated ideas for themed “bar” carts. And if you’re looking for some trendy styles, run over to Red Door Home Store right here in Topeka. They were kind enough to supply these cute carts for our photo shoot!

32

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

02

05

GARDEN CART

03

HOME OFFICE CART

To nurture a garden is to feed not just the body, but the

Are you living with the COVID curse - a cluttered

soul – Alfred Austin.

dining room or kitchen table masquerading as your

Feed your soul and freshen your air with a miniature,

home office? Kiss the computer chaos and perpet-

mobile garden. You don’t need a backyard to enjoy

ual piles of paper goodbye with a home office cart.

blossoms. Grow an herb garden in the kitchen or a

Several levels give you plenty of room for your com-

succulent garden in the sunroom. From African violets

puter, paper, and more. Choose one with a remov-

to a zen garden complete with a miniature bonsai tree

able tray top for extra versatility.

and incense burner, you can enjoy indoor gardening anywhere your cart desires.

04

The classic bar cart gets an update! Load it up with all the liquor necessary to create your favorite cocktails from aperitifs to zombies. Show off your prized bottle of single malt scotch or get classy with a crystal decanter and matching rocks glasses. There’s plenty of room for shakers, jiggers, muddlers, and all the other fun tools you’ll need when you become a master mixologist. Liquor pictured: R.L. Seale’s 12 Year Aged Barbados Rum & Probitas A Unique Blended White Rum can be purchased at Devlin’s Liquor. Wine pictured: Flavorful red & white wines from Glacier’s Edge Winery.

MOBILE MIXOLOGY CART

CATCHALL CART Never lose your keys again! Park this cart next to your front door and create a home for all of those oft-forgotten, but oh so important items that seem to sprout legs

06

and walk away. Add a plant, a fun sentiment sign or a family photo to personalize the space. It’s also the perfect spot to place some seasonal decorations to create a warm welcome for your guests. Practical and pretty!

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

33

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Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

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INSPIRED BY

Br i ng i ng Joy B ack i nt o t he K it chen

CHEF DENNIS PRESCOTT TALKS FALLING IN LOVE WITH FEEDING PEOPLE AND THE CONNECTION FOOD CREATES

F i nd t he t h i n g s t h at you love .

Ta ke t he s t r e s s ou t of fo o d .

Fe e d p e ople b e c au s e a l l t he y r e a l l y c a r e a b ou t i s s p end i n g t i me w it h you . Br i n g joy b ack i nt o t he k it chen .”

WHETHER YOU KNOW HIM FROM THE NETFLIX HIT RESTAURANTS ON THE EDGE OR FROM HIS ABSOLUTELY MOUTH-WATERING FOOD PHOTOS AS @DENNISTHEPRESCOT T ON THE ‘GRAM, THIS FORMER-MUSICIAN

TURNED

INTERNATIONALLY-

RENOWNED CHEF IS AN AMAZINGLY TALENTED, THOUGHTFUL, AND GLOBE-TROT TING 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.

Host for two seasons of the show, Dennis and his two food and design co-hosts travel the world to revive failing restaurants by connecting them to the local culture. Filming included

S c a n fo r t h e f u l l article online.

13 episodes over 9 months 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.

36

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

T r avel R ecom mend at ion s for Food ies “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.”

In addition to travels, Dennis is a huge advocate for supporting local businesses and the connection grilling in your own backyard can make.

“Grilling is inherently communal. You talk to your neighbors, they smell it, they ask you what you’re cooking; the whole act of it is a community.

One of the most common fears Dennis hears from people cooking and/or grilling at home is, ‘where do I start?’ 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.”

CityLifestyle.com/Topeka

37

REALTY REPORT

REALTY REPORT

NEIGHBORHOOD

TOPEKA

ORIGINAL PRICE

SOLD PRICE

%SOLD/ORIG

DOM

BDRMS

BATHS

Windemere

$259,900

$260,000

100%

0

2

2

Capricorn Woods #3

$278,900

$278,900

100%

58

3

2

Skyline Park

$268,000

$260,000

97%

6

3

3

Belhaze 2

$285,000

$280,000

98%

12

3

3

Greenridge Estate #2

$289,900

$289,900

100%

9

3

2

Kankis Square

$300,000

$310,000

103%

3

4

2

Sherwood Park

$290,000

$290,000

100%

0

4

3

Sherwood Estates Sub #63

$372,900

$372,900

100%

5

4

3

Sherwood Estates

$249,900

$262,500

105%

2

4

3

Graybeal #3

$265,000

$277,000

105%

1

4

3

Misty Harbor Estates #2

$325,000

$323,000

99%

2

4

3

Oakwood Hills

$285,000

$285,000

100%

4

4

3

Silver Lake

$525,000

$430,000

82%

5

4

3

Timber Ridge

$365,000

$365,000

100%

0

4

3

Aquarian Acres #9

$345,000

$354,618

103%

92

4

3

Brookfield Subd

$265,250

$265,250

100%

4

4

3

Lauren's Bay

$515,000

$420,000

82%

22

4

3

Mission Park #2

$250,000

$260,000

104%

2

4

3

Westwood Pl Add

$279,900

$301,500

108%

3

4

2

Grand Oaks #2

$268,000

$260,000

97%

23

5

3

Sherwood Park

$400,000

$381,000

95%

6

5

3

Sherwood Park #8

$386,000

$365,000

95%

6

5

3

Sterling Chase

$459,900

$430,000

93%

26

5

4

Millers Reserve

$515,000

$515,000

100%

0

5

3

Timber Ridge

$425,000

$425,000

100%

0

5

3

This reflects a 30 day time period prior to our print deadline.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

From your vision...to reality

WE BUILD MORE THAN NEW HOMES, WE BUILD NEIGHBORHOODS. Annette Stahl 785-383-3157 | annette@stoneandstory.com | www.dultmeierhomes.com 38

Topeka Lifestyle | October 2021

USE YOUR PHONE CAMERA TO SCAN AND RECEIVE THIS HOW-TO GUIDE FOR FREE

Darin Stephens 785-250-7278

Annette Stahl 785-383-3157

Brian Laird 785-670-0043

Lance Royer 785-845-6618

Pam Trusdale 785-608-5117

Kelli Higgins 785-817-9255

Abby Dunford 785-608-8408

www.stoneandstory.com