West FW December 2015

WestFWLifestyle.com

DECEMBER 2015

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Dancing through December MAGIC ACROSS THE FOOTLIGHTS OF THE NUTCRACKER HOLIDAYS WITH THE CHEFS A BAKER’S DOZEN

Lifestyle Letter

Christmas angels.

DECEMBER 2015 publisher

Christie & Mike Thomas | CThomas@lifestylepubs.com 817-290-2120

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very year when we unpack the ornaments to decorate the tree, I am always transported back to 1994 when I was a young single mom of my precious Hannah. The times were lean and there was not a lot of extra money for decorations and a tree, but that year I was going to make it happen. I walked into Target with the little bit of money I had saved and bought the essential lights, ornaments, and tinsel. Feeling very proud of my finds, I was ready to leave when I looked up and saw a tree topper Angel. She was absolutely beautiful dressed in purple satin and I knew that we had to have her. She was so out of my budget at a costly $24.99, but it didn’t matter, I would figure out a way to cut costs to justify this purchase. When we decorated the tree that year and I lifted Hannah up to put that Angel on the tree, we knew how special she was. Over the past 21 years we have been putting that very same angel on our tree and I can still feel that overwhelming feeling of thankfulness I did back in 1994.

In this issue, Mike and I wanted to share the story of the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program because it is one of the simplest ways of giving back. When my kids were young we would go together and pick a boy and girl each of their own ages. I would always get the essential items on their lists but the kids always made the decisions on the wanted items. Then they would add in their own special item just from them. This has made for some of my favorite family time with my kids. This year we will introduce this tradition to our grand-girls, Brileigh and Laramie, and I can’t wait!

account manager

Ashley Sanchez contributing writers

Juliet George, Mollie Jamison, Douglas Matus contributing photographers

Ann Beck, Hayle Hullett, Joni Shaw Smith

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

| Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER

| Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DIRECTOR OF MARKETING ART DIRECTOR EDITORIAL DIRECTOR AD COORDINATORS

| DeLand Shore | Brad Broockerd

| Sara Minor | Nicole Sylvester

| Cyndi Harrington, Chelsi Hornbaker

COPY EDITOR

| Kendra Mathewson

APPLICATION ARCHITECT WEB DEVELOPER

| Michael O’Connell | Hanna Park

December’s issue marks our 2nd year anniversary and that old saying “time flies when you’re having fun” couldn’t ring more true. Through the good, the bad, and in between we always know that we owe it all to the Lord who blessed us with this opportunity and to you, our readers.

Have a very blessed and merry Christmas, Sincerely, Christie & Mike Thomas

Christie Thomas, Publisher

by Community ™

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ON THE COVER Texas Ballet Dancer PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANN BECK 4

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

TALK TO US

P.O. Box 12608 Overland Park, KS 66282-3214 Proverbs 3:5-6 West FW Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of West Fort Worth’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 West FW Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

December 2015

Departments

14

8

Good Times

10

Around Town

14

Family Feature

16

Giving Back

22

Locally Owned

26

Hot Spot

30

Lifestyle Calendar

34

Parting Thoughts

14 Magic Across the Footlights

The Nutcracker at the Bass is a Fort Worth holiday tradition

18 Holidays with the Chefs

Four local chefs share the holiday traditions behind

their own Christmas feasts.

26 A Baker's Dozen

The flour-covered baker took a break from the kitchen to answer a dozen of

our hottest questions.

16

18

26

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December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

9

Around Town SNAP SHOT PARTIES MOBILE PHOTO BOOTH

introductory classes, recipients will enjoy making their own piece of glass art to take

The Photo Booth fits 10-14 people, enclosed

home, like a holiday ornament, paperweight,

for privacy, even room for a pony. The booth is

pendant, picture frame, clock or sun chimes.

wheel chair accessible, no one is left out if the

Under the guidance of a skilled instructor,

fun! Green screen enabled. Every picture has

guests will learn about basic glass art tech-

a different back ground. Your picture’s printed

niques, equipment and safety policies to pre-

out as you exit. Book Snap Shot Mobile Pho-

pare them for intermediate classes. SiNaCa

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ditionally, the SiNaCa Studios gallery sells

5-8 p.m. Event will include wine and hors

beautifully-crafted glass ornaments, snow-

d'oeuvres by Michaels’ Cuisine; enter the

flakes and candy canes by professional art-

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BALLET CONCERTO HOLIDAY SPECIAL

THE BASEMENT LOUNGE

A Holiday Special dance concert to be

W. Seventh Street, Fort Worth Texas 76107

HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE Community Food Bank will be giving out 8,000 food boxes to those who are in need

Ballet Concerto announces the 2015

during the Holidays. West FW Lifestyle is sup-

West Fort Worth’s The Basement Lounge

held December 11 at the Will Rogers Audito-

porting the Community Food Bank this holiday

(TBL) is a new cocktail lounge that serves

rium. The annual A Holiday Special will be-

season with a fun twist. This is open to individ-

up inspired craft cocktails and down home

gin with "Winter Wonderland "set to familiar

uals, families, businesses, churches etc. Who-

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ever collects the most of the items listed below

With its comfortable vibe, it’ll be no sur-

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will have a feature story and photo shoot pub-

prise that TBL will soon be a local favorite

Magical Christmas Star" choreographed by

lished in our February issue of West FW Life-

destination, whether you’re on a first date,

Christine Hay and restaged by Webster Dean

style. All participants will be promoted within

grabbing pre-dinner cocktails or indulging

as the featured ballet. A great addition to the

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to meet and enjoy your favorite classic or

under the direction of Gracey Tune. The pro-

West FW will pick up all donations De-

crafted cocktails. Regardless of the night,

gram will close with "O Holy Night," a reen-

cember 16. If you have any questions please

mood, beverage, or talent behind the bar,

actment of the nativity in song and dance.

call 817.290.2120.

you’re bound to be back for more from this

Performances are scheduled for Friday De-

ITEMS WE NEED:

neighborhood bar. The Basement Lounge,

cember 11 at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 7 p.m. at

• Canned Ham & Meats

located at 6323 Camp Bowie Blvd facing

the Will Rogers Auditorium located at 3301 W.

• Bisquick, Corn Meal

Fairfield Ave (between Hedary's and Oscar's

Lancaster, Fort Worth, Texas 76107. Tickets to

• Flour, Sugar, Brown Sugar

Pub), Hours: Sunday 11 a.m. - midnight, Mon-

the performances will be on sale, online. Cur-

• Canned Pie Filling, Pie Crust Mix

day-Wednesday, 3 p.m. - midnight, Thurs-

rent ticket prices for the concerts range from

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West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

Around Town

(CON TI N U ED)

sponsored by West FW Lifestyle magazine, where home cooks get a chance to show off their culinary skills. Send us your favorite homemade Italian meatball recipe with a photo for a chance to have your recipe featured in the magazine and served on the Aventino’s dinner menu for one night. Each month November through January, one winning recipe will be selected and promoted via social media, and one Grand Prize Winner will be featured in the February Food Issue of the magazine and have their delicious winning meatballs served for one weekend at Aventino’s Italian Restaurant.

Send your recipe and photo by email only to meatballs@aventinos.com no later than December 15, 2015 to enter.

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• Home cooks only • Participants can not be currently employed, or have been employed as a cook or chef • Italian meatball recipes only • One photo must accompany all entries • One entry per person per month • Winner must be willing to have name and recipe shared in print and social media, and have their meatballs served at Aventino’s Italian Restaurant

December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

13

Magic

Family Feature

Across the Footlights THE NUTCRACKER AT THE BASS — A FORT WORTH HOLIDAY TRADITION — RETURNS TO DELIGHT CHILDREN AND ADULTS ALIKE ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

T

wo of Fort Worth’s premier cultural institutions — the Texas Ballet Theater and the Bass Performance Hall — are in many people’s minds inextricably entwined. A partnership that has yielded rich dividends for over 50 years, the collaboration between the ballet troupe and its home theater is perhaps best represented in one iconic annual performance: Tchaivosky’s the Nutcracker, which has become a holiday tradition for untold numbers of Fort Worth families.

Ben Stevenson has served as artistic director for the Texas Ballet Theater for the past 13 years. Though the Nutcracker itself remains timeless, Ben and the Texas Ballet Theater have made every effort to keep each season’s performance uniquely vital and compelling.

“The Texas Ballet Theater had several productions of the Nutcracker before I arrived and brought my own production to the company,” says Ben. “For the last three years, we’ve had a new one, with new sets and costumes, and some nice moments such as the flying carpet and other things that children love to see.”

It’s difficult to overstate the impression that a Texas Ballet Theater performance of the Nutcracker can leave on a young spectator. The majesty of the Bass Performance Hall, combined with the baroque sets and costume, the graceful, almost superhuman feats of the dancers, the general air of pomp, circumstance, and festivity; not to mention the experience of seeing one’s own peers — other children — performing on stage. In an age when wonder gets reduced to the size of an iPad screen, a live ballet performance can make a stupendous and lasting impression.

14

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

Of course, such grand results do not come easily. Every year, the Texas Ballet Theater puts in untold hours of preparation to reformulate its saga of rat versus soldier. When asked to describe the process, Ben Stevenson has a simple, pseudo-serious answer: “It’s called a nightmare, actually,” he says with a chuckle. “We have seven different casts so there’s a lot of rehearsal that goes into it. We also do the Nutty Nutcracker, our spoof, and rehearse it at the same time. We also try to get our up-and-coming dancers onto the stage for the leading roles, which leads to even more rehearsal time.”

The child-performers, though an immensely memorable and indispensable component of the show, add an additional level of complexity to the rehearsals.

“We have loads of children involved in the production,” says Ben. “We have two groups from our children’s schools in Dallas and Fort Worth. We have over 100 children in the final production.”

The involvement of young performers is one aspect of the Nutcracker that makes it uniquely special, however, and especially compelling for holiday audiences.

“With the Nutcracker, you have children seeing ballet for the first time, along with children performing for the first time,” explains Ben. “Children meeting children across the footlights. Little girls and boys will come out into the lobby and jump around, acting like the soldiers they saw on stage. For me it never gets boring, and is a new adventure every year.”

This holiday season, anyone interested in the magic of the Nutcracker must mark their calendars for attendance at the Bass, as Texas Ballet Theater will not perform the ballet at Dallas’ Winspear Opera House. The Nutcracker at Bass Performance Hall runs December 11-13, 17, 19-20, 23-24 and 26-27. Visit the troupe’s website at TexasBalletTheater.org for a full schedule and to purchase tickets. If you’ve never enjoyed a performance of the Nutcracker at Bass, there’s no easier way to make Christmas 2015 one that you and your family will never forget.

December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

15

Giving Back

Turning

Compassion Into

Action ARTICLE MOLLIE JAMISON

S

ince 1984, The Salvation Army has been making Christmas spe-

Patey says it’s not just low-income families that receive these gifts

cial for North Texas families in need. Through their Angel Tree

but sometimes it’s ones that have faced unforeseen circumstances.

adoption program more than 50,000 children, ages 0-14, receive gifts

One specific example he remembers is of a single mom who got hurt

gathered from the community each year.

on the job as a paramedic.

Pat Patey, marketing and communication director for The Salvation

“She had been out in the winter and was pushing someone on a stretch-

Army DFW, says the process starts by interviewing families referred

er when she slipped on the ice,” says Patey. “She was injured, not able to

by school counselors and social service organizations towards the

work and ended up basically losing everything. Once she found out she

end of September.

could get assistance from the Salvation Army, her son requested personal

“Each of the families that apply sits down with a Salvation Army worker

care items that were considered more of a necessity then something you'd

to review their income, expenses and situation,” says Patey. “As we do that,

give as a Christmas gift. The day that she came to pick up the gifts, I think

our workers collect information on their age, gender and clothing size as

she was quite surprised at the things that were provided for her.”

well as a wish item and a need item. Then, we make paper Angel tags and

Patey says the Angel Tree also works as a great learning tool for kids.

put them on the trees with a code number that represents the family.”

“It’s important to teach children at an early age the importance

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West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

of giving and that other people don’t necessarily have everything that they may have,” he says. “So I think that this is a good way for parents to teach their children by being a part of selecting an Angel off the tree.”

However you won’t just find these chances to give back in shopping malls. Patey says a big part of the donation process is made possible thanks to organizations and corporations who adopt Angels for their workplace. In Fort Worth, BNSF Railway is leading the way by adopting more angels than any other corporation. GM Financial, Lockheed Martin, Peterbilt Motors and ThyssenKrupp are among the other 90 Fort Worth companies that adopted 10,144 Angels just last year.

Whether it’s an occupational or family effort, Patey says people adopt Angels for a variety of reasons.

“Some parents may collect angels because they have a child the same age,” he says. “One year a parent was shopping for a child because she had lost a child that would have been that same age. I think people tend to shop for the Angel they’ve selected as if they were shopping for their own child.”

Overall, Patey says the outreach program’s goal is to allow children from families whose parents can’t afford presents to be a part of the Christmas tradition and experience it as other children do.

“We identify people within the community that really need help,” he says. “Then we give others the opportunity to put their compassion into action and help real life neighbors.”

And don’t worry about the Angels that never get adopted. The Salvation Army has a plan for them too.

“Of course our goal is to get all of the Angels adopted,” he says. “But if it happens, we normally have enough gifts donated by toy drives plus we purchase gifts like board games and use them to make gift bags for any children that are not adopted from the Angel Tree.”

Participating Fort Worth locations include Hulen and Ridgmar Malls. For a complete list of all 11 Dallas-Fort Worth Angel Tree loca-

“One year a parent was shopping for a child because she had lost a child that would have been that same age. I think people tend to shop for the Angel they’ve selected as if they were shopping for their own child.”

tions, visit SalvationArmyDFW.org.

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December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

17

HOLIDAYS with the CHEFS Four local chefs share the holiday traditions behind their own Christmas feasts.

ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

KEITH HICKS — BUTTONS

For Keith Hicks, mastermind of Buttons Restaurant, cooking has always been deeply rooted in notions of family.

“I’m originally from West Virginia,” says Keith. “I grew up helping my grandparents cook. I remember gatherings of families, people coming together on Sundays and Thanksgiving to celebrate great food and music. That’s what the whole theory of Buttons was built on: good food, family and great times.”

Chef Hicks’ style of cuisine, upscale Southern, pairs with the holidays like chestnuts and a roasting fire. It’s easy to imagine a Christmas dinner with Hicks as a master-sampler of comfort food decadence — and the chef wouldn’t disappoint.

“Being a foodie family, we’re surrounded by food all the time,” says Keith. “For the holidays, we like to turn it up a little bit with the turkey and ham, crank up the sides, smoke some meats and fire up the grill. Then you just sit around, reminisce and eat.”

18

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

If this sounds like the kind of gift you want to give your own family, Buttons is available for Christmas catering.

You can order your catered package ahead of time through ButtonsRestaurant.com , or stop by on the holiday itself for a special brunch menu.

“For Christmas, we’ll do a brunch buffet and lay everything out, all our sides and proteins, along with a carving station,” says Keith.

With the trending popularity of Hicks’ brand of comfort food, you’d be well-advised to place your order or make your reservation early.

“Our good comfort soul food, it’s the kinda stuff that’ll make you go ‘yum yum,’ then want a blanket or comforter afterwards,” says Keith.

If this sounds to you like a holiday miracle, go ahead and treat yourself; after all, Christmas only comes once a year.

CHRIS HIGHT — AVENTINO’S

Fort Worth families have made Aventino’s a site for celebratory traditions for nearly 30 years. The current iteration of Aventino’s — owned and operated by the founders’ daughter, Erica, and her husband, Chris — both preserves this heritage and shepherds it forward, with a menu that does honor to the past while breaking ground to the future. As always a family-owned and operated restaurant, Chris now mans the kitchen with help from his son, Michael.

Since Aventino’s has built its name on high-quality Italian food, you’d be excused for the assumption that the Hights gather every Christmas around a massive spread of pasta. The reality, however, is much different. The Hights celebrate Christmas with — surprise! — a typical Christmas dinner: prime rib, various other meats, sides and potatoes. The unique aspect of the family’s celebration comes from a tradition rooted, oddly enough, in both Chris and Erica’s childhood.

“On both sides of our family, we had the same type of breakfast that we made before we were even married and shared it with each other,” says Chris. “I come from a family with three brothers and three sisters. We’d wake up Christmas morning, open gifts, and have this breakfast that we called egglaw.”

As Chris explains it, egglaw is comprised of all the ingredients of a traditional holiday breakfast, mixed together in one dish with gravy on top. When he first shared memories of this with his wife, he was in for a surprise.

“It turns out they had done the same thing, just with ham instead of bacon,” says Chris. “As children, neither of us could wait for Christmas. Even this year, I can’t wait to wake up, open gifts with the kids and have egglaw.”

CONTINUED >

December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

19

HOLIDAYS WITH THE CHEFS

(CON TI N U ED)

SKEET GEORGE — ANGELO’S

A smoked turkey or ham for Christmas dinner; what better centerpiece for a holiday meal? For nearly 60 years, Angelo’s Restaurant has provided Fort Worth families with just that: the succulent main course for their Christmas celebration, available for advance order from the restaurant.

Angelo’s first opened on March 17th, 1958, through the efforts of Angelo George. Angelo’s son, Skeet, now runs the business.

“I’ve been there all my life, since I was a teenager,” says Skeet. “Now my son, Jason, is involved as a manager and cook master. He’s been at it ever since he was a young teenager, too.”

Visitors to the restaurant around the holidays will find the same delectable BBQ brisket and ribs that Angelo’s has cooked up for decades. For their own meal, the George family has some of that, of course, but also a few extras.

“We do our main Christmas dinner on Christmas Day,” says Skeet. “We’ll have a deep-fried turkey and sides with it, the cornbread dressing, the giblet gravy, and then a prime rib so you can have a choice of turkey or rib, or both.”

Deep-fried turkey or prime rib, expertly prepared by the chefs behind Angelo’s? That sounds like a choice that anyone could live with.

THE MORENO FAMILY — MI COCULA

Fort Worth’s Mi Cocula grew out of a taqueria that the Moreno family originally opened in Weatherford. After three years, the family achieved their dream of a full-service restaurant with a move and expansion to Fort Worth’s westside. Though it’s only been open for a short while, Mi Cocula has already earned a devout following thanks to exquisite flavors and the bona fides of its ‘authentico’ menu. This Christmas, Mi Cocula’s first after a full year of operation, gives the Moreno family plenty to celebrate.

“We’re a family-oriented restaurant,” says Jackie Moreno, who handles the front-end of the restaurant. “This year will be new for us, because people are more familiar with the restaurant, our regulars and their families.”

While Mi Cocula expects to welcome families to celebrate the holidays, the Morenos themselves have their own traditions to celebrate. One look at the family spread, however, and a restaurant patron would feel right at home.

“For our family Christmas, we do authentic,” says Jackie. “We have a section on the menu that’s the traditional dishes, and that’s what we make for the holidays. We’ll have the carne guisada, the tamales, the poblanos; those are the dishes that we crave for the holiday season.”

If you want a taste of what the Morenos are cooking up for the holidays, you don’t have to crash the family gathering. Just stop by Mi Cocula, pull up a chair, and pick up a menu.

20

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

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It sits on a 1/2 acre lot with 4 bedrooms, 4.2 bathrooms, media room, bar area, wine room, and a beautiful view from the balcony. The total living space of this home is 4,925 SqFt. This home was recently completed and listed at $999K.

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We believe in ensuring that our client’s dreams are turned into reality. The end result is a breathtaking custom home or remodel and a satisfied customer. That’s why we personally supervise every phase of construction with an unparalleled attention to detail.

Glendarroch Homes is owned and operated by TCU graduates. Go Frogs and Go Big 12!

Locally Owned

West FW Lifestyle

celebrates

OUR 2ND ANNIVERSARY THANKS TO OUR LOYAL READERSHIP AND THE WORK OF OUR DEDICATED TEAM. ARTICLE DOUGLAS MATUS | PHOTOGRAPHY ANN BECK

A

s a publication rooted in community, West FW Lifestyle is a collaborative effort. To celebrate our second anniversary, we’re going be-

hind the pages to introduce the people who make every issue possible.

ASHLEY SANCHEZ

As West FW Lifestyle’s account manager, Ashley creates the partnerships that keep the magazine alive.

CHRISTIE THOMAS

“ The best part of my job is seeing

The publisher/editor of West FW Lifestyle,

clients have success,” says Ashley.

Christie has years of experience in publishing

“As someone born in Fort Worth, it’s

industry sales. Despite this, she never imag-

inspiring to have the opportunity to

ined she’d find herself at the helm of her own

work with the community.”

publication.

Few people understand the magic of Fort Worth community

“I knew what it took on the sales side of

quite like Ashley. In a story that could have been lifted from the

things,” she says, “but it never crossed my mind

pages of a magazine, she grew up across the street from her

that I would do this for myself.” That all changed one evening when Christie was browsing franchise opportunities.

“I found information on Lifestyle Publications,” says Christie. “I turned to my husband and said ‘Hey, do you want to start a magazine?’”

future husband.

“We finally got together and have been married for eight years,” says Ashley. “We now have two kids, and I couldn’t imagine raising a family anywhere but here.”

As a Fort Worth lifer, the opportunity to run a publication that honors her hometown is a dream come true.

ANN BECK

“Our readers are our stories,” says Christie. “This magazine is

Ann supplies the images that bring the magazine’s stories to life.

built on community, and we have been gifted with readers who

Though originally from Wisconsin, Ann has a fierce appreciation for

share their lives with us.”

her adopted home.

Christie also has the benefit of a committed partner: her husband, Mike.

“My favorite part about shooting for West FW Lifestyle is the variety

“Mike kept the magazine afloat for the first year,” says Christie.

it brings,” says Ann. “I never know what I’ll experience. From swim-

“It was brutal to have a business that didn’t show a profit for nine

ming with dogs to profiling cowboys, I feel like each month uncovers

months, but he kept us on track.”

a new layer of the city.”

As for the future, West FW Lifestyle can only hope to expand upon the blessings granted to it by its readership.

“We feel so privileged to have become a part of our readers’ lives,” says Christie. “We’re thankful to every one of them.”

22

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

After 30 years in Fort Worth, it’s a testament to the city’s complexity that it can provide this career photographer with continual inspiration.

“That one city can contain such a wide cross-section of people and places is an amazing feat,” says Ann.

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“What appeals to me about writing for West FW Lifestyle is meeting such interesting and driven people in all different fields,” says Mollie. “From destination day spas to funky-fresh bakeries, west Fort Worth has it all.”

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Juliet, teacher and historian, can trace her family’s Tarrant County roots back to the 1850s. As an educator, she inspires students with a love of history. As a writer, she shares her expertise with readers of West FW Lifestyle.

“I am overflowing with stories of the west side,” says Juliet. “The magazine has allowed me to tell a few.”

Juliet’s books on Fort Worth were published as part of the Images of America series. A presentation she gave introduced her to Christie and sparked her involvement with the magazine.

“I think that those whose families came here generations ago have a sense of appreciation for our environment,” says Juliet. “It is

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DOUGLAS MATUS

A full-time writer, Doug is the magazine’s most recent Fort Worth transplant. Born

From intimate meetings for 30, weddings with western avor, to corporate events for 1,000 or more.

and raised in West, Texas, Doug graduated from the University of Texas, taught high school in Austin, then moved to Los Angeles for graduate studies at CalArts. While living in Marfa, Texas, Doug met a Fort Worth native who hogtied his heart and spirited him away to Cowtown.

“Writing for West FW Lifestyle has given me a chance to get to know the community where I’ve made my home,” says Doug. “Every story is an adventure, and adds to the beautiful, evolving mural we’ve painted of Fort Worth across each and every issue.”

December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

25

Hot Spot

A Baker’s Dozen

ARTICLE MOLLIE JAMISON | PHOTOGRAPHY HAYLE HULLETT

F

or Robbie Werner, the idea of owning her own bakery was born on a 3,500mile road trip to Canada in 2009. Now, two Fort Worth locations later, Wer-

ner is running Stir Crazy Baked Goods with her husband and three children by her side. With an art degree under her belt and time spent working at the Kimbell Art Museum, we knew Werner had an eye for things that look and, better yet, taste great. The presumably flour-covered baker took a break from the kitchen to answer our hottest questions.

HOW IS STIR CRAZY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER BAKERIES IN TOWN?

Our goods are based on traditional American baking: the way our grandmothers made things from scratch with all-natural ingredients. But we’ve taken our family's recipes and come up with some really unusual ways of baking them.

WHAT WAS YOUR VISION FOR THE COMPANY?

Six years ago, we wrote down the words "Bakery on Magnolia." In 2012 when we opened our doors, we weren't quite ready for that yet. I'm so glad we started small. But our vision has come to fruition this year and in a way that we didn't force. It's been so great to have practice at our little store for three years, so we could grow into this larger space organically. When we found out that we were actually going to open on Magnolia Avenue, we made another list of goals. It was largely centered around my employees and the community of Fort Worth.

TELL ME ABOUT THE LOCAL PARTNERSHIPS YOU’VE ESTABLISHED.

We love partnering with Kari Crowe from Melt. We get lemonade from Carleen Anderson from LeMonade, coffee from Avoca and bread from Rowdy with Le Boulanger Barbu. Our plants come from Kristen with Bloom & Briar and each Donut Saturday at our Magnolia shop, we feature Doughboy and Funkytown.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE VIBES AT STIR CRAZY?

It was a goal of our bakery to create a space where people feel comfortable to hang out and enjoy something good to eat, in a place that feels warm and smells good. So far, everyone has had a great time in our bakery. They're charmed by our little 500-square-foot space on Daggett and can spread out a little more on Magnolia.

26

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

STIR CRAZY BOASTS ITSELF AS BEING BOTH QUALITY AND CRAFT. WHAT DOES THAT WORD “CRAFT” MEAN TO YOU AND YOUR COMPANY?

We don't have a pie press. We don't even have a freezer to store goods in. Everything is baked as freshly as possible; each piecrust is rolled out individually. Tradition is important to us because it goes hand-in-hand with celebrations, and that is our craft.

EVERY GREAT CHEF HAS A SIGNATURE CATCH PHRASE OR MOTTO. WHAT’S YOURS?

Sometimes things aren't quite what we thought they'd turn out as, but they taste amazingly perfect. So I say, "there is perfection in the imperfection." Today's experiment was to make a hybrid of our Italian cheesecake and apple pie. Even though we ended up with a pile of crumbs, they were so, so good. Tomorrow, we'll try again.

WHAT’S THE MOST FUN PART OF YOUR JOB?

Getting excited over new recipes with my coworkers, husband and kids. Everyone has fantastic ideas. My daughter is in on the pumpkin spice craze, so we made a Pumpkin Mocha cake using Avoca coffee.

That cake sold faster than any other in our store!

DO YOU HAVE A FAVORITE ITEM ON THE MENU?

Usually, it's our Sweet Rolls. They're delicious rolled-up cinnamon sugar biscuits topped in a sweet cream frosting. We now have about eight or so variations on that same recipe.

Have fun with it. Enjoy the process. Put some love in there.

Make it fun for your kids, let them lick the bowl and don't get crazy

WHAT’S THE SECRET TO ANY RECIPE?

when they double-dip their fingers. If you don't have kids, bake cookies with your best friends. My oldest daughter does that now, and I love to hear them giggling from the other room.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE WACKIEST FLAVOR COMBINATIONS THAT YOU’VE CREATED AND HOW’D THEY TURN OUT?

Nutella Chess Pie, Garam Masala cake, TX Whiskey Cherry Pie and Chocolate Chip Pretzel cookies are some of our favorites.

CAN YOU REALLY EVER HAVE TOO MANY COOKS IN THE KITCHEN?

Um, absolutely! Literally speaking, more than four people in a 500-square-foot space is just too many. Sometimes when you're working with such a tightly knit group of people, tensions can run high. Then you leave for the day, relax, and start the next day with a new perspective. I'm thankful for each person who works with me – I'm a lot to put up with!

106 E. Daggett Ave., Fort Worth; 682.710.2253 1251 W. Magnolia Ave., Fort Worth; 682.710.2253 StirCrazyBakedGoods.com December 2015 | West FW Lifestyle

27

EAT

SHOP

Building a Better Benbrook is more than a project. The campaign, launched in response to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Benbrook Boulevard/U.S. 377 expansion, acts as a backdrop for a variety of projects, programs, and efforts to improve and grow our community. Building a Better Benbrook includes providing exceptional city services, supporting our local businesses, welcoming visitors, encouraging volunteerism, strengthening partnerships, and planning for quality development.

Benbrook is truly a small town, big backyard.

Our community spirit is thriving, and our future is bright. Benbrook offers amenities that rival those of our larger neighbors.

Our natural resources include 125 acres of developed parks offering hike and bike trails, tennis, ball fields, picnic pavilions, volleyball and basketball courts, and playground and outdoor exercise equipment.

Our annual events are attended by visitors from throughout our great state. The annual Christmas Tree Lighting and Fireworks Shows takes place the first weekend of December, and is followed by Winter Wonderland, a lighted holiday walk through the park, displayed for the entire month of December each year.

The coming year brings new rooftops, new schools, and new opportunities. And, it brings us closer to the completion of the Benbrook Boulevard project; promising a newer, wider, safer roadway. As our busiest

Chick-fil-A Benbrook is a proud community partner, serving Benbrook since 2011. Chick-fil-A embraces a customer and community friendly approach, making customer service paramount.

Chick-fil-A Benbrook has a presence at many community events, supports the community in a variety of ways, and offers special promotions throughout the year to further engage and serve our community.

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Supporting local business with your spending dollars means you too are Building a Better Benbrook! www.buildingabetterbenbrookboulevard.com

Lifestyle Calendar

December

DECEMBER 1 - 31

DECEMBER 5 - 23

PANTHER ISLAND ICE

POLAR EXPRESS PJ PARTY

COYOTE DRIVE-IN THEATER

FORT WORTH MUSEUM OF SCIENCE AND HISTORY

Fort Worth is about to get a lot cooler as the city's favorite holiday

Entrance only at the Omni IMAX entrance on the northside of the

tradition, Panther Island Ice, returns for another season on Novem-

building. Polar ExpressPajama Parties are your chance to enjoy hot

ber 20th. Fort Worth's only outdoor skating rink remains open 7 days

chocolate, wintry hands-on activities and photos with Dynamo-in his

a week, including all holidays, through January 18th. Check out our

pajamas! Activities are included with a ticket to The Polar Express: An

website for hours and prices at PantherIslandIce.com (hours vary).

IMAX Experience following a Polar Pajama Party. 9 - 9:45 a.m.

DECEMBER 1 - 6

DECEMBER 5 - 13

THE BOOK OF MORMON

THE LITTLEST WISEMAN

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

FORT WORTH COMMUNITY

It's The Book of Mormon, the nine-time Tony Award-winning Best Mu-

ARTS CENTER

sical from the creators of South Park. Contains explicit language. For

A play-pageant of the Nativity,

more information, visit BookofMormonTheMusical.com.

presented as a Christmas gift to the community by The Dorothy

DECEMBER 1 - 31

Shaw Bell Choir through a grant

GIFT OF LIGHTS

from The Walsh Foundation. Chil-

TEXAS MOTOR SPEEDWAY

dren under the age of 4 will not

At the completion of the Drive-Thru Park, bring your family and

be

friends to Santa’s Village for photos and fun! Check out Gift of Lights

TheLittlestWiseman.org or at the door.

on Facebook. Santa will be at Texas Motor Speedway till December 24th. TMSGiftOfLights.com

admitted.

Free reservations:

DECEMBER 7 FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - HANDEL'S MESSIAH

DECEMBER 3

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

GRAPEVINE VINTAGE RAILROAD'S CHRISTMAS WINE TRAIN

Experience a holiday classic - Handle's inspiring Messiah - with the

DEPARTING FROM STOCKYARDS STATION

Fort Worth Symphony and the Southwestern Seminary Master Cho-

STOCKYARDS STATION

rale. Let the thrilling choruses, soaring solos and triumphant orches-

This favorite seasonal event is a festive Christmas event for grown-ups.

tration be a joyful and powerful beginning to your holiday celebrations.

Each coach features a different Grapevine urban winery. Hors d'ouevres will also be served. Additional wine will be available for purchase.

DECEMBER 11

Tickets are $45 per person. Riders must be 21 and over. December 3

BALLET CONCERTO A HOLIDAY SPECIAL

departs from Stockyards Station in the Historic Fort Worth Stockyards.

WILL ROGERS MEMORIAL CENTER

DECEMBER 4 - 20

Begins with Winter Wonderland set to familiar Christmas tunes and choreographed by Margo Dean. Then, “A Cool Yule” tap selection

FROSTY THE SNOWMAN

performed by guest company Arts Fifth Avenue under the direction

CASA MANANA

of Gracey Tune. The program will close with, O Holy Night, a reenact-

Based on the classic tale en-

ment of the nativity in song and dance.

joyed by millions around the world, Frosty the Snowman is sure

DECEMBER 31

to put a smile on your face and get

FORT WORTH SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA - NEW YEAR'S EVE: A

the entire family in the holiday spir-

NIGHT OUT WITH THE BOYS

it! Don't miss your chance to enjoy

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL-MADDOX-MUSE COMPLEX

this classic holiday tradition in a

Nat "King" Cole. Frank Sinatra. Louis Armstrong. Stevie Wonder. For nearly

new, musical way!

a century, this group cheered us up, echoed our heartaches, and reminded us of the beauty of life....and love. Ring in the New Year with vocalist Dee Daniels bringing her jazz styling to classic hits by these musical legends.

30

West FW Lifestyle | December 2015

Got a fitness goal?

No sweat.

Fitness at Willow Park Your first goal should be to get to Texas Health Fitness Center Willow Park. After that, our qualified fitness professionals offer personal training and consultation to help you with any other goals you may have, from losing weight to gaining strength to improving your overall health. Plus, with fitness classes, advanced equipment, child care services, a café area and clean, spacious locker rooms, we’ve got what you need to succeed.

For membership information, call 1-877-THR-WELL or visit TexasHealth.org/WP-Fitness.

Doctors on the medical staff practice independently and are not employees or agents of Texas Health Willow Park. © 2015

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DENTISTS & ORTHODONTICS

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Fort Worth Cosmetic & Family Dentistry (817) 737-6601 ngreendental.com

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SALONS & SPAS

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TRAVEL & LEISURE

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33

Parting Thoughts

GIFT The

On the front lawn of his family’s home on Tremont Avenue, in Fort Worth’s Arlington Heights neighborhood, a 12-year-old Greek-American boy focused a TASCO refracting telescope with a 60 mm lens and gazed at his future. Since the night of December 25, 1969, Artie P. Hatzes has found other worlds, traveled across this one, and settled in a place once closed to most westerners.

"My mom asked me in June what I really wanted for Christmas, 're-

That Defined A Career

gardless the cost,' he recalled. "Usually, she asked in November. What

ARTICLE JULIET GEORGE

of Cream. I would sit and listen to Cream albums for hours on end,

T

I really wanted was a set of drums. I was inspired by my oldest brother, the musician, and I especially admired Ginger Baker, the drummer beating on my lap the beats from Baker's drum, and pretending. My

he ancient Greeks were the driving force behind the devel-

mother was not too pleased with my brother's music career. So, being

opment of western astronomy and science, their philosophers

a clever guy, I thought that, in order to maximize my chances of get-

learning from the work of others and adding their own interpreta-

ting what I wanted, I ought to ask for a 'respectable' gift."

tions and observations.

- Martyn Shuttleworth in Explorable: Think Outside the Box

Photograph of Artie P. Hatzes, Ph.D., courtesy of the Thuringia State Observatory

"So I asked for a really good telescope. That was the year of the moon landing, and I was a real 'space cadet,' inspired by the space program.

I wanted a good one that worked well, but these were too expensive.

I knew that my mother could never afford it. The reason she asked all three sons this was: She decided to save up all her money and buy what we really wanted. It took her six months. (We were not rich; my parents worked for not much above minimum wage.) Bless her heart!"

"Well, come Christmas morning, I went to use the toilet early in the morning and saw a big package under the tree with my name on it. It was the last present I opened. My heart was beating so fast as I opened it. When I saw the telescope that would define my career, the very first thought that came to my mind: 'I should have asked for the drums!' Needless to say, I think I made the right decision."

After graduation from Arlington Heights High School, Hatzes earned degrees from the California Institute of Technology and the University of California at Santa Cruz; completed a post-doctoral fellowship at the University of Texas at Austin; and joined the staff of UT's McDonald Observatory. He is in the vanguard of astronomers searching for – and finding – extra-solar planets. Since 2000, he has directed the Karl Schwarschild (Thuringia State) Observatory, and Vintage (1969) graphic from a telescope instruction sheet courtesy of Richard Hendrix, Dr. William A. Bowen, and the California Geographical Survey

is a professor at the Friedrich Schiller University of Jena, in Germany – formerly within the German Democratic Republic.

He kept the TASCO. "This year, I used it to observe a partial eclipse of the sun at my observatory," Hatzes notes.

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