September 2022 by societylife

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 5 contents SEPTEMBER 2022 SOCIETY LIFE exclusive features 18 16 Cover MADE IN THE SHADE JAMES LANDSCAPING 21 Design OUTDOOR LIVING TAKE IT OUTDOORS 29 Home DOOR DECORATINGDECORIDEAS 36 Retirement SENIOR LIFESTYLE NINE TRENDS

6 SEPTEMBER 2022 | contentsSocietyLifeMag.comSL 80 Society Life is printed on recycled paper. Our printing company is a member of PIA/GATF. They print on PCW (Post Consumer Waste) recycled papers using inks that contain soy, putting less VOC’s into the air. We aim to make our footprint as small as possible in the course of our business practice. This magazine or its trademarks may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form or means electronic or mechanical without written permission from the publisher. All advertising will be placed using the editor’s discretion. Society Life reserves the right to refuse advertising for any reason. Society Life magazine, its publishing company and any individuals involved in the production of Society Life are not liable for loss or harm incurred by an organization/individual by the publishing of any ad, information or story. Advertising copy, contracts and orders are subject to the publishers acceptance.Cancellation or changes are not accepted after deadlines. The publisher reserves the right to repeat the last printed advertisement if a replacement is not received by each deadline. All content is researched and verified to the best of the editorial staff’s ability at the time of printing. Society Life magazine is designed and published by LIFESOCIETY 36 8 Editor Talk EDITOR’S LETTER 10 FaithFull SHARING GOD’S LOVE 12 TidBits A SMALL PART OF A BIGGER STORY 44 Wanderlust TEXAS TRAVEL & BEYOND 48 Momilies BECAUSE I SAID SO 52 FatherHood DAD SPELLED BACKWARD 54 Greater Good EMILY’S PLACE 58 DateBook SAVE THE DATE 64 6 Questions COOKING FOR KIDS 68 Top Tables RESTAURANT LISTINGS 73 Rose Table Recipe LET THEM EAT BREAD 80 Where Locals Go MESERO SEPTEMBER 2022 departments

Publisher / Editorial Director elena@societylifemagazine.com

EditorTalk

Autumn arrived here in Texas on Thursday, September 22, 2022 according to the calendar. In fact, you likely didn’t notice that fall had arrived at all due to it still being quite warm around these parts. But soon, we will feel those nice cool breezes and the leaves will change color before they descend. Due to the longer than usual stretch of over 100 degree days this summer and extended drought period, I think I was anticipating autumn’s arrival more this season than in previous years. We get some of our nicest weather here during fall making it the perfect time to spruce up your yard and take the party outside. For residents of North Texas, autumn means outdoor living.

September is our Fall Home Issue where we feature amazing landscape design solutions (Made in the Shade on page 16), outdoor living trends (Take It Outdoors on page 21), and start to get into the spirit of decorating our homes for the holidays (Door Decor on page 29). I have noticed that many of my neighbors have already gotten into the holiday spirit and the changing of the seasons with fall decor and pumpkin art showing up on many porches now.

As we begin to usher in autumn, the return of football season, the trading of sundresses and flip-flops for sweaters and cozy boots—the reminder that the holidays are right around the corner means that we should get outdoors now before winter arrives. When the kids go back to school and the summer comes to a close, there seems to be an unspoken ‘fun-time is over’ attitude. But that doesn’t have to be the case. Add a firepit to your yard and gather the family around for some s’mores. Invite the gang over and fire up the grill for a backyard football watching party. Head outdoors to jump in the leaves, sit fireside and sip pumpkin-spiced lattes, or load up the car to go explore a local pumpkin patch. Autumn is also the season in which both Thanksgiving and Halloween are celebrated—and the perfect way to set the stage for Christmas. It’s called a season of change on purpose... for one it’s the change of seasons, for another, it’s the season of change. Which one are you this year? Are you transitioning or enjoying the transition? Food for thought.

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IT’S FALL Y’ALL

ELENA ELLIS

“AUTUMN IS A SECOND SPRING WHEN EVERY LEAF IS A FLOWER.”

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 9 EDITORIAL/CREATIVEPUBLISHER DIRECTOR ELENA ELLIS (817) 657-2948 ELENA @societylifemagazine.com ADVERTISING SALES DIRECTOR AMY ACKERMANN (817) 600-8838 AMY @societylifemagazine.com SOCIAL MEDIA MANAGER SOCIAL@societylifemagazine.com pleaseourforSocietyINTERESTEDLORRAINECINDIACHERYLPRODUCTIONRYBKAFREIWALDPHOTOGRAPHERSVERACROSBYHAAN-STEWARTALYCIASAVAGEWRITERS/COLUMNISTSFRANKGESLANIMARYMACDOWELLTRISHAMITCHELLJONSALINSKYSHANNONSALINSKYJESSICASERNAJENNIFERSLOANKATIE-ROSEWATSONJIMVERDIINFREELANCEOPPORTUNITIES?LifeMagazineisalwaysonthelookouttalentedwritersandphotographerstojointeam.Ifyouareinterestedinlearningmore,calloremailthepublisheratinfoabove. SocietyLifeMagazine.comStartedMay2006 © 2022 Caye Publishing Group, Inc.

— Y’all be blessed!

According to Allan Lokos, “For our home to be a refuge it needs to be a place where love, compassion, and patience prevail.” This occurs when we encourage those who enter our home to walk in love. Our job is to create an atmosphere where the fragrant offering of God (Ephesians 5:2) permeates the air and everyone is immediately greeted with a feeling of calmness and endearment.

So, as we fall into another season of life, let’s make sure that God is escorted into our homes before we hang the decorative wreaths or light the cinnamon scented candles. Let’s plug into the only Source whose grid is guaranteed to provide us with all the warmth our hearts and homes will ever need.

May we each find the courage to not only open our doors and welcome God in. But, to open our hearts to hide His Word and delight ourselves to do His will (Psalms 40:8; 119:11).

LIFE

Matthew 6:21

Once we establish the Lord as our dwelling place, He dispatches angels to guard us in all our ways. Henceforth, God becomes our refuge—a fire pit where evil is deflected and plagues are intercepted (Psalm 91:9-11).

Hospitality and warmth are synonymous. Therefore, it is no surprise that sitting in front of the fireplace drinking warm apple cider or perhaps eating a warm slice of pumpkin pie, can provide each of us with a cozy feeling. But none of these activities can replace the comfort we get as a result of living in a home that overflows with love and laughter.

RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD AND LIVE

Before God will ever set foot in our physical home, He must first take up residence within our heart. When He becomes the center of our home, He likens a furnace that ignites our heart and surrounds it with the warmth of His Word (Luke 24:32).

is Wherever You Hang Your Heart

Cecelia Ahern seems to agree—she stated that the “home isn’t a place, it’s a feeling.” If this is the case, then it’s our responsibility to make certain that our guests “feel” blessed when they come in and blessed, we they go out (Deuteronomy 28:6).

The only way to assure that these feelings abide in our home is to keep God and His Word in our hearts and minds. As we do this, the Bible promises that both Jesus and The Father will come and make their home with us (John 14:23).

In Joshua 24:15, we learn that Joshua set the standards by which his home would operate. He declared that his household would serve The Lord. He didn’t concern himself with what others thought. He determined in his heart that both he and his family would follow the guidance of God. His home was built on faith and the obedience of God’s Word.

Every faith-filled home should reflect God’s love. A place where warmth, compassion and peace function as studs keeping us attached to His Spirit and making certain that the walls remain upright. A safe place, a retreat, a place where we are saturated in the presence of God. A place that is secure and undisturbed—exactly like the one described in Isaiah 32:18.

FAITHFUL

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FaithFull

“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

This scripture is a gentle reminder “that love will dwell wherever the heart settles.” In Ephesians 3:17 we learn that Christ dwells in our hearts through faith. But only when we’re rooted and grounded in love.

God does not want us living in homes that have the appearance of compassion, yet the rooms are crowded with chaos. His desire is that we reside in homes where He can make His dwelling among us (Leviticus 26:11). A place where He can be our God and we will be His people (Ezekiel 37:27).

Remember, a home that is void of God is just an empty shell. It’s lifeless and unable to fulfill its intended purpose, a dwelling place for God. When the sweet aroma of Christ is absent from our home, the rooms are filled with a pungent scent of conflict. There’s a heaviness…a detachment. Even tually, the foundation is compromised and “the walls come tumbling down.”

BY TRISHA STRENGTHENMITCHELLYOUR A FULFILLING, CHRISTIAN

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PICTURED .................. JAMES LANDSCAPING, INC. (team pictured from l-r) Dyan Brown, owner/founder Rhonda James, Marie Weil, Priscilla French, Eva Lau, Shannon Jeffrey Adam, and Jenny Burggraf

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TidBits

BIGGERSMALLPARTOFASTORY

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Donatebagsthese

Park Village is shedding light on an important cause during September’s Hunger Action Month. Every Saturday in September from 12-5pm, the shopping center is hosting The Giving Table—a food donation drive which will benefit the North Texas Food Bank. “Our corporate philanthropic initiative is fighting hunger,” said Alexis Brock, Marketing Manager at ShopCore Properties, owner and manager of Park Village. “We’re dedicated to eliminating the growing problem of childhood hunger by feeding young bodies and minds through our corporate initiative, CoreGiving. We are honored to team up with a noteworthy local partner like the North Texas Food Bank to collect donations from the community to combat childhood hunger. We believe that no child should experience hunger and its negative effects.” Positioned in the greenspace between R.A. Sushi and Gloria’s, the Giving Table offers convenient drop off for shoppers to donate non-perishable food items to give back to the local community. “The Giving Table is a powerful visual representation of one-in-six children in the United States who go hungry,” continued Brock. “A striking orange table with six chairs will be strategically placed at the center’s greenspace. The sixth chair will be white, showcasing a stark fact— that every sixth child experiences some form of food insecurity.” Food items needed:

THE GIVING TABLE HELPS FEED THOSE IN NEED

• Trail Mix 1-2 oz

non-perishable foods to fight hunger every Saturday in September at The Giving Table in the greenspace between R.A. Sushi and Gloria’s. The Park Village shopping center is located at 1065 East Southlake Boulevard in Southlake. Do nations accepted on these Saturdays—September 3, 10, 17 & 24 from 12-5pm.

GRAPEVINE QB EVAN BAUM CLASS OF 2023 STATE CHAMP

shopparkvillage.com A

• Canned Chicken

• Canned Fruit 14-16 oz

• Shelf-stable Milk 8 oz (not flavored with chocolate, strawberry, or vanilla)

• Canned Tuna 5 oz

rrqbtraining.com

Grapevine High School Quarterback, Evan Baum, competed in the 2022 QB State Championship Competition. The quarter back competition was held in Weatherford on July 16, 2022. This invite only, elite level QB competition featured some of the Top QB’s in the state of Texas. Weston Smith, from Colleyville Heritage and Keller’s Tre Guerra were among the QBs competing for the title. In typical Texas high school football fashion, the competition came down to a sudden death determination between rivals Grapevine and Colleyville, with Grapevine QB Evan Baum winning the title of State Champ for the class of 2023. The competition, hosted by RRQB Training consisted of various drills testing the quarterbacks in many different areas—from quick release and accuracy, to arm strength, etc. Each drill was scored on a pre-determined point system. RRQB Training is passionate about providing young and aspiring quarterbacks with the means necessary to make a great impression on their coaches at practice, to get ready to perform at the highest level possible come game time, and to ultimatel y achieve their athletic goals and dreams.

PARK VILLAGE CELEBRATES SEPTEMBER HUNGER ACTION MONTH

• Peanut Butter 16 oz

• Low-sodium Canned Vegetables 15-16 oz

The National Bison Association and producers like Benjamin Lee Bison work tirelessly at restoring this magnificent animal to its historic landscape across North America. Incorporating bison into every day meals is right in line with that objective. After all, the more people choose bison in their local retail store, or on a restaurant menu, the more incentive farmers and ranchers have to build their herds, Matheson added. Benjamin Lee Bison—a family owned and operated, sustainable ranch in Sayre, Oklahoma—specializes in the raising of American Bison that is 100% natural, pasture-raised, hormone-free and humanely raised. “Bison is naturally delicious with an elevated flavor that comes from the prairies and grassland they forage on, which is what makes it a favorite among chefs, foodies, families, and home cooks alike,” said Austin Puckett, owner and operator, Benjamin Lee Bison.

NBA is a non-profit association of producers, processors, marketers and bison enthusiasts whose mission is to bring together stakeholders to celebrate the heritage of American bison, to educate, and to create a sustainable future for the bison industry. “Bison is a lower-fat, higher protein, heart-healthy protein choice for today’s health and environmentally conscious consumer,” commented Jim Matheson, NBA Executive Director. “We are extremely excited to be a presenting sponsor at this year’s WFC and look forward to all the creative and delicious recipes that the champions will produce with bison.”

When most people think of Bison as a food option, they think of burgers. This November, however, that connotation will be put to the test as 30 of the world’s best food champions will incorporate this beef alternative into their signature sandwich recipes for a chance at the largest prize purse in Food Sport. The National Bison Association (NBA), in coordination with Benjamin Lee Bison, was just named the Presenting Sponsor of the World Sandwich Championship, which will occur as one of the 10 categories of competition at the 10th Annual World Food Championships from November 9-13 in Dallas.

Stay tuned for more championship announcements about the upcoming Main Event, which is set to be held again inside the iconic Centennial Hall at Fair Park in Dallas, November 9 -13. Ticketing options for the food fest are on sale now.

Visit: worldfoodchampionships.com/tickets

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) North Texas Affiliate hosted its annual Law Enforcement Recognition Event recently in Dallas/Allen. MADD recognizes the brave men and women of Dallas, and Collin County for the courageous work they do every day guarding the roads from drunk and drugged driving. Law enforce ment plays a critical role in the fight to end drunk driving and it often comes with a high cost. Each year nationally, officers arrest more than a million DUI or DWI offenders who no longer compromise the safety of our roads. Each one of these injuries and deaths are 100% preventable. Awards are given to top DWI enforcement officers, with some having over 100 DWI arrests last year and agencies with out standing service and education in impaired driving. MADD will host these Law En forcement Recognition events across the country. These events provide an oppor tunity to recognize outstanding service in the fight to create a future of No More Vic tims. Founded in 1980 by a mother whose daughter was killed by a drunk driver, MADD is the nation’s largest nonprofit working to end drunk driving, help fight drugged driving, support the victims of these violent crimes and prevent underage drinking. MADD has helped to save more than 350,000 lives, reduce drunk driving deaths by more than 50 percent and promote designating a non-drinking driver. MADD has provided supportive services to nearly one million drunk and drugged driving victims and survivors at no charge through their local victim advocates and the 24-Hour Victim Help Line 1-877-MADD-HELP.madd.org

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MOTHERS AGAINST DRUNK DRIVING

MADD HONORS HEROES

THE WORLD FOOD CHAMPIONSHIPS COMES TO DALLAS WFC SANDWICH CHAMPIONSHIP STAMPEDE OF FLAVOR

As the leader in food sport, WFC continues to push the culinary boundaries of competitive cooking. The addition of The National Bison Association and Benjamin Lee is just another example of this, said WFC President and CEO Mike McCloud. “This competition is all about celebrating cooks and giving them exciting challenges to prove their extraordinary skill set,” said McCloud. “Working with great partners like NBA and Benjamin Lee helps us deliver a world-class experience not only for our competition teams, but also for the foodies who want to enjoy the amazing flavors of our fest.”

facebook.com/oktoberfestsouthlake | facebook.com/octoberfestfw | lhofest.net

OKTOBERFEST

FORT WORTH OKTOBERFEST

This 3-day celebration is presented by Spaten and offers German culture with the best in Bavarian entertainment. It’s time to trink das Bier, eat die Würste, und polka till you fallen! Spaten and other delicious Fall and Oktoberfest biers will be on tap. This year’s lineup includes Alex Meixner Band, Das Ist Lustig, Chardon Polka Band, Alpenmusikanten and Walburg Boys, just to name a few. Whether you want to kick back in the biergarten, shop in the marktstrass or test your skills at stein hoisting and bier barrel rolling, there is fun for everyone. Fort Worth Oktoberfest also hosts a 5k Run, 20-mile urban bike ride and carnival rides and games. Fort Worth Oktoberfest will be Thurs., September 22 through Sat., September 24 starting at 5pm at Trinity Park. Visit: facebook.com/oktoberfestfw

LOCAL GERMAN CULTURE CELEBRATIONS TRINK DAS BIER, EAT DIE WÜRSTE, UND POLKA

TASTE COMMUNITY RESTAURANT PARTNERS WITH LOCAL GROWERS

This year marks 21 years of Oktoberfest hosted by Southlake’s Chamber of Commerce. Attendance is completely free—there are no admissions or parking fees. There will, however, be a wide range of food, beverages, and booth items available for sale! Come take a stroll in Southlake’s beautiful Town Square while looking at the unique, handcrafted arts and crafts booths. Great food and live entertainment are also at your fingertips from October 14-16. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area. Don’t forget to sign up your dog to participate in the popular wiener dog race! We also can’t forget to mention that they will be having a number of great bands that you won’t want to miss. Join us at this year’s Oktoberfest, where a good time is awaiting all! Festival is held in Southlake Town Square. Visit: facebook.com/oktoberfestsouthlake

Taste Project’s nonprofit restaurant, Taste Community Restaurant, launches its new Fall Menu this month. In partnership with local growers, the organization continues its mission to provide healthy nutritious food regardless of financial means. The most recent Consumer Price Index shows the cost of food rose 10.9% in July. Lowincome families are especially burdened since they spend 1/3 of their budget on groceries, compared to 12% by middle income families. As a result, , low-income families are likely to choose economic foods which are less nutritionally dense. Seasonal menus are not a new concept, but at Taste Community Restaurant every one can access healthy nutritious food. The menu has no prices. Guests are asked to: pay what you can afford, what you would typically pay, or what you would typically pay, plus a little extra to help a neighbor in need. Whether you’ve dined at Taste Community Restaurant before, or are new to a pay-what-you-can concept, the restaurant’s new fall menu provides a reason for everyone to visit. This season’s menu is marked by fresh greens, Tuscan kale, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, and pumpkin. Fresh and healthy options in clude a sausage and kale omelet, vegetar ian breakfast hash, fall greens salad with grilled chicken, sweet potato and apple soup, pumpkin curry, and more! “Serving local food has always been important to us,” says Jeff Williams, executive director and founder of Taste Project. “But being able to partner directly with growers in the Fort Worth area is exciting.” Taste Project will add new local growers as fall growing season begins to flourish in Texas. Open breakfast and lunch weekdays, and brunch on weekends. Reservations

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Oktoberfest festival in Munich, Germany is held over a 2-week period and ending on the first Sunday in October. The festival originated on October 12, 1810, in celebration of the marriage of crown prince of Bavaria, who later became King Louis I, to Princess Therese von Sachsen-Hildburghausen. Here are a few closer to home:

DALLAS OKTOBERFEST You’re invited to the premier Oktoberfest in Dallas. This family-friendly event brings thousands of people across Dallas-Fort Worth for good food, good beer and good times. This year's annual event, to be held October 1st, 2022 at Flag Pole Hill, just north of White Rock Lake, will feature some of the best local bands, plenty of fun for the kids, and delicious restaurant offerings from brats to ice cream. The line-up is complete and ready to roll. There is entertainment throughout the day with Cory Morrow headlining the evening shows. Come out and enjoy some of the best bites and brews Dallas has to offer. They’ll have everything from Brats to Pizza and Hefeweizen to Kolsch. The goal is to have something for everyone of any age. Do you think you have what it takes to be King of the Hill? Enter into the 2-person double elimination cornhole tournament that will pit you against some of the toughest amateur competition in the area. The 10th Annual Oktoberfest Dallas will take place at Flag Pole Hill Park near White Rock Lake which is located at 8100 Doran Circle in Dallas, Texas 75238. Visit: lhofest.net

tasteproject.orgrecommended.

SOUTHLAKE OKTOBERFEST

Hot doesn’t even begin to describe the summer of 2022. (Scorching. Stiﬂing. Oppressive. Oven-baked?) And if you suffered spending any length of time outside under the sun, imagine how your plants felt. They were practically broiling. What we’d all give for some tree cover, am I right? Shade trees offer relief for our extreme summers, but there’s often a tradeoff. If your property is blessed with an abundance of trees, you're likely cursed with an inability to grow grass. Remember that photosynthesis lesson you learned in grade school science? The plain and simple truth is, lawns need sunlight to thrive, even in sundrenched North Texas.“If you’ve ever compared your neighbors’ lush, green lawns to the bare patches under your trees and wondered ‘what am I doing wrong,’ trust me, you’re not alone. If you’re at a loss for how to get grass to grow in those areas, there are things you can do to improve the health and appearance of your shaded yards. There are people who can help,” said Rhonda James, owner of James Landscaping.

COVER STORY James

Landscaping, Inc.

16 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com JAMES LANDSCAPING, INC. ARTICLE BY FRANK GESLANI PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART SL

MADE IN THE SHADE JAMES LANDSCAPING’S SMART, BEAUTIFUL,DESIGNBEYOND-THE-LAWNTRANSFORMSACHALLENGINGSPACE SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 17

THROWING SHADE

The first order of business for the James Landscaping team: preserve the lot’s best asset. The team worked earnestly to preserve the trees and highlight the natural shade they produced. Next, they added life to the once barren soil. Instead of grass, they planted a variety of ground cover to improve the integrity of the soil and prevent erosion. They also added color and texture with a mix of shade-loving plants like ferns, Japanese maples, redbuds, oakleaf hydrangeas and dogwood. They then installed a walkway of flagstone on decomposed granite that leads to a sitting area featuring a custom stone bench. A raised dry-stack

stone bed provides a soothing buffer from the street corner. To invite further exploration, the team installed a stone path that circles away from the sitting area and meanders to the back, creating better continuity. What was once an eyesore is now a lovely retreat. “All the elements together really bring you into the space. Everything fits seamlessly and naturally. It’s hard to even imagine having a lawn in its place,”admitted Rhonda.

This month’s featured property is owned by a loyal James Landscaping client who understood the pleasures and pains of owning a heavily shaded property. Their tree-filled corner lot offered a respite even during the hottest days, but presented other problems year-round. In addition to its unsightly appearance, the lack of ground cover led to soil erosion which only made the space more unattractive and less usable. “We had been working with these clients for a number of years. For a long time, they held onto hope that they could grow grass in their shaded area. Unfortunately, that was never going to happen and they finally reached out to us to help them reclaim their struggling lawn and let it live up to the potential we always knew it had,” said Rhonda. With a corner lot, curb appeal matters tremendously for both passersby and the homeowners alike. James Landscaping had a tall task—reinforcing the best features of the property while dramatically transforming the space to please its owners and their guests any time they set foot (or eyes) on their property.

FROM DRAB TO FAB

The clients leaned on James Landscaping’s expertise to determine the best use of the space and tailor the optimal mix of hardscapes and plant life. That implicit trust, built over years of close collaboration with James Landscaping on other projects, as well as scheduled maintenance service, gave them the confidence to move the project forward. “We showed them our design and they basically said ‘let’s do it.’ It was as simple as that, but that kind of trust only happens when you’re in the business of building relationships over years. We already knew what plants they liked. They knew what we were capable of, so they knew they were in good hands,” explained Rhonda. The results prove that their trust was well-placed. Since the project was completed, the plants have grown in splendidly. The ground cover looks as thriving, verdant and enviable as any

CULTIVATING TRUST

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COVER STORY

conventional lawn. And the trees, which proved so problematic before, now have a sense of place, enhanced by the thoughtful design elements surrounding them. The property owners’ wish for a low maintenance solution has also been granted. For one, the clients have much less lawn to mow. And, because James Landscaping always aims to be more water efficient in its designs, the landscape overall requires less watering.

(817) 329-0528 | #LI 5159 5A5B 3B3A 4B4A

JamesLandscaping.com

James Landscaping, Inc.

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Whether they’re filled with mature trees, expanses of grass or new plants still taking root, all yards need time, care and attention to help them flourish. North Texas is a region prone to extreme weather, which only seems to get more extreme with each passing year. Nothing can fully weather-proof your property against the elements, but proper design, installation and maintenance can give it a fighting chance. With the help of a true partner like James Landscaping, those outdoor spaces can provide beauty and enjoyment for many years to come. |

offers the best organic fertilizer they’ve identified on the market, MicroLife. Their products don’t contain chicken manure which can have a lot of arsenic. Instead, MicroLife packs its products with valuable nutrients that nourish soils and are safe for plants, humans and animals. “The basis of any landscape is healthy soil, and in our experience, nothing is as effective as MicroLife at improving soils and efficiently feeding plants. They’re always a key part of delivering successful outcomes for our landscape projects,” raved Rhonda. “Many arboretums and universities use MicroLife products, and we think that’s a powerful endorsement.”

SUSTAINED VALUE James Landscaping’s work shows its value year after year. Of course, extending the life and quality of this investment requires ongoing care and attention. Homeowners could do this work all on their own, but opting for the James Landscaping bed maintenance service has paid terrific dividends. Highly trained crews take care to trim plants naturally so they can continue to thrive, while other companies trim indiscriminately to conform to box-like hedges, or pull up plants, such as perennials, when they are just emerging. As a part of their maintenance services, the James Landscaping team visits your home’s property regularly to ensure that weeds are managed, the sprinklers are functioning properly and your landscape lighting works as it should—all handled by one team instead of three separate companies.To truly maximize your investment, James Landscaping

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Autumn in Texas means Outdoor Living. Incorporate these 6 Outdoor Living Trends into your Yard to Create the Perfect Place to Enjoy Milder Temps and Cool OUTDOORSTAKEBreezes.IT

LivingOutdoorTrends

LetThereBeLight

Whatever you call them—cafe, bistro or string lights are one of the hottest lighting trends for outdoor living. LED lights and high-end fixtures for patios, porches and pathways are trending. Task lights and lighting water features from within are also popular this year.

Kichler Lighting

SocietyLifeMag.com SL OutdoorLiving

Every outdoor space needs a place to stay in the shade as a reprieve from the sun’s rays. It’s a gathering place where we incorporate softer seating areas and more conversational furniture setup. Dining is also best placed under cover.

MadeForShade

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24 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com SL OutdoorLiving

Be it a pool, pond or fountain, many have a desire for water in their outdoor spaces. It is a basic, innate attraction to the natural, soothing sound and mesmerizing sight of water that's wired inside so many of us. There are many ways to incorporate a water feature into your outdoor living space—regardless of the size of your yard.

WaterWorks

FirePits

Whether built in or free-standing, investing in a fixed or portable fire pit is a great idea. They create a focal point for outdoor spaces, keep you warm, double as a grill, and keep mosquitoes away. Realtors say they also add value so purchasing a fire pit is a good choice.

Aquascape

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26 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com SL OutdoorLiving

AlfrescoChef

Be it the Big Green Egg, pizza oven or backyard grill, we have a love affair with cooking outdoors. Outdoor kitchens are now as unique as the foods we cook and they extend our livable spaces. They are now customized to fit our tools of choice— and can be as lavish or as simple as we choose.

Some creative planting can be all the wow factor that you need in your outdoor space. Vertical planting is a great way to inject more natural beauty into any size patio design. And, smart placement can block the unsightly views outside your windows.

LivingWalls

Big Green Egg

Alfa Pizza Oven

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| FASHION | DESIGN

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for the holidays is the front door. Get ideas here to deck your entryway in all the trimmings of the season with our favorite front porch decorating ideas for Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas. No matter what size porch, entry or stoop you have, these idea photos will help you to create a festive outdoor display that’s sure to impress your guests and onlookers alike. ‘Tis the season for door decor!

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holiday decor | top left: Front porch stickers are somehow chic — not to mention very trendy Halloween decor from Amazon. top right: Plastic chains, fake cobwebs,DIY cardboard wood-look slats, tombstones, moss, and ghost. lower left: DIY doorway decor with black crafters tape cobweb on ground, spiders on the web and above door, Cotton sheet ghosts with black felt eyes. lower right: Witch legs, crows, skeleton wreath, Boo doormat and spooky pre-lit trees all at Grandinroad. opposite page: Miss Cayce's Wonderland over-the-top Halloween garland and teardrop door decor also DIY supplies from misscayceswonderland.com

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holiday decor | top left: Woven baskets of potted mums, grapevine garland with bittersweet, and a floral wreath. top right: Keep it simple with harvest-themed monogrammed doormat, wreath, pumpkin art and a Welcome vertical wall plaque all from Kirklands. lower left: Fall harvest right outside your door with orange and heirloom pumpkins and potted kale, a wreath and garland. lower right: Autumn is on display with hay bales, cornstalks, pumpkins, mums and a scarecrow. opposite page: Create pumpkin topiaries from flat-topped pumpkins with short stems for easy stacking, add pots with flowering kale, a garland and wreath.

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holiday decor | top left: Frontgate’s Christmas Cheer Greenery Collection plus large nutcracker, LED lanterns and oversized ornaments. top right: Vintage-inspired decor includes small trees, baskets, swags with red bells, lanterns, and a small vintage red wagon with an amaryllis. lower left: Kirkland’s mat, galvanized tins, flocked wreath, Noel sign, and lanterns with lighted faux trees from Bed Bath & Beyond. lower right: Design elements include Be Merry doormat, and the Holiday Traditions line of cordless swag, garland, and a wreath all found at Grandinroad. opposite page: Garland and a wreath from Target, Crate & Barrel planters, wood sled from the Cocalico Creek Home Collection, and a DIY reclaimed wood standing Christmas tree.

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STYLE | FASHION | DESIGN

36 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com SENIOR SL SENIOR LIFESTYLE SENIOR COMMUNITIES REPLACE WORRY WITH LUXURY

research and information obtained from SeniorLifestyle.com Society LifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 37 lifestyle 9 TRENDS IN LUXURY RETIREMENT

Current research shows that from 2011 through 2030, roughly 10,000 baby boomers will reach retirement age every day. In response, demand for luxury retirement communities and exceptional care services has skyrocketed. The market responded by producing a vast menu of luxury retirement options for those that don’t want to sacrifice their lifestyle during retirement. For retirees who worked hard and planned well, there are a host of luxurious options to choose from. If you are searching for a retirement community, but are worried about finding a new home that will fulfill your taste for the finer things in life, keep reading to discover 9 trends happening now in luxury retirement communities.

ROBUST[3] COMMUNITIES

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Carefully-selected architecture, gourmet dining, juice bars, fitness centers, spas, and on-site salons are just a few of the luxury amenities you would expect to find in today’s upscale retirement communities. The very best locations pay close attention to the little details like quality furnishings, professional staff, and a menu of individual services you would expect to find at a five-star hotel or resort.

JosephEvan

High-quality retirement communities encourage socialization and foster opportunities for residents to make and maintain personal connections with their neighbors. As we age, we tend to lose personal connections. Staying socially active and making new connections to replace those lost is critical to maintaining good health. The remaining part of social groups staves off depression and mental decline. In fact, a recent study showed that cognitive decline was 70% lower in those who were frequently social than those who were more isolated.

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Today’s active seniors want to shop, explore museums, and enjoy a more active lifestyle than their grandparents did in their retirement. Urban retirement communities are booming as a result. Another growing trend in locations is snowbirds coming “half-back,” settling into retirement in mid-America. Waterfront locations, elite neighborhoods, and historic sites are a few more popular places retired baby boomers are choosing to spend their golden years. The focus is on design, culture and lifestyle.

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UPSCALE[2] AMENITIES

PRIME[1] LOCATIONS

FOCUS ON INDEPENDENCE

Today’s retirement communities feature security systems and closed-circuit video camera monitoring. WiFi service throughout all buildings is another amenity provided by luxury retirement communities. Don’t be surprised if your community even offers technology classes on social media, internet research, email, and even the latest chat and texting lingo! Many seniors are tech-savvy and communicate with family and friends through modern modes.

[8] MORE VARIETY OF ACTIVITIES

[6] DESIRE FOR MORE TECHNOLOGY

Cognitive, physical, and social well-being are the core focus of a good individualized care plan. At the best luxury retirement communities, you can expect around-the-clock medical staff onsite, dietitians working closely with chefs, as well as mental health professionals providing care and planning activities. Many luxury retirement communities also keep kinesiologists and personal trainers on staff to provide individual physical therapy sessions and fitness classes. Having the option to maintain your own health care providers for vision, dental and hearing care also supports an independent lifestyle desired by retirees in the current market.

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[5] INDIVIDUALIZED CARE PLANS

While being part of an active social group is important, however maintaining a comfortable level of independence is also critical for your happiness and life satisfaction. The very best retirement communities will support you in your individual interests and pursuits. You should be able to make your own schedule, attend events, and visit places of interest away from the community as you see fit. Your luxury retirement community should provide transportation available to take you to museums, shops, dining off property, doctor’s appointments and other points of interest.

[7] INTERGENERATIONAL CONNECTION

Bringing together the wisest and the youngest members of our neighborhoods is an honor and a blessing, and more retirement communities are discovering the joy produced through these activities. Intergenerational programs provide a wide variety of benefits to retirees. Seniors who connect with youth experience fewer falls, perform better on memory tests and even burn more calories than their contemporaries. On the other side, youngsters involved in intergenerational programs are 46% less likely to start using drugs, and they develop both better communication and problem-solving skills than other kids their age.

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Don’t get us wrong—bridge and book clubs can be fun, but many retiring baby boomers want more variety. Gardening, civic groups, fitness classes, swimming, golf, music lessons, wine tastings, movie groups, karaoke, cooking demonstrations—and even day trips into the city, to the coast or mountains are just a sampling of what’s on event calendars for luxury retirement communities. Creativity has also been shown to boost self-esteem and improve quality of life—arts and crafts projects, sewing, scrapbooking, painting and pottery are popular.

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Aging gracefully in an exclusive and premier senior living community offering resort-style amenities, high end design and products, as well as the flexibility to age in place no matter how your needs change is now the expectation for retirement. From waterfront living to urban high rises, luxury senior living accommodations have much to offer older adults who can afford a more lavish lifestyle as they age.

As we age, our mental, physical, and medical needs can change. A great retirement community should be equipped to meet your needs, wherever you are in your personal life journey. Communities that embrace memory care programs will help you balance structure with freedom if your memory begins to fade. There’s no need to have to leave behind staff and friends you know and love because the best retirement communities will shift to deliver the care you need when you need it. Many luxury communities have options for independent living, as well as health services like assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehab customized to meet each persons’ needs.

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[9] FLEXIBILITY TO MEET SHIFTING NEEDS

42 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com SL SENIOR LIFESTYLE Auriens

7 STUNNING CABINS NESTLED IN THE HEART OF TEXAS

Waco Weekend

44 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com A REVIEW OF THE LIVE OAK LAKE CABINS

Under the shade of giant oak trees and situated at the water’s edge, the cabins at Live Oak Lake offer a serene, pet-friendly place to relax, enjoy nature, and have some fun in the sun. From the cabin’s intentional, Scandinavian-inspired design to its excellent amenities—hello hot tub!

Shadow Bend Cabin at Live Oak Lake

Shadow Bend, one of several cabins at Live Oak Lake, features a stunning interior with beautiful wooden floors, unscathed white walls, and an abundance of windows, through which natural light pours in and brightens the already clean decor. This Live Oak Lake cabin has one bedroom, an upstairs loft, and one bathroom, in addition to a living room, a small dining area, and a gorgeous kitchen. The kitchen comes fully stocked, ready for guests to prepare a meal if they wish, in addition to a tea kettle, Keurig, and a glass percolator so guests can make their favorite cozy drink anyway they’d like. While the cabin doesn’t have a

With all the things to do and places to eat in Waco, the Live Oak Lake cabins are the perfect spot to set-up your own little piece of heaven this weekend if you’re searching for a getaway.

TV, Live Oak Lake does have fast Wi-Fi for streaming your favorite shows and movies to your phone or laptop. If you ascend the modern spiral staircase, you’ll discover the upstairs loft. This unique room includes a queen-sized bed situated under a slanted-ceiling that frames the sky with a window— perfect for stargazing at night. The second bedroom, located on the main floor, includes a full-sized bed and has a similar mini malistic design and is just as cozy. No matter where guests sleep, they’re bound to get a good night’s rest in these peaceful rooms

A crowning feature of this Live Oak Lake cabin is the floor-toceiling windows in the living room that overlook the lake, a serene spot to sip coffee and relax. Guests can also take in water views from the outside patio, complete with chairs and a smokeless tiki fire pit, and the nearby private hammock nestled among the trees. The Shadow Bend cabin also boasts an outdoor hot tub that is ready to be used solo or with a group of friends!

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The Cedar Brook and Lakeside South cabins both include one bedroom and bathroom, perfect for a smaller party, while the rest of the cabins include two bedrooms and one bathroom. No mat ter which cabin guests choose, they’ll be sure to have a beautiful view and stunning accommodations. When you’re booking, make sure to consider that, although Live Oak Lake Cabins is a petfriendly property, not all the cabins are pet-friendly.

Along with the Shadow Bend cabin, Live Oak Lake features six other cabins that are spaced out across the property. They are: Forest Edge, Cedar Brook, Lakeside East, White Rock, Lakeside South, and Lakeside North. These cabins also are minimalistic with Scandinavian-inspired designs that envelop guests in a peaceful atmosphere.

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The Other Six Live Oak Lake Cabins

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The Live Oak Lake cabins boast several on-site amenities and activities for guests to enjoy during their stay. Just a short walk from the cabin is the Water’s Edge Commons, a shared common space by Live Oak Lake, featuring a wooden pergola with a propane grill, picnic tables, and swings—a great spot to hang with friends, enjoy the outdoors, and fire up dinner on the grill. Guests can also relax and fish at the public dock, paddle around the lake on the provided kayaks, or start up a campfire on the stone patio. If you plan on spending a good amount of time by the lake, make sure to bring along some bug spray if the weather is still warm. Waco also offers many other things to do.

Live Oak Lake Cabins Backstory

Whether traveling on your own, as a couple, or with a group, the Live Oak Lake Cabins are an ideal spot to spend quality time in a well-designed space situated on a beautiful property. The sleek, minimalistic design of the cabins, the water views, the on-site activities (let’s not forget the hot tub), as well as the things to do and places to eat nearby, will all make the cabins at Live Oak Lake your favorite place in Waco for a getaway. Put Live Oak Lake on your list of where to stay in Waco this weekend and you’ll be amazed at the memories you’ll make and the stress you will release.

These cabins were crafted to share the owners love for great design and the great outdoors with guests from near and far. After growing up just minutes down the road, Isaac’s family moved to Idaho and spent a formative decade there before returning to Waco, where he met and married his wife, Helen. Living amongst magnificent forests and rolling fields of the Pacific Northwest cultivated in him a deep love of nature and the principles of strong yet simple, timeless design that best harmonize with it. After resettling in Texas, inspiration for a charming collection of minimalistic cabins began to materialize. Thus, the idea for Live Oak Lake was born. Cabins provide you with experiences you’ll take away as memories. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for an escape from city life, a family looking for a meaningful time away with your kids or a large group wanting to rent multiple units with a family reunion in mind, they believe their cabins are the perfect place for you— providing comfort, relaxation and an inspiring stay. The cabins are located about an hour and a half from Northeast Tarrant County making it a great weekend getaway. Live Oak Lake cabins owners Isaac and Helen look forward to hosting you.

Amenities & Activities at Live Oak Lake Cabins

because In this issue of Society Life’s Mom’s column, we asked private chef, Aly Romero to answer 20 questions about her experiences both in becoming and being a mom. Aly has three children: Madison 19 years old, Nick 16 and Austin 12. Aly lives with her husband James and their children in Southlake. Here’s what she had to say… Momilies AS MOTHER USED TO SAY Want to be featured with your kids? Simply email your contact info to the editor at: elena@societylifemagazine.com. Then you will answer 20 questions and we will take professional photos of you and your kids (we will even give you some!) SL

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INTERVIEW BY SHANNON STEWART SALINSKY

PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 49 I said so

SL: How have your notions of what it means to be a Mom changed over your lifetime? AR: I have the utmost respect for all moms, which has definitely increased over the years. Whether working outside the home, or inside the home as a stay-at-home mom, it is the hardest job! I had no idea about the challenges of a work/life balance until I became a mom.

SL: What’s something you wanted to do but didn’t... and why didn’t you? AR: That’s a tough one, I guess I would have travelled a little more with my husband before having kids and careers got so crazy busy. For me personally, I decided to start my “second act” once the kids were all in school and I went after my culinary passions. I don’t like to live with regrets, so I’m the kind of person where if there’s something I really want, I find a way to make it happen. This is exactly what hap pened with cooking, it just took a few years to get there. When our daughter turned one, I left my pharmaceutical sales position and got my real estate license. Similar to what my mom had done, I wanted to be there to raise her, but I also wanted to keep one foot in the business door. I worked in real estate since 2004 and shifted into a new culinary career in 2013. My dad was my culinary in spiration. He would visit from New Zealand and we would cook together every night. I lost him in 2013 and it was the driving factor to continue cooking, learning and growing in the culinary space. I started my food blog website (AlyRomero.com) and began writing recipes in notebooks every night as I cooked. I went to culinary school classes while our

SL: What is something you thought about Motherhood that was totally wrong? AR: I think I thought it would be easier than it was. For me, the lack of sleep, especially after the second baby and then having a toddler definitely caught up to me. I’m an eight-hour-a-night kind of girl! It’s the hardest, but by far the most re warding job in the world and I wouldn’t trade it for anything!

SOCIETY LIFE: What’s one of your earliest memories you have of your Mom? ALY ROMERO: My mom loved to travel, and I recall moving from California to Hawaii with her at an early age and tak ing a “trip around the world” for about six months. I rode elephants, ostriches and vaguely remember my 5th birthday in Africa, mostly through pictures. She always worked extremely hard as a single mother and yet was always home when I got home from school to keep the best work/family balance that she could. I credit a lot of my drive and determination that I have to her, she was definitely instrumental in instilling that in me from a very young age.

SL: What’s the best family vacation you’ve ever taken? AR: We love to travel

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kids were at school during the day and just kept cooking! Sharing my cooking and recipes on social media led to a feature on ABC’s ‘The Chew’ with a recipe showdown where I won for my Carnitas Street Tacos. The next year, my husband and I cooked live on ‘Good Morning America’ in a couples cook off and my Cider-Brined Pork Tender loin with Mango Salsa and was also chosen the winner. The most surreal moment was then being selected to compete on Food Network’s ‘Great Food Truck Race’ up in Alaska in 2020 as a member of Meatball Mamas. I watched Food Network for years and it was truly a pinch me moment! Now, I’m work ing on my first cookbook, due out in spring 2024. I am a private chef and I cook for dinner parties, milestone celebrations and special events. Feeding people is truly my passion and I’m proud to have created my own business and to watch it grow!

SL: What did you think you wanted to be when you grew up? AR: When I was little, I wanted to be an astronaut—until the Challenger tragedy was all over our TV a few years later. Then I wanted to be a lawyer, until I read a book called ‘One L.’ I’m not sure how old I was, but I decided maybe law school wasn’t for me. I gradu ated from University of San Diego with a major in Mass Media Communications and a double minor in Business Administration (marketing emphasis) and French. I think all of it led me to where I am today, except for the French, but I’ve tried to remember bits and pieces when we have visited Paris.

SL: Was there something your Mom did when you were a kid that you swore you’d never do as a parent? AR: One night she made me eat lima beans— it stayed with me! I will never cook or make our kids eat lima beans... haha!

Would you like to be featured here in our next Momilies column with your children? Answer our 20 questions about motherhood and our photographer will take professional photos of you all for the article. We even give you some photos to keep! Please email your information to our editor: elena@societylifemagazine.com

as a family! In 2019, we spent a few weeks in Paris, Venice, Florence and Rome. It was the first time we had traveled to Europe with our kids, we wanted to wait until they were old enough to remember it. Opening their eyes to different countries, culture, history and food was such an amazing experience. We can’t wait to take them back and continue exploring!

SL: What Mom from real-life or even TV/ movies do you admire most? AR: I look up to all moms, they’re all out there, doing their best!

SL: What are some of your biggest struggles as a Mom? AR: My husband, James, travels a

SL: When did you know you were ready to have kids? AR: I don’t know if anyone is ever completely ready, I knew I wanted to wait until after James and I had been married a few years and that’s what we did. We were married in 2000 and had our daughter Madison in 2003.

SL: At the end of a long day, what do you do for fun or relaxation? AR: I cook! Cooking relaxes me and I truly enjoy the process. I love to try new dishes and then see my family’s reaction. I still write recipes down every night and I’m so excited to be writing my first

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Momilies Column

SL: What was the first year of motherhood like for you? AR: It was kind of a blur—I think I was just so overtired all the time. Our daughter (who is now 19) never slept. People would say “just nap when she naps” and she would nap for maybe 30 minutes at a time, it was virtually im possible. At the same time, we fell in love with her and our whole lives revolved around her. It’s the most amazing feeling becoming a mom and finally meeting this little person that has been kicking inside your belly for months.

SL: What would your perfect day off be like? Describe it. AR: My perfect day would be a day of pampering—facial, mani/pedi, shopping spree with friends and mimosas, plus time on a beach somewhere with James and our kids with an amazing meal... Can we fit in all that?

SL: If you could share a meal with any woman past, present or future who would it be? Why? AR: I would have one last meal with my mom, you just don’t fully realize how valuable that time is until it’s really gone.

SL: Is there a moment or event that radi cally changed the way you saw Mother hood? AR: I lost my mom suddenly this past February. It was a shock to all of us and the worst feeling in the world to come to the immediate realization that she was gone. I don’t know if we had the chance to say all the things we’d ever wanted to say or to make the memories we thought we still had years to make, but I do know she knew she was loved by her family. My younger brother Ryan just moved his family to the DFW area from Chicago, and it feels great to have family nearby.

SL: What’s the one song that means the most to you? AR: The songs that mean the most to me now are the songs that remind me of my mom and dad. I can narrow it down to Diana Ross for my mom and Miles Davis for my dad. Music is so nostalgic—it takes me right back. As a family, we love country music, but it’s too hard to pick one song... we love it all!

SL: Is there a quote, saying, words of advice or scripture you consider words to live by? AR: My dad used to say that people either eat to live or live to eat, being in the latter category, my favorite quote is: “People who love to eat are always the best people.” – Julia Child

SL: What do you want or wish most for your kids? AR: I want them to go for the things they want most in life and to not sit on the side lines. Life is short and it hits home as you get older and lose people in your life that mean so much to you, it’s definitely a reminder to chase your dreams.

SL: What’s your favorite photo of your fam ily or kids? AR: My favorite photos are always the ones of us on vacation. We love trips to Hawaii and Punta Mita, Mexico. During COVID, we were living in California and since school was remote for over a year, we spent about five weeks in Hawaii over the holidays. I have lots of photos of that time and I’m so glad we went. The kids had to get up at 6am Hawaii time, but they were done around noon and then we all went to the beach every day. We definitely tried to make the most of the situation.

SL: What advice would you give to your younger self about Motherhood? AR: I’d tell myself not to worry so much about getting it all done and having everything look perfect. I would’ve spent a little more time playing hide and seek and a little less time on the dishes.

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lot for work. Now that the kids are older and more self-sufficient with a few drivers in the family, it is getting easier. For years, the biggest struggle was that I felt like I needed to clone myself to be everywhere they needed to be. Each age has its challenges, then you move on to the next age and stage... keeps you on your toes!

Email our editor to see how your story can be featured here: elena@societylifemagazine.com 52 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com DadBackward:Spelled A Journey Through the Maze of Love, Marriage, and Adoption

Have a story to share about Fatherhood?

In a charming and witty new book ‘Dad Spelled Backward: A Journey Through the Maze of Love, Marriage, and Adoption,’ author Michael King chronicles the often-heartbreaking process of becoming a parent.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

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Mike King had never thought much about getting married and becoming a father, but all that changed when, in his fifties, he met Gabriella, his lovely (and much younger) French wife. They together decided to try to become parents, and they do all they can to make a baby—to the point where Mike wonders if one can die from too much sex. So, that’s the question Dr. Michael King—this well-respected dentist in New York—asks in his new book ‘Dad Spelled Backward: A Jour ney Through the Maze of Love, Mar riage, and Adoption.’

FatherHood

often a long, costly process that takes couples on a roller-coaster ride from hope to despair and back again. Mike recounts how he and Gabriella were connected with one pregnant woman after another until they were finally given a baby, only to have to give the infant back when the birth mom changed her mind. This left them both so emotionally drained that they had to decide whether the price of becoming parents was too high and whether it was time to give up.

HIS PERSPECTIVE: STORIES FROM FATHERHOOD A LOOK AT A BOOK BY MIKE KING

Mike only became closer—their love for one another grew even stronger, and they did at last get to be parents. “I hope this book inspires people who want to, or are considering whether to, become parents,” Mike says. “We all face obstacles in life, but if love prevails, it’s worth the struggle.”

In the 1970s and ’80s, it was one of the most popular burlesque houses West of the Mississippi, so it was just a matter of time before Mike began to perform for grown-ups. Within the comedy club circuit, he’s known as “The Fifth Dentist”—because you know—“Four out of five dentists recommend sugarless gum.” Mike appears regularly at the Broadway Comedy Club, New York Comedy Club, and Gotham Comedy Club. His musical, ‘The Lap Dance Kid’ is in production, and he’s also written a one-man show. Mike’s greatest joy is spending time with his wife and their daughter. They live in New York City. For more about Mike and his books, please visit MikeKingWrites.com.

You’ll laugh and cry with Gaby and Mike in this heartwarming story of one man’s personal journey into happy marriage and fatherhood.

Dr. Mike King, pediatric dentist and comedian, has built his practice in an unusual way—to relax the kids, he in corporates comedy and magic tricks into his treatment. He has written two children’s books, ‘Flossopher and the Brushing Trees’ and ‘Enamel the Camel.’ Entertaining is in Mike’s blood. Mike’s dad owned Sid King’s Crazy Horse Bar in Denver, Colorado.

This candid account by a husband and father is insightful, moving, fiercely funny—and ultimately a testament to unconditional love. Mike tells his story of how—wanting to make his wife happy after realizing that they could not successfully conceive a child of their own—he reluctantly agrees to move on to the logical next phase of potential Unfortunately,parenthood—adoption.domesticadoption is

Such heartbreak might have driven other couples apart, but Gabriella and

Emily’s Place provides long-term housing that is critical for helping domestic violence survivors permanently escape abuse. It is the “bridge” from a shelter, which typically allows women a safe place for 30 to 90 days, to independent living, free of the barriers preventing them from achieving self-sufﬁciency away from their abusers.

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emily’s place

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SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBER 2022 55 TRANSFORMING LIVES. BUILDINGRESTORINGCOMMUNITIES.HOPE.

need to establish stability in their lives and make positive choices going forward. On intake, each woman works with a case manager to set immediate and long-term goals. Together they work with each client to attain her highest personal potential through the development of her abilities and the healing of her heart.

WITH DIRECT SUPPORT FROM A STAFF OF HOUSE MANAGERS, COUNSELORS, AND CASE WORKERS, AS WELL AS ACCESS TO PROGRAMS AVAILABLE IN THE COMMUNITY.

Aims to break the cycle of violence for women and their children through long-term transformational care that seeks to restore faith, hope, and health. greater good

This program is not a quick fix. Applicants must agree to commit for up to 24 months to receive the training and education they

ABOUT EMILY’S PLACE

A financial adviser, Hagan knew his business provided an opportunity to help others give

EMILY’S PLACE

When Mark Hagan settled on a name for the nonprofit he founded in 2002, he was honoring the memory of his cousin Emily Mays. Although she was 14 years his junior, their families were very close, and Hagan remembers celebrating many holidays and family milestones together in their hometown of Tyler, Texas. After she died in 2004, Hagan decided to commemorate her life through Emily’s Place. In many ways, Emily’s story echoes those of the women who find themselves at the place of hope named after her. Given up at birth, she was alone and without a home. That changed when Hagan’s aunt and uncle Vivian and Ron Mays adopted her, providing all the love and support she needed to grow into a beautiful and creative young woman— the best person she could possibly be. Tragically, Emily was unable to overcome the bipolar disorder she struggled with for much of her life, and her family lost her to suicide at age 22.

Twenty years ago, Mark Hagan, the founder and president of Emily’s Place, had an epiphany. After signing up for what he thought would be a business seminar, he found himself enrolled in an intensive yearlong program that forced him to take a hard look at his life. While his faith had always been important to him, Hagan realized he needed to do more to put that faith to work. The result: Emily’s Place.

Emily’s Place provides long-term transformational care that is critical for helping domestic violence survivors permanently escape abuse. It is the “bridge” from an emergency shelter, which typically gives women a safe place to stay for 30 to 90 days, to independent liv ing, free of the barriers preventing them from achieving self-sufficiency away from their abusers. As that bridge, Emily’s Place provides a structured environment with direct support from a staff of house man agers, case workers, and counselors, as well as access to programs available in the community. Before entering the program, applicants undergo an initial interview to evaluate their needs and determine what type of support they may require.

EMILY’S PLACE PROVIDES A STRUCTURED ENVIRONMENT

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[ Emily Mays ]

Emily’s Place allows her family to keep her memory alive, while offering other women facing their own struggles the opportunity to transform their lives. This is exactly the spirit behind the ministry of Emily’s Place, Hagan says. “While Emily was never actually a survivor of domestic violence, what my aunt and uncle pro vided for her, everything they poured into her throughout her life is exactly what we do for our families,” he says.

For Hagan, ensuring each woman who finds her way to Emily’s Place has the tools she needs to reshape her life has been a twodecade-long labor of love. “The highs are seeing moms who make it through the pro gram and don’t return to the system,” he says. “The wins are good.” Going forward, he hopes Emily’s Place will continue to grow and reach a broader audience while staying true to the ministry’s mission of investing in one life at a time, one family at a time. “We’re high touch, not massive touch,” he says. “We’re never going to serve 1,000 people at a time. That’s not what we do. We sow one life at a time, right where they are.”

Hagan came by his philanthropic impulse naturally. His grandfather, W.S. “Bill” Fre berg, was one of the original donors behind Providence Network, a transitional living facility for homeless men and women. When Hagan was ready to give back, his grandfather suggested that he look at the Denver-based organization. Never one to shy away from a challenge, Hagan decided he should bring the Providence Network model to North Texas. The deal was sealed when he discovered that the organization’s leadership attributed their success to an affinity for the mission, the structure they had in place, and the facility’s communitybased living arrangements, which also supported accountability—all of these com ponents Hagan had learned were critical to any successful endeavor. “In anything that you do, besides God, you need to have three components to be successful,” he says. “You need affinity and love what you do, you need to have structure in place to progress, and you need community for support and accountability.”

P. O. Box 86091, Plano, Texas 75074 email:emilysplacetx.orginfo@emilysplacetx.org(972)424-7775

In 2002, with $15,000 in donations, Hagan launched his nonprofit ministry and opened the first supportive community in a 1,300square-foot former church parsonage in Seagoville, a Dallas suburb. He partnered with Providence Network, modeling the ministry upon their program, providing long-term support in a community-living environment. Eventually, Hagan determined that, unlike the Denver facility, Emily’s Place would house only women who found them selves homeless after fleeing domestic violence and their children. “As we got further along, we realized most of the folks we were dealing with had been trafficked or experienced domestic violence,” he says, “so for me, it was important to serve a niche so people would know who we are and, more importantly, who we’re not.”

Today, Emily’s Place is privileged to continue to honor Emily’s life and all the good she did through their work. Donations make the programs and services possible and help women and child at Emily’s Place transform their lives and break the cycle of domestic violence. Consider donating or volunteering to help other women, like Emily, find hope, restore their faith and their health.

In 2004, Hagan’s 22-year-old cousin Emily Mays died suddenly. Nine years later, this loss provided the impetus for another im portant decision: renaming the ministry in her honor. Hagan says this decision has helped their family find some peace amid tragedy. “It’s been good for my aunt and uncle to be able to keep my cousin’s mem ory alive and for us to be able to talk about Emily and Emily’s Place—and it’s not a sad

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 57

ON A TYPICAL DAY IN THE U.S. IN 38,6082021: Adult and child victims of domestic violence found refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing, or other housing provided by local domestic violence programs 31,424 Non-residential adult and child victims received support services including counseling, legal advocacy, and transportation 20,701 Calls received by domestic violence hotlines, an average of more than 14 contacts every minute of the day 9,444 Requests for services that domestic violence programs could not provide because they lacked the resources

EMILY’S PLACE

back. “When I started the ministry, I wanted to give the folks I do business with the op portunity to give to something faith-based,” he says. “That was really important to me.”

discussion,” he says. The ministry grew quickly and, seeking more space, moved to a Plano apartment complex. By 2012, the nonprofit purchased a two-acre property with an existing historic home in the heart of downtown Plano. The vision was to build three community homes on the new cam pus. The first home opened in the existing historic structure in December 2014— expanding the ministry’s capacity from 12 to 32 residents. The second home, which opened in 2018, doubled that capacity. Emily’s Place has also expanded with Level 2 housing. In 2016, the ministry purchased a house that neighbored the campus to rent to a resident who had successfully com pleted the program. This allows graduates to stay close to campus and benefit from Emily’s Place support services while devel oping their independence and establishing credit with rent and utility payments. Next steps include purchasing another building near campus that will house more services, including an on-site daycare, and building an apartment complex on the property that will provide more Level 2 housing for pro gram graduates.

DateBook GOT leastline.Usesocietylifemag@verizon.net.youractivities.apricing,date,IncludeaFreeUPCOMINGANEVENT?SENDITTOUS...WeListItFreeeventlistingsavailableonﬁrst-come,ﬁrst-servedbasis.thenameofyourevent,time,location,theticketcontactinfo,website,briefexplanationofanyeventFinallypleaseemailcompletelistingtousat:‘SLDatebook’inthesubjectWeneedinformationat45daysbeforetheevent. 58 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com ........................ STATE FAIR OF SEPTEMBERTEXAS30THRUOCTOBER23,2022 ....................

SEPT 25 • APEX ARTS LEAGUE DALLAS

CEDIA Expo is the platform where residen tial technology integrators, designers and construction professionals connect, learn, and engage. CEDIA Expo brings together thousands of home tech pros and hundreds of exhibitors to the leading event for smart home technology. CEDIA Expo 2022 will take September 29 to October 1 at the Kay Bailey Hutchison Convention Center Dallas. To learn more, visit: cediaexpo.com

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about all the mouth-watering food, thrilling rides and exciting shows that await you. It’s 24 days of a “howdy” from Big Tex and it is just a click away! Visit bigtex.com for tickets and event schedules for the 2022 season.

Children at Risk returns to Hotel ZaZa for their annual North Texas event. Guests will enjoy food, specialty drinks, a hat contest, silent auction and more—all in support of Children at Risk’s research and advocacy efforts for children in North Texas! Funds raised will ensure that Children at Risk can continue to make Texas a place where our children can thrive! They consider the whole child by tracking issues in children’s health, safety, education, and economic security. They will also honor key North Texas Part ners, including Hoglund Family Foundation, and celebrate North Texas Giving Day! Join us on September 22nd from 6:30-8:30pm. Individual event tickets are $250 and event sponsorships are from $500 to $10,000. To learn more visit: childrenatrisk.org

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This year marks 21 years of the Oktoberfest celebration hosted by Southlake’s Chamber of Commerce. Over 100,000 people visit during the weekend festival! Attendance is completely free—there are no admissions

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BACH SOCIETY

Join us in celebrating the 2022 theme “Treats of Texas” by coming out to enjoy this year’s 24-day exposition and trying some tasty treats! We like to think the Fair is the most Texas place on Earth and once you’ve secured your season pass, you can spend the rest of the summer dreaming

OCT 14-16 • SOUTHLAKE OKTOBERFEST •

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• Apex Arts League is pleased to welcome the Dallas Bach Society to Northeast Tarrant County for an upcom ing chamber orchestra concert. The Dallas Bach Society will present three of the great masterworks by Johann Sebastian, featuring the Baroque Flute, Strings and Harpsichord. Bach’s Fifth Brandenburg concerto will be featured. The Society performs exclusively on period instruments, as these were of course the sounds and techniques that per formers of the composer’s time used, and the ones he imagined his music for. Apex brings excellence in the arts to Northeast Tarrant County. Music, dance, theater, art, film. Close to home and offering something for everyone. Enjoy this event on Sunday September 25 at 3pm in Grace Chapel at White’s Chapel United Methodist Church. Tickets are $25 adults, $20 senior/APEX member, and $10 children/student. Tickets at apexartsleague.com or at the door.

SEPT 30-OCT 23 • STATE FAIR OF TEXAS

OCT 1 • DSO GALA • Dallas Symphony Orchestra will host its annual DSO Gala and After Party at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center on Saturday, October 1. All of the magnificence of the Meyerson will be on full display as the DSO presents a rev elatory evening of music, dance and drama. Bring your dancing shoes for a celebratory evening of innovative operatic storytelling featuring the great Susan Graham, mem bers of DBDT: Encore!, the Dallas Symphony Chorus and more, followed by a world-class party as the Meyerson lobby transforms for the party of the year. Susan Graham and Thomas Hampson will perform innovative operatic storytelling selections from The Merry Widow. Dance under the stars and

STATE OF CHILDREN IN NORTH TEXAS

city lights as we toast to the 22/23 season! Tickets range from $90-$225 per person. Please visit: dallassymphony.org

21ST OCTOBERSOUTHLAKEANNUALOKTOBERFEST14-16,2022

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 59 SEPT 22 • HATS OFF TO CHILDREN: THE

SEPT 29-OCT 1

• CEDIA EXPO DALLAS

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OCT 14 • CIGARS UNDER THE STARS • The Maisonic Children & Family Services of Texas is gearing up for their Cigars Under the Stars fundraising event. Come frolic at Fort Brewery & Pizza located at 2737 Tillar Street in Fort Worth on October 14th from 6:30-9:30pm. Raise money to help kids, enjoy craft brews, even buy a charity pint and keep the glass! Excellent cigars avail able with a small donation. Eat amazing food, hear live music, raffle, attend, sponsor, donate! Visit masonichometx.org/cigars.

or parking fees. There will be a wide range of food, beverages and booth items for sale. Come take a stroll in Southlake’s Town Square while looking at the unique, hand crafted arts and crafts booths. Great food and live entertainment are at your fingertips during this fun-filled event. The kids will have a great time in the excitement-packed children’s area. Don’t forget to sign up your dog to participate in the popular wiener dog race! We can’t forget to mention the great bands that you won’t want to miss! Join us at Oktoberfest, where a good time is awaiting! Visit oktoberfestsouthlake.com.

OCT 18 • GKWC SIP N’ SAVOR • Join the Greater Keller Women’s Club for Sip n’ Savor. Enjoy nibbles and sips as you shop among 50 of our local artisans and vendors. VIP room opens at 4:30pm, 5:30pm for general admission and closes at 9pm. Event will be held at the Bowden Events and Weddings located at 1775 Keller Parkway (76248). VIP tickets $35, pre-sale tickets $15, and tickets at the door $20. All tickets include one raffle and one drink ticket. Proceeds benefit GKWC who have raised over $1.7 million for senior scholarships at Keller high schools and grants for local non profits. Get your event tickets at: gkwc.org

OCT 22 • COMMUNITY STOREHOUSE RUN IN THE DARK • Run in the Dark is Commu nity Storehouse’s signature race event to help raise funds to make a positive impact for local children. The 23rd annual event will

Alzheimer's Association. You can share using #Walk2EndAlz and #ENDALZ. Add your flower to the fight to end Alzheimer’s. Walk registration begins at 7am, ceremony will be at 9am, and the walk starts at 9:30am. To learn more about this event and to register please visit: act.alz.org/netarrant

60 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com

OCT 20 • CASA KIDS ON CANVAS • Join us for a special one-night gallery event showcasing artwork created by children of all ages who are currently in foster care. This event will help raise funds for critical advocacy and support services to the volunteers who advocate on behalf of the abused and neglected children in Tarrant County. Come support CASA with delicious bites and drinks, premium raffle prizes, kidfriendly activities, and an opportunity to take home one-of-a-kind paintings. Event will be on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 5-7:30pm. The raffle tickets are two tickets for $10 and five for $20. Registration is $15 for ages 13+ and 12 and under are free. For more about CASA Kids on Canvas please visit: speakupforachild.org

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OCTOBER 20, 2022

CASA KIDS ON CANVAS ONE-NIGHT GALLERY EVENT

• Walk to End Alzheimer’s Northeast Tarrant County will be held on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at The REC of Grapevine located at 1175 Municipal Way in Grapevine, Texas 76051. All funds raised through Walk to End Alzheimer's further the care, support and research efforts of the

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OCT 16 • KIDS WHO CARE / COOKIN’ FOR KIDS 2022 • Cookin' for Kids is Dallas-Fort Worth’s hottest annual culinary battle! Their 23rd annual event will be held on Sunday, October 16, 2022, at the River Ranch Stock yards in Fort Worth. This iron-chef style competition and party will feature DFW's greatest chefs teamed up with DFW nota bles and celebrities competing to win the top prize! There will be dinner, drinks and live entertainment at this on-fire cooking competition along with a live and silent auc tion. Please visit tinyurl.com/KWCcookoff for tickets and additional event details.

OCT 20 • COLLEYVILLE WOMEN’S CLUB FORDEVER FUN • Colleyville Woman’s Club Invites you to their fall fundraiser: FordEver Fun on Thursday, October 20, 2022 from 6:30-9pm at a Warehouse in Colleyville (specific location will be available when reservations are made. See an extensive car collection of over 35 Vintage Fords, along with vintage juke boxes and other distinc tive memorabilia. Enjoy BBQ dinner catered by Back Forty Barbecue. Sip beer and wine (2 drink tickets included per guest). Live en tertainment by “Scoma Jazz Band,” door prizes, and photo opportunities. Casual dress. Reservations required. Individual reservations are $60 each. Special rate for two reservations is $100. Limited time offer ends September 24. Proceeds will benefit dozens of area charities and provide schol arships for graduating high school seniors. Reservations at: tinyurl.com/Fordever. For more, visit: /c-w-c.org/events/ford-ever-fun on the Colleyville Woman’s Club website or send an email to fundraising@c-w-c.org.

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OCT 15 • N.E. TARRANT WALK TO END ALZHEIMER'S

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PKD research. Every year, thousands of peo ple across the country support our cause— to find treatments and a cure for PKD. Lace up your sneakers and register today. With 100% of your donations funding critical PKD research, you will make a difference in the lives of millions worldwide who have polycystic kidney disease. To register and for info visit: walkforpkd.org/northtexas

62 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com

• Tickets are now on sale for the Tasting Texas Wine + Food Festival hosted by Culinaria and Visit San Antonio and flavored by the James Beard Founda tion. October 27-30, San Antonio will host top culinary leaders from across the U.S.

be held Saturday, October 22, 2022, at Keller Town Hall. Please help make this event a memorable one as we come to gether to continue our mission to make a positive impact for local children living in Keller, Northwest, Carroll, and Argyle ISDs. Over 3,000 participants are expected at this year's event. CSH is dedicated to education and well-being of low-income children in our community. CSH is ready to support families in need of education and nutritional assistance. Step in aid those who need the help. CSH needs the support of amazing donors like you! To learn more please communitystorehouse.org/run-in-the-darkvisit:

and Mexico and showcase their talents at events ranging from walk-around tastings, intimate dinners, outdoor lunches, hands-on workshops, educational panels, and more. Festival attendees will be able to customize their gastronomic experience by choosing between all-inclusive festival packages or ala-carte options starting from $100. Each level grants access to events featuring James Beard Award winners, nominees, and other titans of the food and beverage indus try. To buy tickets and see full schedule, chef and beverage lineup, hotel partners, travel hosts, and more, visit CulinariaSA.org.

2022-2023 SEASON VARIOUS DATES • BROADWAY AT THE BASS SEASON • New shows coming to Fort Worth as part of the 2022-23 Broadway at Bass Season—My Fair Lady, Disney’s The Lion King, Pretty Woman: The Musical, Annie, Tootsie, Hadestown, and Elf: The Musical. The new season kicks off this November 2022. Celebrate 25 years of Bass Performance Hall! For show times and dates, or to purchase tickets, please visit: basshall.com

A CURE IS OUR FINISH LINE NORTH TEXAS WALK FOR PKD 29, 2022

We are excited to return to in-person events this fall, where you will be part of the largest gathering of the PKD community. This year’s PKD walk will take place at Southlake Town Square’s Rustin and Family Park. Registra tion/site opens at 8am. The Walk for PKD is the nation's largest fundraiser supporting

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Free listings available on a first-come, first-served basis. Include name of event, date, time, location, the ticket pricing, contact info, website, a brief explanation of activities. Email your complete listing to us at: elena@societylifemagazine.com

OCT 29 • NORTH TEXAS WALK FOR PKD

OCT 27-30 • TASTING TEXAS WINE + FOOD FESTIVAL

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NOV 5 • GRACE GALA ANGELS AMONG US

The GRACE Gala was conceptualized in 2004 as a way to generate funds to serve a growing population in need. The GRACE Board of Directors put together a dynamic GRACE Gala Advisory Board made up of prominent community members from Grapevine, Southlake, and Colleyville. In its first year, the GRACE Gala sold out six months before the event. With each year that passes, the GRACE Gala funds allow us to provide much needed services to the Northeast Tarrant County community. We hope to continue the tradition of raising funds to provide all that we can to those in need and having a good time while we do it! Your support is very much needed. Please visit gracegala.com for tickets.

DEC 8 • AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION

HATS FOR HEART • Hats For Heart is a special Go Red for Women Tea Time to be held at the Charles Schwab Headquarters in Westlake. Did you know that one in three women will die from cardiovascular disease? That’s a third of mothers, sisters and friends. It’s time to change this fact. It’s time to be demanding when it comes to women’s heart health and ask others to do the same. By joining the Go Red for Women movement, you can make a difference. December 8, 2022 we can come together to save lives. Join us for some delicious eats, fabulous entertainment, and really inspiring survivor stories. Interested in learning more? Please visit Event.Gives/HatsforHeart.

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OCTOBER

64 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com SL 6 Questions About COOKING FOR KIDS 2022 | BY MARY MACDOWELL DFW’S HOTTEST ANNUAL CULINARY BATTLE! ONLY ONE TEAM WILL BE LEFT STANDING WHEN THE SMOKE CLEARS AT THE BIGGEST, TASTIEST, MOST EXCITING FUNDRAISER OF 2022. — Cooking For Kids 2022

According to LinkedIn, curiosity and creativity are the hottest new job skills needed to distinguish yourself in today’s competitive job market. Kids Who Care (KWC) Performing Arts understood this way before LinkedIn was ever a thing. Started in 1989 by Deborah Jung, KWC is proud to have over 30 years of history in Fort Worth, Texas, developing kids’ curiosity, creativity and leadership skills.

visit:

(continued) SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 65

RIVER RANCH STOCKYARDS 500 NE 23RD STREET FORT WORTH, TEXAS 76164

COOKIN' FOR KIDS 23RD ANNUAL EVENT IS AN IRON-CHEF STYLE COMPETITION AND PARTY. IT WILL FEATURE DFW'S GREATEST CHEFS TEAMED UP WITH DFW NOTABLES AND CELEBRITIES COMPETING TO WIN THE TOP PRIZE! THERE WILL BE DINNER, DRINKS AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT AT THIS ON-FIRE COOKING COMPETITION ALONG WITH A LIVE AND SILENT AUCTION.

COOKING FOR KIDS 2022

Sunday, October 16th, 2022

6pm .......... Cocktail Reception and Silent Auction 6:30pm ............ Buffet Dinner and Cook-Off 7:30pm .............. Live Auction and Entertainment

COOKING FOR KIDS

Performing

Beneﬁting the Mission of Kids Who Care Arts kidswhocare.org

After a two-year uninvited pause, KWC is delighted to bring back their favorite event of the year! Cookin' for Kids is DFW’s hottest annual culinary battle! Their 23rd annual event is coming up on

Whether a parent sees something extraordinary in the living room or the kid is dying to get in front of an audience, KWC maximizes what happens to that child when they land inside their doors. Their team of theatre professionals, business leaders, and gifted community volunteers teach kids the world of theatre on stage and behind the scenes. Kids are drawn to KWC because they love the process of creating musical theatre and know they are cherished. Surrounded by the most talented artists, accountants, community volunteers and business partner—they unite to make the world a better place. Believing in the superpower of kids, KWC’s mission is to guide the growth of youth as artists and people, using performing arts to harness their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit—necessary skills for the stage and life beyond. The lessons taught help them to think on their feet, solve problems creatively and build self confidence. Students are asked, “Why were you born? What is your dream? What are you extraordinary at?” Then, each student is encouraged to follow that dream through musical theatre classes, camps and productions. All kids deserve to grow up feeling successful, innovative, confident, accepted and accepting of themselves. KWC students are diverse and come from different social, racial, economic and cultural backgrounds. Together, they learn to break down barriers of racism and inequality to become positive, active citizens! At KWC, every kid has a chance to discover their true leadership potential, no matter their background or age!

KWC’s borders go far beyond Fort Worth and even Texas. As part of their summer camp experience, KWC hosts students from all over the world—Israel, Italy, Indonesia, Germany, Russia, Albania, Finland, Switzerland, and Scotland. Kids as young as seven and up to 24-year-old young professionals return summer after summer for a unique entrepreneur leadership experience packed with intense fun. KWC is happiest in a sea of kids speaking many different languages! Maybe your child has dreams of performing or becoming a superstar leader. Perhaps you’re hoping to find a place your child feels comfortable enough to express themselves. KWC desires to create a place where your child is cherished. As Deborah Jung, Founder and Executive Director of KWC, passionately states, “When you leave a Kids Who Care performance, we hope you have laughed hard, cried a little bit, and feel better. For a moment, we sit to gether, all ages, and watch Kids Who Care and feel like the world is going to be ok.” They can’t help kids and teens act on their dreams without you! You will want to sup port their single largest fundraiser and only adult party of the year!

FAST FACTS

AT RIVER RANCH STOCKYARDS BENEFITING KCW - KIDS WHO CARE

THEIR PROMISE: Freedom. Fort Worth, TX 76107 | 817.737.5437 |

Sunday, October 16th, 2022, at the River Ranch Stockyards in Fort Worth. This Iron-Chef Style Competition and Party will feature DFW’s greatest chefs teamed up with DFW Notables and Celebrities competing to win the top prize! There will be dinner, drinks and live entertainment at this On-fire Cooking Competi tion along with a Live and Silent Auction. “This unique, high energy event celebrates and supports the next generation of achievers that KWC Performing Arts produces while connecting the community for a night of great fun, great food, and a great cause,” said Amanda Williams Ware, Development Director.

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KWC Performing Arts | Act on Your Dreams! | 1300 Gendy Street,

66 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com

THEIR VISION: Changing the world one kid at a time.

THEIR MISSION: Guide the growth of our youth as artists and people, using performing arts to harness their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit.

kidswhocare.org

WHY: “Our desire at Kids Who Care is to create a place where the child is cherished. To find kids who love the process of creating musical theatre, to find adults who adore kids and the process, to invite the most talented artists, accountants, community volunteers, and business partners to join us, and when the lights go up, we all find delight!” admits Deborah Jung, Founding Executive Director.

WHEN: Sunday, October 16th, 2022 6pm Cocktail Reception & Silent Auction 6:30pm Buffet Dinner & Cook-Off 7:30pm Live Auction and Entertainment

WHO: Kids Who Care Performing Arts is a musical theatre production company, but with a name like theirs, they are so much more. From ages seven to 24, young professionals get the chance to discover their true leadership potential and experience a uniquely entrepreneurial atmosphere that allows them to follow their dream. KWC’s team of theatre professionals, business leaders, and gifted community volunteers teach kids the world of theatre—on stage and behind the scenes—along with entre preneurial and leadership skills. KWC is also an international company hosting students from all over the world.

.............................................................................................................•••••Why.............................................................................................................•••Kids.............................................................................................................LeadershipFundraisers,Event,BOOK.............................................................................................................MeyersonLamb’sMedicalReggioTheThey’veKIDS.............................................................................................................world.WHOCAREWILLPERFORMATYOUREVENT!performedatTimesSquareinNYC,TexasStateCapital,FortWorthClub,CityCouncilsinFortWorth,TrierGermany,EmiliaItaly,HoustonandSanAntonio,CookChildren'sCenter,TheMake-A-WishFlight,Off-BroadwayattheTheatre,TheKennedyCenter,BassPerformanceHall,DallasSymphonyCenter.THEMTODAY:forCorporatemeetingsoraTeamBuildingSchool-WideTheatreProductionsorAssemblies,GalasorCommunityandCitywideEvents,TeacherIn-Service,Conferences/Workshops,EarlyChildhoodWorkshops.WhoCareProduces:Musicaltheatreclasses,campsandproductionsYear-roundleadershipopportunitiesLocal,NationalandInternationaltoursofOriginalMusicalsChooseKidsWhoCare:TheycreateaplacewherethechildischerishedLeadershipEducationandTrainingispartofeverythingtheydoTheyonlyhireprofessionalswhoadoreworkingwithchildrenTheirkidslooklikekidsTheyarefinanciallydiverseandculturallyinclusive

THEIR PERSONALITY: Creative, Ambitious, Bold, and Compassionate.

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SL Questions About

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WHERE: River Ranch Stockyards, 500 NE 23rd St., Ft. Worth, TX 76164

COOKING FOR KIDS 2022

THEIR AFFILIATION: Igniting change through fearless kids!

THEIR POSITION: For youth interested in performing arts, our inclusive and professional approach gives them what they need to change the world and be the best they can be.

HEADCOOK-OFFHenryDerekJennyKeithJuanCOMPETING.........................................................................................................FoodFEATUREDbyCAN'TLearnSPONSORSHIPS,.........................................................................................................Auction!TICKETS,ANDTABLESAREONSALENOW!more:tinyurl.com/KWCcookoffMAKETHEDATE?Noworries.YoucanstillsupportKWCdonatingtoitsmission!Learnmore:tinyurl.com/KWCdonateCHEF:ChefDeniseShavandy-AmericanRevelry&Network'sChoppedWinnerCHEFS:Rodriguez-Magdalena'sHicks-TheRimPowell-Castor-LuckybeeKitchenVenutolo&JohnPiccolino-B&BButchersWasongaAbuto-ByWasonga....andmore!JUDGES:JUDGE:ChefJonBonnell-Bonnell's,Waters,BuffaloBrosChefMarkHitri-CulinarySchoolofFortWorthChefKevinMartinez-TokyoCafe

WHAT: 23RD ANNUAL COOKIN' FOR KIDS 2022 Dallas-Fort Worth’s Hottest Annual Culinary Battle Benefiting the Mission of Kids Who Care Performing Arts Honorary Chairs: Joel Burns & JD Angle Dinner, Drinks, Live Entertainment & Live and Silent

HOW: KWC starts with leadership. They partner with the brightest artistic and business professionals and community volunteers who adore kids. They value artistic integrity and promote excellence in creative development while seeking economic and cultural diversity to produce original works designed to change the

THEIR TAGLINE: Act on Your Dreams!

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68 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com TopTables dining guide WHERE LOCALS GO j Don’t Miss Our New Listings Label Submit your Top Tables listing suggestions by emailing: societylifemag@verizon.net We will check it out and then list it for free. j New Listings $ Entrees under $10 $$ Entrees under $20 $$$ Entrees $25+ B Serving Breakfast L Serving Lunch D Serving Dinner R Patio Dining WLG REVIEW PAGE Mesero80:

Sushi Sam • Lunch deals like loaded bento boxes. Manage ment is always warm and personable, which is reflected in their friendly service. Amazing salmon skin rolls (not the easiest to pull off). • Southlake sushisam.net $ L D

Malai Kitchen • Thai-Vietnamese mash-up—with silky cur ries, sriracha made in-house. Imaginative beverage program with house-brewed beers. A rand finale, Mango Sticky Rice Smash. • Southlake malaikitchen.com $$-$$$ L D

Hey Sugar Candy Shop • Bulk candies and popcorn, syrups and flavorings from an old-fashioned soda fountain. Chocolates by Nib Chocolates. Ice cream made in a machine from the 1920s. • Roanoke heysugarcandy.com $-$$

Craft & Vine • Stunning indoor-outdoor watering hole. Everything from expansive beer and wine choices to a menu of shareable plates invites conversation. Happy hour with martinis and sunsets. • Roanoke craftandvine.restaurant $$ L D

Oak Street Food and Brew • Food hall with chef-driven food—from fish and chips to overstuffed baked potatoes, to craft bbq. Expansive in and out—gathering place for groups. • Roanoke oakstreetfoodandbrew.com $-$$ B L D

Noodles @ Boba Tea House • Generously portioned, skill fully prepared Vietnamese, pan-Asian dishes. Try the spicy beef noodle soup, Thai beef salad and the Mocha Madness smoothie. • Fort Worth noodlesbth.com $ L D

My Lan Vietnamese Kitchen • Big, steaming bowls of pho, heaping rice plates and rows of crispy egg rolls. Vietnamese staples are soulful and flavorful with reasonable prices . • Col leyville my-lan-vietnamese-kitchen.business.site $ L D

Doughlicious • Offering scoops of raw, safe-to-eat dough in chocolate chip, snickerdoodle, sugar cookie, banana pudding and s’mores. Grab a multi-pack of mini scoops to share. • Grapevine doughlicioususa.com $

• Southlake ThailiciousSouthlake.com $$ L D

Sky Creek Kitchen + Bar • Sky Creek embodies casual elegance with sleek, understated décor—prime destination for a special celebration, family dinner, romantic evening, or afterwork drinks. • Southlake skycreekkitchen.com $-$$ L D

Maki & Poké • Sushi rolls and Hawaiian bowls—here you don’t have to choose! Incredibly fresh and generous sushi rolls. BYOB (build your own bowl) is a fav. Very deserving of their many 5-star ratings! • NRH tinyurl.com/nrhpoke $-$$ L D

NAPA Thai Asian Cuisine • Unique Thai restaurant with beautiful decor conveniently located along Highway 26 offering a glimpse of traditional Thai culture—where balance and har mony come together in a relaxing, yet elegant atmosphere. • Colleyville napathaicuisine.com $-$$ L D

Chef Point Modern Bar & Restaurant • Fine dining redefined. With indoor and outdoor dining spaces, they accom modate private and semi-private parties. Catering available. • Colleyville and Watauga chefpointcafe.org $-$$ (Sat.B) L D

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Dr. Sue’s Chocolate • Doctor by trade, master chocolatier at heart, Dr. Sue Williams crafts the finest chocolate specimens you’ve ever had. Delightful creations like chocolate bark, truffles, and chocolate bars. • Grapevine drsueschocolate.com $

Saikou Sushi & Ramen • Well-executed Japanese cuisine. Slurp tonkotsu ramen, pork-forward broth, superb vegetable ramen, classic miso, shoyu and shio varieties. Sushi and bento boxes. • Alliance saikousushiramen.com $-$$ L D

Mason & Dixie • Celebrating all things Southern—a neigh borhood gathering place. Take them up on their BYOB invite when shrimp and grits is on their specials board. • In Grapevine Antique Market facebook.com/masonanddixie $ L

Cowtown Sushi • Unexpectedly refined sushi and sashimi. They’ve had “hidden gem” status for way too long. Chefs are eager to impress diners, making this an environment to expand your palate. • Southlake cowtownsushi.com $-$$ L D

Sushi Nomi • Modern Japanese with inventive sushirolls, ramen, teriyaki and more, plus beer and wine. Choose from delicious lunch options like bento boxes, fried rice, sushi specials. • Fort Worth facebook.com/SushiNomiTexas $-$$ L D

Elegant Cakery • Beautiful designs that make magnificent centerpieces for any occasion—and the taste makes them un forgettable. Cupcakes, birthday and wedding cakes—made with quality ingredients. • Southlake elegantcakery.com $-$$

Honey Teriyaki • Quality Japanese food—teriyaki and sushi. Many sauces made from scratch with honey—hence the name. Large portions, reasonable prices, friendly service, legit food. • Colleyville tinyurl.com/honeyteriyaki $-$$ L D

Foster’s Sushi, Seafood, Bar & Grill • Creative style to fill your appetite. Indoor and outdoor bar with friendly staff and total of 10 flat screen TVs to suit all sports fans, plus happy hour from 3-6pm. • Roanoke fostersushi.com $-$$ L D

Native Coffee + Kitchen • Refreshing, independent voice serving unapologetic interpretations of comfort food favs—pan cakes, tacos, burgers and nachos—alongside coffee made with Texas-roasted bean. nativeck.com $ B L D

Moxie’s Grill & Bar • Crowd pleaser serving globallyinspired fare like Thai curry bowls, tuna ceviche, steak frites. Fun, sophisticated setting that’s equal parts sports bar and eclec tic brasserie. • Southlake us.moxies.com $$-$$$ L D

Next Wood Fired Bistro & Vino Bar • Intimate, and re fined restaurant serving everything from simple roasted chicken or crab cakes, to lamb tagine or surf and turf. Acclaimed wine program. • Colleyville nextwoodfiredbistro.com $$$ L D

ASIAN / SUSHI / THAI

• NRH facebook.com/thetrendshopdesigns $$ L

j Wine:30 • Wine bar featuring Texas wineries/wine makers, complimented by wines from California, France, and Italy— also offering a handfull of locally brewed craft beers, flatbreads and charcuterie board pairings. • Roanoke w30.wine $-$$ L D

The Trophy Table • Scratch-made food, daily specials, chefdriven menu, ample indoor/outdoor dining—everything from comfort food to seafood and steaks. Live music in a casual, fun atmosphere • Trophy Club thetrophytable.com $$ L D

PIAF Kitchen+Wine+Bar • From power lunch to happy hour, to a romantic date night. Weekends start with buffet brunch and end with drinks on rooftop bar. Flatbreads, seafood, steak. • Grapevine piafkitchen.com $$-$$$ (Brunch) L D

JudyPie • Time-tested recipes, anchored by shortbread crust, elevate flavors like apple, pecan, buttermilk, banana cream into their best versions. By the slice or whole (large or small rounds). Gluten free, vegan, paleo. • Grapevine judypie.com $ L D

Axiom Coffee • Coffee house with purpose. Organic beans sourced from small Honduras producers from a farm run by World Gospel Outreach employing single moms to harvest and supports an orphanage. • NFW axiomcoffee.com $ B L D

Crumbl Cookies • Giant cookies delivered! Chocolate chip, chilled sugar cookie and rotating flavors like key lime pie, salted caramel cheesecake, birthday cake or German chocolate. Open ‘til midnight! • Southlake crumblcookies.com $

DessertsRx Organic Café • High quality, organic, nonGMO, real food and drinks offered with the knowledge to em power you to make informed decisions when it comes to what goes into your body. • Colleyville dessertsrx.com $ B L D

Babe’s Chicken Dinner House • Fried chicken as good as grandma’s, but she’s got better things to do, like chow down on unlimited sides. Warm biscuits with butter and honey are reason to go. • Roanoke and NRH babeschicken.com $ L D

Sky Creek Grill • In Sky Creek Ranch Golf Club—bistro dishes with contemporary western flair. Steak, salmon, pasta, salads, sandwiches, hamburgers, cold beer. Restaurant and bar open to public. • Keller skycreekranch.com $-$$ B L D

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Stone House Restaurant • Regionally inspired, locally sourced proteins and a chef’s garden. Sharables, craft beer, cocktails, wine, chops. Must-try 1200-degree broiled steak. • Colleyville stonehouse-restaurant.com $$-$$$ D

j Trending Kitchen • True scratch kitchen with rotating menu that changes weekly. Family owned and run. Top-notch ingredients. Best cakes around—come early as they sell out fast!

Sabai Sabai Southeast Asian Kitchen • Expect pad Thai, massaman curry, pho, also explore Lao beef jerky, steamed fish or a marinated beef salad. Dine in or takeout. Food packs plenty of flavor. • Grapevine sabaisabaikitchen.com $ L D

Blue 22 Sports Grill • Locally owned, family gathering spot with a scratch kitchen offering prime sporting events—what more could you ask for? This is a perfect family friendly sports bar! • Trophy Club blue22sportsgrill.com $-$$ L D

HG Sply Co. • Healthy has never been more indulgent. Using all-natural, minimally processed ingredients, the menu satisfies almost anything, whether you’re on a restricted diet or throwing caution to the wind. • Trophy Club hgsplyco.com $$ L D

Horizon 76 • Order a burger served “bone-in” or topped with mac and cheese and bacon, or chicken pot pie made with fried chicken chunks and crowned with a crispy chicken tender. Build s’mores. • Fort Worth horizon76.com $$ L D

Thailicious • Authentic Thai in a contemporary, relaxed en vironment. Soft shell crab, creamy curries, Crying Tiger and pad Thai. Seek out tom yum-inspired martinis and mojitos.

Creative Memories Bakery • Cupcakes, smash cakes, wed ding, birthday, graduation, shower, gender reveal and baby shower cakes, petit fours, cookies, brownies, cake balls/pops, ding dongs. • Fort Worth yourcakeplace.com $-$$

TruFire Kitchen & Bar • Consistent menu, exemplary burger of akaushi beef or truffle-scented mac and cheese. Ba nana split and handcrafted cocktails are a must. Gluten free and vegetarian menus. • Southlake trufire.us $$ B L D

Board + Brie • A curated array of noshables that pair perfectly with wine and talk. Cheese and charcuterie grazing boxes and boards, crowd-pleasing fare or feasts for one. Pick up or delivery. Catering for tables. • Roanoke boardbrie.com $$-$$$ L D

Leela’s Wine Bar • Wine should be easy, eco-friendly and enjoyable—that’s why their wine is on tap. Tap is less bottles, less waste, consistent quality—glass after glass. Consider this your new wine bar. • Trophy Club leelaswinebar.com $$ D

AMERICAN / ECLECTIC ......................................

V’s House • Family-owned Vietnamese restaurant offering up scale takes on classic dishes—plus surprises. You’ll find staples of Vietnamese cuisine, including pho varieteies—all made in-house. Creative cocktail menu. • NRH vshouse.net $-$$ L D

FnG Eats • American grill comfort cuisine serving memories with a twist. A decidedly casual neighborhood spot where you get both a good burger and a dressed-up plate of mussels. The bar is just as vibrant. • Keller fngeats.com $$ (Brunch) L D R

Kindred Coffee Co. • A love for craft coffee and local community—they find the best coffee and roast it at their shop. Stop by for a cup, fresh salad, gelato or one of their pastries.• North Richland Hills kindredcoffeeco.com $ B L D

‘Lette Macarons • Elegant French sandwich cookies readymade for gifting. Endlessly customizable. Offers a selection of fine shortbread cookies and will soon offer macaron ice cream sandwiches. • Southlake lettemacaron.com $

Chill Restaurant & Bar • Sports headquarters for business meetings, company parties, wedding receptions and rehearsals, birthdays and anniversaries. Outdoor patio, live music and ladies night. • Grapevine chillgrapevine.com $ L D R

BAKERIES / TREATS / COFFEE / TEA / JUICE .......

Juice Junkies • No need to be a health nut to appreciate juice blends, smoothies, whole food snacks and cold-brewed cof fee drinks, but they just might convert you. Cold-pressed. Re stocked regularly. • Keller juicejunkies.com $ B L

Sushi Dojo • Premier fast-casual sushi restaurant specializing in party trays, office/event catering, and food truck service. Known for sushi tacos and burritos. Delicious, affordable, high quality sushi. • Southlake sushidojodfw.com $-$$ L D

Brew & Batter • Locally owned, stand alone house serving good coffee! Not to mention waffles! There offer two bases— cornbread and a liege waffle (a european waffle made with yeast daily) • Grapevine brew-batter.business.site $ B L D

BARBECUE ..........................................................

Armend’s Restaurante • Laid-back, family friendly pizza place reminiscent of Naples. Plenty of hearty Northern Italian favorites with great prices and friendly, family-owned service. • Southlake armendspizza.com $ L D

Feedstore BBQ • Local fav with quality meats and the fresh est veggies available. Ridiculously good chopped beef, chicken, sausage and fall-off-the-bone ribs, fried okra, spicy beans and amazing rolls. • NRH feedstorebbq.com $-$$ L D R

F2 Fusion Flavors • F2 combines the sensibilities of the Middle East with Asia, offering Indian flavored Kebabs, lamb and even goat dishes for a global tour of cuisines and cultures. Daily buffet. • Southlake fusionflavors.site $-$$ L D

The Pour Shack • Comes alive as the sun sets! Cover bands and DJs pump up the scene and the music at this big indoor/outdoor bar serving up burgers and drink specials. Your neighborhood bar. • Keller thepourshack.com $-$$ L D

ITALIAN / PIZZA ...............................................

Ferrari’s Italian Villa & Chop House • Beautiful banquet and private dining. Bountiful antipasti bar. The roasted entrées from the wood fired oven are standouts. Desserts prepared ta bleside. • Grapevine ferrarisrestaurant.com $$ L D

Texas Harvest Pie Co. • Small pie shop feels like home. Lovingly crafted pies like apple, blueberry, buttermilk, key lime taste like grandmas if she’s an expert baker. Serving lunch. • Keller facebook.com/texasharvestpiecompany $-$$

Bottlecap Alley Icehouse Grill • 100% Fresh Angus Beef, name brand quality meats, whole veggies chopped in-house daily and local artisan buns. A place where kids and adults co-mingle successfully. • Grapevine bottlecapalley.com $ L D

BRITISH .............................................................

Black Walnut Cafe • Classic fare, upscale flair. Handcrafted sandwiches to chilled local craft brews to swirly rows of gelato. Open for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner every day of the week. • Colleyville blackwalnutcafe.com $-$$ B L D

Mangos Breakfast Brunch • French toast, chicken, waffles, omelets. Taking shots at convention with duck bacon burgers, s’mores waffles, skillets with chicken fried steak, stuffed avoca dos. • Southlake, Keller mangosbb.com $$ B (Brunch) L

Seven Mile Café • Fans flock for specialty pancakes, Gouda grits, egg dishes and Stumptown coffee. You cannot go wrong with benedicts or the pancake sampler. Vegan and gluten-free options. sevenmilecafe.com $-$$ B (Brunch) L

Starwood Cafe • Specializing in breakfast and lunch at eight locations around DFW, and serving breakfast all day—this is your new brunch destination. Vast menu serving all your favs. • Trophy Club, NRH starwoodcafe.com $-$$ B L

• Colleyville townhousebrunch.com $$ B (Brunch) L

Chick & Biscuit • Southern food done right! Home-style comfort food—from spicy hot chicken to pulled pork, brisket, and sausage gravy, the menu honors the South. Inside Harvest Hall. • Grapevine chickandbiscuit.com $$ L D

Farina’s Winery & Café • Elegant but unassuming with solid food and wine to back up the atmosphere. Italian classics headlined by popular pizzas, are Farina family recipes. • Grapevine farinaswinery.com $-$$ L D

Old Town Ice House • Burgers, po-boys, wings, tacos, salads, artisan brews—celebrating the ice industry in its heyday, as well as the founding of Keller during that era. Raise an ice-cold glass with us! • Keller oldtownicehouse.com $ L D

Rush Bowls • Smoothies in a bowl with fruit and toppings. Featuring all-natural fruit and açai blended until thick and creamy, these are a healthy alternative dessert or a perfect meal. Perfect refueling stop. • Keller rushbowls.com $ B L D

j The Lost Cajun • Real and authentic Cajun food from the gumbo and jambalaya to the fried seafood—it’s like you’re in Louisiana! Awesome frozen drinks and food you can taste! • Keller thelostcajun.com $-$$ L D

Red Barn Bar-B-Que • Best all you can eat catfish on Friday nights, and sausage and turkey around town. Rustic counter service with generous plates and comfort grub in. • Colleyville redbarnbarbque.com $-$$ L D

BURGERS / SANDWICHES .................................

From Across the Pond • Get your British classics—fish and chips, bangers and mash, shepherd’s pie and more—plus, burgers, sandwiches, pastas and salads from beyond the pond.

Redefined Coffee House • Locals gather for birthdays, meetings, and conversation—and everyone sips macchiatos and iced lattes made with Avoca coffee beans. • Grapevine redefinedcoffeehouse.com $ B L D

Back Forty Smokehouse • Brisket, ribs, full bar, outdoor patio, friendly service, locally owned—should we keep going? Back Forty is conveniently located next to the new Tex Rail train station. • NRH backfortysmokehouse.com $-$$ L D

The Station Patio Icehouse • Gathering place to enjoy good food, good drinks and good music. It’s everything you’d want your own backyard to be, with all the people you love and none of the work! • Keller stationicehouse.com $$ L D

Bayou Jack’s Cajun Grill • Part soulfuajun, part vibrant cocktails, two parts bon temps. Jambalaya, po boys, grilled oysters, étouffée. Drink swamp juice, Hurricane Kris and Abita on tap. • Roanoke bayoujackscajungrill.com $-$$ L D

GREEK ..............................................................

Brio Tuscan Grille • Buzzing from the shaded outdoor patio to the courtyard bar. Upscale enough for the date-night crowd, but casual enough for locals wandering in from their shopping. • Southlake Town Square brioitalian.com $-$$ L D R

DeVivo Bros. Eatery • Rustic comfort food on American ized menu with Italian flair. Bold flavor, large portions, meatloaf, pastas, sandwiches with rustic simplicity and refined elegance. • Keller devivobroseatery.com $-$$ B L D

Stevie’s Diner • A unique, family-owned and operated throwback dining experience. Whether you’re in the mood for a delicious breakfast or lunch, head over to Stevie’s Diner. • North Fort Worth steviesdiner.com $ B L

• Grapevine oldwestcafe.us $ B L

The Londoner Pub and Grill • Pub turning out English classics like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and bangers and mash with confidence. Their decor screams typical English pub. • Colleyville thelondonerpub.com $$ L D

Fred’s Texas Cafe • Nationally acclaimed hamburgers, fabulous chicken-fried steak, the coldest beer in town—that’s Fred’s—a beloved local dive that’s serious about food! • TCU, Fort Worth, NFW fredstexascafe.com $-$$ L D

j Toasted Yolk • Perfectly poached eggs, strip after strip of crunchy bacon, layer upon layer of turkey and pastrami—these are delicacies we dream about at night, and they’re the ones we want to wake up to! • Keller thetoastedyolk.com $-$$ B L

Delucca Gaucho Pizza & Wine • Slice-after-slice of gourmet pizza—garlic picanha, shrimp and fontina, Turkish lamb— along with cheese or pepperoni—brought to your table oven hot. All you can eat perfection! delucca.com $$ D

Oldwest Cafe • Big menu, big portions, good value. Saddle up that horse and hit the trail for Oldwest Cafe... pretty darn sure ya’ might like it! Breakfast served all day long (or until we go home for the day)!

Bacon’s Bistro & Cafe • Breakfast diner with really good service, food and company—sandwiches, soups and salads for lunch. It’s common to have a wait on weekends because it’s just that darn good! • Hurst baconsbistroandcafe.com $$ B L

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Nothing Bundt Cakes • Made fresh daily using eggs, butter and cream cheese. Bite-sized Bundtinis, single serving Bundtlets, 8” and 10” cakes and double-tiered cakes. Daily samples show how yummy it is! • Southlake nothingbundtcakes.com $

Kassandra’s Mexican Kitchen • Hidden gem. Great lunch with well-priced specials. Tortillas live up to the name. Put it on your list for breakfast, served all day. Breakfast quesadilla, beans and potatoes—a good reason to get up early! • Keller $ B L D

Sunny Street Café • Serving hearty American fare—with gluten-free options. Dine-in or carry-out, this is your neighbor hood destination for fresh, wholesome food and friendly service served daily. • Roanoke sunnystreetcafe.com $-$$ B L

INDIAN ..............................................................

Main Street Bistro & Bakery (Bistro M) • Local gem with foodie following (and a Gallic accent). Best croissants. Chocolate bomb cake that makes your toes curl. Must-try are their pastries and desserts. • Grapevine themainbakery.com $$ B L D

Kincaid’s Hamburgers • Where friends meet to eat! Hypefree, good-old-burgers, ice cream shakes, deviled eggs, stuffed jalepenos, fried okra, chicken sandwiches, banana pudding. • Southlake and Alliance kincaidshamburgers.com $ L D

• Colleyville acrossthepond.site $ L D

Meat U Anywhere BBQ • “Meating” your BBQ and cater ing needs. Slow smoked with seasoned oak and hickory. Exclu sive sides, special offerings, ultimate breakfast tacos • Grapevine and Trophy Club meatuanywhere.com $-$$ B L D R

Mighty Chick • Reinvigorating fried chicken with bold flavor and big crunch. Wings, pieces, tenders with sauce like BBQ Soy Garlic or Hot and Spicy Seoul Nashville-style hot chicken. • Watauga mightychickdfw.com $-$$ L D

Copeland’s • Authentic taste of the Big Easy adjacent to the Hilton Southlake lobby. Soul satisfying eggplant pirogue and mind-blowing bananas foster French toast. • (In the Hilton Hotel) Southlake copelandsofneworleans.com $-$$ B L D

Calabrese Ristorante and Bar • Authentic Italian fare with ingredients imported from Italy—modern and traditional Italian dishes to please every palate. Wine list as seductive as the atmosphere. • Southlake ilcalabrese.com $$ L D

CAJUN ...............................................................

Another Broken Egg Cafe • Twists on Eggs Benedict and Omelettes, Biscuit Beignets, Cinnamon Roll French Toast and much more. Brunch is the most important meal of the week! • Southlake anotherbrokenegg.com $-$$ B (Brunch) L

Mughlai Fine Indian Cuisine • Courtly cuisine of Mughal royalty—familiar dishes like lamb roghan josh and chicken tikka masala served alongside more obscure dishes from authentic Indian street fare. • Southlake mughlaidfw.com $$ L D

Coal Vines • Pizza wine bar separating good pizza from great—a perfect crunch and just a speckling of char. This pie was made for good vino. Fortunately, they have plenty of that on hand as well! • Southlake coalvinespizza.com $ D R

BREAKFAST (+ lunch/dinner) .............................

Hard Eight Pit BBQ • Authentic mesquite barbecue. Award winning cuisine. “Old World” slow cooking over pits adopted from German settlers who came to the Texas Hill Country long ago. • Roanoke hardeightbbq.com $-$$ L D R

LA Burger • Beautifully seared meat, thoughtful layering, oozy cheese and toasty buns—burgers solidly executed with California flair. Tacos, fries, hot dogs, salads and shakes served counter-style, but all with a fresh multi-culti twist. • Keller la-burger.com $ L D

Bosses • Brick oven pizza using the finest cheese and meats— and freshest veggies. They set out to make the best pizza in town and some say it’s “The Best Darn Pizza in Texas.” • Lake Worth, NRH, North Fort Worth bossespizza.com $ L D

Townhouse Brunch • Twists on omelettes, benedicts, pan cakes, salads, sandwiches. Lean sweet (banana Nutella crepes) or savory (“everything spiced” avocado toast), your cravings is covered.

Café Medi • Devoted fans—they give as much attention to vegetarian dishes as their succulent grilled and braised meats. BYOB. Salads, hummus, falafel and fool. Their lamb shanks really shine. • Keller and Hurst cafemedi.com $-$$ L D R

The Garden Party • It’s party time—experience North Rich land Hills’ newest tearoom, located in Golightly’s Antiques. Stop by and enjoy fresh tea, food and treats. They look forward to serving you! • NRH & Grapevine thegarden-party.com $ L

Del Campo Empanadas • Empanadas with savories like chicken, ham, spinach, picanha steak. Dipped in chimichurri it’s a no-fuss meal or grab-and-go snack. Pick up sweet treats here also. • Fort Worth delcampoempanadas.com $ L D

Esparza’s Restaurante Mexicano • Possibly the coolest patio scene in the area. Feast on Mexican classics, but don’t miss out on their famous margaritas, fajitas or their authentic Mex ican favorites. • Grapevine esparzastexas.com $ L D R

Wise Guys Pizzeria • Exceeding expectations and providing Fresh food, family hospitality, hard work, and a hands on ap proach to pizzas, pastas, premium drafts—all made from scratch. • Roanoke & Grapevine wiseguystx.com $$ L D

i Fratelli Pizza • Distinctive thin-n-crispy pizza, handmade sauces, dressings, dessert—favs for 30 years. Delivery committed to exceeding expectations with their exemplary service and fast delivery. • Southlake, Keller, NFW ifratelli.net $-$$ L D

Napoli’s Italian Café & Creamery • Italian-American classics in cozy historic Grapevine Main Stree setting. Linger in or drop by the creamery for freshly made gelato and Italian desserts. • Grapevine napolisgrapevine.com $-$ L D

Oliva Italian Eatery • Italian staples rendered with verve— spaghetti and meatballs, lobster ravioli, anticipated featured items. Expertly curated wines at a remarkable value. Popular wine dinners. • North Fort Worth olivaeatery.com $$ L D

j Mesero • Beyond Tex Mex, but lives up to its promise of Mexican Spirit American Life. One taste of the iconic Queso Mesero and brisket tacos will keep you coming back... don’t skip their amazing drinks! • Southlake mesero.net $$-$$ L D

Inzo Italian Kitchen • Old-world menu with a new-world accent. Using fresh ingredients and doing things the way Nonna did years ago. One taste is all it takes to be amazed. Buon appetito! • Roanoke inzoitalian.com $-$$ L D R

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LATIN AMERICAN

Loveria Caffe • Emilia-Romagna is Italy’s premier destination for food lovers—premium pastas, cured meats, cheeses, wines, meatballs, lasagna, eggplant parm perfected centuries before landing right here. • Colleyville loveriacaffe.com $$ L D

Cristina’s Fine Mexican • Lively setting, unique menu with Tex-Mex favorites, as well as unique central Mexican dishes. Must-have margaritas. • NRH, Trophy Club, Southlake, Flower Mound and Lewisville cristinasmex.com $ L D R

Fresco’s • Vibrant joint serving traditional Mexican dishes and Tex-Mex using quality ingredients. Unmistakable flavor and freshness, and awesome margaritas. Fair prices. • Watauga frescosmexicanfood.com $ L D

Big Fish Seafood • Fresh seafood, including lots of Cajun options, plus great drink specials and frequent live music in a rustic and relaxed setting. Known for treating all guests like fam ily • Grapevine bigfishgrapevine.com $-$$ L D

Manny’s Uptown Tex-Mex • Dragon-ritas, brisket tacos, signature queso, fajitas and enchiladas—perfect with a Manny’s Taxi. Weekend breakfast is a fav, happy hours and catering.• Southlake mannysuptowntexmex.com $$ B L D

Stellini Trattoria • Shareable arancini (crisp risotto balls) or taglieri (meat & cheese board). Housemade pastas and pizzas. Steaks and chops with polenta, gnocchi and potatoes. Creative cocktails. • Grapevine stellinitrattoria.com $$ L D

MEXICAN

Los Molcajetes • Start with warm tortilla chips and red or green salsa. Enjoy a margarita and a sizzling plate of fajitas, top it off with sopapillas, flan or fried ice cream—the ultimate Mex ican comfort food! • Roanoke losmolcajetes.com $ L D

Gloria’s • Fine Latin cuisine that hints at humble mom and pop roots. Sleek design draws crowds as much for their pupusas and margaritas as for the weekend salsa dancing. • Colleyville and Southlake gloriasrestaurants.com $-$$ L D R

Mi Cocina • The original see-and-be-seen spot is still a crowd favorite. A sleek but festive interior draws locals for “modern” enchiladas and first-rate Tex-Mex. • Southlake and Alliance mcrowd.com $-$$ L D R

So-Cal Tacos • Former food truck is now a great taco joint with the same delicious food and laid back vibe. The truck, Woody, paved the way for fresh tacos, delicious margarita, and ice cold beer. • Grapevine eatsocaltacos.com $ L D

Fireside Pies • Swanky pizza served in a casual environment. Who knew my favorite veggie pie (Peta Pie) would come from the same place as my favorite meaty pie (Triple ‘Roni)? • Grapevine firesidepies.com $ L D

Vinny’s Italian Restaurant • Good food, great people. Like being invited to your Italian uncle’s house for dinner— serving authentic New York style pizza and Italian classics. • Roanoke vinnysrest.com $ L D

Palio’s Pizza Cafe • Food tastes better, and they swear it’s better for you with fresh ingredients made-from-scratch. Pizzas with pesto, artichoke hearts, chicken and mushrooms. • Keller, Colleyville, Grapevine paliospizzacafe.com $ L D R

SEAFOOD ...........................................................

Bonefish Grill • A menu full of fresh flavors of the season and innovative dishes—specializing in seasonal fresh fish. Taste today’s freshest catch and try something new on each visit. • Southlake bonefishgrill.com $$-$$$ L (sat-sun) D (daily)

Baja Cantina • Coastal Mexican with seafood and amazing steaks. Fajitas are a fav, also fish tacos, spinach queso, frozen margaritas that make you swear you’re on vacation! • Watauga, NRH, Roanoke, Keller bajagrilldfw.com $-$$ L D R

Martha’s Mexican Cocina • Reliable Tex-Mex in a relaxed, setting with a great patio. Try brisket tacos and pollo poblano. Vegetarian options with daily specials and happy hour. • Keller marthasmexicancocina.com $ L D R

Elote Mexican Kitchen • Little taqueria with style. Slow roasted meats, fresh ingredients, marvelous margaritas. Entire menu is gluten free (except flour tortillas). Plus soy cheese and tofu sour cream. • North Fort Worth elotemex.com $ B L D

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria • Brooklyn’s iconic pizza has now arrived—crust is perfectly thin and crisp and cheese and top pings first-rate. Brooklyn charm here to go with some excellent pizza. • Grapevine grimaldispizzeria.com $ L D

Enchiladas Olé • Specializing in enchiladas filled with chicken, cheese, veggies or beef, then topped with Perez’s famed sauces from a classic ancho chili to a rich queso. Tamales and happy hours. • NRH enchiladasole.com $-$$ L D

Mesa • Elevated coastal cuisine in a bright, elegant restaurant to match its vibrant, upscale menu. A magic touch with seafood, including lobster enchiladas, Mexican gumbo and chipotle shrimp. • Grapevine mesagrapevine.com $$-$$ D R

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Boca 31 • Drawing from Mexico, Peru, Caribbean, Americas— elevating street food with creative flare—barbacoa tacos to pulled pork to guava and cream cheese empanadas, the menu is anything but standadr. • Keller boca31.com/keller $ L D

Fish City Grill • Menu of crawfish, Gulf and east coast oysters, and other fresh seafood selections. Favs like fish tacos, Gulf shrimp, renowned oyster nachos. Chalkboard specials are a great deal. • Southlake fishcitygrill.com $-$$ L D R

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Zeppole • Refined pasta dishes, seafood and soulful renditions of Italian specialties showcased in an open setting that feels like your favorite outdoor patio. • Located inside the Gaylord Texan Resort Atrium gaylordtexan.com $$$ D

Mi Dia From Scratch • Traditional Mexico City recipes with modern Santa Fe and Tex Mex flavors. Experience a true fusion of the past and present. • Grapevine, Plano, Flower Mound midiafromscratch.com $-$$ L D

The Crab Station • Promises the best seafood in a family ori ented experience. Have fun cracking and peeling with your hands—getting messy while you’re at it! Entrees, wings, kettles, shareables, peel-n-eat • NFW crab-station.com $-$$ L D

Bob’s Steak and Chop House • Bob’s is ranked as one of the top steakhouses in the country—and for good reason. The steaks are prime, the portions are big and the drinks are stiff. • Grapevine bobs-steakandchop.com $$$ L D

Winewood • American fare with modern flair: Waldorf sal ads, Dagwood club, Niman Ranch pork chops and chicken Cordon Bleu. Ideal for family meals, business lunches or cele brations.

Send us your favorite local dining spots. We check it out and list them here to share with other readers craving what’s on the menu. Please email crave-worthy dining destinations to us at: societylifemag@verizon.net

• Grapevine perryssteakhouse.com $$-$$$ D

Keller Chophouse • Signature dishes like fried calamari with tomato risotto, sides of truffle Parmesan fries, a roster of seafood, chicken and steaks (New York strip, bone-in ribeye, and filet mignon).

• Grapevine thewinewood.com $$ L D

• Keller kellerchophouse.com $$-$$$ D

The Blu Crab Seafood House and Bar • Inspired by travel and culture—offers vast menu of culinary delights using the freshest ingredients. Come in to and celebrate your senses! • Colleyville blucrabseafoodhouse.com $$-$$$ L D

• Southlake kirbyssteakhouse.com $$-$$$ L D

Old Hickory Steakhouse • Savor premium Black Angus Beef seared to perfection, sample artisanal cheeses from around the world, indulge in the Texas inspired wine cellar. Inside Gay lord Texan gaylordtexan.com $$-$$$ D

Shuck Me • Seafood spot with bountiful fried baskets, peeland-eat shrimp, crawfish, oysters, po-boys, gumbo. Big portions. Plenty to choose from—perfect seafood fix without breaking the bank. • Southlake and Alliance shuckme.net $-$$ L D

STEAKS ...............................................................

Dino’s Steak & Claw House • Serving a variety of seafood, steak and poultry dishes in a vintage bank building along his toric Main Street. This romantic spot also offers live piano music.

Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen • From the warm waters of the Gulf, the icy Alaskan coast, the mighty Atlantic and Pacific, they go to any depth to bring you the finest seafood available— all year long. • Grapevine pappadeaux.com $$-$$$ L D

• Grapevine dinossteakandclaw.net $$-$$$ D

Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille • Vibrant twist on traditional steakhouse fare with unexpected specialties. Bar 79 offers hand crafted bites, fine wine, cocktails, beer, live music and patio seat ing.

Mac’s on Main • Southwestern, cajun and global influences. Steaks, signature prime rib and seafood. Cocktails, beer, 30+ single malt scotches, wine list. Locally owned and operated, oneof-a-kind. • Grapevine macsteak.com $$ (Brunch) L D

Truluck’s Seafood, Steak & Crab House • Iconic for stone crab claws—beloved for freshness! Chic dining room hosts sophisticated dinners with inventive foodie twists served in the mix. • Southlake Town Square trulucks.com $$-$$$ L D

Kirby’s Prime Steakhouse • Prime aged beef, the freshest seafood and uncomplicated sides. No wonder it’s a favorite for impressing out-of-towners—their kitchen rarely (if ever) gets it wrong.

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Rockfish • Local favorites like the shrimp basket, fish tacos, wild copper river alaskan salmon, rock-a-rita margarita, schooners, and Mexican shrimp martinis. Great seafood—not a lot of clams. • Southlake rockfish.com $-$$ L D

The Classic at Roanoke • Unlikely fine dining destination. Nicely focused menu serving grilled steaks and seafood. Worldclass food, casual atmosphere, family friendly environment. A true classic. • Roanoke theclassiccafe.com $-$$ L D R

Del Frisco’s Grille • Spend the day shopping the square before meeting for dinner and drinks. Luxurious dining room or patio. Local flavor—diverse menu has something for every one. • Southlake delfriscosgrille.com $$-$$$ (Brunch) L D

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 73 SLRoseTableRecipes diets by coaxing yeast out of air, kneading, prooﬁng, baking, and GET MORE RECIPES FOLLOWTHEROSETABLE.COMAT:/LIKETHEROSE TABLE ON FACEBOOK, TWITTER AND INSTAGRAM let them eat BREAD

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(1) Whisk active dry yeast, salt, and olive oil in warm water until yeast is dissolved.

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1 1/4 cups water heated to 100-110 degrees Fahrenheit

(2) You want the correct consistency before letting the dough rise. Things like the atmosphere and elevation affect bread baking so it’s hard to say exactly how much flour you’ll need but look closely at my photos online to see the consistency you’re shooting for. If you can’t touch the dough without it getting all over your hands, it needs more flour. Add it before you start kneading, before its first rise.

(4) Grease a baking sheet. Braid dough the same way you would hair right on the baking sheet. Let rise for 45 minutes or until doubled.

1 tsp salt

74 SEPTEMBER 2022 | SocietyLifeMag.com

BRAIDED LOAF

There’s just something so satisfying about slathering butter and jam on warm bread that was ﬂour mere hours ago. This is an easy white bread recipe that only takes about 10 minutes of active time and two hours of inactive time — not bad for bread!

(5) Brush loaf with beaten egg white and bake at 450 degrees for 20-30 minutes, until golden. It should sound hollow when tapped.

3INGREDIENTS1/2cupsall-purpose ﬂour

1 packet active dry yeast

1/2 Tbsp olive oil

This bread has a pretty long shelf life. I baked this loaf days ago and it’s still going strong. It toasts up beautifully and is the perfect size for sandwiches. Here are my three top bread baking tips:

(1) Heat the water to 105 degrees to activate the yeast. Anywhere between 100-110 will do, really. Do use a thermometer. If the water is too hot, it’ll kill the yeast and if it’s too cold, it won’t rise properly.

1 egg white, lightly beaten

(3) Punch down dough. Knead for 3-5 minutes. Divide dough into 3 equal parts and let rest for 5 minutes. Roll dough out to 12″ ropes.

(3) Warmth helps bread rise so I either bake bread the same day that I do laundry so I can put the bowl on top of my dryer or I bake it on a warm day and keep it on a windowsill or you can pop it in the oven (turned off, obviously) with the oven light on. This emits just enough heat to help bread rise.

(2) Add yeast mixture to 3 cups of ﬂour in a stand mixer ﬁtted with a bread hook. Add additional half cup if dough is still sticky. Knead with the bread hook attachment for 8 minutes in the mixer. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dough, turning once so that the bowl is oiled. Place in a warm place with a slightly damp towel covering the bowl and let rise for one hour or until doubled.

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(2) In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together the ﬂour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cayenne pepper.

(5) Whisk together the buttermilk and egg. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring gently until just combined. (Don’t beat the mixture or your scones will be tough.)

(7) Bake for 18 minutes or until they’re golden brown. Serve with whipped butter.

(6) Using a 1/4-cup measuring cup, scoop dough onto two lightly greased or parchmentlined cookie sheet. (The rounds should look similar to large cookies about to go in the oven.) Sprinkle scone dough with sea salt if you’re feeling fancy.

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I 23(MakesNGREDIENTS9scones)cupsﬂourTbspgranulated sugar 4 teaspoons baking powder Pinch cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup butter at room temperature 3/4 cup cheddarCotswoldcheese, grated 1/4 cup 13/4cheese,Parmesangratedcup+2Tbspbuttermilklargeegg

(4) Stir in cheeses.

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The jury is still out on whether a scone is bread or cake, but to me these English-style scones are akin to an American biscuit. These pillows of cheddary goodness have Cotswold cheddar, parmesan cheese, buttermilk, and cayenne pepper. Just a glance at the ingredient list, you know they’re going to be divine. They’re mind-blowing. You could serve them at brunch, at an afternoon tea, or just wolf down one, two or three whenever wherever because you are worth it — and I am not here to judge!

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PARMESAN CHEDDAR SCONES

(1) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease two cookie sheets.

(3) Incorporate the butter into the dry ingredients using a pastry blender or spatula. Mix until well-combined. (Some lumps are okay.)

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(5) Note: it should only take a little over a minute to cook each tortilla. They should be white with a few brown spots. If the spots are almost black, turn the heat down. If there are no spots when you ﬂip it, turn the heat up.

(3) Heat a pan large enough to ﬁt a tortilla. A cast iron or nonstick skillet works best. Flour a second board, coat two disks at a time in ﬂour and roll out the two disk using the second board. These don’t have to be perfect circles. Don’t stress about it. They’re homemade tortillas! Let them look homemade.

Technically, tortillas might not meet the exact definition required to be bread, but in reality, this round, thin, flat bread of Mexico is just one of the many different types of bread that you find all over the world. And what does a Texan do when she doesn’t want to go to the store to get tortillas? She makes her own, of course!

The only tricky part about this is making sure the dough looks right before you try to roll out tortillas. With all bread-like items, you can’t have too sticky of a dough. It won’t work. The exact amount of ﬂour will vary based on your eleva tion and atmosphere. Start with three cups and add a tablespoon at a time more until the dough comes together in a ball. You should be able to touch it without having dough stick all over your hands.

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I 3NGREDIENTScupsall-purpose ﬂour 1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp salt 1/3 cup canola (or vegetable) oil 1 cup warm water

HOMEMADE TORTILLAS

(4) When the pan is heated, set one disk in the pan and set the timer for one minute. Don’t use any sort of oil in the pan. You’re not frying them. While one tortilla is cooking, roll another out on your second board with the other disks queued up. After one minute, ﬂip and cook the second side for about 15 seconds then transfer to a covered dish to keep warm while you cook the other tortillas. That’s it! How fun was that? Keep them stored at room temperature for two days or in the fridge for a week.

(2) Transfer dough to a ﬂoured board. Divide into fourths, then keep halving until you have 16 equal pieces. Roll into balls, then ﬂatten the balls with your palm. Rest for about 15 minutes. (This is a fun activity for kids.... helping mom roll these bad boys out!)

(1) Whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt in a stand mixer fitted with a dough hook. Add 1/3 cup of canola oil and mix at a low speed. Add 1 cup of warm water and mix at a medium speed until the dough forms a ball. If it does not form a ball, add up to half a cup more flour one tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together. You can’t work with a dough that’s too sticky!

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These take very little skill and few ingredients. I used canola oil, which is cheap, ﬂavorless, and always on hand in my pantry. Plus they taste way better than storebought tortillas! I’ve used these for fajitas, tacos, breakfast tacos, and even fried them up for the best quesadillas ever.

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1 Tbsp salt

(7) Sprinkle focaccia with at least 1 Tbsp course sea salt and chopped rosemary. You want sea salt and rosemary in every bite! Drizzle with a bit of olive oil and pop in the oven for 18-22 minutes or until golden brown.

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I hesitated posting this because there are a million focaccia recipes online and they’re all mostly the same But my dad kept raving about how this was the best focaccia he’s ever had and I think that’s largely due to the insane amount of sea salt and rosemary on top. Don’t measure. Just pour some sea salt in your hand and then sprinkle the dough until it looks thoroughly ﬂecked with sea salt. Ditto for rosemary. You want to make sure you get some in every single bite!

Is there anything better than warm focaccia straight out of the oven? I think not! Focaccia is not at all hard to make. It’s way easier than a traditional loaf. If you’re a novice bread baker, give this recipe a try to boost your conﬁdence. It’s a great bread to bake in the summer if you live in a hot climate like I do. Because it only bakes for about 20 minutes, compared to the hour-plus that most loaves spend in the oven.

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1NGREDIENTS3/4cupwarm water (100-110 degrees F)

1 Tbsp course sea salt

(2) Whisk together five cups of flour with 1 Tbsp of salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Add yeast mixture and 1/2 cup olive oil and mix with the dough hook attachment on low speed until the dough comes together. Add additional flour if the dough is too sticky. Mix on medium speed for 5-6 minutes until the dough is smooth.

SocietyLifeMag.com | SEPTEMBE R 2022 77

ROSEMARY FOCACCIA

8 sprigs rosemary

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1 packet active dry yeast (not instant)

(1) Whisk together yeast and sugar with warm water in a small bowl until dissolved. Let sit for 10 minutes or until foamy. If yeast is not foamy, start over.

1/2 cup olive oil

(3) Knead the dough by hand on a ﬂour surface until it comes together in a ball.

(4) Coat the inside of the mixing bowl with a bit of olive oil and return dough to bowl. Cover with a damp towel and place in a warm place, like a sunny windowsill, for 1-2 hours or until the dough has doubled in size.

(8) Let cool in the pan for 10-15 minutes, then transfer to a cutting board to slice. Enjoy!

1 Tbsp sugar

(5) Coat a large jelly roll sheet (rimmed baking sheet) with 1/4 cup of olive oil. Transfer dough to baking sheet. Gently spread it out using your hands until dimpled and completely ﬁlls the pan. Cover the pan with a damp towel and let dough rise until doubled. About one hour.

5-6 cups ﬂour

(6) Preheat the oven to 425 degrees.

(4) Set Dutch oven in the preheated oven with the lid on. Keep in the oven for 30 minutes to thoroughly heat the Dutch oven.

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(1) In a large bowl (I love my Pyrex for this), whisk together ﬂour, salt, and yeast. Pour in water and mix with a wooden spoon just until combined. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and leave overnight, about 8-10 hours. The dough should double in size and will be ﬂat and bubbly on top.

3INGREDIENTScupsall-purpose flour 2 tsp fine sea salt 1 tsp yeast (not instant) 1 1/2 cups warm water (100-110 my loaf isn’t big enough to bake! And yet somehow it works. The dough is very sticky when you punch it down. Be sure to flour your hands thoroughly before trying to work with it. I like to gently pull it from the sides of the bowl, pick it up, then sort of just turn it around for a minute or two in my floured hands to form a ball shape.

(3) Flour your hands and punch down dough. Pick the dough up and fold it in on itself a couple of times to form a ball. Set on parchment paper and cover with plastic wrap. Let rest while you preheat the dutch oven.

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(2) Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

This method is a bit weird and one I happen to love. Simply whisk together ﬂour, salt, and yeast, pour in warm water, stir it together. Then leave it covered on the counter overnight. The next day, shape it in a ball, pop it in a preheated Dutch oven, and watch the magic happen.

(5) Remove Dutch oven from the oven. Take the lid off, carefully pick the parchment paper up, and set the bread dough with the parchment paper in the Dutch oven. Place lid back on and return to oven. Bake for 40-45 minutes, remove the lid, and bake for another 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden. Let cool at least ten minutes before slicing.

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DUTCH OVEN BREAD

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You’reFahrenheit)degreesgoingtothink,

Is there anything more mouth-watering than perfect bread that’s still warm from the oven? The aroma alone is worth dirtying some dishes. This bread is tangy, a bit like sourdough, and really could not be easier to make. You don’t even need to knead it!

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(2) Mix remaining ingredients in a small bowl. Spoon into bread bowl. Cover bowl with reserved top of bread. Bake on a jelly roll pan for 1 hour. Serve with celery, reserved bread, crackers.

(1) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Carefully cut bread into a bowl leaving 1” around the side. Pull the top off and hollow out bowl, leaving a ﬁrm wall of bread. Set top aside. Cut reserved bread into chunks.

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CAULDRON QUESO

Eating out of a bread bowl is almost as fun as baking it! I just adore Halloween so I’m delighted to present you with a total crowd pleaser, Cauldron Queso. Technically this is not queso. I’m Texan and queso is practically a religion here, so I want to say that upfront. It’s just that “Cheesy Bacon Dip in a Bread Bowl” is a mouthful and I’ve called it Cauldron Queso for close to 20 years now so the name is here to stay! This comes together pretty easily. You basically just stir the ingredients together, hollow out a bread loaf, scoop it in, and bake it for an hour.

You’ll want to grate your own cheese and cook your own bacon for optimal results. For bacon, I always use cherrywood smoked bacon (by HEB, found at my local Central Market) and it makes a huge difference. If you can ﬁnd cherrywood smoked bacon at your store, by all means, get it. You’ll thank me! I hope this becomes a classic in your home like it is in mine.

For111181211INGREDIENTSloafroundbreadcupplainGreekGodsyogurtslicescherrywoodsmokedbacon,cookedandcrumbledozColbyjackcheese,grated(2cups)cupParmesancheese,gratedsmallonion,ﬁnelychoppedclovegarlic,mincedbunchItalianparsley,choppedserving:crackers,celery

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No matter the time of year, there’s nothing more comforting than a big bowl of queso, crispy chips and a frozen margarita. But it seems to hit a little different when accompanied by football season. Tex-Mex is a Fort Worth tradition that dates back decades—wherein Mexican restau rants serve beloved classics, such as street tacos and tamales, alongside exciting new creations fusing flavors together from all over the world. If you’re looking for the area’s finest fajitas, an indulgent enchilada plate, a new spin on the ol’ faithful frozen marg or maybe a place to catch the big game, head to Southlake’s newest Tex-Mex outpost: Mesero.

iconic Queso Mesero, cream queso enchiladas or tender brisket tacos will keep you coming back for more. Be sure not to skip the amazing drink list—it’s my favorite part. It’s hard to pick just one of their unique creations, so why not try three with a flight ($16, or $14 during happy hour). Or choose from The Original—El Santo whirled with sangria; The Brandon with strawberry and mango puree; the Berry Street with house-made blueberry liqueur; or the Frozé blended with rosé and vodka. Multiple trips might be required to get through this beast of a menu. With six additional Mesero locations throughout the Metroplex, including Fort Worth’s Clearfork shopping district, excellent Mexican food is always within reach.

Mesero - Southlake | 1471 East Southlake Boulevard | Southlake, Texas 76092 | (817) 952-9705 | Mesero.net

which was rated as a top burger in Texas by Texas Monthly

From the main dish department, my number one pick is the fried rice. Such a surprising item to find at a Tex-Mex establishment that I could not help but order it on my first visit… and then my second and third. The Fried Rice "La China" is an exciting balance of flavors and textures combining shrimp, crispy pork, blanco and verde arroz (rice blend), mushroom, cilantro, heirloom grape tomato, topped off with a fried egg. (photo p.68). The fluffy rice is light, the grape tomato is refresh ing and the shrimp and crispy pork make it satisfying. My second pick is the fried shrimp tacos. The batter is tempura meets funnel cake, bal anced with roasted poblanos and onions complimented by a chile aioli drizzle. Another great handheld op tion while watching the game.

PHOTOS BY LORRAINE HAAN-STEWART REVIEW BY JENNIFER SLOAN

My best advice for a visit to Mesero is to come hungry and pace yourself. Shortly after you’re seated, you’ll be treated to chips and a trio of fresh salsas. It’s going to be hard, but try to stop at one cup (their chips are served in individual portions for each guest) because there’s so much more in store. From the appetizer selection, their Loaded Jalepeños are an absolute must if you are taking in game day by the bar. Bacon wrapped jalapeños are generously stuffed with chipotle chicken and queso Chihuahua then artfully driz zled with crema Mexicana. If you are looking for something a little lighter, the shrimp loaded ceviche is truly crave worthy. It has tiger shrimp marinated with citrus, jalapeño pepper, heirloom grape tomato, green onion, avocado and fresh cilantro. Eat it with a fork or scoop it with a chip.

mesero

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If you managed to save room, don’t skip the Cinco Leches cake. Take it home even—it keeps in the fridge beautifully (photo p.6). Other dessert offerings include a generous hunk of carrot cake and a chocoflan. Also worth noting for the sweet tooth crowd are churros pancakes offered during Mesero’s weekend brunch.

Mesero is beyond Tex-Mex, but lives up to its promise of Mexican Spirit American Life. One taste of the

Serving modern and classic dishes in a sleek, yet cozy setting, expect to find nachos, a variety of queso dips and quesadillas, as well as an extensive selection of enchiladas and tacos. Favorites among locals include grilled airline chicken atop cheddar chipotle grits, and the Rose Burger,

WhereLocalsGo

POSTMASTER REQUESTED IN-HOME DELIVERY DATE: SEPTEMBER 17-21, 2022 ******************ECRWSSEDDM******************RESIDENTIALCUSTOMER PRST STD US POSTAGEPAID FORT WORTH, TX PERMIT #1665