THECITY Magazine El Paso • February 2014

TAKEout of BITE

EL PASO’S

FOOD SCENE

Aaron Means ON

MESA STREET GRILL

& THE RESTAURANT BIZ

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her HEART WITH A

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FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL February, 2014

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com

BUSINESS MANAGER Josh Sanchez josh@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITOR Kim North kim@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL ASSISTANT/STAFF WRITER COVER: Aaron Means

Meagan Kinley

DISTRIBUTION MANAGER/ EVENT COORDINATOR Chaz Wilson

EDITORIAL DESIGN Ernie Sanchez Creative

WEB PRODUCER Ryan Heape ryan@thecitymagazineelp.com

ADVERTISING EXECUTIVES Dear Shelley, Thank you... for all the hard work that The City Magazine has put together all throughout this year of 2013. So, so much interest and creativity. In my opinion, the best magazine I’ve come across throughout my life. El Paso, Texas can smile for all who read this jewel of genuineness. Please keep the dedication and joy you bring out within each of us.

Thank you once again, Dean (Dino) Martinez Ex-mayoral Candidate of our Beautiful City

Subscription form can be found on page 117.

Jacqueline Ramsey jackie@thecitymagazineelp.com Lisa Carrejo lisa@thecitymagazineelp.com Chaz Wilson chaz@thecitymagazineelp.com

EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS Felipa Solis, Jannet Bustillos, Grace Neuhaus, Michelle Cromer, Patrick Martínez, Cassie Jean Johnson, Meagan Kinley, Josh Sanchez, Michael Graham, Vic Poulos, Amanda North, Ryan Heape, Brittany Sawrey, Luis Miranda, Jr., Soffia Wardy, Joann Wardy, Robin Niland, John Del Rosario, Laura Werthmann, Austin Savage, Marko Morales, Natalie Rosales, Erin Coulehan, Matthew Wilkson.

PHOTOGRAPHY “The City ” El Paso Magazine welcomes your comments. Please send letters to “Letters to the Editors” 661 S. Mesa Hills, Suite 204, El Paso, Texas 79912, or email the editors.

Phone number: (915) 500-5730. Fax: (915) 500-5732.

Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space.

All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editors in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine.

Dav Anmed, Robert Corral, Luis Miranda, Jr., Mario Arizpe, Joe Louis Aguirre, Charlotte McGee

All rights reserved.

CREATIVE SUPPORT

CONTRIBUTING JUNIOR DESIGNER Ryan Heape

Theresa Guerra, Ibrahim Sánchez

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INTERNS Sara Rueda, Natalie Rosales

February, 2014

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I would be im h without r, an answe ause it has c e b g in s esn’t “A bird do .” as a song cause it h e b s g in s it children wing the llo a r fo u o to ch of yo of El Pas Thank ea ls Clubs ir G d n a ys at the Bo inging. s e continu

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February, 2014

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contents 24

By: NATALIE ROSALES

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CITY FEATURES

The City

MESA STREET GRILL

Brings more than fine dining to the table By: ERIN COULEHAN

The City

A History of Excellence Café Central By: BRITTANY SAWREY

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Hungrier THAN Ever

The City

The Promising State of Food in El Paso

Let Your Hunger Roam El Paso’s Foodville

By: RYAN HEAPE

By: AUSTIN SAVAGE

s r u o T d o Fo 44

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The City

Tips For a New Year

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The City

Travel

Foodie Venture

in the

The Walking Fed

By: JOHN DEL ROSARIO

By: AMANDA NORTH

52 Parenting

A Survivor’s Guide to Dining Out with Kids

GO with the FLOW By: ROBIN NILAND

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54 Etiquette

Spirituality

Know How to Complain Properly in a Restaurant

Conscious Eating as a Spiritual Practice

By: JOANN WARDY

By: MICHELLE CROMER

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Wine

Tricky Food AND

Wine Pairings By: VIC POULOS

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Recognizing El Paso’s Up and Coming By: MEAGAN KINLEY

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Hidden Gems

Mystic

Grape By: LUIS MIRANDA, JR.

Entertaining

The City

Movie Bistro Dinner and a Movie All in One

And the Oscar Goes to…

Planning a Winning Oscar Party

By: MEAGAN KINLEY

By: SOFFIA WARDY

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

The City

The Sport of

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KINGS

The City

A new brand of baseball Triple A comes to El Paso By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM

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Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino By: AUSTIN SAVAGE

Health and Fitness

Out With the Old Switch up your workouts for better results.

Profiles

By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ

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103 Investment

By: THE CITY

By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM

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Medical

Feel and look Under 30 By: SOUTHWEST PLASTIC SURGERY

114

Curls Galore!

By: CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON

By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM

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L

Hoop it Up UTEP to host the Conference USA Basketball Tournament in March

Beauty

HAVE YOU STARTED SAVING FOR RETIREMENT?

The

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Sports

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k

Love and Romance

Unconventional Date Ideas By: JANNET BUSTILLOS

128 Astrology

Romance by the Signs By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY

A Year in Review By: JOSH SANCHEZ

WHERE ARE THEY NOW? Laura Harring From El Paso Beauty Queen to Hollywood Actress By: BRITTANY SAWREY

136 The City

The 20th Anniversary of the El Paso Opera By: LAURA WERTHMANN

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130

132LOW

Artist Spotlight Froem th SULLI-BROS. To DUSTY By: MARKO A. MORALES

140 Zoo

Escape Into a New Adventure By: BRITTANY SAWREY

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

The Contributors

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1) Michael C. Graham 2) GRACE The Psychic Lady 3) FELIPA SOLIS 4) Meagan Kinley 5) MICHELLE CROMER 6) DAV ANMED

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7) Victor Poulos 8) JANNET BUSTILLOS 9) Josh Sanchez 10) PATRICK L. MARTINEZ 11) Robert Corral 12) Amanda North

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February, 2014

El Paso

Far Far East East Store Store Eastside Eastside Store Store Westside Westside Store Store North North East East Store Store Ranch Ranch Market Market Clearance Clearance Ctr Ctr Zaragoza 9813 Dyer Zaragoza 9813 Dyer St. St. 855-9500 722-0873 585-1555 751-5555

Las Cruces

855-9500 307-7396

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647-2085

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315 315 S. S. Telshor Telshor Blvd.

Blvd.

532-1144

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February, 2014

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For full contributor bios go to www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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15) Laura werthmann 16) Ryan Heape 17) Luis Miranda, Jr 18) Austin Savage 19) CASSIE JEAN JOHNSON 20) Brittany Sawrey 21) Robin Niland 22) Soffia Wardy 23) Joann Wardy 24) Marko morales 25) John Del Rosario 26) Natalie Rosales 27) Erin Coulehan 28) Matthew Wilkson www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

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February, 2014

NEWS WEATHER SPORTS Just a Click, Swipe, and Tap Away

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

nationally ranked in 12 specialties. the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.

When a diagnosis can affect your life, how far would you travel for the best? As one of the best hospitals in America, according to U.S. News & World Report, Houston Methodist is the choice of patients from around the country for their critical health needs.

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February, 2014

MESA STREET GRILL

Brings More Than Fine Dining to the Table

| By: ERIN COULEHAN photography by: DAV ANMED |

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February, 2014

A great meal can change

Executive Chef Billy Means grew up in the

“Her dream was to see her kids, Aaron and

your life. Think about it:

restaurant business, and says that Mesa

me, take over and take the restaurant to the

a noontime meeting

Street Grill as we know it today was his

next level,” Means remembers.

can turn into a job

mother’s, Annette Means’, vision, and he

opportunity, a conversation over cocktails

and his brother Aaron have devoted their

Though a family business, the restaurant is

can inspire an adventure, a romantic dinner

careers to upholding her legacy after her

run on skill, not nepotism.

could serve as a stepping stone from first

passing in 2009.

Billy entered the industry as a dishwasher

date to a journey down the aisle. But it takes more than fresh table linens and edible food

Annette dedicated her life to serving others.

and worked his way up the ranks from

to make for a lovely dining experience,

She was active in helping women at the

busboy to server to cook. After high school

and that’s the thing: dining should be an

Battered Women’s Shelter, and was a

he attended Le Cordon Bleu College of

experience, not a thoughtless attempt to

teacher for many years. Once the restaurant

Culinary Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona. Upon

satisfy some sort of existential hunger with

was off the ground, the exciting new project

graduating he spent some time back home

a mediocre meal. Mesa Street Grill, located

whet her appetite and she left teaching to

in El Paso as a sous chef at Mesa Street

on you guessed it – Mesa, brings fine

work at Mesa Street Grill full time. Her son,

Grill, and later landed a gig at The Oceanaire,

dining and ambience to the area and has a

Aaron, says that some of his (and likely her)

a five-star seafood restaurant in Dallas. Two

reputation of excellence.

fondest memories include working at the

years later he was back home once again at

restaurant with him and Billy -- together as a

Mesa Street Grill, where he’s been for the

family -- before her passing.

last four years.

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‘‘

February, 2014

It’s a place where you can come in a t–shirt and jeans.

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February, 2014

dress up if you want to, or We’re happy to have you.

’’

The concept for the restaurant was originally

In an area saturated with bars, Mesa Street

“Most of the items on the menu come

intended as an upscale sports bar to facilitate

Grill succeeds in distinguishing itself from the

from family recipes,” says Aaron. “We have

the college crowd near UTEP. Step in

myriad of other options to grab a drink. For

members of our staff sign confidentiality

today, however, and be welcomed by the

the past two years in a row, Mesa Street Grill

agreements about what goes into our items.”

restaurant’s sophisticated layout, friendly staff

has been the recipient of the DiRona Award

and glossy bar.

of Excellence, which is no small feat for any

Both Aaron and Billy value having clients enjoy

establishment. The award is determined

the food inside the restaurant. New Years Eve

Aaron Means joined Annette at the restaurant

based on a stringent 75-point criteria system,

is always an exciting at the restaurant, and

as general manager after graduating from

and has been awarded to fewer than 800

other events have included Tiara Tuesday, a

DePaul University. The mother-son team

restaurants globally. The bar boasts a robust

happy hour for women featuring manicures

worked together to remold the burger and

beer and wine selection in addition to

and martinis to benefit Latinitas.

beer joint into the sophisticated establishment

specialty cocktails like the Pink Hemingway.

Above all else, the restaurant aims to provide

the restaurant has built its reputation upon.

The success of the restaurant has sparked

a fine dining experience for locals and visitors.

It’d be easy to hop on the bandwagon of the

conversation about possible expansion.

“It’s a place where you can dress up if you

latest food trends, but Mesa Street Grill’s

Currently, a sister restaurant is located

want to, or come in a t-shirt and jeans. We’re

menu is steeped in tradition. The menu

inside the El Paso International Airport at

happy to have you,” says Aaron.

boasts classics including steaks, seafood

the Southwest terminal.

As the brothers Means continue to take the

and pasta but also titillates the palette with dishes such as avocado fries, lobster mac

“People can take a little bit of us home to

restaurant to the next level, each step they

and cheese, and this writer’s favorite salad

wherever they’re traveling to,” says Aaron

take is in memoriam to their mother.

ever, the avocado and grapefruit salad that’s

proudly.

“We continue our mom’s legacy because the

served on a bed of greens with walnuts and Discussion has also arisen regarding possibly

restaurant was her love and her passion,”

bottling and selling customer favorites like the

says Billy. “She loved to take care of her

Aaron, Billy and other members of the team

dressing for the avocado and grapefruit salad.

clients, and today we try to continue that.”

meet often to discuss possible menu changes.

The main issue is that the process would entail

As you can imagine, the discussions can grow

divulging the recipe to the tasty dressing,

quite passionate, but both brothers agree that

a well-kept family secret.

blue cheese.

ultimately the right decisions are made.

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Pr

om

isi

ng

Stat e of Fo

i d o

n

P

a

Th

g i er u r T HAN n H er Ev

so

February, 2014

El

| By: RYAN HEAPE photography by: LUIS MIRANDA, JR. |

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hungrier than ever

A

ssessing a city’s food should entail physically going there; tasting the food, and listening to what the people behind the counter have to say. Usually, this happens, and visitors from around the country are finding El Paso to be

a place with rich tradition and young, detail-oriented chefs pushing it forward.

“Who decides what a foodie likes? What even is a foodie?” Chef Rudy Valdes says to me outside Crave Kitchen and Bar on Cincinnati Street, one of the strongholds of El Paso’s humble culinary renaissance. “We might not fit a certain mold, but this city loves food, and you can see over the past few years how palettes are expanding and people are into new things.”

Valdes, along with his partners Octavio Gomez and Nick Salgado, are very much in the business of expanding themselves. In November, they opened Independent Burger inside The Venue at Montecillo, a place where they could elaborate on the

Rudy Valdes - Crave

wildly popular burger they serve at Crave. They plan to open three new concepts this year at TIME, Gomez’s new retail mecca at Montecillo: one is a modern take on the classic cantina; one is a coffee, fried donuts and light breakfast spot; another will riff on the casual steakhouse. Valdes lovingly describes working with Gomez and Salgado as “like living inside of a brainstorm.”

The local chefs I talked to had many things in common—raised by a food-loving family in El Paso, left for training and worked at food destinations such as Portland and New York City, and at some point returned to their hometown to see their vision through. Also, they are all really good at preparing food! But what really stood out was a certain restlessness they all shared.

Adapt or die? When I step out to the patio at Tom’s Folk Café to see owner Ian Atkins and Chef Lawrence Acosta, they’re in the middle of going through their own menu, pitching ideas and crossing things off. Tom’s owns the pleasure of being truly one of a kind in El Paso: a socially conscious, all-organic, all-sustainable restaurant serving intricate preparations of American comfort food. But the pressure to keep the concept

Norbert Portillo - Tabla

fresh is something that weighs on both Atkins and Acosta. “We’ve got to constantly evolve,” Acosta says, presumably in order to keep patrons interested, and, I suspect, to stave off boredom. Atkins periodically thumbing through a stack of paper, and as he shifts in his seat, he says they are currently mulling over a decision to scratch burgers from the menu.

Stasis seemingly becomes the enemy of these small, ambitious establishments; no one understands this better than Chef Norbert Portillo at Tabla, a place now receiving some national buzz as a mainstay in El Paso’s growing downtown.

(Portillo also has plans for new ventures, including a sports pub concept that makes sense with the Chihuahuas’ inaugural season just around the corner.)

Tabla’s tapas-dominated menu is well suited for the ADD age. “When I’m at a restaurant, I like to try a little bit of everything. I’ve always felt the ideal way to eat isn’t to have a big portion of one thing,” Portillo says. Tapas aren’t new, Portillo maintains. It’s the way large families have eaten together for generations, especially in El Paso. Food has always had a way of sparking conversation,

Lawrence Acosta - Tom’s Folk Café www.thecitymagazineelp.com

cementing friendships, and reinvigorating communities.

29

February, 2014 Collaboration is another key to the prolonged success of El Paso’s independently owned restaurants. A network of creatives and chefs is growing out of a mutual respect for one another’s work. “The culinary community has started to work together more,” Portillo says.

“When I first came back here five years ago, the environment was cutthroat, everyone was out for themselves and there was just not an adequate support system. Now I interact with several other restaurant owners and chefs all the time and we bounce ideas off each other.

That’s how Downtown Melt started. Hector [Saenz] and Jose [Cazares] from Hello Day Café, Robert [Espinoza] from Pot Au Feu, and myself, we wanted to join forces and put on what was initially this dish crawl and ended up being something bigger and more encompassing.”

Atkins, whose wife Becky Atkins co-owns Ripe Eatery on the west side, is trying to stock the small-but-dynamic arsenal of craft beers with a new one: Brooklyn Brewing Co.’s Black Ops Imperial Stout. It’s a big bottle with a big average price tag of $30 a pop, so Atkins calls Beto Longoria, one of the masterminds behind the craft beer Eden that is El Paso’s The Hoppy Monk, to ask him if and how they were able to sell it. “We’re not afraid to talk to each other and give out secrets,” Atkins says. Atkins and Chef Acosta are also very quick to shout out others like Jonathan Bowden, pastry chef behind Belle Sucre Bakery, who supplies them with the fresh, thoughtfully-made bread they need to make their dishes sing. The mission goes beyond selling burgers. Chefs and restaurateurs want to build something together that’s going to last, and become increasingly exciting.

El Paso has never been a place where you couldn’t find extraordinary food. You might find more of it in a place like Austin, but the tasty Tacos Al Pastor they might have handed you out of a food truck might just be another dish people like to appropriate from the people who have been making it in El Paso kitchens for decades.

It does seem now that the ground here has never been fertile for these El Pasoans to seize the city’s identity and make it something worth paying attention to. “I don’t want to say we’re changing El Paso,” Valdes says. “That’s not the 30

right word. But maybe evolving, adding to… contributing to—that makes sense.”

February, 2014

B E S T J E W ELE R

S

W

e would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for the amazing honor of being named the Best Jewelry store in El Paso. We would not be where we are today without the incredible support and loyalty we have received from the city of El Paso and our surrounding cities. We would like to especially thank the Downtown Lions Club, Travel Del Sol, Jeff Goldberg at Ballyhoo Studios, KVIA, KTSM, KFOX, KDBC, Jackie Ramsey, Shelley Mozelle, and of course, The City Magazine. Thank you to Verragio, Parade, Dian Malouf, and our generous vendors for giving us such a beautiful selection of jewelry to offer our customers.

Also, a special thank you to our wonderful staff whose hard work and dedication we truly appreciate. Above all, we would like to thank our amazing VIPs and customers that have stood by our side and have made this such a wonderful business to be a part of. Without you, we would not be the Jewel of the Westside.

Thank you for choosing Jewel Gallery, El Paso’s Galleria of Fine Jewelry, to be the Best in the City. Thank you!

- Armando and Linda Medrano

www.thecitymagazineelp.com 7134 N. MESA

COLONY COVE II

WWW.JEWELGALLERYELPASO.COM

EL PASO, TEXAS 79912

915-845-7740

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WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/JEWELGALLERYINC

February, 2014

s ’ o s a P El ville d o o F

Let Your Hunger Roam

GE | TIN SAVA S U A y: B |

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February, 2014

e l pa s o ’ s f o o dv i l l e

the change n a c n ctio he ory rea s n e s n like t o o N s r e p a mind of l. d n a d reat mea g moo a h it es w hat com t ood e g n a to the f ch d ie t e r sa memorie y n a herings t m a o g S y il fam e, from h m u s n o ates wit d we c t s ir f s to holiday ure e h t r e ctic nat ov e l c e e . Th g loves n o l matched e if n l e t f o is emories e m e s e h s of th ie of t t ie r a e v the wid eir y b y l ies of th on it l a n o pers nd the a s oments l m a e e m il h w rth ut if wo o B . s r o t going t crea e r a s eal en icious m l e d d lives th an y il a d r ou of part of e m o c r way e e b t t e b o ly is n . l a e r e by truck n ther a h t s ou he joy t t g in g brin

T

he trendy “bohemian” concept of the food truck has been a staple of El Paso culture long enough now that it has far surpassed the period of passing fad and entered into the borderland zeitgeist, and perhaps no place in El

Paso has captured the momentum of the movement more than the Foodville Food Truck park in the Downtown area.

Located at 218 East Mills directly across from the federal post office, Foodville Park offers a comfortable outdoor patio for customers to enjoy their meals from the numerous vendors who make their way to this very popular destination. Vehicles staffed by local eateries such as The Reef, Food Gallery, Crave Kitchen & Bar, as well as Takorexico open their windows at 11 a.m. to bring their twist to the truck trend.

Foodville has also seen the presence of the Create Gourmet Food Truck, which was first rolled onto the El Paso streets

by Steven Hernandez, who is also the proprietor of eastside eatery SteveO’s. “About eight years ago I saw the market after having returned from New York and Los Angeles,” says Hernandez. “The congestion of those major markets made me realize that El Paso would be ripe for a truck.” After a three month prep time in searching for and fabricating the right vehicle, Hernandez was ready to hit the road. But he admits he needed more than just a gimmick to make the food truck work, “I wanted to provide people with choices beyond just tacos or burritos and that’s how I came to create a gourmet

food truck with options for veggie, turkey, beef burgers…I was nervous at first but the quality of the food is what makes a truck successful. We had foodies following us online and traveling twenty minutes to eat with us. We were successful because we did it right. We were consistent and cared about the customer and that’s what really matters.”

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February, 2014

Caring for the customer was such a trend that Peter Svarzbein, proprietor of Foodville’s neighborhood Purple Pop-UP Gallery, turned the food truck into a roving art project. The Conversos y Tacos Kosher Gourmet Truck spent the fall of 2013 dishing eat three plates and exposing El Pasoans to the hidden history of the borderland’s Crypto-Jew ancestry. Along with providing meals, the truck would display a digital short covering the topic while viewers enjoyed the kosher creations. The food truck had now not only become a part of the El Paso culinary culture, but an intriguing revelator of hidden history.

The thing about great memories is that we very rarely realize we are in the midst of them until they have in fact long passed. The golden moments, vibrant faces, and memorable meals have a way of sneaking up on us. Perhaps these moments are coming to us through windows on the side of a truck, or perhaps, at worst, you’re just getting a really delicious meal. One certainty, however, is the passion that spawned that passing moment of culinary delight. This is a passion that Steven Hernandez was more than willing to open about, “You have to really want to do it. You have to be passionate about it. You can’t just be trying to capitalize on a craze. At the end of the day it’s still about the food and what you want to bring to people.”

The El Paso food truck fleet is not just willing to bring you their talent and passion. They’re willing to bring it to a neighborhood near you.

34

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February, 2014

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February, 2014

38

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February, 2014

| By: BRITTANY SAWREY photography by: ROBERT CORRAL |

A History of Excellence

Café Central Anyone who’s anyone in El Paso has heard of Café Central. Its glamour and smooth class have made it one of the most beloved gems of our city. However, beyond its quiet clink of glasses and romantically lit tables lays a deep and rich history that roots it firmly in place as a piece of culture both in El Paso and Juarez.

T

he restaurant’s origin lays in the heart

nightlife and drew its own following. At that point,

of Juarez in 1918. What was then called

the restaurant moved across the border to occupy

Central Café opened as an old-fashioned

the same place it now stands – a former bank –

gentlemen’s club: a place for men to eat, gamble,

and changed its name to Miguel’s Central Café,

and smoke cigars. In reality, it was kind of like

having been bought by Mike Doble. Here it became

a speakeasy. When gambling was prohibited in

a distinct piece in El Paso’s culture and restaurant

Juarez, the Café moved to a different location and

scene.

began to specialize in fine dining. This meeting place

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quickly blossomed into a restaurant known for its

In 1990, Miguel’s Central Café closed, only to be

culinary prowess and colorful clientele. Thriving until

reopened as Café Central in 1991 by V. Trae Apodaca

the early ‘70s, Central Café made its mark on Juarez

III and Michael Lynch. Opened as El Paso’s premier 39

CAFĂŠ central

40

February, 2014

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February, 2014

CAFé central

fine dining restaurant, the establishment quickly lived up to its description.

“I wanted El Paso to have a big city feel restaurant – something swanky,” Apodaca explains. He had noticed that many El Pasoans were vacationing to other cities to have fine dining experiences, and decided that El Paso deserved a restaurant that could compete with those in New York, San Francisco or Las Vegas. Famous clientele were not unusual to spot in those days either; Apodaca vividly remembers names such as Shakira, the Rolling Stones, Bill Cosby, Oscar De La Hoya, Jeremy Irons, and Julia Child. Apparently when Julia Child came to visit, she came on an extremely busy night and, not being immediately recognized, was turned away! Thankfully Apodaca heard about the incident and quickly remedied it, treating her to the same fine dining experience any guest expected.

In 2008, the café passed to the ownership of Alejandro and Eduardo Orozco, restaurateurs who had often frequented the glamorous black and cream dining room. With their ownership came a remodel, The restaurant has taken a complete change in the last five years, including an all new interior and a new patio. The Orozco brothers wanted to keep the heart of Café Central safe, however, and so there is one item that has not changed: the center of the bar is the original fireplace mantle from the restaurant in Juarez in 1918.

Both Apodaca and the Orozco brothers found it an immensely important heirloom, connecting the current Café Central to the original Central Café, nearly 100 years ago. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

41

CAFĂŠ central

42

February, 2014

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February, 2014 When asked what makes Café Central so unique, its simple. They know what people want, when they want it, and how they want it. They have a superb service staff, most of which have tenure of over eight years with the company. There is even a busser that has been with them for over 22 years, when it was known as Miguel’s Central Café. The staff is not only loyal, but also practiced; they have perfected facilitating the fine dining experience, and you can take them at their word for menu and drink suggestions.

Phillip Boccutto is the restaurant’s quirky sommelier, whose famous line states that if you don’t like the wine he chooses for you, you can send it back. With over 1100 bottles and ten Wine Spectator’s ‘Best of Award of Excellence’, Boccutto has more than enough to choose from to fit each individual guest.

Their chef, Armando Pomales, is also a staple at Café Central. He began as a sous chef with the company 14 years ago and has risen to the position of executive chef, having been nominated for the James Beard Foundation for ‘Best Chef of the Southwest’ four times.

With forty percent of their business still coming from Juarez, it is clear that Café Central’s history continues to permeate its walls. Whether a guest is from out of town, El Paso or Juarez, the restaurant hopes to continue to amaze with their culinary genius and sultry atmosphere. Every single guest comes in and has a different experience.

The restaurant has changed in décor, it’s changed in staff, but it’s never changed in its style of service. Considering their continued popularity and their consistent winning of awards – including The City’s Most Romantic Restaurant – the restaurant manages to continue to evolve without loosing sight of its rich history. Café Central loves its history just as much as the history loves them.

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43

February, 2014

s r u o T d o Fo d e F g n i e Walk

Th

| By: JOHN DEL ROSARIO pictures courtesy of: CHRIS DIAZ (tapesandmixedplates.com) and CAROLINE HAYES (goodbaduglyeats.com) | 44

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February, 2014

FOOD TOURS There are two definitions of the word “pedestrian.”

One

relates

to

being

commonplace or unimaginative; the other relates to walking.

El Paso’s growing culinary culture has recently taken on a sense of mobility that has everything to do with the latter definition and nothing to do with the former.

Walking food tours are a common feature of several major cities around the country and El Paso has joined the ranks of those big cities now with a depth of culinary talent to showcase.

Last year, alone, two major food tours happened in the downtown area with a third variation on the practice that offered greater ease to restaurant and bar goers.

The El Paso Dishcrawl on June 12, 2013 was the first to offer locals and visitors a walking tour of El Paso’s roster of restaurants downtown. Dishcrawl is an organization of like-minded foodies who helped legitimize the trend of walking food tours throughout the US and Canada. Centered in California, the group has relied on “ambassadors” in participating cities to arrange these tours to showcase each city’s culinary variety and talent.

El Paso’s ambassador at the time was Christopher

Diaz,

a

born-and-raised

El

Pasoan who really delved into culinary culture in his time studying in Hawaii.

“I love the mission behind Dishcrawl, to connect people and build a community with food,” Diaz said. “It’s a marketing tool, but a marketing tool that really brought a lot of people together.”

Around 30 people participated in the event that offered one meal each at the Garden, the Reef Mobile Kitchen and Pot Au Feu.

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45

FOOD TOURS After

parting

ties

with

the

Dishcrawl

organization, Diaz ventured out into his own homegrown version of promoting the local culinary scene. Through his blog Tapes & Mixedplates (tapesmixedplates.com), he set out once more to take locals and visitors on another tour while still avidly blogging about local eateries.

On September 25, 2013, the Experience Downtown Food Tour led patrons from the Green Ingredient in the Chase Building to Pot Au Feu a few blocks east and then to their final stop Hello Day Cafe/Bowie Feathers where they not only indulged in dessert, but cocktails and Bowie Feathers’ weekly trivia night.

A little over two weeks after the Dishcrawl, a group of downtown business owners got together to coordinate something akin to the walking food tours, but this time with a greater emphasis on showcasing downtown as a destination.

The owners of Tabla, Hello Day Cafe and Pot Au Feu partnered with a number of downtown businesses to offer once-a-month food and drink specials the last Saturday of every month for the Melt.

“It was just a schedule of events,” said Norbert Portillo, owner of Tabla and one of the Melt’s organizers. “You could go at your own will.”

That’s the major difference between the two tours headed by Diaz and the Melt: structure. Whereas Diaz’s events offered a guided tour of no more than four restaurants/bars per tour with a meal and a brief explanation of the food and what the establishment was all about, the Melt offered a monthly set of events for people to freely browse the area’s bars, restaurants and, additionally, art galleries downtown.

Participants over these last few months included Bowie Feathers, La Casa del Puro, Gardner Hotel, Hello Day Cafe, The Network, La Oveja, The Percolator, Pike Street Cafe, Pot Au Feu, SoHo, Cafe Italia, Tabla, Tea + Garden and Tricky Falls.

One common thread that links all these events is location: downtown. That was one of the major problems that Diaz encountered in setting up his food tours while wanting to highlight more of the talent throughout the city.

“What Dishcrawl wanted me to do is gather a list of 20 restaurants in one area,” he said. “Downtown had it but other areas don’t. They wanted a five 46

minute gap of walking between restaurants.”

February, 2014

February, 2014

FOOD TOURS One thing that Diaz has planned for 2014 is to broaden the food tour idea to a more spread out area. “The next one is going to be more city-wide,” he said. He plans to employ the help of a party bus to chauffeur participants. “I want to get around 50 people to participate in that one.”

The upside of the more citywide tour on bus is that it finally incorporates great establishments into a tour that would otherwise be left untouched by such events due to proximity of other such places. The downside is the ridding of the novelty and, really, the great advantages of walking.

“In walking, you really get to break down these walls that are put up in meeting new people,” Diaz said. “A food tour really helps in meeting new people when you’re walking and getting to know them as opposed to that awkward bar feel of trying to introduce yourself to someone.”

“I think the main advantage of walking is you get to explore what else is down here,” Portillo said. “You might walk by a shop and not realize that it was ever there before and walk in. Also, in a space that’s urban like downtown, parking is another issue. I think people have this misconception that driving is ultimately quicker, but then you’ll have to find parking, you run the risk of getting a ticket, you have to pay the meter. By walking, you’re really saving time and money.”

Ultimately, both Diaz doesn’t see the Melt as a competing entity, even saying that he schedules his events as to not coincide with the Melt. “I don’t see them as competition,” he said. “I think we’re all working towards the same mission which is showing the quality of our culinary culture.”

47 www.elafantequila.com

February, 2014

FOODIE VENTURE

in the | By: AMANDA NORTH |

48

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T r av e l

February, 2014

M

y decision to move back to

foodie scene, the live music, and all the outdoor

El Paso in my mid-twenties,

activities. However, I was devastated to leave

after not having lived in the

my border town, it is part of my identity. In

city since I was twelve, was

Gloria Anzaldúa’s famous ‘How to Tame a

one of strange chance. My

Wild Tongue’ she says of border, mestiza,

love for stage acting took me from Los

identity: “There are more subtle ways that

Angeles to New York and then to Dallas.

we internalize identification, especially in the

I ran away from academia the moment I

forms of images and emotions. For me food

turned eighteen, swearing off college, as

and certain smells are tied to my identity, my

I thought the routine was pointless and

homeland … homemade white cheese sizzling

empty: graduate high school then go to

in the pan, melting inside a folded tortilla.

a college where you will befriend similar

My sister Hilda’s hot, spicy menudo Chile

people as in said high-school, join Greek-

Colorado making it deep red, pieces of panza

life, drink too much, act like an idiot, and

and hominy floating on top … barbequing

slide by in classes in order to major in a

fajitas in the backyard … My mouth salivates

generic degree and retain nothing after

at the thought of the hot steaming tamales I

routine of memorization, the end. That was

would be eating if I were home.”

in the

my nightmare. And the dorms horrified me.

I rarely speak to people in the morning,

As I have said in other articles, food is place to

especially before coffee, and a dorm meant

me. This is truth when I travel, and in forming

forced social interaction far too early. This

identification. I still miss Gorditas from JJ’s,

led me to Hollywood, my first of many

red chili enchiladas from Chopes, Tiger Cry

independent ventures.

from Tara Thai, wood-fire pizza from Ardovino’s Desert Crossing, and the sweet, smoky smell

Even after all my travel, El Paso was home

of green chili roasting outside of Big 8. El Paso

to me. Much of my family still lived in El

is making its mark on the food scene of Texas,

Paso, and my cultural identification was to

no city in Texas can come close to our tamales,

the border: as Gloria Anzaldúa said, “Wild

enchiladas, and chile rellenos. But, if you come

tongues can’t be tamed, they can only be cut

to Austin, prepare to spend a large part of your

out.” My tongue was a border tongue, one of

time on a food tour. The city is ripe with young

multiplicity. My writing flourished, I was back

creative foodies, pushing limits of cuisine.

in the body of the Chihuahuan Desert. Moving

Food is taken seriously in Austin, organic and

back to El Paso as an adult, I gained a deep

farm fresh really mean organic and farm fresh.

Eastside King - acclaimed chef Paul Qui seems to do no wrong. The famous trailers, as of now there are four locations in Austin, claim ‘so good, make your eye roll back.’ At any of Qui’s restaurants it is not time to be shy or conservative with your pallet; try the beet fries and the tongue bun, yes, I said tongue. $

admiration for the food of our border town.

Many of my friends that grew up in El Paso

It has been a wonderful distraction from

complained when they were younger; they

homesickness to explore all the unique, and

lived their life on the ‘I cannot wait to move’

sometimes strange, foodie haunts of Austin.

mentality. I believe most teenagers have this

Some of these haunts are rather hidden, but

attitude about their hometown, only because

like most things in Austin, they aren’t hidden

they are yet to attain perspective and a sense

for long. Dozens of people move to Austin

of adventure that leads them to search for life

everyday, added to the media coverage of

outside of routine. El Paso taught me to search

the city because of so many national events,

for adventure, and the food hunting was part

all things become popular at some point.

of that adventure.

Restaurant hopping is a must in the Texas Capital; a night can consist of fine dining or

When I made the decision to move to Austin,

BYOB outside of a food trailer. Whatever the

for my masters in Creative Writing-Poetry at

location the artistry and passion of all the chefs

Texas State University, I was excited about the

in Austin is worth the extra pounds.

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Justine’s Brasserie – when I am desperately missing Europe I seek out an evening in this dark, secluded restaurant. The ambiance is divine and the food is pure luxury. Start with a glass of Veuve Clicquot to wash down an order of Escargot, don’t leave any herb butter behind! A fabulous option for Valentine’s Day. $$$

49

T r av e l

February, 2014

the food is art, and the experience will be one you remember. Put your menu away and let your skilled waiter guide the journey. $$$$

Homeslice Pizza – SoCo is an Austin staple you cannot miss out on. The musicians, the

Barley Swine – Small plates with an artistic

fun shops, and the food – quintessential 512.

touch. Much like Uchi let the waiter guide

Stop by for a slice of Sicilian pie on Mondays,

you. Don’t forget to send some love to

until they sell out. $

the talented chefs, send them a beer for a Hopdoddy’s Burger Bar – This is another

dollar. $$$$

SoCo gem. Fresh, organic produce makes all the difference. A Cervezarita and a Buffalo Bill bison burger will leave you incredibly full and happily tipsy. $

Hillside Pharmacy – The 1950 Hillside

Gourdough’s Specialty Doughnuts - You

Drugstore was restored and now houses this

may hate yourself after this indulgence, but

charming eatery. Monday is half off oysters,

in the best way possible. $

the Drambuie Old Fashioned is a must, and the mac n’ cheese in sinful. $$$

Franklin Barbeque - It is a legend, and a highly sought after legend. Barbeque is taken seriously in Texas, so you will have to seriously wait. $

Cant’ stand the line? Lambert’s BBQ is a fabulous runner up. $$$

Uchi – This is the kind of restaurant that I tend to be cynical about; one with tons of

Quality Seafood - Explore the market or order

praise. After my first night dining here, I

some baked oysters, an Austin staple. $$

become a loyal follower. It is otherworldly, 50

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February, 2014

T r av e l

Eden East – This restaurant is like something from a fairytale. Reservations needed to reserve your spot at a table that sits on the lovely Springdale Farm grounds. The menu is prix fixe, and BYOB. Call ahead and ask what wine to bring that would best pair with the evening’s menu. $$$

South Congress Café – yet another SoCo gem. This is a wonderful weekend brunch spot, and their Bloody Mary is one of my favorites. $$

ABGB – Another delicious pizza spot, and an Austin brewery. If this local spot could not get any better, it has a Beer Garden and stage for

in the

live music throughout the week. $

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February, 2014

A Survivor’s Guide to Dining Out with Kids | By: ROBIN NILAND |

52

O G

with the

PA R e N T I N G

February, 2014

N

ot so long ago we were invited

and one empty table. Only one, but it was

by

attend

a long one, possibly long enough to fit six

the Esperanza Azteca Juarez

children and six adults. “Of course,” the

Youth

lovely young server said. Score!

performance

good

at

friends

Symphony the

to

Orchestra’s

Abraham

Chavez

Theater. The young musicians were so

As we settled, not so quietly, into our table,

engaging and enjoyable to watch that we

the other guests around us took notice, but

hardly realized it was way past dinnertime

didn’t seem bothered by us. As we came

when it was over. Heading out for a bite to

to realize later, that was because the food

eat sounded like the perfect way to cap off

was so delicious one couldn’t help but feel

a great evening, but our particular situation

happy and content as they ate. As we looked

presented us with a few obstacles: it was 8

at the menu, our server suggested we order

o’clock on a Saturday night and downtown

something for the kids immediately while

El Paso was abuzz with activity; six adults

the adults take more time to decide. Good

+ six children = a party of twelve; hunger

call. Pizza and roasted veggies on order, the

in children manifests itself in multiple ways,

adults are just starting to relax when we

none of which are generally considered

realize that between three moms with carry-

pleasant. The adults tossed around ideas as

on sized purses, we have only two pens and

we prepared to load children into car seats

a few scraps of paper to keep half a dozen

with our sense of urgency increasing with

kids entertained. A nearby patron offered

each passing second. Throw into that mix

a pad of paper and the wait staff collected

our need for kid-friendly fare served quickly

several pens for us to borrow, and for the

and we began to fear that our fun dinner out

moment, we are saved.

would turn into food eaten out of bags on Delicious

the drive home.

brick-oven

pizza

and

roasted

veggies arrived faster than the adults could As a party of twelve without reservations

say, “let’s use our indoor voices.” Had we

on a busy weekend, we were about to

W O L F give up after being told our

planned and prepared for the

evening, it probably would have gone a little

wait would be at least

more smoothly (and the kids might have

45 minutes at two popular new

been in bed before ten o’clock), but families

restaurants. When someone suggested

are rarely able to be spontaneous, so our lack

Cafe Italia on El Paso’s Westside, we all

of a plan only added to the fun. We all ate,

agreed this would be our final attempt since

laughed, and accomplished a pretty amazing

it was in our general direction home. With

feat in the parenting world: thoroughly

defeat looming, we walked through the

enjoying a weekend dinner out with our kids.

doors to a warm and inviting atmosphere www.thecitymagazineelp.com

53

etiquette

February, 2014

Know How to Complain Properly

in a Restaurant

| By: JOANN WARDY |

There are ways to properly complain in a restaurant. Some tips: • When being seated in a restaurant, if the table is unsatisfactory, say so immediately so that you may be seated at another table, if one is available.

• If your food is improperly prepared or not to your liking, ask to have it replaced.

• If you are unhappy with the service, for whatever reason, express your feelings to the captain or maitre d’. Call this to their attention politely and specifically.

• Never make a scene. Being loud or abusive only makes you look bad.

• Remember to address these issues as they occur so they can be rectified.

• And please, don’t forget to tip.

Ton of Linens we’ ve got you covered

5800 Doniphan Street | El PA so, T x | 915 727 4587 54 tonoflinens@live.com

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November, 2013

F I N D T H E M AT T H E S E O N L I N E R E TA I L E R S :

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55

February, 2014

Conscious Eating as a

Spiritual Practice | By: MICHELLE CROMER |

56

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February, 2014

spiritualit y

M

ost people say they don’t have time to meditate; yet we all find time to have three squares a day.

Eating can be associated with the expansion of our soul and with a few mindful moments, eating can be an opportunity to cultivate a spiritual practice.

Here are a couple of ways to invite your soul into your next meal: Give thanks When Ricky Bobby (actor Will Farrell) says grace at dinner with his family in the movie “Talladega Nights,” he prays, “Dear baby Jesus, use your baby super-powers...” His wife interrupts to remind him that Jesus grew up to be a man with a beard. But Ricky Bobby likes the Christmas Jesus better,

together is about the size of your stomach. If

open the heart to the needs of others.

and continues to pray to “the eight-pound,

you are eating just enough as provided to you

It is a common practice in Zen to make food

six-ounce baby Jesus who listens to baby

by the confines of the cup, you will be less apt

offerings to the hungry ghosts. During formal

Einstein tapes...” Whatever “saying grace”

to overeat compared to eating from a plate

meals or during sesshin (an intense meditation

means to you - praying lays the energetic

of food on which you can pile lots of food.

retreat) an offering bowl will be passed or

and spiritual groundwork for the meal. Our

You hold the cup in your hands in a prayer-like

brought to each person about to partake of the

thoughts and spoken word create a vibration

manner to set your intention. Additionally, I

meal. Everyone takes a small piece of food

that influences physical matter. My Native

like connecting a cup to the dimensions of

from his bowl, touches it to the forehead, and

American grandmother used to pray for the

the stomach because it is a subtle reminder

places it in the offering bowl. The bowl is then

spirit of the animals that gave their lives so

that your stomach is the “altar of your being.”

ceremonially placed on the altar.

we could eat. She thanked the farmers who

It is where your mealtime offerings are made

grew the vegetables and always thanked

to your entire self. If we considered eating as

Hungry ghosts represent all of our greed

who ever physically prepared the meal. As a

the process of making an offering on the altar

and thirst and clinging, which bind us to

child I thought her prayers were too long and

of our stomach for its transformation and

our

thanking the animal was ridiculous, but as I

integration into our being, that might create

giving away something that we crave, we

look back on her meaningful words I realize

a different awareness of our intake.

unbind ourselves from our own clinging and

now that it was her way of incorporating her

sorrows

and

disappointments.

By

neediness to think of others.

spiritual practice into every eating experience.

Make a Spirit offering

Each meal was a spiritual journey as she took

Although I grew up Christian, I became

A spiritual object in your kitchen is another

the act of eating to a deeper level and filled

acquainted with various spiritual and religious

way to create an offering where you prepare

every bite of food with the energy of grace.

traditions through university classes and by

food. I have some figurines in my kitchen

Through prayer we invite God into our meal

studying with spiritual mentors of different

to remind me of the divine, including a

making it a blessed and sacred experience.

faiths. When I traveled to Tibet I noticed in the

cross, a Buddha, and crystals that sit on the

Buddhist temples that food offerings to the

windowsill above the sink, to put me in a

The cup concept

gods are a common practice. Food may be

more spiritual mindset when I am close to

Anyone that knows my husband Barry

simply and silently left on an altar, with a small

food.

knows about his cup concept. Essentially

bow, or the offering might be accompanied

Barry suggests choosing a cup to eat out of,

by elaborate chants and full prostrations.

If you don’t have time to meditate, use the

so that each time you eat, your meal takes

However it is done, offering food on an altar is

daily ritual of eating to enjoy and enrich

on an element of sacredness. A cup that is

an act of connecting with the spiritual world.

your life by creating enlightened eating

the same size as both of your hands cupped

It is also a means to release selfishness and

experiences and meals full of meaning.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

57

February, 2014

Tricky Food AND

Wine Pairings | By: VIC POULOS |

58

wine

February, 2014

I

t’s probably the most frequent question

that will pair with that flavor is difficult. If

Don’t match strong wines to delicate

we’re asked at Zin Valle Vineyards –

you can’t use lemon juice in place of your

food. Your Cabernet Sauvignon will greatly

What wines pair best with what foods?

vinaigrette, which is the best option, try high

overpower scallops, for example.

Most people know that you should generally

acid wines, such as the Sauvignon Blanc

pair red wine with meat, and white wine

mentioned above or an Albarino.

With fish it really depends on how the fish is prepared. Generally a Chardonnay goes well

with fish, but even this ‘rule’ has several exceptions. And then there are the really

Egg dishes are also cited as difficult to pair with

with fish. However, if the fish is blackened

difficult questions: What about spicy Mexican

wine. The egg flavor can cut down the acidity of

or has a red sauce it is preferable to pair the

food? Tangy salad vinaigrette? Is there really

your wine, making it taste flat and weak. If you

fish with a light red wine such as a Pinot Noir.

nothing you can pair with asparagus?

can, be sure to add bacon, mushrooms or ham to your egg dish to give it that additional depth

Champagne and Sparkling wine are the

Let’s look at that last one first. It’s long been

that does pair better with wine. Otherwise,

preferred wines with shellfish, oysters and

held that this is one of the most difficult foods

you’ll again want to go with a high-acid wine,

the like. I even like a nice champagne with

to pair with wine – it’s been said that there’s

such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer.

fruit based desserts.

asparagus. Try a nice Austrian Gruner Veltliner

Here are some other quick tips and

Make 2014 your year to experiment with food

of a New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc. These

generalizations for pairing wine with food

and wine pairings. Utilize the basic pairing

high-acid, grassy flavored wines can balance

that you should keep handy:

rules mentioned here, but try different wine

absolutely no wine that will pair well with

producers and countries.

nicely with the unique flavor of asparagus.

As mentioned above, high acidity is good for Just like asparagus, Brussels sprouts have

wine/food pairings.

sulfur compounds that can make most wines taste like metal when paired. You can

Tannic wines pair well with fatty foods. That’s

handle Brussels sprouts in a similar manner

why Cabernet Sauvignon and Super Tuscans

to asparagus. Look for white wines with a

from Italy are so often paired with steaks.

Enjoy!

Vic Poulos Owner, Zin Valle Vineyards.

high acid content and low residual sugar, or sweetness – something like a Chenin Blanc or an off-dry Riesling should do the trick.

When it comes to Mexican food or really just spicy food in general, the main key is to find a wine that will not be completely overpowered by the food’s heat. Generally, a sweeter wine will pair nicely with hot and spicy foods – try a sweet German Riesling or a Gewurztraminer from Alsace – many of them will work nicely. If you really want to stick with a red wine with your spicy food, you have to make sure you go with a wine that isn’t tannic. Try a Red Zinfandel or a French Beaujolais.

Tangy salad vinaigrette is also a notoriously difficult food to pair with wine. Wine in its over-ripened form actually becomes

vinegar,

so

finding a good wine

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

59

February, 2014

Hidden

G

ms

| Written and Photographed by: LUIS MIRANDA, JR. |

60

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

Mystic

Grape

Wine Bar and Suds

l Paso’s wine coinsures are rushing

E

from all around the world during their travels.

engineers designed the bar/restaurant to

to an east side wine saloon that

Not as experienced in the beginning as some

suit all personalities and includes one-of-kind

is offering more to its customers

wine drinkers, they kept growing a pallet for

“quiet booths” that are enclosed to allow

than just your typical glass of

wine and learning the differences between

for a more intimate date. With an extensive

wine. Mystic Grape Wine Bar and Suds

each one. Mrs. Cabral quickly noticed that

collection of wines available for tasting

has revolutionized the everyday way of

sampling wine was more of an experience

and over 100 available for purchasing, Mr.

sampling wine, a first in the Sun City. Nicole

than a buzz, and that is what the two wanted

and Mrs. Cabral ensure quality and award-

and Santiago Cabral, both engineers, along

to incorporate into Mystic Grape. Sharing

winning wines. Always aiming to create a

with their two sons have created a wine

their knowledge on the vast variety of wines

new experience for its customers, the bar

bar that is aimed at informing and educating

the restaurant has to offer, the Cabral’s have

constantly rotates its wines to allow them

its customers about its wine selection and

found an innovative niche within the wine

the opportunity to try something new and out

serving them from a one-of-a-kind wine

bar community. Mystic Grape is the first in

of the ordinary.

dispensary system. The restaurant/bar is

El Paso to invite skilled and non-skilled wine

sure to impress even the skilled wine taster.

drinkers to enter their arched Tuscan doors

The bar is located off Joe Battle in the EP

Mr. and Mrs. Cabral got the idea after being

and experience their 40 different wines ready

Providence Plaza and is open Tuesday

told that their at-home wine tasting parties

to be sampled. In most wine bars your typical

through Saturday in the evenings starting at

where far from ordinary, and that they should

wine tasting is called a “flight.” Because of

four. Equipped with a full dinner, wine, and

try and open a place where they could do the

spoilage, it is hard for bars to have more

craft beer menu, this unique wine tavern can

same for the public. Mystic Grape opened its

than five different wines available for

accommodate any appetite. Mystic Grape

doors October 4th, 2012 and continues to

tasting. Mystic Grape’s state-of-the-art wine

exudes creativity and innovation throughout

amaze locals and visitors alike.

dispensary system enables the bar to allow

its whole design. Exceeding all expectations,

more than 40 different wines to be stored

this is why Mr. and Mrs. Cabral’s vision is this

and sampled when needed. The two being

month’s hidden gem.

Mr. and Mrs. Cabral started sampling wine www.thecitymagazineelp.com

61

February, 2014

Dinner &

A Movie | By: MEAGAN KINLEY |

62

l l A

in www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

dinner & a movie

T

his February thinking of creative dates just got one step easier because El Paso’s very own Movie Bistro is now open and serving up delicious meals while you and your date enjoy the

latest flick. With a full menu including appetizers, drinks, sandwiches, burgers, desserts, and more this full-service movie deal is sure to add a fun flair to your weekly date night fun.

Moving away from the sugary candy, stale chips and generic nacho cheese that previously dominated the movie counter, this theatre food is high quality and delicious. With everything from salads, Buffalo wings, burgers, pizzas and more there is nothing ordinary about these hearty meals. They even offer delectable substitutions like healthy side salads and scrumptious sweet potato fries; there is truly something for everyone. With a kid-friendly menu, Movie Bistro could be the perfect activity for your family’s Sunday Funday. Imagine bringing your kids and their friends to the latest blockbuster, while simultaneously saving yourself the time and stress of cooking and cleaning at home.

Another great aspect of the Movie Bistro is you do not have to sacrifice the quality of the movie to enjoy the food. With many of the theatres complete with Cinemark XD technology and numerous movies available in 3D, the addition of scrumptious food to the mix simply makes the movie even better.

Even if you decide to dine elsewhere before your show, choosing the Movie Bistro for a post-dinner movie is great because not only can you indulge in dessert but diners 21+ can enjoy everything from wine, frozen drinks, to draft and bottled beer. And while you nestle back in your cushy leather seat, let’s face it enjoying a few sips of your favorite drink does make movie-going feel a little bit more fancy.

e n O

The F-Type is designed to provide pure driving pleasure, exotic car performance and the ultimate driver-focused experience.

795

$

per Month

2014 Jaguar F-Type Convertible Lease Offer

Jaguar El Paso 1444 Airway Blvd., El Paso, TX 79925

888-225-6093

www.jaguarelpaso.com *2014 Jaguar F-TYPE Convertible, 36 month lease, $4,995 due at signing includes $3,405 down, $0 security deposit, $795 acquisition fee and first month's payment, excludes retailer fees, taxes, title and registration fees. Actual rates and payments of closed-end lease may vary. Lessee responsible for insurance, maintenance, excess wear and excess mileage over 30,000 miles at $0.30/mile. Based on MSRP of $69,895 (includes destination and delivery) with a residual value of $41,937 as of 1/3/2014. For well qualified lessees as determined by approved lender. All amounts shown are estimates, retailer sets actual amounts. Residency restrictions apply. Lessee 63 has option to purchase vehicle at lease end at price negotiated with retailer and approved lender at signing. Termination fee may apply. See Jaguar of El Paso or call (915) 778-1444

February, 2014

And The

Goes To… | By: SOFFIA WARDY |

64

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

e n t e r ta i n i n g

February, 2014

What makes a great Oscar party? We think it’s all in the creativity; present a fabulous dinner, some unexpected surprises and be creative. With this year’s 86th Academy Awards quickly approaching we thought we would share our last Oscar party to give you some inspiration.

We hosted the party at our home on Kauai, “Lotus Ridge”. Due to the warm climate we decided to keep the party casual. Even though our ten guests arrived in shorts and flip-flops we made sure they were greeted in red carpet style.

Every great party starts with a signature cocktail, so we decided to serve Meyer Lemon Mojito’s using Meyer lemons from our tree.

During cocktails we served a very light appetizer, of Tuna Tartare Poke. We served the Tuna in mini-martini glasses and created a tower using glass tiered serving plates. We placed two glasses near the tower, one with mini-forks and one with chopsticks. The platters were decorated with miniature metal fish and kaffir lime leaves. These were a great hit and a wonderful way to start the evening.

To

get

everyone

in

the

mood, we decorated the table with miniature movie posters, printed on 3”x 5” photo paper. We taped two different mini-posters back-to-back onto wood sticks, so that different movies could be seen from either side of the table.

We placed several sticks into small flower vases to create arrangements and alternated the mini-movie displays with flower arrangements down the center of the table.

We enclosed place cards in red envelopes at each place, so that guests had to open them to see if they were the winner of that seat.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

65

e n t e r ta i n i n g

February, 2014

We wanted a delicious, easy dinner that would allow our guests and us to enjoy the evening without having to spend time in the kitchen during “Red Carpet” arrivals. We thought it would be fun to have an interactive dinner so we decided on Slow Roasted Pork Wraps with Thai Rice, Lemongrass, Basil & Mint. The meal requires a fair amount of advance prep, but very little at dinnertime. We created a bar filled with fresh and delicious veggies and condiments and allowed everyone to assemble their own wraps. Dinner was a big hit and most people went back for seconds and thirds. The wraps and rice are absolutely delicious, healthy and full of flavor but not heavy.

After dinner we went to the media room, where we had a special table containing additional cocktails, bottles of flat and sparkling water, a popcorn machine, movie candy and of course ballots and swag. We used glass cylinders in different heights to create a Willy Wonka array of candies in mini sizes.

Each guest received an Oscar

Swag

containing recipe

cards

Basket, laminated of

the

evening’s menu, custom made stationary, a brightly colored rubber watch from Amen Wardy Aspen of course, homemade flavored lemon-parsley salt, homemade caramels, Lotus Ridge pens and caps and CD’s containing our favorite party tunes.

Ready. Set. Party! Liven up your Oscar Night® with a friendly competition, we had each guest fill out an Oscar ballot before the ceremony began.

Then we tuned in to watch the speeches, the gowns and the gaffs. Don’t forget to have fun game prizes on hand, maybe a cookbook or a bottle of delicious liquor.

66

Recipe Available at www.soffiawardy.com

February, 2014

Mesa Street Grill

The Italian Kitchen West

2525 N. Mesa Street | 915.532.1881 www.mesastreetgrill.com

450 Thorn Ave. | 915.842.0775 theitaliankitchenelp.com

Mesa Street Grill is the city’s fine dining leader.

Guests enjoy the luxurious main dining room, warm ambiance of the Private Dining Room, the pub-style bar and climate-controlled, open air patio. The restaurant’s food, wine and service are award winning. All beef is 100% USDA Prime. Whether it is a business lunch, special celebration, gathering of friends or date night, Mesa Street Grill will make sure your experience is simply sensational.

The Italian Kitchen West uses the finest homemade, gourmet ingredients to make your dining experience a real pleasure. Chicken Marsala, a local favorite for many years, is one of the finest Italian chicken dishes on our menu! It’s a real southwest food flavor fusion of Mexican-style green chile chicken wrapped in our world-famous pasta and topped with gourmet cheese. Of course never forget our signature dish, Meat Lasagna, a true blue ribbon dish of the Italian Kitchen for many years. The Italian Kitchen West caters large or small events and offers a private party room.

The Rib Hut

Star City Kitchen & Bar

2612 N. Mesa | 915.532.7427 ribhutelpaso.com

2603 N. Mesa | 915.307.4496 starcitykitchen.com

Famed for its slow-cooked, mouth-watering barbeque. Try the big, beefy ribs or baby-backed, mesquite-smoked pork ribs. The brisket is always lean, smoked, and thinly sliced. The sausage is spiced perfectly and always juicy. The chicken fried steak is the best in the south west. Rib Hut also offers a tempting selection of steaks deliciously grilled to your liking, as well as the half-pound Angus steak burger, which is served with your choice of toppings and ice cold beer. The atmosphere is relaxing and the staff is friendly. The Rib Hut can cater any size party or event. Come see why Rib Hut has been El Paso’s favorite.

Star City Kitchen & Bar has a whole new menu featuring lunch, dinner and breakfast all day long as well as “drinks and late eats,” this is one Texas-style restaurant that will keep you coming back for more. Star City is open late nights on weekends and closed on Mondays. Come in and enjoy El Paso’s Japanese Cuisine finest late-night cuisine.

Japanese Cuisine

ITALIANS

Katsura Sushi Restaurant

5380 N. Mesa Suite 110 | 915.400.4550 www.italianselpaso.com

5380 N. Mesa | 915.584.6160 1920 N. Zaragoza | 915.857.2222 katsuraelpaso.com

Italians offers authentic cuisine with a friendly and elegant environment for all occasions. We offer a delicious lunch menu ranging from $7-10. Enjoy Pasta al Pesto Italian pasta with a botanical blend of basilico, garlic,olive oil and pine nuts sauce all paired with $4 pours of house wine every day during lunch.

Dinner offers the romantic setting for a perfect night out with that special someone. Chef Keeley’s masterful creations and beautiful presentation will certainly impress your pallet. Made fresh every day, nothing canned, Italians is the experience. Italians does it fresher! www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Japanese Cuisine

For the best sushi in El Paso look no further than Katsura Sushi Restaurant. With two locations across town, you can enjoy premium sushi as well as an abundance of Asian cuisine anywhere in the city. Stop by and experience their relaxed atmosphere featuring live music and delicious modern Japanese dining.

67

February, 2014

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

top 30 under 30

February, 2014

| By: MEAGAN KINLEY photography by: LUIS MIRANDA, JR. |

W

ith the current job market and the difficulties facing today’s economy, it makes it hard for individuals and business professionals under 30 years of age to make a mark in the

community. To forever dispel this myth The City Magazine accepted nominations from the public via our website. After an overwhelming response we had to narrow it down to 30 individuals we thought deserved to be The City’s Top 30 Under 30 2014. These professionals are taking initiative, going above and beyond to make a difference to brighten the future of the city of El Paso. The success they’ve had in their 20’s is more than impressive and confirms The City’s view that El Paso is thriving with promising young professionals in a variety of fields. Here is your Top 30 in alphabetical order:

Sophia Adamson

Austin Allen

Owner, Ella Blu Boutique & Ella Blu Bridal

Owner, The Palomino Tavern, Star City Kitchen & Bar, Black Market, The Lowbow Palace & Hole in the Wall

Since 2005 Sophia Adamson, Owner of Ella Blu Boutique & Ella Blu Bridal, has offered El Paso the best in designer gowns,

A native El Pasoan all his life, Austin Allen graduated from Coronado

apparel and gorgeous bridal. With exclusive designers ranging from

High School, went on to attend UTEP and graduated with a degree

Enzoani, Justin Alexander, Maggie Sottero, Pronovias, Martina Liana

in Biology. While in college he made his first business move and

and more—the level of selection Ella Blu has to offer you will make

opened Black Market, a hip, musically-driven anti-bar. With instant

you swoon. Adamson originally opened her store on El Paso’s east

success he moved on and acquired The Palomino Tavern, a

side—but later uprooted to find a more spacious home on North

masculine, urban saloon to fill the void of a much needed high-end

Mesa. Now Adamson offers a professional team of consultants,

bar on Mesa, The Lowbrow Palace, a live music venue that is most

large dressing rooms and quality customer service that is sure to

known for local bands and big names (including Foster the People

make your shopping experience something you will never forget.

and even a secret show with The Killers), Star City Kitchen and Bar, a new regionally influenced atmosphere open 24 hours a day on the weekends, and Hole in the Wall in Austin, Texas.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

69

top 30 under 30

February, 2014

Ruben Batista

James Bonneau

Business Development Manager, CBS (KDBC) & NBC (KTSM)

Assistant District Attorney, El Paso County District Attorney’s Office

As the Business Development

Currently the youngest lawyer

Manager of KTSM & KDBC, Ruben Batista guides in local and

in El Paso at age 23, James Bonneau works as the Assistant District

direct business and sales. Batista has a Master’s degree in Human

Attorney under the elected District Attorney, Jaime Esparza. Having

Resources and Development and years of experience in sales,

just returned to El Paso from The George Washington Law School

with many of those resulting in successful years selling 13-15%

and The George Washington University, Bonneau was most recently

above his goals. Over the years he has received numerous awards

sworn in as a lawyer and Assistant District Attorney in November

and recognitions for his excellence as a professional as well as his

2013; even in that short time he has already won a difficult case.

expertise in sales. He was recognized as the “Top of Direct Sales”

Outside of his blossoming career, Bonneau is an Eagle Scout and

in the El Paso Market in 2011 and was also invited to the 2013 NAB

has served as a volunteer coach for Americas High School Mock

Conference in Phoenix, Arizona as a guest speaker.

Trial Team, a volunteer judge for the Youth Court and El Paso County Teen Court, and an Assistant Scoutmaster.

Casey Alvarez Blanco Owner & Principal Designer, Brass Arrow

Wes Bransford Owner & Sole Practitioner, Lee Trevino Dental A native El Pasoan and a

A graduate with a Bachelor of

graduate

of

Texas

A&M

the Arts degree in Design Studies from the Katherine K. Herberger

University with a Bachelors of Science in Biomedicine, and

Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University, one

Doctorate of Dental Surgery from Baylor College of Dentistry in

of the top design schools in the country, Casey Alvarez Blanco has

Dallas, Wes Bransford has always had a dream to serve the El Paso

always been inspired by design. With years of hands-on experience

community. After two years of working and gaining experience,

her thriving business, Brass Arrow, is continuing to grow and

last May Bransford decided to take over Lee Trevino Dental, which

provide the best in elite merchandise and fresh arrangement. One

provides family and cosmetic dental services specializing in family-

Kings Lane, Bliss Magazine, Style Me Pretty, and The Knot have

friendly care to all. Outside of work, Bransford was a 2013 NJHS

featured her event styling. She and her husband Jerry Blanco have

Induction Speaker at the William D. Slider Middle School, a Member

been in El Paso since 2009.

of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the El Paso District Dental Society.

70

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

top 30 under 30

February, 2014

Robert Burton

Daniela Caballero Associate, Academic Director & Teacher, D’ansa Jazz Stage/ UTEP Student

Robert Anthony Burton (aka Beto) is a born and bred El

Currently

working

on

her

Pasoan. After graduating from Coronado High School, Beto took

B.B.A in Marketing and International Business at UTEP, Daniela

a self-described “academic tour,” attending college in Fort Worth,

Caballero, only 22 years old, has 16 years of experience as a dancer

Tucson, and El Paso. He graduated from UTEP near the top of his

and seven years as a teacher. D’ansa’s Jazz Stage Dancer of the

business marketing class in 2012, and proceeded to take a job

Year in 2008, Caballero has already showed her knack for business

in the family business; advertising. In his time at Mithoff Burton,

when she helped convince her instructors from D’ansa Jazz Stage

Beto has been fundamental in the conception and execution of

in Chihuahua to open an academy in El Paso. Holding her current

several notable campaigns such as the 2012 Bond Initiatives,

positions as an Associate, a Teacher and the Academic Director at

“El Paso. It’s All Good,” Chihuahuas Baseball, and Sunland Park

D’ansa Jazz Stage, she also manages to maintain a 4.0 GPA and

Racetrack and Casino.

work for other successful businesses around the city.

Emily Calhoun

Martin Camarillo

Owner, Grower & Designer, Floriography

Special Events Coordinator, City of El Paso

Brightening

one

What do Neon Desert, The El

custom boutique at a time,

Paso Marathon, The Downtown

Emily Calhoun is making strides not only locally but her business

Street Festival, and Race for the Cure all have in common? Martin

just expanded to Albuquerque, New Mexico. Floriography, unique to

Camarillo. As the special events coordinator for the City of El Paso,

itself in its eco-friendly and vertically integrated business, offers the

if it happens on the city streets, Martin Camarillo has had something

Las Cruces and El Paso community floral subscriptions and farmer’s

to do with it. He helps plan some of the biggest events of the year.

market specials. Calhoun herself is the owner, designer and primary

In 2013, he helped the Downtown Management District win an

grower in charge of operations on her seven acres of land. Together

international award; he helped launch the brand new Special Event

with her staff, they grow climate-friendly flowers that show the true

Permit, and helped reach the public with a new outreach initiative.

beauty of the Southwest—while simultaneously minimizing their

Camarillo has been interviewed and a guest speaker for State Farm,

carbon footprint.

Austin High School and Guardian Angel Church.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

El

Paso

71

top 30 under 30

Celina Duran Math & Science Tutor, UTEP Student

February, 2014

Megan Ed Education Director, El Paso Exploreum Megan Ed has displayed true compassion worldwide, as well

Don’t let her age deceive you

as for the people of El Paso. As

(she’s only 20!), this girl has

the newly appointed Education

a bright future ahead her. Currently a student at UTEP working

Director at the El Paso Exploreum, Ed is responsible for outreach to

on a Bachelor of Biological Science degree with a Biochemical

El Paso’s seven surrounding school districts, and helps in developing

concentration, she is also a tutor working with 40-50 students per

the curriculum for the in-museum displays and children’s camps. As

day and motivating and inspiring them to excel in the areas of Math

impressive as this 23 year-old’s current professional position is, it is Ed’s

and Science. Not only is she a Dean’s List member for the last five

commitment to service that truly sets her apart. Since the age of six Ed has

consecutive semesters, but she also has been awarded the Shiloff

collected food and clothing for families in need, helped her family establish

Family Foundation Endowed Scholarship. To top it all off, Duran has

Our Father’s Foundation, created her own non-profit called Global Hands

also been accepted to Boston University School of Medicine’s Early

to help empower children worldwide, has traveled numerous times to an

Medical School Acceptance Program where she will attend Medical

orphanage in Fundong, Cameroon to help the needy, and has continuously

School after she graduates from UTEP in May 2015.

helped build homes in Juarez with Casas Por Cristo.

Johnny Escalante

Kandolite Flores

Director of Sales & Marketing, Escalante Enterprises

Program Coordinator, The Humane Society of El Paso

Since Johnny Escalante took

Kandolite

Flores

is

known

over Sales and Marketing for Escalante Enterprises in 2010, sales

throughout the city for her dedication to giving back to the

have grown 300 percent. With Escalante’s help the company has

community. A Native El Pasoan and a UTEP Graduate with a

also grown into a commercial roofing and custom home building

Bachelors degree in Communication Studies with a Minor in

business, and Johnny has even secured national contracts with

Women’s Studies, she has done all she can to give back to the

Farmer Insurance and Allstate in El Paso. Johnny has also been

city of El Paso as a volunteer for Operation H.O.P.E, the Susan G.

instrumental in starting the annual charity “Sheltering Hope” which

Komen Breast Cancer Foundation and the Region 19 Headstart

gives away a new roof each year to a family in need. On the side,

Program. From her time as a KFOX14 News Anchor and Reporter

this entrepreneur also started his own promotion company with

to her current role as the Program Coordinator at The Humane

a partner called J&K Present which has hosted artists like Steve

Society of El Paso, she has displayed true professionalism. Flores is

Aoki, Lil Jon, LMFAO, Eric Prydz, Dirty South, Baauer, Just Blaze

also the recipient of The City Magazine’s The Best of the City 2012

and many more.

Best Reporter Award and she also received the Operation H.O.P.E Outstanding Service Award in 2011.

72

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

top 30 under 30

February, 2014

Ryan Hall

Nickole Heater

Promotions Producer, NBC/ KTSM & CBS/KDBC Affiliates

Economic Development Liaison, The City of El Paso

A

jack-of-all-trades

in

the

With

a

Bachelors

degree

multimedia industry, Ryan Hall is a key asset to every project he

in Political Science, a Minor in Writing and Rhetoric as well as a

endeavors. Today he works as the promotions producer for KTSM-

Masters of Public Administration, complete with a certificate in

TV NewsChannel 9 directing and producing promotional TV spots,

Urban and Regional Planning Public Policy and Urban Renewal and

aiding in directing anchoring and talent in the studio, editing Motion

Economics, Nickole Heater has a mission to inspire and serve the

Graphics, writing copy . . . the list goes on-and-on. Being a graduate

people of El Paso. Working as the Economic Development Liaison,

of New Mexico State University with a Bachelors degree in Creative

she does research and drafting to make the city’s continued

Media he has done everything under the sun in his field and this is

development as successful as possible. On top of her years of hard

only the beginning of this Top 30’s blooming career.

work and experience, Heater also volunteers and serves on various committees, helping the city she loves.

Steven Hernandez

Andrew Joseph

Owner, Steve’Os & Create Gourmet

Creative Director, STRDM As a director, videographer,

Steven Hernandez, a native

music producer, DJ, creative

El Pasoan and the owner of

director, designer, writer, host,

Steve’Os and Create Gourmet, is making a name for himself both

and storyteller, Andrew Joseph is a multimedia specialist who truly

in his new restaurant and out on the streets, developing El Paso’s

knows the tools of the creative trade. Taking the road less traveled

growing food truck business. With a slew of awards and recognitions

and contributing to El Paso’s growing scene he specializes in

ranging from one of the Cooking Channel’s Food Truck Nominees

everything multimedia. Joseph got his start when he picked up a

for the Eat Street Show, one of the El Paso Times’ Best Burgers,

camera for the first time when he was 14—after a few clicks, he

Veggie Snob Blog’s Best Vegetarian Portabella Sandwich, and

was simply hooked. Ever since he has been pursuing his dream of

The City Magazine’s Best New Restaurant—Steve’Os and Create

creating visual and audio art by attending photography school, and

Gourmet has something for everyone. Outside of his business,

learning everything he could about audio engineering, synthesis,

Steven enjoys cooking, skateboarding, traveling and surfing.

music production and more. Today he works with a dozen other creative thinkers at STRDM and together they will be launching a label this year. He is also a member of the Maintain Creative Coalition.

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73

top 30 under 30

February, 2014

Jonathan Lopez

Tyler Lyon

Financial Advisor & Director of Planning and Portfolio Design, Graham Capital Strategies, LLC

Owner & President, El Paso Bench Ads/ Owner & Operator, Cliff Terrace Apartments

Born and raised in El Paso, after graduating from Jesus Chapel Jonathan Lopez received the Presidential Excellence Scholarship Award to attend UTEP where he attained his Bachelors degree in Finance. Being one of the youngest financial advisors in El Paso, Lopez has worked for Graham Capital Strategies, LLC for the last three+ years and has recently been given the position of Director of Planning and Portfolio Design. Outside of work, Lopez is very active in Crossfit 915’s competitive group, is also a member of the Door Christian Church and assists in missionary work throughout the world.

Benjamin Marcus

An advocate and prime example of young adults making a difference for the economic growth of El Paso, Tyler Lyon is the Owner & President of El Paso Bench Ads as well as the Owner & Operator of Cliff Terrace Apartments. A graduate of St. Edwards University in Austin, Texas, Lyon received a Bachelors degree in Business Administration, balancing school and an academic Tennis Scholarship. This year Lyon is proud to announce that El Paso Bench Ads reached a deal with the city to install newly designed bus benches citywide to help beautify El Paso.

Jackie GarciaMartin

General Partner, AcQuin Properties/ Co-owner, Latitude Supply Co.

CEO, Wilhelmina Bazaar Model Management

At the age of 18, Benjamin

Jacqueline Garcia - Martin

Marcus became a General Partner of AcQuin Properties. The company

launched Bazaar Model Management at age 22, after graduating with

specializes in buying distressed commercial retail properties and

a Bachelors degree in Communication in Electronic Media from UTEP.

rehabbing them. They are now closing in on 20 properties scattered

Bazaar became affiliated with the agency mogul Wilhelmina Models

throughout El Paso, Las Cruces, Anthony, and Fabens. Marcus is

out of New York, Los Angeles, and Miami in 2012 and today is the

also a graduate of Arizona State University with a degree in Urban

leading modeling agency in the Southwest. Now known as Wilhelmina

Planning and a Minor in Liberal Studies. Since moving back to El

Bazaar, the El Paso-based company oversees talent from Mexico,

Paso, Marcus has become the Co-owner of Latitude Supply Co., a

the southwest region of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona, allowing

men’s and women’s clothing line out of Los Angeles, CA. where he

local and regional talent to get placed in a larger market. Garcia also

assists with operations, finances, and business decisions. Marcus

owns and produces Mercedes-Benz of El Paso Fashion Week, The

has also has started a new partnership, raising capital to begin

Mercedes-Benz Swim Fashion Show, and more. Wilhelmina Bazaar

purchasing and rehabbing buildings in downtown El Paso. Their first

will be opening its second headquarters in Arizona in 2014.

purchase will be in early February 2014.

74

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top 30 under 30

February, 2014

Lizzie Martinez

Claudia Ordaz

Owner, New You Gym

Public Information Coordinator, El Paso Water Utilities

Most people don’t think you can own your own business at 23 but Elizabeth Martinez is living

Dedicated to public service

proof that a little dedication and lot of faith can pay off. Martinez is

and volunteerism, Claudia Ordaz has served the community in the

the owner of New You Gym and she has also been acknowledged

U.S. House of Representatives, the Texas Senate, and the City of

as Best Trainer in El Paso by the City Magazine’s Best of the City

El Paso. A graduate of UTEP with a Bachelors degree in Political

2012. She has also been an IFTA Yoga and IFTA Certified Personal

Science and a Minor in Women’s Studies, Ordaz was also the

Trainer for the last five years. Martinez also competes in various

recipient of the Bill Archer Fellowship in 2007 and was a participant

pageants and beauty competitions across the nation, she has won

in the Inman Scholars Program in Austin, Texas in 2007. With years

first place in NPC Sun City Regional Bikini Competition in 2012

of experience in public service, including her current job as the

and 2013, Miss Texas Intercontinental 2011, Miss El Paso Runway

Public Information Coordinator for El Paso Water Utilities, Claudia

Model 2010 and has been a professional print and runway model for

Ordaz is one El Pasoan who lives to serve.

various publications and businesses.

Vanessa Reyes

Brittany Sawrey

Marketing Director, Tropicana Homes

Zookeeper/Author, The Trees They Grow/ Owner, Phoenix Kingston, LLC

Vanessa

Reyes

graduated

from Texas Tech University in

Skilled in the art of the unusual,

Lubbock, Texas in 2011. While studying English with Minors in Mass

Brittany Sawrey lives a life filled with joy and adventure. A zookeeper

Communications, Legal Studies, and Spanish she joined the Delta

and an elephant trainer at the El Paso Zoo, Sawrey has a passion

Gamma Sorority and acted in various leadership roles within. After

for conservation and wildlife. A graduate of Pepperdine University

returning to El Paso in 2012, she assumed an internship position at

in California, she has also studied all over the world from Buenos

Tropicana Homes and within one year worked her way all the way to

Aires, Argentina to Namibia, Africa at the Cheetah Conservation.

the position of Marketing Director. Today she has helped Tropicana

While at University she was on the leadership team for a homeless

Homes through a complete “rebranding project” that has moved

ministry called “Standing on Stone” where she helped fill physical

the company into the future; retaining the 63-year old company’s

needs while sharing her faith in Christ. An esteemed young adult

esteemed reputation with an entirely new look.

novelist, she has published The Trees They Grow and is currently working on the sequel. Sawrey is also the owner of her own small business, Phoenix Kingston, LLC, which manages her writing as well as WonderlandLace, a jewelry and novelty side project.

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75

top 30 under 30

Neyha Segal

February, 2014

Giovanni Silva

Assistant Director of Market Analysis, The BioMedical Institute of the Americas Neyha Segal has lived, studied and worked all over the world from Nigeria, to Sydney, to London—and now following her latest opportunity as a new member of the MCA’s BioMedical Institute, she has come to El Paso. Since moving here she has become involved in the El Paso Pro-Musica Board of Directors and joined the incoming class of the Greater El Paso Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership El Paso class. She has a Masters of Business Administration in Healthcare Policy and Management from Brandeis University and a Masters of International Health from Boston University School of Public Health. Looking ahead, her mission is to reinvent the Paso Del Norte region as a formidable innovator and competitor in the world of biomedicine.

Operations & Marketing Assistant, The Fountains at Farah/Vendor & Live Art Coordinator, Neon Desert Music Festival (Splendid Sun Productions) With a worldwide education being a graduate of the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising (LIM College) in New York City, and a student of the Lorenzo di Medici School in Florence, Italy, Giovanni Silva currently balances as the Operations and Marketing Assistant for The Fountains at Farah and works as the Vendor and Live Art Coordinator for the Neon Desert Music Festival (Splendid Sun Productions). Being one of the instrumental people who helped launch the inaugural Neon Desert and one of the first people to be hired for the Fountains at Farah Project, Silva’s mission is to be a part of the cultural advancement in El Paso. He also has entrepreneurial ambitions to launch his own clothing line.

Daniel Veale

Ruben Vogt

Director of Marketing & Promotions, UTEP Athletics

Director of Public Policy, El Paso County Court Since 2011 Ruben Vogt has

degree

served as the Director of Public

in Corporate Communications and Public Affairs from SMU

Policy for County Judge Veronica Escobar. In his current position, Vogt

and a Masters of Business Administration with a Management

overseas major county initiatives concerning healthcare, efficiency,

Concentration from UTEP, Daniel Veale is using his education to

and more. He attended UTEP and attained a Bachelor’s degree in

cultivate UTEP’s growing athletic department. With a background

Political Science and English/American Literature. While there he

in collegiate sports as the SMU Diving Team Captain, Veale has the

helped found CYnergy (Civic.Youth.Energy), a program of the Center

experience and passion his job requires. As the Director in charge

for Civic Engagement, which is dedicated to empowering high school

of promoting UTEP’s 16 different NCAA Division I sports teams to

students. On top of all of this Vogt has engaged himself in numerous

a local, national, and international fan-base Veale has tried to bring

research projects all over the world from Costa Rica, to Egypt, Tunisia,

a fresh vibe to his department, while keeping with the honored

France, Jordan Israel, and even Washington D.C. and is dedicated to

With

traditions of UTEP’s Athletics alive.

76

a

Bachelors

making big waves to renew pride in the city he loves.

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February, 2014

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November, 2013

78

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November, 2013

79

l l a b e s a b f o d n a r new b February, 2014

A

omes to c A El e Pa l ip

80

so

Tr

| By: MICHAEL C. GRAHAM |

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triple-A Baseball

February, 2014

A

s spring comes rolling to us,

and although the team and the various Major

hopefully emerging early after a

League affiliations had several future major

winter with a few more storms

leaguers play here, including such future

than usual, El Paso will have a

stars like Gary Sheffield, the overall level of

new addition to its community: the much

baseball was still not quite what many expect

discussed baseball stadium and its residents,

when they think of professional baseball.

the El Paso Chihuahuas. The Chihuahuas

Although to be sure, particularly during those

are scheduled to have their home opener in

days, the Diablo games were a great family

mid-April, against the Reno Aces, the AAA

outing and a ton of fun. In just a few months,

affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks. Like

the Chihuahuas hope to have the best of both

many El Pasoans, I am very much looking

worlds: a fun environment and a winning and

forward to Opening Day, and all that it will

exciting team.

bring to the community. But I am also excited about the change it will bring to our baseball

We will have time to focus on the

traditions and involvement. A very tangible

stadium and the key individuals within the

upward change.

organization and on the team in future articles. However, this month we hope to

El Paso has a strong baseball tradition, and

give some of our readers an idea of what to

though UTEP has not fielded a baseball

expect come April. With that in mind, here

team for many years now, our high schools

are some of the basics regarding Triple A

remain very competitive, and our little

baseball and the Chihuahuas in particular.

league organizations are well run and highly

For starters, the Chihuahuas will play in the

competitive, perhaps even more so than

South Division of the Pacific Conference

when I was a young boy playing little league

of the Pacific Coast League

at Cloudview park and thinking about playing

(PCL), as the AAA affiliate of

high school and then college baseball. But

the San Diego Padres. The PCL

despite our strong roots, we have lacked a

has 16 teams, representing

serious professional example to point to as a

over half of the major league

community. The Diablos have had a long and

franchises. The other 14 major

rich history in the community, most notably

league affiliates play in the

during the many years that the team was

International League, which is

under the stewardship of Mr. Jim Paul. But

geographically focused in the

even then the Diablos were an AA affiliate,

eastern part of the country.

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81

February, 2014

Each league crowns a champion after a two round playoff series, much like the major leagues, and then the two league champions meet for the AAA National Championship, played in mid-September of each year. The 2014 Championship game is tentatively slated for BB&T Ballpark in Charlotte, North Carolina, home of the Charlotte Knights.

The Chihuahuas will have the opportunity to build some regional rivalries as they will face teams from cities such as Reno, Las Vegas, and Albuquerque. The Albuquerque Isotopes figure to be one of the Chihuahuas biggest rivalries, as they are the AAA affiliate of the Los Angeles Dodgers, longtime rivals to the San Diego Padres. The PCL is a little more geographically dispersed than the International League, and the Chihuahuas will be traveling as far as Tacoma and Salt Lake City for their matchups.

82

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Article Title

February, 2014 Perhaps the biggest change for most El Pasoans who were familiar with the Diablos and AA baseball, is that the rosters of AAA teams are consistently and primarily filled with players that are viewed by the organization as having serious opportunities at playing at the Major League level. These players will be a mixture of new players moving up through the organization, who were either drafted by the Padres or traded for by the Padres and have been moving up through the ranks. According to the averages, most position players will see approximately 2100 plate appearances at some level of the minor leagues prior to making their first appearance in the major leagues. Pitchers will throw an average of 391 innings before making their first big league appearance.

Throughout those development years, the vast majority of players will not progress past AA. Those that move to AAA have a much higher probability of moving up and into The Show, as the big leagues are often affectionately referred to. Added to that growing mix of young developing players

will

be

the

established

big

leaguers that will come down to the minor leagues as they come back from injury or serious illness, and need rehabilitation time before rejoining their major league clubs. The bottom line? Triple A baseball is as good as major league to watch, and the fan experience in the smaller venues is much, much better. Imagine watching the next Yasiel Puig or Hanley Ramirez on their way up to stardom, in a 9000 capacity ballpark? The Padres system in particular has been the subject of much discussion, and we are certain to be in for a treat come Opening Day in El Paso.

So get ready El Paso, Triple A baseball is coming, and it is going to bring excitement, passion, and serious baseball to the Sun City. It will be, I am certain, the best baseball ever played in El Paso. So let’s Play Ball!

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83

February, 2014

The Sport of

KINGS | By: AUSTIN SAVAGE

84

photos courtesy of: COADY PHOTOGRAPHY |

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the sport of kings

February, 2014

“T

he Sport of Kings” may look

casual of race fans became familiar with the

distribution

and feel, for those of us

track and its offerings, these include Willie

$35,000 in the early 1990’s to over $200,000

unfamiliar, out of place in the

Shoemaker, Jerry Bailey, Garrett Gomez, Pat

in present day prizes. Perhaps no name

contemporary America that adores the less

Valenzuela, Mike Smith, D. Wayne Lukas,

has meant more to Sunland Park Racetrack

than regal traditions of NASCAR and the NFL,

Bob Baffert, Clifford Lambert, Fred Danley,

than the now legendary Mine That Bird. The

but nestled on the fringes of the Sun City sits

Henry

Sunland Park thoroughbred stunned the

Sunland Park racetrack. Built in 1959 for an

Fincher, Casey Lambert and Chip Woolley.

Dominques,

Mike

Joyner,

Todd

jumped

from

approximately

racing world and captivated the sports world at large with a victory in the 2009 Kentucky

original cost of $4 million, and only minutes

Derby against 50 to 1 odds.

from downtown El Paso, the racetrack served

The rise of a new and exciting era began in

as a crossroads for top racehorses traversing

1999 when Sunland Park opened the doors of

the country as part of the race season.

the casino, and with over 700 slot machines

Sunland park PR Director and top handicapper

Names that are familiar to even the most

pulling in profit the average daily purse

Eric

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Alwen

was

gracious

enough

to

85

Lyle D. Weeks MD • Marco A. Gonzalez MD

Face the New Year with lasting beauty

February, 2014 explain exactly how the outstanding run of a local horse changes everything, “The accomplishments for Mine That Bird were a big shot in the arm for Sunland Park Racetrack

Surgical & non-surgical procedures of the Face and Body and Casino. He provided much legitimacy for our $800,000 Grade 3 Sunland Derby, proving that a Sunland Park-based runner could win the Kentucky Derby and place in both the Preakness and Belmont Stakes. Mine That Bird gave us a jolt of national publicity and continues to do so with the upcoming movie about him called 50-1. ” One magical season from a local horse is indeed enough to call attention to the quality of racing that occurs at the track, but as Alwen continues, the legacy of Mine that Bird is one that lingers, “Horses from all across the country are attracted to our Sunland Derby each year. The race allows a horse or two from Sunland to get into the Kentucky Derby each year. Any person on the street knows what the Kentucky Derby is.”

With a legendary horse in its annals and a proud tradition the racetrack is continuing to offer El Pasoans a wonderful day of escape. The racing season running from early December into mid-April, and consisting of over 75 days of live racing, the sheer scope of the operation begins to impress. The facility itself consists of barns that can stable over

Experience you can trust

1718 horses. Handling these horses are over 350 trainers, hundreds of grooms and more than 70 jockeys who compete each season.

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February, 2014

THE SPORT OF KINGS

The 2012-13 season was one where, despite

With live racing every Tuesday, Friday,

an admittedly tough economy, Director

Saturday, and Sunday, Sunland Park racetrack

of Racing, Dustin Dix glows about the

offers plenty of opportunities to find the time

track’s accomplishments, “Powered by the

throughout the week to acquaint oneself

$800,000 purse of the Sunland Derby, the

with “the most exciting two minutes in

76-day meet was filled with championship

sport.” With the season having started

performances and brisk wagering activity.

on December 6th, but running all the way

The fun-filled season generated nearly $61

through April 15, the 2013-2014 Season is

million.”

sure to be one to behold. Also located on the grounds are two restaurants, Ventanas and

As with any high level operation the accruing

Riley’s, and live entertainment at Franklin’s

of prestige and credibility is a target of all

Lounge. There is a variety of entertainment

involved and one that Mr. Dix feels they are

abound to meet the needs of any patron,

well on their way with their recent successes,

but the jewel that stands out in the schedule

“The 2013 Sunland Derby was once again a

is Sunday, March 23rd. On that date is the

major success. A crowd of 18,184 fans came

running of the $200,000 Sunland Oaks and

out for the all-star 12-race Thoroughbred

the $800,000 Sunland Derby. With a record

card. The all-sources handle (all available

setting performance last year, this year’s

sources of wagering) of $3,820,986 set a

version aims to be even bigger and better,

new track and New Mexico state record

and there is no reason to think otherwise.

for a single race meet. 2013 Sunland Derby

The Sun City has seemed to embrace “The

winner Govenor Charlie was named Horse

Sport of Kings” and that makes all the sense

of the Meet for owner Mike Pegram, who

in the world.

also co-owns Sunland Oaks winner Midnight Lucky. The latter went on to win the Grade I (the highest level of horseracing) Acorn Stakes at Belmont Park. Such powerhouse performances help make Sunland Park a very attractive betting product worldwide.”

The local horseracing hub remains the only major league professional Grade III and Sunland Park Oaks rank as major prep races for the Kentucky Derby and Kentucky Oaks, which are run on the biggest day of the year for the sport. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

87

February, 2014

| By: MICHAEL C GRAHAM photos courtesy of: UTEP |

to host the

88

Basketball Tournament in March

sports

I

n the land of college athletics, few

Madness.” This year, El Paso will play host to

and Western Kentucky will join, putting

events deliver the consistent and

the early stages of some of that brilliant and

the conference at 14 teams. Given that at

increasing level of excitement that

infectious madness, as the Miners will host

their last meeting the Conference – USA

basketball tournament season does.

the Conference – USA Men’s and Women’s

Board of Directors have indicated that they

From the early parts of the month when

Basketball Championship Tournaments for

intend to remain at a 14 team level for the

the second time.

immediate future, there may not be another

the conferences hold their tournaments, all

16 team tournament in the conference’s

the way through to the NCAA tournament, the month is very appropriately dubbed

The 2014 tournaments will kick off on March

future. Barring any changes, that will bring

“March Madness.” College football certainly

11th, and continue throughout the week.

a total of 30 basketball games to the Sun

draws a very energetic fan base, and bowl

The championship games will be played at

City that week, which is a lot of basketball

season is certainly exciting; and college

the end of the week, with virtually non-stop

in one week.

hockey may have a claim as the athletic

basketball in the days leading up to it. The

world’s most committed fan base, as the

member schools will have their men’s and

2014 will mark the second time in a few short

Frozen Four championship continues to

women’s teams here all week, and UTEP

years that UTEP will host the conference

grow in popularity, with large events being

will have the distinction of hosting the last

tournament, and I asked Bob Stull, UTEP’s

centered around more and more outdoor

tournament with 16 conference members.

longtime athletic director, for his thoughts on

hockey games. But few sports can match

East Carolina University, Tulsa and Tulane

why the tournament is returning to El Paso

the almost month long frenzy that is “March

will leave the conference after this season,

so quickly. His answer, in short, spoke to

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89

sports

February, 2014

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one of the consistent comments about El

enter the mecca of tournaments, the NCAA,

Paso from virtually anyone that visits: the

or the big dance as it is known. The only

people are great. “It was really the great

automatic bid from each of the conferences

network of volunteers that helped make

is for the champion, so the other teams

the last conference tournament so well run

hoping to make the dance need to do it on

and that gave us a chance to get it back

their season long resumes, and that all starts

so quickly. It is a great economic boost for

now, and peaks with the ever important

the city, as not only will all of the teams,

conference tournaments.

players, coaches and staff be here, but the significant number of fans that will travel to

So, dear reader, join us in supporting the

the tournament as well.�

UTEP men’s basketball team and the athletic program as a whole, as they host

90

This season, the tournament stands to be not

the conference basketball tournament this

only entertaining, but also very competitive.

spring. Come support the Miners, of course,

At the time of writing this article the

but come support the other teams traveling

conference is off to a solid start, with seven

as well. The games that UTEP is not involved

of the 16 teams, including UTEP, already

in during the early rounds will provide a great

having double-digit wins at this early point in

chance to see the rest of the conference

the season. Every win counts at this stage, as

when they come to us. Come and enjoy

teams will not only be fighting for conference

the basketball, the Haskins Center, and

standings, but for overall rankings in the

get caught up in the frenzy that will be the

college basketball world that may help them

beginning of March Madness! www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

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91

OUT OL with the

February, 2014

Switch up your workouts for better results.

| By: PATRICK L. MARTINEZ, B.S. NUTRITION, CERTIFIED FITNESS TRAINER, CERTIFIED FITNESS NUTRITION COACH |

92

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LD February, 2014

FITNESS

S

o you’re back at the gym. You’re looking around at all the same equipment they had last January, which is also the last time you were there. Everything is occupied. Not necessarily because the equipment is being utilized, but

because there are groups of people huddled around the equipment talking about how this is the year they make a change. Frustrating, I know. But lucky for you, workouts are not all based on the use of equipment and free weights. So just because you’re back in the old gym, doesn’t mean you have to get back to your old routines.

Workouts are constantly evolving. Every two years or so there’s a new trend that hits the scene and takes off like a bat out of hell. From DVDs to new health clubs to new dance routines, there is always something new that claims to be the latest and greatest in fitness. I’m not saying that it doesn’t work, what I’m saying is that most of the exercises you see are just modified from their original form to add intensity, which in turn makes them more appealing to those seeking a challenge.

Change is good. You should welcome it. With that being said, take what you have learned in the past and create your own routines. You can do an entire workout revolving around body weight exercises. You should also focus on balance, speed, agility, and quickness.

Pushing an inanimate weight from point A to point B will aid in muscle growth and strength (if you’re doing the exercise properly and eating properly). But why not incorporate body weight exercises that also involve the use of your core, your balance, and your flexibility?

So what body weight exercises can you do? Any form of push up, pull up, squat, lunge, hand stand. Really focus on the biomechanics of your body (the way you move). Any exercise that forces you to utilize both your Type I and Type II (slow and fast twitch) muscle fibers will give you faster gains. Take a look at Olympic gymnasts for instance.

They achieve the majority of their muscular density and strength from body weight training, balance, and flexibility. Sure you can attain an aesthetically pleasing body type by simple weight training, but ask a bodybuilder to do what a gymnast does. Not going to happen. Nothing against bodybuilders, just trying to make a point.

The key is to mix up your workout routines. If you do a day of heavy weight training one day, then switch it up to conditioning the next, working on speed and agility.

You cannot stick to one routine and expect to see results. You have to challenge your body and yourself. Not only is it important for progress, but it’s also important for your state of mind. Doing the same thing over and over becomes boring, thus, causing you to be more likely to miss a day of training. However, if you’re doing something different each training day, you’ll be more excited to go to the gym.

If you’re not in a gym, you can still perform a majority of exercises at home or at the park. You can do three sets of pushups and squats followed by five sets up uphill sprints. You can incorporate burpees, jump squats, alternating lunges, jump lunges, jumping jacks, pull ups, muscle ups, etc. Just keep it fresh. You don’t have to wait in line for equipment and you don’t even have to go to a gym. Just find something that fits your fitness level. Once you’ve mastered it, then increase the weight or intensity.

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93

August, 2013

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SECTION

131

P

R

O

F

I

L

e

S

Peter Kelley, Fernando Monarrez, Mercedes-Benz

“Action speaks louder than words and when I start working that’s when they really see the quality of work I can do.”

– Peter Kelley Mercedes-Benz prides itself on its two top

purchased nothing short of perfect.

diagnostic, high tech repairs on the new state-of-the-art

representatives, Peter Kelley and Fernando

Mercedes

technologies.

Benz

“I take a genuine approach with my customers

breaking

Benz, Kelley worked as an auto insurance

and if there are any issues I keep following up

Mercedes shop foreman at the Dealership

adjuster. His extensive experience working

with my customers, so they know I’m here

and is quite involved with assisting younger

with automobiles has allowed him to not

for the long term.” – Fernando Monarrez

technicians with learning and teaching the

is

a

skills needed to perform the technical repairs

only sell cars, but to market a quality product

of the modern age.

he believes in. With the rich history of

Fernando Monarrez has been with Hoy

Mercedes-Benz Kelley continues to learn and

Fox since 1980 and with Mercedes at this

expand his knowledge on the brand. Kelley

Dealership, working on Mercedes Benz

Mercedes-Benz

even earned the “Top Salesman” recognition

vehicles exclusively since 1984. Fernando

1122 Airway Blvd

for the month of November this past year.

has been a technician since 1970 and

El Paso, Texas 79925

With Peter Kelley’s help customers are sure

is

(915) 778-5341

to leave the dealership knowing they’ve

from simple maintenance to complicated

96 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Fernando

ground-

Monarrez. Before working for Mercedes-

dedicated

to

performing

everything

Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

Yvette Guerrero, Juan Muro, Infiniti

“My customer’s relationship doesn’t end just after the sale, it’s a lifelong relationship.”

– Yvette Guerrero Yvette Guerrero started working with

expertise, customers can also expect

fix a vehicle,” said Muro. His expertise in

Infiniti as an intern after she received

answers to many of the maintenance

Infiniti makes this Master Technician the

her

questions they might have.

most qualified repairman Infiniti has to

Associates

in

Business

degree;

offer. As a father and a husband, safety is

first working for Acura and Infiniti in the service department. Being knowledgeable

“I take pride in my work and I guarantee it

very important to him, so he does his best

and eager to learn, Guerrero was given

110%.” – Juan Muro

to work with care and precision on every vehicle as if it were his own.

the opportunity to advance as a Sales Associate. Now reaching her two-year

Juan Muro has been working with Infiniti

anniversary, Guerrero cannot see herself

for nine years. This Master Technician

Infiniti

doing anything else. Guerrero also says,

has earned an ASE Certification. The

7200 Viscount Blvd

“If I cannot sell a customer on just the car

recognition qualifies Muro as an expert on

El Paso, Texas 79925

itself, I can sell them on the service. When

all Infiniti vehicles. “Nothing is too hard to

(915) 775-8585

you buy an Infiniti you’re really buying a

fix, we have all the latest technology. I don’t

family, not just the car.” With Guerrero’s

see a reason why we would not be able to

Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 97

Carlos Orozco, James McCormick, Acura

“I love the job and my loyal clients, I cannot see myself anywhere else.”

– Carlos Orozco

dealership ten years ago. He continues to

Carlos Orozco understands the importance of fulfilling his customer’s wants and needs

“I am detail oriented when I’m doing my job

grow with the company, and is now just a few

when it comes to purchasing a vehicle.

and that is exactly what our customers love.”

classes away from being a certified Master

Orozco has earned multiple certifications that

– James McCormick

Technician for Acura. McCormick recognizes the importance of teamwork and says that is

have allowed him to learn how to efficiently

what sets Acura apart from the rest.

match his customers with their ideal vehicle,

James McCormick has worked for Acura

whether it is something as simple as finding

for 10 years and Carlos Orozco for 15 years.

the right color to a specific engine size. Orozco

Working together as a team they strive to

Acura

understands that the customer comes first

match every one of their customers with

7230 Viscount Blvd

and customer satisfaction is what keeps his

their ideal car. The two also go the extra mile

El Paso, Texas 79925

clients coming back again and again. On top

to answer any questions their customers

(915) 778-0044

of that, Orozco’s knowledge on the Acura

might have about their existing and pre-

brand is what makes this salesman your go-

existing vehicles. Individually, McCormick

to guy when it comes to buying your new car.

got his start as a general mechanic for the

98 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

February, 2014

Rodolfo Alarcon, Jose Aleman Volkswagen

“I try to treat my customers like I would like to be treated, with honesty and respect.”

– Rodolfo Alarcon Rodolfo Alarcon has been working for

to a customer,” Alarcon said. This knowledge

has been with Volkswagen for nineteen years;

Volkswagen for almost two years and was

makes him the perfect candidate for any

he got his start as a porter, helping to move cars

chosen as the 2013 Sales Consultant of the

potential buyer. He wants his customers to

and complete everyday tasks. Now Aleman

Year for Hoy Fox and Volkswagen. Alarcon

be satisfied before and after they drive off

has become the first Volkswagen Master Auto

also ranked in the Top 20 sales consultants

the car lot.

Technician in the Southwest region. Aleman supervises a team of technicians that he says

in the nation for most of 2013, based on units sold and customer satisfaction. He is

“My goal is to do things right the first time

are the best team any Volkswagen owner

accredited through Volkswagen’s elite sales

and with dedication this can be achieved.”

needs to solve any issue.

training certification, which covers all sales

– Jose Aleman Volkswagen

knowledge of Volkswagen’s vehicles, along with tips on how to guide the customer to

Jose Aleman and Rodolfo Alarcon work

1122 Airway Blvd

the right vehicle the first time. “Having

together at Hoy Fox Volkswagen. Together, the

El Paso, Texas 79925

all of the knowledge of the vehicles is

pair continues to provide outstanding customer

(915) 778-5341

extremely important when selling anything

service to the El Paso Community. Jose Aleman

Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 99

Mike Zuloaga, Casa Nissan

“When we sell a car it’s not over, we create a relationship.”

Mike Zuloaga, the general sales manager

that the word casa is in our name is because

This July the Lowenfield’s legacy at Casa

of Casa Nissan is using his 19 years of

we want people to come here and feel at

Nissan will reach 30 years. Looking ahead,

experience to ensure that the philosophy of

home,” said Zuloaga.

the Casa Nissan team hopes that 2014 will be the year of Casa Nissan—improving sales,

honesty and reliability that Wally Lowenfield and his family created when they founded the

“There’s a wall of pictures, with people who

service and overall customer satisfaction for

Casa dealerships will continue to live on. The

have worked everywhere from five to 50

the El Paso community.

mission at Casa Nissan is “Redefining the car

years. People stay here that long because

business with humility, integrity, respect, and

they love the place. Like me, I’ve been here

“Everybody is welcome at Casa Nissan, any

strong moral values—The Casa Way,” and

for 10 years. It’s nice for our customers, they

hour, any time,” said Orozco.

that is exactly what Zuloaga and his team

buy a car from someone and a year later

strives to accomplish. “Whether it’s buying a

they come back and the person who sold

Casa Nissan

car, leasing a car, servicing a car, buying parts

them the car is still here to help them,” said

5855 Montana Avenue

for a car—we want our customers to have

Alberto Orozco, the Casa Nissan associate in

El Paso, Texas 79925

the best experience possible. The reason

charge of public relations.

(915) 772-1488

100 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING

Photographed by: ROBERT CORRAL

Upcoming

February, 2014

MARCH 2014 Success Stories Experts in Education APRIL 2014 El Paso Doctors May 2014 Women in Business Kids’ World

Pr files (Special Advertising)

For information please contact us at info@thecitymagazineelp.com

Bennyspawn.com

915.532.1182

Surprise your sweetheart with something they will love this year!

Come to Benny’s where you will find the best selection for your Valentine! With incredible prices, Benny’s is your one stop shop!

•••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••

Find what you love. Love what you find.

HAVE YOU STARTED SAVING FOR RETIREMENT? If you haven’t, don’t panic! Even though starting early has its advantages, it’s never too late to start planning for retirement.

The better-late-than-never approach may require you to save more. It may expose you to more risk to earn a higher return. And it may mean delaying any withdrawals as long as possible.

How much will you need and where will it come from?

Michael C. Graham, JD, CLTC, AIF President Princor Registered Representative

Some studies suggest you’ll need about 80 percent of your pre-retirement income to maintain your current lifestyle. If you’re making $30,000 a year (before taxes), you might need $24,000 to enjoy the same standard of living you have now when you retire.

Graham Capital Strategies, LLC. 416 N. Stanton, Suite 420 El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 598 8885 | office (915) 598 6116 | fax (915) 820 3407 | cell

Your retirement income will come from a variety of sources, including: • Money provided by your employer, such as a pension or contribution to a retirement account • Money you (and/or your spouse) put into a retirement plan at work, such as a 401(k) plan

G. Patrick Graham, CLU, CFP ® Managing Director Dafne Elizondo Jonathan Lopez Cynthia Rivas, CLTC Cameron Stern Frank Vigil

Past performance is no guarantee of future results.

For illustrative purposes only. The content in this piece provided to Princor applies exclusively to the Ibbotson portfolios. Source: Stocks—Standard & Poor’s 500(R), which is an unmanaged group of securities and considered to be representative of the stock market in general. This is for illustrative purposes only and not indicative of any investment. An investment cannot be made directly in an index. Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Returns and principal invested in stocks are not guaranteed.

102

• Other personal savings and investments (not in a work-related retirement plan) • Money from the sale of your home or business • Part-time or full-time employment in retirement • Support from your children or other family members • Government income programs, such as Social Security or Veteran’s benefits

Start saving today It’s not too late. Contact me today to help you determine your retirement needs and start your own savings plan.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

10 Tips for Late Bloomers Getting a late start? Here are some preretirement and post-retirement planning ideas from the Financial Planning Association: 1. Prepare written budgets. Budget for pre- and post-retirement.

2. Rethink retirement. Age 62 or 65 can be an early age to quit working when people routinely live to age 80 and beyond.

3. Avoid “lifestyle” creep. Resist the temptation to increase your personal spending in the last five years before retirement.

4. Reduce expenses. Try shaving 10 percent or even 15 percent from your living costs.

5. Maximize retirement plan contributions.

Increase your contribution over several years until you reach the maximum.

6. Review investments. Make sure you have an appropriate balance of risk and return.

7. Moonlight. Work an extra job before you retire (if your employer doesn’t mind).

8. Delay Social Security. Your monthly benefits increase for every year beyond normal retirement age.

9. Make good use of your home. Move to a less expensive home and invest the savings.

10.Withdraw from the right accounts.

Often you can stretch your retirement savings by withdrawing first from the accounts that aren’t tax-deferred.

Michael C. Graham is a Financial Representative of Principal National Life Insurance Company and Principal Life Insurance Company and a Registered Representative of Princor Financial Services Corporation. Securities offered through Princor Financial Services Corporation, 800/2471737, member SIPC. Principal National (except in New York) and Principal Life are issuing insurance companies of the Principal Financial Group.

Principal National, Principal Life and Princor® are members of the Principal Financial Group®, Des Moines, IA 50392. Graham Capital Strategies is independently owned and operated, and not a subsidiary or partner of Principal Financial Group.

Michael and the Graham Capital Strategies Team can be reached at 915-598-8885.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

Airway Blvd. & Montana 915-778-1444 • GarciaCarsElPaso.com 103

medical

FEEL AND LOOK UNDER 30 | By: SOUTHWEST PLASTIC SURGERY |

aging. The latest numbers show that the top plastic surgery procedures in patients under 30 in the United States according to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons are: Top Plastic Surgery Procedures Under 30 1

Breast Augmentation

82K

2

Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping surgery

75K

3

Liposuction

30K

4

Breast Lift

12K

5

Tummy Tuck

10K

6

Otoplasty

7K

7

Breast reduction in males /chin augmentation

2K

On the other hand, many more patients under 30 opt for less invasive

Frank Agullo, MD FACS Humberto Palladino, MD Southwest Plastic Surgery 10175 Gateway Blvd West, Suite 210 (915) 590-7900 swplasticsurgery.com

In the past, plastic surgery was reserved for improving the signs of aging once they became obvious. Today, with a new approach to prevention, people are trying to address these issues before they become apparent.

The population seeking cosmetic procedures is starting younger and maintaining a younger appearance through less invasive procedures.

There are many ways, invasive and noninvasive, to delay and treat sings of aging.

Most of the surgical procedures enhance the aesthetic appearance of certain features, which is quite common among the young population and not necessary related to 104

procedures to maintain an attractive and youthful appearance. These procedures are more common as they are usually less expensive, require less downtime, and fit well into busy lifestyles. The most common procedures are: Top Cosmetic Procedures Under 30 1

Botulinum Toxin Injections (Botox R)

2

Laser hair removal

300K

3

Soft tissue fillers injection

200K

4

Microdermabrasion

200K

5

Chemical Peel

140K

1M

Our prediction for 2014 is further increase in younger patients taking control in preventing signs of aging with the above-mentioned modalities and the latest technological advances: • Forever Young BBL • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments • Stem cell treatments with fat injections This paradigm shift from treatment to prevention has vast implications in the cosmetic field. These treatments not only make aging slower and steadier, but also minimize the need for more aggressive and expensive procedures in the future.

November, 2013

El Paso

S R O T DOC rence

Diffe a e k a M o h W

From Feb. 1st to 28th, go to thecitymagazineelp.com and nominate a doctor you know who makes a difference.

Fill in as much information as possible and we’ll do the rest. A board of doctors and medical professionals will help us decide who will be featured in the April issue of The City Magazine.

Nominee must be a licensed doctor of medicine (MD).

coming

APRIL 2014 in

EL PASO MAGAZINE

Allergy and Immunology • Anesthesiology • Cardiovascular Disease • Colon and Rectal Surgery • Critical Care Medicine • Dermatology • Endocrinology and Metabolism • Family Medicine • Gastroenterology • Geriatric Medicine • Hand Surgery • Hepatology • Infectious Disease • Internal Medicine • Medical Oncology and Hematology • Nephrology • Neurological Surgery • Neurology • Nuclear Medicine • Obstetrics and Gynecology • Ophthalmology • Orthopedic Surgery • Otolaryngology • Pathology • Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology • Pediatric Cardiology • Pediatric Critical Care • Pediatric Dermatology • Pediatric Developmental and Behavior Problems • Pediatric Endocrinology • Pediatric Gastroenterology • Pediatric General Hepatology • Pediatric Hepatology-Oncology • Pediatric Infectious Disease • Pediatric Opthalmology • Pediatric Otolaryngology • Pediatric Pain Management • Pediatric Pulmonology • Pediatric Radiology • Pediatric Rheumatology • Pediatric Specialist - Child and Adolescent Psychiatry • Pediatric Specialist - Neonatal/Perinatal Medicine • Pediatric Specialist - Neurology/Epilepsy • Pediatric Specialist - General • Pediatric Specialist - Neurology/Neuromuscular Disease • Pediatric Surgery • Pediatric Urology • Pediatrics - General • Pediatrics105- Hospital Medicine • Plastic Surgery • Psychiatry • Pulmonary Medicine • Radiation Oncology • Radiology • Rheumatology • Surgery • Surgical Oncology • Urology

i s P r r O g

H

| By: MATTHEW WILKSON |

a 106

V

e

T i

e

h i s p r e r o g at i v e

I

t’s official. We are undoubtedly in holiday hangover mode. Everyone is starting to sober up from all of the holiday madness and many of us are just glad we made it through 2013 unscathed. We’ve fought through the teeth grinding traffic jams, waited through the obscenely long lines at pretty much any store you can think of, and with the New Year upon us we are beginning to be

honest with ourselves about whether our gifts were a mess or a success. After all, Dad did love getting that plasma TV he seemed to casually drop hints on throughout the ENTIRE month of December, but he didn’t look that jazzed about that $139 bottle of body spritzer you thought he’d dig. What we can be sure of though is that if he mentions it, he’s going to like unwrapping it. The best gifts are unique items that have been thoughtfully selected and almost tailor-made for the recipient. With 2014 birthdays, Valentine’s, and other holidays approaching, some good advice would be to listen for hints and ask questions before gift time is already upon us. For all of you

“Take care

dudes following along, these just might be the perfect gifts that you’ll want to mention to your main squeeze, or better yet, a gift from you, to you.

of your body.

It's the only place you have to live.”

Jim Rohn

Burlyman Beard First on the docket is the locally made and cleverly named Burlyman Beard Wax & Beard Oil. You read that right, this company is straight outta Chuco. Burlyman specializes in beard and moustache products that are whipped together with all natural organic ingredients. Owner Chris Bailey knows that a healthy beard starts with well-maintained skin. His Beard Oil is made to cleanse pours and keep the skin soft and supple. This EP owned company also makes a beard pomade that’ll tame your muttonchops and a moustache wax to keep your bristles looking so fresh and so clean, clean. Burlyman will also soon be releasing a wet shaving kit, which will include such things as a custom straight razor, and shaving brush. You can learn more about Burlyman and the wild world of beards at www.facebook.com/burlymanbeard.

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h i s p r e r o g at i v e

Jack Blacks Body Rehab Scrub and Muscle Soak This stuff is recommended for athletes, but I say every guy should try this after a long day at work. Rub the warming eucalyptus infused scrub into knots in your muscles to help loosen them up. It also contains Arnica, which is an awesome bruise remedy and Epsom Salt to relax tense muscles and remove toxins from the body. This tub of scrub is made with organic ingredients, has no fragrance added, and it is vegan. Wanna slough off that winter dryness?

Slather on some of this Muscle Soak and bring back that healthy looking hydrated skin hiding below. Find this gem at Dillard’s and Vanities, $35

Lush Dirty Toothy Tabs What an awesome thing to carry around with you anywhere you go. These are solid toothpaste tabs that you crush in your front teeth before you brush using a wet toothbrush. They even foam up just like regular toothpaste. The Toothy Tabs would be awesome on a camping trip to cut down on weight or even for your office desk drawer for when you decide to scarf a killer Charcoaler and onion rings for lunch. These innovative little tabs are also paired well with the many other “Dirty” products from Lush like springwashes and body sprays.

Order yours from www.lushusa.com. $4.95

Clinique Sun Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen If we want to keep our skin looking healthy, us guys ought to remember that sunscreen is an important part of our regimen. UVA and UVB rays can damage the skin quickly and leave us looking fatigued and aged. This SPF is completely oil free and loaded with antioxidants. Even tough guys with sensitive skin can use it! Grab a tube before summer hits the Sun City. Dillard’s, $23

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February, 2014

the jewel of the westside

THE WORLD’S MOST EXQUISITE JEWELRY AT EXCEPTIONAL PRICES 7134 N. MESA COLONY COVE II EL PASO, TEXAS 79912

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

www.facebook.com/jewelgalleryinc

109

| By: NATALIE ROSALES |

110

Kimono Jackets Forget the structured sharp-edged boyfriend blazer as your go to winter cover-up. This season it’s all about the Japanese inspired kimonos. Kimonos can be worn with essentially everything and their whimsical nature attached to this effortless look will keep you feeling comfortable and feel-good chic simultaneously. From lace to floral with a touch of fringe or completely neutral in nude, kimonos have got you covered, literally. This versatile look can be paired with your favorite dress or can be added over a simple tee and boyfriend jeans.

Move Over Stud: crosses and studded jackets and jewels These gold-plated gems had everyone looking fierce but highly unapproachable and Halloween is over, so it’s time to spread the love and drop the armor. Leave the crosses to the churches and the studs for your ears.

Pleats Please From Moschino to Lanvin, the pleated skirt has been popping up all over the runway this season. This borrowed look from the late 70’s has us wanting to dig deep into our closet and hope to find this vintage statement piece. If you can’t, don’t fret because these pleated pieces are in a store near you. Pleated skirts fit well with every body type. If you are shorter like me, then an A-line right above the knee will elongate the legs for a lengthening effect; if you’re taller go for mid-length. The skirt is fitted to accentuate the waist and flow out from lengths starting at the knees to right above the ankles. There are many different patterns and materials to choose from. For a fresher look try leather and for a more sophisticated feel stick to rich colors and heavier fabrics like velvet. Pair your skirt with tights, boots and a button-up top for a daytime look and for nighttime trade in the ankle boots for some heels and a leather bomber jacket.

High-Low (Please No) Skirts The high-low skirt, otherwise known as the mullet skirt, is about as out as the hairstyle. The skirts party in the front, business in the back attitude is all wrong. Work and play have never made success in the past so why apply it to how you dress? Drop this look, stick to your classic LBD (little black dress) and pair it with some fun statement jewelry to give your outfit character. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

WOMEN

in and out

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in and out

The Urban Gentleman’s Cut What’s the first thing I notice about a man? No, it isn’t the pecs or the arms, it’s the hairstyle. A mans hairstyle is the one thing that a man can change about himself to get an entirely new look.

The hairstyle a man chooses creates and defines his personality

MEN

and character, so why not go for the look that not only looks smart, but feels it as well. Enter the urban gentleman cut; we have been

seeing this dapper look everywhere, from the iconic James Dean

to sex symbols such as Zac Efron and David Beckham. What’s great about the cut is the fact that it flatters all face shapes and the style is simple and quick. The urban gentleman’s cut is classy and modern with its sky-high approach. If you’re somewhat skeptical to go sky high then style shorter, until you’re comfortable enough to lengthen. The do won’t just change your look, it will change your attitude, giving you the confidence to land that deal and get you that promotion.

Yikes! Lose the spikes Spikey hair has officially lost its flair. Evolve your hairstyle and try out a new look for the New Year. A new do will add some pep in your step and give you the confidence boost you’ve been searching for.

Casual Wear

Casual wear is not only the ultimate necessity in every mans closet

but you will be surprised after reading this simple guide at just how a few changes in your wardrobe can completely change your look for the better. Lets begin with jeans, make the switch to colored corduroy or

even a darker wash jean that has a closer fit. Remember that just a small

upgrade such as switching from light to dark wash with contrast stitching

can make a major improvement in your style. As for t-shirts, focus on solid colors without design and a lightweight fabric. Think long sleeved polo shirts or a similar light fit with a solid color. Men, I understand hoodies

are comfortable but lets leave the hoodie alongside gym wear. Switch the

hoodie to a casual collared plaid shirt or try cotton or cashmere sweaters and cardigans.

Keep your winter coat but while transitioning from winter to spring add blazers and sports jackets to your wardrobe. Throwing on either one of these over a simple t-shirt

can completely change and upgrade your look. The final touch in upgrading your closet

are the shoes, remember that you can never go wrong with leather. Try wingtip, loafers,

or saddle shoes, there are many options to pick from. If you would like to stick with sneakers then I suggest a colored canvas for a more stylish look.

Cut off t-shirts and basketball shorts Listen gentleman, we love that you work out and are keeping up with your fitness regimen, however those old cutoff t-shirts and basketball shorts you’ve had since high school have got to go. Whether you’re starting up with the gym as part of your New Year’s resolution or sticking to your daily routine, it is time to invest in dri-fit sport apparel that fits the body appropriately. Not only will your confidence go up a few notches but your 112

new fitness attire will be sure to not go unnoticed, especially by that one gym bunny you’ve had your eye on.

February, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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|

February, 2014

beaut y

N

ow that the holidays are over, and the New Year is here, what better way to start it off right then with new beautiful, voluptuous hair! The biggest hair trend for this year is loose curls for a soft “beach wave” look. The five most sought after curly hairstyles include the corkscrew, the mermaid, half-way waves, tousled tresses, and cherub curls. To

achieve curly or loose wavy hair, here are some of the must-have curling irons to get the curls you desire.

For the corkscrew look you will need a magic wand: Doll Hair Care’s “Lucy Locks.”

By using this tool it makes for the perfectly tight ringlet curls. Also, the thinness of this tool makes it super easy to use and efficient. You simply

wrap your hair around it, clamp down with a straightening iron for just a few seconds, and then you slide the wand out.

The second must have hairstyle with loose curls is the mermaid look. This style is easy to create and has been a red carpet favorite. You will need a Glamoriser Variable Depth Waver. All you have to do is place a two-inch section of your hair in the clamper, then press down and hold for three seconds to create and perfect glamorous waves that go up-and-down.

The third style to try for this year is the halfway wave. The magic wand you will need for this look is the Hershesons Tourmaline Waving Wand. This wand is specialized to create laidback waves that just go from mid-length to the ends of your hair. Make sure that you spiral down the full length of your wand, as opposed to wrapping all your hair around the same point.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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BEAUT Y

February, 2014

The fourth hairstyle is the tousled tresses look.

For this look you should try a Nicky Clarke Ceramic Waving Wand. This wand curling iron helps you achieve perfect messy tousled curls.

You start by wrapping hair all down the length of the baton for disheveled waves that aren’t perfectly even.

Our last must have look for this year is cherub curls. You will want a BaByliss Curl Secret. This wand is genius for creating tight curls perfect for Valentine’s Day! Separate a piece of hair into the ceramic curler, then with the press of a button it will automatically pull your hair in, giving it heat in all directions.

Don’t forget - to enhance these fun new hairstyles, you can never go wrong with a jeweled headband or barrette to add a little sparkle to your hairstyle. Jeweled and crystal headpieces are all the rage this year and can dress up any hairstyle and outfit for a special night out.

Quick Trick To protect your skin this season from blemishes, oily or dry skin, MOA’S Daily Cleansing Ritual helps prevent all of that with its soft bamboo face cloth that also removes makeup and helps restore balance to any skin type. It is made with 100% natural ingredients and is kind to the environment.

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www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

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L The

February, 2014

k

A Look Back to

The City Girls

2013

That Rocked The Best Looks from

2013

EL PASO MAGAZINE

| By | : JOSH SANCHEZ

City Girl 2013

Who’s your favorite?

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the look

February, 2014

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2013 “THE LOOK: I DO!

BRIDAL LOOK 2013” MODEL:

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through Ashley’s face and stare as she was

a Romantic one-shoulder wedding gown was complimented

adorned with jewelry from Vanities. Ashley is one

with a side-swept vintage hairstyle. The amount of bling on

of two lucky, young and up-and-coming models to

Raquel’s headpiece, jewelry (Jewel Gallery), and even a one-

have graced the cover of The City in 2013. A true

of-a-kind bouquet (Anita’s Flowers), was just incredible. The

representation of a City Girl, Ashley and her mother

home we shot this Look at and the collector’s cars that we

have since become avid supporters of The City and

were allowed to utilize as props was just inspiring. Raquel was

all of our events. Thank you to the Mullens family for

the star of the shoot, but her eyes stole the show. A beautiful

your appreciation, gratitude, and support.

girl inside and out, Raquel Lopez rocked our second bridal shoot of the magazine.

“THE LOOK: PARTY STYLE GUIDE” MODEL: JULIA LOPEZ

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY ELLA BLU

This Look was special in the details of that dress. The embroidered and jeweled detail of the top part of the dress was jaw dropping. Julia wore it well and it complimented her frame and stature. Julia, at a true model stature, towered over the entire team in heels. An athlete, student, and down to earth girl, most people don’t know but Ashley Mullens and her are cousins. From feedback from our readers, it was difficult to differentiate the two, as the resemblance is uncanny.

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119

EL PASO MAGAZINE

the Look

February, 2014

March 2013 “THE LOOK: STREET STYLE THAT YOU CAN HANDLE” MODEL: ARGELIA GARCIA

14

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

MARCH 2013 PRiCe $2.95

STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY BOTTICELLI Spring provides us with a time to travel; Cutter Aviation was by far my favorite location to shoot at. The private airplane hanger had private jets of all sizes, even a helicopter. The jet-set theme was uncanny in the beautiful scenery. Geli (as we quickly learned to call her) was a timid and nervous novice to a photo shoot, but really made this Look outstanding. These shots could have been straight out of a Hollywood movie, starring the models, and really told a story that I love. Geli is a classy young lady whose ambition is undeniable and commendable.

EL PASO MAGAZINE

April 2013 “THE LOOK: COLOR YOUR SPRING”

MODEL: UNDARMAA BAASANDORJ PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON

16 MAY 2013 Price $2.95

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

May 2013

LOOK PROVIDED BY DELIA’S BOUTIQUE Our eyes were seeing multiples at this shoot for

“THE LOOK: MAY ROMANCE”

The Look. The multiplicity theme was executed

MODEL: KC NELSON

amazingly by model, Darmaa (as everyone knows

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

her by). This Look photoshoot was bold in colors

CREATIVE DIRECTOR:

and patterns, including this great jumpsuit in

JOSH SANCHEZ

vibrant purples and blues. The right accessories

STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

and some fierce posing from Darmaa made this

HAIR: LUCIA ESCARCEGA

shoot fun and lighthearted. Darmaa is

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

known for her fierce catwalk in the

LOOK PROVIDED BY TREND SOCIETY

modeling world, but her beauty and vivacity translated to paper incredibly in this editorial.

“May Romance” is the second, of my top three favorite shoots of 2013. Laura Carrillo: Florals, Wedding, Furniture & Gifts provided us with very unique backgrounds to work with full of texture, warmth

and vibrancy. KC, a beautiful young lady inside and out, was a true professional to work with.

It is safe to say that KC is one of our Look photographer’s favorite City Girls to work with. The variations in braided hairstyles created by Lucia were some of my favorites of the year. KC’s beauty translated in pictures amazingly, even when unprepared and not posing, the pictures 120

were incredible; this girl cannot take a bad picture!

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

EL PASO MAGAZINE

February, 2014

the Look

JULY

2013

18 JULY 2013 Price $2.95

“THE LOOK: SUMMER SPLASH” MODEL: LORENA TAVERA

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY ELLA BLU Our second July swimsuit issue was one to look forward to, but a challenge all on its own.

The previous year’s swimsuit summer issue was a personal favorite of Editor-in-Chief Shelley Mozelle.

The pressure was on to deliver an exquisite summer fashion spread. Lorena was an ideal swimsuit- City Girl, with a fit physique, and curvaceous silhouette, Lorena was beyond swimsuit-ready. This was such a fun shoot, we laughed and had fun while fighting the tough summer heat, as the sun pounded down on us all day. The first shoot with an on-hand videographer, the whole crew was ready for a lighthearted shoot. My favorite shot of Lorena was not her looking like a smoldering goddess in a swimsuit, but in actuality her in a cute outfit, eating ice cream and laughing at me, something silly I must have said. It was a moment caught in a picture; those are rare, yet priceless.

“THE LOOK: SUMMER SPLASH”

MODEL: KELLY TOMLINSON

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ STYLIST: YUBIA FIERRO

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY UNION FASHION

City Girl Kelly Tomlinson was hand picked by City-photographer Dav Anmed. He came to me and said how he had been dying to work with this girl, and I was easily convinced. Kelly quickly became one of his personal favorites, as her face shot magnificently. Her slender frame and blondbombshell locks made for a perfect juxtaposition with Lorena. This Look of her in a Juicy Couture dress from Union Fashion, had a throwback feel, cheeky-character, and Kelly just rocked the picture. The image was a scene straight out of a vintage spy movie: damsel-in-mischief, cool-cat flick titled “If She Didn’t Get Caught, She Didn’t Do It.”

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EL PASO MAGAZINE

the look

February, 2014

“THE LOOK: SOPHISTICATED CLASS” MODEL: SUMMER STOUT

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

19 August 2013 Price $2.95

ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO LOOK PROVIDED BY J.LUXE

Summer had just been crowned Miss Teen El Paso 2013, not only had she won the title, but she was the only lucky teen-aged girl to model for The Look as a City Girl in 2013. Our City Girls are usually in their twenties, but we have used a fresh new Miss Teen two years in a row, and plan on making it a tradition every year from here on out. Along with her new big sister, Miss El Paso Alexandra Valezuela, Summer’s excitement to model for The City was undeniable. Summer impressed us all, at the pageant just shortly prior to our photo shoot, and at the shoot as well. A young girl with a very bright future ahead of her, Summer stepped up as a novice model and fooled us all. Little did we know she was going to impress us so much that this shot of her in an “LBD” from j.luxe was a close second for cover. The vivacious, young, hip

AUGUSt

shot of Summer was a favorite around the office, and a personal favorite of mine. Can’t wait to see what this young woman’s future holds for her and the rest of the world.

2013 “THE LOOK: SOPHISTICATED CLASS”

MODEL: ALEXANDRA VALENZUELA PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

HAIR: DAVID PULIDO OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY RUBY LOLA

A new face, a new name, almost unheard of, Alexandra Valenzuela stole the show and was crowned Miss El Paso shortly before this photo shoot. I was intrigued to work with her, I knew absolutely nothing about her, and yet her smile and laugh were contagious as we clicked right away. I was proud of her story; she boldly decided to do the pageant on a whim, and ended up winning, a true under-dog story that had me in awe. A strong young woman, her six-pack put me to shame, and I will admit she motivated me to work out harder. Not many girls can rock the crop-top, but she sure did in this top from Ruby Lola, and in a classy way too. Alexandra and Summer won their way onto our pages, but also into our hearts at The City. We’re proud to have these young women represent El Paso, as they continue to do so splendidly.

122

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

the look

February, 2014

MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK

Rose Diaz

u

THE FACE OF 2013

Breast Cancer Awareness Month The Courage to Choose An Elective Mastectomy

SEPTEMBER

GuyRex

PASO MADE N ELDAY S

KINGS

IM

OF THE

BEAUTY QUEENS

THE DEN

OSCAR LEESER STRAIGHT TALK with El Paso’s

2013

20 SEPTEMBER 2013 PRICE $2.95

53rd MAYOR

21 OCTOBER 2013 PRICE $2.95

“THE LOOK: A FASHION FIXATION” MODEL: ROSE DIAZ

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

SET STYLIST: LADONNA APODACA

HAIR: ROSA MORALES OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY MICHELLE RIOS CATUCCI

October 2013

(AN ORIGINAL GUYREX GOWN)

A blank set, some props, some gorgeous oneof-a-kind gowns, and some other Looks from local boutiques made for an interesting Saturday afternoon. Model Rose Diaz showed up to set ready to show us how ‘Top Models’ do it. An El Paso girl who moved to New york to pursue her dream, the tall statuesque young girl had experience oozing out of her pores, as she clearly knew what she was doing. Rose was handpicked

“THE LOOK: A FALL STORY”

“THE LOOK: PRETTY & PINK”

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

MODEL: LAURA BOLING HOLLOWAY CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY TRES MARIPOSAS

by Editor-in-Chief Shelley Mozelle and myself to be

MODEL: VICTORIA SINCLAIR

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

HAIR: ROSA MORALES OF QUARTERMANE SALON

MAKE UP: MATTHEW ABRAHAM LOOK PROVIDED BY RUBY LOLA

the official face of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,

Laura is a unique beauty. Her features are

as well as our newest City Girl. A true professional

head turning as her unique look stands

to work with, Rose was easy and quick to shoot,

out in El Paso. And those cheekbones

A perfectly pink backdrop, some pink props

the camera loves her. Rose’s picture landed her on

are gravity defying! We came across

including some bubble gum, and a gorgeous

the cover, as one of only two City Girls that landed

Laura through some pictures she shot

City Girl was just what the vision was planned

cover in 2013, a true testament that speaks to her

in an athletic setting put up on social

to be for “The Look” in this pink issue in

beauty and talent.

media. City-photographer Dav Anmed

acknowledgement of October being Breast

brought her to my attention. Her physique

Cancer Awareness Month. Victoria Sinclair, a

is impressive, this girl works out. A true

very young and accomplished young woman

pleasure to work with, this fresh face did

was ecstatic to represent The City as a City

more than pose and pout, but she showed

Girl. Ready to have fun, this vixen was ready

us that she is a very smart young woman,

to do whatever was needed to get the shot.

(who’s fluent Spanish had me shocked

This bubble gum shot might have taken

and very impressed). It’s always great to

several tries, but I was so happy to get it,

see a fresh face, that isn’t well known on

as Victoria turned my vision into reality, and

the pages of “The Look.”

wonderfully might I add.

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123

the look

February, 2014

NOVEMBER

2013

THE MUSIC ISSUE

BillBoard

Hot 100

Songwriter

Blu SanderS

latin grammy

nominated Singer CriStina

Formula expo

Band oF tHe year 2012 the dirty river BoyS

december/ january

november 2013 PRICE $2.95

2014

DEC/JAN 2014 PRICE $2.95

“THE LOOK: DOWNTOWN BOOGIE” MODEL: CRYSTAL LOMELI

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

HAIR: SARAH BRAZIE OF QUARTERMANE SALON MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY TREND SOCIETY I was lucky to get this girl to say “yes” to me finally after previous schedule conflicts. The third of my top three favorite shoots of the year, we took over the downtown nightclub Lotus one morning, as the wonderfully decorated scenery was our playground. Crystal, an experienced model, might get the award for “best at posing” for the year. The entire team was impressed

“THE LOOK: WHITE NOISE”

MODEL: BRIANNA WEBB

PHOTOGRAPHER: DAV ANMED

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: JOSH SANCHEZ

ASSOCIATE FASHION STYLIST: CASSIE JOHNSON

HAIR: HUNTER QUARTERMANE OF QUARTERMANE SALON

MAKE UP: CLAUDIA CASTILLO

LOOK PROVIDED BY NONO’S

with her professionalism and talent as she turned

2013 came to a conclusion and The City Magazine was busy with our Best Of

out amazing shot after amazing shot, the girl

The City Awards and issue. For the second year in a row we decided to use the

cannot take a bad picture. This fashionista

models that were voted Best Of The City by you, El Paso, as our models for “The

of a City Girl knows her stuff, and does

Look” in the “Best Of” issue. Brianna Webb, one of our own City Girls featured

not mess around, and I was just lucky

in the swimsuit issue from 2012, our former Miss El Paso, had won. I kept this

to be in her company and witness

secret from her when I asked her to model for us, she was more than happy to

her innate talent. A bright future

with zero expectations. Shooting with her was easy; she looked great in every

awaits this lovely young

outfit, and is such a sweet girl to work with. I was glad to work with her once

woman, of that I am sure.

again, and proud of her for winning Best Of The City: Female Model for 2013.

124

February, 2014

DAVID PAUL

SARAH BRAZIE

VALERIE MONCADA

SHANNON QUARTERMANE

Artistic Leader

Artist of Hair

Artist of Hair

Creative Director

MEEKA CHAVEZ HERNANDEZ

ROSA MORALES

HUNTER QUARTERMANE

Artistic Leader

Artist of Hair

Chief Artistic Director

LUXURY for ALL ( 9 1 5 ) 5 8 1 .1 2 2 7 quartermanesalon.com

A Uwww.thecitymagazineelp.com S T I N • D A L L A S • E L P A S O • H O U S T O N • T H E W O O D L A125N D S

February, 2014

Unc nventional

Date Ideas

126

| By: JANNET BUSTILLOS |

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

LOVE

February, 2014

With Valentine’s soon approaching I’m sure

Staycation:

several of you are debating what to do on the

make it a vacation in your own city? Rent a

special day. Dinner and a movie are so overrated, which is why I have put together different date ideas that may help reinvigorate your relationship this Valentine’s Day. Hiking:

Volunteer:

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, find a scenic

There is no better way to show compassion

trail you want to hike, such as The Franklin

than helping those in need. Volunteer at a

Mountains. It’s so nice to breathe in the

local soup kitchen or spend time at the Boys

fresh air, and get some adrenaline pumping.

& Girls Club. Showing love and generosity to

This type of date can be a great bonding

others is a great way to honor the love you

experience while you commune with nature.

and your partner share.

Game night:

Spa day:

Trigger your competitive side by going to a

With our hectic lives, being able to have some

local bingo gathering or playing board games.

R&R once in a while is a must. Make an

Although this might bring back some high

appointment for two at a spa and enjoy getting

school memories, bowling is always a fun

a couples massage, facials, or mani’s and pedi’s.

activity you can enjoy as a couple.

Enjoy the relaxation while drinking mimosas.

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If you’re unable to take a vacation, why not suite at a local hotel, and enjoy the weekend as if you’re a tourist in your own city. Visit tourist sites you have always wanted to see.

Take up some classes: There are several classes that are made especially for couples such as salsa dancing or cooking. Ask a local chef if he would be willing to give you two a cooking lesson. Or hit up the local dance studio and learn some sultry dance moves you two could use later.

Wine tasting: Take your significant other on a romantic date to a local vineyard. Many vineyards offer private tours and wine tastings.

The environment alone can be extremely romantic and peaceful, add some flowers and this can be the perfect date.

127

Romance by the

Signs | By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |

I am sure we all get nervous when planning that special date for that special someone.

Here are some dos and don’ts of dating, by sign of course.

February, 2014

ARIES (March 21~April 19)

LEO (July 23-August 22)

SAGITTARIUS

If you can take them on a date that they have

Lions are hopeless romantics. Put extra

(November 22~December 21)

never been on before they will appreciate your

thought and effort in their date to make them

Sagittarians are animal lovers, so a visit to the zoo

efforts. The Ram also loves to go where the

feel more special and regal. A fine dinner

or a horseback ride. They also love the outdoors

action is, the hippest club or trendy restaurant.

with a sunset view and fine wine are sure to

and camping trips. Since they love to travel a

make a lion purr.

short day trip would be intriguing just make sure

TAURUS (April 20~May 20)

it is somewhere they have never been before.

The Bull is a very romantic sign that enjoys

VIRGO (August 23~September 22)

the finer things in life. Roses are a must!

If you want to make a good impression on

CAPRICORN (December 22~January 19)

Reservations at a fine restaurant with

this sign, prepare a gourmet meal yourself

Goats take a date very seriously. Dinner with

tablecloths, soft music and candlelight. Do

with the healthiest and freshest of foods.

reservations show you put effort and thought

not go cheap, or go home.

Making a handcrafted card yourself will show

into the date. Something more casual would

them you made it specifically for them.

be a small nature walk since goats love to

GEMINI (May 21~June 20)

feel connected to the ground.

Taking the sign of the twins on a date

LIBRA (September 23~October 22)

needs to be one of good conversation and

Be sure to look your best on your date, Libras

AQUARIUS (January 20~February 18)

excitement. A hip bistro with lots of chatter

have a great eye for style and taste. If you

Think outside the box with the sign of the

is music to their ears. Surprise your date with

are good on your feet perhaps dancing or

water bearer. Perhaps crashing a wedding

bowling, miniature golf, or a karaoke bar.

a skating rink. Or rent a luxury car (of their

reception or going to a new restaurant and

dreams) and go for a romantic drive on a

eating something neither one of you have

scenic route.

ever tried before. The Aquarian enjoys new

CANCER (June 21~July 22)

adventures always.

The Crab is the sign of the caregiver and would enjoy being on the receiving end

SCORPIO (October 23~November21)

of some TLC. A nice day at the spa or a

Take a scorpion to a quiet dark restaurant

PISCES (February 19~March 20)

massage would be perfect. Also a small

and sit in a corner with candlelight and soft

Invite your favorite fish over for dinner and

trinket or something nostalgic is good as they

music playing. They love mystery and depth.

a romantic movie. Having chocolate covered

are very sentimental.

Be sure to ask your date some probing

strawberries afterwards is conducive to

questions such as “Who influences you

kissing too. If you prefer to go out and do

most, and why?�

something they would not forget then try a yoga class together.

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129

February, 2014

OO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOO

?

W O N Y E H T E R A E R E H W

een u Q y t u Bea o s a P l E om r F : g n i r r ess r a t H c a A r u d La woo y l l o H o t R EY | ANY SAW OOOOOOOOOOO

OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOO O O O O O O O O O O O O O OOOOOOO T | By: BRIT

130

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O

O

WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

February, 2014

E

l Paso is proud to call Laura Harring one of

a wicked and dark wife of the head of the

Versatility has continued to be the name of the

their own. The first Latina woman crowned

mob. Switching gears, she then played Dehlia

game for this El Pasoan, however. Recently she

Miss USA, she has now moved on to the

Dreycott in Warner Brothers “Nancy Drew: The

has honored her darker role from “Mulholland

world of Hollywood, making quite as much of

Mystery in Hollywood Hills.” Here she starred

Drive” by appearing in the abstract film “Inland

a splash there as she did in the pageant world.

with Emma Roberts, portraying a famous

Empire.” She also costarred in “The Caller”,

movie star. Her performance was described as

which won the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival’s

“breathtaking beautiful and mysterious.”

“Made In New York Best Narrative Feature Film

Harring was born in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico

Award”. In the last few years she has also won

where she lived for the first ten years of her life. Even at this precocious age, she showed a

Harring’s commitment to her roles was

such awards as Special Mention Female at the

talent and drive for performing, playing an angel

apparent when she gained 30 pounds in order to

Gasparilla International Film Festival, and The

in the Christmas “The Nativity Story” at age

accurately portray Sara Noriega in the film “Love

Golden Eagle Award.

five. At ten her family relocated to Texas, and

in the Time of Cholera.” Here she worked with

at sixteen she convinced her parents to let her

Javier Bardem to bring the Nobel Prize winning

Despite her fame and success in the world of

study at Aiglon College in Switzerland – one of

work to life. She has been featured in HBO’s

performing arts, Laura Harring has not forgotten

the top three high schools in the world. It was

“Walkout,” playing a suburban mom in the true

her roots and her commitment to humanitarian

at this prestigious institution that she met the

story centered on injustice in East Los Angeles

work. She continues to be the Goodwill

brother of her future husband, Count Carl von

school systems in the ’60s. Recurring characters

Ambassador to the David Lynch Foundation and

Bismark. Although their marriage was short

also dot her more recent appearances, such as

the Ambassador to “Children Uniting Nations.”

lived, their separation was amicable and largely

FX’s critically acclaimed series, “The Shield.”

In 2008 she also participated in the “Stop

due to Harring’s desire to pursue acting.

In this role, Harring played Becca Doyle, a

Hunger Now” campaign and traveled around

compassionate defense attorney who seeks to

Africa. Needless to say, this famous El Paso

Harring moved back to the states and to El

redeem her clients. Another recurring role was

star continues to pursue excellence in both her

Paso, where she first entered beauty pageants.

in Season 3 of “Gossip Girl”, where she took on

career and her personal life.

She won Miss El Paso, and quickly moved on to

the role of Ed Westwick’s mother.

win Miss Texas. In 1985 she was crowned Miss USA, as much of a personal achievement as an achievement for Latina women in the world of pageants. Her next year was spent traveling and working abroad. She visited Europe and Asia, and worked as a social worker in India.

This included building schools, planting trees, and much manual labor to help the people of that community. It was at this point that Harring solidified her personal commitment to humanitarian work.

When Harring moved back to the states once more, it was finally to pursue her dream of acting. From 1987 to 2001, much of her work was for television shows or T.V. movies, including appearances in shows such as General Hospital, Baywatch Nights, and Frasier. Her big break came in 2001, when she immortalized the role of ‘Rita’ in Mulholland Drive. Harring’s performance

was

so

memorable

and

impressive that she received an Alma Award for her role, and her career has blossomed since then. She starred in “The Punisher” opposite John Travolta, where she played Livia Saint, www.thecitymagazineelp.com

131

February, 2014

Froem th SULLI-BROS.

132

February, 2014

To DUSTY

LOW

| Written and Photographed By: MARKO A. MORALES |

If there is one other thing in this world that bonds Jesse, Danny and Sam together in life besides the last name Sullivan, it could only be their shared love and passion for music and all that encompasses it. The brothers have been a part of the El Paso music scene since before any of them could legally purchase alcohol. Having a grandfather who played with the El Paso Symphony Orchestra and a father who played his share of gigs throughout the city, it is hard to imagine these siblings wanting to make a living doing anything else other than performing for receptive audiences.

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133

ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

February, 2014

“My pops started a band when I was in

their time and talents into. To satisfy a music

college at New Mexico State in Las Cruces

audiences’ desire to hear tunes already

called Danny & The Dynamics,” the eldest of

made popular by another, the siblings came

the three brothers, Sam mentions. “It was my

together and began a band called The Sulli-

kid brother Danny on drums. I think starting at

Bros., consisting of all three on vocals, Dan

age ten he had him play, Jesse doing guitar

on cajon, Sam on trumpet/harmonica and

and my dad played lead guitar and vocals …

Jesse on guitar. When focusing on originals,

they had a friend named Mike on bass.”

they go by Dusty Low, with the addition of Tony Movsesian on bass.

Some time later, Jesse and Dan joined their older brother in a band all three continue to

After realizing about eight years ago that Red

play in called Liquid Cheese. Sam and “The

Handed, the name they had been playing

Cheese” needed to replace a bass player

under, was over-used by different artists

who was not able to make one of their

around the country, the brothers decided to

summer tours. Having had experience on

borrow from the title of a song they wrote and

guitar, Sam asked middle brother Jesse if

recorded a short time earlier. A song about

he could make the transition from six to four

an outlaw drifter titled “Dusty Low” became

strings. Jesse filled the bass position for the

the inspiration for the name of the Sullivan

tour and the next couple of years. These days

brothers’ most recent project. “We really

Jesse is back behind the guitar when Liquid

only did one or two shows as Red Handed

Cheese is out doing live shows.

before we became Dusty Low,” Sam says.

“I kind of prefer being behind a full drum

The alternative-country folk-rock sounds

set,” youngest brother Dan says, “Even if

of their project focusing on original songs,

it is a more intimate venue, I prefer being

credits a long list of artists as the band

behind a full kit.”

members’ influences, both individually and as a whole. All three brothers are quick to

134

The horn driven, reggae/ska influenced

mention their father, as well as the music

Liquid Cheese that has been well known

both mom and dad introduced them to

around the city since the mid 90’s, is one

growing up as playing a large role in shaping

of three projects the Sullivan brothers put

their tastes and preferences in music. www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014 “We were raised with our father, who was blues-rock,” Jesse says, “So we like to throw in Clapton and Marshall Tucker.”

The brothers have been fortunate enough to share the stage with a couple of their influences over the years, opening up for such bands as The Slackers, out of New York City and The Skatalites from Jamaica. Other individual artists and bands on their eclectic list of influences include Eric Johnson, American jazz bassist Christian McBride, Ozomatli and Austin, Texas legend Stevie Ray Vaughan.

Aside from performing regularly around Texas and New Mexico, the boys of Dusty Low are working on releasing their next album. The working title of the album is “Guns & Gold.”

Although the release date is tentative, the band is working diligently and hopes to have it mixed and ready to be released in the next few months.

“We’ve

invested

in

some

recording

equipment,” Jesse mentions, “We’re still going to get Gabe Gonzalez from Clap of Thunder. He’s going to help us out and Gilbert Uribe, AdLib... from Nosotros and Liquid Cheese is going to help out.”

Whether playing live, loud, energetic sets with Liquid Cheese, or the more laid back acoustic shows as The Sulli-Bros. and Dusty Low, it becomes clear within moments of watching a performance, these guys love what they do. They show no signs of stopping or slowing down.

The seemingly effortless harmonizing of the Sullivan brothers is the result of sharing the stage with one another almost all their lives.

They continue to compliment each other and enjoy the stage time with family. All indications suggest that the Sullivan brothers will ride on, till the wheels fall off.

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O 20

th

February, 2014

EL PASO

ANNI-VERSA

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O

E L PA S O O P E R A

T

here are so many magical events El Paso has to offer, especially when it comes to the musical contributions of local and national caliber. The El Paso Opera is in its 20th season and has already started with a bang. 20 years ago a traveling opera appeared in the schools of the city and

now our own El Paso Opera has grown to become a thriving local company in the midst of an almost unappreciated art. The founders, director, and Opera team hold such pride and appreciation towards their Opera Company, and cherish it as a gift to the city. This year started out with so many great accomplishments creating hope for another successful 20 more years to come.

This year’s Opera season started off with tremendous support from both sides of the border. It began with the 20th Anniversary Gala at

O

PERA the Abraham Chavez theatre on November 9th. The Gala showcased a compilation of arias, duets, and ensembles performed by world-

an Overview

| By: LAURA WERTHMANN photos provided by: EL PASO OPERA |

renowned singers. It was a special evening hosted by Sherrill Milnes,

a universally acclaimed baritone, and created a night to remember alongside fellow performers, Pamela Armstrong, David Portillo, and Maria Luisa Tamez to name a few. Artistic and General Director, David Grabarkewitz describes the night as “having a celebratory feel that made the entire evening feel joyous.” When Grabarkewitz came to the border region in 2009, the company was said to have envisioned a change of pace, and he was able to revitalize the Opera by sustaining the relationship with Juarez. Hosting “big events helped put the company back on the map,” he said, much like the formerly mentioned 20th Anniversary Gala. Grabarkewitz has been the resident stage director for the New York City Opera, where one of his many illustrious Operas, Madame Butterfly, was awarded the 2008 PrimeTime Emmy Award for Best Live Classical Music or Dance.

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E L PA S O O P E R A

February, 2014

What was most successful about the weekend Gala Event was the Opera’s bi-national concert held across the border at The X Theatre in Cd. Juarez, for free. There was a tremendous turnout of thousands supporting with “wild wonderful feelings” from both sides of the border. It was a smaller but impactful concert with different pieces in Spanish that brought the crowd something classical, and reinstated another collaboration between the two neighboring cities. On speaking of her experience at The X, Lynn Provenzano, Director of Operations and Marketing, stated, “we had people thank us with tears in their eyes for bringing our performance there. They want their city back.

They want it back very strongly, we found a grateful community.” The Company’s goal is to strengthen the relationship with Juarez in hopes to provide an artistic outlet, as the city undergoes a type of renaissance away from fear back into a strong cultural and inviting town. With a strong appreciation in his heart, Grabarkewitz said “Juarez always had a great love of classical music, always wonderful to see 7,000 people enjoy opera on a beautiful Juarez day.” The performance proved that both cities could trickle back into the social aspect of Juarez to attend more celebrations and concerts, especially the Opera, which will perform more concerts and create a stronger collaboration.

The cooperation between the El Paso Opera Company and Juarez is growing and will help strengthen public relations as auditions are being held at the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez.

Grabarkewitz sees the Opera helping the city take a “political stance to see a positive social change.” The auditions will help create a place in the company for those who can and wish to participate in any and all performances the El Paso Opera has to offer.

The main attraction of the season’s festivities is the performance of La Boheme, beginning in April. Grabarkewitz describes the story as a beautiful and exciting experience of youth in Paris, finding love and themselves in the facade of a tragic comedy, stating, “the production is beautiful, people will be deeply moved.” La Boheme is one of the most popular Puccini Operas that can inspire every generation.

Leading up to the main performance, a theatrical music theater will be presented at Ardovino’s Desert Crossing every Thursday night entitled Novella Boheme; a short preview of La Boheme carried out through the eyes of the author. The company prides itself on putting excellence into every production. “Keep moving on to the next performance giving the best you have and bringing quality performers,” says Provenzano. Every year the Opera introduces a performance spectacle. For example, The New York City Opera was brought in to kick off the season of 2011-2012 for Madame Butterfly.

In 2012-2013 The Barber of Seville brought world-renowned star Vanessa Carim, and we can’t forget the 1998 production of Aida that brought a live camel and elephant to the stage.

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February, 2014

E L PA S O O P E R A

In the beginning of the season, October 2013, the Opera partnered with the University of Texas at El Paso to travel to Bhutan, a sister city of climate and spirit that holds a special place in the heart of UTEP. The Opera, along with choir and orchestra students, arrived in Bhutan to perform at the second wedding for the King and Queen. Grabarkewitz stated how “the opera can be international and the opera can have an impact on regions around the world.” The El Paso Opera was the first Western Opera to perform in Bhutan, establishing history, building experiences and making the best of their collaboration with UTEP. During the 20th season, the Opera will make its way to Marfa, Texas to create new beginnings, new variety, and reach out to a diverse audience. The performance of Vidas Perfectas by Robert Ashley, in Spanish, will happen in May at the Marfa Ballroom and will target a more contemporary audience. Vidas Perfectas is a piece said to be fresh, funny, and a different type of operatic entertainment, as opposed to the traditional classics everyone loves and enjoys. The Marfa Ballroom is a catalyst spearheading the company’s change in becoming a regional Opera for the Southwest. Vidas Perfectas will also be performed in New York and at our very own Tricky Falls in the summer of 2014. “I think our patrons will be interested out of curiosity,” says Provenzano as she describes the new modern twist for the company as a stepping-stone into the future.

As most of us know the future begins with our children, and so did the El Paso Opera. 20 years ago a band of traveling performers toured the city to visit schools and instill music into young minds. Today, the Children’s Opera Workshop program, (ChOW) does the same type of educational outreach and brings well-known authors and performers an opportunity to interact with adolescents. Provenzano describes ChOW by stating, “if you want something to survive and you want it to thrive in the future you need to plant the seeds with the children and you need to also tap into that creativity.” With other nonprofits that have stepped up to fill the creative void in mind, and after the decline of the arts in the education system, the Opera helps support that cause as ChOW continues to grow.

The El Paso Opera is honored to have been up and running for 20 years, and we can all hope there are 20 more amazing years to come as we celebrate them. When speaking of the future Provenzano stated, “as we continue to go forward we are listening to our patrons and we’re looking at what they would like to see; and we’re being innovative.” Presently, the 20 for 20 campaign is taking donations to help the El Paso Opera contribute to the amazing performances of the season and many others to come; you can find more information on their website, http://epopera.org/. This 20th season is a momentous occasion that initiates bigger and more exciting events for the El Paso Opera, and we can only sit and wait in anticipation.

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e p a Esncto a I e r u t n e v d A New February, 2014

| By: BRITTANY SAWREY |

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The El Paso Zoo is about to become a little wilder.

This March, they will be opening a brand new, completely unique escape for kids and adults alike: the Foster Treehouse Playground.

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

Article Title

W

eighing in at half a million dollars, the five-part treehouse was donated by the generous Paul Foster to provide

a special experience for zoo guests. The structure will sit next to the intensely popular Splash Pad, nestled amidst huge, shading oak trees. A huge priority in the planning for the treehouse was for it to be designed around the existing trees, so that they wouldn’t be removed or damaged in any way; protecting nature is part of the zoo’s mission statement.

The playground will consist of five individual treehouses – or pods – at varying levels. The lowest section will be accessible to all, including wheelchairs, so that every visitor can enjoy the new structure. Between each pod are obstacles such as cargo nets, slides, tunnels, and wooden bridges, to make sure the voyage to each new pod is full of adventure and excitement. The tallest treehouse measures 17 feet tall, giving a vantage point found literally nowhere else in the zoo. Adventurous guests can climb to the top and try to glimpse Asian elephants and orangutans from their very own treetop. The best part? There’s neither an age nor height restriction, which means adults can enjoy the fun just as much as kids.

The Foster Treehouse Playground is currently being constructed in Greenville, Texas by The 4 Kids Design Company and will then be assembled at the zoo in early March. Once assembled, it will be located in the same pavilion as picnic tables, water fountains, the splash pad and plenty of shade; the treehouse will add to the many entertainment options offered at the zoo already. “It provides families another opportunity to bond at the zoo. Since there’s no age or height restriction, parents and kids can play together,” Karla Martinez, the Public Relations Director for the Zoo, stated. Renee Neuert, the El Paso Zoological Society Director, adds, “It offers an opportunity for kids to explore and use their imagination while at the zoo; by the time you get to the top [of the treehouse], you could be imagining you’re in a space ship or a pirate ship! It allows families to play in nature together and be physically active together.”

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February, 2014

February 2014

THE CITY AGENDA

1 feb. 1-23

Rhinos Hockey

1 feb. 1

Winter Sport Outing at Ski Apache Enjoy a day of winter sports at Ski Apache in Ruidoso, New Mexico with Fort Bliss MWR. Whether you love skiing or snowshoeing, or simply taking in the alpine views, this is sure to be a fantastic excursion. Transportation from El Paso to Ruidoso plus a lift ticket is $50. Equipment rental not included.

Info: (915) 744-1532 or blissmwr.com/ southwestadventure

The division-leading El Paso Rhinos are hosting games at the Sierra Providence Center throughout February. Faceoff is at 7:30 pm Mon.-Sat. and 4:30 pm on Sundays. Info: elpasorhinos.com 2.1 Wichita Thunder 2.14 Valencia Flyers 2.15 Valencia Flyers 2.16 Valencia Flyers 2.21 Dallas Ice Jets 2.22 Dallas Ice Jets 2.23 Dallas Ice Jets

Concerts 3

lowbrow palace • 9 pm

Cosmonauts w/ NALGADAS & lake of fire

feb. 1-15

7

11

142

Queens of the Stone Age w/ CHELSEA WOLFE abraham chavez theatre • 7:30 pm

Ringo Deathstarr w/ purple

13

tricky falls • 8 pm

17

Alejandra Guzman El paso county coliseum • 8 pm

The Weeks w/ranch ghost

22

lowbrow palace • 8 pm

1 feb. 1-28

Horse Racing at Sunland Park Enjoy a day at Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino. Races start at 12:15 pm most days in February. Admission is free.

Info: (915) 874-5200 or sunland-park.com

A Song to Remember, the last in the Broadcast Film Critics Association and El Paso Pro Musica’s Classic Film Series will show at 2 pm on Saturday, Feb. 1.

Admission is free.

Info: (915) 833-9400 or eppm.org

9

lowbrow palace • 8 pm

Twelve Hours of Old El Paso Mountain Bike Race

Classic Film Series

inn of the mountain gods • 8 pm

Pontiak

feb. 1

feb. 1

Gary Allan

w/ jack name (white fence) & NALGADAS

Sun Devils Football Come see El Paso Sun Devils Semi-Pro Football at the Socorro Activities Complex.

Games kick off at 6:30 pm. Adults are $7; kids 12 & under are $5.

Info: elpasosundevilsfootball.com

6

monarch • 9 pm

1

1

w/ until the ribbon breaks

1

2.1 Hub City Bison 2.15 West Texas Oilers 3.1 West Texas Longhorns

Ready yourself for El Paso’s only 12-hour mountain biking event. Admission starts at $35. Saturday, Feb. 1, 10 am - 10 pm.

Info: (915) 544-2453 or the-bicycle-company.net

Delorean

7 feb. 7-9

Public Ice Skating Sierra Providence Event Center will host a weekend of public ice skating: Friday, Feb. 7 from 7-10 pm, Saturday, Feb. 8 from 12-3 pm, and Sunday Feb. 9 from 7-10 pm.

Info: elpasohockey.org/publicskating

23

Bone Thugs-N-Harmony tricky falls • 8 pm

Jim Brickman PLAZA THEATRE • 3 pm

23

7 feb. 7

First Friday Artwalk & Ghost Tour Experience the First Friday ArtWalk and Ghost Tour at San Elizario Historical District from 6 to 10 pm. See local art, shop for jewelry, pottery, and more. There will be sweet and savory treats and also a “movie on the wall” at 8:15. Admission is free; the ghost tour is $10.

Info: sanelizariohistoricartdistrict.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

1

15

feb. 1-26

feb. 15

UTEP Miner Basketball Conference play is in full swing and the race for March Madness is on at the Don Haskins Center. All games at 7:05 pm.

Tickets and info at utepathletics.com

Men

Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth 7 feb. 7-16

2.1 Rice 2.13 Florida Atlantic 2.15 FIU 2.27 Tulsa

UTEP Theatre presents The Trials of Pobrero del Campesino

Women 2.5 Tulane 2.8 FIU 2.22 East Carolina 2.26 UTSA

7 feb. 7

Championship Bull Riding at Sunland Park It’s “the fastest show on dirt.”

The Casa Ford Tuff Hedeman Championship Bull Riding West Texas Shootout Presented by Sunland Park Racetrack & Casino is Feb. 8 at 8 pm.

Tickets from $10.

Info: (915) 544-9000 or cbrbull.com

UTEP’s nationally-reputed Department of Theatre & Dance is back with their most daring and exciting production yet.

Inspired by Stravinsky’s Patrushka, Trials is a time-travelling ballet of love and politics in revolutionary Mexico. Choreographed

by Lisa Smith, Myron Nadel, and Andrea Vazquez. Playing Feb. 7, 8, 13, 14, and 15 at 8 pm, and Feb. 9 & 16 at 2:30 pm at Wise Family Theater on the 2nd floor of Fox Fine Arts Center at UTEP. Part of UTEP’s ongoing Centennial Celebration.

Tickets and Info: (915) 747-5118

14 feb. 14

Sinatra Forever UTEP’s Magoffin Auditorium will host a night of Frank Sinatra’s best songs, performed by Rick Michel and a 7-piece band. Guys, this is the perfect way to cap off her Valentine’s Day. Info: utepspecialevents.com

Mike Tyson: Undisputed Truth is a rare, personal look inside the life and mind of one of the most feared men ever to wear the heavyweight crown. Directed

by Academy Award nominee Spike Lee, this riveting one-man show goes beyond the headlines, behind the scenes and between the lines to deliver a must-see theatrical knockout. Live performance is at Abraham Chavez Theatre at 8 pm.

Info: ticketmaster.com

21 feb. 21-22

El Paso Symphony Orchestra For two nights, enjoy the sounds of Bohuslav Rattay’s El Paso Symphony Orchestra at the Plaza Theatre. Show starts at 7:30 pm and will feature some of the finest talent our city has to offer.

Info: (915) 532.3776 or epso.org

19 8

feb. 19-24

feb. 8

UTEP Faculty Art Exhibit

Bouldering at Hueco Tanks If you’re looking for adventure, join Fort Bliss MWR for a trip to legendary Hueco Tanks. Ticket is $18 and includes transportation, equipment rental, and admission into the park.

Info: blissmwr.com

www.thecitymagazineelp.com

UTEP’s Stanlee and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts will hold the UTEP Department of Art Biennial Faculty Exhibit Feb. 19-24. This multimedia exhibit will feature work form UTEP’s distinguished faculty. Info: (915) 747-6151 or rubincenter.utep.edu

21 feb. 21

Sleepover Adventures Here’s a chance for you and your kids to stay the night at the El Paso Zoo. Bring your toothbrush, pillow, and sleeping bag and get ready for a wild night!

Info: elpasozoo.org

143

THE CITY AGENDA

February 2014

22 feb. 22

Downtown Melt

21 feb. 21

The City Weddings Launch Event David Tutera, celebrity wedding planner and TV star, is coming to El Paso to host the launch of The City Magazine’s new yearly bridal publication, The City Weddings. Plan your entire wedding in one place at our bridal boutique showcase comprised of over 50 local vendors.

Attend a special one-hour seminar where David Tutera speaks on how to plan and execute your dream wedding. See the latest trends--from lavish and elegant to modern and daring--in the biggest and most provocative wedding fashion show of the year. Take in cocktails and inspiration as we toast the beginning of what is sure to be the best wedding season yet! Info: (915) 500.5730 or thecitymagazineelp.com

February, 2014

The owners of various restaurants, bars, shops and theaters along with the El Paso Downtown Management District invite you to Melt, a monthly Downtown event with food, drinks, hotel specials, free craft beer tastings, giveaways and live entertainment.

Every last Saturday of the month.

Info: downtownelpaso.com

1 MAR. 1-2

Monster Jam Monster Jam invades the Sun Bowl on Saturday, Mar. 1 at 7 pm and on Sunday, Mar. 2 at 2 pm. Tickets start at $12; pit passes are available.

Info: monsterjam.com

28 feb. 28 - mar. 2

El Paso Spring Home & Garden Show 23 feb. 23

Family Day at the Wall Fort Bliss MWR is hosting a family fun day at the Loeza Soldier Activity Center for ages 6 and up.

Info: (915) 744-1532 or blissmwr.com 144

Find out what will be in style this spring at the El Paso Spring Home & Garden Show at the El Paso Convention Center.

Friday 2-7 pm, Saturday 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday 11 am - 5 pm. Admission is $7 for adults 17+ and free for everyone 16 and under. Seniors are $5, retired military are $5, and active duty military are free.

Info: elpasohomeandgarden.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com

November, 2013

145

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Wine Tasting To Benefit Boys & Girls Clubs of El Paso at THE EL PASO MUSEUM OF ART | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.

El Paso Pro Musica’s

Bach’s Lunch at THE EL PASO MUSEUM OF ART | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR.

Miss New Mexico 2014 State Pageant at THE LAS CRUCES CONVENTION CENTER | Photographed by LUIS MIRANDA, JR. and CHARLOTTE MCGEE

November, 2013

we make

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and

design video www.commonpeoples.com

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November, 2013

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November, 2013

166

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November, 2013

167

1

ST

THE BRIDAL EVENT OF ITS KIND IN EL PASO & PRESENT

el paso magazine

DAVID TUTERA is coming to El Paso for the launch of ’s new yearly bridal magazine

F R I D AY • F E B R U A R Y 5 - 10 PM

21

2014

at

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$40 $40 Package $75

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