November-December 2023 - Absolutely Brazos Magazine

NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2023

Covering C overing Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Needville & Katy

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80 Winners

2023

Festive Holiday Flavor CAFB’s Christmas Home Tour

The Key to

Surviving Thanksgiving

Expertise Matters When You Need

BACK AND NECK CARE

Specialists Serving Fort Bend County and Surrounding Areas

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HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL MEDICAL OFFICE BUILDING 3

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If you suffer from back and neck pain, you have options when it comes to treatment. At Houston Methodist Neuroscience & Spine Center at Sugar Land, we offer comprehensive spine care ranging from nonsurgical and minimally invasive options to highly complex spine surgery. Whether you are experiencing everyday discomfort or severe pain from a significant condition or injury, our spine specialists provide advanced, personalized care — so you can get back to your active life.

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• Personalized treatment plans tailored to your specific needs

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• A dedicated care navigator who will connect you with the appropriate doctor for your condition • Expedited appointments • Advanced, state-of-the-art technology

To schedule an appointment, scan the QR code, visit houstonmethodist.org/neuro-sl or call 281.205.4662.

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• A multidisciplinary team of board-certified doctors and specialists

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Jingle Tree features a showcase of beautifully decorated trees and décor, up for bid in a week-long, online silent auction.

Proceeds support the Museum’s daily operations, expand access to underserved communities and support innovative sensory-friendly programming.

NOVEMBER 10

NOVEMBER 13 & 14

NOVEMBER 16

TREE LIGHTING

VIP EXPERIENCE

FESTIVE FINALE

10:00AM

11:00AM-5:00PM

6:00PM-9:00PM

SCAN FOR TICKETS AND INFO

CONTRIBUTORS

{Medical Focus} 20 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 VOLUME 11 | NUMBER 5

{COVER STORY}

Welcomes Christopher Sy, M.D.

20 HOUSTON METHODIST SUGAR LAND HOSPITAL

22

Welcomes Courtney Chang, M.D.

{Columns} 8 thAnnual

Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. thedrunkencyclist.com Page 22

Steve Kursar Auto Enthusiast Page 24

24

22 THE DRUNKEN CYCLIST The Key to Surviving Thanksgiving

Alisa Murray www.AlisaMurray.com Page 25

24 AUTO REVIEW

2024 Ford Maverick

2023

7 8TH ANNUAL ABSOLUTELY! THE BEST READERS’ CHOICE OF BRAZOS FAVORITES This Fall, we invited readers to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Brazos in nine different categories. See who won in this year’s Readers’ Choice Awards!

25 THE SWEET LIFE GARDENER Lemon Grass

{In Every Issue}

18 A FULL MENU OF FESTIVE HOLIDAY FLAVOR

Just in time for the holidays, a festive meal filled with flavor and flare.

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NOVEMBER/ DECEMBER 2023

Covering C overing Richmond, Rosenberg, Fulshear, Needville & Katy

4 EXCLAMATION POINTS!

{Historic Downtown} 6

th 8Annual

ROSENBERG Over

{Newsworthy} 5

{Feature}

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THE GREAT PUMPKIN ROUND UP AT THE GEORGE RANCH

Saturdays Through November 25th

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Winners

2023

Festive Holiday Flavor CAFB’s Christmas Home Tour

The Key to

Surviving Thanksgiving

ON THE COVER: 8th Annual Best in Brazos Reader’s Choice

21 CHILD ADVOCATES OF FORT BEND 2023 Christmas Home Tour

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Schedule an Appointment Today!

Genna Lubrano, MD Services Offered

Board Certified General Surgeon

General Surgery services Including colonoscopy lesions, hernia, gallbladders, skin lesions, etc.

Contact Info 281-238-7870 oakbendmedicalgroup@obmc.org @oakbendmedicalgroup 22001 Southwest Freeway, Suite 300, Richmond, Texas 77469

EXCLAMATION POINTS! Associate Publisher, KAY GARRETT

Holiday Cheer is Here!

The holiday season brings a unique energy, from bustling days of gift shopping to festivals and social events, to momentous family trips and heartwarming celebrations. In this flurry of activity, let’s remember to be thankful, grateful and blessed for our family and friends. Spending time with family during the holidays sharing in traditions and leisure activities strengthens the family bond.

Kay and Jim Garrett and Diana and Kyle I’m looking forward to celebrating with Neely attended the first annual Super all of my family during the holidays. It Heroes Fort Bend Hope Gala. It was a festive evening raising funds for Fort definitely fills my heart with holiday Bend Hope, a non-profit focused on cheer! empowering families through education.

One of our traditions at absolutely!

Congratulations to Fort Bend Hope on a focus media is revealing and successful event! congratulating our winners of the Reader’s Choice Favorites. Our online survey was a tremendous success again this year with thousands of Brazos readers taking time to vote for their favs in so many categories – from food to shopping to entertainment. Check out the winners inside.

This is definitely a “must see” so you will know who is “The Best in Brazos!”

Holiday time in our community is filled with many traditional events. The annual Pumpkin Round Up is happening at the George Ranch Historical Park each weekend in November. It’s the perfect place for an unforgettable fall family picture.

Downtown Richmond will host its annual Pecan Harvest Festival in November and Miracle on Morton Street happens in December. Downtown Rosenberg will host their annual Hometown Holiday as well. Shop, sip and dine local this holiday season!

During this special season I want thank all of our advertisers, readers and subscribers. Each and every one are the reason we are able to do what we do: bring you the people, places and happenings in our community. I wish you all a very blessed Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas! I look forward to seeing and hearing from you in 2024!

olutely!

An abs Merry

Absolutely yours,

Kay Garrett kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be on his shoulders.

And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” ~ Isaiah 9:6

4

Christmas

to You!

Vol. 11 No. 5 SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2023 281.728.1204 WWW.ABSOLUTELYBRAZOS.COM absolutely! focus media P. O. Box 1253 Richmond, Texas 77406

PUBLISHER Patti Parish-Kaminski A S S O C IAT E P U B L I S H E R Kay Garrett AC C OUNT EXECUTIVE Gena Horak GRAPHIC DESIGN Pamela Printing Company WEB DESIGNER JOBpage Graphics S O C IA L M E D IA M A NA G E R Meagan Tape CONTRIBUTORS Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D. Steve Kursar Alisa Murray A D V E RT I S I N G I N Q U I R I E S Kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com E D I T O R IA L S U B M I S S I O N S Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

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NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

NEWSWORTHY

The Great Pumpkin Round Up: Open Saturdays Through Thanksgiving at The George Ranch Just in time for the Fall season and fabulous photo ops, The George Ranch’s popular fall-themed event, The Great Pumpkin Round Up, presented by Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital, returns this year, bigger and better than ever!

For the third year, The George Ranch will showcase a fantastic Fall feature created by local designer Lucas Chavez.

Chavez has spent months working with pumpkin producers in West Texas to design an autumn display exclusively for the Ranch that includes a hay wagon, training carriage, giant sugar cane vat and, of course, pumpkins galore! The design will feature more than twenty types of gourds, pumpkins and squash along with mums and fall plants.

The display will move locations this year to the circle drive in front of the 120-year-old George Ranch House. Situated along the white picket fence and up the front walk to the main door, it will offer multiple backgrounds for the perfect selfie or family photo.

A great place for families and visitors of all ages to spend a Fall-themed Saturday of fun taking photos, picnicking and touring the historic sites at The George Ranch, a day at The Great Pumpkin Round Up is something everyone can enjoy.

“The Great Pumpkin Round Up is such a treat for our visitors,” said George Ranch Site Director Adrienne Barker. “We can’t wait to see the new design Lucas Chavez creates for us this year. He has in mind a very creative Methodist vignette everyone will need to see!”

The Great Pumpkin Round Up is included with the purchase of a regular admission ticket to The George Ranch where visitors explore what life was like in Texas decades ago.

Ticket proceeds also support the primary mission of student education through weekday field trip visits. The Great Pumpkin Round Up debuted Saturday, October 14th and runs through November 25th, 2023.

To learn more or to purchase tickets, visit www.georgeranch.org/programs-events/pumpkin-round-up/.

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Historic Downtown Rosenberg DINE • SIP • SHOP • LOCAL

“Your Hometown Jeweler” Chris Dostal, Owner

FINANCING OR LAYAWAY AVAILABLE! NO APPOINTMENT NEEDED!

Jeffrey C. McClellan CPA, PLLC

Controller-Accounting-Tax Proudly Located in Historic Downtown Rosenberg

Jewelry is our specialty but we don’t stop there!!!

2023

WWW.DOSTALSJEWELRY.COM 281-342-2112 • dostalsjewelry.com 940 Third St., Rosenberg, TX 77471

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830 3rd Street • Suite 205 Rosenberg, Tx 77471 www.jcm-cpa.com

Advertise your business for only

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Contact Kay Garrett

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2nd Thursday of each month

1917 Avenue G Trivia Night Historic Downtown Last Wednesday Rosenberg 77471 of each month

kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com Ad Size: 2.5” x 4.5” vertical

1st Tuesday every month

@absolutelybrazos

www.BRvino.com (281) 762-0900 Check Facebook for events!

8 Annual th

2023 This fall, we invited readers to our website to take an online survey to tell us who their favorites are in Brazos in nine different categories:

FOOD • ENTERTAINMENT • PETS • AUTO SERVICES PROFESSIONAL SERVICES • HEALTHCARE HOME IMPROVEMENT • SHOPPING • SCHOOLS And boy, did they come through! With 3,250 votes, readers voiced their opinions on their favorites.

Take a look and see who won this year’s absolutely! The Best Readers’ Choice of Brazos’ Favorites!

Voting for the 2023 absolutely! The Best of Brazos Readers’ Choice Awards was conducted online at absolutelyBrazos.com from August 7 to September 15, 2023. The results were collected and tabulated using crowdsignal.com. In the event of a tie, all winners are listed.

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Wine Bar Unwine’d Wine and Cheese Lounge 310 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Happy Hour, Martini & Seafood Pier 36 Seafood & Oyster Bar 1410 East Hwy. 90 at 359, Richmond, TX 77406 8502 FM 359 Rd S, Fulshear, TX 77471

FOOD

Favorite Margarita Gringo’s Mexican Kitchen 24108 Southwest Frwy, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Local foodies spoke up loud and clear voting for their favorite eateries – yum!

Favorite Steakhouse Anthonie’s Market Grill 9108 FM 1489, Simonton, TX 77476

Favorite Brunch Sandy McGee’s Restaurant & Catering 314 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite Pizza Grimaldi’s 2643 Commercial Center Blvd., Suite C390 Katy, TX 77494

Favorite Pub Clancy’s Public House 503 FM 359 Rd, Suite 118, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Burger Ol’ Railroad Café 819 2nd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Italian Restaurant Lomonte’s Italian Restaurant & Bar 815 Plantation Dr, #180, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite BBQ Witt Pit Barbeque 2516 1st St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

1410 E. Hwy 90 @ FM 359 • Richmond 281.238.4800 8502 FM 359 Rd S • Fulshear 281.346.8379 Open Monday - Saturday Both locations

Favorite Mexican Food Lopez Mexican Restaurant 7227 West Grant Parkway S, Richmond, TX 77406

2023

Voted Favorite Seafood, Happy Hour & Martini

Full Service catering & Private room at Fulshear Location 8

Favorite Caterer - TIE Witt Pit Barbeque 2516 1st St, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Specialty Restaurant Ninja Japanese Cuisine 1800 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Frozen Treats Iced Out Texas Shave Ice 5226 Bryan Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Bakery Anas Confections a Cakery Boutique 1704 Avenue D, Rosenberg, TX 77471

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Coffee Bar Blockhouse Coffee & Kitchen 611 Jackson St, Ste C, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Tea Bar Tastea Vietnamese Grill 4601 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Healthy Eatery Trough Juice Bar 107 S 3rd St, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Food Truck The Sauer Kraut Food Truck thesauerkrautfoodtruck.com Favorite Fast Food Whataburger 9 locations in Fort Bend County Favorite Delivery Door Dash doordash.com Favorite Grab & Go Meals H-E-B Meal Simple 10 Locations in Fort Bend

Thank you for an amazing 17 years of Business!

Serving Pecan Grove and the Richmond area since 2006.

Dine-In l Patio Dining Pick-Up l We Cater l We Deliver Monday - Saturday 5 - 9:30 pm l Sunday 4 - 8:30 pm Check Out Our Menu Online

www.lomontesrestaurant.com 815 Plantation Drive #180 Richmond, TX 77406 281-232-8290

2023

Favorite Bargain Shopping Thriftwise – Fort Bend Women’s Center 501 E Highway 90A, Richmond, TX 77406

SHOPPING

Favorite Grocery Store H-E-B Texas Grocery 10 Locations in Fort Bend Favorite Health Food Market Pavlock Farms 210 Huntington Rd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

’Tis the season to shop ’til you drop!

Check out these favorite shopping spots.

Favorite Gift Shop Southern Sister Designs 817 3rd Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Antiques Shop Red Queen’s Attic 900 3rd Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Jewelry Store Chris Dostal’s Designs in Fine Jewelry 940 3rd Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Spirits Store Total Wine & More 16762B SW Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 5472 W. Grand Parkway, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Shoe Store Corral Western Wear 2605 1st St, Rosenberg, TX 77471 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos

LS & CHILDCARE SCHOO

RTAINMENT ENTE

Our readers don’t trust their kids to just anyone.

From preschool to college, check out their favorite child care and education facilities.

From theatres to outdoor recreation, readers got serious about voting for their favorite entertainment!

Favorite Day Care Kidzville Learning Academy 5728 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Movie Theatre Cinemark Rosenberg 12 3420 Vista Drive, Rosenberg 77471

Favorite Private School Harvest Green Montessori 4100 Harvest Corner Dr, Richmond, TX 77406

Favorite Live Entertainment Unwine’d Wine and Cheese Lounge 310 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite College/Technical School – TIE Texas State Technical College 26706 Southwest Fwy, Rosenberg, TX 77471 and University of Houston at Sugar Land 14000 University Blvd., Sugar Land, TX 77479

Favorite Man Cave Lone Star Saloon 102 S 3rd St, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Kids’ Entertainment Rosenberg Railroad Museum 1921 Avenue F, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Sports Recreation Fort Bend Impact 4501 Avenue H, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Fitness Gym Pure Fitness 5529 FM 359 Rd, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Country Club Pecan Grove Plantation Country Club 3000 Plantation Dr, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Event Facility Safari Texas Ranch 11627 FM 1464, Richmond, TX 77406

10 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos

It’s a GRAND SLAM!

Winner All Magazines 5 Years Running

Favorite Event Facility and Caterer 2023

2023

aking Our Commu M r o F u n o i t Y yS k Teachers n afe Tha Fire Fighters/E.M.T.’s Nurses/Doctors Police Officers County Employees 11627 FM 1464 l Richmond l 281.277.7888 l www.safaritexasballroom.com NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos

ER AUTO S VICES

IMPROVEMENT HOME

When it comes to auto services, car enthusiasts aren’t shy about voting for their favorites.

From appliances and flooring to landscaping and design, check out readers’ go-to services for making their homes beautiful.

Favorite Auto Dealer Finnegan Auto Group 26529 Southwest Fwy, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Appliance Store Lowe’s 28005 Southwest Fwy, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Auto Repair Expert Collision Center 3501 B F Terry Blvd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Favorite Garden/Landscaping Company Enchanted Nurseries and Landscapes 6420 FM 359, Richmond, TX 77406 10611 FM 2759, Richmond, TX 77469

Favorite Auto Services Integrity Tire & Auto 921 E. Hwy 90A, Richmond, TX 77406

Check out our reviews on Google, Yelp and Facebook.

We repair all makes and models. We handle ALL insurance claims and guarantee with a written lifetime warranty. We also offer FREE ESTIMATES on site. Don’t feel the pressure of letting your insurance decide where you should get your vehicle repaired!

2023

Si hablamos español!

281-342-1809

EXPERTCOLLISIONTX.COM

Winner 8th Year in a Row Come visit us at our 12,000 sq. ft. facility:

3501 BF Terry Blvd. #D • Rosenberg, TX 77471 FOR ALL YOUR BODY SHOP NEEDS! 12 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Pool Services – TRIPLE TIE Maddox Custom Pools & Landscaping 2105 Spacek Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 and All Clean Pool Service 6603 Langham Way, Houston, TX 77084 and MB Land Design 1835 J Meyer Rd, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Plumbers Benjamin Franklin Plumbing of Rosenberg 1015 Frost St, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Heating/Air Conditioning Services All Cool A/C & Heating 1515 FM 359, Suite 100, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Home Improvement & Favorite Floor Store Ideal Carpet & Flooring 1116 E Highway 90A, Richmond, TX 77406 Favorite Interior Designer Portilla Home & Garden 823 3rd Street, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Carpet/Cleaning Service Carpet Cleaning Rosenberg 929 2nd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

PET SERVICES

We Have Everything You Need

2023

Ideal Carpet & Flooring is a locally owned and operated home improvement business with over 30 years of experience.

In our warehouse, we carry setting materials and special buys on flooring.

For a FREE estimate: 281.762.9999 1116 East Highway 90A • Richmond, TX 77406 idealcarpetandflooring.com • Financing Available

Favorite Day Care/Boarding Services – TIE Pecan Grove Kennel 4612 Richmond Foster Rd, Richmond, TX 77406 and Kristy’s Pet Salon 2210 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Veterinarian Rose-Rich Veterinary Clinic 2203 Thompson Rd, Richmond, TX 77469

With the holidays around the corner, have your four-legged friends taken care of at Fort Bend’s finest!

Favorite Groomer Kristy’s Pet Salon 2210 Avenue I, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Pet Store PetSmart 16758 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Custom Home Builder NWS Custom Homes & Remodeling nws-homes.com

PROFE

SSIONAL SERVICES

Whether it’s building a home or ordering flowers, leave it to these favorite professionals!

Favorite Developer Johnson Development Corporation 13131 Dairy Ashford, Suite 210 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Favorite Real Estate Agent Kristin Lytle 800 Bonaventure Way, Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Real Estate Company ReMax Realty Southwest 14905 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77478 Favorite Attorney/Law Firm Rosen & Kovach, PLLC 214 Morton St, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Bank/Credit Union New First National Bank 16554 Creekbend Dr, Suite 150 Sugar Land, TX 77478

Named Developer of the Year by the Texas Association of Builders, Johnson Development has been creating vibrant, sustainable masterplanned communities since 1975. With a focus on lifestyle and living well, Johnson Development has had more top-selling master-planned communities than any other developer in the nation over the past decade.

CREATING ENVIRONMENTS

that celebrate life.

JOHNSONDEVELOPMENT.COM

14 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Insurance Agency Janice Vyoral State Farm Insurance 1900 Avenue G, Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Financial Services Danielle J. Bily – Edward Jones 503 FM 359, Suite 140, Richmond, TX 77406

Making Memories, Beautifully

Favorite Florist LC Floral Design 204 E. Highway 90A, Richmond, TX 77406

2023

Favorite Salon A Tropical Haven 911 3rd St, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Lucas Chavez Master Florist

Favorite Photographer Your Best Shot Photography yourbestshot-photography.com

Place Your

Holiday

281.342.8839

Orders Today! lcfloraldesignsshoppe.com 204 Hwy 90A East Richmond, TX 77406

CARE SERVICES HEALTH

When it comes to healthcare, check out these Brazos favorites from doctors to dentists.

Favorite Hospital Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital 16655 Southwest Freeway, Sugar Land, TX 77479 Favorite Doctor Houston Methodist Primary Care Group – Aliana 10745 W. Grand Parkway South Richmond, TX 77407 Favorite Dentist Tammy Osina, DDS 1320 Thompson Road, Richmond, TX 77469

Attention Readers: Are there some categories of

favs that you would like to see in our 2024 Brazos Readers’

Choice Awards? Let us know!

E-mail your favorite categories

to Patti@absolutelyfocusmedia.com.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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Our Readers Voted for The Best of Brazos Favorite Orthodontist Mahlmann & Borders Orthodontics 1310 Thompson Road, Richmond, TX 77469 Favorite Dermatologist – Triple Tie Houston Dermatology, Plastic Surgery & Med Spa 16926 Southwest Fwy, Sugar Land, TX 77479 and Elite Dermatology 27131 Fulshear Bend Dr, Fulshear, TX 77441 and Rosenberg Dermatology 5219 Reading Rd, Rosenberg, TX 77471

Thank You for Your Support!

Favorite Plastic Surgeon Sugar Land Face & Body Plastic Surgery 16614 Creek Bend Dr, St. 100, Sugar Land, TX 77478

2023

Favorite Spa Hand & Stone Massage & Facial Spa 10321 W Grand Pkwy S, Richmond, TX 77407 Favorite Eye Care Brazos Eye Center 24601 Southwest Freeway, Suite 600 Rosenberg, TX 77471 Favorite Emergency/Urgent Care Clinic Next Level Urgent Care 4002 FM 762, Rosenberg, TX 77469

Favorite Dentist

Tamara S. Osina D.D.S. Committed to providing quality healthcare to families located in the Richmond area and treat patients of all ages.

281.532.8183 1320 Thompson Rd. Richmond, TX 77469

www.osinadds.com 16 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

@absolutelybrazos

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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FEATURE

A Full Menu of

Festive Holiday Flavor

C

ooking up a successful holiday gathering calls for everyone’s favorite recipes. From the centerpiece main dish to fresh salads and appetizers, roasted sides and baked sweets, you can take seasonal get-togethers up a notch by mixing traditional classics with newfound favorites.

Consider this full-fledged menu of flavor to give guests a memorable holiday experience from beginning to end and find more festive recipe ideas at Culinary.net.

Fresh Flavors for Holiday Festivities With the festive season arriving, bring together family and friends for a delicious feast you can feel good about serving. One standout recipe is this Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad that pairs fresh, leafy kale with roasted sweet potatoes and tender Cornish game hens for a truly elegant meal.

Elevate your cooking during the holidays with inspiration from Fresh Express and its more than 100 varieties of fresh, healthy and convenient ready-to-eat salads like the Sweet Kale Chopped Kit. It’s a perfect blend of a nutrient-dense salad mix of leafy kale, green cabbage, shredded broccoli and Brussels sprouts, as well as crunchy pumpkin seeds and dried cranberries, topped with a tasty poppyseed dressing.

Visit FreshExpress.com to discover more fresh, easy and healthy recipes for the holiday season.

18 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Cornish Game Hen with Kale Sweet Potato Salad Prep time: 20 minutes Cook time: 1 hour, 10 minutes Servings: 4 1 2 4 1/2 2 1 1 1/2 1/4 2 2 1

package (6 ounces) stovetop stuffing cups chopped apples, divided Cornish game hens (20 ounces each) cup butter teaspoons Italian seasoning, divided teaspoon paprika teaspoon salt, plus additional, to taste, divided teaspoon garlic powder teaspoon black pepper large sweet potatoes, peeled, cut into 1-inch cubes tablespoons olive oil package (10.9 ounces) Fresh Express Sweet Kale Chopped Kit

1.

Heat oven to 350 F.

2.

Prepare stuffing according to package directions. Add 1 cup apples and fluff stuffing with fork; cool 15 minutes.

3.

Remove anything inside hens, rinse cavity with cold water and pat dry.

4.

In small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, paprika, 1 teaspoon salt, garlic powder and pepper; mix well. Remove from heat.

10. Place greens from salad kit in large bowl. Add remaining apples and sweet potatoes; mix well. Toss with salad dressing. Add toppings; toss to combine.

5.

Fill cavity of each hen with apple stuffing.

11. Serve Cornish game hens with sweet potato kale salad.

A Festive, Everyday Side Dish While the busy holiday season can be loads of fun, you still need to get dinner on the table between parties.

When you find yourself in a pinch this holiday season, squeezed for time and searching for a quick solution for dinner, turn to an easy side dish that can appease everyone. Potatoes are a nearly unanimous favorite.

Make putting dinner on the table a breeze with a solution like little potatoes from The Little Potato Company, which can help bring holiday happiness to mealtime.

Ready in as little as 5 minutes, they come pre-washed and require no peeling or cutting, making them the perfect time-saving solution for the holiday season.

Ideal for this Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes recipe, these little potatoes are a tasty, fresh whole food that you can feel good about serving. Ready in half an hour with minimal prep and a few simple ingredients, it’s a perfect side dish for any occasion.

Visit littlepotatoes.com for more information and holiday inspiration.

6.

Place hens in 13-by-9-by-2-inch baking dish. Tie legs together and tuck wings under. Baste with butter mixture.

7.

Bake 50-60 minutes, or until thermometer inserted in thickest part of thigh reads 165 F and stuffing temperature reads 165 F. Baste with butter mixture every 15-20 minutes.

8.

In bowl, toss sweet potatoes with remaining Italian seasoning and olive oil. Arrange in single layer on sheet pan. Sprinkle with salt, to taste.

9.

Bake with hens 25 minutes, or until tender. Remove from oven and cool. Tent hens with foil and let rest 10 minutes.

Perfect Roasted Little Potatoes Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 30 minutes Servings: 6 1 ½ pounds The Little Potato Company Little Potatoes 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped 1.

Preheat oven to 400 F.

2.

In large bowl, toss little potatoes with oil, salt and pepper until coated.

3.

Spread potatoes in single layer on rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake 30 minutes, or until tender.

4.

Sprinkle with parsley and serve.

Tip: For extra holiday flavor, add paprika, garlic and fresh herbs.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

19

MEDICAL FOCUS

Christopher Sy, M.D., Neurosurgeon

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Welcomes Neurosurgeon Christopher Sy, M.D. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome neurosurgeon Christopher Sy, M.D. to the Houston Methodist Department of Neurosurgery at Sugar Land.

Sy treats a wide range of neurosurgery conditions, including craniocervical junction disorders, hydrocephalus, brain and spine tumors and traumatic injuries that affect the brain and spine. He specializes in degenerative diseases and conditions that affect the cervical, thoracic and lumbar spine, minimally invasive spine surgery; complex revision/reconstructive spine surgery; artificial disc replacement; and spinal computer navigation.

Sy earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, where he was inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and elected into the Gold Humanism Honor Society. He completed his residency in neurosurgery at the Uni-

versity of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio and pursued a fellowship in spinal surgery at the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.

“Patient safety and well-being are my top priorities,” said Sy. “I provide care that is personalized for each patient, and I make sure that patients and their loved ones understand all the options available to them. My goal in life is to help people in a compassionate manner and to that end, I treat all patients as if they were my own family.”

Sy’s office is on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus in Medical Office Building 1, 16651 Southwest Freeway, Suite 440. To schedule an appointment, call Houston Methodist Department of Neurosurgery at Sugar Land at 346.874.2525.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital Welcomes Urologic Oncologist Courtney Chang, M.D. Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital is pleased to welcome urologist Courtney Chang, M.D., who started seeing patients this month.

Chang is joining Laura Martinez, M.D. and Zachary Mucher, M.D., at Houston Methodist Urology Associates, located in Medical Office Building 2 on the Houston Methodist Sugar Land campus.

Chang earned her medical degree and completed her urology residency at University of Texas Health Science Center in Houston. She pursued a fellowship in urology robotics and oncology at Houston Methodist Hospital. Her clinical expertise includes adrenal masses/

cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer and testicular cancer.

“My goal is to provide patients with the best urologic treatment by incorporating evidence-based medicine and multi-disciplinary care with a particular focus on using minimally invasive surgical treatments and providing access to clinical trials,” said Chang.

To schedule an appointment with Chang or another urologist, visit houstonmethodist.org/spg or call Houston Methodist Urology Associates at 281746-6611.

Visit houstonmethodist.org/sugarland to learn more about Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital.

Courtney Chang, M.D., Urologist

20 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Child Advocates of Fort Bend Announces 2023 Christmas Home Tour Dates This event began 32 years ago as a fundraiser to keep Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s (CAFB) doors open.

A group of volunteers opened their homes, decorated for Christmas, baked cookies and charged admission. The tour was a success and has since become a Fort Bend County holiday tradition.

“We have lots of fun things in store for our guests,” stated Child Advocates of Fort Bend Events Specialist Tarina Sheridan. “We offer unique sponsorship opportunities, and new this year, we will be featuring beautiful sparkly butterfly ornaments for purchase. You can expect live entertainment by local musicians, homemade refreshments and back by popular demand, our festive holiday t-shirts, unique to CAFB. Tickets are $35 and go on sale November 1st. Tickets, ornaments and t-shirts can be purchased on our website at www.cafb.org.”

The Christmas Home Tour welcomes more than 1,800 guests over the two days in some of Fort Bend’s most beautiful neighborhoods, including homes in Imperial, Sweetwater and Sienna! They will all be beautifully decorated for Christmas ranging in styles that will compete for your personal favorite.

More than 700 volunteers will help as hosts in the homes, serve as entertainers or by baking delicious cookies. This is a spirited community event, but most importantly, it is a fundraiser which supports programs and services that benefit the children served by Child Advocates of Fort Bend. In 2022, the agency served 3,833 children and families. Support of this event is essential to helping abused and neglected children in our community.

Sponsorships of $425 to $10,000 are now available. Please consider joining as a sponsor. It is a delightful event for a worthy cause. To become a sponsor or for more information, please contact Tarina at TSheridan@cafb.org.

NEWSWORTHY

Jim McClellan, representing Presenting Sponsor Fred and Mabel R. Parks Foundation, and Child Advocates of Fort Bend CEO Ruthanne Mefford are excited to announce the 32nd annual Child Advocates of Fort Bend’s Christmas Home Tour to be held on Friday, December 8th and Saturday, December 9th.

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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the drunken cyclist

By Jeffrey M. Kralik, Ph.D.

www.thedrunkencyclist.com

The Key to Surviving

Thanksgiving A

s almost all of you realize, Thanksgiving is just a few days away, and that presents a host of different emotions. For many (most?) it represents what it is “supposed” to be: a day of thanks punctuated by a fabulous meal.

For others, it is certainly a day that delivers angst, at best, and at worst, downright dread.

Dread since Thanksgiving for many is a poorly thought-out holiday. It is unlike any other holiday since it is on a Thursday every year, which for everyone fortunate enough not to work in retail, it means it is an automatic four-day weekend.

Every year.

Sure, depending on when they fall, other holidays can turn into four-day weekends, but Thanksgiving has it every single year. Now, if you are one of the really lucky few to actually enjoy spending time with your family, Thanksgiving might actually be seen as too short. But for an ever-growing segment of the population, Thanksgiving represents four days of anxiety, stress, even hell.

There are many reasons to abhor Thanksgiving: congested roads, price-gouging by airlines, exceedingly dry turkey, the Detroit Lions, I could go on, but I won’t. But for some wine geeks, it has always been wine.

Yes, you read that right, some wine nerds actually dislike Thanksgiving because of wine.

Objectively speaking, Thanksgiving should be the Super Bowl of sorts for wine geeks; there are so many flavors on the table that it requires several different wines – a wine pairing task that gets wine dorks all excited.

Ah, but if it were only that simple.

22 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

A “Normal” Pour One of the, if not the, largest goals for the wine geek is to share a wine with someone who will appreciate the wine. They do not have to be a fellow wine geek; they do not even have to know the difference between Cabernet Sauvignon and Sauvignon Blanc. But the geek hopes that they will at least recognize that the wine is good.

But for every relative that might appreciate his or her wine, the wine geek has two or three that are usually clueless when it comes to fermented grape juice. And let’s face it: It’s usually a brother-in-law.

They all know that the wine geek is going to bring “something good” to Thanksgiving, and they apparently think, “Well, if it’s ‘good,’ I need to have a sheet-ton of it!”

No, they have no idea why it’s “good,” but they figure they better fill their glass with the stuff before it’s all gone.

The “Brother-in-Law” Pour This precise scenario played out for me more than once with my family, each time when I had returned home with perfectly aged Burgundies, both red and white. I watched in horror as a brother-in-law (who has since been divorced from my sister, thankfully), filled his wine glass as if he were pouring a beer, took one sip, then left the glass, never revisiting the wine again.

I sat there befuddled and calculated that there was about $83.29 of wine just sitting there, waiting to be poured down the drain. At that moment, I realized it was my fault that the tragedy had unfolded thusly. I was trying to impress people with beautiful wines, and they could not care any less. Thus, like most wine geeks out there, I realized that Thanksgiving is not about the wine. At all. So, get over it.

Don’t get me wrong, wine geeks are still expected to bring wine, but no matter what they bring, their relatives will simply assume it’s “good.”

My advice? Don’t be a moron: Bring some inexpensive wines since most of it will end up going down the drain. Still, it should be palatable since you are going to have to drink it, too. The hiding the good bottle for yourself while serving up plonk to the rest does not work – trust me.

A few inexpensive, but good, wine suggestions for turkey day: Sparkling Gruet Brut and Brut Rosé ($15): Both are great. Grab the Rosé if you can find it since pink is more festive.

Whites Mezzacorona Pinot Grigio ($8): Light and crisp, always a fav.

Rodney Strong Chalk Hill Chardonnay ($15): Creamy and delicious, short of oaky and buttery.

Reds Cecchi Chianti Classico ($15): Always stellar and underpriced.

Georges Dubœuf Beaujolais Nouveau: A good, fruity, fun wine that is meant to be consumed at Thanksgiving!

Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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absolutely AUTO REVIEW

By Steve Kursar

2024 FORD MAVERICK

The 2024 Ford Maverick is a front-wheel drive compact pickup built on a crossover platform designed for those customers who want the convenience of owning a pickup but don’t need the capability that a mid-size or a full-size truck provides.

The all-new Maverick is the first full-hybrid pickup in America and the most fuel-efficient truck on the market, while its compact size makes it easy to maneuver and park. There’s even room for five adults and plenty of storage space.

The idea of a truck bed wedded to a car platform isn’t new.

Back in the late 1950s, Ford introduced the Ranchero, which spurred Chevrolet to bring out their version, the El Camino.

Back in 2006, Honda created the Ridgeline pickup by adapting the MDX platform to add a pickup to their lineup. The Ford Maverick is built on the same concept since it shares a platform with the Escape and the Bronco Sport crossovers.

A base 2024 Ford Maverick brings with it a $23,400 MSRP price tag. That’s almost $10,000 less than its larger true truck cousin, the Ford Ranger. The base model is powered by a 250hp, 2.0 liter Ecoboost twin-turbo engine that mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel econ-

omy numbers come in at 23 mpg in the city and 30 mpg on the highway. Spring for an extra $1,500, and you can afford to get a Maverick with a 191 hp, 2.5 liter gasoline hybrid engine that’s hooked up to a PowerSplit electronic continuously variable transmission. This is the model that delivers those impressive fuel numbers of 42 mpg city and 33 mpg highway.

The Maverick may look small, but don’t underestimate it because it still can do a lot of work. Maverick offers standard payload of 1,500 pounds and the volume to carry a standard ATV, plus it has the capability to tow 2,000 pounds, enough for a pair of personal water craft or a good-sized pop-up camper trailer. Maverick’s equipped with a 2.0-liter EcoBoost gas engine delivering 277 lb.-ft. of torque and with the optional 4K Tow Package, conventional towing doubles to 4,000 pounds, enough for an average 21-foot boat.

As a truck owner myself, that truck bed always comes in handy when you need it. That’s why the Maverick hits a sweet spot for Texans who want the utility of a truck but just don’t need the added capability of a big pickup.

24 NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l TO ADVERTISE, EMAIL: kay@absolutelyfocusmedia.com

Lemon Grass

By Alisa Murray www.alisamurray.com

H

ey Sweet Lifers! Hope y’all are digging in and prepping those beds for some Fall harvesting. I have prepped and added nutrients to all of my beds and will start sprinkling some seeds over the next few weeks for radishes, beets, carrots and collards.

One of my favorites to grow and use in the garden is lemon grass. I think what made me fall in love with lemon grass was how wonderful it tastes with pork. What’s more, it makes it through our winters and survives our hot summers, so mine is actually three-years-old!

Lemon grass is native to Southeastern Asia and has been used for culinary and medicinal purposes since the 17th century.

India is now the current largest exporter of lemon grass worldwide.

Lemon grass is a member of the Poaceae family, and it grows like a tall grass. At its largest, it can get to be 6’ tall and spread to 4’ wide. Mine, I have kept a check on so that it does not “take over” the space I have planned for it.

The medicinal uses of lemon grass are mainly gastro-intestinal. Treating ailments such as stomach issues, gas and bloating, even assisting with fevers and of course, inflammation. The leaves can be boiled for a tea. If using as a tea, it is an effective antibacterial, anti-fungal and antioxidant option. Adding in a bit of squeezed lemon or lime and a spoonful of sugar is especially nice.

The culinary uses for lemon grass are what got me to growing it in my own garden. I love Thai food, and it is a staple ingredient in many of those dishes. It has a citrus flavor that is different from lemons and other citrus fruit. I like it with pork and chicken, and it does very well in stir fry’s, soups and sauces.

The most coveted aspect of lemon grass, aside from its culinary uses, is its oil. The essential oil of lemon grass is very high in potency and has been used for flavoring beverages to enhancing perfumes and cosmetics. To get the extract simply squeeze the leaves. I find it a great add on to my candle and soap making for gifts.

No matter what use you may find for lemon grass, the most basic and elegant of all is it stands out in the garden landscape and makes a lovely filler around vegetables. Because of its potent aroma, it also attracts and wards off pests and friends in the garden making it a perfect plant to grow!

Keep on growing and stay “sweet!”

NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2023 l

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