Making the Grade
New and returning students should complete the 2024-2025 registration.
For a complete 2024-2025 school year calendar, visit: DallasISD.org/Calendars
DISTRIBUTION/ ADVERTISING 214.560.4212
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Frank McClendon
214.560.4215 / fmcclendon@advocatemag.com
Michele Paulda
214.724.5633 / mpaulda@advocatemag.com
Catherine Pate
214.560.4201 / cpate@advocatemag.com
Linda Kenney lkenney@advocatemag.com
Brandon Rodriguez 972-754-3942 / brodriguez@advocatemag.com
Kennedy Cox 214-796-8626 / kcox@advocatemag.com
Classified Manager: Prio Berger 214.292.0493 / pberger@advocatemag.com
Marketing Director: Sally Wamre 214.686.3593 / swamre@advocatemag.com
Chief Operating Officer: Alessandra Quintero 786.838.5891 / aquintero@advocatemag.com
Digital Marketing & Analytics: Autumn Grisby agrisby@advocatemag.com
EDITORIAL
Publisher/Editor-in-Chief: Jehadu Abshiro jabshiro@advocatemag.com
EDITORS: Alyssa High ahigh@advocatemag.com
Jillian Nachtigal jnachtigal@advocatemag.com
Aysia Lane alane@advocatemag.com
Austin Wood awood@advocatemag.com
Editorial Assistant: Simon Pruitt spruitt@advocatemag.com
Digital Editor: Christian Welch cwelch@advocatemag.com
Senior Art Director: Jynnette Neal jneal@advocatemag.com
Creative Director/Photographer: Lauren Allen lallen@advocatemag.com
Interns: Varsha Jhanak, Abbie Fleeman
Contributors: Patti Vinson, Carol Toler, Sam Gillespie, Lillian Juarez, Kelsey Shoemaker
Contributing photographers: Kathy Tran, Yuvie Styles, Shelby Tauber, Lo Kuehmeier, Victoria Gomez, Amani Sodiq, Austin Marc Graf, Ellie Overman, Haley Hill, Kelsey Shoemaker
Chief Revenue Officer: Rick Wamre 214.560.4212 / rwamre@advocatemag.com
Advocate (c) 2024 is published monthly in print and daily online by Advocate Media - Dallas Inc., a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation based in Dallas and first published in 1991. Contents of this print magazine may not be reproduced. Advertisers and advertising agencies assume liability for the content of all advertisements and sponsorships printed, and therefore assume responsibility for any and all claims against the Advocate. The Publisher reserves the right to accept or reject ay editorial, advertising or sponsorship material in print or online. Opinions set forth in Advocate publications are those of the writers and do not necessarily reflect the Publisher’s viewpoint. More than 180,000 people read Advocate publications in print each month; Advocate online publications receive more than 4 million pageviews monthly. Advertising rates and guidelines are available upon request. Advocate print and online publications are available free of charge throughout our neighborhoods, one print copy per reader. For information about supporting our non-profit mission of providing local news to neighborhood readers, please call 214-560-4212 or email aquintero@advocatemag.com.
ABOUT THE COVER
Mural on the 7-Eleven’s Evolution Store carwash. Located at Park Lane and Abrams Road. Art by TEX. Photography by Austin Gibbs.
FOLLOW US:
Talk to us: editor@advocatemag.com Newsletter: advocatemag.com/newsletter
The rock of East Dallas home building.
With almost 20 years in business and hundreds of homes designed and built, Bella Vista has made a home — and a name for itself — in East Dallas. When it’s time to start your new build or remodel, visit our design center — we’re always here for you.
KITCHEN/CUISINE/COCINA
WHAT DOES A GOOD KITCHEN LOOK LIKE?
For most people, it probably includes a standard, four-burner stove atop a capable oven, complemented by ample counter space and an array of appliances.
For restauranteurs, it takes on a different meaning.
Past well-cleaned prep stations, fullystocked walk-ins and organized expo stations, chefs and general managers alike know what truly makes the heart of a restaurant pump: the dynamics and culture.
“I think what really makes any restaurant successful is the staff that’s in their restaurant,” says Chef Andrew Savoie, sitting in one of Resident Taqueria’s sturdy wooden booths.
After a culinary career spanning decades in classic French Quarter eateries, high-tone Napa establishments and Michelin-starred Northeastern heavyweights, it’s fair to say Savoie knows what he’s talking about.
Originally from Long Island, Savoie didn’t grow up in a scratch-made household. His mother was mainly serving meals out of the freezer or a can, so she wasn’t the one who
sparked his interest in the culinary world. He gives that credit to PBS.
“I would watch Jacques Pepin and Julia Child, Emeril Lagasse was in there, Yan Can Cook ,” Savoie says. “So these are all kind of really fun TV shows that were on PBS.”
“I would always kind of watch those and see food from those perspectives, and then my family’s perspective as being a nuclear-style family cook. So it was very kind of odd. Kind of a yin yang effect of looking at how food was done, and then realizing that that’s not what I was growing up with.”
His curiosity didn’t lead directly to a career in hospitality. While studying business at Towson State University, now Towson University, something was out of place. Although he wasn’t cut out for business school at the time, he did enjoy his job in a pizzeria kitchen.
“I was just always a hands-on kid,” he says. “Art was one of my major subjects. And I took the other road to go to business, which is probably the biggest mistake I made at that age.”
He dropped out and enrolled in the now-
defunct Baltimore International College’s culinary school for two years, without his parents’ knowledge at first. There, he learned the basics of gastronomy and worked for the Baltimore Association of Engineer’s catering department.
Additionally, Savoie was required to complete an externship in a professional kitchen as part of the program. Describing it as a “Mecca,” he packed his bags and headed to New Orleans to work in a prestigious hotel. Immediately unsatisfied with the environment in the kitchen, Savoie handed in his two weeks notice.
Still needing an externship, he and a friend walked the streets of New Orleans, searching for “white tablecloths and fine silverware.” They found both at Dominque’s in the Maison Depuy Hotel.
Savoie knocked on the back entrance, and a door opened in more ways than one.
“I mean, everybody was just into food, so much different from the last restaurant where it seemed like it was a job for people,” Savoie says. “This restaurant was career-based. Everybody was in there for a career. And you saw the difference.”
FROM FINE DINING TO TACOS | Story by AUSTIN WOOD | Photography by VICTORIA GOMEZ
He and his friend were taken under the wing of an established chef de cuisine, Michael Bruce, learning how to work each of the kitchen’s stations.
Savoie worked in New Orleans for two years, honing his fundamentals and acquiring a wider knowledge of “what good food looked like.” But the New Orleans lifestyle can be taxing, especially for a young man in his early twenties. He decided to leave the French Quarter in search of something new.
That something turned out to be the nowMichelin starred The Inn in Little Washington in Virginia. After his mail-in resumes were rejected several times, he left The Big Easy and headed north.
Once again, he found himself at the back door.
“One of the sous chefs walks out,” he says. “And goes ‘What can I do?’ And I’m like, ‘Hey, I sent applications in three times and I’ve gotten denied,’ and he starts laughing, he’s like ‘yeah, that’s not us. That’s HR.’ I said, ‘okay, well, I’ve been denied. I really want to work here. I’m willing to give you three days in my free labor, just to see what I am and who I am.’”
The tryout was successful, and he was hired as an overnight baker. Savoie describes it as a seminal moment in his career, especially given the closeness of the staff.
“It is probably my best experience as a cook,” he says. “In the strongest family I’ve ever been part of. It was probably about 22, 24 cooks total. And we’re basically just living among each other because we had nothing else to do. The shifts were long, and days off, this little town had nothing near it. The nearest bar was 45 minutes away.”
The togetherness and camaraderie at The Inn left a lasting impression on him. But after other coworkers headed west to work at The French Laundry in Napa, he decided to follow them. With an over 20-chef-long waitlist for The French Laundry’s kitchen, Savoie took a job at Bouchon, working the meat station. It was there where he experienced the Spartan-style discipline and fiery “encouragement” most people think of when imagining high-class kitchens.
After Napa, he made a stop working for his mentor in Portland, Maine at Hugo’s, learning the ins and outs of managing a restaurant. Then, he went to New York to work for the widely-acclaimed Jean-Georges restaurant, which he describes as an extremely polished mix of the community found in The Inn’s kitchen, and the accountability of Bouchon.
Along the way, Savoie had met a girl. A girl from Lake Highlands to be exact. They dated long distance for a few years while he was in the Northeast, but that wasn’t going to cut it. So, Savoie left Jean-Georges to be with his now-wife Amy, settling down in Dallas.
He sold wine and worked as a private chef for a few years before being approached by a recruiter from The International Culinary School at The Art Institute of Dallas. Coming on as an instructor, he developed a course on plating techniques. He was later asked to lead the school’s Latin Cuisine class.
“I was amazed because it was a cuisine I was never familiar with, never really understood,” Savoie says. “You know, Latin cuisine. And that’s really why [Resident Taqueria] is where it is today. Is because I kind of just absorbed myself into the research. And from there, I would go out in Dallas and try to find all these regional places, hole in the wall taquerias. I was so in love with the idea of food that wasn’t so heavy, but yet really refreshing.”
He earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in hospitality management
while at the school. Sensing a lack of opportunities for advancement, Savoie again decided to make a change. He just wasn’t sure what it was going to look like yet. It became a little clearer for the Lake Highlands resident after a game at Moss Soccer Park.
“We’re leaving Moss Fields and we’re all hungry and just wish we had a breakfast taco,” Savoie says. “So at the time Green Spot by White Rock Lake down there had breakfast tacos. I don’t want to drive there. I don’t want to drive if I can just make it myself if I have to. And my wife’s like ‘we’re all trying to think about what the next steps were, so why don’t you open up a taco place?’”
And that’s exactly what he did.
Opening in 2015, Resident Taqueria has become a long-time neighborhood fixture serving adventurous tacos to Lake Highlands neighbors, more aptly referred to as residents. Using the tortilla as a vehicle, Savoie’s creations are not bound by convention, and are instead guided simply by what tastes good.
“There’s no limits,” Savoie says. “I mean, it’s fun. The taqueria is a name. We specialize in tacos but it’s much more than that.”
Beef short rib, paneer kathi, falafel, caramelized cauliflower. No, these aren’t just a collection of items you can get at the Farmer’s Market on a Sunday. They’re all taco varieties you can find at Resident Taqueria. Savoie says that customers have been pretty open to experimenting with his creations.
One thing that has helped Resident thrive for nearly a decade: the staff. Savoie says his kitchen is a mix of his career stops, combining the camaraderie of The Inn, the accountability of Bouchon and the attention to detail of Jean-Georges.
“These guys love what they’re doing, you know, a sense of ownership,” Savoie says. “It’s amazing for an employee. I have fully given that to these guys. Yeah, I’ll come in and create specials. You know, I’ll kind of have an idea and say, ‘Hey, let’s execute this.’ But those are the guys running it day to day, tasting the food, creating the relationships. You know, it’s a wonderful thing and that’s really what I wanted.”
“They come with new ideas. They come up with new techniques, they’re learning. And I think that’s one of the coolest things in here and the culture that we bring is that they’re all learning. It’s not just a job.”
That’s what a good kitchen looks like.
Savoie’s open kitchen is intentional, as he wants guests to experience a spectacle reminiscent of his time in fine dining.
NOURISHING THE FUTURE
How Alissa Gustof is making school lunches better
AUSTIN WOOD
served healthy lunches consistently reported higher scores on statewide tests. In addition, the study found that the score improvements, while modest, came at a low cost.
But whole grains and proteins aren’t the only factors she has to account for in menu planning.
“The nutrition I think is essential,” Gustof says. “But if it’s not beautiful and delicious, and they’re going to eat it, you know. I can make the most nutritional menu in the world, but if it’s yucky, it’s gone to the garbage. I need to feed children, not garbage cans.”
She tests out new meals through student sampling, where RISD students try prospective menu items and provide feedback. Gustof said it’s one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“Nowhere does TDA talk about food quality.” Gustof says. “So you get so stuck in how much to serve and is it red and orange and are you serving the variety and did you have a legume this week and is that whole grain breading and you know all the other boxes you’re trying to tick. Having mastered that coming out of COVID now it’s like, you know what, now it’s time to look at our food quality.”
After earning her master’s degree, Gustof worked for Wichita Falls ISD for a few years, followed by stops in Garland and Dallas. Twenty years ago, she landed at RISD and has remained ever since.
She is a registered dietitian, and knows that healthy, nutritious meals are crucial to children’s well being and learning ability.
“Hungry kids can’t learn,” Gustof says. “So being very aware of the dietary guidelines for Americans and the obesity epidemic. The rates of diabetes and the rates of fatty liver disease in children are shocking. So you know, just getting better quality or just good quality food. I mean, we know it’s whole grain, we know it’s lower sodium. So being conscious about things that are high in sugar or processed.”
A 2018 study by the University of California at Berkeley found that schools which
“If you do a student sampling and you try new things,” Gustof says. “They’re like ‘is that going to be on the menu tomorrow?’ And you hate to say ‘well, no, I gotta go through the bid process. Like you might see it next August, right?’ But being able to deliver on some of that if you can swing that and start incorporating some of those changes. Because, you know, I want changes if they’re good. I want changes to happen right away.”
One positive change in food quality she plans to enact: serving diverse meals, which reflect the district’s growing diversity and multiculturalism.
“We have people who are first-gen from other countries that have never seen a chicken nugget,” Gustof says. “So we’re looking at making more scratch-made, vegetarian and not just the yogurt meal but if we’re going to do the chicken vindaloo can we do it with chickpeas and make it vegetarian.”
She says that the district will likely begin serving the meals at the high school level, as elementary schools aren’t exactly the best place to experiment.
Whatever they’re serving, Gustof wants to ensure that RISD students have access to nutritious, flavorful breakfasts and lunches, served with a smile.
“All they need to know is that the people in the line are nice to them,” Gustof says. “The food looks delicious. They could take what they wanted and enjoy their meal.”
Illustrations by Frank Ramspott via Metro Creative
FOOD + DRINK
BEST AFRICAN FOOD
WINNER - ARIF CAFE
2ND - YENAT GUADA ETHIOPIAN CUISINE
3RD - ALADINNS FOODS AND AFRICAN RESTAURANT
BEST BAKERY
WINNER - HAUTE SWEETS PATISSERIE
2ND - CASA LINDA BAKERY
3RD - SWEET NOTHING’S & PASTERIES
BEST BBQ
WINNER - ONE90 SMOKED MEATS
2ND - STROUDEROSA BBQ
3RD - BACK COUNTRY BAR-B-Q
BEST BRUNCH
WINNER - FIRST WATCH
2ND - SNOOZE AN A.M. EATERY
3RD - RESIDENT TAQUERIA
BEST BURGER
WINNER - GOODFRIEND BEER GARDEN & BURGER HOUSE
2ND - KELLER’S HAMBURGERS
3RD - FLAMING BURGER
BEST CELEBRATORY DINNER
WINNER - CEDAR & VINE
2ND - VECTOR BREWING
3RD - DOCE MESAS
BEST COFFEE SHOP
WINNER - WHITE ROCK COFFEE
2ND - CULTIVAR COFFEE BAR & ROASTER
3RD - JJ’S CAFE
BEST DESSERT
WINNER - NOTHING BUNDT CAKE
2ND - CASA LINDA BAKERY
3RD - CRUMBL COOKIES
BEST DONUT SHOP
WINNER - LAKE HIGHLANDS DONUTS
2ND - MORNING DONUTS
3RD - MYDONUTS
BEST FROZEN TREATS
WINNER - ANDY’S FROZEN CUSTARD
2ND - MONSTER YOGURT
3RD - YOGURTLAND DALLAS
BEST HEALTHY FOOD STORE
WINNER - SPROUTS FARMERS MARKET
2ND - NORTHLAKE HEALTH FOOD INC.
3RD - NATURE’S PLATE
BEST PATIO
WINNER - VECTOR BREWING
2ND - MI COCINA
3RD - LOCHLAND’S FOOD & SPIRITS
BEST PHO
WINNER - BISTRO B
2ND - PHO HANABI (PHO DOUBLE BB)
3RD - BÉP NHÀ VIET KITCHEN
BEST PIZZA
WINNER - TONY’S PIZZA & PASTA
2ND - VECTOR BREWING
3RD - ZALAT PIZZA
BEST RAMEN
WINNER - WAYA JAPANESE IZAKAYA
2ND - WABI HOUSE
3RD - ZIZI RAMEN, SUSHI & PHO
BEST SANDWICH
WINNER - CEDAR & VINE
2ND - JJ’S CAFE
3RD - SHADY’S BURGER HOUSE & BREWHAHA
BEST CHINESE
WINNER - WOK STAR CHINESE
2ND - BOBO CHINA RESTAURANT
3RD - GOURMET CHINA RESTAURANT
BEST COCKTAILS
WINNER - LOCHLAND’S FOOD & SPIRITS
2ND - RESIDENT TAQUERIA
3RD - SHADY’S BURGER HOUSE & BREWHAHA
BEST HOT CHICKEN
WINNER - HENDERSON CHICKEN
2ND - THE HEN HOUSE LOUISIANA
FRIED CHICKEN
3RD - BRICK & BONES
BEST JAPANESE/SUSHI
WINNER - ZATO THAI CUISINE & SUSHI BAR
2ND - KAZE
3RD - YAMA SUSHI
BEST LOCAL BAR
WINNER - VECTOR BREWING
2ND - JAKES GAMEDAY
3RD - VETTED WELL
BEST MEXICAN FOOD
WINNER - MARIANO’S HACIENDA DALLAS
2ND - EL VECINO
3RD - MI COCINA
BEST SEAFOOD
WINNER - FISH CITY GRILL
2ND - TJ CAJUN SEAFOOD & WINGS
3RD - RONNIE’S CATFISH & MORE (NORTH DALLAS)
BEST TACOS
WINNER - RESIDENT TAQUERIA
2ND - MARIO BROS TACOS
3RD - TROMPO TAQUERIA & BURGERS
NORTHWEST
BEST THAI
WINNER - TUKTA THAI
2ND - THAI OPAL
3RD - ZATO THAI CUISINE AND SUSHI BAR
America’s Best Contacts & Eyeglasses
Applebee’s BackMenders
Chiropractic with Care
Bliss Nail Salon
Christian Science
Reading Room
CVS
Down to Play Now Open
Ingram’s Donuts
Kohl’s
Mattress Firm
Medallion Barbers
Milan Laser
Party City
Planet Fitness
Pet Supplies Plus
RDA Pro-Mart
Beauty Supply
Salata
Satya Yoga
Scrubs & Beyond
Smallcakes
Smiley Dental
Subway
Summit Salon Studios
Supercuts
Target The Skin and Body Co.
Unrefined Bakery
7-11
SMOKING TRADITION
Matt and Trisha Stroud bring family recipes to Lake Highlands
Story by AUSTIN WOOD | Photography by HALEY HILL
Strouderosa’s brisket sandwhich, smoked in-house and served with pickled onions, jalepenos and pickles.
AFTER AN EXPLOSION at the Greenberg Smoked Turkey facility in 2020, thousands of families were left wondering what they were going to serve on Thanksgiving.
In the Lake Highlands Mom’s Facebook group, one mother posted that she was looking for a smoked turkey. Matt Stroud’s wife, Trisha Weaver, responded, offering a turkey from her husband’s smoker.
“Then I have 32 moms messaging me because of that one comment saying ‘I can do one for you,’” Weaver says. ”And then they were like, ‘what do you do for sides?’ and we’re like, oh, no, we’re not like a business. But we don’t know when he’s going back to work, so we added that last minute and we had half the people add green beans and rolls and gravy and stuff. And then once Thanksgiving was over, they were like, ‘what are you doing for Christmas?’”
enjoyed didn’t translate into foot traffic. Stroud admits he was close to calling it quits.
“I told her I am done throwing money at a dead horse,” he says. “Absolutely done. I don’t want to do it anymore. And she finally agreed with me, she would always fight me tooth and nail.”
are available in an assortment of portions, and riffs on BBQ sides like Mac N Threeso, candied carrots and jalapeno cream corn are all available. Sandwiches, a customer favorite, come with either brisket or pulled pork.
Past BBQ joint staple meals, Strouderosa’s kitchen cooks up bar-esque creations like brisket nachos, tacos, enchiladas, smoked wings and a ten-ounce “Spuderosa’’ piled with meat, all of which can be enjoyed with a domestic wine or beer.
Stroud had been furloughed from his job as a welder on the Keystone Pipeline. After steady business from Christmas and Thanksgiving, he and Weaver decided to start selling “meals of the week” out of their L Streets home’s kitchen.
Business was good, and the couple began thinking about their future.
“By the end of 2021,” Weaver says. “We were like okay, well what are we going to do? Are we changing this? Are we staying to do this food? Or are we going to go ahead and open a restaurant?”
Opening a restaurant won.
Leasing a space near Skillman Street and Abrams Road in 2022, the Strouds spent months on needed renovations before eventually opening in May of 2023. To their surprise, the strong Facebook following they’d
A flurry of positive Nextdoor recommendations instantly revived Strouderosa’s fortunes. It was a Wednesday when business started really picking up, and both Stroud and Weaver were out of the shop for the day.
“They called us,” Weaver says. “They’re like ‘we’re busy, we can’t do this by ourselves,’ and we’re like, ‘wait, what’s happening?’ We’re looking at the cameras and every table is full. There’s a line of people standing here and they’re either waiting for a table or to place a to-go order.”
Since then, Stroud and Weaver say Strouderosa has become a popular spot in the area, often packed.
Serving platters of traditional cuts like brisket, ribs, pulled pork, turkey and smoked sausage, Strouderosa’s menu has all the fixings of a traditional BBQ joint. Meats
For dessert, customers can choose from an exclusive banana pudding cupcake from Smallcakes or peach cobbler served with churros.
“Yeah, I mean, it’s just different enough to get you thinking about it, like churros and peach cobbler,” Stroud says.
Stroud’s jalapeno BBQ sauce can be found throughout the store. The bottle features a logo illustration of three jalapenos, originally designed by Stroud’s father for a salsa he had made with his family. Cooking and smoking meats is a family tradition for Strouds, a tradition which has manifested itself in Strouderosa.
“It’s what I did with my dad,” he says. “Yeah, I mean this is all an homage to my dad, her dad. My dad passed before we even thought about doing a barbecue place.”
With an eye on a bigger space, Stroud is looking to bring more people to the family’s table.
“All we did was bring our backyard indoors,” he says. “It’s all my family recipes, a lot of them I made with my dad, my meemaw and stuff like that. I tweak them a little bit here and there, but you know, not much has changed from me feeding my kids to feeding yours.”
Strouderosa , 9090 Skillman St., strouderosa.com, 469.954.3333
House-smoked brisket and pulled pork with deviled egg potato salad on the side and all the fixings.
MIND BODY SOUL
A holistic approach to food pantry outreach
Story by AUSTIN WOOD
Photography by SHELBY TAUBER
EVERY WEDNESDAY , tens of families and individuals line up in a worn-down strip mall near Skillman Road and LBJ. Beneath an unassuming green sign reading “The New Room,” the men, women and children wait their turn.
They’re waiting to be fed.
The doors open, they walk in and register with volunteers. They’re given a number signifying their place in line — standard procedure for soup kitchens and food pantries. What isn’t quite standard procedure, however, is that the number goes on a nametag, placed on their chest, with their name written proudly in marker.
“We try to treat people with dignity. Dignity and integrity is the most important thing,” says current Feed Lake Highlands Executive Director Cynthia Hernandez. “We don’t treat people like numbers. We actually put a name tag on you because we won’t call you by a number, we will call you by your name. You have a name. And to us that’s super important.”
Names are important. So are choices.
Frosted flakes or Cheerios. Taco meat or chili. Elbow noodles or shells. Three tables with multiple food categories and at least two options for each category lay in the middle of the moderately-sized room.
Each individual, pushing along a shopping cart, is escorted by a volunteer who assists them with their bags as they browse.
After they’re done, the volunteer helps them to their car or the sidewalk — better service than you would get at most grocery stores these days.
Feed Lake Highlands Inc., founded in 2012 as a nonprofit organization, has pursued a model of dignity and compassion since its inception. The organization evolved from the outreach arm of Lake Highlands United Methodist Church, which had established congregations in the apartment complexes on Whitehurst Drive.
After LHUMC leased The New Room space in 2006 for its outreach in the area, the church decided to begin an after-school program, drawing children from Skyview Elementary. Jill Goad, who worked for the outreach program at the time, realized that practicing long division may not have been the biggest draw.
“We got up to about 30 kids,” Goad says. “And we started realizing, you know what, these kids are more interested in the snack than they are in some of the programs, and they keep coming back going ‘Is there more snacks? Is there more snacks?’ So we started thinking.”
LHUMC initially collaborated with First United Methodist on a food program to supply groceries to low-income Dallas Housing Authority complexes in the area, namely Audelia Manor.
Goad and others from the church even -
tually decided to strike out on their own as Feed Lake Highlands, registering 14 families, or 51 individuals, initially. Distribution took place just once a month out of The New Room, but the community in need was growing.
“We said, ‘if we get to 50 families, we need to open up another day and find more volunteers.’ I think it was within two years, we had those 50 families, and we had opened up another day,” says Goad, who became executive director.
FLH wasn’t just looking to feed, they were looking to nourish the whole person, mind, body and soul.
“You might be hungry for food, hungry for material resources, you might be hungry for educational resources,” she says. “You might be hungry for relationships. You might be hungry to get to know Jesus Christ. So we say that we feed all parts of the body.”
Goad and the others incorporated bible study, reading programs, worship, ESL classes and youth outreach to Feed Lake Highlands’ portfolio of service.
“The thing that I love the most is thatwe are multifaceted — spiritual feeding, educational feeding and physical feeding,” she says.
Goad served as executive director for over 10 years, growing its food distribution to service over 400 families a month and
increasing distribution to four times a month. But in 2023, she decided to retire, leaving the organization to Hernandez, who had spent more than 15 years running nonprofits in New York.
“It has been to the point where I have brought my children to come and volunteer and they love it,” Hernandez says. “I brought my father to come and I’m not from Lake Highlands. I don’t live in Lake Highlands. But since the moment I got here, I am Lake Highlands.”
One of Hernandez’s biggest responsibilities is managing food sourcing. Fifty percent of it comes from the North Texas Food Bank, around 30% is donated by area markets like Sprouts, Tom Thumb, Kroger and Target. FLH directly buys the remainder. Hernandez estimates that they distribute around 10 to 11,000 pounds of food on a weekly basis, providing around 60 meals a week for each family, or roughly three meals a day for five days per person.
While the NTFB and corporate contributions leave FLH in a comfortable position most days, there have been times where the shelves have been near-empty. That’s when Hernandez says they’re lucky it’s Lake Highlands they’re feeding.
“God has been so gracious and abundant that we haven’t had a week where we haven’t been without,” she says. “In a week that if we say we need food we put out the call and the churches come in, LHUMC, the GMC, Lake Highlands Church, you name it, because we have people that go to all the different churches in the community. They all come together.”
“ Lake Highlands is definitely a tightknit community within a big big city. You know, everybody knows everybody and everybody is willing to help everybody.”
Hernandez says volunteers and community partners like the Exchange Club of Lake Highlands, Women’s Service League and 100 Women of Lake Highlands have been crucial to FLH’s success.
Her biggest hope going forward?
Unemployment.
“ This is gonna sound sarcastic and it really is not,” she says. “If they can put me out of a job, it means our job is done. We have fought hunger.”
CULINARY STAYCATION
The Buddhist Temple of Dallas brings international flavors to the neighborhood
Story by SIMON PRUITT | Photography by LAUREN ALLEN
On Sundays, Lake Highlands eats.
The Buddhist Temple of Dallas hosts a weekly Thai market behind their building. Opening at 9:00 a.m., volunteer vendors set up shop in a line featuring the best of authentic Asian cuisine. It’s first come first served, with some vendors selling out by noon.
“We never even marketed to the public,” Ken Theppote says with a laugh.
Theppote is a chiropractor by day. He’s been volunteering at Buddhist temples for most of his life, now serving as the vice president at Dallas temple.
The market didn’t begin as a market at all. The Buddhist Temple of Dallas houses seven monks onsite. By rule, monks are not allowed to get their own food, everything must be offered to them. A small group of temple members began showing up on Sundays to cook traditional Thai dishes for the monks, typically noodle soups with fish and vegetables.
“Food has always been prepared for monks by offerors,” Theppote says. “What was leftover was shared with the public, which eventually grew into a food market.”
Purely through word of mouth, the market grew to host a consistent group of vendor stands that serve hundreds each Sunday.
Tiem BBQ is the welcome party to most patrons. It’s the first stand from the entrance, serving up chicken, pork and beef skewers for just $3 each. You can add on sticky rice or vegetables for $2 more.
Two stands over, Im-Boon Thai is the temple’s only permanent fixture. It’s staffed entirely by volunteer families, offering noodle and rice bowl dishes along with green tea ice cream. It’s also the only vendor that offers cold drinks, making it especially popular on hot summer days.
Just beside Im-Boon is Thai food from Chef Pang. Draped over his table is a huge banner with his face, namesake and dishes on it. He flaunts experience working with Thai chefs Je Ngor and Jay Fai, both of whom operate or have worked on Michelin-starred restaurants in Bangkok.
“For my first time, there were so many vendor stands to choose from so I just started from the first three I came across,” Dan Descargar says. “They absolutely did not disappoint. The pad see ew, Thai BBQ and sticky rice were authentic and delicious.”
Descargar is a Dallas transplant from Los Angeles. He’s always on the hunt for the best Asian food, coming from a great food scene and Filipino family.
“Coming from a diverse food culture in Los Angeles, I think I know what’s good and authentic Asian food,” he says. “The Dallas Thai market did not disappoint.”
Theresa Mosquito agrees. She’s a Dallas foodie, participating in Facebook groups dedicated to finding new spots in the metroplex.
“I saw an Instagram reel featuring the Thai market,” she says. “Dallas has provided more options for Asian cuisine.”
Dallas does have many Asian food options, but finding the right one can be hard. Restaurants come and go, menus get stale. For the Sunday Thai Market, quality is permanent, and the selection might surprise you.
“It gave me the feeling of those Asian food markets when you travel,” she says. “There is always something new to explore.”
Gameday Ready
OUR
ANNIVERSARY! SALE STARTS NOW Fashionistas Since 1984!
214-341-4618 | ayresale.com 9310 Forest Lane, #204 SW Corner Abrams & Forest We worked with Bart during one of the hottest housing markets in recent history. Bart stuck with us through several offer cycles, and each new house he found was better than the last. His background in architecture and construction is a huge plus. He always has a flashlight in the car and is ready to crawl down below a house. You won’t be disappointed with his skills and work ethic. Thanks Bart for everything! -Maggie M. BART THRASHER Realtor® bartthrasher@dpmre.com 469.583.4819
WHERE CAN I FIND LOCAL ...?
AC & HEAT
ALEXANDER HOME REPAIR. AC/HEAT Repair & Install. LIC#28052 469-226-9642
AIR SHIELD LLC AC/Heat Repairs, Installs Airshieldpros.com. 214-394-1788
THE HEATING & AC EXPERTS
Installations & Repairs
ASK ABOUT
214-710-2515 dallasheatingac.com
APPLIANCE REPAIR
JESSE’S A/C & APPLIANCE SERVICE
TACLB13304C All Makes/Models. 214-660-8898
BUY SELL TRADE
I BUY USED CARS
Sam. Dallas. 469-609-0978.
!!OLD GUITARS WANTED!! Gibson, Fender, Martin, Etc. 1930’s to 1980’s. Top Dollar Paid. 1-866 -433-8277
SALE: FULL SIZE BED. $400. Bed frame, headboard, box spring, mattress, Good Condition. 469-363-2480
CABINETRY & FURNITURE
SQUARE NAIL WOODWORKING
Cabinet Refacing, Built-ins, Entertainment/ Computer Centers. Jim. 214-324-7398
jhholbert2@att.net
CLEANING SERVICES
ALTOGETHER CLEAN
Relax ...We’ll Clean Your House, It Will Be Your Favorite Day! Bonded & Insurance. Free Estimates. 214-929-8413. www. altogetherclean.net
CINDY’S HOUSE CLEANING 15 yrs exp. Resd/Com. Refs. Dependable. 214-490-0133
GOLDEN CLEANING SERVICE
Move In/Out. Basic Clean.Res/Com goldencleaningservicetx.com. 214-500–6998.
WANTED: HOUSES TO CLEAN, Organize, De-clutter, or Pack. Sunny 214-724-2555
WINDOW CLEANING Power washing No Job To Small. 30 Yrs exp. 214-360-0120
WINDOW MAN WINDOW CLEANING.COM Residential Specialists. BBB. 214-718-3134
COMPUTERS & ELECTRONICS
CONFUSED? FRUSTRATED? Let a seasoned pro be the interface between you & that pesky Windows computer. Hardware/Software Installation, Troubleshooting, Training. $100/hr. 1 hr min. Dan 972-639-6413 / stykidan@sbcglobal.net
NEED HELP WITH YOUR COMPUTER, Smartphone or Smart Home? My Tech Guy Harvey. 214-770-2598. harveymccall@gmail.com.
CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING
ADVANCE STONE ART CREATIONS
Decorative Concrete Overlays. 214-705-5954
CONCRETE, Driveway Specialist Repairs, Replacement, Removal, References. Reasonable. Chris 214-770-5001
CONCRETE/MASONRY/PAVING
CONCRETE, RETAINING WALLS 25 yrs exp. T&M Construction, Inc. 214-328-6401
EDMONDSPAVING.COM Asphalt & Concrete Driveway-Sidewalk-Patio-Repair 214-957-3216
FLAGSTONE PATIOS, Retaining Walls, BBQ’s, Veneer, Flower Bed Edging, All Stone work. Chris 214-770-5001
JOHNSON PAVING Concrete, Asphalt, Driveways. New or Repair. 214-827-1530
R&M Concrete
Concrete • Driveways Retaining Walls Stamped Concrete
214-202-8958
ELECTRICAL SERVICES
ANTHONY’S ELECTRIC
Master Electrician. TECL24948 anthonyselectricdfw.com
50 Yrs. Electrical Exp. Insd. 214-328-1333
BRIGHT LIGHT ELECTRIC • 214-553-5333 TECL 31347 Brightening Homes and Businesses
LAKEWOOD ELECTRICAL Local. Insured. Lic. #227509 Call Rylan 214-434-8735
TH ELECTRIC Reasonable Rates. Licensed & Insured. Ted. E257 214-808-3658
WHITE ROCK ELECTRIC All Electrical Services. Lic/Insd.TECL-34002 214-850-4891
EMPLOYMENT
BENJAMINS PAINTING Hiring:18-26Yr.olds, Top Pay- Will Train. In Advocate since 2007. 214-725-6768
EXPERIENCED NANNY 2 months-6 Years Great References.15 Years Experience warconie@gmail.com. 469-987-2172
EXTERIOR CLEANING
G&G DEMOLITION Tear downs, Haul. Interior/Exterior. 214-808-8925
FENCING & DECKS
4 QUALITY FENCING • 214-507-9322 Specializing in Wood. YourWoodmaster.com
AMBASSADOR FENCE CO. Automatic Gates, Fences/Decks, Pergolas, Patio Covers, Arbors. AmbassadorFenceCo.com 214-621-3217
FENCING, ARBORS, DECKS oldgatefence.com 214-766-6422
LONESTARDECKS.COM 214-357-3975 Trex Decking & Fencing, trex.com All Wood Decks, Arbors & Patio Covers
HANNAH WOODWORKS •Decks • Pergolas •Patio Covers Hannawoodworks.com 214-435-9574
(flakes
HARDWOOD INSTALLATIONS Waterproof, hardwood, carpets, tile laminate, & vinyl click. 214-440-6244 . aaa-texas-floors.com
FOR SALE
FOR SALE 6 pc Queen bedroom set (solid wood). Separately or together. Good Condition. $1200 for set. 956-645-1747 FOUNDATION REPAIR
Slabs
Mud Jacking
Drainage
HOUSE PAINTING
BENJAMINS PAINTING - Professional work @reasonable price. In Advocate since 2007 214-725-6768
HECTOR PEREZ PAINTING Commercial/residential. Intrior/ Exterior. Fair Rates. 214-489-0635
RAMON’S INT/EXT PAINT Sheetrock, Repairs. 214-679-4513
TEXAS BEST PAINTING LLC Resd,Interiors 30Yrs. 214-527-4168
TOP COAT 30 Yrs. Exp. Reliable. Quality Repair/Remodel. Phil @ 214-770-2863
VIP PAINTING & DRYWALL Int/Ext. Sheetrock Repair, Resurfacing Tubs, Counters, Tile Repairs. 469-774-7111
GARAGE SERVICES
UNITED GARAGE DOORS AND GATES Res/Com. Locally Owned. 214-251-5428
GENERAL CONTACTING
A2H GENERAL CONTRACTING,LLC Remodel, Paint, Drywall/Texture, Plumbing. Electrical, Siding, Bathroom/Kitchen Remodels Tilling, Flooring, Fencing. 469-658-9163. Free Est. A2HGeneralContactingLLC@gmail.com
GLASS, WINDOWS & DOORS
LAKE HIGHLANDS GLASS & MIRROR frameless shower enclosures • store fronts replacement windows • mirrors 214-349-8160
PRO WINDOW CLEANING prompt, dependable. Matt 214-766-2183
ROCK GLASS CO Replace, Repair. Single, Double Panes. Showers, Mirrors. 214-837-7829
HANDYMAN SERVICES
BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730
DANHANDY.NET Repairs Done Right For A Fair Price. References 214-991-5692
HANDY DAN The Handyman. ToDo’s Done Right. handy-dan.com 214-252-1628
HANDYMAN SPECIALIST Residential/Commercial. Large, small jobs, repair list, renovations. Refs. 214-489-0635
HANDYMAN WANTS your Painting,Repairs, To Do Lists. Bob. 214-288-4232. Free Est. 25+yrs exp.
HOME REPAIR Doors, Trim, Glass. Int/Ext. Sheetrock, Windows, Kitchen, Bathroom 35 yrs exp. 214-875-1127
HOMETOWN HANDYMAN All phases of construction. No job too small 214-327-4606
ONE CALL WEEKEND SERVICES
Contractor & Handyman. Remodels, Renovations . Paint, Plumbing, Drywall, Electrical. 469-658-9163
Let Us Tackle Your To-Do List!
ORGANIZATION
A CHARMING HOME
Decluttering + Organizing + Styling acharminghome.co 214-794-6382
REMODELING
RENOVATE DALLAS renovatedallas.com 214-403-7247
SERVICES FOR YOU
#1 WHITE ROCK TREE WIZARDS Professionals, Experts, Artists serving Dallas 15 years.Trim, Removals. Tree Health Care services. Insured. Arborwizard.com. Free Est. (972) 803-6313.
A BETTER TREE MAN Trims, Removals, Insd. 18 Yrs Exp. Roberts Tree Service. 214-808-8925 Lawns, Gardens & Trees
DAVIS LAWN CARE, LLC 580-222-4909 or davislawncare214@yahoo.com
Serving Lake Highlands & Lakewood.
HOLMAN IRRIGATION
Sprinkler & Valve Repair/ Rebuild Older Systems. Lic. #1742. 214-398-8061
MAYA TREE SERVICE Tree Trim/Remove. Lawn Maintenance. Resd/ Commcl.Insd. CC’s Accptd. mayatreeservice.com 214-924-7058 214-770-2435
MONSTER TREE SERVICE DALLAS
Certified Arborists, Fully Insured 469.983.1060
NEW LEAF TREE, LLC
Honest, Modern, Safety Minded. 214-850-1528
PAT TORRES 214-388-1850 Lawn Service & Tree Care. 28 Yrs. Complete Landscape Renovation. New Fence Install & Brick Repair. Concrete Removal and Gutter Cleaning.
RED SUN LANDSCAPES • 214-935-9779 RedSunLandscapes.com
TAYLOR MADE IRRIGATION Repairs, service, drains. 30+ years exp. Ll 6295 469-853-2326. John
WALTON’S GARDEN CENTER
Stop in for home decor, candles, house plants, succulents and more. It’s time to plan for spring. Call us for design, prep and plantings! 8652 Garland Road 214.321.2387
DALLAS KDR SERVICES
Lawn service
PEST CONTROL
MCDANIEL PEST CONTROL
Prices Start at $85 + Tax For General Treatment.
Average Home-Interior/Exterior & Attached Garage. Quotes For Other Services. 214-328-2847. Lakewood Resident
MOSQUITO SHIELD 972–850-2983
Imagine A Night Outside Without Mosquitoes
NATURE KING PEST MANAGEMENT INC.
Squirrels, Racoons, Skunks, Snakes, Possums, etc. Pest & Termite. Neighborhood Resident 30+ Yrs.exp. 214-827-0090
S&L CONSTRUCTION All Home Services & Repairs. 214-918-8427
TK REMODELING 972-533-2872
Complete Full Service Repairs, Kitchen & Bath/Remodeling, Restoration. Name It- We Do It. dallas.tkremodelingcontractors.com
DENTAL INSURANCE- Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Covers 350 procedures. Real insurance -not a discount plan. Get your free dental info kit! 1-888-623-3036 www.dental50plus.com/58 #6258
DIRECTV STREAM - Carries the most local MLB Games! ChoicePackage $89.99/mo for 12 mos Stream on 20 devices at once.HBO Max included for 3 mos (w/Choice Package or higher.)No contract or hidden fees! Some restrictions apply. Call IVS 1-866-859-0405
"Keeping Children & Pets in Mind"
Termite Specialist - Mosquito Mister Systems
Licensed · Insured · Residential · Commercial · Organic 214-350-3595 • Abetterearth.crw@gmail.com abetterearth.com
PLUMBING
AC PLUMBING Repairs, Fixtures, Senior Discounts. Gary Campbell. 214-321-5943
PLUMBING ISSUES ?
30 Years of Excellent Service
• Water Heaters • Water Leaks • Sewer Backups
• All Plumbing Repairs 24/7 On-Call
972-379-4000 staggsplumbing.co ASK ABOUT DISCOUNTS!
POOLS
CERULEAN POOL SERVICES Family Owned/ Operated. Weekly maintenance, Chemicals, parts & repairs. CeruleanPro.com 214-557-6996
PROFESSIONAL SERVICES
C.A.S. BOOKKEEPING SERVICES
Personal/Small Business. Payroll, Accounting, Organizing, Consult. Cindy 214-577-7450
WHERE DID YOUR MONEY GO? Bookkeeping Services for small businesses & Personal. Financial organizing. Quicken & other programs. Sharon 214-679-9688
REAL ESTATE
Kitchens, Bathrooms, Windows, Doors, Siding, Decks, Fences, Retaining Walls, New Construction
New Construction & Remodels FiferCustomHomes.com• 214-727-7075
ROOFING & GUTTERS
BERT ROOFING INC.
Family owned and operated for over 40 years • Residential/Commercial • Over 30,000 roofs completed • Seven NTRCA “Golden Hammer” Awards • Free Estimates www.bertroofing.com
and
Residential • Commercial (214) 503-7663 www.scottexteriors.com
SERVICES FOR YOU
AGING ROOF? New Homeowner? Got Storm Damage? You need a local expert provider that proudly stands behind their work. Fast, free estimate. Financing Available.1-888-878-9091.
DONATE YOUR CARS TO VETERANS TODAY. Help and Support our Veterans. Fast - FREE pick up. 100% tax deductible. Call 1-800 -245-0398
ELIMINATE GUTTER CLEANING FOREVER! LeafFilter, the most advanced debris-blocking gutter protection. Schedule a FREE LeafFilter estimate today. 15% off Entire Purchase. 10% Senior & Military Discounts. Call 1-855-402-0373
FREE HIGH SPEED INTERNET if qualified. Govt. pgm for recipients of select pgms incl. Medicaid, SNAP, Housing Assistance, WIC, Veterans Pension, Survivor Benefits, Lifeline, Tribal. 15 GB internet. Android tablet free w/one-time $20 copay. Free shipping. Maxsip Telecom! 1-833-758-3892
GENERAC Prepare for power outages today with a GENERAC home standby generator $0 Down + Low Monthly Pmt. Request a free Quote. Call before the next power outage: 1-844-334 -8353
GET DISH SATELLITE TV +INTERNET
Free Install, Free HD-DVR Upgrade, 80,000 On-Demand Movies, Plus Limited Time Up To $600 In Gift Cards. Call Today! 1-866-479-1516
HUGHESNET Finally, super-fast internet no matter where you live.25 Mbps just $59.99/mo! Unlimited Data is Here. Stream Video. Bundle TV & Internet. Free Installation. Call 866-499 -0141
PROFESSIONAL LAWN SERVICE: Fertilization, weed control, seeding, aeration & mosquito control. Call now for a free quote. Ask about our first application special! 1-833-606-6777
REPLACE your roof with the best looking & longest lasting material steel from Erie Metal Roofs! 3 styles & multiple colors available. Guaranteed to last a lifetime! Limited Time Offer up to 50% off install + Additional 10% off install. (military, health &1st responders.) 1-833-370-1234
SAFE STEP North America's #1 Walk-in tub. Comprehensive lifetime warranty. Top-of-theline installation and service. Now featuring our free shower package & $1600 off - limited time! Financing available. 1-855-417-1306
ESTATE HOME NEEDS TO BE SOLD? Facing forclosure? IG Heron Homes Call Ricardo Garza @ 469-426-7839
BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & professional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 855-761-1725
FOR RENT Little Forest Hills 2/1 Single Family Home w/fence. $1,600mo. $1,600 deposit. Cheryl. 214-235-1399
GARDEN OFFICE SPACE FOR RENT
Walnut Hill @ CENTRAL.3 Smaller Suites Avail. Flexible Terms 214.915. 8886
REMODELING
OFFICE SUBLEASE In Bishop Arts. Cool, Quiet. 1,179 Sq ft. 4 rooms + kit / bath, parking. $2,950 + NNNs. 713.302-7722.
BO HANDYMAN Specializing In Historic Home Renovations & Pro Remodels. Custom Carpentry, Doors, Kitchens, Baths & more. 214-437-9730
FENN CONSTRUCTION Kitchens And Baths. Call Us For Your Remodeling Needs. 214-343-4645. dallastileman.com
BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR. We want to read your book! Dorrance Publishing trusted since 1920. Consultation,production, promotion & distribution. Call for free author’s guide 1-877-729-4998 or visit dorranceinfo.com/ads
For complete terms and conditions, visit advocatemag. com/advertisingterms.
THE GENERAC PWRCELL, a solar plus battery storage system. SAVE money, reduce your reliance on the grid, prepare for power outages and power your home. Full installation services WATER DAMAGE
cleanup & restoration: A small amount of water can lead to major damage and mold growth in your home. Our trusted professionals do complete repairs to protect your family and your home's value! Call 24/7: 1-888-872-2809
TUTOR/LESSONS
WANTED: OBOE TEACHER needed for 14 year old student. Call 214–235-7429
KNOW YOUR WORTH.
If you’re selling your home and you haven’t called us, you’re probably leaving money on the table.
A Next-Level Real Estate Experience
