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letter from the editor We l co m e to t h e f i r s t Pl a n o M a g a z i n e b e s t - o f i s s u e s i n c e 2 0 19. F o r t h e p a s t y e a r, w e’ve b e e n f i g u r i n g out where our publication is going. We’r e a n o n p ro f i t, i f yo u h a ve n’t h e a rd. We a ch i eve d n o n p rof it s tat u s i n 2020 so that we can continue writing about our cit y in ways that matter but also to continue to suppor t businesses, events and o rgan i zations that make Plano home. A n d w e co u l d n’t h a ve d o n e i t w i t h o u t you, ou r reade r s, w ho make Pl ano a c o m m u n i t y. T h e r e s t a u r a n t s , p a r k s a n d pubs of Plano are humming because of you. So “ B es t of Pl a n o” i s b a ck . O u r rea d e r s cast votes i n 5 0 catego r ies, f rom tacos to pet ca re. Cong ratulations to all the winners, runners up and nominees. Sometimes we think this issue should be called “some - of” instead of “besto f ” b e c a u s e t h e r e’s n o w a y to c o n ta i n all the outstanding local businesses, people and places in our city within these pages. I n t h i s i s s u e, w e’r e e x p l o r i n g P l a n o, and we encourage you to do the same. Get out there and tr y something new or revi sit an o ld favo r ite. A n d i f yo u d o n’t s e e yo u r p e r s o n a l favo r ite th i ng i n Plano he re, we want to hea r from you! Let us know which places yo u th i n k we s ho u l d p rof i l e n ex t.

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JOIN US AT MODERN MARKET EATERY September 17, 2022

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Come out to eat and support anytime from11A.M. to 9 P.M. and mention Plano Magazine at check out

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Because through September 30, 2022, you’ll be able to check into participating Plano restaurants using your digital Plano Foodie Pass and receive great offers on delicious food. You can also earn sweet prizes and be entered into a grand prize drawing fit for a foodie. Sign up at visitplano.com/tasteofplano.

CONTENTS 10

FOOD AT LEGACY WEST

MEDITERRANEAN-INSPIRED JEWELRY

PLANO PARKS

ROOTS CHICKEN SHAK

26 BEST OF PLANO 32

DOWNTOWN WATERING HOLES

38 ROLLER DERBY

CONTRIBUTORS Kathy Tran • Sally Wamre • Ashley Turner •Ashley Madonna

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BEST OF LEGACY WEST A food hall for all Five favorite finds at Legacy West story Alyssa High |photography Kathy Tran | illustrations Jynnette Neal

No surprise here, Plano Magazine readers voted Legacy West Best Shopping Area in Plano. The Box Garden at Legacy Hall, the largest patio space in Collin County, ranked No. 2 for Best Place to Hear Live Music in Plano. But what about Legacy Hall’s food? This is far from the Sbarro and Picadilly food courts that made malls of yore. With 20 locally curated artisanal vendors, multiple bars and an in-house craft brewery, Legacy Hall is a one-ofa-kind stop that could suit any craving. While this list is far from extensive, here are five of Legacy Hall’s best restaurants and dishes. DOCK LOCAL is a fan favorite with a coastal flair. The seafood-filled menu boasts lobster, crab, shrimp, cod, salmon and clam dishes. And it’s not just us who think it’s the best. USA Today’s 10 Best listed Dock Local at No. 3 for best seafood in Dallas. The responsibly sourced Atlantic lobster meat brings pub foods like the must-try lobsta nachos, a salty twist on a Tex-

Mex favorite, made with potato chips, lobster, clam chowder, cheese, bacon, cilantro, onion and ancho sauce. CHILANGOS TACOS is a street-style taco joint reminiscent of Mexico City. Its menu is packed with authentic favorites like carne asada, pastor, barbacoa, hongos (mushrooms) and birria tacos. Chilangos Tacos also made Tasting Table’s “The Absolute

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Best Mexican Restaurants In Dallas” l i s t t h i s y e a r. P o p u l a r d i s h e s a r e t h o s e birria tacos, but don’t forget to pair it with a chingonrita, their signature frozen mango chamoy margarita. Its spicy and sweet combination pairs per fectly with the salty and cheesy birria tacos. BUTTERCUP CHICKEN TENDERS might be the most Instagrammable of them all. The restaurant’s Buttercup waffle cone mixes tender bites, honey b u t t e r, l e m o n z e s t , c h i v e s a n d m a c ‘n cheese into a waffle cone for an all-in-one Buttercup experience. Te n d e r s c a n b e s e r v e d h o t o r i n spicy masala for those looking for an extra kick in their cone. If you’re not feeling the cone, tenders also come in a sandwich or alone with macand-cheese or curly fries.

WHISK & EGGS is a French-inspired crêperie with dishes ranging from sweet to savory, plus salads, desserts and plenty of coffee favorites. The crêperie has landed itself on many best-brunch lists, but its biggest must-try items are a chicken basil crepe if you’re feeling savory, or a cookies & cream if you’re feeling sweet. The signature Nutel-latte, with espresso, steamed milk, Nutella whipped cream and syrup, pairs with any crepe and is the perfect pickme-up before a day of shopping. YAN PAN ASIAN is a Chinese-American joint with takeout favorites like hot-and-sour soup, egg rolls, boba tea and pad thai. A signature dish, General Tso’s chicken, has just the right amount of spice, with dried red pepper, onion and broccoli on white or brown rice. In an unexpected twist, Yan Pan Asian also sells macarons, which are $3 a piece and come in a variety of flavors. P

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GODDESS NEXT DOOR

FORMER PHYSICIAN CREATES JEWELRY LINE INSPIRED BY HER HOMELAND story Joshua Baethge | photos courtesy of D. Golden Not long ago, Vasiliki “Vicki” Gkarmiri, was a family physician in Greece. She readily admits that if you had told her 10 years ago she would be running a jewelry business in Plano, she would have rolled her eyes and laughed. But marriage, kids and current events have a way of changing things. Today, she’s an American entrepreneur running her own jewelry business known as Next Door Goddess. “At 45, I had lived my dream to become a physician beyond my wildest expectations,” Gkarmiri says. “But there was this little voice inside calling me to what had been my creative outlet for more than 30 years: designing and making jewelry to help women express on the outside the vivacious goddess they have on the inside.” The name Next Door Goddess comes from a nickname colleagues used to tease her with. She was a member of an online group of doctors who would discuss cases they were having difficulty dealing with. Some jokingly called her “The Greek Goddess.” At first, it seemed like an awkward nickname. Soon, she came to embrace it as something of a compliment. Of course, “Greek Goddess” was already taken by the time she began planning her business. She recalls a late night talking with her mother-in-law about what to name her endeavor. Around 2 a.m. that evening, she grew tired and decided to take a bath when the thought of being a goddess next door came to her.

When she attempted to register the domain name, she discovered that it was taken as well. As luck would have it, around two weeks later she received an email informing her that it had become available. The Road to a Dream Starting a new business in a foreign land is no easy task. Gkarmiri’s husband, Dimitris, was born in the States but grew up in Greece. When he finished high school, he attended college at MIT and later started his own American consulting business. However, after having his life threatened in New York, he decided to return to his native land. Not long after, he met Vicki. Before they married, she made him promise that they would make Greece their home. Unfortunately, things were not great there at the time. Worried about what the future held, he maintained his business in the U.S., which meant he was often away from his family. The couple eventually had three kids. They would often cry when dad had to leave on another long business trip. Gkarmiri came to realize that living for months apart was not the married life had envisioned. She began looking into the immigration process, but there was just one problem. “I was the problem,” she recalls. “He was an American, and the kids got passports because their dad he one, but I did not.” After two years of working through the

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immigration process, the family was able to move to the U.S. in 2019. At first, Vicki and Dimitris came on their own in search of a home. They considered Seattle initially before a friend suggested Plano. “The moment I set foot in Plano, I had a feeling this is the American movie,” she says. “We don’t have that kind of setting in Greece.” Back there, most families live in block flats. Here, there are homes with yards, and everything seemed to be neat and in place. The people they met were friendly and welcoming so they figured they would give it a shot. They found a home in record time and were on their way to a happy new adventure. Adjusting to a new home proved challenging. For one thing, she no longer had the help of her in-laws with their three kids. Nannies are much more expensive here than back in Greece. Her kids, two of which did not know English, also needed help adjusting. Gkarmiri says she was torn about how to proceed. She loved being a doctor but was also passionate about her art. Dimitris said he would support her whichever direction she chose. The lightbulb moment came when she asked herself the question, “if you die tomorrow, what was the one thing you never had a chance to bring to life? What would she regret not doing?”

Through her jewelry, Gkarmiri hopes to help women feel better about themselves. While she is a big believer that what’s inside the person is most important, there’s also nothing wrong with making them feel good on the outside too. “The philosophy behind the whole brand is that there is a goddess inside every woman,” she says. “ All we have to do is find her, tap into her and bring her out.” The pieces that she makes in her studio are intended to be color ful artisanal statement jewelry inspired by Greece and the Mediterranean terrain. She hopes they will bring “elevated bohemian spice to women’s outfits.” Due to the pandemic, her business has come almost exclusively through online orders. However, she is looking forward to soon going to shows and pop-up events. If things keep expanding at the rate they are now, she may soon need a new studio space too. A portion of all sales goes to support new mothers and their babies. As a mom and a physician, she understands how challenging postpartum time can be. “When you bring a new baby into the world sometimes it feels like you don’t matter,” she says. “Before, everybody is touching your belly, taking care of you. Then suddenly you may feel inside that you want to give everything to the baby, even when you still need to mother yourself.” She’s also created special pieces to raise money to help those affected by the war in Ukraine. While she may no longer be a practicing family physician, Gkarmiri hopes to continue to give back in as many ways as she can to be a part of the bigger story. P

“JEWELRY TO HELP WOMEN EXPRESS ON THE OUTSIDE THE VIVACIOUS GODDESS THEY HAVE ON THE INSIDE, LOOK, AND FEEL FABULOUS.”

And Then the Pandemic As she was gearing up to start the business, it seemed as if the entire world shut down. They found themselves isolated in their home. Close family members died in Greece, and they couldn’t even visit. The family persevered, and last year Gkarmiri was able to finally able to start selling jewelry. She says that one of the most important things she learned through the experience was learning to accept where you are and trust in the process. 16

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BEST OF PAR R A P BEST OF PARKS F O T B EST OF P Recreation ovation

Give a hand for Plano City Parks Story Alyssa High | Illustrations Jynnette Neal

Plano City Parks won Plano Magazine’s Best Outing on a Budget, a testament to how much residents love and support our city’s parks. And we aren’t the only ones who think so. Plano’s city parks ranked No. 1 in Texas and No. 15 in the United States this year by the Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore. The score ranks the nation’s 100 largest cities according to access, investment, acreage, amenities and equity. Plano scored highly for investment, with 100 out of 100 points, followed by acreage with 74 points, access with 65 points, equity with 57 and amenities with 45. Plano invests $218 per person into the parks department, which soars above the national average of $98 per

137 PLANO PARKS B Y T H E NUMBERS according to Trust for Public Land’s ParkScore

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Bob Woodruff Park. Photo Plano Magazine Archives

person. This investment enhances property values, boosts local tourism economy, improves residents’ physical and mental health, provides recreational opportunities, and supports opportunities for economic development, according to Trust for Public Land. The nonprofit’s 10-Minute Walk Movement aims to ensure safe access to a quality park or green space within a 10-minute walk of anyone’s home by 2050. Hundreds of mayors have pledged to accomplish this mission, including Plano Mayor Harry LaRosiere. “This is an important initiative, and I’m proud to support it,” LaRosiere stated in a news release. Seventy-seven percent of Plano residents live within a 10 minute walk of a park, almost evenly distributed among ages, races and income levels. That’s up from 75% in 2019. Plano’s parks also ranked highly due to the number of amenities that parks provide per resident. The report found that Plano has 5.2 basketball hoops and 4.7 playgrounds per 10,000 people, providing Plano residents with lots of opportunities for safe play for kids, teens and adults. But what is there to do in any of Plano’s 137 parks? Residents of all ages also enjoy the Carpenter Park Skate Park. Skaters can hang ten on one of the largest bowls in the area, ramps, rails, stair sets and ledges all along the p-shaped park. Canoeing at Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve, an 800-acre park with trails and plenty of push-off points for kayaks, canoes and paddle boards, is another favorite for residents and visitors. The park is home to Go Ape Zip Line & Treetop Adventure, which features a 2,426-foot suspended course with zip lines, Tarzan swings and nearly 40 crossings. P

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Arbor Hills. Photo Plano Magazine Archives

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Tiffany Derry’s Southern Roots Restaurateur hosts new PBS show dishing up delicious fare story Joshua Baethge | photography Kathy Tran

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Plano’s Tiffany Derry returned to television in June on PBS’s new show The Great American Recipe. Her latest foray into TV sees her once again serving as a judge on a culinary program. A veteran of multiple shows including Top Chef, Chopped, Guy’s Tournament of Champions, Bar Rescue and Beat Bobby Flay among others, she said that she’s looking forward to potentially reaching a different audience. “One of the things I’m excited about is that PBS is all about education,” she says. “At the root of every show, you will definitely learn something.” Those who watch the show can expect to see a diverse group from different backgrounds sharing stories which are woven into their food. According to Derry, this is what makes the show so much more than just a cooking competition. She and her colleague have found themselves pulling for everyone. “Honestly, I’ve never seen a group of people rooting for each other so hard,” she says. “I was like, ‘Oh my God — what’s happening here?’” Derry comes from a long line of cooks. She considers her mother the best, though the competition was tough. Her grandmother had 11 children on their farm in Port Allen, Louisiana. She taught them all how to cook and made sure that each one learned how to hold their own. These days, Derry is doing more than just holding her own. For many years, she dreamed of owning her own restaurant but was never able to quite put everything together. Then in 2016, she founded T2D concepts with business partner Tom Foley. The following year, they opened Roots Chicken Shak in Legacy

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Hall. It features her trademark duck fat fried chicken. Since then, she’s opened a second Shak in Austin and announced a third location in DeSoto. Last year, she opened Roots Southern Table in Farmers Branch. The restaurant was named a finalist for a prestigious James Beard Award in the best new restaurant category. Derry herself was also named one of five finalists in the Best Chef in Texas category. She said that she couldn’t believe she was a finalist in one category. Then she found out about the second one five minutes later. “It just a complete honor to be on that short list,” she says. There’s not a lot of downtime for Derry these days. Typically, at least two or three days a week are spent traveling somewhere. Expanding Roots Chicken Shak across the country in one of her long-term goals. Derry also has her own spice and apparel line. An advocate for equity and social justice, she devotes significant time lobbying on behalf of those issues. She also travels on behalf of the US embassy talking about food, waste and sustainability. It’s all a dream come true, though it can be exhausting at times. “Sometimes I say, ‘is this a friendly dream

or is this a nightmare?’” she jokes. “They both look the same.” Despite that, she has no desire to slow down. Derry still loves being able to create experiences by creating food. She has cooked for President Obama, worked with some of the world’s most famous chefs, and become a celebrity chef in her own right. However, it’s the moments away from the limelight that often mean the most. A few weeks ago, she hosted an event at Roots Southern Table for fellow chef and friend, Kwame Onwuachi. Lots of families turned out to meet him, eat crawfish and enjoy the day. There was music, dancing and happy faces all around. Derry says that just being in that room and seeing people having fun brought her immense joy. At one point, a woman who had recently lost a sister came up to tell her this was the first time she had been out in a while. She was a fan of Derry but couldn’t quite put into words what she was feeling. What she did know was that she’d had a special moment she would long remember. “It’s those moments. Those are the things you can’t really put a price on. It’s something that has to be experienced. It has to be felt, and everyone in there had a good time,” Derry says. “That’s what I want to do. I want to create that over and over and over.” P

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You Voted Plano HERE ARE YOUR 2022 BEST OF PLANO MAGAZINE WINNERS

8 26

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Food + Drink BEST BAR/PUB FOOD IN PLANO Holy Grail Pub Union Bear The Fillmore Pub

BEST BBQ JOINT IN PLANO Lockhart Smokehouse Burnt BBQ & Tacos Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

BEST BEER SELECTION IN PLANO Holy Grail Pub Bavarian Grill The Fillmore Pub

BEST BRUNCH/BREAKFAST IN PLANO

BEST MARGARITAS IN PLANO Mi Cocina Urban Rio Chuy’s

BEST MARKET FOR FOODIES IN PLANO Central Market Eatzi’s Trader Joe’s

BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN PLANO Mi Cocina Salsa Tex Mex Chuy’s

BEST PATIO FOR DAY DRINKING IN PLANO

First Watch Whiskey Cake Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery

Katy Trail Icehouse Outpost Urban Crust (rooftop) Bavette Grill

BEST BURGERS IN PLANO

BEST PIZZA IN PLANO

Kenny’s Burger Joint (TIE) Rodeo Goat Ice House (TIE) Ye Ole Butcher Shop Knife Burger (TIE) Country Burger (TIE)

BEST COFFEE SHOP IN PLANO

Zodiac Time Coffee & Wine Mudleaf Coffee 1418 Coffeehouse

BEST HEALTHY EATING IN PLANO Seasons 52 bellagreen True Food Kitchen

BEST INDIAN FOOD IN PLANO

Kumar’s Aroma Indian Cuisine Malgudi Garden

Urban Crust Little Rome Restaurant Alfredo’s Pizzeria

BEST PLACE FOR A COLD TREAT IN PLANO Henry’s Ice Cream Braum’s Sugar Pine Creamery

BEST PLACE FOR CARNIVORES IN PLANO

Bob’s Steak and Chop House Fogo de Chao Knife

BEST PLACE IN PLANO TO DRINK TOO MANY TRENDY COCKTAILS Whiskey Cake Mexican Sugar Craftway Kitchen

BEST PLACE TO SATISFY YOUR SWEET TOOTH IN PLANO

Sprinkles Sugar Ray’s Bake Shop Sugar and Spice Bakery

BEST QUESO IN PLANO Torchy’s Tacos Urban Rio Chuy’s

BEST RESTAURANT FOR A DATE IN PLANO Urban Crust Steve Fields Steak and Lobster North Italia

BEST SANDWICHES IN PLANO

Bread Winners Cafe & Bakery The Biscuit Bar Mr. G’s Deli

BEST SEAFOOD IN PLANO

Urban Seafood New Orleans Crab Shack Sea Breeze Fish Market & Grill

BEST SOUTHERN/HOMESTYLE COOKING IN PLANO Whistle Britches Norma’s Cafe Poor Richard’s Cafe

BEST SUSHI IN PLANO Densetsu RA Sushi Uni Sushi

BEST WINE LIST IN PLANO

Sixty Vines Bob’s Steak & Chop House Cru Wine Bar

BEST PLACE TO GRAB A QUICK SNACK IN PLANO Crave Popcorn Legends Popcorn Sucre Cafe

The Best of Plano Magazine nominees were chosen by Plano Magazine staff and contributors. These nominees were voted on by the public at planomagazine.com to determine the winner for each category. Businesses cannot pay to be nominated or to win. P L A N O M A G A Z I N E . C O M

Culture BEST ADULT THEATER COMPANY IN PLANO

BEST EVENT/FESTIVAL IN THE PAST YEAR IN PLANO Plano Balloon Festival Dickens in Downtown Plano Deerfield Lights

Urban Rio/On the Rocks Box Garden at Legacy Hall Love and War in Texas

BEST BOWLING ALLEY IN PLANO

BEST OUTING ON A BUDGET IN PLANO

BEST SHOPPING AREA IN PLANO

Rover Dramawerks Collin Theatre Center North Texas Performing Arts Pinstack Plano Super Bowl Main Event Entertainment

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North Texas Performing Arts / Plano Children’s Theatre Genesis Children’s Theatre Art Centre Theatre

BEST PLACE TO HEAR LIVE MUSIC IN PLANO

Plano City Parks Heritage Farmstead Museum Thunderbird Roller Rink

Legacy West The Shops at Willow Bend The Shops at Legacy

BEST PLACE TO EXPLORE PLANO’S PAST

BEST WAY TO GET ARTSY IN PLANO

Heritage Farmstead Museum Historic Downtown Plano Interurban Railway Museum

ArtCentre of Plano Plano Metropolitan Ballet Plano Symphony Orchestra

Service + Shops BEST DAY SPA IN PLANO Woodhouse Day Spa Spa Habitat Hiatus Spa and Retreat

BEST EVENT VENUE IN PLANO

Courtyard Theater Heritage Farmstead Museum Rooftop Event Spot

BEST GIFT SHOP IN PLANO

Sweet Home Bath & Body Sample House and Candle Shop La Foofaraw

BEST GYM FOR WOMEN IN PLANO The Barre Code Plano Pure Barre Plano Session Pilates

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Cratos Fitness Harter Strength & Conditioning F45 Training Plano West

BEST MEN’S HAIR SALON IN PLANO

BEST WOMEN’S BOUTIQUE IN PLANO

Boardroom Salon for Men Razor’s Edge Finley’s Barber Shop

Joni’s Boutique Lyla’s: Clothing, Decor and More The Impeccable Pig

BEST NAIL SALON IN PLANO

BEST WOMEN’S HAIR SALON IN PLANO

Plano Nail Bar Plano Legacy Nails & Spa MiniLuxe

BEST PET BOARDING/DAYCARE IN PLANO Canine Republic Camp Bow Wow Pet Paradise

BEST PET SUPPLIES STORE IN PLANO Hollywood Feed Three Dog Bakery Doggie House Pet Shop

BEST PLACE IN PLANO TO TAKE KIDS ON A RAINY DAY Crayola Experience Cinemark Theaters Thunderbird Roller Rink

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Blondie’s Salon The Hair Parlour Salon Johnny Rodriguez The Salon

BEST YOGA PLACE IN PLANO The Yoga Factory Honor Yoga Plano SunstoneFIT

FANCIEST CAR DEALERSHIP IN PLANO Park Place Lexus Mercedes-Benz of Plano Boardwalk Ferrari

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BEST OF DOWNTO BEST OF DOWNTOWN B

T OF DOWNTOWN BARS ST OF DOWNTOWN BARS City views, a mini arcade and pub grub Six of the best spots to spend the happiest of hours story Joshua Baethge| illustrations Jynnette Neal While the west side of Plano gets more pub these days, downtown Plano is arguably the city’s best bar destination. There’s plenty of variety, and if it’s too far to walk, the DART red and orange lines run to the area. That also makes it the perfect stop to have a quick drink before heading to Dallas.

The Fillmore Pub 1004 East 15th Street

This is the O.G. of the downtown Plano bar scene. Before there was nightlife in the district, Fillmore gave Plano’s east side its first true pub experience. Into the sea of chain restaurants that existed at the time came a spot serving up black-and-tans, fish-and-chips and homemade pork rinds. Its beer and whiskey selections are still among the best in town.

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Vickery Park 1011 East 15th Street

Dallas expats to the ’burbs rejoiced when former Henderson Avenue bar Vickery Park opened a Plano location. The Dallas outpost has closed since then, but Plano bar hoppers can still enjoy a bite and a beverage in this cozy spot. First-timers often miss that there’s a separate lounge area with games in the back. 32 Degree Rooftop Bar 1005 East 15th Street

Located on the third level of Urban Crust, this longtime Plano favorite still boasts its trademark ice-ringed bar and patio view. This is one of the few Plano spots that also has dancing, when a DJ is there. Also important: you can order Urban Crust pizza too, which is enough to get this bar on our list.

ST OF DOWNTOWN BARS Twisted Root

1212 14th Street

A giant center bar and a patio with games and an adjacent mini arcade makes this burger joint one of the best bars in Plano. Those who don’t fancy a burger can also order from the pizza and pasta menu. Café Gecko 1410 K Avenue

One of Plano’s newest bars is actually one of its oldest, in a sense. Owner Dennis Dial moved Café Gecko’s antique bar from its former location in Addison to downtown Plano. The menu boasts handmade stuffed jalapeños and cocktails like the Mexican Candy or a Lizzarita. McNeal’s Tavern & Eatery 1422 K Avenue

This bar opened in April, featuring a menu designed by Mark Cuban’s personal chef, giant TVs for watching sports and an ample selection of beers and spirits. From poutine and Texas meatballs to steaks and tenders, the menu has a little something for everyone. P

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BEST OF VENUE VENUES Comedy shows, country lineups and reggae vibes

Seven of Plano’s best venues for music and more story Joshua Baethge | Illustrations Jynnette Neal While people may not think of Plano when they think of live music, there are plenty of places to grab a brew, check out a good band, take in a play or laugh at a comedy show. Here’s seven of the best, including three of Plano’s Best Places to Hear Live Music. The Box Garden 7800 Windrose Ave.

The Box Garden at Legacy has quickly become one of Plano’s most popular event venues. Its stage has played host to many bands and televised sporting events since opening in 2018. The venue is both dog- and kid-friendly, but its largest claim to fame is Legacy Hall, dubbed around town as a fancy food court for the whole family. Among the more than 20 food venues, built-in bars, never-ending events, and grassy lawn, it’s no wonder The Box Garden ranked second for Best Place to Hear Live Music in Plano and has ranked on dozens of best patio lists over the years. Those seeking a more VIP experience can rent one of the second-level VIP seating areas with comfortable seating and full bar service. Courtyard Theater 509 H Ave.

The 321-seat Courtyard Theater originally served as a high-school gym. It was built in 1938 as a Works Progress Administration during the Great Depression, but a 1999 renovation project brought the facility into the modern era. Housed in Historic Downtown Plano, the theater just celebrated 20 years earlier this year. Today, the Courtyard Theater houses art galleries, musicians, dance recitals and more, offering Planoites a peek into history with every performance.

The Plano House of Comedy 7301 Lone Star Drive, Suite A-110

Since opening last year, The Plano House of Comedy has quickly filled the void for those looking for laughs. The venue attracts a mix of established acts and up-and-coming comics. The house of comedy show boasts a lineup of former The Office cast members, former The Onion writers, and subjects of many streamable comedy specials. As the only comedy-centered venu in Plano, it is a must visit for stand-up fans in the area. Love and War in Texas 601 East Plano Parkway

McCall Plaza. Photo Plano Magazine Archives

McCall Plaza 998 E. 15th St.

In contrast with the theater’s classic performances, McCall Plaza boasts weekly karaoke nights and frequent live musical performances of all genres. Located between the DART rail line and bustling downtown businesses, you never know what kind of music will be playing at any given time. As a bonus, the site also acts as a de facto playground for kids when not in use because who doesn’t like to be on stage? Red Tail Pavilion

For more than two decades this quintessentially Texan venue has been showcasing some of the best in Americana, country and red dirt music. Ranking in third for Best Places to Hear Live Music in Plano, Love and War features a mixture of national acts and local artists, but what makes it unique is the Texas-sized menu at the attached dinery that features items inspired by different regions of Texas. There’s even open mic nights, for those looking for their 15 minutes of fame. Taste of the Islands 909 West Spring Creek Parkway, Suite 300

If you’re looking to change up the vibe and try something new, Taste of the Islands is a Jamaican-themed restaurant, Caribbean grocery store and event space. The event space is host to many reggae artists, comedians, festivals, steppers and more.

2810 East Spring Creek Parkway

Formerly known as the Amphitheater at Oak Point, the recently renamed Red Tail Pavilion is one of the city’s biggest venues with a capacity of 2,000 people. Patrons can frequently be found sprawled out on picnic blankets and lawn chairs soaking in the sun and live music. Located on the edge of the sprawling Oak Point Nature Preserve, the venue has played host to several national rock, pop and country acts. The site also serves as a host for various festivals and a starting point for 5Ks around the park.

On the Rocks at Urban Rio 1000 East 14th St., Second Floor

Coming in first for Best Places to Hear Live Music in Plano is On the Rocks, a second-floor bar with patio, full bar and frequent live music scene. Sitting atop Urban Rio Cantina and Grill, the patio overlooks Historic Downtown Plano, and just celebrated its 10th anniversary at the location. Local live artists are on scene Thursday through Saturday every week, and the extended bar menu and sunset views make up for the Texas heat hitting the patio. P

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Bee Princess How one Hockaday student is teaching about the bees and robots story Jehadu Abshiro | photography Jessica Turner

SIXTEEN-YEAR-OLD AYLA SUMMERS applied on a whim for the Honeybee Queen program two years ago. Summers didn’t know much about bees. Nevertheless, she was accepted into the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association program, which provides scholarships to promote honeybee education. That made Summers, a rising senior and a soccer player at The Hockaday School, a Honeybee Princess of Collin County. “When I got it, I was like, ‘I guess I’m interested in this now.’ And it sort of took off from there,” she says. Her position involves giving presentations about bees, often with a live beehive, at schools, chamber meetings and the like. She’s now a beekeeper and maintains two hives in her backyard. “So initially, they (her parents) weren’t that fond of it. But then they sort of grew to like it,” she says. “And now because we get so much honey, they’re completely enthusiastic about it.” As part of her social impact class, she partnered with Joppy Momma’s Farms in South Dallas to install hives. The farm, which grows vegetables and raises chickens in the food-desert community, wants to add honeybees as another food and revenue source.

“I’m working on creating education around it in that area so that hopefully, we can expand to get more hives and eventually have a full-blown honey company,” she says. When Summers isn’t hiving, she’s runni ng an al l gi rl s -roboti cs cl ub at Joe May Elementary School. The weekly, group-based program helps introduce children to STEM. During the pandemic, Summers helped drop of f project kits and lead virtual workshops. “Robotics was not something I was fully interested in in middle school, but it was just something I sort of got into. And t h e n I re a l i z e d that I actually liked it and really enjoyed the problem-solving aspect of it,” she says. “If you get that exposure early on, you’re more likely to pursue it later since it’s harder to get into it later on.” Summer is planning on studying STEM in college. She’ll keep beekeeping, and the hives at her home are staying, even when she’s no longer the Bee Princess of Collin County. “I definitely think my parents, now that they’re more on board with it, are going to maintain the hives when I go off to college,” she says. P

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Assassination City Roller Derby returns to the rink story Joshua Baethge

photography Jennifer Shertzer After two years away due to pandemic restrictions, Assassination City Roller Derby is once again taking Thunderbird Roller Rink by storm. The all-female league returned in April after a two-year hiatus. Now they are gearing up for their third bout later this month. Longtime league member Corky Cronin says coming back after the long break was challenging at first. Before the shutdown, there were probably 75-80 league members. The traveling team was on the verge of cracking the top 75 in the national rankings. Then everything stopped. When the team was finally able to return this year, there were initially only around 35 participants. Many women had either moved or moved on from the sport. Since then, the league has steadily grown back to near its preCOVID size thanks in large part due to renewed recruiting efforts. Last Sunday, Assassination City hosted a welcome event for new members. “I would say most people, once they get a few practices under their belt, pretty much fall in love with it,” Cronin says. These days she is the oldest skater in the league. While most skaters are in their 20s or 30s, Cronin has children that age. She’s been an athlete her entire life and considers roller derby the hardest sport due to its complex skills and strategies. It may take a bit of practice at first, but she’s found that most people really enjoy the challenge. “What I enjoy most is empowering women,” she says. “It’s all about using the body that you have to the best of your ability. It’s a sport where women of all shapes can be stars.” P acderby.com thunderbirdrink.com

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