amarillomagonline.com August 2017
Rehabilitating $1.95 US AMARILLO MAGAZINE
Belief
New treatment center helps foster hope for local children
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Contents
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29 Features On the Cover
19 Rehabilitating Belief
Sections 29
Summer Corn Just in time for the fresh summer corn crop, Jessica Higgins of Girasol Cafe and Bakery provides us a few of her favorite ways to enjoy it.
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Secret Salsa Using fresh ingredients, prepare a few of La Fiesta Grande’s favorite salsa recipes to add zip to any meal.
Arrow Child & Family Ministries provides child welfare services, advocates for foster care and adoption, and works with children and families in crisis. By Jason Boyett
Photos by Shannon Richardson
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Full Circle: Friends of Fogelberg Concert Takes on Prostate Cancer The eighth concert in the now-annual Friends of Fogelberg series is scheduled for Sept. 7 and 8, 2017, at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Contributors/Online........ 6 Out & About.................... 8 The Way I See It.............16 What’s Cooking?........... 29 Events............................41 Let’s Eat!........................ 55 Retro Rewind................. 62 20 Questions.................64
E d i to r ’ s L e t t e r
Publisher
Les Simpson
Director of Specialty Michele McAffrey Products/Editor 806.345.3256 michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com
Designer
Kayla Morris
Contributing Writers Jason Boyett Jennie Treadway-Miller Contributing Mason Dudley Photographers Chance Gilmore Shannon Richardson Gunnar Widowski Shaie Williams Graphic Artist Mary Anne Garcia
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To advertise in Amarillo Magazine or on amarillomagonline.com, please contact Cindy Brown at 806.345.3373 or cindy.brown@amarillo.com.
Vice President of Audience
Barton Cromeens
Mike Clayton
West Texas Controller
900 S. Harrison St., Amarillo, TX 79101 806.376.4488 • amarillomagonline.com Amarillo Magazine is a monthly publication of AGN Media. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written consent. Letters to the Editor are welcome but may be edited due to space limitations.
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
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his month we cover some heavier topics in our features: the mission of Arrow Child & Family Ministries and the upcoming Friends of Fogelberg concert. The passionate staff at Arrow seeks to treat the wounds suffered by children of neglect that live in the Texas Panhandle, and have been part of the state’s Child Protective Services system. Our visit to Arrow’s residential treatment center southeast of town was an eye-opening one. I was struck by not only the amount of work accomplished in a few months, but also the monumental amount of change still needed at the facility, which is in the process of receiving a much-needed facelift. Director Clay Thomas has big plans for Arrow’s 11-acre grounds, which he enthusiastically shared with me during our tour of the brand-new 20-bed girls’ living quarters. Many of the ministry’s buildings are in transition, with plans for a new cafeteria outfitted with a commercial kitchen, a boys’ facility, gymnasium, clothes closet, parking for staff and volunteers, and a new office building – the last project on his vast to-do list because as he told me, “The kids come first.” The compassion and hope of Clay and his staff are evident in every detail at Arrow – the carefully decorated living and study areas, the beautifully landscaped recreation area, the scriptures and “Social Skills” posters that adore the walls. These things send a message to the children: You matter and we care about you. I was able to maintain my composure until I got in my car, but I haven’t stopped thinking about the needs of the children at Arrow. I hope this article will help bring attention and assistance to some of the area’s most deserving kids. A couple of months ago, I received a lovely handwritten letter in the mail from Joe Ed Coffman, a local musician and organizer of the annual Friends of Fogelberg concert. I can’t recall the last real snail-mail letter I have received or even sending one myself. Joe Ed’s letter detailed his plans for this year’s concert and ended with an eloquent request for a story so the public could be informed well ahead of time. Joe Ed and his team strive to raise awareness about prostate cancer and fundraise for local resources. I’m a sucker for an old-school note (and respect for deadlines) so I couldn’t refuse his request. Learn more about the inspiration behind the concert and plans for expansion this year on page 25. We value the support of our readers and advertisers, and hope that we’re able to help you learn more about Amarillo each month. We love telling the stories of the hardworking, dedicated people who make this city a wonderful place to live. If you have a story to share, please email me (or mail me a letter!) to michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com. I love hearing from you. As always thanks for reading,
CREATE!
VIP Preview Party Friday, Aug. 18 6:30-11 p.m. The New Embassy Suites Hotel 550 S. Buchanan St. A creative event to celebrate the Amarillo Cultural District, hosted by Center City of Amarillo Title sponsor:
• Pose for photos in the Create! photo booth • Paint a picture • Enjoy creative food and beverages • Bid on artistic silent auction items • Purchase art from invited artists in our gallery • Dance to live music
Reserved tables for 8 available for $2,500 • Individual tickets $75 • Dress: business casual Tickets available at Center City of Amarillo, 1000 S. Polk St. • 372-6744 Proceeds from the VIP Preview Party will support Center City and the Amarillo Cultural District
CREATE!
A free-admission Family Art Festival Saturday, Aug. 19 11 a.m.-3 p.m. On the parking lot of the Amarillo Public Library Downtown Branch • 413 S.E. Fourth Ave. Live entertainment, food vendors, arts and crafts, free children’s activities, festival, photo booth, along with more artists’booths
Co n t r i b u to r s
Jason Boyett
Shannon Richardson
Jason wrote “Rehabilitating Belief” on page 19, and “Full Circle: Friends of Fogelberg Concert Takes on Prostate Cancer” on page 25. He is a journalist, copywriter, ghostwriter, and the author of more than a dozen books. Learn more at jasonboyett.com.
Shannon photographed “Rehabilitating Belief” on page 19, “Summer Corn” on page 29, “Secret Salsa” on page 35, “Let’s Eat!” on page 55, and “20 Questions” on page 64. He has been photographing commercial/ advertising work for more than 20 years. See Shannon’s work at shannonrichardson.com and route66americanicon.com.
Andy Chase Cundiff Andy, a local artist, singer and songwriter, has called Amarillo home for more than 20 years, and plays at a variety of venues around the Panhandle. See his artwork every month with Jon Mark Beilue’s column (page 16). Contact Andy at 376-7918.
Mason Dudley
Chance Gilmore
Gunnar Widowski
Shaie Williams
Mason photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 8. An Amarillo native, he has had an interest in photography since his high school days, and especially enjoys capturing images of nature.
Chance photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 8. Chance continues to pursue his interest in photography in a variety of genres, such as product, architecture and portrait photography.
Gunnar photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 8. He is a professional photographer and filmmaker born and raised in Amarillo. See Gunnar’s work at gunnarwidowski.com.
Shaie photographed some of the events in “Out & About,” beginning on page 8. His work ranges from editorial to portraiture with both film and the latest digital processes. See Shaie’s work at williamspics.smugmug.com.
amarillomagonline.com O nline
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See inside Arrow Child & Family Ministries’ new Residential Treatment Center
We post photos of Amarillo’s best events – and the people who enjoy them – every week in our “Out & About” section. Watch for updates on our Facebook page!
Register to win Submit your name and contact information to amarillomagonline.com/contest this month for a chance to win a $100 gift card to United. Last month’s winner was KayLynda Bull. C onnec t
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
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Out & About
Starlight Theater The city of Amarillo presented its annual free music series, Starlight Theater, this summer. Held at Sam Houston Park, the series featured a variety of live music genres. Photos by Shaie Williams
Elise, Ron and Reese Word
Melame Dennis and Summer Balcer with Lola
Brett, Jennifer and Luke Meier
Sara and Shane Kennedy
Mike, Dena and Deanie Saudefer
June Jazz During the month of June, Amarillo College hosted its annual free concert series, June Jazz, on the AC campus main lawn. Guests enjoyed live music on Tuesdays from local jazz bands. Photos by Mason Dudley
Kirk and Melissa Njus
Suha Alselihi and Travis Allison
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Benjamin Wood and Rachel Rubalcaba
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Darla and Fred Fish
Lorraine and Joseph Horne
High Noon on the Square Center City hosted its free concert series, High Noon on the Square, in downtown Amarillo. The series runs through the second week in August. Photos by Mason Dudley
Jessie Rodriguez and Alyssa Pawlak
Laura and Lynsi Porterfield
Scott and Kimberly Davis
Micah and Ami Nash
Dennis and Deanna Howard
Music in the Gardens Amarillo Botanical Gardens hosted Music in the Gardens in its outdoor event space. The annual live music series began in June and will run through Aug. 10. Photos by Mason Dudley
Cristina Santander and Carolina Galloway
Holly Coats and Dick Ford
Geoff and Shannon Pass
Andy and Rachel Carroll
Michael Gleaves and Barbara Slattery August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Out & About
Night at PPHM On June 9 Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum held Night at PPHM. The evening event allowed guests to explore the museum in the dark, and talk to characters within the exhibits. Photos by Shaie Williams
Amanda and Jeran McLain, and Greg and Melissa Williamson
Thomas, Erin and Chelo Lopez
Bill and Karen Archinal, and McKinzie and Harper Moore
Sarai Lord, Jocelyn Henley and Eric Wingert
Allie and Preslea Munoz, and Kim Herring
Blondes vs. Brunettes The annual Blondes vs. Brunettes flag football game was held on June 10 at Bushland Falcon High School Stadium. The event raised funds for the Alzheimer’s Association. Photos by Gunnar Widowski
Zariah Carter, Jasmine Solis and Katelin Carter
Cooper Edwards and Kyira Sommers
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Kinley Rudder and Jacy Permenter
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Angelica Arellano and Alma Farr
Marcos Diaz, and Sam and Jacob Roybal
Paint-Out Awards Reception The Amarillo Cultural District & Center City hosted Paint-Out, a plein-aire competition, on June 10. An awards ceremony was held at Happy State Bank immediately following the competition. Photos by Mason Dudley
Marjorie and David Ellis
Johnna and Gary Luther
Derrick and Gayla Broyles
Larry and Diane Brown
Shelly and Faith Kearns
Chamber Summer Celebration The Amarillo Chamber of Commerce hosted the Chamber Summer Celebration on June 15. The annual networking event was held in downtown Amarillo along Polk Street, and included vendor booths and live music. Photos by Mason Dudley
Ronnie and Linda Terry
Jeanine and Tom Hood
Phillip and Natasha Sauceda
Michelle Jarrett and Byron Taylor
Kelly Groves and Donnie Hartranft
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Out & About
2017 Junefest: Comedy Night Meet ’n Greet On June 15 Ashley’s Entertainment presented 2017 Junefest: Comedy Night Meet ’n Greet at In This Moment. The event featured comedian Kiana Dancie. Photos by Mason Dudley
Skyy and Geo Killingsworth
Renée Campbell and Tonya Roland
Stephanie and William Goins
Willie and Anita Bolton
Oferal and Tracy Wise
Hamlet/Heights One Community Reunion Gala The Hamlet/Heights One Community Reunion Gala was held on June 17 as part of Juneteenth festivities in Amarillo. Held at The Amarillo Club, the reunion included guests from the GEO Fashion Design show. Photos by Shaie Williams
Chana Smith, Tami Savage and Nadine Mitchell
Chief Ed and Linda Drain
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Judy Turner and Freda Powell
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Michael D. Rachal and Robin Malone
Kingery and Cathy Nickerson
Women Move the City On June 22 Women Move the City was held at Cerulean Gallery. The evening event honored newly elected Mayor Ginger Nelson, and Councilwomen Freda Powell and Elaine Hays. Photos by Mason Dudley
Sallye Barnes, and Lindsey and James Murphy
Mary Nell Hunt and Kristi Murphey
Ellen and Kim Crabtree
Taylor Law and Joshua Bailey
Melinda Alexander and Rose Helen Zielke
Panhandle Pride Festival 2017 On June 25 Panhandle Pride Festival 2017 was held at Memorial Park. The community celebration included live music and family-friendly activities. Photos by Mason Dudley
Neal Nossaman and Greg Welch with Chloe
Trigger and Keebler Gowens
Kelsey Sampson and Octavius Myles
Chad Geiken and Britney Blassingame
John Hintz and Jim Reed
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Out & About
Explode! Don Harrington Discovery Center hosted Explode! A Star-Spangled Celebration of Science on June 30. The annual family-friendly event included science experiments involving combustion. Photos by Chance Gilmore
Ray, Aden, Lynn and Adilyn Martinez
Janet and Andreas Sanchez
Sgt. Carla Burr and Whitney Chapman
Charee Godwin-Smith, Sadie Smith and Kerry Smith
Chelsea, Cole and Sydnee Smith
Canyon Independence Day Celebration The Canyon Independence Day Celebration was held on July 4 on the Canyon square. The all-day event included the Canyon Lions Club Pancake Breakfast, Fair on the Square, a parade, and fireworks show at Kimbrough Stadium. Photos by Gunnar Widowski
Tonya and Chris Hedtke, and Angelo C. Mincey
Taylor and David Spicely
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Jesse Harada and Nikki Hawes
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Scott, Chloe and Nicole Kindy
Brent Williams and Paula Hicks
Amarillo’s Route 66 Celebration Amarillo’s Route 66 Celebration was held in downtown Amarillo on July 1. The festival included Center City’s Community Market, Kids City, live music, and the area’s largest fireworks display. Photos by Chance Gilmore
Carlos, Victoria, Celeste and Rocky Chavez
Lucy Lookingbill and Sarah Wilhelm Ephraim and Kelsey Lorenz
David and Janae Dale
William Ware and Kelsey Ward
Devin Savage and Ely Duran
Meredith and Dylan Graffious
Kent Palmer, Evan Bennett and Steve Carpenter
Angela Bennett, Kayla Carpenter and Vicki Palmer
Autumn Johnson and Allisha White August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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T h e W ay I s e e I t
Jon Mark Beilue
The great mystery: Where are my socks?
I
t was a Saturday night, which should speak volumes on how exciting my Saturday nights are. I was not rearranging my sock drawer, but close. I was looking for some dark socks for church the next morning – just some normal rolled-up dark socks. I assume there’s about 12 pair in your drawer right now. But I couldn’t find any. All I could see were lots of little singles of maroon, blue, brown, gray, green and tan flopped on top of everything. OK, I’d finally had it. Since this was for church the next morning, it was time for a come-to-Jesus meeting with all my socks. Too many had gone out on their own and were doing their thing. This had been going on for way too long. They weren’t team socks. So I took them out one by one and spread them on the bed. The goal here was to match them, and then roll them and get some sanity back to my sock drawer. I pulled out 20 solo socks of all makes and models – 20. I figured I’d match them up into nine or so nicely rolled pairs with at least a couple of strays. I figured wrong. When I finished trying to match them, there were still 20. None of them matched. None. How is that even possible? I called my wife into the bedroom, thinking I might need a witness for an entry into the Guinness Book of World Records: Most Socks In a Drawer Without a Match: 20, Beilue, J.M., Amarillo, Texas, May 27, 2017. I just kind of waved my arms to these rows of socks on the bed, and rather sheepishly told her, “Not a match.” She gave a whose-fault-is-that shrug and went on her merry way. I don’t understand it. We never lose underwear – at least not from the hamper to washer to dryer to drawer assembly line. Shirts seem to make it back fine. I can’t recall ever losing any pants, but socks? The little hooligans turn tail the first chance they get. I’ll be the first to admit my feet probably don’t smell like Clive Christian’s No. 1 Perfume for Men ($2,350 per bottle), but they’re likely average on the foot odorometer. But I have no idea what happened to 20 socks over the last couple of years. Where could they have gone? Jerry Seinfeld has a whole routine on this, so I know I’m not the only one. I’ve just taken it to new heights. Socks are ambitious and determined, Jerry said. They wait until
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
there’s a chance to escape, which is usually in the dryer, and they’re gone. What are his chances? “I see a dirty sock along the curb. What happened?” he said. “He didn’t make it. I respect him. He took that risk. “Socks hate their lives. They’re in shoes, in drawers, and they wait for that moment in the dryer. That’s his chance and he knows it. So they cling to the sweater and escape.” The London Daily Mail in 2015 reported that Samsung commissioned a study about the solo sock plague in Great Britain. Samsung’s new AddWash machine allowed for individual items to be put in the drum midway through a wash through a special opening. The study came up with the Sock Loss Index: (L(p x f) + C(t x s)) – (P x A)) In this equation, ‘L’ stands for ‘laundry size’, based on the number of people in a household (p) with the frequency of washes (f). ‘C’ stands for ‘washing complexity.’ Types of wash (t) is multiplied by the number of socks washed in a week (s). ‘P’, or ‘positivity towards the laundry’ is subtracted from the sum of ‘L’ and ‘C’. I’m not discounting some of Cambridge’s greatest mathematical and scientific minds, but it seems like a bit of a copout. It’s either not giving enough credit to the wily, ingenious argyle sock, or it’s not providing enough blame to the dumb, careless owner of said socks. I don’t know. My sock loss, to quote another Brit, Winston Churchill, is “a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma.” I will say of the 20 solo socks, 14 of them fit into the “close enough” category. They’re not exact matches, but like I care. If someone wants to get on their knees at work and examine my socks and say, “I don’t believe those are exact,” then I’ll congratulate them and say, “Busted.” Add to that Jon Mark Beilue is a three pair of columnist for AGN Media. socks I got for He can be reached at Father’s Day, and I jon.beilue@amarillo.com or 345.3318. should be in good shape for a while. But these new guys, I got my eye on you.
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Rehabilitating
Belief
New treatment center helps foster hope for local children
The new 20-bed girls’ facility at Arrow Child & Family Ministries
By Jason Boyett
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Photos by Shannon Richardson
rauma. It’s a harsh word. The kind of word you don’t really want to have to speak aloud, for any reason. The kind of word that leaves a pit in the stomach. You hear it in the context of deadly car accidents or emergency room procedures. You may see it applied not just physically but psychologically, as the emotional pain left in the wake of a terrorist attack or a disturbing event. But you don’t ever, ever want to hear the word associated with childhood. Still, trauma is a word that flows unsparingly from the lips of the leadership at Arrow Child & Family Ministries in Amarillo. Founded in Texas, the local office of this Christian organization is headquartered on an 11-acre spread on Pullman Road, a couple miles east of the Route 66 Motor Speedway. Arrow provides child welfare services, advocates for foster care and adoption, and works with children and families in crisis. While compassionate and hopeful, the professionals at Arrow are realists when it comes to the needs of the children they serve. That’s why trauma is so central to their vocabulary.
“All of the kids in the system are traumatized,” says Clay Thomas, Arrow’s director for the Texas Panhandle region, which includes Amarillo and Lubbock. He’s speaking of the state’s Child Protective Services (CPS) system, which investigates reports of abuse and neglect and sometimes is forced to remove children from parental care. “They don’t have hope. They need to be rehabilitated, to have their belief systems restored.” Children end up in the CPS system through no fault of their own, but because they live in homes that have been characterized by physical, emotional or substance abuse. When children are removed from these situations and unable to live with their parents, CPS tries to place them with a loving, stable relative – someone they know and trust – until they can be reunited with their families. But sometimes they can’t ever return home. And sometimes, staying with a relative isn’t an option. When this happens, kids end up in the foster care system. This may be a good solution for younger, wellbehaved children, who are much easier to place with suitable foster families. But older children can be particularly hard to place. Many August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Bikes sit near the center’s new cafeteria.
The staff at Arrow has begun working on a clothes closet for residents.
of them end up in a crowded group home. Certain personalities may flourish in this type of environment, especially if it’s a well-organized, nurturing home. Other kids are not so fortunate. Years of neglect or abuse – which pile on layers of psychological trauma – take their toll on a child’s emotional health. Teenagers who spend years in the system may develop aggression, a tendency toward self-harm, or other behavioral issues. As a result, they pass in and out of homes. They don’t match up with foster families. They don’t fit. This adds a brand-new layer of trauma. Consider one 11-year-old who recently arrived at Arrow’s new Residential Treatment Center (RTC). Arrow represents her 10th placement. That means she’s lived in 10 different places since entering the system. Ten different schools. Ten different roofs over her head. Ten different moves. Ten different communities of people. Ten different times, her life has been upended and her surroundings have completely changed. And that happened after she was removed from her family due to abuse. “The trauma, feelings, hurt and frustration that they have are real. It’s not that this is a bad kid or a behavior they continue to choose,” says Thomas. In these cases, acting out through violence or even criminal activity is far more than just willful defiance. It’s a coping mechanism. It’s how children deal with the trauma they’ve been dealt.
Labeling someone a “bad kid” or a “problem” keeps them moving from place to place within the system, but doesn’t address the root of the issue. “We cannot put that label on them. To sit back and label them is unfair, because the saddest part about a kid being labeled is they believe it,” says Thomas, who came to Arrow after a career in the juvenile justice system, culminating in a role as superintendent of a maximum-security juvenile detention center in Bryan/College Station. Already a father of four, Thomas has one adopted child and is in the process of adopting another. He says kids don’t often have the cognitive skills to decide if a label is or isn’t true. “They don’t have the ability to think anything different,” he says. They just hear the label and let it define them. At Arrow, a caring team of more than 40 case managers, professional counselors, and other staff members works hard to remove that label from a few of the nearly 1,800 children in CPS custody – and those are just in the Texas Panhandle region. That’s a lot of labels. The only way to reach many of these kids is by addressing the original trauma, preventing additional traumatic experiences, and finding a way to move forward from these past experiences.
A Local Residential Treatment Center
While Arrow provides foster care and adoption services throughout Region 1 of Texas (see sidebar), it also offers residential care. In March
Going to School
Until this summer, Arrow’s teenage residents attended classes within the Canyon Independent School System. But due to the complex issues some students face, public school isn’t always a positive or helpful environment. As of the 2017-2018 school year, Arrow has arranged to provide an on-campus charter school for the students in its care. Working with a Texas-based charter school program – one that specializes in students with emotional or behavioral difficulties – the Arrow campus will serve students from sixth to 12th grades. “This is a huge deal for us,” says Clay Thomas. “It allows us to keep more and more activities confined to our campus.” The on-campus accessibility is important, because it allows staff members to be present in classrooms, and keeps medication and therapeutic services close at hand. A charter-school solution also promises much more individual attention than a student might have received in a large public school. For children like those at Arrow, that’s an incredible benefit. “It’s a one-on-one, individual investment,” Thomas says. “It will help give them a better sense of belonging.”
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
The girls’ facility includes a large living area and computer room.
of this year, it opened a brand-new Residential Treatment Center (RTC). The first phase of a $2.5-million, three-phase process, the 20-bed facility has been designed to provide care and shelter for children in the system that are dealing with complex behavioral problems or emotional issues. Right now, the new structure houses girls, with boys living in another home on the campus. When Phase 2 is complete, the boys will move into an identical 20-bed RTC facility designed for them. The RTC couldn’t have come at a better time, as the foster care capacity of the state of Texas has been rapidly declining. Some treatment centers have closed voluntarily. Others the state suspended from accepting children due to poor conditions, improper management, and other violations of children’s constitutional rights. Over the past two years, the state shut down around 250 RTC beds. Until Arrow opened its new facility, there were no RTCs at all in Region 1. That’s a problem. Imagine removing a child from his home in Amarillo or Lubbock. Due to behavioral problems, imagine then needing to place the child in a specialized treatment center. Only there aren’t any available in the region, so you look elsewhere in the state. According to Thomas, this compounds the trauma. “You’ve been taken from your home because of your parents. That’s trauma you’ve experienced already,” he explains. In these cases, children enter out-of-home care but are told it’s temporary – they’ll have the opportunity to return home. Within the child welfare system, going back home is known as reunification. It’s the goal. But reunification is out of a child’s control, and hinges on the actions of the child’s parents. It requires in-person visits between the parents and their child. It requires communication. Parents must meet certain requirements by the state. But if a child has issues requiring residential treatment – and the lack of a local RTC means sending her to San Antonio or Houston – the reunification process becomes a pipe dream. “If you take them 500 miles away, you can’t have a successful reunification,” says Thomas. “You’re not going to have visits. You’ve taken them out of the region and away from their family.” Teenagers understand the importance of family visits to the reunification process, and they know Mom or Dad can’t get off work to drive to Houston. “It’s taking their hope away,” he says. “They’re being put on a plane, bus or car and being
taken down to a place they don’t know. They don’t know when they’re going to be able to go home. It destroys their belief system.” The number of kids needing treatment isn’t insignificant. Thomas says the majority of children in the state’s care could probably benefit from an RTC like the one Arrow just opened. “Now we’re able to treat them locally,” he says. “What we want to do is keep these kids here and be within 10-15 minutes of their family coming to see them.” Staying in Amarillo means something. “It doesn’t matter how crappy their home is or how much they get beat up, the kids, for some reason, always want to go home. We feed them and they get nice clothes, but they would still trade that to be home.” Once at Arrow’s RTC, most children will stay between six and 18 months, where they are under direct supervision and benefit from individualized treatment plans and counseling, as well as group therapy. That so many in the child welfare system require this kind of treatment says a lot about the current need. Thomas explains that a child entering an RTC is rarely one who has recently been removed from his or her parents. Kids who are new to the system tend to first get placed with a relative or foster home. “If you’re in an RTC, you’ve been in care a long time,” he says. “If you’re in an RTC, there have been a lot of failures in other places. You’ve not been successful in those other placements. We are the most restricted environment that a CPS kid can be in. We’re the last potential hope for a lot of our kids.”
Meeting Individual Goals
“Every kid that comes into our doors needs treatment,” says Sam Yarbrough, Arrow’s residential program director. Like Thomas, her resume includes a lengthy background in juvenile detention. She has served as both a houseparent and a clinical specialist in transitional living homes for children, and applied at Arrow when she learned it was building an RTC. “We do individual case plans with every kid. They have individual goals,” she says. Each child’s overall treatment plan undergoes an adjustment every three months to reflect progress. Working side-by-side with licensed counselors, the children learn to process their trauma and deal with the events of their past. They also learn the things kids don’t always pick up in unstable environments – like basic social skills. “It’s the things we take for granted,” Yarbrough says. “These kids may not know how to have proper table etiquette or how to appropriately greet others. We also teach them cleanliness. How to clean your room. How to
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deserve it,” she explains. “It’s easier to just tear up the bed.” clean your area. They’re assigned chores and taught how to do For instance, the RTC was furnished with Apple computers for its laundry. These kids can’t be expected to do things they haven’t young residents. been taught.” One young girl As children meet goals picked one up and and proceed through their broke it on purpose. customized treatment “After she did it, plans, the intensity she said, ‘What of the programming kind of an RTC has begins to decrease. computers for the That means it’s kids?’” remembers working. The goal Yarbrough. “It broke is for children to my heart because learn the proper she didn’t feel she coping techniques was good enough. and behavior That’s not right. modifications that It feeds into the allow them to trauma that they leave the RTC already have.” altogether. “If we Another girl get a kid in here arrived with violent that’s doing great tendencies. “Every and it’s appropriate time something for them to didn’t go her way, ‘graduate,’ then we she punched or want them to be kicked a hole in able to move the wall. That into a foster was her thing,” home or group says Yarbrough, home. Some kids who had to stay actually go back on top of drywall with their family,” replacement, Yarbrough says. Arrow’s staff: (l-r) Kendra McLaughlin, Clay Thomas, Amy Anderson and Sam Yarbrough repainting, and other For others, repairs. Meanwhile, reunification will counselors addressed the girl’s never be an option coping mechanism by teaching because parents her more appropriate outlets for her anger. “It’s OK to be mad, but have had their rights terminated. These children may dream only of how can you handle it? What are some things you can do when you adoption, or may eventually age out of the system. Hopefully, by that get frustrated?” time, they’ll have learned the skills to function on their own thanks to As a result, Yarbrough and her staff have had to make fewer drywall the discipline, organization and structure they found at Arrow. repairs. “Rarely does she do that anymore. She uses her coping skills. But reaching those goals can be anything but easy. To me, that’s huge for her because of where she came from,” she says. “The new home is beautiful from the outside,” Yarbrough says. Not destroying a wall may be a highly visible breakthrough, but “When we [finished] the inside, we had pictures hung up on the wall others are much smaller – and only become visible after Arrow staff and brand-new bedding on the beds.” Due to some of the kids’ complex emotional problems, the simple presence of nice, new accommodations have put in the hard work of getting to know each individual child. “You have to find them and seek them by developing relationships with was enough to cause them to act out. “Some can’t handle it. They don’t these kids. They are human beings. They have intrinsic value,” explains feel worthy to have nice things and don’t feel like they’ve earned it or
Get Involved with Arrow
Arrow’s needs reflect the needs of the children it serves. The non-profit organization always accepts financial donations through its website at arrow.org, as well as donations of new or gently used clothing – children arriving at Arrow’s Amarillo RTC often have few possessions of their own. Adoptive or foster parents, of course, remain a constant need, particularly those who can take in teenagers. “We are also in the process of getting ready to launch a mentor program that is going to be extremely important for the kids,” says Clay Thomas. He recommends contacting him directly at (806) 335-9138 or via email to clay.thomas@arrow.org.
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Yarbrough. “When I ask a kid if he would give me a high-five and he says ‘no’ a hundred times, [maybe] on the 101st time I ask he’ll finally give me a highfive. That’s huge to me.”
Letting the Kids Ask Why
Thomas says that kind of persistence in the present moment is the most helpful way to bring about lasting restoration among such children. He believes you can’t change the trauma of the past. Yesterday can’t be fixed, but its wounds can be treated. “That’s what we’re trying to do: To teach our kids the skills so they can live with the trauma and be able to be functional. You’ve got to pick yourself up when something bad happens,” he says. At the same time, he’s stopped expending his energy trying to understand the past. “I tell our staff, Let’s don’t ask why this happened. Let’s say ‘What now? What are we going to do?’ I’ve done this a long time and a long time ago I gave up asking why these parents abandon their kids. What we need to do is teach our kids what to do to go forward.” But if Thomas and his team aren’t asking the why question, they are definitely hoping to hear it from the kids. “I always tell our staff the way you learn that a kid believes in you is they’ll turn their head sideways and look at you and say, ‘Hey, Mr. Clay, why do you care?’ If they start asking those type of questions, that’s progress,” Thomas says. “They’re starting to see somebody is staying the course with them.” He says that question typically comes three or four months after a child arrives at Arrow, and it’s significant. “When a kid starts asking those questions, we know they are starting to head down the road where they believe. We are possibly getting some of that hope we strive for.” Asking “why do you care?” may be the first step toward hope, but Thomas and the rest of Arrow know it’s a long journey. Yarbrough may be relatively new to the ministry, but her career working with troubled children has shown her that the long view matters. “In all the other programs, I’ve had kids call me months or years down the road and say, ‘Thank you’ or ‘I’m sorry.’ It’s ‘I’m sorry I hated you back then. I did and said mean things to you,’” Yarbrough says. She understands those behaviors aren’t the actions of a troublemaker, but the consequences of trauma. She’s learned to look beyond the trauma to find the scared little boy or frustrated little girl whose chance to grow up in safety and security was taken away. She knows reaching that child won’t happen in a day. It won’t happen in a week or month. It may take years. “I plant seeds every day,” says Yarbrough. “I don’t always get to see them bloom or grow, but I know they’re being planted. Even if they show up 10 years later, they were being planted.” Now that Arrow has opened its long-awaited local RTC, look for a bountiful crop of hopeful young adults to begin flourishing in 2027.
Finding Foster Families
In addition to its residential homes, Arrow Child & Family Ministries is a tenacious local advocate for foster care and adoption. Amy Anderson, who spent more than a decade with the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services before joining Arrow, manages the organization’s Foster and Adoption Program. She oversees the process of recruiting and training foster parents, helps match children for placement and adoption, and monitors a network of 50 foster homes in Amarillo and Lubbock. Arrow is currently responsible for 75 children who are in foster care or in the process of being adopted. After working so long with the state, the religious element of Arrow’s mission captured Anderson’s attention. “You have to have a heart for what [these children] are going through. I tell everybody it’s a ministry,” says Anderson, whose husband, Benny Anderson, is a pastor at St. John Baptist Church. “It’s something God commanded all of us to do.” She quotes James 1:27, which says “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress...” (New International Version). Whether caring for literal orphans or children who have simply been abandoned by their parents, Anderson revels in matching children with adults who will give them the love they’ve been denied. “When I look at [potential foster] families, I look at their heart for kids and why they want to do this. It takes unconditional love,” she says. The decision to love a child with no strings attached is necessary because no child in the foster system is perfect due to their difficult upbringing. “I tell families all the time ‘I love that you want to bring a kid in and set the bar high so they don’t have to live in their circumstances, but I don’t want your expectations to be so unrealistic that they can’t reach it.’ I want them to love those kids regardless.” Many of those kids may be like Daniel*. Last year brought a rash of news reports about children under Child Protective Services custody that were sleeping in CPS offices and other impromptu housing arrangements due to shortages in the foster care system. Daniel, who was 15 years old at the time, was one of those children. He was tough. He had behavioral problems. He had proven impossible to place. Born in Alabama, Daniel’s CPS file carried reports of investigations going all the way back to 2002, not long after he was born. Raised by a father who used drugs, he and a sister had been subject to physical neglect until 2009. The family was known to sleep in churches and parks on a regular basis. After a car accident blamed on drugs and alcohol, the father ended up fleeing to Texas. It wasn’t long before Daniel and his sister ended up in CPS custody. Tasked with finding Daniel a place to stay, Anderson approached a foster parent she knew to be exceptional with teenagers. The woman had a heart for tough kids and happened to have room in her home for one more. “I told her what was going on,” Anderson says. “She said, ‘I’ll never force a kid to be in my home. I want him to be here because he wants to be here.’” Daniel spent a trial weekend with her last year, loved the environment, and decided to stay. He has since begun to thrive. “Come to find out, he’s very intelligent and has done well in school,” Anderson says. Having grown up transitioning from church to park to hotel, he loves nothing more than to curl up on the couch and read a book, or to sit and watch television. Daniel grew up without a stable home. Now he’s become a homebody. Anderson attributes these changes to a well-matched foster family. “[His foster mother] wins kids over because she’s consistent,” she says. “She’s patient. She walks with them daily through their trauma and their behavior. She knows it’s a process. She meets them where they are and journeys with them without judging them.” This year, the woman decided to adopt Daniel permanently. “He always says it’s because she loved him for who he was,” says Anderson. Finding a forever home for a teenager like Daniel is one of the most rewarding parts of Anderson’s job – and also one of the hardest. “Everybody wants the babies and the perfect kids, but we really have a need for families that can bring in a teenager and love them,” she says. Because Arrow is a Christian agency, Anderson is quick to implement faith into the process. “We get to bring the Gospel [message] as we recruit families and work with families. We get to pray with them and talk about God with them,” she says. The built-in support system of a church and the biblical call to love others works hand-inhand with Arrow’s goals – and child placement agencies have begun to recognize this. “Even some of the state is partnering with pastors and starting their recruitment within the church,” she says. “Partnering with people of faith is a key thing now. We get to share our faith as we walk this journey together.” * Daniel’s real name has been changed to protect his identity. August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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F e at u r e
Full Circle
friends of fogelberg concert takes on prostate cancer By Jason Boyett Photos by Jim Livingston
Friends of Fogelberg's 2016 concert
a
s with many events of deep significance, Joe Ed Coffman knows exactly where he was and what he was doing when he learned the musician Dan Fogelberg had died. It was Monday, Dec. 17, 2007. Coffman rose early in order to drive to Oklahoma. “I got up, got a shower, got my cup of coffee, went out and got the newspaper like most people do, then went in and sat down,” says Coffman, a local dog trainer and musician. “On the left-hand side of the paper, it said, ‘Fogelberg Dead at 56.’ I’m telling you, my heart just crashed down to my feet. I thought, you’ve got to be kidding.” A popular singer-songwriter whose career peaked in the 1970s and ’80s, Fogelberg passed away from advanced prostate cancer. He had first been diagnosed in 2004 only to achieve partial remission after a year of treatment. The cancer returned, and Fogelberg died at the age of 56. Prostate cancer is the third-leading cause of death among American men, taking around 27,000 men every year. If caught early, however, it’s extremely treatable (see sidebar). Fogelberg had been Coffman’s favorite artist, but the news that his idol had cancer was shocking. “I didn’t even know he’d been suffering or battling any kind of cancer,” Coffman says.
That day in 2007, Coffman still made the trip to Oklahoma. He listened to Fogelberg CDs all the way there and back. A singersongwriter himself, Coffman had first started playing guitar at the age of 16, which coincided with the rise of Fogelberg’s career. “Dan’s first album came out in 1971 and I was hooked right off the bat. I loved the Beatles, loved Elvis, all the rock-and-roll. But when I heard Dan Fogelberg it just really spoke to me.” More than becoming Coffman’s favorite artist, the free-living Fogelberg became something of a muse. “I patterned my lifestyle and the songs I wrote after his style. I just fell in love with his work.” When Coffman returned home from the Oklahoma trip, he sought out fellow musicians to discuss Fogelberg’s death. He and Woody Key – of veteran Amarillo band Anderson, Flesher, and Key – talked about the news and cried together on the phone. Coffman and local pianist Bob Hopkins casually discussed organizing a tribute concert to Fogelberg, and maybe raising money for the national Prostate Cancer Foundation. They didn’t make any firm decisions, but Coffman couldn’t let go of the idea. If prostate cancer was so common among men, why had Coffman barely even heard about it? It wasn’t like breast cancer, which could be just as deadly but had August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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a much higher awareness due to the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure. “Breast cancer deserves all the attention it gets, but prostate cancer doesn’t get talked about. One time, breast cancer was like that,” Coffman muses. “I thought, ‘We need to do something for the guys.’” Entrenched within Amarillo’s close-knit musical community, Coffman began asking fellow artists and friends if they’d be willing to participate in a Fogelberg tribute show. “Everyone that I talked to said ‘yes,’” he says. That’s when he committed to organizing the concert and donating any proceeds toward prostate cancer awareness. Less than a year after Fogelberg’s death, the initial Friends of Fogelberg concert took place on Oct. 23, 2008. It raised $23,000, which the Safeway corporation matched with an equal donation. “We ended up donating over $46,000 to the Prostate Cancer Foundation that first year,” says Coffman. “That was a wonderful success. But I didn’t know there would be a second concert, let alone what we’ve got going now.” What’s “going now” is one of the most popular concert events in Amarillo. The eighth concert in the now-annual Friends of Fogelberg series is scheduled for Sept. 7 and 8, 2017, at the Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts. Billed as Friends of Fogelberg VIII (the first few shows occurred every two years), this marks the first year the concert has been expanded to two nights. “We sold out well in advance last year,” Coffman says. “We’ve been sold-out for several years, so we just thought we’d try for two shows. I got to thinking, “We’ll never know if two shows will work if we never try.’” He says this year’s participants were all more than willing to add an extra performance. “You work so hard at putting a show together but you do one performance and wham-bam, it’s done.”
Since that first show, Coffman and friends strive to keep the concerts fresh while maintaining a local focus. Instead of the Prostate Cancer Foundation, proceeds now benefit the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation. (This year’s show happens to be splitting funds between HCHF and Olivia’s Angels, a local hospice support organization.) The content has changed, too. What was once entirely dedicated to the music of Dan Fogelberg has expanded to include other musicians in the singer’s orbit. “Even though Dan Fogelberg had 20 albums, people respond better to things they recognize,” says Coffman. The Beatles were Fogelberg’s favorite band, so two concerts included covers of Beatles’ songs. Glenn Frey died in early 2016. He was a founding member of the Eagles, and Fogelberg opened for their concerts for several years. The music of Frey and the Eagles became the focus of last year’s show. This year’s concert will include the usual Fogelberg hits alongside the music of Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young. Coffman explains the connection: “One of Dan’s favorite bands was Buffalo Springfield,” he says. “Crosby and Nash were in there. [Graham] Nash also sang on some of Dan’s records.” Each year’s concerts are hosted by Amarillo urologist Dr. Richard Kibbey – himself a prostate cancer survivor – and dedicated to someone connected to the cause. This year is dedicated to Dr. Dan Jenkins and Gil Farren. Jenkins was the medical director of Baptist St. Anthony’s Hospice of the Southwest until his death in September 2016. “He came to our show last year,” says Coffman. “A lot of folks knew him, and he passed away unexpectedly from a heart attack one week later. Even though he didn’t pass from prostate cancer, he exemplified all the good things we cherish in good people.”
Facts about prostate cancer One out of every eight American men will eventually be diagnosed with prostate cancer if they live long enough. What else do we know about the disease? • • • • • •
It’s the most common non-skin cancer in the United States, but is 100 percent treatable if detected early. Though fatalities from prostate cancer continue to decline, it is the third-leading cause of death among men in the United States. Men who don’t smoke are more likely to develop prostate cancer than any other type of cancer. According to estimates, more than 161,000 will be diagnosed in 2017. Of these, 27,000 will die. Black men have a 74-percent higher risk of prostate cancer than non-Hispanic white men, and are 2.3 times more likely to die from it. The likelihood that a man develops prostate cancer increases as he ages. Only one in 10,000 men younger than the age of 40 may have it, while one in 14 men between the ages of 60 and 69 will have prostate cancer. Six out of 10 cases occur in men older than 65. • More than three million American men may be living with prostate cancer and don’t know it. If caught early enough, men may never experience any symptoms. • Men are twice as likely to develop prostate cancer if a father, brother or son has a history of it. • A new case of prostate cancer occurs every 3.3 minutes. [Statistics courtesy of the Prostate Cancer Foundation and the American Cancer Society.]
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Mary Gilbert “Gil” Farren also passed away last September. Her death followed a lengthy battle with breast cancer. The wife of Randall County District Attorney James Farren, Gil had been one of Jenkins’ hospice patients. “Dr. Jenkins had seen Gil the morning he passed away, and Gil ended up passing away one week later,” says Coffman. James Farren will give a tribute to his late wife at the Sept. 7 concert, and Dr. Randy Stewart will share about Jenkins during the Sept. 8 show. With Friends of Fogelberg, raising awareness of prostate cancer is just as important as fundraising. On Saturday, Sept. 9 – after the two shows – free prostate cancer screenings are being offered at the 24 Hours in the Canyon Cancer Survivorship Center near 45th Avenue and Cornell Street. The screenings last from 9 a.m. until noon. The first 400 men to get screened will receive a coupon for a free “Fogelburger” from participating restaurants Youngblood’s Café, The Golden Light Cafe, Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse, and Blue Sky. “We’re calling it the First Annual Fogelburger Fest,” says Coffman. From the concert itself to the screenings – and the Fogelburgers – Coffman has already succeeded in making more local men aware of prostate cancer and the need for screening and early detection. “Joe Ed is always coming up with unique ideas,” says Gainor Davis, executive director of the Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation (HCHF), which formed after the sale of Baptist-St. Anthony’s and the Harrington Cancer Center in 2013. Davis reports a recent Amarillo needs assessment found that prostate cancer was among the top three expected new cancer diagnoses among residents of Potter and Randall counties. (The other two are lung cancer and breast cancer.) Since HCHF got involved with Friends of Fogelberg four years ago, it has provided more than 1,200 free screenings to local men. As a result, 44 of those men were flagged as having a high potential for prostate cancer and were encouraged to follow up with a urologist. “If we’ve saved 44 lives, I think that’s definitely significant,” Davis says. “And those are just the men who showed up at our screenings. There’s no way to put a number on men in the audience who went to their doctor or had other resources to get their PSA [prostate-specific antigen] tested. It really does encourage men to take care of their health and be responsible.” Coffman has personally heard from half a dozen such men who said they owe their lives to the concerts (see sidebar). “The most gratifying thing is when you have someone come up to you and say, ‘You saved my life. I wasn’t thinking about prostate cancer and I got my PSA [tested] and sure enough I had cancer. Then I jumped through the hoops and now I’m cancer-free. Thank you,’” he says. “That will make a grown man cry.”
The show Must go on In 2013, Joe Ed Coffman asked his friend Buddy Squyres, a popular upright bass player in the Amarillo music scene, to join the Friends of Fogelberg concert. Squyres was happy to oblige. But the day of the 2013 dress rehearsal, Squyres got bad news. At the insistence of his doctor, Marc Henson, M.D., Squyres had been getting his blood tested every six months for the past few years. A few hours before the rehearsal, Henson called Squyres and told him the prostate-specific antigens (PSA) in his blood had spiked. A normal PSA reading should not be above 4 nanograms per milliliter (ng/mL). “Anything over four they get concerned,” says Squyres, who is 62 years old. “Mine had risen dramatically to nearly 8. That freaked me out.” Henson referred Squyres to Amarillo Urology Associates. Squyres learned it would be a few weeks before he could get an appointment. That evening at the rehearsal, Squyres spoke to Richard Kibbey, the Friends of Fogelberg host and one of the partners at Amarillo Urology. Kibbey specializes in prostate cancer and is himself a survivor of the disease. “I said to him, ‘Man, I got some pretty weird news today,’” Squyres remembers. “He could tell that I was nervous and started calming me down. He said ‘Don’t worry. Let’s get through this concert and then I’m taking you on as my patient.’” Since Squyres had been checking his levels so regularly, the high PSA number meant he’d caught the cancer early. Kibbey was able to see Squyres at his office the day after the concert, and a couple months later the musician had a prostatectomy. His PSAs have been normal ever since. He looks back at the irony of having learned he had prostate cancer the day before performing a prostate cancer benefit. “The performance was enough to make you nervous right there because you’re in front of a big crowd. But I had a show to put on. I put on the best face I could,” Squyres says, ever the professional. “It was a great show anyway.” Along with prompt treatment from Dr. Kibbey, Squyres credits Dr. Henson with catching the cancer early. “With him it was mandatory,” he says of the frequent blood tests. “I love him to death.” That proactive approach to his own health care saved Squyres’ life, which is why he is dumbfounded when he hears of men his age who haven’t been tested for PSAs, or don’t even show any interest in it. “I’ve got friends in their sixties who won’t even go to the doctor. They’re afraid to hear bad news. That’s stupid,” he says. “[Prostate cancer] is very treatable but you just have to know about it.”
Friends of Fogelberg viii Friends of Fogelberg presents Our House Concerts Featuring the music of Dan Fogelberg and Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young Dedicated to the memory of Dan Jenkins and Gil Farren Sept.7-8, 7 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St. Funds benefit Harrington Cancer and Health Foundation and Olivia’s Angels Performers include: Anderson, Flesher & Key Irma-Esther Borup Charlie Clinton Joe Ed Coffman James Davis Jimmy Doche
Rick Faucett Mike Fuller Gary Guinn Bob Hopkins Insufficient Funds Richard Kibbey, MD (Host) Tony Naples
Maggie Scales Nick Scales Buddy Squyres Bond Jessup Thompson Randy Tupin Cathleen Tyson Robert Workman
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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W h at ’ s C o o k i n g ?
Summer Corn C
orn is one of the most common and readily available foods known to mankind. “It’s one of nature’s most predominate crops,” says Jessica Higgins of Girasol Cafe & Bakery. “It’s one of the most versatile ingredients there is, kind of a grain and kind of a vegetable.” But sometimes, she says, plain old corn needs to be “jazzed up.” Just in time for the fresh summer corn crop, she provides us a few of her favorite ways to enjoy it. To begin, she loves replacing the English muffin in a classic eggs benedict with a modified corn cake. Using a corn-and-onion fritter for the base, “you get a little twist and a little more flavor underneath those eggs than with dough.” Her recipe for pickled corn salsa makes an excellent relish for bratwurst, burgers and summer cookout foods. Higgins’ corn dip combines corn, cream, and chiles to produce a refreshing companion to chips on a hot day. And last year, during a vacation in Oaxaca, Mexico, Higgins found herself becoming obsessed with elotes, or Mexican street corn. “I ate it for four days straight,” she says, laughing. This grilled corn-on-the-cob recipe is easy to prepare and “as traditional as you can get.” Photos by Shannon Richardson Recipes courtesy of Jessica Higgins, Girasol Cafe & Bakery
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Elotes (Mexican Street Corn) (photo on previous page) 4 fresh ears corn, stripped but with husks left on 1 cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, with juice of 1 lime Chile powder Cotija cheese crumbles Cilantro Fresh limes Butter corn and cook on char-broiler or grill. Rotate as needed, allowing it to char slightly but not burn. When finished, smear with either mayonnaise or Greek yogurt. Sprinkle with chile powder and Cotija cheese. Garnish with cilantro. Squeeze fresh lime juice over top to finish. Makes 2 to 4 servings
Fresh Corn and Crab Skillet Dip 6 cloves garlic, roasted, peeled and mashed 2 roasted red bell peppers, peeled 6 ounces mayonnaise 6 ounces cream cheese 1 ½ pounds fresh corn ½ cup green onions, sliced diagonally 8 ounces grated cheese (cheddar, pepper jack, Gruyere) 12 to 16 ounces cooked crab meat (lump or claw; make sure there’s no cartilage) Heat oven to 380 degrees. Saute corn in skillet with roasted garlic until caramelized. Combine mayonnaise and cream cheese; add in corn and remaining ingredients. Stir well, pour into cast-iron skillet, and bake until top is bubbly and golden. Garnish with green onions or cilantro. Makes 6 to 8 servings
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Quick Pickled Corn 1 pound fresh corn, removed from cobb 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced 1 small red onion, thinly sliced 1 red or green bell pepper, chopped ¼ cup cilantro, washed and stemmed Salt, pepper, and granulated garlic to taste 2 pint jars Brine 1 cup white vinegar 1 cup apple cider vinegar 1 tablespoon sugar 2 tablespoons kosher salt Combine vegetables and equally fill jars. Boil brine, making sure sugar and salt are dissolved. Pour over vegetables. Seal jars, cool, and keep refrigerated up to 1 month. Makes 2 pint jars
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Corn Fritters Benedict 1/3 cup flour ¾ teaspoon baking powder 1 red onion, thinly julienned 1 medium russet potato, large grate 14 ounces corn (fresh preferred or frozen) ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated 1/3 cup green onion, thin-sliced diagonally ½ cup sour cream 2 eggs 2 ounces canola oil Salt and pepper to taste
Combine flour and baking powder; stir to incorporate. Make a well in center of mixture and add oil, eggs and sour cream; stir to combine. Pull in dry ingredients; mix well. Add onion, potato, corn, cheese, and salt and pepper. Portion onto lightly oiled or buttered skillet; cook over medium heat until bottom is set like a pancake; flip and cook other side. We poached our eggs and chose to use candied red chile bacon; cook yours to your liking.
Easy Hollandaise Sauce 3 egg yolks 1 tablespoon lemon juice 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard 8 ounces hot, melted butter
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Use whisk to blend yolks, juice and Dijon. When butter is hot, very slowly begin emulsifying it into egg mixture, being careful not to break the sauce. Season to taste. Makes 4 to 6 servings
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Meet the Cook
Jessica Higgins of Girasol Cafe & Bakery
W
hen your mom regularly wins amateur chili competitions and state fair prizes for her salsa, you tend to know your way around a recipe or two. That’s the environment in which Jessica Higgins was raised. “I’ve cooked all my life,” Jessica says. “My grammy was a cook, my mother was a darn good cook, and I grew up in the kitchen with them.” A graduate of New Mexico State University’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, Higgins immersed herself in a corporate hospitality career. “I’ve been in kitchens ever since. I never went to the other [hotel] side,” she says, laughing. She worked for Aramark and Sodexho Marriott, an international food services company headquartered in France, before taking a position with Flying Star Cafe, a multi-location Albuquerque chain known for its artisanal baking. “I’ve worked with chefs from all over the world,” says Higgins. “I’ve hosted chefs from Spain and worked with them in the kitchens.” Her most recent kitchen environment included experts from Holland, France and San Francisco. “I met a lot of interesting characters.” After Jessica’s father, Cliff Higgins, died in 2013, she departed Albuquerque to join her
mother, Jeana Higgins, in Amarillo. “I was looking for something to do,” she says, when an opportunity presented itself in the former location of Black Forest Bakery, tucked behind the Toot’n Totum at Holyoke and Coulter. Jessica and Jeana combined resources to open Girasol Cafe & Bakery in early 2016. Jessica describes the business as “a little gleam in my eye for so long” that finally became a reality. Girasol is Spanish for “sunflower” and is a
Garden party redefined!
word that reminds Jessica of her father. Today, both Jeana and Jessica operate the artisan bakery, serving fresh, creative fare to a dedicated lunch clientele. Popular dishes include the turkey pot pie and the duo’s turkey-avocado-Swiss sandwich, served on scratch-baked whole-wheat bread. “People come in all the time and ask ‘Do you make this or that? Do you make it from scratch?’” Jessica’s answer, of course, is yes. Everything at Girasol is made from scratch. “I think there’s a standard in this town where people are expecting mixes or powders. But everything we touch here is so labor-intensive because it is all from scratch. All real ingredients.” Earlier this summer, the cafe purchased a new piece of equipment designed to ease the heavy labor: a dough sheeter. “Instead of us having to use our arms, it rolls doughs for us,” she explains. “So we’ve branched out into some laminated doughs like croissants and puff pastries. With the same dough, we can do danishes. We could have done these earlier but it took a lot more work.” From the flaky new bakery items to its popular Saturday brunch, Girasol continues to attract new customers. “The word of mouth is spreading like wildflowers,” she says. “Every day is almost a record day.”
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7611 S. Coulter St. • 354-8676 www.proffittslawn.com August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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August 5 & 6 Saturday: 11 am - 10 pm Sunday: 12 - 6 PM Amarillo Civic Center Complex Cosplay Contests! Game Tournaments, Exhibitions, & Demos! Art Exhibit! Authors & Artists! Workshops & Panels! Photo Ops! Kids Activities!
Call the Amarillo Public Library at 378-3051 for more information, and like us on for all the latest updates!
W h at ’ s C o o k i n g ?
E
Secret Salsa
very customer at La Fiesta Grande gets served a bowl of the restaurant’s beloved house salsa, which hasn’t changed in 31 years of business. “It’s very, very mild,” says Ashley Bara Paredes, the daughter of Roy and Betty Bara, who founded the restaurant. “One of the reasons we’ve never changed it is because a lot of kids can eat the salsa here.” But over the past few years, customers have become more willing to try spicier alternatives. “People are more open to experiencing new things,” she says. That’s why La Fiesta now serves a much spicier salsa alongside its street taco plate. The family’s chile de arbol salsa toasts tomatillos and chile de arbol (Spanish for “tree chile”)
then combines them with fresh onions, garlic and tomato paste into a smoky, tomato-based salsa with a lot more heat. “It has tons of flavor,” she says. The two other salsa recipes aren’t on the La Fiesta menu, but appear frequently in the family’s catered events. The salsa verde cruda (“fresh green salsa”) is a mild, pepper-flavored salsa that adds a splash of fresh red wine vinegar for extra zip. “It’s really a great compliment to grilled meat or anything fried,” says Paredes. Meanwhile, the family’s avocado salsa verde recipe replaces the vinegar with fresh lime juice and avocados. “The avocado makes the sauce transform into a creamy texture,” she says. “It has a pop of tang and is great for fish tacos.”
Photos by Shannon Richardson Recipes courtesy of Ashley Bara Paredes, La Fiesta Grande
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Chile de Arbol Salsa 15 tomatillos 24 ounces dried chile de arbol 1 large white onion, cut into quarters 12 garlic cloves 2 (12-ounce) cans tomato paste 80 ounces water 8 tablespoons Caldo de Tomate powder Olive oil In small stock pot add water and Caldo de Tomate, whisk and allow to come to a simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Once powder and water have combined well, remove from heat and allow to cool for later use. Peel husk off tomatillos. In open griddle on medium-high heat, coat bottom of pan with olive oil; roast dried chile de arbol and
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tomatillos. Once tomatillos and chile de arbols show brown spots on skin, remove from heat. Off heat, remove stems from chile de arbols. These tiny peppers pack a lot of heat so it is important to wear gloves and remember not to touch your face or eyes. Set aside for later use. In tall, stainless steel bowl, add onion, garlic, tomato paste, salt, and roasted tomatillos and chile de arbols. Slowly add water/Caldo de Tomate mixture and carefully blend with immersion blender, being careful not to splash mixture. Blend to desired consistency and allow to cool completely before refrigerating. Cover and refrigerate salsa for up to 7 days. This salsa is great on top of street tacos. Makes roughly 4 quarts
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Salsa Verde Cruda 5 tomatillos, husks removed 3 Anaheim peppers, stems removed 1 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons salt 4 ounces chopped onions 4 ounces chopped cilantro Splash of red wine vinegar In food processor fitted with blade attachment, add tomatillos, Anaheims, pepper, salt, onion, and cilantro; blend until desired consistency. Stir in red wine vinegar. Cover and refrigerate for up to 5 days. This salsa is great on top of grilled meat or flautas/taquitos. Makes roughly 32 ounces
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Avocado Salsa Verde Cruda 5 tomatillos, husks removed 3 Anaheim peppers, stems removed 1 teaspoon pepper 2 teaspoons salt 4 ounces chopped onions 4 ounces chopped cilantro 2 ounces fresh lime juice, or more to taste 2 avocados, peeled and pit removed In food processor fitted with blade attachment, add tomatillos, Anaheims, pepper, salt, onion, and cilantro; blend until desired consistency. Add avocados and fresh lime juice. Blend just until avocados are incorporated. Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This salsa is great of top of fish tacos. Makes roughly 32 ounces
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Meet the Cook
Ashley Bara Paredes of La Fiesta Grande and Caterings by Roy
A
shley Bara Paredes can barely fit her titles and work responsibilities onto a normal-sized business card. The daughter of Roy and Betty Bara of La Fiesta Grande, she does all the marketing and advertising for her parents’ two restaurants, handles menu development, and oversees the catering side of La Fiesta as well as Caterings by Roy, another business owned by the family. “It’s what I’ve known my whole life,” she says of the restaurant industry. Her parents moved to Amarillo from Muleshoe in the early 1980s, opening their first location on Ross Street across from the T-Anchor Flea Market. They expanded to a second location near 45th Avenue and Coulter Street in the late 1980s. Today, the two La Fiesta Grande restaurants are local fixtures south of I-40 on Ross and at 7415 SW 45th Ave. Earlier this year, La Fiesta celebrated its 31st year in business. “Any business that has lasted more than 30 years is a big deal, especially if it’s a family business. We’re very blessed to be in business this long. We’re really happy to still be in Amarillo.” Ashley grew up playing basketball, and it wasn’t until she gave up the sport in high school that her parents brought her into the
business. “My dad said, ‘If you don’t play sports, you have to provide your own lunch money,’” she remembers. He suggested she get a job. When a hostess position opened at the family’s Ross location, Ashley had to interview
for it just like anyone else. “That’s how I got into the restaurant business: I quit basketball.” Since then, Ashley estimates she’s held just about every position possible at La Fiesta, including bussing tables, waiting on customers, bartending, and doing prep work in the kitchen. Today, she mainly works behind the scenes with the family’s two catering businesses. While La Fiesta Catering focuses on quality Mexican food, Caterings by Roy takes a different approach. “The name ‘La Fiesta’ doesn’t really resonate with, say, rack of lamb,” she explains. “We are operating like a sister company that offers more gourmet food.” As with any Mexican restaurant, salsa plays a big role alongside La Fiesta’s entrees, as well as for its catering businesses. The three salsa recipes she provides in this issue hit the palate in a variety of ways, from the smoky spice of the chile de arbol to the creamy salsa verde and the tangy salsa verda cruda. It’s hard for Baredes to pick a favorite. “All salsa is good,” she says. “As long as it’s made from fresh ingredients and has a lot of flavor and a little bit of tang. Those three things make a good salsa.”
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Joni Monroe beinborn, “any time any place”, courtesy of American Quarter horse hall of fame & Museum
Events
August
America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale
A
merica’s Horse in Art Show & Sale returns to the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum this month, with an opening reception on Aug. 12. The 10th annual art show and sale will feature world-renowned Western artists through Oct. 14. This year’s signature artist will be Joni Monroe Beinborn of La Crosse, Wisconsin. Beinborn specializes in equine portraiture, and has been drawing horses for more than 30 years. To learn more, visit jonisponies.com or call the AQHA museum at 376.5181. Amarillo Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum 2601 I-40 East 376.5181 aqha.com/museum View an updated listing of events throughout the month at amarillomagonline.com. To have an event listed on the calendar, email details to michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com or fax a press release to 806.345.3282.
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Arts & Entertainment
“Babies are such a nice way to start people.”
“Texas” dinner at 6 p.m.; show at 8:30 p.m. Show runs every Tuesday through Sunday through Aug. 20. Palo Duro Canyon State Park Pioneer Amphitheatre, 11450 Park Road 5, 655.2181
Aug. 4 First Friday Art Walk 5-9 p.m. The Galleries at Sunset, 3701 Plains Blvd., 353.5700
Aug. 12
Create! 2017 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Indoor/ outdoor event featuring local artists, cuisine and live music. Amarillo Public Library, 413 SE Fourth Ave., 372.6744
Aug. 20 Back Row: Gregory May, MD; Cullen Hopkins, MD; George Barnett, MD; Dudley Freeman, MD; Jamie Wilkerson, MD; Front Row: Haylee Devries, PA-C; Sarah Bergeron, WHNP; Brenna Payne, WHNP
Amarillo Little Theatre presents “Constellations” 2:30 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991
7620 Wallace Blvd. Amarillo, Tx. 79124 • 806-359-5468
Outcry Summer Tour 7 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Coliseum, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 26-27 Amarillo Symphony Auditions TBA Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 27 Amarillo Little Theatre presents “Constellations” 2:30 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991
Benefits & Fundraisers Aug. 5
Day Classes Wednesdays at 10 A.M. Begins Aug. 30
First Presbyterian Church 1100 S. Harrison St. Women’s, Nursery, Preschool and Home School Programs
St. Stephens Methodist Church 4700 S. Western St. Co-ed Class
Evening Classes Mondays at 7 P.M
Begins Aug. 28
Find more information at communitybiblestudy.org — Get Connected
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Boy Scouts of America 14th Annual Sporting Clays Classic 9 a.m.-3 p.m., target practice shooting and games. Camp Don Harrington, 15427 FM Highway 1541, 358.6500
Aug. 18
Aug. 19
Encounter God’s mercy and faithfulness to His people — Study the Israelites’ return to Jerusalem after their exile.
Aug. 11
Amarillo Little Theatre presents “Constellations” 8 p.m. ALT Adventure Space, 2751 Civic Circle, 355.9991
Create! 2017 VIP Party 6-10 p.m. Embassy Suites Amarillo, 550 S. Buchanan St., 372.6744
“Return to Jerusalem”
Ninth Annual Rick Owens Memorial Tournament 2 p.m. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086
Boy Scouts of America 15th Annual Sporting Clays Classic Auction/Banquet 6-11 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 17-19
invites you to study
Aug. 6
Val Tenoria Memorial Scramble 12:30 p.m. Funds raised will provide college scholarships to area 2017 graduates. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281 Farm to Table Dinner 7 p.m. Annual fundraiser will benefit Canyon Farmer’s Market. Downtown Canyon Square, 567.0746 Koben Puckett Invitational PBR & Ranch Bronc Riding 7:30 p.m. Funds raised will support the Press On Foundation. Will Rogers Range Riders Bud Light Arena, South Loop 335 and Washington Street, 290.4046
Boy Scouts of America 14th Annual Sporting Clays Classic 7 a.m. Three shooting flights begin at 8 a.m. with the last flight beginning at 2 p.m. Camp Don Harrington, 15427 FM Highway 1541, 358.6500 America’s Horse in Art Show & Sale Opening Reception 6:30-8:30 p.m. Sale ends Oct. 14. Amarillo Quarter Horse Hall of Fame & Museum, 2601 I-40 East, 376.5181 Lobsterfest 2017 6:30-11:30 p.m. 33rd annual fundraiser hosted by Amarillo Area Adult Literacy Council. Cornerstone Ranch Event Center, 1901 Cement Road, 371.5084
Aug. 19 Texas Panhandle Craft Beerfest 4-7 p.m. More than 125 breweries will serve craft brews. Funds raised will benefit Hands on Amarillo. Amarillo Civic Center Complex North Exhibit Hall, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 25 Mission 2540 Golf Scramble 1 p.m. Funds raised will benefit Mission 2540. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281
Aug. 26 March of Dimes Scramble 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 p.m. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281 Heal the City Golf Tournament 8 a.m. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086 Fourth Annual Race 4 Recovery 5K run and 1-mile walk 8:30 a.m. All proceeds will benefit Patsy’s Place Transitional Home. Thompson Park, 2401 Dumas Drive, 358.7803 Santa in the Summer 7-11:30 p.m. All proceeds will benefit the Eveline Rivers Christmas Project. Eveline Rivers Project, 314 S. Jefferson St., 372.3985
Aug. 31 United Way Kickoff Luncheon 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Music Aug. 1 Starlight Theater: Just 2 Guys 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036
Aug. 2 High Noon on the Square: Smoky City Rhythm Revue 12-1 p.m. Free concert series with an $8 lunch catered by Chickfil-A. Potter County Courthouse lawn, 501 S. Fillmore St., 372.6744
Aug. 3 Music in the Gardens: Comanche Moon 7 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513
Aug. 4 Dale Watson 10 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237 Jason Boland & The Stragglers 10 p.m. Midnight Rodeo, 4400 S. Georgia St., 358.7083 A Special Case 10 p.m. Whiskey River, 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163
Drake Hayes 9 p.m. Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548 Aaron Einhouse 10 p.m. Midnight Rodeo, 4400 S. Georgia St., 358.7083
eye•den•ti•ty
Aug. 15
a frame that expresses one’s personality
Starlight Theater: The Martinis 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036
Aug. 22 Starlight Theater: Insufficient Funds 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036
Nature Aug. 5 First Saturday Hike 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007
Aug. 16 Sunset, Wildflowers and Wine 7 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007
Aug. 23 Sunset, Wildflowers and Wine 7 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007
Aug. 24
Aug. 5
Cultural Conversations 7 p.m. Wildcat Bluff Nature Center, 2301 N. Soncy Road, 352.6007
Zac Wilkerson 8-11 p.m. The Golden Light Cantina, 2906 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237
Aug. 30
Starlight Theater: Windy City 7-9 p.m. Sam Houston Park, 4101 Line Ave., 368.3036
2017 Healthy Parks, Healthy People 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Health fair will include music, games, vendor booths and more. Ellwood Park, 1100 S. Jackson St., 378.3036
Grant Sabin with Joe Johnson 9 p.m. The 806, 2812 SW Sixth Ave., 322.1806
Special Events
Aug. 9
Aug. 3
High Noon on the Square: Insufficient Funds 12-1 p.m. Free concert series with an $8 lunch catered by Joe Taco. Potter County Courthouse lawn, 501 S. Fillmore St., 372.6744
Women of Distinction 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Hosted by Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. Honoring Brandi Reed, Carol Lovelady, Cindy Smith and Poppy McCarty. Polk Street United Methodist Church, 1401 S. Polk St., 553.3176
Aug. 8
Aug. 10 Music in the Gardens: Patrick Swindell & Pizzazz 7 p.m. Amarillo Botanical Gardens, 1400 Streit Drive, 352.6513
Chamber After Hours 5-7 p.m. Keller Williams, 3955 S. Soncy Road, 373.7800
Texas Hippie Coalition 9 p.m. Hoot’s Pub, 2424 Hobbs Road, 356.7548
Top of Texas Swap Meet All day. Route 66 Motor Speedway, 4101 South Loop 335 East, 570.4839
Aug. 11 Black Heart Saints 8 p.m. Zombiez Bar & Grill, 711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 Mr. Scary 10 p.m. Whiskey River, 4001 SW 51st Ave., 367.6163
Aug. 12 Hanah & Hailee 4 p.m. The Big Texan Starlight Ranch, 1415 Sunrise Drive, 678.7002
Aug. 4-6
Aug. 5 AMA-CON 11 a.m-7 p.m. Annual popculture convention sponsored by Friends of the Amarillo Public Library. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
With the largest selection of fashion frames in the Texas Panhandle, let the experts at Broome Optical help you find your perfect eyedentity. Model: Kaniya • Eyewear: Vera Bradley • Photo: Corbie & Marcus Images
806.355.5633 3408 Olsen Blvd., Amarillo, TX 79109 August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
43
Polk Street Cruise 6-9 p.m. Along Polk and Tyler Streets between Fourth and 12th Avenues, 353.5276 Movie at the Lake: “Moana” 9 p.m. Fritch Fortress Amphitheatre, Fritch Fortress Highway, 857.3151
Aug. 6 AMA-CON 12-6 p.m. Annual pop-culture convention sponsored by Friends of the Amarillo Public Library. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 Teen Universe U.S.A. Pageant 8 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 9 I Heart Canyon 6-9 p.m. Festival will benefit the families and students of Canyon. Historic Randall County Courthouse lawn, Canyon, 655.7815
PBS “NOVA” Screening and Roundtable “The First Air War” 6-8 p.m. Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum, 2503 Fourth Ave., Canyon, 651.2244
Aug. 11 Amarillo’s Got Music 11 a.m. Preliminary round of competition. Open to all ages. AC Music Complex and Concert Theater, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5340 Movie Night on the Square: “Moana” 9:30-11 p.m. Historic Randall County Courthouse lawn, Canyon, 655.7815
Aug. 12 Community Block Party 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Family event will include free food, health screenings, child immunizations, ID badges, entertainment, and carnival games. St. John Baptist Church, 2301 NW 14th Ave., 373.3272 Amarillo’s Got Music 7 p.m. Semi-finals. AC Music Complex and Concert Theater, 2201 S. Washington St., 371.5340
Aug. 10 Amarillo No Excuses University Institute 8-11 a.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Auditorium, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096 Region 16: 2017 Fall Kickoff 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Aug. 13
Aug. 19
Aug. 11-20
End of Summer Bullnanza 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Regency Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
West Texas Futurity Cutting 8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767
Sports & Recreation
Coors of Amarillo Tournament of Champions Shoot-Out 5 p.m. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281
Family Night at Thompson Park 7-9 p.m. every Wednesday through Aug. 3. Thompson Park Pool, 2400 N. Polk St., 381.7919 Family Night at Southeast 7-9 p.m. every Tuesday through Aug. 9. Southeast Pool, 3400 S. Osage St., 342.1564
Aug. 17
Aug. 19 Pantex Plant Championship Golf Tournament 8 a.m. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086
Aug. 19-20
Family Night at Southwest 7-9 p.m. every Thursday through Aug. 18. Southwest Pool, 4800 Bell St., 359.2082
Coors of Amarillo Tournament of Champions 8 a.m. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281
Aug. 5-6
Aug. 25-31
Panhandle Cutting Horse Association 8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds Amarillo National Center, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767
Adequan Select AQHA World Championship 8 a.m. Tri-State Fairgrounds, 3301 SE 10th Ave., 376.7767
AISD Summer Graduation 3-4 p.m. Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts, 500 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Ladies City Golf Championship 8 a.m. Ross Rogers Golf Complex, 722 NW 24th Ave., 378.3086
Aug. 18
Aug. 11-13
WTAMU Summer Commencement 7 p.m. First United Bank Center, 3301 Fourth Ave., 651.0000
24th Annual Coors Partnership Tournament 7 a.m. Comanche Trail Golf Complex, 4200 S. Grand St., 378.4281
Trade Shows Aug. 13 The Bridal Show of Amarillo 12-4 p.m. Amarillo Civic Center Complex Heritage Room, 401 S. Buchanan St., 378.3096
Primary Care Physicians Walk-In Locations Urgent Care • $25 school and sports physicals • Wellness visits
Walk-in or give us a call:
• Immunizations
Northwest Urgent CareNortheast
• Sick-day surprises – sore throats, earaches, pink eye.
1411 Amarillo Boulevard East 806-351-7510, M-F 8am-8pm
• Minor injuries
Northwest Urgent CareSoutheast
• We take care of parents, too!
1900 SE 34th Avenue 806-351-7530, M-Sat 8am-8pm
Learn more at nwths.com
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Physicians are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of Northwest Texas Healthcare System. The system shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. 170007
SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
DOCTORS OF
DISTINCTION
2017
DoctoRS O F D ISTIN CTION
Allergy A.R.T.S.–Asthma, Rheumatology Treatment Specialists, Constantine Saadeh, M.D., FAAAAI, FACR
D
r. Constantine Saadeh, founder and president of Allergy A.R.T.S. clinic, traveled from his beloved Beirut, Lebanon, halfway around the world to study specialized medicine in America and eventually settle in Amarillo. Diagnosed with asthma at age 6, he has had a lifelong interest in the disease and other auto-immune conditions. Dr. Saadeh has dedicated his career to both treatment and research involving allergies, asthma, arthritis and related health challenges. He also is the principal investigator at the Amarillo Center for Clinical Research. Dr. Saadeh grew up a Christian in a beautiful and cultured Beirut, before war wreaked havoc on the city and its people. By his final year in medical school, he was working long hours treating the war’s injured and dying – including dear friends. Upon graduation he accepted an internship in hematology at the University of Miami. Dr. Saadeh completed his internal medicine training, and then studied immunology and aging at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. In 1987 he moved to the University of Colorado Health Science Center in Denver to concentrate on rheumatology. 46
DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
Dr. Saadeh is board certified in allergy-immunology, internal medicine-rheumatology, with an added qualification in geriatrics. Although he is exempt from having to retake the board exams in both specialties, he voluntarily does so in an effort to stay attuned to advances in treatment. In 1989 Dr. Saadeh moved to Amarillo to treat patients at the Veterans Affairs Medical Center, and then at Texas Tech Medical School, where he combined healing, teaching, research and administration. He opened his practice, Allergy A.R.T.S. – Asthma, Rheumatology Treatment Specialists, in 1998. Dr. Saadeh and his wife, Celeste, an Amarillo native, have two children.
Allergy A.R.T.S. – Asthma, Rheumatology Treatment Specialists, Constantine Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, FACR 6842 Plum Creek Drive 353.7000 | allergyarts.com
D octoRS O F DIS T INC T IO N
Doctors Clinic
T
he Doctors Clinic strives to improve each patient’s overall health and understanding of their disease process. From weight loss and pain management to hormone therapy and allergies, the clinic provides a wide range of services to the Texas Panhandle. Weight Loss: Doctors Clinic believes many diseases result from being overweight and having poor nutrition. The clinic offers three diet plans designed to cultivate safe and supportive weight loss, as well as additional options that may not be available at other weight loss clinics. Pain: Every patient is unique, and the staff at Doctors Clinic takes time to identify which pain treatment is best suited for each patient’s individual problems. Treating the source of the pain is the priority, rather than masking the symptoms. Pain management therapies include acupuncture, trigger points, and the most popular treatment options, prolotherapy and platelet rich plasma (PRP), which have been proven effective to strengthen and re-grow ligaments and cartilage. Bio-identical Hormone Therapy: Symptoms of irregular
hormones vary from depression, fatigue and hot flashes to lack of sleep, sexual problems and more. Recent studies suggest that bio-identical hormones do not have some of the dangerous side-effects associated with synthetic hormones. Injections and IV Therapies: The Doctors Clinic offers numerous intravenous therapies that can help with illnesses ranging from influenza, fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue to diabetes, heart disease, Parkinson’s, mood disorders and other health problems. Allergies: The Doctors Clinic can test and treat allergy problems such as headache, congestion, runny nose, sneezing, coughing, itching, rash, chronic sinusitis, earache, and more.
Doctors Clinic, Gerald M. Parker, D.O., John T. Taylor, D.O., Cassandra L. Whitney, F.N.P. 4714 S. Western St. 355.8263 | doctorsclinicamarillo.com
DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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DoctoRS O F D ISTIN CTION
ER Now
S
tarted by four board certified emergency physicians in September 2015, ER Now is a locally owned, free-standing emergency care center equipped to treat patients in need of thorough, efficient care. Each of the seven physicians is committed to a patient-centered mission to spend necessary time with each person in need of help, to providing thorough medical care in a state-of-the-art facility, and raising the standard of emergency medicine. “These physicians really wanted to do something that impacted the community in terms of emergency medicine,” says Marketing Director Charee Godwin-Smith. “They took the risk of opening their own business in order to focus more on the patient and less on corporate influence. Their commitment to patient care is very high.” Dr. Gerad Troutman, chairman of ER Now, was one of the founding physicians. He attended Texas Tech University and is the President Elect for the Texas College of Emergency Physicians. Dr. Troutman maintains that emergency medicine doesn’t have to be a process of rushing patients through like a herd of cattle. Instead, each patient deserves proper time and
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DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
attention to administer quality care. Since ER Now is outfitted to conduct CT scans, ultrasounds, X-rays, EKG, and to perform laboratory services, traumatic cases involving broken bones, heart attack or stroke, respiratory distress, and major pelvic pain, among many other conditions, can be attended to at ER Now. Chief Operating Officer and co-founder Dr. Carl Paetzold believes that patients should have a choice in emergency care, and as a Texas Panhandle native, he wanted to bring a new idea to his hometown. Born and raised in Hereford, Dr. Paetzold attended medical school at The University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston and completed his Emergency Medicine residency at Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. “They left jobs in the big hospitals to start [ER Now],” says Godwin-Smith. “They all saw a vision for the free-standing emergency room, helping patients in a different manner.”
ER Now 2101 Coulter St. 350.7744 | yourernow.com
D octoR S O F DIS T INC T IO N
Dr. Chad Kennedy
A
marillo native Dr. Chad Kennedy is in his third year of practice as an orthopaedic surgeon, specializing in foot and ankle injuries and other disorders of the lower extremities. When he tore his ACL playing high school football, Dr. Robert Higgins repaired his knee, and from there Dr. Kennedy shadowed him in surgeries and decided he, too, wanted to be a surgeon. “In high school I wanted to be a doctor, but I didn’t really know what that meant,” he says. “In orthopaedics you can fix something and they are immediately better. There’s still rehabilitation and that takes time, but right away you can make them better than they were before.” Dr. Kennedy graduated magna cum laude from West Texas A&M University and went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech University. After completing his Orthopaedic Residency in San Antonio, he and his family moved to Florida so he could complete a fellowship at Andrews Research
& Education Foundation, which is where his specialty in lower extremities came to fruition. Dr. Kennedy is currently the only orthopaedic surgeon in the area with this particular fellowship. In his practice, Dr. Kennedy treats a myriad of conditions from sports-related injuries to arthritis from the hips to the feet. Not every condition requires surgery, so Dr. Kennedy is keen to provide patients with whatever treatment is best for their condition. On moving home to start his practice, Dr. Kennedy says, “I missed being around the people from the Panhandle. They’re just different up here. My wife is also from Amarillo and my daughter was born here. They are at the center of everything I do.”
Dr. Chad Kennedy 1600 S. Coulter St. 355.1700
DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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DoctoRS O F D ISTIN CTION
ER on Soncy
O
pened in November 2016, ER on Soncy is a free-standing emergency room affiliated with BSA Health System, which means it’s the only privately owned FSER in town that is a member of the BSA Provider Network. Co-owned and operated by 13 residency-trained emergency medicine specialists – all of whom live in Amarillo and have ties to the community – the team at ER on Soncy is equipped to diagnose and treat or stabilize any type of emergent illness or injury. “We opened the facility for the same reason other specialists open their own private facilities,” says Dr. Kevin Rickwartz, Amarillo-area native and physician at ER on Soncy. “We believe we can deliver better quality care and spend more time with each patient in our own facility, which we can operate without the congestion and sometimes cumbersome processes that are inherent at a large institution such as a hospital. We are certain we can deliver expert emergency care more efficiently, and we
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DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
have staked our reputations and livelihoods on this concept. “We have a highly-competent, hand-picked staff whose focus is taking care of people at a time when they are experiencing a very difficult, stressful or painful situation,” Dr. Rickwartz continues. “Any situation in which a person believes they need immediate attention is appropriately seen in an ER. Our ER is fully equipped with X-ray, CT, lab, and everything else we need to provide whatever care our patients may require. We also have a very close working relationship with BSA, and with specialists in essentially any discipline that we can consult at any time. As one of our staff members likes to say, ‘ER on Soncy is where you’re treated, not seated.’”
ER on Soncy 3530 S. Soncy Road 340.0608 | eronsoncy.care
D octoR S O F DIS T INC T IO N
Dr. Lisa K. Longhofer
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r. Lisa K. Longhofer practices Orthopaedic Surgery and specializes in Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery. She grew up on a cattle ranch north of Canadian, where she learned the value of the Texas Panhandle mindset of hard work and dedication. After graduating valedictorian from Booker High School and then summa cum laude from Texas Tech University, she completed her Doctor of Medicine from Texas Tech Health Sciences Center with Junior AOA Honors. She completed her Orthopaedic Surgery Residency at The University of Kansas in Wichita, and her Fellowship in Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery at The Hand Center in San Antonio. Dr. Longhofer is board certified in Orthopaedic Surgery by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery. Dr. Longhofer’s ranch-life philosophy is the foundation of her current practice, where she specializes in restoring function and returning patients back to their work and activities. “Hands are so important in everything we do, so I want to get my patients back to work, sports and daily activities,” she says. “I am focused on getting my patients their function back, including seeing each patient through the entire healing process.” The most common problems she treats are carpal tunnel
syndrome, hand and upper extremity fractures, tendon lacerations, and hand arthritis. Dr. Longhofer’s specialty encompasses problems from fingertips to clavicle, treating nerves, tendons, ligaments, muscle, bone, and joint injuries and conditions. In addition, she also treats general orthopaedic traumatic injuries. While surgery is the primary treatment for many orthopaedic conditions, Dr. Longhofer also treats patients non-surgically if indicated for a particular problem and/or injury. Whatever the treatment plan, she says the most rewarding part of her job is seeing her patients happy and functioning well. “After I have done surgery on a patient and then see that they are doing well,” she says, “that is the most rewarding of all.” Dr. Longhofer is currently in her third year in Amarillo, and is grateful to be home practicing in the Texas Panhandle.
Dr. Lisa K. Longhofer 1600 S. Coulter St., Building B 358.0600 | panhandleorthohand.com DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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DoctoRS O F D ISTIN CTION
Matrix Age Management, Dr. Patrick Proffer
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or Dr. Patrick Proffer, plastic surgery is the ultimate combination of creativity and surgical skill. His daily challenge is using years of training and experience to guide patients through their decision-making process, and then to deliver the result. His greatest reward is seeing each patient happy. “I love helping a patient through the anxiety of deciding to have surgery, informing and reassuring them, and providing them a great result that makes their life better,” he says. Dr. Proffer directs the Matrix Age Management program, unique to Proffer Surgical Associates, which incorporates all aspects of total body health. It combines sleep and stress management, nutrition, exercise, hormone optimization, and pharmaceutical supplements to change one’s mind, body and overall life experience. “Proffer Surgical Associates is one of the most unique practices in the country,” says Dr. Proffer. “We have the ability to care for every aspect of cosmetic and plastic surgery from head
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DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
to toe. We complement this with a state-of-the-art medical spa and laser center, board certified dermatology, and Matrix Age Management.” Misconceptions are common when it comes to cosmetic surgery, particularly the idea that it’s all about vanity. But Dr. Proffer maintains that self-care includes a wide range of decisions, from making basic diet changes to electing a plastic surgical procedure. Restoring pre-pregnancy anatomy and appearance to postpartum moms is a primary example of how plastic surgery can give women a boost. “Reputation and experience are so important in the field of plastic surgery,” he says. “It takes many years and many happy patients to develop both.”
Matrix Age Management, Dr. Patrick Proffer 1611 Wallace Blvd. 352.1185 | matrixagemanagement.com
D octoR S O F DIS T INC T IO N
Proffer Surgical Associates, Dr. Paul Proffer
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roffer Surgical performs surgeries at two state-of-the-art facilities with award-winning technology, so patients can take comfort knowing they’re in good hands. Dr. Paul Proffer specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, and laser and non-surgical rejuvenation of the eyelids, brows and face. Dr. Proffer believes it’s important to develop a personalized rejuvenation plan for each patient in order to reach their potential. After his residency, Dr. Proffer joined South Texas Eye Associates in Corpus Christi, where he worked for two years, then went on to build a large ophthalmology practice in San Antonio. There, he performed cosmetic and reconstructive eyelid surgeries, as well as BOTOX® Cosmetic for the group. In 2004, after his interest in other facial cosmetic surgeries grew, Dr. Proffer was selected for a fellowship in oculofacial cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. He spent the next two years in the intensive program in Columbus, Ohio, participating in more than 2,800 surgical cases. In 2006 he helped establish
Proffer Surgical Associates in Amarillo. Though he specializes in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery, Dr. Proffer offers nonsurgical options, including BOTOX® Cosmetic, JUVÉDERM™ Injectable Gel / Restylane® / Sculptra®, and Voluma® laser skin resurfacing. Skin care products and chemical peels are also available. When Dr. Proffer isn’t seeing patients, he is enjoying life with his two children, Sarah and Ryan. His hobbies and interests include baseball, coaching his children’s athletic teams, fly-fishing, fitness training, traveling, and spending time with family. He currently serves as Chair of the Board of Regents at Amarillo College.
Proffer Surgical Associates, Dr. Paul Proffer 1611 Wallace Blvd. 352.1185 | drproffer.com
DOCTORS OF DISTINCTION 2017 • SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION
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NUTRITIONAL INTRAVENOUS THERAPY... CHANGING LIVES WHERE NOTHING ELSE WORKED!
Nutritional IV therapy is a safe, powerful and innovative therapy that supports the resolution of several health problems such as infections, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, liver and other illnesses. It can be useful in almost all diseases ranging from arthritis to heart disease. Many people have taken vitamins and other supplements M.D., a Mayo Clinic neurologist, and not been benefited because their bodies were reported it was very safe and not able to absorb enough. For example, if a dose of significantly improved the pain vitamin C tablets is increased 12 times from 200 mg. to of diabetic neuropathy. It is also approximately 2500 mg. the concentration in the blood useful in infectious mononucleosis increases by about 25 percent from 1.2 to 1.5 mg/dL. But and hepatitis, as well as other liver IV administration could provide an average of 80 mg/dL. diseases such as “fatty liver.” Similarly, magnesium by mouth may only raise blood levels L-Glutathione slightly, whereas IV administration can immediately raise Glutathione is considered to levels by three times. be the most powerful, versatile, and important of the body’s The antiviral effect of vitamin C becomes possible when it’s self-generated antioxidants. It concentration in the blood reaches 10-15 mg/dL. Yet when is extremely important in all it gets higher, vitamin C can have remarkable effects on detoxification pathways. Glutathione many illnesses. It improves overall health, and can reduce scavenges free radicals, detoxifies the number of inflammatory markers in the blood. IV poisons and heavy metals, and nutrition provides all these benefits, without the GI side helps prevent damage to the brain. effects caused by taking them orally. It has been used for many diseases and conditions, but Meyer’s Cocktail it is not very effective orally. It is very useful in removing The Meyer’s Cocktail is named after John Meyers, M.D., toxic metals such as lead, cadmium, mercury, etc. IVs are and further developed by Alan Gaby, M.D. It consists very useful in building up the immune system. It is also of vitamins and minerals found to be effective against very effective in treating Parkinson’s disease. The well acute asthma attacks, fatigue (including chronic fatigue known neurologist, David Perlmutter, M.D., uses it on all his syndrome), migraines, fibromyalgia, acute muscle spasm, Parkinson’s patients. upper respiratory infections, chronic sinusitis, and Great for Maintaining Health and Preventing Illness cardiovascular disease. Patients who get sick constantly with Nutritional intravenous therapy should be considered by infections may find increased immune response, with less anyone with chronic illnesses or even healthy individuals susceptibility in acute situations such as viral infections. for preventing illness. A 14-year Columbia University study Alpha Lipoic Acid confirmed vitamin C’s ability to reduce mortality from all Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is also know as the “universal causes. A 2014 Swedish study involving 17,000 women antioxidant.” It is helpful in any inflammatory condition found those with the highest levels of vitamin C had such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It also helps with significantly lower mortality risk from all causes. A European inflammation in veins and arteries commonly causing study of nearly 20,000 adults found the incidence of cardioneuropathies. ALA also turns glucose into energy, thus vascular problems was 80 percent lower among those with helping to keep blood sugar levels more even. Peter Dyck, the highest levels of vitamin C versus those with the lowest.
Doctors Clinic
Gerald M. Parker, DO Cassandra Whitney, FNP John T. Taylor, DO
4714 S. Western St. | Amarillo, TX 79109 | 806.355.8263 | DoctorsClinicAmarillo.com
D Le ep ta’rst Emaetn! t
Restaurants • Food • Spirits
Benjamin’s Donuts & Bakery
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amily-owned and -operated, Benjamin’s serves doughnuts, pastries, kolaches, breakfast sandwiches and burritos. You’ll find a quirky atmosphere, friendly service, and a colorful display of some of the most irresistible doughnuts you’ve ever seen. Benjamin operates locations throughout the Panhandle, each with its own baker who follows the family’s secret recipe. The endless variety of cake, filled, and iced doughnuts will challenge your creativity and taste buds, and keep you going back for more. Customers also love the hot and fresh kolaches, and savory croissants stuffed with ham and cheese or sausage and cheese.
7003 Bell St. 1800 Western St. 353.1100 benjamindonutsbakery.letseat.at
Open Tuesday through Sunday, 5 a.m.-12 p.m.
PRICING GUIDE $ most entrees under $10 $$ most entrees $11 to $20 $$$ most entrees over $21
photo by Shannon Richardson
RESTAURANT KEY y Outdoor Dining ☎ Reservations Recommended T Live Music c Full Bar C Beer and/or Wine only ^ Best of Amarillo Winner NEW New to Let’s Eat! UPDATE
Updated entry
The Let’s Eat! Guide is a reader service compiled by the Amarillo Magazine editorial staff. The magazine does not accept advertising or other compensation in exchange for a listing. The guide is updated regularly. To correct a listing or recommend a restaurant for consideration, contact Michele McAffrey at michele.mcaffrey@amarillo.com.
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Amarillo 575 Pizzeria Toppings runneth over at 575 Pizzeria, not to mention the specials that rotate every month. (Check the board when you walk in.) 575 is family-owned and family-friendly, so it’s a great Friday night dinner choice. 2803 Civic Circle/ 7320 Hillside Road, 322.5575, 575pizzeria.com $$ C T ^ 7 Grill & Bar Seven is the magic number at 7 Grill & Bar. The lunch menu consists of $7 entrees, from burgers and sandwiches to pasta and seafood. It’s the ideal place to meet friends and root for your favorite team. 3130 S. Soncy Road, 358.2222, 7grillandbar.com $ c y 1000 Degrees Neapolitan Pizza This fast-casual restaurant keeps the budget-minded diner in mind. Much like a Subway chain, 1000 Degrees offers build-your-own pizzas with your choice of six sauces, seven cheeses, 20 vegetable options, and nine meats, as well as classic fired-fresh Neapolitan-style pizzas and salads. 2207 S. Western St., 803.9436, 1000degreespizza.com $ Abuelo’s The authentic atmosphere and generous portions make for an enjoyable lunch or romantic evening out. If you’re stumped by all the choices, try the Enchiladas de Cozumel, three crepes filled with guacamole and topped with bountiful seafood, fresh spinach and roasted peppers. As a rule, always get the queso. 3501 W. 45th Ave., 354.8294, abuelos.com $$ c ^ ☎ Aldaco’s Tacos Located on historic Sixth Street you’ll find this small, authentic Mexican restaurant. The wait staff is friendly so it’s easy to have fun at Aldaco’s, especially on live music nights. Try not to fill up on the homemade chips and salsa so you can enjoy the rest of the delicious food. 3623 SW Sixth Ave., 374.4945 $ y T C Aspen Creek Grill One of only nine locations nationwide, Aspen Creek’s Amarillo restaurant offers its signature made-from-scratch food in a family-friendly atmosphere. Step into the mountain-lodge inspired decor and you can expect to be greeted warmly by the friendly staff, receive excellent service, and over-sized portions on everything from appetizers to entrees to dessert. The Happy Hour at Aspen – one of the most affordable in town – is a welcome break after a challenging work day. 4110 I-40 West, 398.2776, aspencreekgrill.com $-$$ c ^ B L Bistro The intimate, cozy atmosphere creates the ideal date place, not to mention the food
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is plated perfection. Note: You might want to leave the kids with a sitter. 2203 S. Austin St., 355.7838, blbistro.com $$$ c ☎ y Benjamin’s Donuts & Bakery Family owned and operated, Benjamin’s serves doughnuts, pastries, kolaches, breakfast sandwiches and burritos. Go early for the best assortment of filled, cake and glazed donuts – we love the green tea glazed and red velvet cake doughnuts. 7003 Bell St., 353.1100/ 1800 Western St., benjamindonutsbakery.letseat.at $ The Big Texan Steak Ranch Everyone knows about the 72-ouncer, but did you know the breakfast buffet is only $14? Every morning from 7-11 a.m. you can pile your plate high with pancakes, sausage and skillet potatoes. Top it off with a trip to the Omelet Bar before leaving completely satisfied. 7701 I-40 East, 372.7000, bigtexan.com $$ c T ^ y Bubba’s 33 The newest sports restaurant on the scene in Amarillo, Bubba’s boasts made-fromscratch food and three restaurants in one: family dining, the garage bar, and a dining area with a bar. Feast on handtossed pizza, fresh-ground burgers, and tender rib-eyes. 2813 I-40 West, 353.0033, bubbas33.com $$ c y Cafe Marizon Cafe Marizon serves up great, homecooked taste with consistently delicious specials of the day. Go early so you can have a piece of the homemade pie or cake. 6151 Hillside Road, 352.2046 $ y C Chiyo’s Oriental Restaurant This small, cash-only dive offers authentic Thai food at affordable prices. The generous portions make it easy to share, or take the extra to go for a tasty late-night treat. 4313 Teckla Blvd., 468.9385/810 N. Pierce St., 374.6146 $ Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse Formally located on historic Sixth Street, Cowboy Gelato Smokehouse began operating a food truck around town this year. Now in a new location in southwest Amarillo, the eatery has beefed up the menu and also offers a full bar and live music. 6103 S. Coulter St., Suite 200, 376.5286, cowboygelato.com $ T c Crazy Larry’s Fine Texas BBQ A visit to Larry’s isn’t complete without an order of Frito pie – make it a “moose” with the works. The authentic Texas-style barbecue is finger-licking good, and everything on the menu is delivered with some of the friendliest service in town. The prices are reasonable, too. 4315 Teckla Blvd., 359.3176, crazylarrysbbq.com $ ^
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Dale’s Grand Burger Looking for a quick stop to grab a tasty lunch? Then try locally owned and operated Dale’s Grand Burger. You can’t miss with the famous Grand Burger and homemade onion rings. 1900 Bell St., 358.8228 $ y Delvin’s Restaurant & Catering Head to Delvin’s and fill up on some of the city’s finest comfort food. Long-time chef Delvin Wilson opened his small eatery in 2015, and it’s quickly become a favorite lunch and brunch stop. Sample a three-meat combination barbecue plate, or traditional American favorites like fried chicken, soul food, and fresh fried catfish. Finish with the homemade buttermilk pie. 1300 N. Hughes St., 803.9111 $ Eat-Rite The food at Eat-Rite isn’t just good for you; it’s delicious as well. Pile your plate high from the organic salad bar or choose from a variety of tasty sandwiches, soups and entrees. The marinated carrots are pure, tasty goodness. 2425 I-40 West, 353.7476, eat-rite.com $$ El Puente Customer favorites at El Puente include the over-stuffed burritos, menudo and traditional barbacoa. The casual eatery is open early for its daily breakfast, serves lunch and dinner every day, and late-night diners every Friday night from midnight to 1 a.m. 4027 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.4314 $ Embers Steak House Embers offers an array of cuisine from hamburgers and steaks to buffalo, lamb and seafood. We have our eye on the gourmet burger menu. You’ll savor your meal at lunch or dinner, seven days a week. 2721 Virginia Circle, 350.3303, amarilloembers.com $$-$$$ c y ☎ Fast Eddie’s Sports Tavern & Social Club Fast Eddie’s racks up points with its tempting bar menu. Order enough to share from options like cheese sticks, mac & cheese bites, hot wings, and New York-style pizza while you try your hand at billiards and arcade games, or just sit and enjoy the game on the big screen TVs. 1619 S. Kentucky St., 355.2540, fasteddiesbilliards.com $ c Frank’s Bakery Transport yourself to Europe at the only boulangerie in Amarillo. No matter what you choose, you can’t miss with French specialties like fresh baguette sandwiches, quiche, feuillete (a puff pastry filled with chicken, bechamel, and mushrooms), crepes, and croissants – if you can break away from the divine pastry case to order an entree. We’re big fans. 1923 S. Western St., 352.8089 $ y Girasol Cafe & Bakery If you’ve missed having an artisan bakery in Amarillo, you’re in luck. Head over to
Garisol Cafe and enjoy fresh baked goods along with a rotating menu of salads, soups, sandwiches and entrees – many with a Latin influence. Check the bakery’s Facebook page for daily featured items. 3201 S. Coulter St., 322.0023 $ The Golden Light Cafe As the oldest operating restaurant in Amarillo, The Golden Light has been in business since 1946, all in the same location. For a great burger and fries, this is the place to go. 2908 SW Sixth Ave., 374.9237, goldenlightcafe.com $ c T
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Green Chile Willy’s As the owners say, the way you like it is the way they fix it. Hand-cut grilled steaks, excellent burgers, chicken-fried steak and grilled chicken; you name it, Willy’s has it. And you can’t beat the country atmosphere for a relaxing good time. 13651 I-27, 622.2200, greenchilewillys.com $$ ^ T The Handle Bar & Grill Open at 7 a.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the breakfast crowd, The Handle Bar serves Texas-style comfort food – the handmade burgers are a customer favorite. Dine outside on historic Route 66 or cool off inside while savoring an ice-cold beer. 3514 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9538 $ C y Hoffbrau Steaks Family-owned Hoffbrau has been serving Texas-style steaks and beer for three decades. We recommend one of the Gr8 Steaks or something from the Hill Country Favorites list upon your first visit. Guaranteed, you’ll go back again. 7203 I-40 West, 358.6595, hoffbrausteaks.com $$ c Hummer’s Sports Cafe Hang out with friends and eat your fill of Hummer’s great appetizers. Start off with a platter of raw oysters and a bucket of beer. We highly recommend the steak. 2600 Paramount Blvd., Suite B2, 353.0723, hummerssportscafe.com $$ c y ^ Ichiban Noodle Bar & Asian Cuisine With the inner workings of its kitchen on display, Ichiban makes you feel like you’re right in the middle of a bustling noodle bar on a street in Asia. Endless choices of cold noodles and hot dishes make your dinner decision a tough one. 3309 Wimberly Road, 355.5031 $ It’s a Punjabi Affair If you were among the many Indian food fans that despaired when Amarillo Hut closed its doors, brood no more. Punjabi Affair serves Indian-style street food, available for dining in or to take out. Savor classics like flat bread, butter chicken and samosa, and a few you might not be accustomed to like lamb curry, or marinated and fried tilapia. You’ll also
find options for vegans and vegetarians. The menu will change with the seasons in order to offer fresh local ingredients. 4201 S. Bushland Blvd., 414.2114, itsapunjabiaffair.com $ Jacobo’s Cafe The shrimp tostadas with pico de gallo, cucumber, avocado and rice, and Don Jacobo Burger, two half-pound patties with ham and asadero cheese, caught our eye at Jacobo’s Cafe. But if you’re in the mood for breakfast, the Belgian waffle or breakfast burrito will surely satisfy. 3701 Olsen Blvd., Suite L, 418.8850 $ c Joe Daddy’s If you’re in need of some comforting, we suggest drowning your sorrows in Joe Daddy’s homestyle fare. The hot dog fries, ribs or homemade Nanner Puddin’ could be your new best friends. For a weekend brunch, you can’t turn down the chicken and waffles. 2108 Paramount Blvd., 353.1227, joedaddys.net y T c $$
7415 SW 45th Ave., 352.1330, fiestagrande.com $$ c Lone Star Bar & Grill Visit Lone Star Bar & Grill for classic, American grill-style food including savory steaks, burgers, chicken sandwiches and more, all at an affordable price. You’ll also enjoy down-home, friendly service. Lone Star’s guarantee: no hot beer and no small steaks. 935 E. FM 1151, 622.9827 $$ C Ly’s Cafe If you’ve never tried Laotian food, head over Ly’s Cafe and fill up on authentic, fresh and delicious food. Handmade sausage, beef jerky, duck – add the essential sticky rice and a hot tea for a classic meal. The friendly staff will help you choose from the ample menu if you’re stumped. 5615 Amarillo Blvd. East, 383.1569 $
Joe Taco Great atmosphere and a variety of Southwest favorites make Joe Taco a great place to sit and relax, especially while enjoying a signature margarita. Soak in the sun on the patio when the weather is nice. 7312 Wallace Blvd., 331.8226, joetaco.net $$ c T y ^
Macaroni Joe’s Macaroni Joe’s isn’t just a place to eat a great meal. The Tuscan-inspired rooms are the perfect place for creating memories. Whether for a first date, the start of a new life together, or celebrating important milestones, the restaurant offers excellent service and an exquisite food and wine menu. It’s at the top of our list. 1619 S. Kentucky St., Suite D1500, 358.8990, macaronijoes.com $$-$$$
K-N Root Beer Drive-In If you’ve tried K-N’s yummy burgers and floats, then you know why it’s been a success for more than 40 years. The K-N Special, a double-meat, double-cheese burger, melts in your mouth. You can’t beat the old-fashioned, icy mug of homemade root beer. 3900 Olsen Blvd., 355.4391 $ y
Milano Pizza Opened in 2016, Milano Pizza serves appetizers, burgers, sandwiches, pasta, barbecue and pizza from its small storefront. The friendly staff at this familyowned pizzeria earns top ratings for customer service. 2522 Paramount Blvd., 350.6288, amarillosmilanopizza.com $
Kabuki Romanza Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar Who says you can’t enjoy fresh sushi aboard a boat in the heart of the Panhandle? Kabuki Romanza serves teppan-style cooking and fresh-sliced sushi in a dining area that resembles a boat, surrounded by special effects that add to the tropical feel. 8130 I-40 West, 358.7799, kabukiromanza.com $$-$$$
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Kathy’s Kitchen This is the simple, Texas Panhandle homestyle food locals crave. Grab the napkins and tackle the brisket burger, a hamburger patty topped with brisket and smothered in barbecue sauce, cheese, and two stuffed jalapeños. Generous portions, daily specials, and low prices will keep you going back for more. 4517 Highway 136, 383.2513 $ La Fiesta Grande Authentic taste and a lively atmosphere make La Fiesta a great place to take the whole family. From nachos to barbacoa, there’s something for every taste. 2200 Ross St., 374.3689/
7400 Wallace Blvd. • 806.353.8333
cy☎^
Mimi’s Restaurant Authentic Mexican food – not Tex-Mex – is what you’ll find when you dine at Mimi’s Restaurant. Ignore the humble building – this place is a hidden gem. Mimi’s serves up fresh, affordable dishes like huevos rancheros, barbacoa and horchatas. 1400 Ross St., 373.3484 $ NEW Mr. Fish Another quirky dive has popped up on Sixth Street. The former owner of now-closed Pattaya Restaurant takes another approach with a small fish-and-chips joint. A rotating menu of Asian specialties, including sushi, will supplement the affordable fish and fries offerings. 2806 SW Sixth Ave., 803.9434 $y Napoli’s Fine Italian Restaurant Napoli’s has created an oasis in downtown Amarillo. Indulge yourself with the house-baked bread while you browse the ample menu. Try the hearty lasagna or one of the over-sized calzones while enjoying live music on the spacious patio. 700 S. Taylor St., 220.2588, napolisofamarillo.com $$ c T y ^
7010 W. Ninth Ave. • 806.351.8480 Local experienced team: • Technologist: 224 years of combined patient care • Radiologists: 500 years combined board certified
On-site radiologist at each location • Results to your physician in a timely manner • Radiology consulting
In-depth experience in all major fields of radiology • Neurology • Musculoskeltal • Ultrasound
• Pediatric • Vascular • Body Imaging
Advanced Technology • The only “true open magnet” in an out-patient facility • The only 64 slice CAT scan in an out-patient facility
amarilloimaging.com August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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Nu-Castle Diner Patrons gather at Nu-Castle for classic American cooking. The small, downtown breakfast and lunch spot stays crowded with regulars. You can’t go wrong with a chicken-fried steak breakfast or a Dusty Burger. 518 E. 10th Ave., 371.8540 $ OHMS Cafe & Bar Set in downtown Amarillo, OHMS serves a buffet-style lunch then switches to wait service in the evenings. The chef features specials each week that range from seafood and smoked duck to beef tenderloin. Start with daily Happy Hour and give the Bar Burger a try. (It’s not on the menu, but it might be the best burger in town.) Excellent cuisine and service make this a delightful place to linger. 619 S. Tyler St., 373.3233, ohmscafe.com $$$ ☎ c y The Original Stockyard Cafe This cozy cafe has been located inside the Amarillo Livestock Auction building for decades. Fill up on homestyle favorites like biscuits and gravy, chicken-fried steak, fried catfish, burgers, and zesty enchiladas. Finish with the homemade cobbler. 100 S. Manhattan St., 373.7999, amarillostockyardscafe.com $ NEW Paco’s Tacos Mexican Restaurant Located at I-40 and Paramount, Paco’s Tacos is open seven days a week and serves breakfast all day, every day. With daily lunch specials and affordable dinner plates, it’s hard to beat the value at Paco’s. 2028 Paramount Blvd., 680.3918 $
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Pan-Handlers Cafe Kick your lunch experience up a notch at Pan-Handlers. Settled in the basement of Amarillo National Bank Plaza One, this family-run restaurant supports the community by using farm-fresh produce. With a list of daily specials ranging from Mexican to seafood and cleverly concocted sandwiches (try the ANBLT on ciabatta bread), your dining experience will be anything but bland and boring. After work, head to the cafe for Happy Hour, Wednesday through Friday. Sample snacks from the bar menu while you sip on beer and wine. 410 S. Taylor St., 352.2590, thepan-handlers.com $ C Pescaraz Italian Restaurant Come ready to linger when you visit Pescaraz. From the charming decor and cozy bar area to the array of entrees, soups, salads and impressive wine list, you’ll want to take time to savor every bite. Enjoy excellent service and live music in the evenings. 3415-K Bell St., 350.5430, pescaraz.com $$ c T ^ y The Potato Factory Come hungry to The Potato Factory, where you can fill up fast on huge baked potatoes loaded with a variety of toppings, from veggies to chili. The restaurant also has some of the best chili dogs and Frito pie in town. 2808 SW 34th Ave., 463.7783/114 SW Sixth Ave., 322.7783, thepotatofactory.net $ Rain Premier Sushi Bar & Lounge Rain lights up Polk Street with its sleek, energetic ambience and exceptional menu of contemporary Asian cuisine. Grab the gang for an evening of flavor and fun. 817 S. Polk St., 331.1155, rainamarillo.com $$ c y Robinson’s BBQ Robinson’s has mastered the art of barbecue. Especially with its chopped beef sandwiches. But don’t limit yourself to just a sandwich; try the tasty Frito pie. If you’re in time for breakfast, grab an excellent breakfast burrito. 5920 Hillside Road, 358.2194 $
Roosters Restaurant and Catering Roosters offers more than just a good cup of Joe. Stop in and plan on staying for a hot breakfast pastry or one of the delicious lunch specialties. It’s the perfect place to relax with friends for lunch. 3440 S. Bell St., Unit 110, 353.7309, silver-fork.com $ y Saigon Restaurant If you’re in the mood for authentic Vietnamese cuisine, this is the place to dine. Even the pickiest eater can find something they like at Saigon. The extensive menu, which consists of traditional Vietnamese favorites such as pho, spring rolls and Korean barbecue ribs, is vegan-friendly, too. 2909 I-40 West, 373.3456 $ Scratch Made Bakery & Cafe Conveniently located in downtown Amarillo, Scratch Made has the solution for your sugar cravings. This small bakery features cupcakes, along with a variety of from-scratch cookies, pastries, pies and cakes. On Saturdays, make reservations for brunch and feast on some of the best biscuits and gravy in town. 118 SW Sixth Ave., 731.4477 $ Smokey Joe’s Texas Cafe A welcoming bar and grill located in the historic antique district on Route 66, Smokey Joe’s is one of Amarillo’s bestkept secrets. With an outdoor patio and live music on the weekends, this is the place to be. 2903 SW Sixth Ave., 331.6698 $$ c y T Sushi House You’ll see Thai, Lao and Japanese influences on Sushi House’s ample menu. Start with one of many sushi offerings or choose an appetizer like the marinated short ribs. Feast on filling teppanyaki entrees (the fillet mignon and scallops caught our eye), or choose a traditional Thai favorite like fried rice. With most menu items priced at less than $10 each, it’s the perfect place to grab a tasty lunch or dinner. 2630 Wolflin Ave., 803.9470 $C Tacos Garcia At Tacos Garcia, serving authentic Mexican food is a family affair. In the same location since 1999, the Veloz family serves up traditional favorites that keep loyal customers going back time after time. Try the Swiss enchiladas or the chile relleno lampriados. You won’t be disappointed. 1100 Ross St., 371.0411, tacosgarcia.com $$ c y ☎ Thai Arawan You’ll get your fill of fresh, authentic Thai cuisine at Thai Arawan. We recommend the angel noodle and the chicken fried rice. Consistently good flavor and friendly service make this one of our favorites. 2834 Wolflin Ave., 463.7167, thaiarawan.com $$
Thai Thai A full menu of Thai delights awaits you at Thai Thai. From fried donuts, wontons, potstickers and soup to Lao barbecue, noodle dishes and an overwhelming amount of rice entrees, you’re sure to find something new to try at each visit to this always-busy eatery set up in a former Mexican restaurant. 2515 S. Grand St., 803.9090 $ Trail Boss Ranch Cooking With a menu aimed to please anyone from diehard barbecue enthusiasts to those with lighter appetites, this small dine-in or takeout restaurant promises you won’t leave hungry or “it’s your own dang fault.” Offerings include certified Angus beef burgers, brisket and steaks, calf fries, daily specials and homemade cobbler. 4925 S. Western St., 352.2500, trailbossranchcooking.com $$ C Urbana Coffee Works Southwest Amarillo can get its caffeine fix a little closer to home with the opening of Urbana Coffee Works. Hang out with a fresh brew and breakfast pastry, or enjoy lunch from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. daily with hearty, hot sandwiches, tapas, soups and salads, and desserts like gelato or cupcakes. In the evening, listen to live music while you sip. 5215 S. Coulter St., Suite 100, 803.9022, urbanacoffeeworks.com $ T Virdinski’s Rub Shack The folks at Virdinski’s clearly know their way around a kitchen. You’ll find impressive steaks, chicken-fried steaks, generous salads, seafood, catfish, outstanding burgers and owner Chris Virden’s award-winning hickory smoked barbecue with all the fixings. The presentation – down-home comfort food meets gourmet styling – makes an impression as well. We recommend saving room for the homemade banana pudding. We’re big fans. 3701 Olsen Blvd., Suite B, 318.3382, virdinskisrubshack.com $$ C Wesley’s Bean Pot & BBQ Loyal customers return again and again to Wesley’s. The atmosphere is friendly and the barbecue is genuine Texas style. The baby back ribs and brisket The baby back ribs and brisket are customer favorites. 6406 River Road, 381.2893 $ Youngblood’s Cafe Experience the Western heritage of Amarillo at Youngblood’s Cafe. The Cafe serves up excellent chicken-fried steaks to satisfy your craving for beef. Plus, Youngblood’s also offers a hearty breakfast every day starting at 6 a.m. 620 SW 16th Ave., 342.9411, youngbloodscafe.com $$ C Zombiez Bar & Grill Locals rave about the homestyle offerings at Zombiez Bar & Grill. Fill up on daily specials, burgers, chicken-fried steak or
t u o k coo Get our steaks and beef jerky at
6700 W. McCormick Road • edesmeats.com
806.622.0205
August 2017 • amarillomagonline.com • Amarillo Magazine
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chicken-fried chicken. Dine-in, takeout and delivery are available. 711 SW 10th Ave., 331.7305 $ c T y
Canyon Aloha Kitchen Aloha Kitchen’s slogan is certainly compelling: “So good it’ll make you forget your name.” And so are the daily specials. Choose from Kalua Pork (slowcooked with Hawaiian spices), Flying Hawaiian (wok chicken), or Loco Moco (a burger patty served over rice with a fried egg), or from daily offerings like burgers, burritos or smoothies. A variety of Hawaiian canned and iced beverages will help you cool off on a hot day. 700 23rd St., 290.1129, alohakitchentx.com $ Buffalo’s Cafe You’ll leave your hunger behind when you visit Buffalo’s. Offering hearty eats with choices such as hamburgers, Tangled Texas Twists, and Smoky Mountain Nachalos, or The Big Round Up, a quarter rack of slow-roasted baby back ribs, traditional style or boneless buffalo wings, blackened shrimp and all the fixings. 2811 Fourth Ave., 655.4400, buffalos.com $ c
Fat-Boys BBQ Fat Boys has been dishing up delicious Texas-style barbeque since 1988, so it’s safe to say they know what they’re doing. The meat has the perfect amount of smoky flavor. Top it with sweet barbecue sauce and add a few homemade sides. Your taste buds will thank you. 104 N. 23rd St., 655.7363 $ Feldman’s Wrong Way Diner Feldman’s fun, casual atmosphere and model trains that run a course along the ceiling make it a great place for the whole family. Try the made-fresh burgers or the Tortugas chicken, satisfaction guaranteed. 2100 N. Second Ave., 655.2711, feldmansdiner.com $ c y Hil’s Burgers This burger joint’s menu is pretty snazzy. The Philly cheese steak sandwich pairs perfectly with a side of sizzling, thinly sliced onion rings, but you can’t go wrong with the chicken-fried steak sandwich topped with chili, either. 1302 23rd St., 656.0810 $ Imperial Taproom Imperial Taproom has quickly made fans in Canyon. Featuring fresh, in-season ingredients and an extensive craft beer and wine list, Imperial provides a hip, industrial-chic vibe to linger and enjoy your meal. Feast on entrees with an upscale presentation that are pleasantly
easy on your pocketbook. 410 15th St., Suite 100, 452.8004, imperialtaproom.com C $$ ☎ The King and I of Canyon Craving fresh sushi? The King and I will surely satisfy. Try the customer favorite, the Canyon Roll, and savor every scrumptious slice of crab, tempura shrimp, avocado, cucumber and cream cheese topped with red tuna, white tuna, shrimp and eel. If you still have an appetite, order the fried bananas covered with powdered sugar and strawberries. 104 15th St., 655.2491 $$ C KJ’s Cafe Located a few blocks south of the WTAMU campus, KJ’s serves early breakfast and lunch until 2 p.m. Classic, simple fare awaits, with customer favorites like breakfast burritos, Frito pie, hamburgers and house-made chips, and fried apple pie. 1202 S. 23rd St., 654.3397 $ Pony Express Burritos Based on the build-your-own burrito concept, Pony Express offers 14-inch burritos or bowls, tacos, quesadillas and a variety of fresh salsa flavors from mild to spicy, including its infamous ghost pepper. 2808 Fourth Ave., Suite C, 557.4166 $
brings people together! r 45th & Coulte 52.1330 ___ ____3________ I-40 & Ross 374.3689
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Mon.-Thurs. & Sat. 4-7 p.m
Brunch
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Mon.- Fri. 11 a.m.-10 p.m. | Sat. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. | Sun. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Carryout Available 60
Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Ranch House Cafe The Ranch House Cafe has a small-town, family atmosphere. The Cafe offers breakfast all day, every day, and lunch, dinner and made-from-scratch desserts, as well as specials seven days a week. 810 23rd St., 655.8785, theranchhousecafe.com $ Ribs N More Ribs N More’s claim to fame is its boneless ribs. But don’t stop there. The savory smoked meat loaf is noteworthy, especially when paired with the juicy and flavorful firehouse corn. 1205 23rd St., Suite 6A, 452.8227 $ Sayakomarn’s Restaurant Sayakomarn’s offers a variety of traditional Thai dishes with daily lunch specials that won’t empty your wallet. Be sure to try their boba tea made with tapioca balls and shaken into fruit-flavored or milk tea. It’s yummy. 421 16th St., 655.2698, sayakomarns.com $ c Thai Kitchen The generous menu will keep you coming back for more at Thai Kitchen. Choose from affordable Thai classics – soup, salads, noodles, pork, seafood and more. The small eatery is open for lunch and dinner six days a week. 713 23rd St., 655.4741 $
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In front of United Supermarkets™ • 3530 S. Soncy Rd. • Amarillo, TX 79119 • (806) 340-0608 • eronsoncy.care
Retro Rewind
Fisk Building L
ocated in the stately brick-and-terracotta building at 724 S. Polk St., the Courtyard Marriott Amarillo Downtown wasn’t always an upscale hotel. The hotel and its signage are relatively new parts of the Amarillo skyline. But the Fisk Building itself is on the National Register of Historic Places – and has been around since late 1928. Designed by prominent architect Guy A. Carlander, the 10-story Gothic Revival building was built by former city commissioner Charles Fisk to provide a home for his growing bank, Amarillo Bank and Trust, during the petroleum boom years. The bank occupied the ground floor of the Fisk Medical Arts Building, with doctor’s offices, dentists, and other professional tenants filling out the rest of the floors. Fisk’s bank merged with First National Bank in 1935, and that institution occupied the building until 1950. Zales Jewelers remained a tenant of the building well into the 1970s. Elements of its original use remain on display in the lobby and basement of the hotel, which officially opened in early 2011. The above photo was taken in 1937. image from Amarillo Public Library Archives
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
POLLEN COUNT PROJECT Dr. Saadeh is dedicated to the continuous pursuit of knowledge in order to best serve his patients. This includes a partnership with Dr. Nabarun Ghosh, Ph.D., professor of biology at West Texas A&M University’s College of Agriculture, Science and Engineering. Papers on the results of their research in aeroallergens have been given and recognized both nationally and internationally.
What’s Your Allergy Equation? WE CAN SOLVE IT
One major project involves the Burkard Volumetric Spore Trap (UK), located on the roof of the Agricultural & Natural Sciences Building at WTAMU in Canyon, Texas — just south of Amarillo. Air samples are collected daily and analyzed to determine the type and number of pollen and spore particles present in the previous 24 hours. From these samples, Dr. Ghosh’s lab presents the daily pollen count, which can be viewed on the Allergy A.R.T.S. website, and also on the local Channel 7.
Constantine Saadeh, MD, FAAAAI, FACR 6842 Plum Creek Drive 353.7000 allergyarts.com
20 Questions
with
Kirk Hill Owner, Hill’s Sport Shop
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Amarillo Magazine • amarillomagonline.com • August 2017
Photo by Shannon Richardson
What is the best advice you received when you were beginning your career? Either you want it or you don’t. How do you use social media to grow your network? We work to promote special sales, new merchandise, and our knowledgeable staff through both Facebook and Instagram. Lately, we have used special online coupons and giveaways to take advantage of the advertising and marketing potential of those social media outlets. How do you maintain balance? I think it is so important to find balance between work and home life. I am an avid golfer and enjoy that time spent outdoors in nature. I also love grilling out and relaxing beside my backyard pond and waterfall. Our Sunday night “family” dinners have become somewhat of a tradition, and my wife and I cherish that downtime with our family and friends. What has been your wisest investment? The time spent with my employees – teaching them new skills or to master their own skillsets to accomplish the most in their own lives, both at work and outside of work. How has your past work experience shaped you into a leader? I have had countless jobs – from construction, to dishwashing, to ski school instructor to shop owner. Each one has taught me invaluable lessons on how to lead, how to follow, and how to best shape employees and your work environment to get the most out of a business. What is the best part about your job? The customers that come through our doors each day are looking for adventure, and the common bond our staff and I share with them is our mutual love of the outdoors. It’s a fun business helping people get outside and enjoy their lives! How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and private life? The mentorship I received throughout my lifetime from my father and the myriad of other bosses I have had has truly shaped me to be the man I am today. I hope that my mentorship is teaching my employees some of those same lessons. Which living person do you most admire and why? That’s easy: my father, Gene Hill. He started Hill’s Sport Shop and stayed with it as it evolved over decades, always showing up early and staying late. He is the hardest worker I know. Away from work, his lifelong dedication to my mother and love for his family has taught me priceless life lessons. What is your business philosophy? Always treat people fairly and work hard. Which quality do you most value in an employee? Attitude. You can teach someone any task but you cannot teach someone to be nice! What personality trait has most helped you succeed? I hate losing, and while that may not seem helpful at first glance, my competitive nature makes me work harder than the next guy to get the job done right. What did you learn from your best boss? My best boss was my dad, Gene, who taught me that you can have fun, work hard, and that you always have to show up on time. Your worst? The worst was an old boss I had while working in Angel Fire constructing ski runs, and he taught me the importance of treating employees with dignity and fairness, because he did the exact opposite. I have truly never met anyone as mean! How can Amarillo improve its business environment? I think Amarillo should place more value on our outward appearance to newcomers and travelers, whether it be through improving landscaping or updating the actual infrastructure of our streets and highways. Aesthetics are so vital in drawing business. Most important tech tool: My IPad is always by my side, and is used for everything from work to downtime at home playing solitaire. Best time management tool: I use my iPhone calendar and notes system to manage and set alerts for important daily tasks and to-do items. I can’t live without my: wife, Trisha. She is my best friend and soul mate of 42 years. You could take everything else away from me, and as long as I have her by my side, we would make it. My favorite thing about Amarillo is: This town is made up of the hardest working people, generations of families who have helped establish this city and whose current generations are still working to shape Amarillo’s future. Most unusual job or task: I spent a summer sandblasting headstones – by far the worst working conditions and job I have ever had, but also definitely the most unusual.
I FEEL YOUR PAIN, and then I’ll fix it.
Where you go first for orthopedic care makes all the difference in how well you heal.
Chad Kennedy, M.D.
Orthopedic Surgery Arthroscopic and Reconstructive Surgery
1600 S. Coulter St. • Building B • Amarillo, TX 806.355.1700 | 806.355.1800
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