Southlake Style Magazine June 2024

STAFF & CONTRIBUTORS

PUBLISHER

Mike Tesoriero Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com

SALES & MARKETING DIRECTOR

Nicole Tesoriero Nicole@SouthlakeStyle.com

ASSISTANT EDITOR

David Dunn David@SouthlakeStyle.com

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Bruce Sons

ADVERTISING SERVICES MANAGER

Andrea Summers Andrea@SouthlakeStyle.com

SALES DEVELOPMENT

REPRESENTATIVE

Olivia Harris Olivia@SouthlakeStyle.com

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Kelly Rose

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Ashley Bradshaw

Jillian Veldey

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Aye Creator

BluDoor Studios

Mike Lewis Photography

Mia Valdez

Shane Summers

CONTACT US

520 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100

Southlake, TX 76092

817.416.4500

it's about damn thai

After eight years as an anchor to our central dining district, Southlake-area foodies need no introduction to Malai Kitchen. Serving chef-inspired dishes and drinks full of South Asian flavor, Malai has stood out from the crowd since its first of four DFW locations opened in 2011.

What you may not know about this Southlake staple is that it’s the brainchild of a husband and wife team. The story of Braden and Yasmin Wages is one near and dear to our hearts. They too met while attending college in New York, and in due time, made their mark right here in North Texas.

Like many partners in love and business, the Wages play off each other's strengths and weaknesses. Braden brings the culinary chops, while Yasmin’s leadership and business sense propel the restaurant to be something more. They don’t rest on being local — their inventive flavors and thoughtful service are worthy of praise at every level.

With multiple locations, you may not always see them in person. But no matter their location, the inspiration carries forth through the family atmosphere engendered amongst their staff.

After the Wages, no one brings more joy to the operation than Malai’s head brewer Justin Meyers. Yes, that’s right — this mom-and-pop brews its own beer. From their Bia Hoi Vietnamese rice lager to their lemongrass-infused Thai PA, Malai Kitchen’s beverage program shows just how far the entire team goes to provide a memorable experience right down to the last drop.

I like to celebrate this local hot spot with my personal favorite 3C Porter, which is brewed with flavors of chocolate and coconut kicked up a notch with the heat of Thai chili peppers. A pint alone is worth the trip.

Yours in Southlake Style

Mike Tesoriero | Publisher Mike@SouthlakeStyle

HEAD OF THE CLASS

ne of the nation’s premier equestrian facilities is on almost 72 acres in Bartonville, the heart of Texas’s horse country. The gated, multimillion-dollar, contemporary estate at 1200 Rockgate Road has 24 pristine, mattress stalls, complete with electrical outlets and individual fan controls. It also has 14 one-acre turnouts for equine play, six washand-tack racks, a large feed room and a lounge/viewing area. Extraordinary in every way— it is the Grand Champion of Equestrian Estates.

16

STAR-SPANGELED SALUTE

Every day is Flag Day at Bicentennial Park

30

EMBRACING THE EMPIRE

The making of Malai Kitchen

54

GAS, FIRE, HEAT TV chef releases debut cookbook

PASSIONATE, INNOVATIVE AND CHANGING THE FUTURE.

SOUTHLAKE

the TICKET

GUYS & DOLLS JR. NTPA SOUTHLAKE

JUNE 27-30

One of the most enduring musical comedies of all time is making its way to North Texas Performing Arts Southlake later this month, and it’s bringing the hustle and bustle of New York City with it! Based on the Tony Award-winning musical that ran for 1,200 performances, “Guys And Dolls Jr.” follows a couple of gangsters and gamblers in their pursuits for love. You’ll be rocking the boat with all of the timeless tunes and classic characters that will have you laughing and singing from here to Havana.

10 Activities To Add To Your Summer Bucket List

Enjoy a round of golf at Timarron Country Club.

Hike and bike at the Bob Jones Nature Center’s trails.

Plunge into Champions Club’s Aquatic Center.

Have a family picnic at Bicentennial Park.

Break out the paddles at Southlake’s pickleball complex.

Saddle up at Ride With Pride.

Watch a live performance at Southlake’s summer concert series.

Catch a movie or a bowling match at EVO Entertainment.

Go boating or fishing at Grapevine Lake.

Check out a page-turner at the Southlake Public Library.

DONUT DASH

Bicentennial Park hosts a 5K with a sweet twist.

STORMY SUMMER June got off to a rain-soaked start.

PAVING THE WAY

Carillon Parc lays down its first roads.

BACK TO BACK

Hailey Hernandez aims to return to the Olympics at the Team USA Diving Trials.

We'd like to go with you on your next adventure. Take along your copy of Southlake Style, and snap a photo. Share the image with us, and you might see yourself in our next edition! Be sure to include names of those pictured and your destination.

Upload photos at SouthlakeStyle.com or use the QR code.

Playa Around

The May family soaks up the sun in style at Matapalo Beach in Costa Rica.

Painting With A New Brush Groovy Hues Transforms Rooms And Homes

What are the benefits of hiring a professional painter? From proper wall preparation to expert paint application, professionals understand the importance of each step. They use proper priming and sanding techniques to ensure a flawless finish. Additionally, professionals have access to the right equipment and can work efficiently to complete the job in a timely manner.

How do you select the best paint for different surfaces in a home? Choosing the right paint for your home is essential to achieving the desired aesthetic and longevity. Walls and hallways are usually paired with flat or eggshell finishes, while trims and doors require a glossing finish for added durability. Areas with higher moisture levels like kitchens and bathrooms benefit from satin or semi-gloss paints. Understanding the different finishes and sheen options available will help you make an informed decision for each area of your home.

Is wallpaper back in style? Wallpaper is making a comeback in a big way! Today’s manufacturers offer a wide range of vibrant colors, bold prints and stylish designs that can add a splash of color to any room. Whether you want to accentuate a ceiling, a wall behind a bed or an entire room, wallpaper can add texture, pattern and color dimension to help you achieve the look you desire.

Do walls require preparation before installing wallpaper? Walls need to be prepped before applying wallpaper, especially on textured walls. Textured walls can hinder the adhesive from sticking properly. Proper preparation involves floating the falls, a technique where the installer uses a broad knife to apply joint compound evenly over the rough walls. Once the wall reaches the desired smoothness, it is left to dry before being primed to create a smooth surface for the wallpaper.

What is the benefit of using Groovy Hues? Our success has been based on delivering high-quality services with exceptional customer service. We stand behind our work and will work with you to make sure you are happy with the experience and finished product. Our goal is to build long-lasting relationships with our customers.

HORIZON: AN AMERICAN SAGA

Kevin Costner dons western wear and hops back in the director's chair for the first time in 20 years. The stacked cast includes Sam Worthington, Sienna Miller, Danny Huston and many more. It’s no wonder this western epic had to be told in two parts.

In Theaters

June 28 & August 16

SWAN SONG

After writing “New York Times” bestselling romances for over 20 years, Elin Hilderbrand’s last novel is her swan song in more ways than one before she goes into retirement. Photo by Beowulf Sheehan Available Now

FLY ME TO THE MOON

Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum play a couple of star-crossed lovers during the Apollo 11’s space race toward the moon. That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for romantic comedies.

DEADPOOL & WOLVERINE

Ryan Reynolds and Hugh Jackman suit up once again for this unhinged superhero buddy comedy, and it may not be the last time.

HISTORY OF CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM

While the Emmy award-winning sitcom ended earlier this year, the show’s stars Jeff Garlin and Susie Essman keep up their own enthusiasm through their behind-the-scenes podcast

In Theaters

July 12

In Theaters July 26

On Apple Podcasts

Six Flags Over Southlake

Within the verdant heart of Southlake lies Bicentennial Park — a hub for America’s pastimes old and new and a living exhibit chronicling the evolution of national unity through its unique display of flags. The park honors the country’s growth with six historical flags at its eastern and western entrances, each unfurled high as both a historical resource and a tribute to the country’s enduring legacy.

As its name suggests, Bicentennial Park was dedicated to the public in 1976 during the country’s bicentenary. In addition to the many baseball fields and brand-new pickleball courts, park goers can and should appreciate the patriotic flag displays that showcase the evolving designs of the national flag from the union's infancy to present day.

The historical displays begin chronologically with the 1775 Continental Colors, also known as the Grand Union Flag, representing America’s initial bond with Britain while yearning for independence. Following is the iconic Betsy Ross Flag from 1776, the acclaimed first American flag, with its circle of 13 stars signifying the unity of the Thirteen Colonies.

By 1795, the flag evolved to comprise 15 stars and stripes, symbolizing Kentucky and Vermont's entrance into the Union. This design was famously immortalized as the Star-Spangled Banner — the banner that flew over Fort McHenry during the War of 1812.

With the 1818 flag, America returned to 13 stripes to honor the original colonies, arranging the 20 stars to indicate each state. This practice was preserved, as reflected by the 1846 variant which included 28 stars following Texas's admission as the 28th state.

The series culminates with the familiar 1960 flag, which exhibits 50 stars after Hawaii joined the Union, solidifying our country's expansive reach from sea to shining sea.

As we look ahead to celebrating Independence Day, Bicentennial Park’s flags serve as markers for reflection, inviting us all to ponder our nation’s developmental strides from a nascent republic to the United States of America we all know and love today.

SPLASH INTO SUMMERFEST

Gaylord Texan Has Fun Experiences For The Whole Family

For over 20 years, the Gaylord Texan has been creating unforgettable summertime experiences for families at its 10-acre waterpark and resort. That tradition continues through this year’s annual SummerFest, which brings even more adventures, excitement and relaxation than ever before.

Running through Sept. 2, the Gaylord Texan’s SummerFest features several activities the whole family can enjoy. At the Adventure Kid Clubhouse, guests can unleash their creativity through several arts and crafts activities such as painting, building kites and making their own flower crowns. The Hunt For Hidden Treasure lets children run wild in the resort atriums to explore, discover and uncover gems through an interactive scavenger hunt. Plus a live show will allow young viewers to join the club and meet Alfie the Armadillo, Layla the Longhorn and everyone’s favorite adventure kid, Sophie.

Back by popular demand this year is Summer Cirque, a live show where performers achieve daring aerial feats and show-stopping balancing acts that will take your breath away. The Junior Chef’s Camp allows the young aspiring chef to become a culinary apprentice, while the

Horticulture tours will guide guests through the resort’s 4.5 acres of indoor gardens. Families will have to race against the clock if they’re trapped inside one of the escape rooms, and animal encounters will bring guests up close to see some of the resort’s most exotic creatures. Plus the Luminosity Light Show will fill the atrium with a stunning kaleidoscope of colors that will showcase the light’s journey from the stars to the sun.

Even more summer fun awaits at Paradise Springs, the 10-acre outdoor waterpark that has everything from a 600-foot-long lazy river and winding waterslides to a 6,000-square-foot family lagoon with a zip line. The Relache Spa offers soothing treatments for the body, mind and soul through its rejuvenating massages and sauna, and while the kids are away, the adults get to play with wine, whiskey and bourbon-tasting events as rich as they are complex. Be sure not to miss out on the Gaylord’s July 4th weekend, which will rock the lot with a fireworks extravaganza, a Taylor Swift tribute performance and dozens of familyfriendly activities.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your swimsuit, dive into the Gaylord Texan and make this SummerFest an unforgettable one!

“Visitors will discover more of what they love this summer while enjoying our sparkling pools, family-friendly activities, live entertainment and delicious dining!”

— Martha Neibling, PR Director

Sky’s The Limit Southlake Welcomes The Future Of Drone Delivery

In an era where convenience and speed are expected, some lucky Southlake residents are now catching a glimpse of the future with Walmart’s new on-demand drone delivery services.

Previously bringing drone deliveries to Frisco in 2022 and Lewisville in 2023, Wing entered into a partnership with DFW-area Walmart stores to deliver their products within a 6-mile radius. Whether it is medicine, personal care items or birthday supplies, most anything can be delivered from Walmart’s Loop 820 and North Richland Hills stores as long as they’re under the 2.3-pound weight limit.

“This expansion will bring the ultimate convenience of drone delivery to communities across the DFW area,” says Prathibha Rajashekhar, Walmart innovation and

automation senior vice president. “Customers will have access to a broad assortment of items from Walmart available for delivery to their home in just minutes.”

The delivery zone is west of Carroll Avenue, south and west of Highway 114 and south of West Dove Road. Upon confirming your address is within the delivery zone on Wing’s website, all customers need to do is download the app and place an order. Between the hours of 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., customers can expect deliveries to be completed in as little as 10 minutes. Although, depending on the distance traveled, a wider window of up to 30 minutes may be the norm.

“Drone delivery is not just a concept of the future — it’s happening now and will soon be a reality for millions of additional Texans,” Prathibha says.

SOUTHLAKE PUBLIC LIBRARY HOSTING NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR

An award-winning children’s author will be visiting the Southlake Public Library this summer. Penning the acclaimed “Framed,” “Dead City” and “City Spies” series, James Ponti is a “New York Times” bestselling author who specializes in middle-grade fiction. On July 10, James will bring his books to Southlake and lead creative young minds through an hour-long writing workshop. “As an author, Ponti talks about how he loved writing as a child but never felt like he was a strong reader, so he intentionally started writing books where he felt readers could really immerse themselves into the story,” Southlake Library Foundation president Lori Burr says. “We’re so excited that he’s coming to Southlake and that he’ll be giving our young writers a chance to learn from a master storyteller.”

CITY OF SOUTHLAKE HONORS 2024 VOLUNTEERS

The Southlake city council recognized its 2024 volunteers during an awards ceremony last month. With nearly 1,200 people serving 23,743 hours total, city volunteers have contributed over $750,000 in service value last year. Bronze awards went to 26 volunteers, while 11 volunteers received silver awards and 13 volunteers received gold awards for reaching service milestones within their age group. Naomi Kolady was named this year’s junior award winner, while Jim Shirey was named this year’s adult award winner. Brent Bush and Keith Morrow received 500-hour milestone awards, while Leroy McCall and Wayne Berryman received 3,000-hour milestone awards. Finally, Ken Stewart was recognized for reaching 6,000 service hours.

QUINN EWERS FEATURED ON COLLEGE FOOTBALL 25 COVER

Three college superstars grace the cover of EA Sports’ latest video game — and a former Dragon quarterback is one of them. Releasing on July 19 for the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, “College Football 25” is the 22nd game in EA’s NCAA Football series. While the cover features both Michigan running back Donovan Edwards and Colorado wide receiver Travis Hunter, Dragon fans will especially notice Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers highlighted amongst the trio. “EA Sports games were the first place I lived out my childhood dream of playing for the Longhorns,” Ewers says. “It’s a full-circle moment to now be on the cover of ‘College Football 25.’”

DRAGON DUO WINS BASS FISHING CONTEST

Two Dragons had the biggest catches of the Bass Nation Northeast Fishing Tournament. Earlier this spring, 24 young men traveled to Lake Bob Sandlin to catch all the black bass they could. But the Carroll Bass Team’s Joshua Adams and Dakota Morris caught the biggest of them all, with four basses weighing at 18.89 pounds for a first-place finish. Joshua also managed to catch an 8.59-pound black bass, which earned Joshua the biggest catch of the day along with a $550 check.

GALLERY 19C SELLS PAINTING TO LOUVRE MUSEUM

One of Gallery 19C’s finest pieces has found a new home at the Louvre National Art Museum in Paris. Painted by portrait artist Johann Richard Seel when he was just 22 years old, “Portrait Of The Bloem Sisters” depicts Betty and Friderike Bloem resting in a greenhouse at Dusseldorf Academy in 1841. “This painting immediately catches the attention of the French audience, seduced by the magic and uncanny atmosphere of the effigy,” Louvre paintings curator Come Fabre says. “The painting is an outstanding example of the German fantasy in the art of portraiture.”

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL GRADUATES NAMES DSO DEBUTANTES

Two Dragons will make their debut at the 39th Dallas Symphony Orchestra League presentation ball next year. Founded in 1946, the DSOL supports the arts through a variety of service, education and fundraising activities — including the upcoming presentation ball, which will feature two Southlake Carroll graduates. With her father being an honor guard member for the ball, Vivian Potter is a University of Texas sophomore majoring in economics, while Annabeth Winn is a University of North Texas sophomore majoring in event design and experience management. Both ladies will make their debut at the ball on Feb. 15, 2025 at the Morton H. Meyerson Symphony Center.

SROS WIN HEART OF SERVICE AWARDS

Southlake Kiwanis awarded two school resource officers with their highly esteemed Heart of Service Awards last month. Recognizing the hard work of all of the district’s distinguished officers serving our campuses, Southlake Kiwanis collected nominations from a variety of teachers, school staff and residents to name their SROs of the Year. Carroll Middle School officer Brett Roberson was named the 2023 recipient, while Carroll Senior High School officer Corey Rattan was named the 2024 recipient. A special ceremony was held for these two dedicated officers commemo-

SOUTHLAKE WINS FIT CITY CHALLENGE

After a month of hard work and commitment, Southlake was declared the back-to-back winner of the 2024 Fit City Challenge. Competing against Keller and Coppell, the Fit City Challenge logged citizens’ exercises to see which city remained the most active from April 15 to May 15. This year, Southlake took home the trophy with 145 points, while Keller and Coppell were runnersup with 136 and 97 points respectively. The top three participants who helped push Southlake over the finish line included Jamie Wooldridge, Blake Bullard and Cristina Schulz.

YMSL CELEBRATES CLASS OF 2024

The Young Men’s Service League recently celebrated the achievements of its class of 2024. During its service awards ceremony, the mother-son organization recognized 19 members with the Superior Service Award, which is given to those who have served over 40 hours. Nine mother-son pairs received the Platinum Service Award for contributing over 50 volunteer hours while 11 seniors received the Leadership Award for serving over 115 service hours. Additionally, junior Alex Carlton was recognized with the Heart of Service Award while senior Jack Gerrity won the Donna Lackey “Spirit of Service” award for contributing over 248 hours across four years.

SOUTHLAKE

During Southlake’s annual youth art competition, 20 high school students got to display their paintings, illustrations and photographs in the main lobby of Methodist Southlake. Grapevine Faith freshman Aubrey Schaub won first place, while sophomore Savannah Ballard won second place and Westlake Academy junior Ava Ayad won third. Honorable mentions went to Carroll students Elissa Takkouch, Marlee Fraser, Sarayu Veluri and Raine Ducey; Grapevine Faith students Van Schoemaker, Shelby Ann Frank, Holt Robertson, Claire Monroe, Savannah Monroe, Delaney Jordan, Elle Powers, Sophia Fischer, Colton Driscoll, Charlie Donovan and Elyana Ansley; Westlake Academy student Luc Nguyen; and Clariden School student Benji Weisser.

business

SOUTHLAKE CHAMBER HOSTS 2024 AWARDS

The Southlake Chamber rocked out with the business community during the 2024 awards ceremony! Held on Friday, June 21 at The Westin Dallas Southlake, the annual awards banquet celebrated the biggest rock stars in the local business community. The classic rock band Ashmore headlined the ceremony, and awards were given out for Civil Servant, Chairman, Chamber Ambassadors, Volunteer, Corporate Business, Small Business and Citizen Of The Year. Plus attendees got the chance to win fun prizes through the live raffle and even got to participate in a wine and whiskey pull.

VO VETS OPENS IN TROPHY CLUB

A new state-of-the-art animal hospital landed in Trophy Club. Founded by medical director Dr. Russell Miller, VO Vets focuses on providing convenient and low-stress care for pets. With services including wellness care, dentistry, surgery and urgent care, VO Vets is open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. all week at 2240 TX-114, Suite 600. “Dallas ranks in the top three of major U.S. cities for dog ownership and half of all DFW-area homes have a pet, so it’s no surprise there’s a need for more animal hospitals and vet clinics,” Dr. Miller says. “We’re committed to high-quality and convenient care and are honored to serve the Trophy Club community.”

2020 COMPANIES NAMED IN GLASSDOOR’S BEST

One of Southlake’s most dynamic marketing agencies received top marks in Glassdoor’s recent Best Places To Work listing. Recognizing the top-rated companies on the site, Glassdoors’ Best Places To Work in 2024 collects feedback from anonymous employees to see which businesses have the more desirable working environments and conditions. With a 4.5 rating, 2020 Companies ranked ninth out of the list of 100 businesses. “Our incredible team is the heart and soul of 2020 Companies,” CEO Ross Wissner says. “In 2024, we remain dedicated to a workplace where everyone feels valued, encouraged and

Southlake Town Square 1236 Prospect St Southlake, TX 76092 (817) 410-1011

The Pavilion 5600 W Lovers Lane Dallas, TX 75209 (469) 399-1456

TERRA LOUNGE OPENS IN TERRACES AT SOLANA

A new gourmet restaurant and bar opened in The Terraces At Solana last month. An Italian-style restaurant and bar, Terra Lounge offers pizza, appetizers, beer, wine and cocktails in a casual and relaxing 2,400-square-foot environment at 1500 Solana Blvd., Bldg. 7 in Westlake. Capable of accommodating up to 100 people at a time, Terra Lounge bakes both personal and 14-inch pizzas, with flavors including everything from chicken Alfredo and buffalo chicken to Margherita and Hawaiian. “We’d like to see Terra Lounge become the ‘cheers’ of the neighborhood, where people can gather as a community, play a game of bocce, hear some music and just relax and connect with co-workers, friends and neighbors,” Terraces general manager Kristi Layton says.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF BEAUTY Nescens Brings Swiss Beauty Experience To Southlake LIGHTS! CAMERA!! ACTION!!! A Hollywood Growth Story

Many legal conversations happen behind the scenes of your favorite movies and TV shows. Between securing the financing and distribution to negotiating and drafting the agreements for the writers, actors, directors and producers to troubleshooting the myriad of unforeseen issues that occur during any production, there are many moving pieces to keep track of. Sacker Entertainment Law’s attorneys take pride in executing at the highest level for their clients that span the industry.

Founded by a former senior executive and attorney, Neil Sacker, Sacker Entertainment Law (SEL) provides legal services for mini-studios, financiers, distributors, production companies and talent across film, TV, digital and podcasting. SEL even represents a new entertainment studio in space.

Neil’s journey began at the Warner Bros. Studios lot in 1991, where he was responsible for drafting critical agreements for WB’s biggest film franchises and stars. When he made the move to Miramax as its head of legal affairs in 1995, Neil worked on over

“Our attorneys share extraordinary work ethics and a dedication to excellence.” — Neil S.

70 films for the studio, including “Scream,” “Good Will Hunting,” the “Lord of the Rings” franchise and the Academy Award-winning “The English Patient.” Following Miramax, Neil ran two of the most prolific independent production companies that financed and produced the Academy Award-winning “Crash” and many other great films.

In 2022, Neil created his own boutique law firm to execute a plan that no other firm was doing — first and foremost, provide the highest level legal services and, utilizing Neil’s business and creative experience, also actively assist each of SEL’s clients in the execution of their business plans.

Most entertainment law firms only hire attorneys with entertainment experience. Neil Sacker has a completely different philosophy. “I only hire attorneys that have little or no entertainment experience so that I can train them using the insights that I gained from many extraordinary mentors over my years in the industry. By combining a group of bright young attorneys with my longstanding industry relationships, SEL is able to deliver at the highest level for its clients.”

In the two-and-a-half years since its launch, Sacker Entertainment Law has grown from two attorneys to six. With its recent expansion into Dallas, many up-and-coming creatives and executives have a whole new world to tap into with Neil and his exceptional legal team.

“Having a great attorney and advisor is more necessary in the entertainment business than ever before.”

Tiyona Griggs Associate Attorney

Emma Wilson Associate Attorney

“I enjoy our team meetings where we discuss and learn about so many different aspects of the entertainment industry.”

“Working with film and TV creatives who are passionate about their work makes working at SEL meaningful and exciting!”

Nadia Loney Associate Attorney

“I have the unique ability to work on a wide array of interesting matters across the entertainment industry.”

“Neil devotes a great amount of time to providing invaluable insight into the world of entertainment law.”

Carmen Cheng Associate Attorney

“I like collaborating and learning with my team members as we help our clients achieve their creative and business goals.”

Neil Sacker Founder

Theresa Pride Firm Coordinator

Ben Halperin Associate Attorney

BUILDING THE MALAI KITCHEN

THE WAGES FIND THE RECIPE FOR SUCCESS

WITH PHOTOS BY ADRIAN CORTES

Following your passion and doing it with loved ones is the recipe for success. Malai Kitchen co-founders and husband-and-wife team Braden and Yasmin Wages discovered that secret early in their careers.

After meeting at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration and working together while dating in Napa, the pair knew they wanted to build a life together in and out of the kitchen. Now, after more than 13 years owning and operating multiple locations of Malai Kitchen, executive chef Braden and proprietor Yasmin know exactly how much the other contributes to their continued success.

Igniting The Flame

Yasmin and Braden grew up in vastly different hospital ity environments. While Yasmin’s family was invested in the hotel industry, Braden’s family had roots in entertainment, with his grandfather opening an amusement park in up state New York in the ’50s.

“As children growing up, we got to play there, and then when we were old enough, we worked there,” Braden says. “The area that I enjoyed and worked in was food service. So I got really good at making crumble cakes and pizzas and hot dogs, all the amusement park foods. I really loved it.”

Similarly, Yasmin was drawn to food from a young age thanks to many family vacations.

“My dad loves food. No matter where we were, he was more excited about the coffee and pastry he was going to have that morning than what museum we were going to go to,” Yasmin says. “That rubbed off on me.”

Yasmin and Braden were further exposed to the ins and outs of the restaurant business at Cornell University’s Nolan School of Hotel Administration, which is widely considered to be the No. 1 hospitality school in the country.

“Before I went to college, I had never really ever eaten at a fancy restaurant,” Braden says. “It was definitely more humble cooking. From day one, you take classes in restau rant and hotel management, and the one area I loved right out of the gate was the restaurant side. My passion only grew from there.”

Following graduation, the couple were both offered po sitions with the Hillstone Restaurant Group. After review ing different location opportunities, they requested to be placed in Napa, California.

“We all visited Napa the year before,” Braden says. “We thought we won the lottery by going to work in Napa Val ley. There was so much great food and wine. It was beauti ful — the best.”

Braden and Yasmin Wages embrace bold flavors and a lively atmosphere at Malai Kitchen in Southlake.

After working in various Californian restaurants, the cou ple ventured south as Braden continued working for the Hillstone Restaurant Group as the general manager of R+D Kitchen in Dallas. Yasmin grew up in Weatherford, so both saw opportunity lurking in the Lone Star State.

“It’s relatively expensive to do anything in California, and we wanted to be closer to family,” Braden explains. “We wanted to be in a place where we could start putting the pieces together of a restaurant of our own.”

Building The Empire

While brainstorming concepts, the Wages were drawn toward Southeast Asian flavors. After exploring the DFW dining scene, the two saw a gap in the market.

“From traveling in Thailand and Vietnam, eating in California and cooking at home, there was kind of a dif ference between home-cooked Thai food you would eat in Thailand versus what you would get in a Thai restaurant,” Braden says. “We loved the cuisine, and we wanted to do something that was different from what other people were doing.”

The two came up with the Malai Kitchen concept in ear ly 2010 and opened their doors in Uptown Dallas in January 2011. The initial location featured a concise menu, spotlight ing Thai and Vietnamese favorites made with fresh, clean ingredients. Rather than relying on pre-made pastes and packaged goods, the food program featured craft cooking, which helped them put a distinct stamp on the local dining scene.

With time, Malai Kitchen’s food program continued to grow thanks to the pair’s eye for purposeful evolution. To this day, Braden and Yasmin embrace growth and draw inspiration from trips back to the region. The two typically go to Southeast Asia every year, usually with their children in tow.

“For the most part, we have grown from our travels. We travel so we can realign our palates and see what’s trending in Southeast Asia,” Yasmin says. “We learn new things every time we go.”

With each visit to Southeast Asia, the Wages find inspiration for a new offering or a different way to look at an existing menu item. After five years of building out the concept, they were ready to expand their restaurant footprint.

“Our menu evolved, and we grew into ourselves,” Braden says. “It took us five years to feel comfortable expanding.”

The pair wanted to tap into a new market with a second spot, but they wanted it to be close enough to still manage the original storefront. Upon finding Park Village in Southlake in 2016, the daring couple knew it was the right fit for their next culinary adventure. Malai Kitchen quickly became an anchor for the entertainment district and has remained one of the longest tenants of Park Village.

“We were drawn to Southlake because it had that strong community feel,” Braden says. “It’s got good foot traffic, a liveliness and people who love quality food.”

It’s not just the plates that have expanded over time — Braden also brought back tools integral to Southeast Asian cuisine to recreate flavors for local diners. Whether it was finding a coconut rotary grater and press to yield fresh coconut milk or a sugar cane juicer to create made-to-order juice, Braden knew those fresh flavors would captivate diners’ taste buds.

The menu includes craveable curries, wok-fried rice dishes and scrumptious noodle entrees, as well as elevated sig-

nature plates like a whole branzino, Vietnamese barbecue pork ribs and peanut-encrusted ruby trout.

“That’s the kind of food we want to be able to share,” Braden says.

The Wages also wanted to bring Bia Hoi, a light rice lager, back to the states after experiencing it in Hanoi, Vietnam, in 2012.

“Every afternoon around 3 p.m., all these stores pop out and put out all these tables and chairs down the street. All the neighbors come down and sit and have snacks and beer,” Yasmin explains. “It was such a quintessential community experience. It was something we had to find a way to recreate. The beer is delightful. It’s light, and it goes really well with food. We thought, ‘It's hot in Dallas, and people would love this.’”

After doing a bit of research, Yasmin says they couldn’t find anyone who made this kind of beer in the U.S., so they embraced internal resources. One of Malai Kitchen’s servers was a home brewer, so he worked with Braden to craft their own version of Bia Hoi.

“He and Braden got together, and a lot of bad batches later, we found a decent batch,” Yasmin says.

From there, the house-brewed beer evolved similar to the restaurant once Braden and Yasmin found a footing.

“It was never really a conscious decision to have a fullblown brew pub,” Braden says. “It was baby steps. One beer turned into three beers and our small batches turned into slightly larger batches.”

Malai Kitchen’s current head brewer Justin Meyers knows why Bia Hoi suits the menu so well.

“It’s delicate and smooth while having a subtle complexity for something that is a light rice lager,” Justin explains.

After joining the Malai Kitchen family in 2020, Justin says he was in the right place at the right time and was ready to help flesh out the full beer program.

“I think my deep training and passion for traditional German lager brewing, combined with the rich flavors of the southeast Asian cultures the restaurant is based on, makes

Justin says.

Malai currently offers several craft brews that complement its cooking style. Quick yet controlled growth is not only seen through their bar program. Malai Kitchen opened its third location in Fort Worth’s The Shops at Clearfork in 2017, and while other restaurants were stabilizing after the pandemic, the Wages were opening the doors to their fourth location in Dallas’ Preston Center in November 2021. Through it all, Braden and Yasmin credit each other for continued success.

“We have opposite strengths and weaknesses that are complementary,” Braden says. “I wouldn’t want to open a business on my own, but her leadership, her ability to talk to guests and her attention to detail gives me confidence to do what I enjoy doing… Also, we are madly in love. It’s more fun that way.”

Fostering A Family

From the beginning, the Wages continued to lean on not only each other, but also their growing team to cultivate Malai Kitchen. That drive to create an exciting culinary environment helped Braden and Yasmin nurture talent from within.

“We believe in promoting from within,” Yasmin says. “All of our GMs were servers or bartenders with us. All bartenders start out as servers. I think 100% of our management team are in their positions because they were promoted from servers. Same with the kitchen, all the restaurants are run by managers who were prep cooks or line cooks before, so they know all the recipes. They understand our passion for fresh ingredients and can really get behind it and make their team get behind it.”

That commitment to employee growth ensures the staff, 185 people strong, exudes a collective vision.

“Our team understands the culture. They understand

our service style. They have a full knowledge of what Malai is, what we want Malai to be and where we are headed,” Yasmin says. “When you do it that way, you have a culture that stays consistent.”

The Wages are invested in retention, so much so that they created a travel program for full-time employees. After spending three years with Malai Kitchen, it is company policy to purchase employees a round-trip ticket to Southeast Asia and provide them with a stipend to experience the culture themselves. By the end of this year, more than 20 employees will have benefitted from this program.

“We’ll give you tips and help you plan your trip if you want it, but otherwise, you’re free to go and do what you please,” Yasmin says.

General managers, on the other hand, not only go to Southeast Asia, but they travel with Braden and Yasmin to experience the culinary terrain from their perspective. The pair curates each trip so GMs have unique takeaways.

“It’s fun to hear them come back and hear their excitement and get so much more passionate about the food and have a better knowledge of why we think the way we do,” Yasmin says.

Southlake general manager Mike Arcilla started at Malai Kitchen as a server in 2017, and he came into this role in March after acting as the Fort Worth GM since 2021. For his trip, the three traveled to Thailand, Bangkok and Chiang Rai.

“My favorite experience was just walking around the different cities, soaking in the culture and exploring the local markets,” Mike says.

Former Southlake general manager and current Preston Center general manager Taylor Hamilton, on the other hand, ventured to Bangkok, Thailand and Vietnam.

“My favorite experience was the tons and tons of incredible food I couldn’t stay away from,” Taylor says. “That along with the whole new outlook on life I took away from experiencing the gracious, gentle people I met there.”

She says she's grateful to work for a company committed to nurturing talent.

“Rewarding excellence with deserved opportunities and growth is the recipe for a motivating workplace,” Taylor says.

But it’s not just the lucky employees who have experienced the program that benefit from this commitment.

“Braden and Yasmin know each employee’s name — front and back — every location,” Taylor continues. “They invest in the team’s well-being, ensuring they don’t overextend themselves, and they feel supported. Their presence isn’t just felt in the restaurant from day to day — it extends into the community and family they’ve built with their team.”

Malai Kitchen’s success proves working together produces more than one can do alone.

“Braden and Yasmin are thoughtful and kindhearted people,” Mike says. “Braden is great with finding the small details and having an open mind. He is also just constantly energetic, which he brings to the restaurant. Yasmin is great with always looking for ways she can help, as well as [showing] a different way to approach an obstacle. She also has a great sense of humor. I’m fortunate to have these kinds of leaders in my career.”

That energy radiates off the staff and translates over to both regular and new customers. It’s easy to feel both at home and swept into a new dining experience with each visit.

shop in STYLE

SHOP

kitchen critters

EGGUINS

This arctic-themed egg holder is always a good icebreaker.

Walmart | $12

PICKITTY

This toothpick-grinning cat is always welcomed on the kitchen counter.

Amazon | $15

PELICUP

This pelican tea bag holder always fits the bill.

Peleg Design | $15

SOUPER TAIL

Willy’s got nothing against this aquatic ladle.

Peleg Design | $15

YOLKPIG

And this little piggy made egg separation fun and easy.

Walmart | $8

Keep The Good Times Flowing

Mix Less And Mingle More With The Bali

Frozen Concoction Maker

After 27 studio albums, bestselling books, thriving resorts and even cruises, the Margaritaville brand lives on, and the late, great Jimmy Buffet wouldn’t have it any other way.

For those who want to make sure the tropical island fun never stops, they’ll want to get their hands on the Bali Frozen Concoction Maker. Sure, a commercial blender serving freshly made frozen drinks would be great, but for pool partiers with a more intimate guest list, this one’s for you.

Like its Margaritaville predecessors, the Bali is topped by a generous reservoir that efficiently shaves and blends ice perfectly into any one of its four pre-programmed drink settings. Whether you're in the mood for a tart margarita, a sweet daiquiri, a creamy colada or a refreshing smoothie, this machine ensures a steady flow. The convenience goes further with settings allowing users to choose between half-chamber or full-chamber 60-ounce batch sizes, catering to both small and large gatherings with ease.

What makes this particular blender stand out from even its own manufacturer's lineup of highquality home spinners is the Bali’s remix channel. A simple touch of the handle drives the channel into action, reblending as it pours a consistently smooth serving every time. The simplicity of operation should also keep messes to a minimum, ensuring you can actually enjoy the party without being stuck at the mixing station.

Cheers to less mess, more fun and professionally-crafted frozen drinks at your fingertips!

DETAILS

Margaritaville Bali Frozen

Concoction Maker

Capacity: 60 oz.

Dimensions:

12.7” D x 18.7” W x 22” H

Weight: 21.9 Ibs.

Price: $439

MargaritavilleCargo.com

chefs & caterers

tasteful praise

The industry-recognized leaders featured on the following pages know how to provide delicious flavors and quality service. Relax and enjoy a sampling of the area’s bountiful options.

Acquario Italian Seafood, Chef Ferdinand “Fredi” Plaku

Raised in the enchanting city of Venice, Ferdinand “Fredi” Plaku’s humble beginnings as a kitchen line cook helped fund his way through culinary school. His passion and natural talent propelled him through the kitchens of Sicily until he eventually opened his first restaurant in Venice called Acquario.

Raised in the enchanting city of Venice, Ferdinand “Fredi” Plaku’s humble beginnings as a kitchen line cook helped fund his way through culinary school. His passion and natural talent propelled him through the kitchens of Sicily until he eventually opened his first restaurant in Venice called Acquario.

Seeking new horizons, chef Fredi brought his expertise to the United States, where he became an integral

Seeking new horizons, chef Fredi brought his expertise to the United States, where

part of Connecticut and New York’s vibrant culinary scene. Now as the executive chef and co-owner of Acquario in Keller alongside his partner Nino Rata, chef Fredi continues to captivate diners with his inventive cuisine. Marrying the authenticity of Italian flavors with the vibrancy of Texan hospitality, chef Fredi offers a symphony of flavors that reflects his commitment to culinary excellence.

he became an integral part of Connecticut and New York’s vibrant culinary scenes. Now as the executive chef and co-owner of Acquario in Keller alongside his partner Nino Rata, chef Fredi continues to captivate diners with his inventive cuisine. Marrying the authenticity of Italian flavors with the vibrancy of Texan hospitality, chef Fredi offers a symphony of flavors that reflects his commitment to culinary excellence.

Born in Puglia in southern Italy, chef Victor Di Buglione’s culinary journey began at the age of 12, where he discovered his passion for traditional Italian cuisine. Immersed in the rich culinary traditions of his homeland, chef Victor honed his skills in crafting fresh pasta and classic sauces. He further refined his techniques and developed a deep appreciation for the intricacies of gourmet cooking at a prestigious culinary school, which allowed him the opportuni-

ties to work in several Michelin-starred restaurants.

Perfecting his craft while working alongside world-renowned chefs, every kitchen he cooked in elevated his culinary skills, creativity and precision, shaping him into the chef he is today. Now, chef Victor brings a wealth of experience and passion to every dish he creates at Stellini Trattoria in Grapevine, never failing to deliver an unforgettable dining experience every time.

Stellini Trattoria, Chef Victor Di Buglione

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Jose Beltran is one of the top experts in banquets and catering in the DFW area. Since opening the Westin Dallas Southlake hotel in 2021, Jose has led the highest-rated food and beverage program among all Westin hotels in North America. His highly trained and professional team excels in providing a VIP experience to all guests, including top state politicians and celebrities.

With over 25 years in the hospitality industry, Jose Beltran is one of the top experts in banquets and catering in the DFW area. Since opening the Westin Dallas Southlake hotel in 2021, Jose has led the highest-rated food and beverage program among all Westin hotels in North America. His highly trained and professional team excels in providing a VIP experience to all guests, including top state politicians and celebrities.

From elegant weddings to large conventions of up to 2,000 people, Jose is a master of catering for all types of events and parties. Whether it’s a custom food display, a surprise champagne wall or a specialty cocktail at the bar, Jose’s secret to success is the personal touch he adds to every event. If you’re looking for the best banquet and catering experience in DFW, look no further than Jose Beltran and his team at the Westin Dallas Southlake.

From elegant weddings to large conventions of up to 2,000 people, Jose is a master of catering for all types of events and parties. Whether it’s a custom food display, a surprise champagne wall or a specialty cocktail at the bar, Jose’s secret to success is the personal touch he adds to every event. If you’re looking for the best banquet and catering experience in DFW, look no further than Jose Beltran and his team at the Westin Dallas Southlake.

Westin Dallas Southlake, Director of Banquet Operations Jose Beltran

Muchacho, Chef Omar Flores

Chef Omar Flores brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for his culinary heritage to the table. Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Flores has honed his skills in some of the finest kitchens across the country, working with both renowned chefs and celebrated restaurants. Now he’s carved a niche for himself with his innovative approach to Tex-Mex cuisine through his own concept in Southlake, Muchacho.

Chef Omar Flores brings a wealth of experience and a deep appreciation for his culinary heritage to the table. Trained at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in Hyde Park, New York, Flores has honed his skills in some of the finest kitchens across the country, working with both renowned chefs and celebrated restaurants. Now he’s carved a niche for himself with his innovative approach to Tex-Mex cuisine through his own concept in Southlake, Muchacho.

Combining traditional Tex-Mex flavors with contemporary techniques, Muchacho’s offerings are as innovative as they are exciting. Chef Flores is committed to using only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that shine through every bite. Whether diners savor the Chile Relleno, the Mojo-grilled Great Lakes Whitefish or the Carne Asada, chef Flores’ menu reflects a deep respect for classic Tex-Mex cuisine that goes well beyond the plate.

Combining traditional Tex-Mex flavors with contemporary techniques, Muchacho’s offerings are as innovative as they are exciting. Chef Flores is committed to using only high-quality, locally sourced ingredients that shine through every bite. Whether diners savor the Chile Relleno, the Mojo-grilled Great Lakes Whitefish or the Carne Asada, chef Flores’ menu reflects a deep respect for classic Tex-Mex cuisine that goes well beyond the plate.

Gastronomy is in Raj Thomas' blood. Growing up, blending spices and flavors became a regular pastime for Raj since one side of his family is Italian while the other side is Indian. After he was classically trained in French cooking at the Florida Culinary Institute, Raj went to work under acclaimed chefs such as Gary Hoof, Victor Scotto and Bobby Flay. Today, Raj continues exercising his kitchen

Gastronomy is in Raj Thomas' blood. Growing up, blending spices and flavors became a regular pastime for Raj since one side of his family is Italian while the other side is Indian. After he was classically trained in French cooking at the Florida Culinary Institute, Raj went to work under acclaimed chefs such as Gary Hoof, Victor Scotto and Bobby Flay. Today, Raj continues exercising his kitchen skills as the executive chef for the Hilton Southlake’s

skills as the executive chef for the Hilton Southlake’s own restaurant, The Henley Kitchen & Bar.  Raj’s passion for cooking comes with a deep love of global cuisine and bringing it to your tableside. Patrons will love chef Raj’s approach to regionally sourced, locallyinspired Texas cuisine alongside live music every Thursday. From the hefty Henley Burger to the butcher-cut steaks, Raj’s bold flavors can be experienced in every bite.

The Henley Kitchen & Bar. Raj’s passion for cooking comes with a deep love of global cuisine and bringing it to your tableside. Patrons will love chef Raj’s approach to regionally sourced, locally-inspired Texas cuisine alongside live music every Thursday. From the hefty Henley Burger to the butcher-cut steaks, Raj’s bold flavors can be experienced in every bite.

“What’s next?” That’s always the question at Ying Aikens’ casually elegant DiRoNA-awarded restaurant in Colleyville. Starting with the freshest seasonal ingredients, most of which are locally sourced from small businesses and specialty vendors, Ying adds her special touch of inspiration to every item on her menu.

“What’s next?” That’s always the question at Ying Aikens’ casually elegant DiRoNA-awarded restaurant in Colleyville. Starting with the freshest seasonal ingredients, most of which are locally sourced from small businesses and specialty vendors, Ying adds her special touch of inspiration to every item on her menu.

Since opening in October 2011, Next Bistro has continued to evolve and introduce new dishes to its menu while

Since opening in October 2011, Next Bistro has continued to evolve and introduce new dishes to its menu while maintaining

its original commitment to offering delicious dishes to meet guest's wide range of tastes and budgets. Complementing the food is a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wine cellar and a diverse spirits selection to satisfy the most discerning palate. Wine and “spirited” events are ongoing throughout the year to showcase new vintages, wineries and potential dishes to Next Bistro’s extraordinary offerings.

maintaining its original commitment to offering delicious dishes to meet guest's wide range of tastes and budgets. Complementing the food is a Wine Spectator Best of Award of Excellence wine cellar and a diverse spirits selection to satisfy the most discerning palate. Wine and “spirited” events are ongoing throughout the year to showcase new vintages, wineries and potential dishes to Next Bistro’s extraordinary offerings.

Next Bistro, Executive Chef Ying Aikens

LS Catering, Chef Julio Castillo

Cooking runs in Julio Castillo’s family. Ever since he was a child, Julio cooked alongside his mother and father, gaining the knowledge and experience he needed to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Since then, his cooking exploits have taken him everywhere, from being part of the kitchen staff at Lonesome Spur to opening his own restaurant at Bello’s to leading the catering team for Hyatt Hotels. Now, Julio brings over a decade of culinary expertise

Cooking runs in Julio Castillo’s family. Ever since he was a child, Julio cooked alongside his mother and father, gaining the knowledge and experience he needed to work in a fast-paced kitchen environment. Since then, his cooking exploits have taken him everywhere, from being part of the kitchen staff at Lonesome Spur to opening his own restaurant at Bello’s to leading the catering team for Hyatt Hotels. Now, Julio brings over a decade of culinary expertise to the vibrant flavors behind LS Catering.

to the vibrant flavors behind LS Catering.

As the head chef, Julio has carefully crafted every dish behind LS Catering’s diverse menu. With a variety of breakfast, barbecue, Italian, seafood and Tex-Mex entrees, Julio takes pride in sourcing only the best ingredients to offer a unique handcrafted dining experience that’s specially tailored to the client’s taste buds. Whether he’s cooking for meetings, events or special occasions, Julio only offers the best cuisine behind the kitchen for LS Catering.

As the head chef, Julio has carefully crafted every dish behind LS Catering’s diverse menu. With a variety of breakfast, barbecue, Italian, seafood and Tex-Mex entrees, Julio takes pride in sourcing only the best ingredients to offer a unique handcrafted dining experience that’s specially tailored to the client’s taste buds. Whether he’s cooking for meetings, events or special occasions, Julio only offers the best cuisine behind the kitchen for LS Catering.

Colleyville Courtyard home STYLE

If you’re in search of a brand-new property that combines luxury, comfort and modern features, then look no further than 110 Laila Court in Colleyville. This $2.2 million, 4,622-square-foot house built last year has all of the custom touches that make it stand out. This four-bedroom home is impeccably designed and ready, from the vaulted ceilings and light fixtures to the gorgeous hardwood surfaces.

CHEF’S HAVEN

The gourmet kitchen is a dream come true for any culinary enthusiast. Serving as the centerpiece is the expansive kitchen island, which is accented by a marble tabletop, a hidden pantry and a microwave for extra convenience. The industrial stovetop with double ovens and a built-in fridge seamlessly integrates into the Hunter cabinetry, providing a sleek and cohesive look that extends into the expanded dining area. With brushed gold hardware throughout, the space feels like home but has more than enough appeal to make visitors envious.

CATCH UP IN THE COURTYARD

When you’re ready to move the party outside, the quaint backyard patio serves as the perfect meetup spot. Just slide open the grand black framed Pella doors and step outside onto the covered porch, which offers ample space and shade with the breezy bonus of a powerful ceiling fan. If you’re the proud owner of a collector’s vehicle, you can bring your guests to the adjacent singlecar garage and show off your prized beauty. And if you’re bringing your competitive edge, the spacious backyard is fit for a game of catch or flag football.

LOUNGE LIFE

If you’re looking for some alone time, then it’s time to slip away into the upstairs private lounge. Retrofitted with its own full bath and walk-in closet, this cozy dwelling can practically serve as a fifth bedroom for any one of your guests. Whether you read a book, play a board game or sneak in a quick nap, this space is made for a comfortable and relaxing lifestyle.

Unique markets — and the agent who gets them.

More Southlake homes have sold so far in 2024 than at this time last year, and they sold in less time and with steady prices. I predict a strong summer with a decline in the fall on the heels of the election. This may be the rst year the market is cycling with pre-COVID trends.

Market Spotlight

YEAR TO DATE APRIL 2024 vs. 2023

SOUTHLAKE

HOMES SOLD 107

AVG SALES PRICE

$1,577,590

DAYS ON MARKET 45 days (average)

WESTLAKE

HOMES SOLD 4

AVG SALES PRICE

$3,854,132

DAYS ON MARKET 19 days (average)

BEAUTY & BELLINIS

shopping bazaar

BEAUTY & BELLINIS RAISES OVER $2,000

Our inaugural Beauty & Bellinis Shopping Bazaar was the place to be last month at the Westin Dallas Southlake! The sip-and-shop-for-a-cause event set the bar high with a variety of pop-up shop retailers, a welcome bellini, hors d’oeuvres and over $7,000 worth of raffle items, ranging from high-end tote bags to luxurious aesthetic treatments. Thank you to the event’s sponsors and attendees who helped us successfully raise over $2,000 for the Tarrant

2024 SPONSORS 2024

POP-UP SHOP RETAILERS

Allure Intimate Apparel

Avondale Porsche Grapevine

Beem Light Sauna

Corinthian Wellness & Med Spa

Fount Leather

Greer Dermatology

Nikko Blu Boutique

Rose & Rivets

Scout & Molly’s Boutique

Southlake Dermatology

Southlake Town Square

Simitri

Taylor G. Boutique

The Dragon Den

POSH POWDER ROOM SPONSOR

WELCOME BELLINI SPONSOR

Southlake Private Chef Publishes First Cookbook

Moms hold many titles when it comes to running a household, but Aly Romero has a few extra when she’s running the kitchen. As a private chef, food influencer, brand ambassador, media personality and newly published author, Aly has been featured on several of the same TV programs that inspired her to first get into cooking, including “Good Morning America,” the Food Network and “The Chew.” Now as her debut cookbook, “Gas Fire Heat,” hits shelves in bookstores and retailers nationwide, Aly demonstrates anyone can cook, especially when passion is their key ingredient.

FOOD WAS A VERY BIG PART OF… life with my dad. He was the ultimate foodie. Whenever he would come to visit, he would always ask ‘What’s for dinner?’, even when it was 8 in the morning. We based the day around it, researching recipes, gathering ingredients, cooking, chatting, pouring a glass of wine and sharing stories as we enjoyed our meal. It was a great family experience we shared with each other.

I WANTED TO… honor his memory and love for food, so I decided to go to culinary school and learn the things I couldn’t teach myself. One of our classes had us working on a kitchen line on campus to simulate a real-life restaurant experience. That was something I specifically learned that I couldn’t get from watching the Food Network or my dad.

I STARTED MY FOOD BLOG AROUND… the same time I started culinary school [in 2016]. A lot of people can be very protective of their recipes and won’t want to share them, and I’m the opposite. If I learned something cool, I want to share it with other people so they can experience it as well. It started with me sharing recipes I was working on, then it became things I created in my kitchen. That’s how things started rolling for me in my private chef career.

I GOT A CALL FROM… a producer for ‘The Chew’ in 2018 to appear in their ‘You On The Chew’ recipe showdown. It was me versus another contestant, and we had a group of panelists judging our entrees to see whose was better. That was the first time I was on TV, and my carnitas street tacos ended up winning!

MY OTHER TV APPEARANCES INCLUDE… cooking with my husband on a segment of ‘Good Morning America’ and competing on the Food Network’s ‘The Great Food Truck Race’ as a member of the Meatball Mamas in Alaska. I just love talking about food and cooking live on TV. It was a ton of fun, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

MY BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DATE IS… finishing my first cookbook! It’s a barbecue, grilling and smoking cookbook called ‘Gas Fire Heat,’ and it includes a ton of recipes and helpful hints for cooking outdoors. I worked on it for two years, writing all of the recipes, testing them out multiple times and measuring everything down to the salt and pepper. I even did my own photography. It was a labor of love that I’m very proud of and could definitely see doing again.

MY BOYS WOULD ALWAYS SAY… stuff like ‘Mom, that’s gas,’ or ‘that’s fire.’ When I began working on my book, my youngest son said I should call it ‘Gas Fire Heat.’ That’s how I got the name.

I GET MESSAGES DAILY FROM… people saying they’ve preordered the book and they can’t wait for it to be delivered. It’s an amazing feeling of support from the online community, and it’s been years in the making.

THE BEST THING ABOUT COOKING IS… that it brings everybody together. Eight years ago, I was just sharing recipes I love with people online. This cookbook is just another way to share the food I love with the world.

FIVE MINUTES with ...

ALY ROMERO

Making Moments Together Extraordinary

Soak up the fun at Paradise Springs Water Park! Prepare for heart-pounding slides, refreshing pools, a lazy river, private cabanas, and an extraordinary day you’ll never forget.

local FLAVOR

DINNER AND A SHOW

Teatro brings lounge vibes to Grapevine

Red curtains, ambient lighting and upscale 1940s vibes. Live music serenading you with the soulful sounds of jazz and R&B. An elegant and exciting menu carefully crafted by a renowned celebrity chef. This isn’t a five-star restaurant you might expect to find in New York or Las Vegas — this is the brand new Teatro Bistro & Cocktail Lounge in downtown Grapevine.

Located on Grapevine’s Main Street in the former Tap-In Bar and Grill, Teatro Bistro & Cocktail Lounge is a new fine dining restaurant emphasizing Italian cuisine with an American twist. Prior to opening Teatro, operating partner Marlon

Tapanes worked behind the scenes at several restaurants and clubs in Las Vegas, San Antonio and Miami, including a brief stint at the Gaylord Texan in 2011.

With the name translating to “theater” in Italian, Marlon says Teatro is his way of bringing those high-end luxurious club experiences to Grapevine.

“Those very cozy spaces with an intimate feel — the cherrywood, the black and white decor, the incredible hospitality — that’s the kind of scene you’d find in Las Vegas,” Marlon says. “I wanted to bring something to Grapevine that has flair and embraces the culture. Teatro came at the perfect time.”

Newcomers can experience those club aesthet-

ics immediately upon entering the restaurant with moody lighting, mini-chandeliers and red leather seating. Jazz and acoustic musicians can usually be seen performing on the small stage near the front of the restaurant, and black-and-white photos throughout pay homage to the movie and music stars of the 1940s. When guests are feeling thirsty, they can mosey on over to the central bar for an exquisite cocktail like the Hemingway made with Flor de Cana rum or the Vesper made with Lillet and Haku vodka.

But the appeal doesn’t stop at Teatro’s sophisticated beverages. Utilizing his connections within the hospitality industry, Marlon recruited awardwinning celebrity chef Carla Pellegrino to design Teatro’s menu. Graduating with honors from the French Culinary Institute in New York City, chef Carla previously appeared on Bravo’s “Top Shelf” and even beat Bobby Flay on his own cooking show.

“Aside from being an amazing chef, her finesse and care for her food is beyond anything I’ve ever seen,” Marlon says. “She has a great respect for food, and every dish she puts out has a lot of herself in it.”

The ciabatta bread basket will no doubt be a fan favorite for everyone at the table, especially with its sweet and savory mascarpone black truffle dip and hot cherry pepper olive oil. Those looking for more exciting introductions to their meal can try the candied pork belly braised in a spicy marinade, as well as their signature charred Spanish octopus served with Brava-roasted potatoes and a fava bean puree.

When it’s time to move on to the main course, diners have over a dozen delectable plates to choose from. The cioppino will satisfy any seafood fan with a wide-ranging mix of shrimp, sea scallops, calamari, manila clams and mussels, while the crispy pan-seared salmon provides an extra kick with its spicy Moroccan Harissa sauce. The chef’s chicken parmesan is coated in Panko bread crumbs and panfried before being topped with a generous helping of parmesan, mozzarella and marinara sauce. And for those looking to indulge themselves, the 8-ounce filet au poivre has a big and bold flavor matched only by its mignonette and cognac sauce.

The Italian influence continues onto the dessert menu, which features everything from New York-style cheesecake to tiramisu to creme brulee. Whether you savor its assortment of fruit sorbets or take a slice out of the chocolate lava cake, no bite disappoints at Teatro Bistro & Cocktail Lounge.

“It isn’t just the food, the beverages or the music — it’s everything coming together as a show,” Marlon says. “That means a smile. That means hospitality. That means providing an experience unlike anything else. That’s the whole idea behind Teatro.”

New Flame In Town Firebirds Ignites Taste Buds

In Grapevine

Pairing scratch cooking with smoky flavors, Firebirds made its mark on the local foodie scene after opening in Grapevine in February. Now, it continues to attract guests thanks to its elevated menu and stacked bar program.

The smell of dishes sizzling over an open flame hits guests as soon as they pass the host’s stand. After browsing the leather-bound menu and selecting a tempting appetizer – like the lobster spinach queso or seared ahi tuna – diners will start to see they’re in for a flavorful dining experience.

With plenty of wood-grilled protein options like the 21-day-aged sirloin butchered in-house or ex pertly charred wood-grilled salmon, there’s plenty of smoky favorites to go around.

“Firebirds takes pride in its scratch kitchen, offer ing bold flavors and hand-cut, aged steaks and fresh seafood,” senior director of communications Eleni Kouvatsos says.

While there are more delicate dishes available like the Chilean sea bass served with key lime butter sauce, bolder dishes are difficult to pass up. The Tom ahawk pork chop, served with hot honey and pico, combines hearty and fresh flavors, and the slowroasted prime rib acts as the ideal comfort dish for those looking for a generous plate.

After opening the first Firebirds location in the Me troplex about two years ago, Eleni says the team was excited to continue growing its footprint within the area — and Grapevine fit the bill for the franchise’s next destination.

“Grapevine’s like a small town oasis within a huge metropolis. It offers everything from a tight-knit hometown feel to a tourism destination,” Eleni says. “We’re so excited to be part of the neighborhood here.”

This Firebirds location offers distinct perks specific to Grapevine — like the FIREBAR expanded bar program, which features 45 new spirits, 16 new bourbons, six new ryes, five new international whiskeys and three American whiskeys. Firebirds also offers happy hour, brunch and has a private dining room ready to host memorable events. Because food tastes better when served in a relaxing environment and surrounded by good people.

“The only thing better than the atmosphere and the food is the people, and I’m proud that we have the best people this industry has to offer,” Eleni says.

Firebirds

450 W. State Hwy. 114 Grapevine

682.688.7733

FirebirdsRestaurants.com

Sno’d In For The Summer

Tin Roof Treats Carves Out Icy Concoctions

As Texas heats up for the summer, nothing keeps your mouth cool quite like the icy, refreshing taste of a sno cone. From the sweet sensations to the flaky textures, sno cones are a family summertime tradi tion Tin Roof Treats is proud to continue locally.

Family-owned and operated, the sno cone stand behind Yates Corner Grocery formerly operated as Tropical Sno for 20 years before it was rebranded to Tin Roof Treats last year. Undergoing a make over with a fresh paint job, surfboard signage and yard games including cornhole and Connect 4, owner Rachel Brauer says they opened the shop to share a quintessential family-friendly experience in Southlake.

“We just wanted to be a part of something we enjoyed as a family for years and keep it alive for families around the area,” Rachel says.

As an independent Tropical Sno dealer, this sweet shop doesn’t just stick to classics like cherry and blue raspberry — they combine flavored syrups and other ingredients to yield more inventive options such as root beer float mixed with ice cream and wedding cake made with vanilla cream and coconut syrup. Children will flock to the colors of the rain bow with banana, cherry and blue Hawaiian flavors, and it’s always a Barbie world when you pour cotton candy, coconut and vanilla cream into one cup.

At this updated family favorite, the syrup is only one half of the recipe — the other half lies in the ice, which is hand-shaved and served in spill-stopper cups that can be conveniently taken anywhere. With an emphasis on exceptional customer service and icy scoops that melt to the touch, it’s no wonder this small stand can sell over 200-300 sno cones during a summer day.

“Our focus on quality is No. 1, but our focus on the community is No. 2,” Rachel says. “We know we have a superior product, and we’re happy to share it with everyone.”

Tin Roof Treats

2190 E. Dove Road

Southlake

682.699.8009

TropicalSno.com

VARGHESE SUMMERSETT HOSTS GRAND OPENING

Dozens of people gathered for a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Varghese Summersett's Southlake office to celebrate the law firm's expansion to its third location. Guests enjoyed mimosas and Blood Marys from Top Shelf Tending and unique hors d’oeuvres from Scratch Catering & Fine Foods as they toured the beautifully decorated space accented by Trophy Blooms. Varghese Summersett is a premiere family law, personal injury and criminal defense practice dedicated to helping people through life’s greatest challenges. Follow @VersusTexas to learn more about the firm and its award-winning attorneys. VersusTexas.com

arts and CULTURE

25 YEARS IN TOWN SQUARE Stars & Stripes crosses major milestone

Red, White And BOOM!

Southlake Celebrates 25 Years Of Stars & Stripes

Every year, Southlake’s annual Stars & Stripes festival brings over 35,000 people together with an incredible spectacle of community spirit and patriotic pride. Next month, the city will be celebrating 25 years of family, fun and fireworks in Southlake Town Square.

Kicking off at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 3, Stars & Stripes will start with a plethora of activities for the whole family to enjoy. From mini-golf to jumbo yard games to street performers, there’s something for everyone to enjoy around Rustin Pavilion. Live musicians will play throughout the afternoon, including powerful marches and anthems from our very own Southlake Community Band. And delicious concessions will be available from local vendors, serving everything from Kona Ice to Feedstore BBQ. Parlor Doughnuts will even award prizes for those who can conquer their doughnut-eating contest.

Children will also enjoy themselves at the Kids Corner, which will offer endless entertainment through balloon artists, inflatable games, bubble machines, arts and crafts and even a cake walk. But at 9:30 p.m., the grand finale arrives with the iconic fireworks show, which dazzles as the night sky erupts into a bright and vibrant display of patriotic colors. Between breathtaking fireworks, local musicians, festive food and limitless fun for the whole family, it’s no wonder why Stars & Stripes continues to unite the community through their shared love of the red, white and blue.

DETAILS

July 3

Southlake Town Square

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | Experience the revolution like never before with “Hamilton,” the groundbreaking saga of passion, ambition and the birth of a nation! This Pulitzer Prize-, Grammy Award-, Olivier Award- and 11-time Tony Award-winning production by Lin-Manuel Miranda follows Alexander Hamilton’s journey from founding father to secretary of the treasury, all set to a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, R&B and Broadway. From fan-favorite characters like Aaron Burr, the Schuyler sisters and King George to hit songs such as “Satisfied” and “You’ll Be Back,” you won’t want to throw away your shot to experience the magic of “Hamilton” all over again.

STARS & GUITARS

JUNE 21

COLLEYVILLE | Kick off your boots and celebrate the Fourth of July in style, because the ultimate fusion of patriotism and rock ’n’ roll returns with Colleyville’s annual Stars & Guitars festival! Besides its popular fireworks show and family-friendly activities, this year’s celebration also features a free performance from country music sensation Rhett Atkins. With 35 No. 1 singles that includes “That Ain’t My Truck” to “Honey Bee,” Rhett’s music will be the perfect soundtrack for an evening under the stars and fireworks.

FOREIGNER & STYX

JUNE 21

DOS EQUIS PAVILION | Rock legends collide with the Renegades and Juke Box Heroes tour this summer! As one of the bestselling bands of all time, Foreigner has sold over 80 million records around the world. But just as much as a hit is the rock band Styx, which will have fans seeing double vision with singles such as “Come Sail Away,” “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade.” Together with British rocker John Waite, these icons are as cold as ice and will bring down the house in a way that feels like the first time.

MAMBO MILES

JUNE 22

KLYDE WARREN PARK | Twenty years ago, one of the most delicious margaritas was invented by Mi Cocina — the Mambo Taxi. Now, this ideal summer drink will be your motivation for participating in the Mambo Miles 5K! The course is at Klyde Warren Park near the vibrant uptown Mi Cocina restaurant. After crossing the finish line, celebrate by sipping on the sweet drink while hanging out at the after-party with a tequila gar den, live music, food trucks and more. It's a fiesta you won't want to miss!

PIANO MAN - THE BILLY JOEL EXPERIENCE

JUNE 22

THE PALACE THEATRE | Dust off your guitars and get ready to sing, because the Palace Arts Center is bringing the Billy Joel Experience back to Grapevine! Featuring vocalist ex traordinary Tim Georgeff as the Piano Man himself, Billy Joel’s musical career come to life in this unforgettable evening filled with some of his greatest hits, from “Uptown Girl” to “It’s Still Rock And Roll To Me” to his recently released “Turn The Lights Back On.” Nothing is different, and we’ve all been here before, so don’t miss out on this incredible evening of music that you won’t soon forget.

Schedule your FREE virtual consultation for weight loss with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide injections and get $100 OFF YOUR FIRST MONTH!

HAIRSPRAY

JUNE 29

june 29

MUSIC HALL AT FAIR PARK | Shake and shimmy, because Broadway’s Tony Award-winning sensation “Hairspray” is hitting the road once again! Follow 16-year-old Tracy Turnblad in 1960s Baltimore as she dances her way onto TV's hottest show, determined to make a change. With big dreams and even bigger hair, can she prove that anyone can make a difference? Featuring unforgettable tunes like "Welcome to the '60s" and "You Can't Stop the Beat," this all-new touring production led by director Jack O'Brien and choreographer Jerry Mitchell promises to captivate a new

Get ready to light up the night sky in Kaboom Town! Every year, nearly 500,000 guests from across the country head to Addison Circle Park for an explosive fireworks display that will dazzle and amaze. Rated among one of the Top 5 Fireworks Shows in the nation by “USA Today,” you’re guaranteed prime viewing of this spectacular 25-minute show. Celebrate Independence Day in style with the biggest and brightest blast at Kaboom Town.

CLIENT TESTIMONIAL

“I have used the Justice Law Firm team on numerous occasions throughout the years & they have always been responsive, communicative, and results-driven with my proceedings. They will continue to be the Law Firm

Tracey Justice

AJR

JULY 10

july 10

DICKIES ARENA | Yes they’re a mess with an “S” on their chest, but we like AJR just like this! Since 2015, this indie pop trio made up of Adam, Jack and Ryan Met has ventured out of their living room to share their unique sounds and ideas with fans all around the world. Selling millions of albums and with multiple chart-topping singles including “I’m Ready,” “Way Less Sad” and “World’s Smallest Violin,” come and listen to AJR as they go out with a “Bang!”

JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH

JULY 15

NTPA SOUTHLAKE | Based on one of Roald Dahl’s most poignant and quirky stories, North Texas Performing Arts Southlake comes together for a new take on the children's author’s “masterpeach” of a tale. With a colorful cast of characters that include Mr. Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm and Mrs. Ladybug, Spider and Glowworm, this fun and charming odyssey will take James and the audience on a journey of enormous proportions. So what’re you waiting for? Come and take a bite out of this larger-than-life adventure.

july 16-21

JULY 16-21

BASS PERFORMANCE HALL | Here we go again! Join the cast of “Mamma Mia!” on a Greek island paradise where the sun always shines and love is in the air. As a mother and daughter prepare for a wedding, a hilarious and heartwarming adventure unfolds with three possible fathers and unforgettable ABBA hits! For nearly 25 years, audiences worldwide have been swept away by the infectious energy, timeless tunes and irresistible charm of “Mamma Mia!” Experience the joy and magic of this iconic musical — it’s a trip down the aisle you’ll never forget! Photo by Joan Marcus

MAMMA MIA!

SHREK: THE MUSICAL

JULY 18-20

AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | When you see his face, you’ll be a believer. Based on the Oscar-winning DreamWorks animated classic, this Tony Award-

JANET JACKSON

JULY 25

july 25

DICKIES ARENA | After selling out 36 shows last year, Janet Jackson is bringing her fans together again to celebrate her 50 years under the spotlight. As the youngest Jackson in the family, Janet has been a trailblazer in the music industry, releasing one hit record after another with the likes of “Rhythm Nation 1814,” “Control” and “The Velvet Rope.” With Grammy Award-winning hip-hop sensation Nelly opening for her, Janet’s powerful vocals and unique style of R&B will no doubt bring down the house. So come move and groove, because the Queen of Pop does it all for you.

MORGAN WALLEN

JULY 25

AT&T STADIUM | If you know Morgan Wallen, you know you ain’t gonna wanna leave when he comes to perform at AT&T Stadium next month. Taking “One Thing At A Time” with his latest record, Morgan Wallen brings fans together through a combination of twangy tunes and heartfelt lyrics including “You Proof,” “Thought You Should Know” and “Last Night,” which sat at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 weeks. Together with special guests Jelly Roll, Nate Smith and Bryan Martin, Morgan Wallen is sure to give fans everything that he loves. july 18-20

NEW ARRIVALS

The grand opening of Rose & Rivets Boutique in Colleyville dazzled with glitz, glam and giggles as we showcased our curated collection. Thank you to our neighbors at Stone House for hosting our after-party and fostering a sense of community. Follow us on Facebook @RoseAndRivets for live shopping reveals every Wednesday and join our happy hours every Thursday.

RoseAndRivets.com

boarding PASS

Getmyboat Is Your Compass To Nautical Bliss

As the old saying goes, the two best days of a boat owner's life are the day they buy a boat and the day they sell it. However, if you forgo ownership and use the online network aboard Getmyboat, you’ll have nothing but smooth sailing from the lakes of Texas to the crystal clear waters of the Caribbean.

Since its launch in 2013, Getmyboat has established itself as the world's largest boat rental and charter marketplace. With over 170,000 listings spanning 184 countries and touching 10,000 destinations, they make the grandiosity of boating universally accessible. From

sunbathed yacht escapades to spirited pontoon parties, Getmyboat doesn’t just ferry you from shore to shore — it transports you into a world where every day can be a voyage unto itself.

For as little as $10 an hour per person, you’ll get to relax and ride the waves of a three-hour tour of your own aboard a pontoon boat. Those with the need for speed can capture the wind with a sailboat or take off in a powerboat with average rates of $26 and $43 an hour per person respectively, according to data they’ve pooled from more than 1 million successful passengers.

And if you’ve got a hankering to get below deck, Get-

myboat has luxury yachts in all sizes and locales with captains awaiting your command. With seamless booking and secure direct messaging like you’re used to with sites like Airbnb and Vrbo, you can find your next outing in some of their most popular boating destinations across the country, including Miami, Chicago, Los Angeles and Austin to name a few. This innovative platform isn't moored to one spot either. With its global reach, you can reach out for a skipper anywhere from Rio de Janeiro to Thailand and make the most of your worldly waterborne adventures.

Miami

Miami's turquoise waves are synonymous with South Beach's vibrancy. Known for its crystal-clear warm waters, visitors enjoy a multitude of water sports while the calming Biscayne Bay offers peaceful escapes on boat tours showcasing the celebrity life across Miami's luxurious cityscape.

Austin, Texas

Lady Bird Lake sits at the heart of Austin, offering serene views amidst the city's urban bustle. Pontoon boats and smaller boats are popular here, alongside the scenic trails bordering its tranquil waters which are perfect for nature lovers and active travelers alike.

Chicago, Illinois

Nestled along Lake Michigan's southwestern shore, the iconic Navy Pier projects into sparkling blue waters. This expansive Great Lake is a haven for boaters, beachgoers and those seeking stunning skyline vistas, reflecting Chicago's grandeur

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Discover Rio de Janeiro's breathtaking waterscapes. Copacabana's vibrant shores, the serene beauty of Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas, Ipanema's iconic peaks backdrop and Guanabara Bay's scenic panorama. Each offers unique experiences, from lively beach clubs to tranquil urban retreats amidst natural splendors.

Phuket, Thailand

In Thailand, the emerald waters of the Phi Phi Islands are inviting with their exotic marine biodiversity and legendary beauty. Ideal for snorkeling and island-hopping, these Andaman Sea gems offer a slice of paradise with white-sand shores framed by lush limestone cliffs.

Getmyboat.com

IN MEDICAL BILLS PAID

PATIENTS HELPED

“It has been devastating each time the doctors and hospitals have refused to treat his liver cancer because we don’t have any money left after the colon cancer. This is a life saver that will allow the treatment to begin.”

-Terri S.

Over the past five years, we have provided financial assistance to cancer patients in the DFW region, ensuring no one faces the battle against cancer alone.

During her own cancer battle, our founder Mimi Tran recognized that insurance often falls

short of covering treatment costs, and established Me Squared to bridge the gap for patients in need.

As we celebrate this milestone, we are deeply grateful to our donors, volunteers, and supporters who have made our work possible.

LEARN MORE

READERS’ CHOICE SOUTHLAKE STYLE winner spotlight

FOOD & DRINK

HOME

AÇAÍ

Winner Crisp & Green

2438 E. Southlake Blvd.

817.809.8699 | CrispAndGreen.com

ASIAN CUISINE

Winner Thailicious

2704 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 104

817.251.8778 | ThailiciousSouthlake.com

BAGEL

Winner Dan’s Bagels

301 Trophy Lake Dr., Trophy Club

817.440.4424 | DansBagels.com

BAKERY

Winner Main Street Bistro & Bakery

316 S. Main St., Grapevine 817.424.4333 | TheMainBakery.com

BAR

Winner Moxies

1472 Main Street, Southlake 817.764.2767 | Moxies.com

BARBECUE

Winner Feedstore BBQ & More

530 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake 817.488.1445 | FeedstoreBBQ.com

BREAKFAST

Winner Main Street Bistro & Bakery

316 S. Main St., Grapevine 817.424.4333 | TheMainBakery.com

BREWERY

Winner Hop & Sting Brewing Co.

906 Jean St., Grapevine 817.488.2337 HopAndSting.com

BRUNCH

Winner Winewood Grill

1265 S. Main St., Grapevine 817.421.0200 | TheWinewood.com

BURGER

Winner Kincaid's Hamburgers

100 N. Kimball Ave., Southlake 817.416.2573 | KincaidsHamburgers.com

BUSINESS LUNCH

Winner Board + Brie

400 S. Oak St., Suite 140, Roanoke 817.693.1908 | BoardBrieDFW.com

CHARCUTERIE

Winner Board + Brie

400 S. Oak St., Suite 140, Roanoke 817.693.1908 | BoardBrieDFW.com

CHEF

Winner Victor Di Buglione, Stellini Trattoria

400 E. Dallas Road, Suite 100, Grapevine 817.410.1010 | StelliniTrattoria.com

CHICKEN WINGS

Winner Duff’s Famous Wings 2787 E. Southlake Blvd. 817.421.8181 | DuffsTX.com

CHOCOLATIER

Winner Cake Pops By Alli

280 Commerce St., Suite 247, Southlake 817.372.0023 CakePopsByAlli.com

Winner Dr. Sue's Chocolate

417 S. Main St. Grapevine 817.416.7667 | DrSuesChocolate.com

COCKTAIL

Winner Hell Freezes Over, Mi Dia From Scratch

1295 S. Main St., Grapevine 817.421.4747

MiDiaFromScratch.com

COFFEEHOUSE

Winner Graduate Coffee

1901 W. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100 817.912.1403 | GraduateCoffee.com

COOKIES/CAKES

Winner Texas Southern Sweets 2535 Broadway Dr., Trophy Club 817.360.1616 | TexasSouthernSweets.com

DELIVERY & TAKEOUT

Winner Armend’s Pizza & Pasta 2315 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 101 817.251.0270 | ArmendsPizza.com

DONUTS

Winner Peace, Love and Little Donuts

601 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100 817.329.3082

PeaceLoveAndLittleDonuts.com

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

Winner Feedstore BBQ & More

530 S. White Chapel Blvd., Southlake 817.488.1445

FeedstoreBBQ.com

DONUT DASH PEACE, LOVE & LITTLE DONUTS HOLDS COMMUNITY 5K

PHOTOS BY

DFW

SHOTS

PHOTOS BY

COURY HOSPITALITY

PARTY ON MAIN STREET GRAPEVINE CELEBRATES 40TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL

BAGS N’ BINGO GRACE HOSTS DESIGNER BAG BENEFIT FOR TRANSITIONAL HOUSING

FIRED UP

parting SHOT

BY

Malai turns up the heat for the lunch rush

PHOTO

ADRIAN CORTES