Southlake Style March 2023

STAFF

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 Hatchett

Andrea@SouthlakeStyle.com

OFFICE COORDINATOR

Kelly Rose

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Matti Pennington

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

BluDoor Studios

Mike Lewis Photography

Thaddeus Harden

I like to hit the open roads, and family road trips have been a staple since moving to Texas two decades ago. Driving through the state’s small towns has a way of putting my mind at ease. Is it the promise of simple living in a one-horse town that lifts my spirits? Or is it the interesting and playful names?

There’s Pep, Smiley, Paradise, Rainbow and Frenship, Texas — who our Dragon baseball team just played last week. On that note, Detroit, Cleveland, Boston and Miami, Texas could all be destinations for our major league Rangers on a getaway day.

When you’re feeling down, there’s Sun City, Sunray, Sunrise, Sunset and my personal favorite, Sunny Side, Texas to put a smile on your face. And if they don’t work, Sylvester, Kermit and Elmo, Texas might tickle your funny bone.

Passing through Bacon, Oatmeal and Orange, Texas should make your stomach grumble or at least make you want a cup of coffee.

In March when spring break travel is on everyone’s mind, I can tell you first-hand it’s fun to joke about the big family trip to London, Italy or Paris, Texas. We’ve done the latter, and the photo alone was worth the drive.

For those of you who aren’t traveling far for spring break this year, you are in luck! St. Patrick’s Day is full of local events to celebrate, and if you didn’t already know it, Southlake is just a few hours drive from the trinity of Dublin, Shamrock and Ireland, Texas, which we share with you in more detail inside.

READERS’

Mike Tesoriero | Publisher Mike@SouthlakeStyle.com

Yours in Southlake Style, Paris, TX 2021

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the TICKET

BROADWAY DALLAS

2023 GALA

Music Hall At Fair Park

APR. 1

Get ready to enjoy a full performance of the Tony Awardwinning “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” while supporting the Broadway Dallas nonprofit. Tickets are priced at $295 each for the gala and include a cocktail reception and pre-show dinner, intermission cocktails and access to the “After-Hours Fete” — a spectacular after-party featuring French-inspired fare, a full flowing bar, a live DJ and much, much more!

Visit BroadwayDallas.org for more information.

10 Trending

Spring Break Destinations

Pristine beaches, boating and fishing await in Destin, FL.

A cooler beach scene is perfect for watching puffins at Cannon Beach, OR.

Active families will enjoy hiking and mountain biking in Park City, UT.

Warm weather, luxury resorts and golf are all good reasons to visit Palm Springs, CA.

Families who want their beach close to home can visit South Padre Island, TX.

Mild weather makes for perfect days at SeaWorld, LEGOLAND and the ever-popular zoo in San Diego, CA.

A nice mix of activities from golf to horseback riding on the beach in Hilton Head, SC

History, culture and music make for a refreshing break from the norm in New Orleans, LA.

White sand beaches, sailing, scuba diving and those fruity drinks await in St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

You can’t beat the spectacular mountain views in Phoenix, AZ.

DOUBLE DRAGON

XFL’s Seattle Sea Dragons hold regular practices at Dragon Stadium.

RANGE ROVER

Southlake dog ignites a small house fire while counter-surfing for snacks.

HELLO SUNSHINE

Zillow’s posting of a $20 million mansion on Sunshine Lane goes viral.

MULLET OVER

Longhorn’s QB Quinn Ewers takes the short route after hairline audible.

MARCH SUBMISSION

Grin And Bear It

travel with STYLE

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.

Stan and Donna Braun smile while hiking with style up Grinnell Glacier Trail in Glacier National Park.

CREED III

With Rocky on the sidelines, Adonis Creed steps into the ring for the third entry of this boxing spinoff. Besides going toe to toe with a longtime childhood rival, Michael B. Jordan’s greatest challenge will be behind the camera, with this film marking his directorial debut. Photo by Eli Ade

In Theaters

March 3

SUCCESSION

Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook return in the fourth season of this high-stakes financial family saga, which pits the Roy children against their father after they are effectively shut out of the family business.

On HBO Max

March 26

PINEAPPLE STREET

The debut novel of Knopf executive editor Jenny Jackson, this witty family drama follows three women trying to navigate the pitfalls of Brooklyn royalty.

Influenced by the careers of Fleetwood Mac and Led Zeppelin, this mockumentary miniseries follows the rise and fall of an iconic rock band during the 1970s.

On Amazon Prime

March 3

On Amazon March 7

YELLOWJACKETS

After surviving a plane crash in the wilderness in 1996, the second season of this psychological thriller shows a dark force has followed the survivors home 25 years later.

On SHOWTIME

March 24

Photo by Kailey Schwerman

DAISY JONES & THE SIX

Photo by Lacey Terrell

IRISH IN TEXAS

Boston held its first St. Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, followed by New York City in 1762. Other cities with large Irish immigrant populations then started to follow suit. Chicago one-upped green beer with the tradition of turning its river green in 1962, and Dallas raised a pint with its first parade in 1979.

This year marked the 41st annual North Texas Irish Festival, where just weeks ago, tens of thousands came out to celebrate Irish culture through live music, dance, storytelling and plenty of food and drink. Although the event has come and gone for 2023, North Texans should consider themselves lucky to have other great ways to celebrate Celtic heritage here in North Texas.

Take The Most Irish Road Trip In Texas

With St. Patrick’s Day falling on a Friday, this year is the perfect opportunity to take the most Irish road trip this side of the Atlantic. A simple loop can bring you to the trinity of Ireland, Dublin and Shamrock, Texas before returning back to Southlake in 12 hours drive time.

The first leg of this trip is just two hours south, where a brief stop for selfies in Ireland is a must. Named after the late Texas governor John Ireland, this former railroad boomtown lies 60 miles west of Waco. It reached its peak population of 400 people in the 1920s, but today, TexasEscapes.com categorizes the city of under 100 as a ghost town.

Having grabbed that “Welcome to Ireland” photo, it's time to be on your way toward Dublin, the official Irish Capital of Texas. One of nine U.S. cities to bear the name of Ireland’s capital, Dublin is home to the Dublin Bottling Works, which opened in 1891 and bottled Dr. Pepper for over a century. It’s no longer working with the famed cola, but they are still bottling its own line of sodas, with flavors including ginger beer, vanilla cream, Texas Sweet Peach and 1891 Red Cola.

Those who time it right can enjoy the Dublin Chamber of Commerce’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival happening March 16-18, which features its own parade, vendors and Irish stew cook-off.

The final leg brings you 300 miles north to the Texas Panhandle city of Shamrock, roughly 95 miles east of Amarillo. As part of the historic Route 66, there is much to see year-round like the Conoco Tower and the Magnolia Gas Station. Shamrock becomes a very popular destination in March, as it hosts the Official St. Patrick’s Day Festival of Texas. This year’s 76th annual celebration entitled “Green and Free” happens March 17th through 19th. The three-day event is packed with live music, a carnival, car and craft shows, a wing-eating contest and a Donegal Beard contest (think Abe Lincoln).

Go Green With Irish Nachos

J. Gilligan’s Bar And Grill may not be an Irish Bar, but as owner Randy Ford told “The Food Network,” his bar has a little bit of the luck o’ the Irish thanks to its world-famous nachos. Open since 1979, J. Gilligan’s has become an Arlington staple that always wins thanks to its Irish Nachos. Subbing out tortilla chips with the power of the potato, this bar food delight has also been featured on the “Travel Channel” and “ESPN U Road Trip,” and for good reason. The dish starts with a bed of sliced, fried and seasoned potatoes and tops them with aged Wisconsin cheddar cheese, bacon, onions, chives, tomatoes and of course, jalapenos. Just like their counterparts, they can be ordered with ground beef or grilled chicken to satisfy any appetite. Pair them with some green beer and live music at their 44th annual Block Party, which will be held on March 17.

J. Gilligan’s Bar & Grill

407 E. South St., Arlington JGilligan.com

Show A Little Knee

When you want to scratch that itch for an authentic wool kilt, Things Celtic in Dublin, Texas is your go-to resource with a network of tartan manufacturers from across the pond and a fabric sample book of over 500 choices. If you’ve got the time, they’ve got you covered — to the knee that is! They also boast more than 3,000 imported items, including Celtic jewelry and gifts of all types.

Things Celtic 115 East Blackjack, Dublin ThingsCeltic.com

Grab A Pint From An Old Irish Pub

If you’ve never hoisted a pint at an Irish pub, there’s no better time of year to do so than March. And if you’re in Dallas, there’s no better place to do so than at The Dubliner Irish Pub on Lower Greenville Avenue. Owned and operated by Dubliner Peter Kenny, this traditional pub prides itself on its draught Guinness and expertly-curated Irish and Scottish whiskies.

Dubliner Irish Pub

2818 Greenville Ave., Dallas

DublinerIrishPubDallas.com

Go Irish With Cuban

The 42nd annual Greenville Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns on March 11. Sponsored by the Dallas Mavericks and their owner Mark Cuban, this neighborhood festival has evolved into one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the country, with over 125,000 attendees and 100 parade entries. The pre-parade event opens at 9 a.m., and the parade starts at 11 a.m. The event will feature local DJs, food trucks, bars and live music.

2023 Dallas Mavs St. Patrick’s Parade Blackwell Street, Dallas DallasStPP.com

Meet Mariah Burnell, DO

Our newest physician, Mariah Burnell, DO, has experience caring for patients of all ages, from newborns to geriatrics, and offers a wide range of primary care services, including managing chronic conditions, well visits, and sick care. She also has a special interest in obesity and weight management and is currently pursuing board certification in obesity medicine.

Available for same day appointments and virtual visits. For more information call 682-267-5409

Mariah Burnell, DO Lisa Maehara, DO

THE ROAD TO RECOVERY

Dr. Casey Green Treats Patients’ Addictions With Connections Wellness Group

There are two parts to helping others recover from addiction — connect with them, and help them work towards wellness. These two steps are also in the name of Connections Wellness Group. That’s why Dr. Casey Green is proud to be working with them.

A board-certified psychiatrist and director of addiction services, Dr. Green has been treating patients with addiction for over 12 years. Originally an anesthesiologist, Dr. Green entered the addiction field once he realized how many people needed help.

“The majority of those struggling with substance use have other issues playing into it,” Dr. Green says. “Roughly 60-80% of people struggling with an addictive disorder will have some co-occurring mental health issue alongside it, including anxiety, trauma or depression. That impacts their recovery journey quite a bit.”

Luckily, Dr. Green and the Connections Wellness team can help. Working alongside a talented team that includes nurses, therapists and addiction specialists, Dr. Green and his colleagues work to develop a robust treatment plan that includes evidence-based approaches but is also individualized to each person.

In many cases, Dr. Green says people are stigmatized by society but also often by themselves and feel intense shame or powerless around their use. That’s why empathizing and understanding their journey is critical to their treatment. Helping them understand that they are struggling with a medical rather than a moral problem is a relief to many patients.

“Recovery itself is really relational at its heart, regardless of whether it’s an addictive disorder or a mental health crisis,” Dr. Green explains. “It’s about reconnecting with each other, ourselves and our peers.”

At Connections Wellness Group, Dr. Green is proud of the work he and his team put in day in and day out — especially when they see the positive results in their patients.

“It’s an awesome journey to see someone come in really struggling, not seeing a way out, and then a year later see them be different, empowered, successful and really embracing their lives,” Dr. Green expresses. “It doesn’t take too many of those experiences that make you want to keep getting up in the morning to come to work and do it all over again.”

“Our enthusiasm for recovery is infectious. If someone comes in, they’ll see a place where people are invested in them.”

— Dr. Casey Green

SPOTLIGHT

PAGE-TURNER

See what adventures await at this new bookstore p. 29

Standing In The Hall Of Fame

DeMarcus Ware Named To The NFL’s Class Of 2023

Th e NFL welcomed its new class into the 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame – and DeMarcus Ware is one of its newest members.

A Southlake resident and former linebacker with the Dallas Cowboys, DeMarcus was among 15 modern-era standouts who were announced as finalists for the class of 2023. A member of the Super Bowl 50 champion Denver Broncos, DeMarcus was a ninetime Pro Bowl selection, the career leader in sacks for the Dallas Cowboys (117) and accounted for 138.5 sacks during his 12 seasons with the NFL.

During the NFL Honors Awards Ceremony last month, DeMarcus was one of five modern-era play -

ers to be named to the Hall of Fame. This was the second consecutive year DeMarcus was named a finalist after first becoming eligible in 2022. New members also include Dallas Cowboys linebacker Chuck Howley, Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Ronde Barber, New York Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis, New York Jets defensive tackle Joe Klecko, Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Ken Riley, Cleveland Browns offensive tackle Joe Thomas, Miami Dolphins linebacker Zach Thomas and San Diego Chargers coach Don Coryell.

DeMarcus will be inducted into the Hall of Fame along with the rest of the new members during a special ceremony in Canton, Ohio on August 5.

CARROLL CHEER WINS NATIONAL CHEERLEADERS ASSOCIATION CHAMPIONSHIP

The Southlake Carroll Cheerleaders are officially national champions. Last year, the Carroll cheerleaders competed at the National Cheer Association High School Nationals for the first time in eight years. A year ago, Carroll finished third out of 21 of the most talented teams in the country. This year, they doubled down on their effort, finishing first out of the 20 top-ranking teams in the Game Day Large Varsity division. “We put in so much work,” head coach Cassie Hopkins says. “Even if we hadn’t won, I would still be so proud to be these girls’ coach. They never cease to amaze me day in and day out, and this journey is proof of that.”

SOUTHLAKE KIWANIS AWARDS SRO OF THE YEAR

Southlake Kiwanis has selected officer Anthony Pate as 2023’s SRO of the Year recipient. The assigned officer for Dawson Middle School, Anthony brings over 16 years of law enforcement experience to the district. In addition to his recognition from Southlake Kiwanis, Anthony was also previously nominated for the Carroll ISD Distinguished Service Award, was named Officer of the Year by the Southlake Police Department and even won the Award of Valor from the National Association of School Resource Officers. “We are so proud of officer Pate for being recognized as SRO of the year!” principal Nikki Leonard says. “We love seeing him in the hallways and during pickup lines after school.”

CITY AWARDS EMPLOYEE EXCELLENCE RECOGNITIONS

The city of Southlake gave a special “thank you” to city employees during a special week of recognition last month. With this year’s theme being “Heroes At Work,” the city recognized 58 employees who went above and beyond with their duties. Seven people were given director’s awards, including records manager Michelle DeVoss, parks supervisor Terry Lee, senior application developer Deep Rajani, officer Micah Davis, inspector Seantay Carpenter, engineering assistant Zayne Huff and firefighter Nic Miles. Values and customer service awards were also given to Jake Coldren, Malia Belk, Tim Slifka, Mark Cisneros, Kevin Barry, Daniel Lyons, Allen Moreno, David Aldridge and Lauren LaNeave.

LADY DRAGONS SWIM TEAM FINISHES SECOND AT STATE

Over 250 swim and dive teams were represented at the 6A state meet last month – and Southlake Carroll finished in the Top 10 for both the boys and girls. After a hard-fought meet, the girls finished second with an overall score of 284 points. Hailey Heldenbrand, Marin Clem, Emma Bibza, Avery Hafele, Alexis Drap and Kate Heintz helped score a first-place finish for the girls' 200 medley and 400 free relay, while Olivia Colombo helped contribute to a second-place 200 free relay finish. Meanwhile, the boys finished eighth in the contest, with Max Hatcher, Grant Bibza, Collin Woods, Winn Tyler, Jack Hernandez, Blake Bullard, Jack Hernandez and William Zhang helping the boys reach a sixth and seventh-place finish in the 200 free and medley relay respectively.

ART IN THE SQUARE UNVEILS FEATURED ARTWORK FOR 2023

On Feb. 19, Art In The Square kicked off its 2023 season with the annual Strokes of Art In The Square event at Southlake Town Hall. Community supporters gathered, enjoyed refreshments and celebrated as the award-winning festival organizers announced its 28 beneficiaries for the year. In addition, the festival also unveiled pieces from its featured artists, including Curt Baldwin, Tom Boatwright, Steven Dragan, Bobby Goldsmith, Scott Williams, Rick Wright and Niki Gulley. Residents are encouraged to vote for their favorite artist through April 7. The artist with the most votes will be recognized with Art In The Square’s 2023 People’s Choice Award, which will be unveiled during the festival on April 28.

SOUTHLAKE CARROLL GRADUATE MAKES HER DSO DEBUT

The Dallas Symphony Orchestra League hosted its 37th annual presentation ball last month, and one Southlake Carroll graduate was among the 24 debutantes. Every year, the league hosts the presentation ball to raise funds for its community outreach programs, with over $13 million raised for the orchestra. This year’s ball was organized by Southlake resident Karen Cox, and alongside her was Carroll alumna Morgan Potter. A former Emerald Belle, National Charity League member and Miracle League volunteer, Morgan is a current sophomore at the University of Texas at Austin and is studying to become an interior designer.

ROTARY CLUB DROPS OFF DICTIONARIES

Third-graders got a special drop-off by the Rotary Club of Southlake last month. During a regular school day, rotarians Lynda Warner, Rodney Hall, Sean Cerone and Lisa Harrow stopped by Walnut Grove, Rockenbaugh, Johnson and Old Union Elementary to deliver dictionaries to the students. The drop-off was part of a 15-year tradition for the Rotary Club that it’s proud to continue for the district. In addition to the donation, the Rotary Club also announced that it will sponsor the raffle for the Carroll Education Foundation culinary event, which will be held on April 22 at the Westin Dallas Southlake.

The best of real estate services.

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Navigating the real estate market can be complex and challenging in today’s unpredictable market. With the Holmes Property Group, you can rest assured that you have a team of local experts who are dedicated to representing your interests and ensuring that your goals are met. Whether you are buying or selling a property, Dan, Dylan, Christin and Jo will work tirelessly to ensure that you have a seamless and stressfree experience. They understand that every client has unique needs. That’s why they offer an exclusive portfolio of properties to ensure that you find the perfect home that meets your specific requirements.

With their commitment to providing exceptional service and their deep knowledge of the local market, you can’t go wrong with the Holmes Property Group.

LARKS ENTERTAINMENT COMING SOON

A new form of entertainment – or “eatertainment” as the company’s founder likes to say – will be making its debut this summer. Founded by former Altitude Trampoline Parks CEO and Southlake resident Curt Skallerup, Larks Entertainment is a new dining concept focusing on food and fun for the whole family. Its first concept at 531 Town Place in Fairview will feature attractions such as shuffleboard, putt-putt, an arcade, obstacle adventures and more, with plans to roll out additional locations in Tennessee, California and Missouri. "I am thrilled to be launching Larks and introducing our unique concept options to the franchise industry,” Curt says. “We are excited to grow, starting in Dallas and Nashville, and we can't wait to see our concepts take off across the U.S.”

OAK & EDEN DEBUTS SINGLE BOTTLE CUSTOMIZATION

Oak & Eden has always been known for cultivating creative spirits. Now whiskey lovers can do it themselves with their new customizer tool. Debuting last month, Oak & Eden’s whiskey customizer is a personalized tool that allows customers to craft their own whiskey. According to a media release, the online tool allows buyers to customize their bottle starting with one of Oak & Eden’s four finished bases, including bourbon, four-grain bourbon, wheated bourbon and rye. After they select whether they want a 90 or 114 proof, customers can choose either an American or French oak spire. Once they’ve done that, they can opt for one of 11 infusion options, including coffee, honey, vanilla, maple syrup, wine or liqueur. You can try the whiskey customizer tool for yourself at OakAndEden.com.

CHICK-FIL-A TO UNDERGO $500,000 RENOVATION

The Chick-fil-A restaurant in Southlake is about to get an expensive makeover. According to the Department of Licensing and Regulation, the fast-food restaurant at 2301 E. Southlake Blvd. will undergo a $500,000 renovation starting on June 1. The renovations include extending the drive-thru cockpit area and adding an additional exterior door, as well as new restaurant equipment and structural support. The renovation is part of a $38.4 million initiative by the franchise to open new restaurants and improve existing locations. Until then, locals still have a few months left to grab their favorite chicken sandwiches and waffle fries before renovations begin.

SOUTHLAKE STYLE READERS’ CHOICE 2023 BREAKS VOTING RECORDS

Southlake Style’s annual Readers’ Choice survey is gearing up to be the biggest one yet. In January, readers nominated their favorite businesses across such categories as health and wellness, food and drink, entertainment, retail, home and services categories. Then in February, over 7,000 people participated, casting a new record of over 61,000 votes for their favorite local businesses. Next month, the results will unveil all of the winners and finalists from this year’s survey. Be on the lookout for our special Readers’ Choice issue in April.

CITY RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED BUDGET PRESENTATION AWARD

Over 1,700 financial entities recently applied to the Government Finance Officers Association’s budget awards program – and Southlake emerged as having one of the best budget presentations. Earlier this year, the city’s financial department won the distinguished budget presentation award for its FY 2023 budget. According to the GFOA, the city was rated “proficient” in the four major judging categories and met the criteria for an additional 14 categories for a certificate of recognition. “While staff has responsibilities in the financial operations, budget preparation and dayto-day management, the city council plays a critical role in our budget process,” chief financial officer Sharen Jackson says. “They help us establish policy, goals, and performance objectives.”

SOUTHLAKE CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS UNDERWAY

The city of Southlake recently announced its public works priorities for 2023. Projects that are already in progress include improving the drainage at Dove Trail, Highland Street and North Peytonville, while new deceleration lanes will be installed at Southridge Lakes and Byron Nelson Parkway. Erosion protection will be implemented at Big Bear Creek, while Central Avenue will be modified to increase pedestrian access and visibility. Later this summer, a 12-inch water line will be constructed alongside Shady Oaks Drive to improve water quality and system capacity. You can find the full list of capital improvement projects online at ConnectSouthlake.com.

GRUBBS VOLVO OPENS NEW GRAPEVINE DEALERSHIP

After three years of development, Grubbs’ new Volvo Dealership opened in Grapevine last month. Offering 22 acres of new and pre-owned inventory, Grubbs Volvo’s newest facility is equipped with three large cutting-edge service centers and three new large car showrooms, each displaying luxurious Acura, Infiniti and Volvo vehicles. “We look forward to supporting and growing with all our customers both new and old with our continued drive to cultivate our customer-centric philosophy as we open our new Volvo building,” president George Grubbs III says. You can check out the new facility now at 1550 Texan Trail.

GRAPEVINE OPENS FIRST INDEPENDENT BOOKSTORE

A new locally-owned bookstore opened its doors in Grapevine last month. Founded by residents Katy Lemieux and Valerie Walizadeh, Talking Animals Books is an independent bookstore located in the heart of downtown Grapevine. With its name referring to the talking animals in C.S. Lewis’ “The Chronicles Of Narnia,” Katy hopes her bookstore becomes a place where people can champion art, literature and creativity. You can check out the bookstore now at 103 W. Worth Street.

WORLD-CLASS GALLERY MOVES FROM LOS ANGELES TO WESTLAKE

An exclusive new art gallery was recently unveiled in Westlake. Located in the Terraces at Solana, Gallery 19C is an international art gallery that focuses exclusively on 19th-century art. With several rare art finds, owner Eric Weider says he hopes to educate and excite the public with 19th-century art through Gallery 19C. “Over the past six years, we have sold many masterpieces and rediscovered many lost treasures,” Eric says. “We are now delighted to offer the public here in the Dallas – Fort Worth Metroplex a prime opportunity to experience our curated collection first hand.” Gallery 19C is open now at 1500 Solana Blvd., Building 5, Suite 5150.

Trips Of A Lifetime

SOUTHLAKE TRAVEL AGENTS MAKE DREAM VACATIONS COME TRUE

BY DAVID DUNN

Arelaxing beach day basking in the sun. A ski trip up in the snowy peaks of Colorado. A luxurious cruise along the Mediterranean Ocean. Whatever vacation looks like to you, spring break ultimately represents the same thing to everyone — a time to rest, recharge and enjoy some quality time with family and friends. According to a joint survey between Vacasa and Allison + Partners, this spring is shaping up to be the busiest travel season yet with more than half of Americans planning to go out of town.

Between the frantic packing and crowds trying to find their gate, traveling during peak flight times can be stressful. But it doesn’t have to be. After all, local travel agents such as Karen Dawson and Brenda Tosso specialize in making even the most elaborate vacations seamless. Whether you’re looking to sip on Pina Coladas or visit world-famous attractions, some smart travel planning can help ensure your next vacation meets expectations.

TRAVEL TRAINING

As the founder and owner of the Southlake Travel agency, Karen Dawson’s life is filled with phone numbers, reservations and backup plans for every trip. However, it wasn’t always that way. In fact, her childhood aspirations were to become a high school English teacher while growing up on a dairy farm outside Austin.

“I had never been on a plane, train, boat, ship or [in a] hotel,” Karen says. “I never traveled anywhere.”

That initial lack of travel might have led Karen to change course and become a travel agent when teaching didn’t work out.

“Back then, you had to go to travel school for two years,” Karen says. “There were no computers back then, so every flight, hotel, tour and cruise had to be looked up in a book. We learned destinations, we learned how to book a cruise, how to book tours and flights. We gained firsthand knowledge of the travel industry and how to best navigate it.”

Meanwhile, Brenda Tosso experienced the world of travel as a hospitality director for over 25 years. After retiring in 2015, she decided to see more of the world as a tourist herself. She enjoyed her subsequent travels to Europe, Hawaii and Mexico so much that she decided to make a second career through her own business, Brenda’s Adventure Travel.

“I’m very passionate about travel,” Brenda says. “I have a really investigative mind, and I just love putting the puzzle pieces together. Not everybody enjoys that aspect – that’s what made me realize I could help everybody with their travel.”

THE PERFECT PLAN

Before conversations with her clients go too far, Karen likes to discuss the destination and timing to see if the weather conditions are acceptable.

“I just had a couple getting married, and they wanted to go to Italy in March,” Karen says. “I told them ‘No you’re not. You’ll be too cold.’ I always start with the weather and make sure it’s ideal for whatever it is you hope to do.”

After settling on an appropriate season for the chosen destination, clients are then asked about their interests so the trip can be personalized just for them. Brenda says getting to know your clients’ desires makes all the difference.

“Travel is very personal – you really just have to get to know the person,” Brenda says. “I have the conversation with everyone – how do you like to travel? Where do you like to eat? What do you like to do in your free time? One good question is worth a thousand good answers. The more you tell me about your

Brenda Tosso

Karen Dawson

As far as where people travel, that depends on who you’re asking. In March, the majority of spring breakers gravitate towards beach vacations in the south, whether that’s in Cancun, the Bahamas or the Caribbean. But some of Brenda’s clients prefer the ski slopes in Jackson Hole or Colorado, while many of Karen’s clientele enjoy overseas travel and sightseeing in cities like London or Paris.

Everyone knows the most exciting part of any trip are the experiences, and this is what Karen and Brenda love planning the most. Thanks to years of research and building connections through Virtuoso and Strong Travel Services, Karen and Brenda have access to several on-site experiences not regularly available to the public. From all-inclusive resorts to lavish food and wine tours and hard-to-book luxury cruises, a good

“If you wanted to go to Rome and have lunch with the Pope, I could make that happen. It would cost a lot of money, but it can happen,” Karen chuckles. “It’s what I call sprinkling my pixie dust to make it an amazing vacation.”

While adult excursions are simple enough to plan, mixing in activities for younger travelers are a little more challenging – especially with larger families involved. Luckily, there are workarounds in those cases as well. Karen recommends including children while planning so they can pick out an experience or two that appeals to them. That way, everyone feels invested in the trip and has something to look forward to.

But even in cases where children are brought along for more mature experiences, there are ways to make it engaging and exciting for them.

“I remember one time I was planning a trip for a couple who were taking their 6-year-old to Paris for two weeks,” Karen recalls. “The father wanted to go to the Louvre Museum, and I panicked. How do you take a 6-year-old to the Louvre without having a meltdown 15 minutes into being there? What we ended up doing was we created a scavenger hunt for her. She had her list and her pencil, and she was a woman on a mission, looking for the six pieces of art we picked out for her. She did two hours nonstop, no whining, no complaining, no meltdown.”

Of course, getting there is only half of the trip. The other half involves getting home, and with record flight cancellations last winter, that can be tricky for some families. Brenda always encourages travelers to pack lots of patience, remain flexible and be prepared for something to change.

“I don’t care what you do or how well you think you’ve prepared – stuff happens,” Brenda says. “You just need to have some foresight on what might happen and adjust your schedule from the get-go. You have to have an adventurous mindset because when the perfect plan crumbles, that’s when another adventure can begin.”

ADVENTURE AWAITS

Since most major travel restrictions were lifted early last year, Karen and Brenda have been busy like never before. According to the Economist Intelligence Unit, global tourism will rise by 30% in 2023,

with Italy, Japan and Southeast Asia being among the most popular destinations. More people are planning further out into the year as well, with more than half of travelers already mapping out their summer and winter travel plans, according to American Express Travel.

With traveling largely absent in 2020 and 2021, Brenda says 2023 is largely poised to become the comeback year for travel.

“Last month has been one of my busiest months ever,” Brenda says. “I booked about 300 trips in 2022, and 2023 is on track to be about the same. I’m nearly at the point where I have to be more selective with which trips I plan. I’m almost too busy.”

But ultimately, Karen believes that’s a good thing – because it shows more people are returning to their normal routines.

“When I grew up, your family lived either in town or within 30 miles of you,” she says. “Now people are scattered all over the United States, and a lot of people haven’t seen their parents, grandparents, sisters or brothers. I’m getting a lot of calls to do family vacations that they haven’t been able to do for the past two years. A lot of it is just families getting back together again.”

Those family trips are Karen’s favorite ones to plan for because those are the ones that end up being the most special.

“I always tell grandparents, your grandkids aren’t going to remember what you bought them for Christmas as a gift,” Karen says. “But they’re always going to remember every trip they took with grandma and grandpa. It’s those experiences you want your children and grandchildren to remember.”

For Brenda, traveling represents much more than that – it represents getting out into the world and seeing just how big it really is.

“There’s nothing better that a person can give themself than to experience another culture. That creates compassion and understanding for people who are different from themselves,” Brenda says. “In the end, I like to think I’m making the world just a little bit better through every trip that I plan. Every trip is the trip of a lifetime. You only hope you can give them one more.”

Family-Owned BUSINESSES Family-Owned BUSINESSES

When you work with your loved ones, family is at the heart of everything — especially when it comes to business. Not only have these family-owned businesses stood the test of time, but they’ve also done it while staying true to their roots.

Since the beginning of the first Grubbs dealership in 1948, the Grubbs’ knew that great customer service would be at the forefront of their business. In the decades since then, the Grubbs Family of Dealerships have served their communities and tended to customers’ automobile needs, all while being passed down from one generation to the next. With the company now in its fourth generation, George Grubbs III continues to uphold the family legacy of automotive excellence, along with his father, George Grubbs Jr.

Headquartered in Grapevine, the Grubbs Family of Dealerships offers both new and pre-owned Acura, Infiniti, Polestar and Volvo vehicles, as well as a wide array of pre-owned trucks, SUVs and electric vehicles. Since it was established, Grubbs has won many awards, such as becoming the No. 1 volume Infiniti dealership in the nation and George Jr. being named a “Time Magazine” dealer of the year. Today, Grubbs continues to lead in sales, service and customer care, helping customers in their local communities with buying, trading or servicing their vehicles.

Customer satisfaction is Grubbs’ No. 1 priority — that’s why its employees are trained to be proactive with their customer’s needs and build relationships through mutual trust. From the warm and inviting atmosphere to the friendly and helpful team members, the Grubbs Family of Dealerships are committed to upholding the same values that it was founded on 75 years ago.

FEEDSTORE BBQ

Great barbecue, great people and great service. For over 20 years, that’s been the No. 1 priority of Feedstore BBQ. Founded in 2001 by Papa Bill and Phyllis “Mema” Lafavers, Feedstore BBQ is the oldest continuously-operated retail site in Southlake. From hand-trimmed, smoked, Certified Hereford beef brisket to sausage, burnt ends, ribs and chicken-fried steak, it’s no wonder why diners continue to come back to Feedstore week after week.

Family is at the heart of everything Feedstore BBQ

Late 1960’s

does. Between the manager Mike Lafavers, his daughters Kamy and Katy and his nephew Cameron, the Lafavers family keeps the barbecue coming all day long. Their longstanding service to the community has been the Lafavers family’s proudest accomplishment, regularly catering for special events, fundraisers, Dragon football games and community events both inside and outside the restaurant. When you dine with Feedstore BBQ, you’ll feel like you’re part of the family too.

CLASSIC KIA OF CARROLLTON

Customer service is at the core of everything that Classic Kia of Carrollton does. Upon purchasing the dealership in 2020, the goal was not to be No.1 in sales but to be the No.1 Kia dealer in customer satisfaction. Since then, they have consistently been in the Top 5 for their six-state region, finished in the Top 5 out of 779 Kia dealers and currently rank as the No. 1 dealer in the nation. With great customer service, the sales followed suit, and Classic Kia of Carrollton broke their all-time sales record for the second year in a row in 2022.

Being a family-owned business is central to Classic Kia’s customer care — that’s why the Hull family strives for perfection in everything they do. With an extensive lineup of domestic and import vehicles including Toyotas, Chevrolets, Mercedes, Acuras and Kias, Classic Kia has your ride ready and waiting for you just 15 minutes from Southlake Town Square. Whether you come for great prices or personalized customer service, you’ll want to experience the Classic Kia difference for yourself.

Darla Stapleton,

shop in STYLE

PACK YOUR BAGS

Everything you need for your dream vacation p. 42

SHOP IN STYLE stuff you'll love

on the fl y

MINIPRESSO GR

A portable espresso machine that provides a caffeine kick right from your pocket.

Wacaco | $55

TRTL NECK PILLOW

All the neck support needed for a good nap.

trtl | $50

WIRELESS NOISE-CANCELING HEADPHONES

This headset pairs well with Bluetooth and loud travel companions.

Sony | $350

PORTABLE CHARGER

This luggage tag takes charge in any situation.

Calpak | $32

NIGHTHAWK M6 MOBILE HOTSPOT

Stay connected wherever you may roam.

Netgear | $700

Carry On!

Solgaard’s Award-Winning Luggage Keeps Traveling Tidy

Travel is back in a big way, but those who haven’t purchased luggage in a few years may be left wondering if their favorite bag still stacks up with their lifestyle. After years of living on the road, Solgaard’s founder came to this unfortunate conclusion before the rest of us and did something about it. His built-in shelving system, better known as the Carry-On Closet, is the best innovation in luggage since the roller wheel.

Recognized by “TIME Magazine” as the Best Travel Invention of the Year, the CarryOn Closet is immediately distinguished by its patented six-shelf shelving system designed to keep you organized everywhere you go. At 22 inches in height, the large Carry-On Closet is perfect for U.S.-based air carriers and provides plenty of room for all your travel essentials. Solgaard’s Check-In Closet brings the same patented shelving system to a larger 27-inch checked bag version for those times when you need even more space.

Both sizes include an unbreakable polycarbonate shell, aluminum frame and TSAapproved lock that provides durability and peace of mind on any trip. However, the best part about this fashionably functional line of luggage is apparent upon arrival. Unpacking is a breeze — just open the suitcase and clip the hanging latch to the extended handle and you’re set.

DETAILS

Carry-On Closet

Dimensions: 22.4” H x 14.6” W x 9.6” D

Weight: 9 lbs.

Price: $295

Solgaard.co

An Aspiring Veterinarian With A Servant’s Heart

As a senior officer for the Emerald Belles, Reagan Needleman has kept busy during her last year of high school. But outside of the drills, high kicks and halftime shows, Reagan’s proudest achievement has been starting the Animal Service Club. As an aspiring veterinarian, Reagan cares deeply for animals’ well-being and aspires to help them however she can. Through several service projects and community initiatives, Reagan is proud of everything she has done and all of the animals she’s helped over the years.

I’VE ALWAYS BEEN AN… animal lover. I’ve had my dog Bree since she was 4 years old, and she’s been such a big part of my life. She’s taught me so much about animals — about caring for them and what their companionship can do for you. I think everybody should be able to experience that bond, which is why I think it’s so important to help shelter animals find forever homes.

WHEN I WAS ABOUT 6 YEARS OLD, MY FAMILY… adopted a border collie puppy named Baye. She was born in a puppy mill and sadly passed away from [Canine parvovirus] at a very young age. I don’t wish that experience on anyone, and I knew I wanted to prevent that from happening to others in the future.

I CREATED THE ANIMAL SERVICE CLUB IN… 2021. My sole purpose was to volunteer and give back to animals in the community in any way I could. I really wanted to create an environment where pet lovers could come together and share their passion for animals through service.

I NEEDED TO GET… seven signatures to officially start the club, and I was afraid no one would sign up. I remember panicking, running up to my friends being like ‘please sign this sheet for me.’ After a lot of running around, I got the signatures, and over 50 members ended up joining us. Turns out, animals are a great way to bring people together.

AS CLUB PRESIDENT, I… created all of the service projects that would benefit a shelter in the area and get our club members behind it. One of the first things we did was partner with the

Southlake Tennis Club and collected 1,000 tennis balls for rescue dogs. We packed all of those balls into my foyer before hand-delivering them to North Richland Hills animal services. My poor dogs were practically begging for them while they just sat there.

OUR MOST RECENT PROJECT WAS… a schoolwide donation drive where we collected old T-shirts, deconstructed them and turned them into rope toys for Take Me Home Pet Rescue and Eastlake Pet Orphanage. Usually, we just do service projects within the club, but for this, I wanted to specifically include everybody in the district to see what we could do with a larger group of people. We ended up getting so many T-shirts that I lost count. We must have gotten like 20 stacks of T-shirts and packed them all into my mom’s SUV. We filled up the whole thing, floor to ceiling. I even had to make multiple trips.

LAST SPRING, I WAS… nominated for NBC DFW’s PAWSitively Good Award, which recognizes people in the community who go above and beyond for helping shelter animals. It was a crazy honor to even be considered for the award and go and talk about my experience working with animals. It’s a reflection of not just all of my hard work, but also a reflection of my club members and leadership team too.

I’VE REACHED OUT TO… almost every shelter in the DFW area. For my senior year, I’m now at the point where I’m looking at what’s next for us and our club. There are always opportunities to help — it’s just a matter of seeking out the right ones.

REAGAN NEEDLEMAN FIVE MINUTES with ...

style GUIDE

SPRING BREAK WITH STYLE

With spring break right around the corner, many families will skip town for their next adventure — and we’d like to tag along with you! While you're on vacation, take a copy of Southlake Style and snap a photo. Submit it to our gallery online, and you just might see yourself in a future issue!

SouthlakeStyle.com

local FLAVOR

TACO TALK

Velvet Taco comes to Grapevine

p.

52

Stars Of Italy

Stellini Trattoria Blends Tuscan And Texan Flavors

Between a delightful mix of romantic restaurants, authentic pizzerias and exquisite wineries, Grapevine’s dining scene has always been bursting with exciting options. At the bustling Italian restaurant Stellini Trattoria, all of these elements come together under one roof.

Stellini Trattoria

400 E. Dallas Road

Grapevine

817.410.1010

StelliniTrattoria.com

Opening in December 2019, Stellini Trattoria is owned and operated by local couple Mitch and Donna Wegner, who have parlayed more than 15 years of dining industry expertise into a winning concept. With twin patios, a central bar area and a modern classic dining room that can seat up to 60 people, Stellini Trattoria embodies a casual yet elegant aesthetic perfect for date nights and social gatherings.

“We try to stay in that midpoint of old-school with a nicer presentation,” Mitch says. “We’re not trying to be super formal, but we also want to be more than just another pizza place.”

With the name translating to “little stars,” Mitch says a fusion of Italian-Texan cuisine has always been at the heart of Stellini Trattoria.

“We took everything that we would have made in Italy and just used Texas ingredients to bring it all to life,” Mitch says. “That’s kind of what our overall arc is.”

Diners can immediately taste that blend of flavors in its house-made meatball mix, which uses brisket and pork shoulder in lieu of ground beef. Far from the only shareables that are readily available, its appetizer menu also includes

coccoli bites that sandwich whipped ricotta and prosciutto de parma together between two layers of crispy dough, as well as creamy polenta topped with grilled prawns and pancetta. Its take on calamari steak is also just as good as the real thing, with the squid pounded out until it’s flat, breaded and fried before being served alongside charred artichokes, garlic and crispy spinach.

Stellini’s pasta and pizza are also made from scratch, with spent grains provided by the Hop & Sting Brewery Co., which lies just across the street. Its traditional bianco pizza is lovingly layered with oregano, fresh mozzarella, ricotta and parmesan cheese, while its margherita pizza piles on the basil and olive oil for a richer flavor. Its 8-ounce filet is complemented with a delicious parmesan black truffle gnocchi, and if you have a taste for seafood, its jumbo diver sea scallops are pan-seared and served with a generous helping of creamy fontina polenta and smoked paprika butter.

But as one would expect from any Grapevine-based hotspot, the restaurant’s most notable aspect by far is its vintage wine selection. Featuring nearly 100 varietals from wineries in Italy, France, South America and even Africa, Stellini’s wines are carefully curated and extremely rare. The crown jewel is its consigliere list, which features the finest bottles from Champagne, France and Napa, California. But the rest of the menu is just as impressive with its own mix of beautiful blends, chardonnays and cabernet sauvignons.

Stellini Trattoria is such a hit with wine lovers that it won an award of excellence from the Wine Spectator Awards each of the three years it’s been in business, highlighted alongside other notable restaurants such as Calabrese, Truluck’s and Del Frisco’s.

“We specifically try to partner up with wineries and distributors that carry a smaller portfolio,” Mitch says. “A lot of the bottles we carry aren’t widely available and have very limited retail presence. They’re wines that you can’t find easily somewhere else.”

When you’re ready to wine down, dive into Stellini’s dessert menu, which has several small-batch favorites to fall in love with. The fried zeppole is sprinkled with cinnamon and powdered sugar and served with a trio of sauces, while the cannolis give you the crunch you desire with a soft chocolate chip ricotta cheese filling. And its gelato trio with chocolate, raspberry and vanilla flavors makes for the perfect pairing.

Stellini’s offerings don’t stop at the menu. Every week brings with it a new house-made special, making sure Stellini’s cuisine always stays fresh and up-to-date.

“We’ve cultivated quite a community here in Grapevine,” Mitch says. “There’s always something new going on at Stellini Trattoria.”

Beyond Tuesday Velvet Taco Has Flavor For Days

A dash of the Downtown Dallas vibe has been the main ingredient in redefining the taco for over a decade. The fusion of funk and fine dining have been staples on the menu at The Velvet Taco since the concept was born at its original Henderson Avenue location in 2011. Growing to more than 30 locations across the country, the popular fast-casual shop embodies the belief that tacos can be creatively elevated beyond their Tex-Mex roots. With shops as far as Charlotte, Nashville, Tennessee, Chicago and Atlanta, the company proves it hasn't forgotten where it came from with its newest location right here in Grapevine.

Velvet Taco's mission is to elevate your everyday taco by adding a fresh perspective. Offering a wide variety of international flavors and original combinations, they use tortillas as the base of their masterpiece to turn each taco into art. There are over 20 varieties of tacos available, with each featuring a unique flavor from all over the world.

Velvet Taco was recognized by eskca.com as one of the best restaurants in Dallas. They recommend the spicy chicken tikka taco because their chicken is slow-roasted to perfection daily. The spicy chicken tikka taco features crisp tenders, spicy tikka sauce, buttered cilantro basmati rice, raita crema and Thai basil all on a flour tortilla. This dish is sure to leave your lips burning for more. Another unique spin on chicken tacos is the chicken and waffle taco. Inspired by the infamous breakfast dish, this taco entails crisp tenders, peppered bacon, peppercorn gravy, green apple slaw, maple syrup, red chile aioli and chives on a waffle tortilla. It’s a food lover's dream with nostalgia and comfort in each bite.

In need of vegetarian options? No problem — they have multiple taco options for you as well. The healthiest menu item is their falafel lettuce wrap taco. For only 160 calories, you can enjoy this Middle Eastern-inspired dish boasting a tahini sauce, an assortment of vegetables, as well as green Schug sauce. Additionally, they offer Nashville hot tofu tacos, beer-battered cauliflower tacos and fried paneer tacos.

Their pork, beef and fish tacos are also anything but ordinary. The most notable are the Korean fried rice tacos, slow-roasted Angus brisket tacos and the fish n' chips tacos. Their elotes and red velvet cake are not to miss either, as are their strong cocktails and margaritas.

The restaurant itself is just as spunky as the food. It’s covered in bright, vibrant colors and neon lights to match the unique tacos. Each location boasts a customized local art package to represent its city. The vibes are immaculate, and the tacos are even better. You won't find tacos like these anywhere else. If you are in the mood for a fresh and funky take on tacos, Velvet Taco won't let you down.

Velvet Taco

440 W. State Hwy. 114

Grapevine

817.527.5995

VelvetTaco.com

Harvest Haul

Hotel Vin’s Food Hub Welcomes Three New Kitchen Partners

For the past two years, Harvest Hall has provided diners with an eclectic mix of flavors to try from within Hotel Vin, from Mediterranean and American to Asian and Mexican. This month, three new kitchens are coming to the food hall, and they’re bringing their unique cuisines with them.

The most notable of these new additions is Dock Local, a seafood franchise that’s already well-established with three restaurants in North Texas, including inside Plano’s Legacy Food Hall. This coastal concept serves homemade seafood delights such as fresh Maine lobster rolls, the classic fish and chips and Louisiana-style shrimp with redskin potatoes, corn and smoked sausage. Don’t forget to try their fries or nachos, which come loaded with lobster meat, bacon and cotija cheese.

Far from their only offering, Harvest Hall is also opening a Firebawks Hot Chicken concept. Helmed by ZaTaR Mediterranean founder Niddal Abedrabbo, the playfully-named Firebawks aims to set mouths on fire with its crispy Tennesseestyle hot fried chicken. Its take on the traditional chicken sandwich, or Chicken Sammy, is served fresh with crunchy cole slaw, pickles and house ComeBawk sauce on top of a soft Brioche bun, and the hot wings will test anyone’s spice tolerance.

Lastly is the scratch-made Italian kitchen, Pizza By Luigi. Spearheaded by Eataly executive chef Luigi Iannuario, Pizza By Luigi will feature generational recipes from the acclaimed chef’s childhood in Milan. Teaming up with his wife Fabiana, the menu will feature Roman, Neapolitan, traditional and modern Italian cuisine, including oven-baked pizzas, pasta and calzones prepared daily from their own handmade dough.

From lobster rolls to hot chicken to authentic pizza, expect these kitchens to create quite the buzz when they open in Harvest Hall.

“From the beginning, we have always been passionate about working with chefs located in the Metroplex,” director of operations Mitch Johnson says. “We are thrilled to be partnering with these dynamic new concepts.”

Harvest Hall

815. S. Main Street

Grapevine

817.251.3050

HarvestHall.com

Reimagining Fast Food

Sweetgreen Makes Healthy Eating Fast, Fun And Easy

The idea for Sweetgreen started between a group of friends, Jonathan Neman, Nicolas Jammet and Nathaniel Ru, who met while attending Georgetown University in 2003. They bonded over their frustration with the lack of healthy food available both on campus and in restaurants. When they went out, there was often a choice between slow, expensive, fresh food or fast, inexpensive and unhealthy food. The team saw a gap in the market and an opportunity to create a business in which convenience would never sacrifice quality. Together, they collaborated to open a 500-square-foot organic salad restaurant in Washington, D.C. just two months after graduating.

To this day, each action is guided by the company's core values of empowering their customers, employees and partners to have a positive impact on the food system. With a commitment to providing a recognizable aesthetic without being extremely branded, Sweetgreen's founders have worked with gifted architects and artists to create restaurants that embody their brand and ingredients. The interior features bright lighting, raw wood, white walls and chalkboards, while cheerful posters reflect the feel of Southlake Boulevard.

Sweetgreen has over 100 locations nationwide, including one of their newest in Southlake’s Park Village shopping center. Since opening, it has quickly become a fan favorite for those looking to enjoy healthy local food including fresh bowls, salads and plates.

Each recipe contains hearty ingredients that will keep your body nourished. The low-calorie hot honey chicken plate will warm your body and soul with every bite of its blackened chicken, warm quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, kale-cabbage slaw, toasted almonds and Sweetgreen’s signature hot honey sauce. Another crowd-pleaser is the harvest bowl, which comes with all the flavors of fall including a base of kale topped with warm wild rice, roasted sweet potatoes, pecans, apple slices, goat cheese, roasted chicken and tied together with balsamic vinaigrette. Get your bar food fix and feel good about it when you order the buffalo chicken salad, which includes chopped romaine, shredded kale, cilantro, tomato, za'atar breadcrumbs, chopped pickles, blue cheese, blackened chicken, caesar dressing and Sweetgreen hot sauce.

To satisfy your sweet tooth, order a crispy rice treat, a delicious blend of crisp organic brown rice, quinoa and puffed millet naturally sweetened with honey date caramel, containing only 6 grams of sugar.

The best part of Sweetgreen’s menu is that it’s ever-changing. New recipes hit the menu five times a year, so you can always get the best produce. There is also a secret list of menu items when you order on the app. With so many options for lunch and dinner, you'll never be bored.

Sweetgreen

1111 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 430 817.765.6399

Sweetgreen.com

home STYLE

Natural Surroundings

Everyone knows that real estate in the Southlake area has a lot to offer. However, like most fast-growing suburbs, properties found in pristine natural settings are becoming an endangered species. When you find a property such as 2700 N. Kimball Ave. in Southlake, it’s worth a closer look. Listed for $3,398,000, this 4,800-square-foot residence enjoys all the trappings of a house in the woods in addition to exquisite modern touches and amenities throughout.

PRIVACY POLICY

Portioned off to the northernmost border of Southlake by the federal government in the late 1940s, Lake Grapevine was built to supply water to the growing cities of North Texas. Completed by the Army Corp of Engineers in 1952, the lake and its surrounding area covers roughly 12,000 acres of protected land. This four-bedroom, six-bathroom beauty rests on more than an acre and a half of forestland alongside the lake’s lengthy shoreline and trails. Off the second-story bedroom is a balcony overlooking the entire expanse that includes an outdoor kitchen, pool and spa. This property doesn’t even have an HOA. Talk about privacy.

INTO THE WOODS

Along the path to the front door, the forest makes way into a contemporary-styled home that has many modern upscale touches. The living room is centered on a tiled hearth with an inset gas fireplace that all rests under an immaculately-lit tray ceiling. The room also boasts floor-to-ceiling glass windows that provide plenty of natural light and views of the patio and surrounding treeline.

Modern luxury flows into the kitchen with its light-colored cabinets and stainless steel appliances by way of customized hardwood floors. An oversized kitchen island includes a pecan wood countertop beneath LED pendant lamps thoughtfully arranged beneath a custom wood ceiling platform. It’s immediately apparent that bringing forth natural wood elements indoors was as much a priority as its park-like setting.

Penthouse Living Live It Up In This Town Square Gem

Expect to be impressed with this incredible premier Cantoni fully furnished Penthouse Residence 504 in the Parkview Residences of Southlake Town Square. This is a great opportunity to live in style with an open floor plan, two outside decks off of the living and master, the lavish marble porcelain sheet flooring throughout, modern lighting, linear fireplace and split bedrooms, plus you have that lock-and-leave flexibility complemented by the perfect live, work, play lifestyle of living in the square.

Enjoy the secure entrance and common living spaces on the first floor, secured parking and direct elevator access not only right into your own home but also to the rooftop deck equipped with two separate outdoor kitchens, multiple living spaces and veranda views across Lake Grapevine and beyond from its sixth-floor location. Additionally, there is a private club room for dinners and parties, a yoga room and a full workout gym, plus a separate climate-controlled storage room on the same floor.

$3,285,000

350 Central Ave., Suite 504

Roxann Taylor I 817.416.2700

DFW.EVRealEstate.com

arts and CULTURE

STAND UP AND LAUGH

The next big comic comes to Dallas p. 66

A Night Of The Eras

Taylor Swift’s Musical Journey Comes To AT&T Stadium

Ta ylor Swift's reputation has only grown since her last tour in 2018. The Eras Tour, which begins this month, will mark her sixth headlining tour, and fans have literally broken the internet for the chance to see her live. After the release of her re-recorded albums “Fearless” and “Red,” Taylor debuted her 10th studio album “Midnights,” selling over 6 million units worldwide. Describing her new tour as “a journey through the musical eras of [her] career,” fans will hear all of their favorite songs from the past and present together.

Selling an estimated 114 million albums worldwide and having 11 consecutive No. 1 albums on the U.S. Billboard 200, Taylor became the first artist to have five albums sell more than a million copies during release week. This is thanks to her powerful lyrics from songs like “Love Story,” “Blank Space,” “Bad Blood,” “Wildest Dreams” and “Anti-Hero.” Taylor’s fanbase is loyal and passionate, and her live performances have been hailed as some of the best in the industry.

After a five-year tour hiatus, Swifties created an unprecedented demand for tickets to her concerts, causing Ticketmaster's servers to crash. Tickets sold out in minutes, and prices skyrocketed on resale sites like Stub Hub where prices are currently $500-plus for nosebleed tickets and $2,500-plus for floor seats. Taylor Swift's tour will include 52 shows at NFL stadiums starting in March and finishing in August, making her tour even more impressive.

Fans should also be excited to meet a new era of artists, because Taylor Swift has a history of surrounding herself with remarkably talented opening acts like Camila Cabello, Shawn Mendes and Ed Sheeran, who will be filling AT&T Stadium himself on May 6th. The setlist will feature hits from her entire discography, showcasing her growth as an artist and songwriter over the years, ranging from her country roots to her pop sound. So come and shake it off with Taylor. We’re sure you know the feeling all too well. Photo

By Brian Friedman

March 31 — April 2 AT&T Stadium

POTTED POTTER

MARCH 3-5

WYLY THEATRE | The Oliver Award-winning Harry Potter parody is here! Created by Daniel Clarkson and Jefferson Turner, “Potted Potter – The Unauthorized Harry Experience” condenses all 4,224 pages of the beloved book series into 70 hilarious minutes. This unique experience brings together all of the most magical elements of the Harry Potter universe, including wands, wizards and witches. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or are just discovering the world of Hogwarts for the first time, Potterheads of all kinds are welcome to this wonderful wizarding show.

LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD

MARCH 5

THE MARQ | Knock knock, who’s there? Why it’s none other than Little Red Riding Hood, my dear! Presented by North Texas Performing Arts as part of its Page To Stage program, this beloved fairytale is brought to life in this fun hour-long production. By trusting a stranger, Little Red Riding Hood finds herself in a precarious situation on the way to her grandmother’s. When she’s brought face-to-face with the big bad wolf, Little Red Riding Hood learns a valuable lesson about trusting others.

TEXAS LIBERTY FOREVER!

MARCH 6-27

THE HALL OF STATE | Remember the Alamo by visiting the largest depiction of the Battle of the Alamo at the Hall of State at Fair Park. Artist Thomas Feely Jr. was meticulous in his work, ensuring that each figure was posed exactly as they would have been during the battle and painting them in such detail that they almost look like they could come to life. The sheer number of figures, 18 years of creating and the amount of detail stretching across 336 square feet speaks to Thomas’ dedication and passion for the project.

BEAUTIFUL: THE CAROLE KING MUSICAL

MARCH 4-12

CASA MAÑANA THEATRE | After six smashing years on Broadway, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” takes its talents on tour throughout North America. Through her incredible songs and stories, you can trace Carole King's journey from a shy and reclusive songwriter to a robust and influential musician. From her collaborations with her husband Gerry Goffin to her friendships with Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann to becoming one of pop music history's biggest stars, you will experience it all in this Tony and Grammy Award-winning musical. With some of Carole’s biggest hits including “You’ve Got A Friend,” “One Fine Day” and “Up On The Roof,” you won’t lose that lovin’ feeling for this natural woman.

CARRIE UNDERWOOD

MARCH 8

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER | Let Carrie Underwood take the wheel for a show you’re sure to remember. Ever since her impressive vocal range and spunky personality graced the “American Idol” stage in 2005, Carrie Underwood has been loved beyond the masses. With her recent win as People's Choice Awards Country Artist of 2022, she has proven that she has won over the hearts of not only the “American Idol” judges, but also America. Sing your heart out to hits like "Before He Cheats," "If I Don't Love You," "Church Bells," "Blown Away" and "Drinking Alone." Belt out these anthems of heartache and hope, and let your soul be filled with the sweet sounds of Carrie Underwood. Photo By Thomas Hawk

SZA

MARCH 10

march 10

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER | If SZA's album "SOS" is stuck in your head on repeat, you aren't alone. She has been hard at work crafting this new album after a five-year hiatus, and now it's her time to take it on tour. Incorporating elements of R&B, jazz, pop and hip-hop, SZA shifts her sound and style for a totally unique and eclectic listening experience. With hit singles such as “Kill Bill,” “Low” and “Love Language,” this Grammy Award-winning artist will have you falling in love with her over the weekend. Photo By Hunter Crenian

STEVE GILLESPIE

MARCH 10 & 11

DALLAS COMEDY CLUB | Get ready to laugh, because Steve Gillespie is taking the stage at the Dallas Comedy Club. Appearing on “Conan,” a finalist in CMT’s “Next Big Comic” and a runner-up at Gilda’s Laughfest, Steve’s absurd and aggressive style of comedy always leaves audiences in absolute hysterics. Not only that, but he’s also attracted even more attention through his debut comedy album, “Stever Fever.” He’s got a fever, all right — a fever of belly laughs.

JERRY SEINFELD

MARCH 11

march 11

WINSPEAR OPERA HOUSE | One of the greatest comedians of all time is coming to Dallas. After appearing on “The Tonight Show” with Johnny Carson in 1981, Jerry Seinfeld became a household name, eventually creating his own Emmy Awardwinning sitcom “Seinfeld” with Larry David. Today, Jerry Seinfeld continues to be a pop culture phenomenon loved by fans all over the world. Poking fun at everyday life in a way that speaks to everyone, Jerry Seinfeld’s signature observational humor will have audiences rolling with laughter. Photo By

march 12

JAY SHETTY WORLD TOUR:

LOVE RULES

MARCH 12

AT&T PERFORMING ARTS CENTER | When it comes to going through life, it helps to think like a monk — and that’s exactly what Jay Shetty does. The award-winning podcast host of “On Purpose,” former monk Jay Shetty is going on his first world tour “Love Rules,” and he’ll show you how to create deeper connections and build relationships rooted in trust and respect. With podcast guests including Alicia Keys, Khloe Kardashian and Kobe Bryant, his podcast has received over 300 million downloads, and he’s prepared to share his secrets for a more fulfilling life. Whether you’re looking for your soulmate or just a soul friend, Jay is here to help.

Nounpusher Photography

MOULIN ROUGE! THE MUSICAL

MARCH 15 - APRIL 4

BROADWAY DALLAS | Combining elements of drama, romance and jukebox spectacle, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” brings Baz Luhrmann's groundbreaking musical to life. Telling the story of a forbidden love between an aspiring writer and a star dancer, this romantic tale has all of the bedazzling sets, larger-than-life costumes and powerful songs that make dreams come alive. Blending contemporary culture with classical musical hits, “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” is an experience that will leave you believing in truth, beauty, freedom and love.

CHRIS STAPLETON

MARCH 17 & 18

DISNEY ON ICE: ROAD TRIP ADVENTURES

MARCH 16-19

AMERICAN AIRLINES CENTER | Experience the magic of Disney movies right before your eyes at Disney On Ice. Enjoy non-stop adventures with beloved characters as you embark on an epic journey full of music, unbelievable stunts and ice skating. From the vibrant jungles of Motunui to the majestic Pride Lands to a magical carpet ride to a wild toy adventure inside Andy’s room, you'll be immersed in the beauty and magic of every Disney setting. Step into the world of Walt Disney and experience it on ice.

CHOCTAW | Get ready for a fun time with country star Chris Stapleton. The long-haired, deep-voiced country singer has a string of awards under his belt, including eight Grammy Awards, 10 Academy of Country Music Awards and 14 Country Music Association Awards. The “Tennessee Whiskey” singer’s voice roars with a powerful sound, and he’s bringing it on his All-American Road Show to promote his fourth album “Starting Over.” Put on your cowboy boots and buckle up for a night featuring top hits like "Broken Halos," "You Should Probably Leave" and "Whiskey And You” from one of country’s greatest artists. Photo By Sterling Munksgard

TEXAS CHAMBER MUSIC

MARCH 26

PROJECT

WHITE’S CHAPEL | Apex Arts League will host a free chamber orchestra concert presented by the Texas Chamber Music Project later this month. Enjoy selections by Mozart, Schubert, Vaughn Williams and Saint-Saëns, with guest artist Brian Brown and conducted by Thomas Connely. The concert is an opportunity for community members to enjoy the music of some of the greatest composers in history. So if you're looking for a fun night out, come to White’s Chapel and experience a symphony of a good time.

ANNIE MARCH 28 BASS PERFORMANCE HALL

It’s a hard-knock life for Annie and her friends, but at least it makes a great show for the rest of us! Debuting in 1977, this Broadway musical ran for nearly six years and won seven Tony Awards, including Best Musical. With its timeless message of optimism and resilience, Little Orphan Annie’s story resonates with many people of all ages. Its beloved characters and catchy songs provide hope and solace to generations of theater-goers and confidence that tomorrow is always just a day away.

ME SQUARED CANCER FOUNDATION BLACK AND WHITE GALA

Over 400 elegantly-dressed guests enjoyed cocktails, a fabulous meal, bidding on auction items and dancing the night away to the Walton Stout Band at the second annual Black and White Gala at the Westin Southlake on Feb. 24. The Volunteer of the Year award was presented to Kelly Rose, and patient grant recipients courageously shared how the Me Squared Cancer Foundation impacted their lives during their cancer journey. Thank you to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers and those who dedicated their time and talents to make this event such a success!

MeSquaredCancerFoundation.org

YACHT LIFE

The Ritz-Carlton goes to sea p. 74

This Yacht Rocks!

The Ritz-Carlton Sets Sail With Its First Ultra-Lux Cruise Ship

You could cue up your favorite 1980s playlist and let Christopher Cross’ “Sailing” take you away — or now that its first voyage is in the books, you could let The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection do the same. Late last year, the iconic hotelier launched Evrima, the first of three custombuilt yachts to set sail on highly-tailored getaways for travelers searching for their inner Thurston Howell III.

But this is no 3-hour tour. And it’s not a mega-cruise ship either — it’s fashioned perfectly in between.

Exclusivity At Sea

The specially-designed Evrima measures around 620 feet, which is roughly half the size of ships like the Royal Caribbean's new Icon of the Seas, which measures 1,198 feet. There may not be a theater for live shows, a promenade or a casino like Icon of the Seas will have for its 7,600 passengers. Nevertheless, Evrima does not fall short in any aspect of luxury for its exclusive 298 passengers per voyage.

The design of the yacht’s 149 suites is one of the many tonesetting elements. In addition to offering an all-suite configura-

tion, Evrima also features several innovative two-story loft suites, a unique duplex accommodation. And there are no portholes here — every room features a private terrace and floor-to-ceiling windows, resulting in some of the most expansive feeling guest rooms at sea. And in true Ritz-Carlton fashion, all suites feature luxurious amenities that visitors expect, including a king bed, double vanity bathroom, luxury linens and those amazing views.

In contrast to larger-than-life ships, crowds and lines for entertainment, travelers aboard Evrima enjoy a relaxed sense of freedom. Yacht life here is elevated through thoughtful programming and curated amenities including spa treatments, a sauna and steam room, watersports from the yacht’s marina while at anchor, an infinity pool and a fitness studio. There are also plenty of open spaces like The Observation Room, The Library and The Pool House to simply lounge and enjoy.

Families are still top of mind with flexible suite configurations and a dedicated space on board for Ritz Kids. The Ritz Kids programming, built for children between the ages of 4 and 12, appeals to their curiosity with an emphasis on marine conservation, localized crafts and more.

Taste The Good Life

The Ritz life at sea eschews buffets and instead offers a wide variety of dining options, including locally-inspired creations in The Evrima Room, creative interpretations of Southeast Asian Cuisine and a sit-down sushi bar at Talaat Nam, a specialty dining experience in S.E.A., designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg. Low-key but luxurious evenings include tailored cocktails and intimate performances by in-house jazz and classical musicians, discussions led by renowned experts and partnerships with local arts and music communities.

A Shore Thing

Depending on the season, Evrima visits the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Destinations along the way range from Spain’s Balearic Islands and coveted havens along the French Riviera to the shores of Aruba and the tropical coastlines of Costa Rica. Thanks to its smaller size, Evrima also allows unique access into some of the most sought-after ports of call, delivering yacht-style cruising in destinations such as Mykonos, SaintTropez and St. Barts.

The experience doesn’t end on the ship either — it extends to the ports of call with excursions only the team at The Ritz-Carlton could dream up. Experiences onshore range from guided tours through world-class museums to yoga on a private beach or zip-lining through tropical rain forests. For those looking for something even more special, the expert concierge services of their Shore Collection will work with local experts to customize private tours, ensuring that you and your family enjoy a one-of-a-kind journey. RitzCarltonYachtCollection.com.

IN FULL BLOOM SOUTHLAKE CELEBRATED ITS SECOND ANNUAL SPRING FESTIVAL IN TOWN SQUARE

RACE AGAINST THE COLD LAKE GRAPEVINE RUNNERS AND WALKERS HAD THEIR HIGHEST PARTICIPATION EVER AT THE SPRING MARATHON

out and ABOUT

A STROKE OF GOOD ART

THE SOUTHLAKE WOMEN’S CLUB KICKED OFF ART IN THE SQUARE

A BIGGER BOUNCE

THE WORLD’S BIGGEST BOUNCE HOUSE COMES TO DALLAS

PHOTOS

ROAD TRIP

A taste o’ Dublin (TX) is just down the aisle

parting SHOT

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MERCEDES-BENZ OF GRAPEVINE