MDDM | April 2021 | Vol. 9

APRIL 2021

VOL. 9

THE RETRO ISSUE IS HERE! Mylo’s Retro Gifts Amazon Wishlist Mylo’s Retro Adventures Why You Should Laugh More Often + Best Comedy Shows to Watch

How to Par ty During the Pandemic

...AND MORE!

Mylo Draven Siobhan Miller Kristine Bello Siobhan Miller Mylo Draven Kristine Bello Caitlin Knudsen Kira Gavalakis Caitlan Osborn Courtney Thomas SGI Creative SGI Creative Benjamin Bledsoe Caitlin Knudsen Web Hosted By Cascadia Web Services

EDITORIAL OFFICE & ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Advertising Executive - Siobhan Miller 92 Piazza Lane Ste. 100, Colleyville, Texas 76034 hello@mddmagazine.com MDDM is published by Mylo Draven Digital Magazine, L.L.C. www.MDDMmagazine.com | hello@MDDMmagazine.com

The opinions expressed in MDDM do not necessarily reflect those of the publisher.

Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any losses due to the use of this magazine.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without the prior permission of Mylo Draven Digital Magazine L.L.C.

Ready to time travel?

Table of Contents 08

Retro gifts that will make you want to be a kid all over again!

A sassy cocktail made with peach, orange, and cranberry notes. We like to call it Morning Sex on the Beach.

12

Different ways to party during the pandemic—beach vacay included!

A quiz to tell you which musical moment you are!

20

18

What do you get when Mylo walks into an arcade, diner, and bowling alley? Mylo’s Retro Adventures!

Top 3 retro cafes to visit in the DFW area for all the vintage vibes.

28

10

24

A banana pudding recipe that’ll make both your heart and stomach happy!

Mylo discusses the importance of retrospection for your future self in his Musings.

32

30

How laughter can save the day any day—and from your couch—with a list of comedy series to watch!

A watchlist to rival all the newest shows with retro finesse!

36

What was the #1 song the week you were born? (MDDM EDITION) 1 t.

Oc

Mylo

98

Siobhan

(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay - Oti 196 h c r Ma

8

993 May 1

8

Editor-In-Chief

Creative Director

Groovy Kind of Love Phil Collins

Josh

Web Host

Sept.

2001

Freak Me - Silk

Ben

Photographer

I’m Real (Murder Remix) Jennifer Lopez feat. Ja Rule

Kristine

Associate Editor

Macarena (Bayside Boys Mix) - Los Del Rio t. 1 Oc

99

6

Letter From the Editor Hello MDDM readers!! I hope this finds you all doing well. In March, we passed the one-year mark for COVID-19 being declared a worldwide Pandemic. With the release of the 3rd vaccination, and increased availability of the first two, the veil of the Pandemic seems to slowly be lifting. As we enter April, here’s hoping the joke isn’t on any of us. I used to love April Fool’s Day as a kid. All the silly jokes. The first day of April was all about laughter and being lighthearted. This year I am confident the laughter is returning for us all.

Now that we have more in the daylight, and the weather is warming up, it is time for April showers. Yes, Mother Nature will be doing her annual Spring Cleaning. The funk and drama of this new year will be rinsed away. There is much to celebrate in April. April 2nd is Peanut Butter & Jelly Day. April 3rd is National Chocolate Mousse Day. April 6th is National Twinkie Day. April 7th is National Beer Day. April 11th is National Pet Day. April 12th is National Grilled Cheese Sandwich Day. The good news is you can make any day a great day and a celebration!

Too often we wait to be told when to be happy. We only celebrate on “assigned” days/holidays. Life is to be lived my friends. There is no day that isn’t a blessing. There is no day that does not deserve your gratitude for another day of life. Yes, even the difficult days: the days when the struggle is too real. You don’t have to wait for a birthday to have a slice of cake! Be your number one fan, and find daily reasons to celebrate YOU and the life you live. You have value.

As many of us slowly begin to explore life post-self-isolation, a new day is dawning. The mental fatigue and battles that have been waged during the Pandemic will (hopefully) lead to levity. Allow yourself to embrace the positives that fill your lives. Prioritizing self-care will allow you to help others. Can’t we all just get along? I believe that with awareness and effort we can. Remember if no one else tells you, I am on your side.

08

Mylo’s Retro Amazon Wishlist

BY Kristine Bello

Nothing like a retro issue from us to make you feel old, huh? No, that was not an insult! Being older is a gift! All those haters you’ve had to deflect, all that trauma (we all have trauma, let’s be real) you’ve had to work through, all those blacked out nights, and oh, honey, all those outfits you regret, they’ve all got one thing in common: they’ve made you the wiser, smarter, more experienced version of you. And there’s nothing more priceless than that. Plus, like a classic Gucci, we’re not old, we’re vintage.

But there are some things that aren’t priceless that made some moments feel priceless. And y’all know we had to put that together for your entertainment via an Amazon’s wishlist. Get ready to party like it’s the 80s and 90s again (but not too hard because we might throw our backs out).

RUBIKS CUBES

1

We’ll never forget the frustration of not being able to figure out how to solve these sassy little cubes. But if I just move this white one here, then perfect, I can get these blues together, and…oh no, now, how in the world did that orange get there, and there’s just no way that I can get this red here without messing with this perfect green line. Yup, the struggle was real. But we must admit, it was pretty great that our biggest problems back then revolved around plastic covered in colored stickers.

2

WALKMANS

There is no feeling like getting a brand new cassette with Nirvana’s most recent album, popping it in, and rocking out. Walkmans truly changed life as we knew it, giving us the ability to listen to music no matter where we were.

Did you know they actually contributed to a 30% increase in the amount of people that walked for exercise? It’s just, how could you have a Walkman and not show it off, right?!

09

RETRO LUNCHBOXES

3

Y’all know we’re all for style and practicality, and these lunchboxes were it! From Ghostbusters to Cabbage Patch Kids, food just tasted better when they were packed in these. And though, we’re definitely big fans of insulated lunch bags and glass containers (because chemicals), we can’t help but wish these would come back, even if just for the slightest bit. The nostalgia is too strong.

FANNY PACKS

4

These are the true fashion champions, as they keep coming back with new ways to be worn. Though originally designed with the goal of preventing people from being pickpocketed, they definitely serve a much greater, more fashionable purpose. While yes, they’re super practical and comfortable, they’re also so fabulous, especially when worn unexpectedly, like as a belt or diagonally across your torso. Whoever says they’re not cool isn’t cool.

5

STAN SMITH SNEAKERS

These may have made one of the best fashion comeback stories ever! Pairing these with some baggy jeans and a tucked-in Run DMC t-shirt meant we were going to have a good day. We can’t thank Adidas enough for bringing these staples into our lives. And to think that Gen Z is wearing them now with leggings and skinny jeans!

6

MOOD RINGS

“Alright, blue means normal. Are you feeling normal? No wait, it’s actually, like a teal, so you’re feeling…mixed emotions? Yes? Oh my gosh, these. are. so. cool!” Those were the days, right? When a ring influenced our emotions, making us feel like highly skilled psychics or something. As if.

10

Morning Sex on the Beach

By Caitlin Knudsen

11

Some cocktails never go out of style, and you can bet we’re still drinking the cocktail that inspired this recipe on the regular.

Since we’re throwing it back retro-style, we decided to tweak the infamous Sex on the Beach cocktail. It’s full of fruit, juice, and two types of booze. What’s not to love? Our take includes extra peach flavor and a splash of passionfruit, one of our favorite aphrodisiacs. With all that fruit juice, it’s like sippable brunch. That’s why we’re calling it Morning Sex on the Beach.

Ingredients 1 oz. of vodka 1 oz. of peach schnapps 1 oz. of peach juice 2 oz. of orange juice 1 oz. of cranberry juice Seeds and juice from ½ a passionfruit

Directions

1 Start by filling a highball glass ⅔ of the way with ice cubes or crushed ice. Your pick!

2 Fill a cocktail shaker with ice and add the vodka, peach schnapps, peach juice, and cranberry juice.

3Shake what your mama gave ya (for about 30 seconds).

4 Pour all that goodness from the shaker into your glass.

5 Layer the orange juice on top and finish it off with passionfruit juice and seeds.

6 Add a cocktail umbrella, a straw, and an orange slice or two if you like.

7 Sip and enjoy!

Notes •

Keep it layered or mix it up with your straw for the full Morning Sex On The Beach experience.

•

Double the recipe and shake it twice if you’re making cocktails for two.

12

How to Party During a Pandemic

Now that the Coronavirus pandemic has surpassed its one-year birthday mark, many of us are left wondering when the Covid-19 party will be over. Like an uninvited guest, we want it gone! But no matter how many colorful candles we blow out, wishing the pandemic away is easier said than done. It’s hard not to feel like a deflated balloon from it all. While you may think you’re all dressed up with no place to go, don’t despair! There are still ways to have fun with your nearest and dearest despite all the crazy.

Let’s get this party started!

14

Drive-By Party Yes, you can have a party without planting your feet on the ground. Send out invites to your friends for a drive-by celebration. Decorate your front door and yard in the theme of your choosing and convince your neighbors to do the same. After all, the more the merrier! And what’s better than a good old fashioned decorating contest? Beautify the sidewalks with a rainbow of chalk, and set out a goodie table with sweet treats and gift bags that guests can grab in a �lash.

Have your pals decorate their cars with removable paint, balloons, streamers, and cans or bottles.

Make sure the windows are rolled down so everyone can play their favorite party tunes as they drive down the street, and dance like everyone is watching.

Virtual Party Nowadays, there ain’t no party like a Zoom party. The bene�it of an hourslong video chat means everyone is invited and anything goes. Site twoseven, for example, allows you to log into your Net�lix, Hulu, Amazon Prime, and YouTube accounts (and more!) so you can watch short clips or movies with your friends in real time. Plus, you can turn on your webcams and live-chat to see your friends’ reactions. With Discord, you and your friends can join each other for video games. And Houseparty allows you to host socially-distanced karaoke with a choice of more than 10,000 songs, so sing your heart out!

15

Staying at home doesn’t have to be boring! Invite nine of your closest friends for a night in. If you’re 21 or older, stock up on booze and drinking game essentials like dice, a deck of cards or two, and ping pong balls. Show off your culinary skills by making your own party grub like pizza, wings, or nachos. If you prefer something a little more festive, have everyone dress up so you can have a themed costume party. Try going with “mask”-erade! For something more relaxed, have an at-home spa day. Do mud masks and your nails while you watch your favorite �licks. Make sure your guests have a safe place to crash so you can have an impromptu adult slumber party.

Beach Vacay It’s hard to stay stuck inside all the time, so why not use this chance to get away? If you want to take a road trip and have a party on the beach, make sure you choose a place where you and other groups can maintain six feet of distance. Avoid crowded beaches at all costs, lest you go home with more than a cold. Sometimes all you need are a couple of your closest friends, so make the most of your time with them while you’re away. If you can, hit the water by renting a boat for the day and catch some fresh �ish for the night’s dinner. Light things up with a bon�ire and dance the night away to some festive music.

When you’re ready to wind down, wrap yourself in blankets, sip a comforting drink, and share your memories, hopes, and dreams for the future.

Camping Trip Watching and reading the news can be downright stressful right now, so take the opportunity to unplug with a camping party.

Spend the day hiking on socially distanced trails, and cool off if there is a lake or river nearby. When you’ve found the perfect isolated spot, pitch a couple of tents and have a barbecue. As you spend the night under the stars, sip on hot cocoa or spiced apple cider while you roast marshmallows for s’mores. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, tell scary stories that are sure to keep you up at night.

You don’t have to leave home to experience the great outdoors—your backyard will do just �ine (but a nearby park is good too!). Make sure you have a projector and a large sheet or screen handy so you can have an outdoor movie party. Set out picnic blankets and quilts six feet apart so you and your guests can properly distance. Fire up the grill for hotdogs and hamburgers, and don’t forget the popcorn!

Whether you choose the classics, a comedy, or a bunch of horror �licks, it’ll sure be a night to remember. If it’s summer, you need to cool down, and you happen to have a pool, make the night extra special by laying on �loaties while you watch your �ilms.

17

Photo Party Even if this year has been less than ideal for your social calendar, that doesn’t mean there aren’t moments you want to capture. To look back on these times with more fondness than indifference, grab your besties and a camera and have a photoshoot. Dress in a nice out�it and do your hair and makeup so you look your best. Next, set your sights on an airy outdoor space with picturesque features.

Are there any spots around town you haven’t had the chance to visit?

Now is the perfect opportunity to sight-see and preserve the moment with some chic pics. When you’re done, print out your favorite photos and build a scrapbook or album so you can look back on the day with love in your heart.

18

What Musical Movement Are you?

Sure, there’s music you like. But what about the music that defines who you are? With this quiz, you’ll learn which musical movement you are, and uncover the secrets to your very own mind—come join us!

By Kira Gavalakis

1. You’re home alone, and finally don’t have to fight over Netflix shows with anyone else. What are you watching?

4. You won $1,000 at your local raffle, where the only requirement is to use the money within 30 days. What are you buying?

A. Friends B. Black Mirror C. Hairspray D. Survivor

A. A converted van A Bright and flowy lines B. Records B. Angular dark blacks and greys C. Concert tickets for you and your C. Eclectic and eye-popping colors friend D. Some blacks, and one bright color D. The down payment to build a man/ woman cave 8. If you were an animal, which would

2. It’s Friday night—you’re going out!

What pair of pants do you pull out 5. Your realtor called (and so did for a night out with the squad?

Mylo, your MLO!), and it’s time to buy A. Flare jeans a house. What’s the non-negotiable B. The tightest jeans you can find of your new house?

C. Colors, colors and more colors D. Basic blue jeans

A. Lots of space for guests B. Quiet and tucked away C. The spunkiest house on the block 3. You and your friends are getting D. A detached garage

7. You stumbled into an abstract art class at the library, where you can paint anything you want. What do you paint?

you be?

A. Lemur B. Black cat C. Peacock D. Rottweiler

9. You just got a new Yankee candle.

What’s the scent?

A. A Walk in the Park hungry during your night out. How B. Black Magic do you pick what restaurant to go 6. Quick! Pick your favorite emoji (gut C. Black Cherry & Vanilla Cupcake to? reaction): D. Summer Storm A. Go with the flow A. B. I’m not hungry 10. It’s a perfect day on a Saturday B. C. Any place with a karaoke machine afternoon. Sunny, 65, and oh so D. A motorcycle bar beautiful. What are you up to?

C. A. Hanging out in a park with your friends D. B. Staying inside C. Going to a festival D. Going to a backyard BBQ

19

Now it’s time to tally up your points. Find how many As, Bs, Cs and Ds you have, and write down which letter you have the most of. See below to find what musical movement you are!

60s Grunge Pop Rock n Roll If you have mostly As, Keep it mellow, my groovy friends. You’re a Hippie. #peaceandlove. On the surface, you might seem like you go with the flow, but underneath, you fight for what’s right, even if it’s beyond your comfort zone. Communities are your vibe, and having a band of loyal friends to stick together to hang around with—or make a last-minute trip with—is one of your favorite things.

If you have mostly Bs, Okay Grungie, play that Nirvana for us. Anything dark or dismal is a go for you. You’re pretty dark, but it all comes with depth, introspection, and self-expression. You express yourself honestly, and though you aren’t afraid to scare people who don’t understand you, you also have a soft and sensitive side that only shows when you’re alone.

If you have mostly Cs, You’re here for the music that you pump up in your convertible. Upbeat, fun, and bouncy is what it’s all about with the Pop-Kween. People can always count on you to lighten up the mood, or to be the life of the party. No matter what’s going on around you, you always know how to make something fun out of nothing, and your friends are never disappointed when bringing you out.

If you have mostly Ds, You’re that hard-rocker that never went out of style. No matter what’s going on around you, the music in your head can bring you wherever you want. You have the power to tune out negativity, and being around people akin to you is what makes you the happiest. You’re funloving, passionate, and not afraid to get a little bit crazy.

20

Mylo’s Retro Adventures Follow along as we take you years back, when playing Pacman and grabbing a delicious burger + shake were all you had to worry about.

WRITER Mylo Draven

21

Photo Title Autecer erspicaera dolor maximi, omnima ipit lite consequam est velignim rem volendel maxim ape nestiero blacerchil

22

10

EXPLORE Magazine

Mylo bowling to his hearts content!

Mylo, Siobhan, and her son battling it out in an intense racing game!

There is nothing like a great burger! Maybe a thick, delicious shake??? Or a big slice of yummy cake!!! These are three of the sta‐ ples that can be found at Hunky’s. There are two locations in the Dallas Metroplex.

One in the gayborhood on Cedar Springs Rd., and one in Bishop Arts. Hunky’s is a welcome throwback to an era long gone. It provides the feel of a diner in the 50’s, with a more eclectic clientele and menu. For the Retro edition of Mylo Draven Digital Maga‐ zine there was no better choice. If you want a tuna melt, a delicious hot dog, an‐ d/or onion rings, then Hunky’s is your diner.

If you are a Vegan or Vegetarian, there are options on the menu for you too. If you want an alcoholic drink, you can wet your whistle at Hunky’s. If you want a cozy at‐ mosphere, with great décor and service, you must stop by Hunky’s. Hunky’s has something for everyone and will not disap‐ point. It was our first stop on the Adventure Tour for April, and we were glad.

Next stop was Main Event in Grapevine.

Main Event is a one-stop shop for food and fun. There is laser tag, billiards, bowling, and an arcade full of video and carnival game favorites. Interesting fact: post ad‐ diction I took up bowling. I went from no handicap to a 180+ in less than a year. I practiced all the time, so much so that I had to ice my right forearm. For years, my right forearm looked like Popeye’s. I moved to Texas to work with one of the best bowling coaches in the USA at the time, Coach Susie Minshew.

My grandfather was a league bowler, and sometimes as a kid I would keep manual score for the dueling teams on a pair of lanes. Yes, this was before electronic scorekeeping existed. Every Saturday at 3:30 PM PST, I would watch the PBA Tour on ABC. I grew up watching the likes of Norm Duke, Pete Weber, Nelson Burton Jr., Marshal Hollman, Earl Anthony, Mark Roth, and others. Thanks to her coaching, and a

23

11

little luck, I rolled a USBC league sanctioned 299. Yep, one pin away from a perfect game of 12 strikes.

Being on the lanes at Main Event brought back all the memories of the time I spent on the lanes to become a better bowler. I haven’t bowled in years. I haven’t bowled competitively in a league or tournament in over a decade. It was fun to be on the lanes again.

The concentration, the struggle to let my body just do what it has been programmed to do via all the frames/games of practice, all came back. This adventure was special to me. It brought back my youth, the early years of my time in Texas, my desire to remain sober after quitting meth cold turkey. I even ordered a retro bowling shirt to get in the spirit. There were a handful of shots that felt right. I used to call

them picture-perfect. Why? Be‐ cause after a bowler releases the ball with classic proper form, the arm just swings like a pen‐ dulum and because of balance the bowler is picture perfect. It was nice to feel all of the posi‐ tive feelings that bowling reignited.

Last up on the Retro Adventure Activities list was the arcade.

Playing Miss Pacman on a 12foot screen was very intimidat‐ ing. I am not sure if it was old age, or not playing a video game in years, but I SUCKED BAD!!

LOL. I did have a good time though. I was most disheartened at how quickly Miss Pacman lost all her lives. On to Skee-Ball. I did better than I did with Miss Pacman, and it wasn’t as much work as being on the lanes. I did the strength test with a fuzzy mallet. I don’t know if I was weak,

or if the machine was broken. I am going with the latter. It was fun to be playing the games. The good time feelings made me reminisce about being at the lo‐ cal carnival when I was growing up. The time in my youth when no parent was scared to let their child out after dark, or even walk home a mile or two. A simpler time when there were no cell phones, no Facebook, no online bullying.

The adventure finished off with Mario Cart. Siobhan had her son in her lap, and then there was me. I have always said I was a race car driver in another life.

Driving games have ALWAYS been my favorite. I did lose, but it’s ok. I did not want to trauma‐ tize a child by winning. Seri‐ ously, I was having a blast. It was a great day of retro vibe adventures.

24

Throwing It Way Back With MDDM

By Caitlin Knudsen

We love the newest technology and the freshest fashions, but there’s something to be said for the vintage look. Certain things never go out of style—Audrey Hepburn’s �lawless wardrobe, a good pair of jeans, a slice of buttercream-laden layer cake. Let’s add retro cafes to our list. We love a trip down memory lane to destination cheeseburgers, milkshakes, and drive-in movies. Hey, sometimes the 21st century can be a drag, and you just need to escape for a few hours. Here are our top picks for DFW’s best retro cafes, guaranteed to transport you to Good Times, Texas, population: you.

#1 Dairy-Ette: Go For the Root Beer Located at 9785 Ferguson Road in Dallas proper, Dairy-Ette isn’t interested in being like all the hipster cafes popping up all over the metroplex. It’s old-school. Old school cool. We give you the address because Dairy-Ette doesn’t have a big online presence. Skip the online reviews; you just have to go there to experience it.

Opened in 1956, Dairy-Ette continues in the vein of other mom-and-pops, passed down in the Prikryl family from father to son, rinse and repeat. There are no fancy menus, curated decor, no list of farms where they source their food. You’re not there to soothe your moral compass. You’re there to eat a simple burger and enjoy an ice-cold mug of homemade rootbeer.

Pure cane sugar and custom rootbeer �lavoring give frosty mug after frosty mug their signature nostalgic �lavor. Some describe it like a big scoop of vanilla ice cream melted inside your mug before it gets the �loat treatment. Try one and report back to us. If you’re not into root beer, try the freshsqueezed lemonade. They do it right at Dairy-Ette.

Sit at the bar and listen to the sizzle of the �lat-top as you wait for your burger. It comes unseasoned (unless you ask), with the golden 80/20 burger ratio, and topped with sliced cheese, lettuce, onions, tomatoes, pickles, and mustard. Yes, the cheese is American. Would you expect anything else?

Dairy-Ette features all the classics on the black and faded white menu—chili dogs, grilled cheese, tuna, ham, and chicken strips.

25

You can get a shake or a malt and watch the staff mix them up in the dented stainless steel mixing cups. You know what we’re talking about.

Inside the building, you can enjoy the burgundy-colored booths, wood paneling, and the soundtrack of metal on metal, waitresses asking for orders, and old AC units squeaking and grinding along. It’s a lewk and a vibe. Spend your whole meal swiveling to your heart’s content in the bright red bar stools. Who cares how old you are? We don’t judge.

While the interior is pure nostalgia, it’s also a drive-in. As the metroplex heats up for the summer, don’t sleep on this experience. Let the neon lights guide you into your stall, pump up the AC, kick back, and get ready to enjoy one of Dallas’ best burgers. Drive in and stay awhile; Dairy-Ette is open from 11 am to 10 pm every day of the week.

#2 Norma’s Cafe, Where Dessert Comes

Sourced from Instagram

Norma’s Cafe welcomes you with this simple piece of advice: life is short; eat dessert �irst! With four locations plus the original in Oak Cliff, Norma’s opened in 1956, just like Dairy-Ette. It was a good year for Dallas diners, apparently! At Norma’s, they focus on homemade food and making you part of the family. It was a focus early on and continued to be when Ed Murph took the reins from Norma herself over 30 years ago. Come for the dessert, stay for the food, and leave with new friends.

Let’s back up to the dessert. Since Norma’s wants us to eat dessert �irst (and who are we to say no?), let’s talk about what they’re famous for. Norma’s Cafe is known for Mile-High Pies. Check out the lemon, coconut, chocolate, chocolate peanut butter, and oreo pies. The lemon? The meringue layer is real thick, twice as thick as the lemon �illing. Pure indulgence. They have cake too and make a delicious German Chocolate. But they’re also known for their cobblers, a classic southern dessert �it for all our fellow metroplexers. Order the ice cream with the cobbler. You won’t regret it.

If you have room for a meal after dessert, breakfast is our go-to recommendation. Norma’s doesn’t mess around; the breakfast options are hearty and �illing.

Load up on near-bursting omelettes, crispy hashbrowns, and �luffy biscuits. If you want to mix it up, try the migas or chilaquiles. If you have a raging sweet tooth that just has to be satis�ied, choose from pancakes, French toast, or Belgian waf�les.

The rest of the menu reads like a tour de Texas with pot roast, cat�ish, chicken fried steak, or a ribeye steak dinner. Appetizers get the Texas treatment too. Check out the Frito pie, fried pickles, beans and cornbread, or chili. If you’re planning to workout after your meal at Norma’s, don’t. A Net�lix marathon is a much better idea. You’ll need some time to digest, but it’s so worth it for the Texas-sized comfort food. Norma’s is available for your dessert cravings to comfort food hankerings anytime between 7 am and 8 pm. The original Oak Cliff location is at 1123 W. Davis St.

26

#3 Keller’s Drive-In is infamous. We’re talking national attention on our Dallas institution. But don’t worry, it’s still ours, and like many other retro cafes, they’re only interested in doing what they do best: serving beer and burgers to people who like them.

Our Creative Director, Siobhan Miller, �irst visited Keller’s when she was 17 and kept coming back. She has the inside scoop: bring cash, turn on your emergency lights, and check the menu on the side of the building before the waitress comes to your window. Roll the window down about three quarters so the waitress can balance your tray once it’s ready. If you don’t follow the instructions, you’ll get called out as only a career waitress can.

With no website and little online presence until recently, you still have to be in the know to experience Keller’s. Located near the Northbrook Mall, Keller’s is a mysterious joint that draws everybody from your neighbor in his Levis and Ford truck to the downtown suits in their expensive sports cars. If you’re lucky, you may see a classic car group stop off for a burger after their joy ride through the city. When you pull up, don’t be alarmed at its weary appearance; looks can be deceiving, but a good burger doesn’t have to look pretty; it just has to taste good.

Sourced from Instagram

While you can sit inside at Dairy-Ette, you can’t at Keller’s and may get a salty, “Sweetie, you’re doing it wrong” from one of the waitresses if you attempt it. Stay in your car. Enjoy your burger.

That’s all you need to do.

Most menu items barely breach $4 at Keller’s, but the quality is solid. Leave your dreams of brie, sauteed creminis, and tomato jam at home because Keller’s makes fuss-free burgers, and the fanciest they get is with the poppy-seed �lecked bun, which nobody seems to know the origin of. It’s just how it is, and we don’t question it. Siobhan recommends the number �ive for $2.89. It comes with the infamous bun, two patties, cheese, lettuce, tomato, and special sauce. You can try and ask what’s in the sauce, but you’re not likely to get an answer, and why do you need one? Just sit in your car and enjoy your burger. That’s all you have to do at Keller’s, and isn’t that a relief?

Make sure you get a milkshake and tater tots with your burger. It completes the meal and the experience.

Keller’s is open Monday through Thursday from 10:30 am to 9 pm, and expanded hours on Fridays and Saturdays. You can �ind them at 10554 Harry Hines Blvd.

#4

While Hunky’s Cafe technically opened in the ’80s, long past the time of drive-ins and poodle skirts, it nails the retro mood. With the tin metal ceiling and lengthy tenure in an old building, you just might forget it’s 2021. Located in the Bishop’s Arts District, this is a great retro option for vegans and vegetarians out there. They offer the Impossible Burger and a black bean burger for the animal-conscious Texans. Don’t miss the salads and sandwiches for the health-conscious, featuring leaner cuts like tuna, turkey, or even a salmon burger. For those not watching what they eat, there are plenty of juicy, cheesy, indulgent options.

The burger menu is extensive and a touch more eclectic than some of our other retro cafe options. Choose a mushroom swiss burger, turkey burger, or chipotle cheeseburger with hickory-smoked bacon, pepper jack cheese, and chipotle mayo. You can get any of the burgers as a Big Burger Basket, which means double the meat.

Sandwiches are king at Hunky’s, and you can order any one of their 13 chicken sandwich options, but make sure you get the fries.

When Siobhan and Mylo visited Hunky’s recently, they got a strawberry milkshake and fries for a snack, both of which they recommend. Yes, they use Blue Bell in their milkshakes. Your Texas pride can rest easy.

If you’re not into the dairy, you can also get cocktails in a can, such as a gin and tonic, which Siobhan enjoyed. Crack open a beer, or have them whip up a margarita for you. For the non-drinkers, Hunky’s has you covered with Coke in a bottle, the way it was meant to be enjoyed.

Don’t forget about dessert. Mylo has sampled the cakes before and rates them: worth the calories.

They have a wide array of cakes, and you’ll have to check the display for options when you go.

They’ve featured strawberry, lemon, chocolate banana, and classic yellow cake with chocolate buttercream in the past. Regardless of the �lavor you pick, you’re getting a light, �luffy cake with divine frosting. Hunky’s is open from 11 am to 9 pm every single day. Get your �ix at 321 North Bishop Avenue.

28

Classic Banana Banana Classic Pudding Pudding With aa Twist Twist With

By Caitlin Knudsen

You know by now we’re a little extra here at Mylo Draven Digital Magazine, and for our retro edition, we’re making the most extra banana pudding out there. We had to pay homage to this classic southern dessert, but take it up a couple notches with bananainfused milk and cream cheese to make our thick, creamy whipped topping. It’s sweet, creamy, and full of banana flavor! We aren’t counting the calories— and neither should you—but we promise a serving of this banana pudding is worth every last one!

Ingredients 4 bananas for infusing 2 bananas for slicing and serving 4 cups of whole milk 1 cup of cane sugar ½ tsp of kosher salt 1 vanilla bean scraped 4 egg yolks 4 tbsp cornstarch

1 tsp of ground turmeric (optional) 8 oz cream cheese 8 oz heavy whipping cream 1 cup of powdered sugar 2 tsp vanilla extract Kosher salt Vanilla cookies (store-bought, but who’s checking)

Directions 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Start by infusing your milk with the bananas. Pour get extra fluffy, extra fast. Take the bowl out and add your milk into a large pitcher that comes with a lid. your softened cream cheese. Using a handheld Slice the bananas and put them into the milk. Cover electric mixer, mix the cream cheese until soft and with the lid and put in the refrigerator overnight or up creamy. Add the powdered sugar, vanilla, and salt, to 24 hours. The longer you infuse, the stronger the and mix until just combined. Add the heavy whipping flavor. You know when you know. cream and whip on high until the whole thing is thick After you infuse your milk, strain it into a mediumand fluffy, holding firm peaks when you pull the mixer sized saucepan using a fine mesh strainer. Save the bananas! You can toss them in a smoothie or oatmeal.

Add the sugar, vanilla bean seeds, and kosher salt.

To get the vanilla bean seeds, use the tip of a knife to slice the vanilla bean in half. Then use the side of the knife to scrape the seeds out of the bean halves, knocking them into the saucepan. Turn the heat up to medium-high, stirring every 30 seconds or so.

In a separate bowl, crack the egg yolks and mix with the cornstarch. Once the sugar dissolves in the mixture on the stove and small bubbles start to form around the edges, ladle a small amount of the milk mixture and slowly drizzle it into the bowl with the egg yolks and cornstarch, stirring constantly.

Slowly drizzle the egg mixture into the saucepan and stir while you turn the temp up just slightly, bringing the pudding just off a boil. It should start to get real thicc at this point—just how we like it. Stir in the turmeric. You won’t taste it, but this bright yellow powder will turn the pudding that recognizable neon yellow, but without the food dye. You eat with your eyes, right? Take the saucepan off the heat and let it cool for about 30 minutes.

Pour the pudding into a medium-sized bowl, toss it in the refrigerator and continue to cool for another 1-2 beaters out. This should take about a minute or two. hours.

9.

Are you ready? Put on your favorite Gucci shoes, When you’re ready to assemble, take the pudding your designer shades, and get ready to eat. Your new out, get out one large serving dish or multiple singlefavorite banana pudding is just minutes away. serve containers, like mason jars or yogurt jars. If 10.

Layer your pudding with vanilla cookies, sliced you’re going small, you’ll need anywhere from 6-10 bananas, and the whipped cream cheese mixture. containers.

Crumble the cookies on top. Eat the cookies while Toss a small metal mixing bowl in the freezer for five you’re assembling. It’s all fair game. Grab a spoon minutes. Stay with us, it helps your whipped cream and treat yourself.

Notes If you want to make your own cookies, you might be a better person than us. But honestly, whether you use homemade or storebought cookies, this dessert will slay regardless!

Stovetop pudding is pretty simple, but if you want to use a powdered mix, feel free. No judgment here!

When you’re adding the milk to the egg yolks, and then back into the saucepan, it’s super important that you go slow. This process is called tempering and it guarantees you don’t end up with scrambled eggs in your pudding. Nobody has time for that!

We add cream cheese to the whipped topping because it helps it hold a nice, firm shape in this classic layered dessert. You don’t need to worry about it turning into a liquidy puddle before you serve it.

Pro tip for readers with kids: try the banana-infused milk as a treat for your kiddos. It’s a guaranteed hit!

29

30

MYLO’S MUSINGS So often we hear “do not dwell on the past,” “look forward, not backward,” “leave it in the past,” and other such tidbits. Well, I believe you must understand where you have been to help you get to where you are headed. Many times in my life I have looked in my rear view, so to speak, for insight. It wasn’t always that way. For many years I was just living one day after the next, month after month, and year after year always looking ahead, seeing nothing, and never looking back.

I have found myself in similar situations repeatedly. I have wondered so many times I have lost count, “how did I end up here again?” I have stared at exes wondering why the same type of man is in my life.

31

As much as I have wondered, there were many years where I didn’t stop to fully contemplate the hows and the whys. I just thought if I “did better” or vowed not to make the same choices, the results would be different. How wrong I was. For years I made the same bad choices for all the right reasons.

It wasn’t until I took the time to stop and UNDERSTAND why I was making the decisions I was making that I made better choices. It was not until I looked back on who I was, and why I had been the person I was, that I began to be reborn improved. It was the power of the knowledge from lessons learned by reviewing my past, that saved my future. I would not be the man I am today, if I did not first understand the man that I had been. I had to learn lessons from my past that I had missed to have a brighter, smarter present. I had to forgive myself for my ignorance and stupidity. I had to give myself a space to heal and grow.

There is nothing wrong with looking back if it is for positive gain. Sometimes we must awaken the child within, or heal the child within, depending on who you are and what you have experienced. There is NOTHING healthy in “forgetting” your past, suppressing memories, or just trying to start over. Forgiveness and understanding of self are where a new future begins. We all deserve to live a life free of the weight from past burdens. Do not be afraid to face yourself, and most importantly, to embrace yourself. We all have one life to live.

The power of knowledge and self-love are key building blocks to a life of gratitude and blessings. NEVER judge where you have been, the mistakes you have made, or fear the past. Look back to become empowered in your present.

Trust me, if I can rise from the depths of addiction and abuse, you can rise to claim your life’s blessings. You got this!!

…I believe you

must understand where you have been to help you get to where you are headed.

32

Why You Need to Laugh More Often + Our Top Comedy Picks to Help You Do Just That

By CourtneyThomas

“A clown is like an aspirin, only he works twice as fast.”

- Groucho Marx Anyone who says they aren’t stressed out these days is totally lying. Fortunately, science has an answer.

Drum roll, please! It's……...LAUGHTER! It may be an unexpected tool, but it's one everyone has access to, and data shows it can reduce stress and promote health. Laughter.Yes, it's that easy.

33

According to Dr. Shevach Friedler at the Assaf Harofeh Medical Centre in Zerifin, "Laughter has a physiological effect as well as a psychological one. It is an intuitive human trait.” Laughter benefits both the body and the soul. It is a natural stress reliever, and it is so effective at taking pressure off the immune system that some doctors even recommend it to immunocompromised HIV and cancer patients.

Physically, laughter enhances your intake of oxygen-rich air and stimulates your heart, which helps prevent cardiovascular disease. Research shows that people who laugh more often are less likely to experience hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and diabetes mellitus. Laughing can leave you more relaxed, and even burn calories (40 calories per 15 minutes!). When it comes to staying healthy, some scientists think laughter may be just as important as a balanced diet and regular exercise. While it's true that some of the benefits of laughter can be explained away as benefits of social interaction, laughter lowers the stress hormone epinephrine, and helps keep your blood pressure at a more normalized level. Laughter’s anti-anxiety function might make it just what the doctor ordered this month.

34

The Dallas Comedy Scene If you’re ready to go out on the town, laugh, and show

Arlington Improv will also host in-person standup shows

off those Gucci loafers, then, Dallas has what you need.

this month. Get hyped, because all three performances

The city’s comedy scene includes a variety of clubs and

feature nationally known, award winning comedians. April

theatres, some of which are offering in-person shows.

1-3, catch Damon Williams, or go April 8-11 to see Michael

Before you go, be sure to check each venue's policies

Colyar, who’s known to his fans as “The King of Venice

regarding the ‘Rona, as requirements differ from place

Beach.” Finally, April 22-25 “The Plastic Cup Boyz,” Will

to place.

Spank Horton and Na'im Lynn, who have performed on multiple Kevin Hart tours, will take the stage.

If you’ve yet to discover Hyena’s Comedy Nightclub Dallas, run, don’t walk, to this pillar of the local comedy

If stand-up isn’t your scene, Dallas has you covered with

scene. Pretty much anyone who’s made it big out of

DRAMA. Turn to the antics of the theatre for a laugh this

Dallas has played here. This month, Hyena’s will feature

month and visit Pocket Sandwich Theater. Known for

T.J. Miller April 3 and 4. Miller has performed worldwide,

providing “the most fun you can have in a Dallas theater,”

on the comedy stage, as a voice actor, and in movies for

in April, Pocket Sandwich presents T Bone N Weasel. The

over 15 years, and his comedic timing is impeccable.

comedy closes April 17, and follows two ex-convicts as

April 16 and 17, catch up-and-coming comedian Darren

they journey through the South, “with dreams that are

Fleet. His television show “What Behooves Me,” will

larger than their intellects.” Like many gems of modern

premiere this fall on ICTV. April 30, when Hyena’s will

American theatre, the play premiered at the 11th Humana

host this month’s can’t miss show: irreverent comic Tim

Festival, so take this as a chance to go get some #culture.

Bae’s UnFu*%•Wit•Able Tour.

Netflix: Stand Up It's easy to have a laugh without leaving your house now that Netflix has become a major distributor of stand-up comedy performances. While scores of big names have recorded specials, my recommendations include:

If after watching these specials you become stand-up obsessed, I won’t blame you. Netflix’s aptly named series The Stand-Ups will ease your comedy cravings. With two seasons out now, the series is comprised of 30-minute recordings of stand up performances by names such as Joe List and Nikki Glaser.

Netflix: Series If you’re looking to binge, Jerry Seinfeld’s Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee presents conversations between leading comics in a laid back style that makes for relaxing TV. It's the Great British Baking Show of Comedy.

If you want a deeper look at hot topics, Patriot Act with Hasan Minaj is also on Netflix. The show provides a funny and informative take on subjects from student loans to censorship in China and one of the writers, Mark Agee, is homegrown Dallas talent.

Free Online Ooh girl… there’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of finding high quality items for free. Luckily, you can enjoy that rush while taking advantage of the wealth of comedic material available online, unmediated by paywalls.

If, like me, you like your comedy fused with a bit of Reality TV, check out the Emmy-nominated British game show Taskmaster in which comedians compete in wacky challenges to please host Greg Davies. Complete episodes from Series 17 of Taskmaster are available for free on the official TaskmasterYouTube channel. I credit the show with getting me through the pandemic with my sanity intact.

Retro is a trend that won’t quit, so don’t be afraid to throw it waaaaaay back. Charlie Chaplin, one of Hollywood’s first great directors, created films that were world-wide comedy sensations. Even 100 years later, his comedic mastery makes his work ESSENTIAL viewing. Several of his films, including The Immigrant, which features his most famous character “The Tramp,” are available for free in the Internet Archive. Six more are available from PBS in the virtual silent movie theater!

April is officially a month of laughter. Take a load off. Embrace renewal. Let whatever makes you laugh strengthen your self-care routine this spring. We all definitely deserve it, and your body will thank you!

35

36

6 THROWBACK TV SHOWS FOR ALL THE NOSTALGIA

By Kristine Bello

Let us take you back: it’s Saturday morning, you’re eating a bowl of Smurf Berry Crunch, and you’re watching the Flintstones before heading to Blockbuster to pick the movie for this week’s family movie night. Oh, the good ‘ol days. While we’ll never be able to get those moments back, we can still experience the nostalgia—preferably in comfy sweats and with a glass of wine! Not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered. Here are six shows that make time travel (almost) possible.

#1

Sourced from IMDB

The Gucci of sitcoms, I Love Lucy remains one of the best shows ever. It was the most-watched show in the U.S. during the first four seasons (there were six!) and even continued with a spin-off mostly focused on Lucy. Just in case you’ve never seen it (what planet are you from?), the blackand-white show follows Lucy Ricardo (Lucille Ball) as she regularly plotted schemes that involved her husband, Ricky Ricardo (Desi Arnaz), and her best friend, Ethel Mertz (Vivian France), often resulting in funny outcomes. Fun fact: Lucille and Desi were actually married in real

#2

Sourced from Wikipedia

Did we lowkey want a pet cat and mouse just so we can laugh as they ran around destroying the house? Most definitely (but our parents would have probably not been fond of that). Do we even need to describe what the premise was? Tom (the cat) chases Jerry (the mouse) around, destroying everything in their path. It felt almost impossible not to root for Jerry, but we did feel bad for Tom sometimes. And have y’all seen the movie that just came out? It incorporates cartoon animal characters in live-person settings with real actors and a killer

#3

Sourced from Wikipedia

Before The Simpsons, The Flintstones was actually the most successful (in terms of profits) and longest-running animated TV series. Taking place in a Stone Age setting, the Flintstones are a family of three that run into all sorts of conflicts, which sometimes involved dinosaurs, sabertooths, woolly mammoths, and their neighbors, the Rubbles.

Two of the cutest and most famous characters are Pebbles and Bamm-Bamm—you better believe when the day comes we’ll be dressing our babies like them for Halloween. Catch us yelling yabba dabba doo the next time we buy a new MCM bag!

37

#4

Sourced from Wikipedia

Three words: Samantha’s. nose. twitch. Too iconic! If only we could twitch our noses and have all our chores be completed magically. *Swoons* Every episode in this eight-season sitcom revolves around Samantha Stephens (Elizabeth Montgomery), a witch, who marries a mortal, Darrin Stephens (Dick Sargent), and all the conflicts they encounter due to Samantha’s use of magic and her family’s disapproval of their relationship. Did you know Samantha and Darrin were featured in an episode on The Flinstones in 1965? These two legendary shows coming together was a major moment!

#5

Sourced from Wikipedia

With over nine seasons, this longrunning American sitcom comically entertained many eyes and ears in the U.S. with a working-class family in Queens, New York. From the close-minded father, to the feminist daughter, the family dynamic juxtaposed numerous controversial topics with their contrasting character personalities. We were so here for the issues the show brought to light, like racism, homosexuality, and women’s liberation.

#6

Sourced from Wikipedia

The final show on our list is another trailblazer (and a spin-off of All in the Family), being the first to star an interracial marriage.

With a mostly African-American cast, the episodes follow Louis (Isabel Sanford) and George Jefferson (Sherman Alexander Hemsley) living in Manha�an with Lionel, their son. They were able to touch upon important subjects, like racism, suicide, and alcoholism, while s�ll maintaining lightness with the infusion of comedy. One of the best moments? Jennifer Hudson singing the theme song!

Thanks for reading!