Charm Magazine - September/October 2019

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

COVER STORY

DORIS RAMALY

Overcoming

Together ALSO INSIDE

beauty

COSMETIC BRUSHES

An Important Part of Makeup Strategy

special advertising section:

SIMPLY THE BEST!

FLIP-the-ISSUE

Carla Gibson Gibson Breast CancerCarla Survivor Breast Cancer Survivor

As Carla will tell you, is a beautiful thing.

As early Carladetection will tell you,

early detection is a beautiful thing.

When her 3D mammogram detected something suspicious, Carla had a biopsy that revealed breast cancer.

“Longview Regional Medical Center found it early,” said Carla. “It was an aggressive cancer, and they worked to createdetected a treatment plan thatsuspicious, included surgery, chemotherapy radiation.

Thiscancer. form of cancer When her together 3D mammogram something Carla had a biopsy thatand revealed breast “Longviewwould Regional Medical Centertofound early,” said Carla.

“Itor was an aggressive cancer, and they worked been difficult detectit by self-exams, X-rays sonograms.

I’mareally fortunate that the specialists When her 3D have mammogram detected something suspicious, Carla had biopsy that revealed breast cancer. together toatcreate a treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.

This form of cancer Longview Regional were able to help me.” She added, “My advice to you? Do not put off mammograms.

“Longview Regional found itX-rays early,”orsaid Carla. “ItI’mwas anfortunate aggressive and they worked would have been difficultMedical to detectCenter by self-exams, sonograms. really thatcancer, the specialists Early detection can save your life.” at Longview Regional were able to help me.” She added, “My advice to you? Do not put off mammograms.

together to create a treatment plan that included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. This form of cancer would have been difficult to detect by self-exams, X-rays or sonograms. I’m really fortunate that the specialists or to schedule your 3DCare mammogram.* Contact the Center for Breast of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-329-3761 for information Regional were able to help me.” She added, “My advice to you? Do not put off mammograms. orattoLongview schedule your 3D mammogram.* Early detection can save your life.”

Early detection canthe save yourfor life.”

Contact Center Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-329-3761 for information

Contact the Center for Breast Care of Longview Regional Medical Center at 903-329-3761 for information or to schedule your 3D mammogram.* For American College of Radiology recommendations, visit www.acr.org. *Check with your insurance provider to confirm coverage for a screening mammogram. • Appointments are on a first-come, first-served basis. An order from a physician or qualified healthcare provider is not required, but the patient must provide a physician/provider name when an appointment is made. If the patient does not have a physician/provider and would like help finding one, the hospital may be able to provide assistance. All mammogram reports will be sent to the physician/provider, and the patient is responsible for follow-up.

s t n e t n o C SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

Beauty: Cosmetic Brushes: An Important Part of Makeup Strategy

Feature: Anne Kelt, Hick & Frog Bistro

Beauty

Features 10

Cover Story: Doris Ramaly: Overcoming Together

20

Women in Business: Anne Kelt, Hick & Frog Bistro

22

Aprill Brandon: Dream Cuisine

8

14

Pretty in Pink

Shop This!

Picture This!

A P R I L L B R A N D O N | P I C T U R E T H I S ! | FA S H I O N JULY/AUGUST 2019

F EATU

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NOW!?

COVER STORY

SHAVING SKILLS For Summer

special advertising section:

SIMPLY THE BEST!

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4 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

Doris Ramaly is a born warrior. The child of missionary parents, she was born in Costa Rica and eventually chose a career in social services, taking the job in 2004 as director for Family Promise, an agency that coaches families who have been tossed into homelessness back into housing. She remains in that post.

Spot the Charm

What’ s wro with m ng e

Words by

On the Cover

Fashion In Every Issue

TEQUITA DUDLEY

22

Cosmetic Brushes: An Important Part of Makeup Strategy

24 26

beauty

Feature: Dream Cuisine

14

20

8

ALSO INSIDE

Fashion: Pretty in Pink

Our July/August Spot the Charm winner was Nicole Hagler and she received a $100 Visa gift card. Nicole spotted the Charm on Page 22 in our last issue!

We invite you to spot a special Charm logo in this edition.

Hint: It’s not in the Picture This! logo or in one of the advertisements.

If you locate it, sign on to mycharmonline.com and click the Spot the Charm link on the homepage.

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CHARM / VIEW SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019 PUBLISHER Stephen McHaney EDITOR Ric Brack • 903.237.7759 • rbrack@news-journal.com MANAGING EDITOR Jo Lee Ferguson • 903.237.7724 • jferguson@news-journal.com ART DIRECTOR Katie Case • 903.237.7715 • kcase@news-journal.com PHOTOGRAPHERS Michael Cavazos • 903.237.7748 • mcavazos@news-journal.com Les Hassell • 903.237.7764 • lhassell@news-journal.com DESIGNER Sara Bryan ILLUSTRATOR Michelle Laverell CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Becky Bell • Aprill Brandon • Clare McCarthy • Amy McHaney Nella Kopp • Finn O’Connor • Amy Pearson • Ana P. Walker CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Courtney Case ADVERTISING DIRECTOR Tracy Stopani • 903.237.7726 • tstopani@news-journal.com ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Kelly Benton • 903.237.7776 • kbenton@news-journal.com Thomas Bonner • 361.574.1249 • tbonner@vicad.com Sylvia Darden • 903.237.7721 • sdarden@news-journal.com Chris Dean • 903.237.7719 • cdean@news-journal.com Kerri Esposito • 903.232.7276 • kesposito@news-journal.com Jeff Martin • 903.232.7221 • jmartin@news-journal.com CIRCULATION Steven Briggs • 903.237.7768 • sbriggs@mrobertsmedia.com PRODUCED BY TCM PRINTING Sherri Goodwin • 903.232.7245 • sgoodwin@tcmprinting.com SPECIAL THANK YOU TO Models: Casey Ardoin, Sabrina Holland, Victoria Parker and Arna Wells Fashion Photo Location: Dove Hollow Estate

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6 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

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COSMETIC

BRUSHES: AN IMPORTANT PART OF MAKEUP STRATEGY Words by AMY MCHANEY

I

Is it necessary to purchase a whole set of brushes at once?

Nope. In fact, most people I talked to built their collection over time, purchasing a variety of brands and bristle types depending on what kind of brush they were buying. Following is a basic list of brush types and with an example or two of each to help you assemble your toolbox.

LIQUID FOUNDATION

Merle Norman Makeup Artistry Face No. 7 Brush – Angled Foundation — $46

have always wondered what the deal is with cosmetic brushes. They are a necessity if you wear makeup, of

POWDER

course, but what is all the fuss about? Have you ever

noticed how often cosmetic brush sets – with sky-high price tags

MAC 182 Synthetic Buffer Brush — $53

– are recommended in gift giving guides? With bristles from goat, badger, mink or, no joke, squirrel?

My preference has always been to invest in the cosmetics themselves – brushes have been an afterthought. It turns out that the tools – i.e. brushes – matter as much as the product. I have put

Morphe E2 Round Powder Brush — $22

together a “Cosmetic Brushes 101” to help up our makeup game.

First of all, some brush basics. A cosmetic brush is made up

BLUSH

of three parts: bristles, handle and the ferrule that connects the two. Handles are most often made of wood, plastic or resin. The ferrule is almost always made of metal. The bristles, however, are more complicated.

Bristles were traditionally made of animal hair, until synthetics came along. Here is a breakdown of cosmetic brush bristle basics – try saying that three times fast!

ANIMAL HAIR • More expensive

IT Cosmetics Heavenly Luxe French Boutique Blush Brush No. 4 — $35 EYESHADOW

MAC 239 Synthetic Eye Shader Brush — $26.50

• Softer feel, depending on type of hair used • Hold powder-based cosmetics better • Harder to clean due to irregular surface of the natural hair 8 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

BH V5 Vegan Blending Brush — $4

foundation brushes, at least once a week to prevent a buildup of

CONCEALER

product. And because these brushes are used on your face, the cleaner the better. Brushes that are used around the eyes should

Sephora Collection Pro Airbrush Detail Brush No. 57 — $24

be cleaned at least twice a month, while all others can be washed once a month.

You can buy special cleaning solution for your brushes, but

Morphe M421 Concealer Brush — $4

many people recommend using Dawn dish soap because of its ability to break down oily substances. Work the soap and water through the bristles and rinse until all makeup residue is gone.

Once clean, squeeze excess water from the brush with a clean

EYE LINER

towel then reshape the bristles. Lay the brush across a cup or

Beauty Junkees Pro Precision Eyeliner Brush — $10

extended over the edge of the sink so the bristles are exposed to air on all sides in order to dry properly.

When looking for a new cosmetic brush, remember that what works best for YOU – feel-wise and price-wise – is what matters.

Morphe M250-0 Detail Liner — $3

And if you maintain your brushes with regular cleansing, they should perform well for years to come.

AN UPDATE ON COLLAGEN

LIP

I have disappointing news to report about my collagen

Merle Norman Makeup Artistry Lip Brush – Retractable — $12 Sonia Kashuk Retractable 2-in-1 Brush — $12

experiment. You may recall that I intended to drink collagen powder for 30 days to see if it actually made a difference in my skin texture, hair, nails, etc. My hair stylist says she can tell a difference in her clients who take collagen supplements. The reviews of collagen supplements are amazing. I started this

I have too many friends who swear by the Beautyblender Original

experiment a number of times, but I simply could not choke the

makeup sponge ($20) not to mention it. Though not a brush, my

stuff down. All I could think about was the fact that I was drinking

friends love it for smoothing textures and excellent blending.

connective tissues from a cow. Yuck. I am sorry to have failed

To ensure your brushes are performing at their best, it is

you. Hopefully you will remember the good times, times where

important to keep them clean. Cosmetics giant Bobbi Brown

I actually followed through on my experiments — veins stripped

recommends the following cleaning schedule: For concealer and

from my legs, plasma needled into my face. C

SKINTELLIGENT EYE MOISTURIZER Hydrates and Protects with Probiotic Technology.

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LOCATED IN THE LONGVIEW MALL 3500 MCCANN, • LONGVIEW, TX 903-753-0041 mycharmonline.com 9

COVER STORY

Overcoming

TOGETHER

Words by ANA P. WALKER Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Doris Ramaly at Texas OncologyLongview Cancer Center.

10 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

D

oris Ramaly is a born warrior.

When she was first asked how long that second treatment lasted,

The child of missionary parents, she was born in Costa

she said 27 months. After checking her calendar, she corrected that

Rica and eventually chose a career in social services,

number to 16 months. It seemed a lot longer, she said.

taking the job in 2004 as director for Family Promise, an agency

“You need cheerleaders,” she said. “Because you’re in a

that coaches families who have been tossed into homelessness

marathon. You don’t feel good. You’re tired. You’re just not in a

back into housing. She remains in that post.

good spot. You just need people to cheer you on.”

Twice within the past five years, two battles with breast cancer have put her in the unfamiliar role of needing help from others.

Her first diagnosis was in 2015 and although it was “startling,”

Even with the generous support of friends and family, the struggle was grueling.

Nevertheless, she was not a passive patient.

she said, the cancer was caught early and the skirmish seemed

“I was one of those people who had to research everything

brief. After five months of treatment that included a lumpectomy,

… I was actively involved in talking to my doctors and knowing

she was on her way to a win.

why I was doing the kinds of treatments I was doing, knowing my

“Once you’ve overcome it you’re like, ‘Well, that wasn’t so bad.’”

As she approached the end of treatment and prepared to return to the “mammogram once a year” routine practiced by most women, the last in a series of diagnostic mammograms revealed a more virulent form of cancer had invaded her body.

“I was just sobbing when I found out that I had it again because I didn’t know what that meant. Was I gonna live? Was I gonna die?”

The second battle lasted 16 months and included much more extensive treatment: a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and a lot of reconstruction surgery.

What was it like to have to rely on others?

“I guess I never expected people to help me like they helped me. I never had that type of experience in my life ... I think our society teaches us to be independent, so when you get a diagnosis like that you become, at that point, more dependent on others.”

Among those others were her family, her church, her service club and her friends who performed many acts of caring. They went to treatments and medical appointments with her, listening for her when she couldn’t quite absorb what the doctors were saying; others sent loving reminders of their support.

Both her parents live in Longview, as does her brother and his family. Her sister is a missionary and lives in Mexico with her family. Ramaly wants friends and family of breast cancer patients to know how important they are to their loved one’s recovery.

“Be there for her in whatever manner that she needs it, whether it’s meals, whether it’s just being there,” she said.

One of Ramaly’s friends sent a package after each of her treatments.

“It made me feel like I had won a prize every week,” she said of the gifts such as “I Love Lucy” videos that made her laugh, or a funny little gadget.

“Nothing spectacular, just little things that could make you smile,” she said. “Every week, I looked forward to that gift.”

percentage rates, how that was going to help me,” she said.

“When it was hard and you don’t feel good after chemo, you have to remind yourself of why you’re doing this — because you’re trying to live.”

Ramaly, 55, also relied on her faith.

“My faith grew stronger. I was more aware of God being present in my life. He’s always been present but (throughout treatment) he was taking care of me. There were moments when I was overwhelmed with knowing he had brought me the right doctors, the right help that I needed,” she said, citing the medical professionals at Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center, especially medical oncologist Dr. Larry Frase.

“It’s not an experience I wanna go through again but I grew a lot. My relationship with Jesus Christ grew. I realized how much my friends cared about me.”

Her mother had breast cancer when she was 80 and is a 7-year cancer survivor. Ramaly saw the serenity her mother possessed “knowing God was with her … I just saw her be the picture of peace.”

Laughing, Ramaly said she didn’t have quite as much peace as her mom did during her ordeal, but she did hold fast to her faith.

What peace she did experience was God’s peace, she said.

“Doris was extremely apprehensive and nervous at the time of her first visit, which is very common for individuals with newly diagnosed breast cancer. Once she understood her therapeutic options, she was determined to complete her course of therapy and had a positive attitude,” Frase said.

Her strength endured a second time.

“She had an outstanding attitude and continued to work full time throughout therapy. She continues to have a positive attitude and remains active, although she is nervous about developing recurrent disease .... She has been able to function well despite her adversity, and she has not let her disease interfere with her generous spirit,” Frase said.

continued on pg. 12  mycharmonline.com 11

Dr. Larry Frase and Doris Ramaly at Texas Oncology-Longview Cancer Center.

Sometimes, when a challenge comes up in my own life, I think, “If I got through cancer,

I CAN GET

THROUGH THIS.” As Frase shepherded her through cancer treatment, Ramaly

Any hygiene needs are met first, then temporary housing through

guides homeless families back to solid ground through Family

the churches is arranged. Families then enter a guided program

Promise, formerly Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network.

aimed to leave them self-sufficient at the end of their stay, usually

As of 2018, 193 families had come through the program. That

about three months.

encompasses 667 individuals, 413 of them children.

Family Promise is supported by a network of churches that give financial, material and volunteer support to the agency. Nine churches host families and four others offer some type of support.

Clients do not fit the TV/movie depictions of homeless Americans as mostly single men with addiction problems or mental illness, she said. Some are two-parent families, others single dads with

Heads of families must find a job and save half their income so they can pay a deposit and first month’s rent on housing. They must locate housing they can afford.

“We do money management, parenting classes, life skills training,” she said, as well as job interview and retention skills and organizational skills. Throughout the family’s time with

children or single moms with children. Others are grandparents

Family Promise, children may continue to attend the school they

raising grandchildren. Nationwide, families make up 31 percent

attended before becoming homeless, causing less disruption to

of the homeless population.

their lives.

“Usually they’re first-time homeless. They don’t have any experience being homeless and they’re scared to death,” she said.

12 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

Usually it’s a “bump in the road” that leaves families homeless, she said.

“It could be you have to choose between paying for your car to get fixed or paying the rent,” she said.

Or it might be medical. “Someone who was ill and couldn’t work so they lost their job. They couldn’t pay rent so they got evicted and here they are.”

Ancillary causes might include never having the chance to learn money management. Family Promise graduates continue to successfully manage funds, she said.

“We still have contact three, four, five years later and they’re still self-sufficient,” she said.

Rarely do clients fall back into homelessness, but when they do it is the families who did not complete the program.

“It takes a lot of effort to overcome being homeless and getting back on your feet,” she said. Being back in housing is only a start. “It still takes some time to recover from that

A crowd gathers to look over the items in the silent auction during Longview Interfaith Hospitality Network — now Family Promise — HOME Again Gala on April 6, 2018, at Alpine Church of Christ.

financially, so that first year is very critical. We try to follow our families that first year so that they maintain managing their money,” she said.

“If you don’t follow up, your success rate drops. Our whole goal is to be a support but not enable people.”

Family Promise is as crucial to Longview’s well-being as it is to the families it helped, she said.

“I think it’s so important to help families get self-sufficient (because homelessness) diminishes our community if we can’t help the families who are hurting get back on their feet,” she said.

So as she continues to safeguard Longview families, she does all she can to safeguard herself and to encourage women who are faced with a breast cancer diagnosis to fight.

One reason she said she agreed to an interview for this article was “to tell other women they can overcome, and to get your mammograms because it saved my life twice. I had wonderful doctors in our community that helped me and to this day I still see one of those, Dr. Frase,” she said.

She said a book by Max Lucado, “You’ll Get Through This – Hope and Help for your Turbulent Times,” helped her know she wasn’t alone.

“It just gave me encouragement to keep going and to keep persevering,” Ramaly said. “Now that I’m on the other side, sometimes, when a challenge comes up in my own life, I think, ‘If I got through cancer, I can get through this,’” she said. “I think it’s the same thing as when you’re homeless. You can’t do it alone. When you have cancer you don’t do it alone and (as

The Longview Nonprofit Coalition President Doris Ramaly speaks during the group’s volunteer lucheon on April 14, 2015, at Maude Cobb Convention and Activity Center in Longview.

(Kevin Green/News-Journal Photo)

with homelessness) you also can overcome it.” C mycharmonline.com 13

FASHION

P retty in

PINK Photos by LES HASSELL

October is recognized as Breast Cancer Awareness month, making it a perfect time to incorporate pink into your wardrobe.

Wearing pink in October is a simple way to show your support for the millions of women affected by this disease. Wearing pink also serves as a sign of your support for education and research toward a cure.

At Charm magazine, we believe all women – especially those who have battled breast cancer – are beautiful and strong. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we found some beautiful pink formal dresses at Emily Rae’s Boutique in downtown Longview and borrowed some pink boxing gloves from Women’s Health Boutique to show our support for these women who are both elegant and fierce.

Thank you to our models Casey Ardoin, Sabrina Holland, Victoria Parker and Arna Wells, and to our host Dove Hollow Estate. Dove Hollow’s modern, chic, rustic barn provided the perfect backdrop to showcase these styles that will truly make you feel pretty in pink.

Sabrina Holland wears a Kanali K. romance lace dress, $198.99, from Emily Rae’s Boutique.

14 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

CHARM FASHION SPONSORED BY Casey Ardoin wears a Kanali K. primrose lace and petal skirt dress, $198.99, from Emily Rae’s Boutique.

mycharmonline.com 15

Arna Wells wears a Kanali K. cotton candy dress, $220.99, from Emily Rae’s Boutique.

16 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

See more Fashion on

Victoria Parker wears a Kanali K. primrose dress, $198.99 from Emily Rae’s Boutique. mycharmonline.com 17

F EATURE

WOMEN in business: ANNE KELT Hick & Frog Bistro

Words by AMY PEARSON Photos by LES HASSELL & MICHAEL CAVAZOS

A

nne Kelt doesn’t consider herself

market every day to procure the freshest

husband, James. Even then, the two were

a chef.

ingredients, a trait Kelt has brought to her

talking about opening their own restaurant.

That might come as a surprise to

own restaurant.

“James said we’d call it ‘Hick & Frog,’”

the regulars at her Longview restaurant,

“The key is to make your ingredients

she said. “Frog is kind of a derogatory

Hick & Frog, named tongue in cheek to

shine,” she said. “If you start with the best

term for French people, but we thought

pay homage to her French lineage and her

ingredients, you don’t need to mess with

it was funny. It was a name people

husband James’ West Texas ties.

them too much.”

would remember.”

“I’ve worked with the best and I fall so short of what they do,” she said matter-offactly. “I just try to keep learning.”

She’s been learning for a long time.

Although she claims she went to culinary school “late,” at the age of 20, between semesters of law school, Kelt grew up around good food.

As a child in Quimper, in the Brittany region of France, just a stone’s throw from the ocean, Kelt cut her teeth on her mother’s comfort food.

“We are all in the cooking business on

That’s one of the lessons she learned during

her

internship

under

fellow

countryman and world-renowned chef Daniel Boulud, at New York’s legendary Le Cirque. Boulud famously served as the executive chef from the mid-1980s to the early 1990s and earned the restaurant a coveted four-star review in the New York Times, as well as the first of his six James Beard “Best Chef in America” awards. So when Kelt says she’s worked with the best, she’s not exaggerating. She also trained

my mom’s side of the family,” she explained.

under Jacques Torres, another Frenchman

“My mom cooked breakfast, lunch and

famous for his pastry and chocolate work.

dinner. I never ate at school; I always went

As monumental as those internships

The couple ended up in Longview in 1999.

Kelt was a personal chef for many years and worked in the kitchen at Enoch’s Stomp Winery. Anne and James have two children.

About two years ago, in March 2017, Anne turned her dream of opening a restaurant into reality when Hick & Frog set up shop downtown.

While the restaurant identifies as a bistro, “I basically cook whatever I like and I like lots of different things,” Kelt said.

That means she’ll serve such foods as sautéed scallops with miso corn salad, niçoise toast, or a warm goat cheese salad with beets.

were, Kelt returned to France the following

The most popular items on her menu

Lunch would be freshly caught fish

year to pursue her law degree. Then she

are the Croque-Monsieur, a French grilled

from the Atlantic Ocean, paired with

joined an exchange program which brought

cheese with fresh ham and Swiss cheese

seasonal produce her mom would shop for

her to Lubbock and Texas Tech University,

that is smothered in bechamel sauce;

daily. To this day, her mother goes to the

where she met and fell in love with her

the Salmon Poke Bowl, which features

home for lunch.”

20 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

Left: Owner/chef Anne Kelt of the Hick and Frog Bistro prepares a sachet made with black peppercorn, garlic, bay leaves, basil and herbs de provence to help season a blended vegetable soup on Feb. 1, 2018. The soup is made with onion, carrot, celery, golden potatoes and garnished with extra virgin olive oil and pepitas. Right: Angela Shimmel and Jill Caldwell take pictures of their food while having lunch at the Hick and Frog Bistro on June 27, 2017.

rice, salmon, scallions, edamame beans,

“There’s two ways to make a chicken

and want to turn around and leave because

radishes, avocado, sesame seeds, and

pot pie,” Kelt explains. “You can use

menu items are strange to them, or they

sesame dressing; and the Gochujang-Ranch

refrigerated crust, rotisserie chicken and

Crispy Chicken Bowl, a complete meal of

can’t pronounce something, and I convince

frozen vegetables. Or you can roast your

rice, panko-breaded chicken thighs, red

them to stay, and they like it.”

own chicken, roll your own pastry, chop

cabbage, scallions, avocado, toasted sambal

your own vegetables.

cashews and gochujang sauce.

Those three items stay on the menu, while other dishes rotate depending on what’s fresh and what’s in season.

“It’s comfort food,” Kelt said, simply.

One thing she finds comfort in is using the best local ingredients.

“We eat with our eyes first,” she said.

“So the ingredients have to look good, taste good and be good.”

She buys a lot of her produce from Piney Creek Farms in Big Sandy.

“It’s all organic, right down to the seeds.”

Her beef and pork come from Iron Farm in Kilgore.

“They raise cows and pigs like they’re

“I always favor the second.”

Open Tuesday through Saturday, Kelt is usually at the restaurants on Sundays and Mondays as well, prepping. She also

Kelt guarantees patrons will find something they like on the menu.

“It’s so rewarding to hear someone say, ‘I don’t eat eggplant, but I love the way you cook it,’” she said.

spends time making decadent desserts,

Kelt has teamed up in the kitchen with

including Cherry Clafoutis (a French

chef Brandon Eller, formerly of The Grove

pastry studded with fresh cherries), Lemon

in Tyler and Jack Ryan’s Steakhouse.

Panna Cotta with fresh Strawberry Coulis

“He’s the best chef I’ve had with me

and her signature Vanilla Bean Cheesecake

in the kitchen so far,” she said. “I couldn’t

with Pecan Crust.

do this alone at all. I’m thankful for my

“I love pastry,” Kelt said.

hardworking staff and for all the regulars

However, her favorite thing to cook is

who come in and support us. This is the

the “thing I haven’t cooked yet.”

“The food industry has evolved so much. Change is always a good thing,” she

supposed to be raised: in nature. The

explained. “I like to keep up with what is

animals wander around, they aren’t stressed,

going on and always stay curious and willing

and that produces a better product.”

to try new things.”

very best team.”

Ultimately, Kelt wants to “keep cooking” and coming up with dishes people enjoy.

She wants to stay small. She wants every dish to be full of flavor, technique and

With only four people on staff –

That spirit embodies her favorite part of

simplicity, letting the ingredients stand out.

including herself – and 10 tables (with

being the chef/owner of a local restaurant.

“Cooking for people is an act of love,”

additional seating for eight at the bar), the

“It’s our job, as a chef, to educate people

she said. “Feeding people isn’t only a

quality of the dishes speaks volumes of the

and show them different things,” she said.

physical phenomenon; it’s making people

painstaking prep work behind the scenes.

“I love that. Sometimes people come in

happy through food.” C mycharmonline.com 21

F EATURE

dreamcuisine Words by APRILL BRANDON | Illustrations by MICHELLE LAVERELL

i

t’s a tired old trope and yet still remains a true one. When it comes to so

“Actually, we don’t have coffee. Do you want tea?”

many ventures, it’s all about location, location, location.

Deciding to try my luck instead with their wine list, I summoned

Which is the one thing my 5-year-old son’s recently opened restaurant

the sommelier, who happened to be the owner’s younger sister. At

has going for it. Situated conveniently right in the heart of my living room,

only 3-years-old, she was on the younger side of wine experts and

this one-couch eatery specializes in unique dishes that are as creative as

it quickly became evident she had only gotten the job because of

they are inedible.

family connections.

Aptly, or perhaps ironically, named Restaurant, the place has what can only be described as a homey vibe with a shabby chic aesthetic, heavy on the shabby. On entry, you are greeted by a riot of colors and smells, none of which are food related. The cleanliness also left something to be desired for this particular reviewer but the other patron, an elderly canine named Buffy, didn’t seem to mind.

The owner and head chef (and host and server) Riker revealed to me that he had only recently taken an interest in the culinary arts. Prior to opening Restaurant, he had his sights set on becoming a ninja astronaut.

Alas, the lack of experience and passion showed. The service alone was, to say the least, wanting.

“What do you want to drink?” he demanded soon after I sat down.

“Could you recommend a red, miss?”

“Red what?”

“Red wine.”

“Can I have some?”

“No.” “Can I have pink wine then?”

The conversation quickly went off the rails from there. Resigning myself to the fact that I would just be thirsty throughout this entire meal, I was surprised, and somewhat wary, when the chef eventually presented me with a pink teacup that sang “Twinkle, Twinkle” incessantly.

“Here’s your coffee.”

“How about a Diet Coke?”

“I thought you said you didn’t have coffee. Also, this is empty.”

“We don’t have Diet Coke.”

“OK, it’s root beer.”

“You don’t have Diet Coke at this imaginary restaurant?”

Restaurant’s signature dish is pizza. (Although entree options are

“Nope.”

subject to change with little to no warning). With no menu in sight, I

“OK, what do you have?”

decided that would likely be my best bet. Even bad pizza is still pizza. Or,

“Um...coffee or tea.”

at least, it had been up until now.

“I’ll take coffee.”

22 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

“I’d like to order a pizza, please,” I informed the chef.

Prior to opening Restaurant, he had his sights set on becoming a

ninja astronaut.

“Oh yes, pizza. Good choice. Pizza has sauce and cheese. And crust.

And...um...do you want mushrooms on it?”

“No.” “Well, you have to have mushrooms on it.”

“Pretty sure that’s not how this works.”

“It is.”

“Oh.” The kitchen, a converted bedroom in the back of the house, came alive with the sounds of clanging toy pots and pans and what definitely better

“Oh...wow.”

“Take a bite!”

Wanting to retain a fragment of my professionalism, I did as I was told.

“Mmm…this is...interesting.”

But the chef had already disappeared, pitter-pattering off to do more important chef stuff one can only assume. Or perhaps to scold the improper behavior of his sommelier, who was at this point crawling around on the floor meowing and yelling “Momma! Look! I’m a kitty cat!”

not be my expensive William Sonoma kitchen utensils stolen from a certain

Unsure what to do next, I sat there uncomfortably while my fellow

drawer. Luckily, I didn’t have time to ruminate on this long since my dish

patron at Restaurant started barking and making quite the ruckus. Likely

arrived quickly (under two minutes, in fact, by my count). On the down side,

because his pizza didn’t turn out as he expected either.

it resembled nothing even vaguely pizza-like. The crust looked like a slab of cardboard (mostly because it was cardboard). The sauce looked suspiciously like Play-Doh covered in dog hair but at least it was red. I was told by the chef that the “cheese” on my pizza was definitely cheese and not a blank piece of paper. And yes, there were mushrooms as well. Plastic mushrooms. Plucked straight from the toy aisle years ago in the Kmart region of the Northeast.

“Here’s your pizza!” Chef Riker announced while delicately placing the dish down on my criss-crossed lap.

To my relief, Riker soon returned with a towering stack of Legos.

“I forgot your dessert.” he apologized. “Here you go. It’s ice cream!”

I’m sure it will come as no surprise that the ice cream was as unpalatable as everything else had been.

“So, what do you think of my restaurant?” he asked, standing there with hope in his eyes and a stolen whisk in his hand.

“Best meal I ever had, chef.” C

mycharmonline.com 23

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PICTURE

This!

CHARM/VIEW

COVER REVEAL PARTY

RHONDA LAWRENCE, SUSAN BLALOCK

LONGVIEW | TWIN OAKS LAKE CHEROKEE | 6/20/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Charm and View magazines loved getting an up-close view inside the new Twin Oaks Lake Cherokee event center during

LINDA VOYLES, MONICA KEASLER, SHONDA HORTMAN

our July/August cover reveal party, on June 20.

Tequita Dudley, assistant general manager of Longview Transit, was featured on the cover of Charm magazine, while longtime Great Texas Balloon Race volunteers Karen and John Rich held the cover of View magazine.

Twin Oaks at Lake Cherokee features indoor and outdoor spaces, with a stage and piano inside, a painted concrete floor and decorative touches that hint at the area’s oil industry heritage.

Our friends at Cace Kitchen provided delicious snacks, as always. Fountain of Youth Salon & Spa, with its F.O.Y. Salon Suites, is helping us throw these great parties as the “Red Carpet” sponsor for all our cover reveal parties this year.

RENITA JONES, MARIA MILLS, PAM BROWNING

Our next cover reveal party is from 5 to 7 p.m. Oct. 24 at Morgan Abbigail, 1505 Judson Road in Longview. Cace Kitchen will once again be the evening’s caterer.

BABETTE TOMBERLAIN, MICHELLE FORD, ANGELA BERRY, JOANNA BURROWS

26 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

TRYMAINE DUDLEY, PASSION BROWN

P ICTURE THIS

WINE SWIRL LONGVIEW | DOWNTOWN LONGVIEW | 6/8/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS DAWNDREA & RICHARD HUFFMAN

Organizers dubbed the first Downtown Longview Wine Swirl on June 8 a success, with the event selling out of the 500 tickets that were available in advance.

Eighteen Texas wineries set up in downtown Longview, with ticketed attendees receiving a keepsake glass, wine tote and bottle opener. Gourmet food and product vendors also participated.

Live music and food trucks helped complete the event, with offerings of craft beer and signature coffee available from downtown businesses as well.

JEANETTE CENTERS, PHYLLIS GARRETT

PATRICK & LINDA HILL

DENA & LUIS VALDES

TRACY BRYAN, JO POWERS

mycharmonline.com 27

P ICTURE THIS

EAST TEXAS LITERACY COUNCIL

BEE FOR LITERACY

MELINDA DUNN, DARBIE SAFFORD

LONGVIEW | PINE TREE JUNIOR HIGH | 6/5/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

The Longview Greggton Rotary Club took home the title for the second year in a row at the East Texas Literacy Council’s Bee for Literacy, held June 5 at Pine Tree Junior High School.

The win came after the Zonta Club of Greater East Texas team couldn’t spell “insouciant” — which means a casual lack of concern, and Rotary Club member Cassandra Burford correctly spelled the word “seneschal,” which means an officer having full charge of domestic arrangements and

VICKIE PEARSON, KATIE EBAUGH

ceremonies in the household of a medieval prince or dignitary.

The 28th annual spelling bee was expected to raise about $45,000 for the East Texas Literacy Council, which helps people learn to read and improve other skills.

Stephanie Frazier, KLTV digital content producer and a winner of the 2016 bee, emceed the event. Judges were Darla Baggett, program director for online education programs at LeTourneau University; Latasha Goodwyn, director of adult education and literacy at Kilgore College; and Carson Runge, a partner at the Sloan Law Firm.

CHARMYN TUMEY, DIANNE LYLE

JOANN ROOT, CATHIE PORTER

28 CHARM | S E P T E M B E R / O C T O B E R

HEATHER ALLEN, RANAE HEDGES, MANDY KRAMER, LAUREN HARVEY, BIANCA WOOLEY

P ICTURE THIS

DOLLY’S

NANCY MICHALEWICZ, DOTTI SETZLER

TEA LONGVIEW | GREGG COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM | 6/29/2019 Photos by MICHAEL CAVAZOS

Mothers, daughters and friends donned fancy dresses and hats for the Gregg County Historical Museum’s annual Dolly’s Tea on June 29.

The event featured a special presentation by Longview Ballet Theatre and specially decorated tables.

Dolly’s Tea is named for Dolly Northcutt, a member of LUCY HARRISON, FRANCYE PHILLIPS

one Longview’s founding families who was named “First Lady of the First Century of Longview” during Longview’s centennial celebration. She was known for her work in the community, including serving on the board of directors of the Gregg County Historical Foundation which started the Gregg County Historical Museum.

SHIRLEY KIBBE, BETTY HUNT

AGNES GRAFF, MEGAN HARRISON

LILY MCLAIN, DEBBIE HANCOCK

mycharmonline.com 29