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Technology Programs Careers we offer
AAS Diesel Technology AAS Automotive Technology
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The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Automotive Technology Program is designed to assist students in gaining the necessary skills and abilities to work in a mechanical environment. Students will learn the basic preventative maintenance procedures for gasoline engines, brake systems, transmission, electrical systems, transaxels, diagnostic equipment, steering and suspen sion. Students will gain experience working with domestic and import vehicles and gain experience working with computer diagnostic systems and HVAC. Students who complete this program will be eligible to work as an entry level mechanic.
El Paso has proven to be an international transportation hub. The diesel engine is the workhorse powering the nation's trucks and buses, due to its delivery of more power, its efficiency, and durability. Diesel Technicians repair and maintain the diesel engines that power trans portation equipment such as heavy trucks, buses, and locomotives. Students who enter the Diesel Technician school are immersed into a hands-on education, where they will learn the skills necessary to gain employment and career growth in the Auto diesel field. Auto diesel mechanic training with today's technology!
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our kids. December/January, 2018
We have been caring for kids since 1902, but for
Here at Providence Children’s Hospital, we want to say
Providence Children’s Hospital, 2017 has been a year full
cheers to 2017, and hello to 2018! We are privileged and
of accomplishments and outstanding moments. As we
honored to be able to care for the children of our
close out this year, we want to thank the community
community. We’re excited for what is in store in 2018.
for trusting us with your care.
We promise to continue to provide the care and service you have come to expect from Providence Children’s
We could not possibly compile a list of all of our
Hospital next year and for generations to come.
accomplishments and great moments of 2017. While the achievements listed here are some of the moments that garnered the headlines in the press, we know our greatest moments of success come every day with the quality care our nurses, doctors and support staff provide for the children in our region.
www.ProvidenceChildrensHospital.com
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uenavista December/January, 2018
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at a Walgreens near you 9
EL PASO/LAS CRUCES
December/January, 2018
magazine
FASHION · HEALTH · TRAVEL
ate, d e h t Save ed! t i v n i e you’r
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Shelley Mozelle | shelley@thecitymagazineelp.com EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kim North | kim@thecitymagazineelp.com
f o t s Be ity
C e h T
2017
.m. :30 p 6 | 3 1 ter n y e JanuatrUniversity Event C es Southw
Editorial Assistant/Staff Writer Krysta Ayers | krysta@thecitymagazineelp.com Assistant to the Editor-in-Chief Taylor Hines | taylor@thecitymagazineelp.com GRAPHIC Editorial Design Ernie Sanchez Creative | ernie@thecitymagazineelp.com Junior Graphic Designer Andy Martinez | andy@thecitymagazineelp.com Graphic Design Assistant McKenzie Trembly BUSINESS Accountant Dawn Munoz | dawn@thecitymagazineelp.com Office Manager Josh Sanchez | josh@thecitymagazineelp.com
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THE CITY
INTERNS Jackie Aguirre, Stephanie Aviles, Andrea Macias, Austin North, Samantha Silva, Annalisa Aldaz, Victoria Jimenez
ion, t a m 5730 . r 0 o 0 f 5 . n i 5 1 ket e. 9 For tic Cit y Magazin e call Th ng
ti Benefi
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HOW TO REACH US P.O. Box 226 El Paso, Texas 79942 (915) 500-5730 | info@thecitymagazineelp.com
MAGAZINE Cover Design By: Ernie Sanchez Creative
Letters addressed to The City El Paso Magazine become the property of the magazine, and it owns all rights to their use. Letters may be edited for space. All rights to the contents of this magazine are owned in full by the magazine and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from the Editor in Chief. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and advertisers and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the ownership or management of the magazine.
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10175 Gateway Blvd W Suite 210, El Paso, TX 79925
C BE S T C O S M ETI CE C TI SURG E RY P R A
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BesteoCf ity Th
2017
p.m. | 6:3n0 3 1 y enter C r t a ve Janhu ersity E iv n U t wes Sout
EL PASO
RHINOS
UPCOMING SERIES Dec. 8, 9, & 10 Jan. 26, 27 & 28
Friday, and Saturday games start at 7 pm. Sunday games start at 4:30 pm. Call 915-479-PUCK (7825) or visit elpasorhinos.com for tickets and more 12 information.
mation r o f n i ket e For tic Cit y Magazin e call Th .5730 915.500 ing
Benefit
El Paso
December/January, 2018
13
contents
December/January, 2018
DECEMBER/JANUARY 2018 VOLUME 67
22
38
54
IN THIS ISSUE: IN & OUT…110 FITNESS…112 FOOD…124
22
38
A Community Effort AMIGO FIEL IS CREATING A FUTURE ON THE BORDER
Features
One-Stop Shop AN ECLECTIC PLACE FOR CYCLISTS AND COFFEE LOVERS TO STOP
By: BIANCA GARCIA
By: ZAK HANSEN
54
84
Easy Carry YOU’LL WANT TO CARRY THESE CUTE BAGS WITH YOU EVERYWHERE
The More You Know BITCOIN COULD BE THE INVESTMENT YOU NEED TO MAKE
By: JACQUELINE AGUIRRE
By: PAUL WARD
Here and Now
88
14
96
Dance, Dance THIS DANCE STUDIO IS PUTTING EL PASO ON THE MAP
Hidden Gem A DOWNTOWN CAFÉ YOU CAN REALLY CREATE AT
By: KRYSTA AYERS
By: BIANCA GARCIA
118
Where Are They Now? CATCHING UP WITH ACTRESS, JESSICA MERAZ By: KRYSTA AYERS
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
Charity Register
TRAVEL LIKE AN EXPLORER STAY LIKE A LOCAL Rooftop pool view over the city skyscape Eat at The Downtowner Restaurant HOTEL INDIGO 325 N. Kansas St., El Paso, TX 79901 (915) 532-5200
DECEMBER/JANUARy Opportunities to Give & Support
Snowmen for Children “Elf” Pajama Party To help benefit Power 102’s Mike Dee’s Big Adventure, Alamo Drafthouse will be hosting a kids pajama party for the screening of “Elf”. The party will be on December 9 at 9 a.m. Tickets are sure to sell out, so hurry over to Alamodrafthouse.com to buy your ticket and support this magical event.
11th Annual Up and Running jingle Bell Run 5k Starting December 14, register in person or online to participate in the 11th annual Up and Running Jingle Bell Run 5k taking place on December 16. The run will start at the Rudolph Plaza Shopping Center, and will end with hot chocolate and tamales. Wearing a Santa hat is strongly encouraged. Proceeds will benefit the El Paso High School girls track team. For more information visit raceadventuresunlimited.com.
8th Annual Clint ISD Super Scholar 5K and 1 Mile Walk Starting at Horizon Middle School, participants can take part in a 5K run or one-mile walk on January 20 at 8 a.m. There will also be a health fair. The first 300 registrants will also receive an official event T-shirt.
Polar Plunge The Special Olympics Texas Annual Polar Plunge is back on January 20. Wear a costume and raise a minimum of $60 in donations ($30 if you’re under 18) in exchange of plunging into icy waters at the Wyndham El Paso Airport Hotel at 10 a.m. This will support athletes in the El Paso area.
El Paso Del Norte AAZK Chapter The mission of the American Association of Zoo Keepers is to advance excellence in the animal keeping profession and to promote the preservation of our natural resources and animal life. AAZK encourages members to be proactive in making the general public aware and educated when it comes to zoo keeping and animals. For more information on how to donate please visit https://squareup.com/store/el-paso-del-norte-aazk/?t=merchant-fb. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
15
December/January, 2018
Michelle Cromer
Paul Ward
David Parish
Andy Martinez
Veronica Nevarez
Elaine Gordon
Contributors
Lizzie Martinez 16
Austin North
Marie Moore
December/January, 2018
Jannet Bustillos
Krysta Ayers
Sharilyn Wells
Jon-Carlo Diaz
Jesse Maynes
Elyse Simons
Dav Anmed
Grace The Psychic Lady
Joann Wardy
Jacqueline Aguirre
John Horta
Bianca Garcia
Danielle Moton
Zak Hansen 17
r e tt e L s r o t i Ed I December/January, 2018
love magazine-making, meaning the entirety of it: the variety of content published, the business details, the visions, the actions, the personalities of the staff, the
problem-solving, the smell of the ink, the touch of the paper,
the magazine landscape—all of it. I simply enjoy the magazine business; it requires pampering, rubbing elbows with our culture, remembering our
history and celebrating what’s to come. Because of this love, I aspire to set an example of caring about the right things in print media, which are great stories, great design, great magazines and even good social media. The
“where we’ve been,” “where we are now,” and “where we’re going”—it is what we write, our timeline. Often, The City Magazine is referred to as “your magazine” or “The El Paso Magazine” or “The Magazine” and we’ll take all of those compliments. We just want you to keep referencing us, to keep calling us and keep reading us. This month marks the end of the 6th year publishing The City Magazine and 95 total single publications including The City Spaces (Home & Design Magazine), The City Weddings, The City Fitness, The City After 50 (I think that’s self-explanatory), and The Official Visitors Guide (contracted by Destination El Paso.) Ninety five magazines is a landmark for any publisher. What it means is that El Paso, as a whole, supports and appreciates a local lifestyle publication. To you, we say thank you for continuing to let us do what we love. It is a common question wondering where we come up with our “best” stories and it’s been my experience that our best stories just come up in conversation. We listen when you say, “My brother just reached a landmark in his career,” or, “My best friend’s family business has been through ups and downs but they’ve survived 50 years of success.” Others come to us by way of friends at a function, bragging about the history of the Sun City. It is my intention to be at the center of the cultural conversation, but this next year I want to dive in deeper—so if I’ve missed something you know to be a celebration about El Paso, please reach out to the magazine. We pride ourselves in listening, because after all, our readers have the pulse on what’s current, what’s trending and what’s important to you. This year, you our readers, voted 186,000 times on our on-line voting telling the city who you believe to be the best. In this issue, we are pleased to announce the winners you chose. If you have an opportunity to tell them congratulations, tell them. As we as a city move into the next century, I share with you the excitement about the growth our future holds. In my opinion, El Paso is a model for the rest of the country, the untold secret. This city is full of the friendliest people, flavors like no other and the warmest of sunshine. Magazines are a precious thing and it is my sincere wish that you enjoy this issue as we wrap up everything good about El Paso this year.
N
Cheers to another successful year,
18
December/January, 2018
“SO GOOD IT SHOULD BE A SIN” www.thecitymagazineelp.com
19
Book Club | By: KRYSTA AYERS |
1. UNCOMMON TYPE By Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks proves his talent as a storyteller with this book of short stories. Become enthralled with the lives of different characters and the incredible way Tom Hanks is able to capture romance, humanity and the irony of real life with each embedded story.
2. BEHOLD THE DREAMERS By Imbolo Mbue
Winner of the PEN/Faulkner Award, Imbolo Mbue’s debut novel gives us an insight into marriage, immigration, race and the harsh trapdoors that are involved with the American Dream. Follow a young Cameroonian couple determined to make a new life in New York work.
3. THE SUN AND HER FLOWERS By Rupi Kaur
In her second book of piercing poems, Rupi Kaur is back with a beautiful piece you won’t want to put down. It’s the perfect way to start or end your day, and is a book you will always refer back to.
4. THE ROOSTER BAR By John Grisham
A fake university? Sounds a lot like recent news. John Grisham’s new book follows a group of friends attending law school to make a difference in the world. They soon find out that their school offers no prep for the bar exam, no potential jobs and that everything has actually been a huge scam.
5. EVERYONE BRAVE IS FORGIVEN By Chris Cleave Photo
It’s 1939 in London and the start of WWII has just been announced.
graph
20
y By:
AUS T
While Mary North leaves school to sign up for the war efforts, Tom
IN N
ORT
H
Shaw decides to ignore the war altogether. See what happens to the two as their lives become entangled during a time where faith and patriotism seem to hang by a thread.
December/January, 2018
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
21
December/January, 2018
Creating a Future on the Border
Amigo Fiel | By: BIANCA GARCIA |
22
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
I
amigo fiel
f 2017 has shown us anything, it is
firsthand what it was like to not have a safe and
Christian-based character series that focuses
that there is a lot of need in the world,
loving place to go. His father was an alcoholic
on developing the basic foundations of good
especially a need for love. People often
and his mother worked all week as a house
character for life. The number of children that
think that in order to help it has to be
cleaner in El Paso, essentially leaving him
Amigo Fiel serves on a daily basis ranges
done in a far off, barren location to
and his five siblings to fend for themselves.
anywhere from 50 to 100. No child is ever
dig a well, or rebuild homes after devastating
In 1993, after living in the United States for
turned away and Amigo Fiel has never, and
natural disasters. These are all amazing things
20 years, he began taking weekend trips to
will never, charge for attendance. Everything
to give your time to, yet it is easy to forget
Juárez with his church. He worked by helping
is 100 percent funded through donations.
all the need that exists in your immediate
build houses and with local orphanages with
surroundings. Particularly, all the needs right
the desire to give back to young children and
The majority of the children who attend
across the border from El Paso.
families like his. This grew into a bigger vision
this afterschool program come from home
that has since become Amigo Fiel.
situations that are similar to that of Carlos’ childhood. Some have lost one or both parents
One organization currently working in Juárez to meet some of these needs is a ministry
Amigo Fiel is a non-profit that focuses on
to drugs, while others have parents who are
called Amigo Fiel, that was started 25 years
providing a safe and loving place for kids to
working long hours to make ends meet.
ago by Carlos Garcia. Growing up poor and
go afterschool for a balanced lunch, help with
Children are left to fend for themselves, lacking
on the streets of Juárez himself, Carlos knew
homework, reading time and an in-depth
guidance, support and structure that is needed.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
23
amigo fiel
24
December/January, 2018
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018 Along with providing daily necessities, like lunch and help with homework, school scholarships are provided for any child in need who regularly attends Amigo Fiel. These scholarships have allowed many of these children to complete middle school and high school, but have also enabled some of the youth to attend college over the years. For many of them this means being the first in their family to not only finish high school, but to go even further and get a college degree and an opportunity to better their life, family and future. One thing that has brought the most noticeable change is the Christian-based character series that Amigo Fiel teaches on a
BUILDING FOR THE NEXT GENERATION
continuous basis. The series teaches life skills like good manners, integrity and conversation skills. Before starting this series, many of the kids were unreasonable and very rebellious. However, after a few short months, huge changes in behavior began to occur, and today the children continue to make progress
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in building good character. In 2017, Amigo Fiel was selected, along with three other afterschool programs, to serve as a blueprint for all afterschool programs throughout Mexico, specifically because of this character series. The translation? What they are doing is working and is worth replicating! Beyond
working
with
children,
this
organization also works in the community
Serving El Paso Authentic Italian Cuisine since 1948
to help meet basic needs. Needs range anywhere
from
food
to
wheelchairs.
Amazingly, all of these needs can be met
• Private Party Room
through donations received by Amigo Fiel.
• Beer & Wine
Contributions also come in the form of doctors, dentists and volunteers who give
• Outside Dining
their time to help the community.
• Live Music Thur. to Sat.
There is always going to be need in the
• We cater large or
world in one form or another. While it is easy to become overwhelmed by that fact, the
small events
truth is that the only people who can make a difference are the ones who choose to take action, however they can. If you would like to know more about Amigo Fiel visit their website at www.AmigoFiel.org. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Italian.Kitchen. West www.theitaliankitchenelpaso.com m 25
Invite You to a night you won’t forget! For Early Bird Tickets Call The City Magazine 915-500-5730
And the Best of T he City goes to...
th
ec
ity
mag
azineelp.co
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See you there...
January 13, 2017 | 6:30 pm EVENT CENTER
6500 MONTANA AVE.
All event proceeds benefit
thecitymagazineelp.com $25 presale $30 at the door
, YOU VOTEDthe now here are... winners in BEST IN
OUR CITY
co lp.
m
the
city m
agazine
e
The City Magazine El Paso would like to present you with the
WINNERS
OF “BEST OF THE CITY” 2017 We bring you our own Editor’s Picks along with the winners of our online contest.
6 5 9 , 5 18 vosutbmeitsted! were
E D I T O R ’S P I C K
BEST IN
FOOD BEST IN
FUN BEST IN
DRINKS BEST IN
G N I P P O H S
S
S ’ R O T EDI PICKS
Best Use of Snapchat Southwest Plastic Surgery
Best Career Training Southwest University Best Mascot Amigo Man
Best TV Commercials Casa Ford, Lincoln, Nissan, Kia
Best Multimedia Company Axess Multimedia 27
BEST IN
Y T I C OUR
BEST
IN OUR
CIT
Y
Best Realtor/ Real Estate Company Jese Gonzales
Best Car Dealership Casa Ford, Lincoln, Kia, Nissan
Best Credit Union/Bank GECU
Best News Anchor Estela Casas
Best TV Station KVIA
Best Attorney/Law Firm Wyatt Underwood Trial Lawyers
Best Modeling Agency Bazaar Models
Best Salon and Spa Barragan’s Salon & Spa
Best Chiropractor Dr. Benjamin Leyva
Best Hospital The Hospitals of Providence
Best Home Builders Palo Verde Homes
Best Meteorologist Dave Speelman 28
Best Doctor/ Physician Group Dr. Ricardo Reyna
Best Fine Artist Hiram Huerta
Best Dentist Dr. Brandi Tiner Best Radio Station KHEY 96.3
Best Gym/Crossfit Gym RAW’Fitness
Best Personal Trainer Jonathan Ortiz Best Event Venue 150 Sunset Event Center
Best High School Cheerleading Team Franklin High School
Best Interior Designer Designs By L.L. Power
Best Flower Shop Angie’s Flowers
Best Reporter Monica Cortez
Best Sports Reporter Lou Romano
29
Best Photographer Christian Nassri Photography
BEST IN
FOOD
BEST IN FOOD
Best Yogurt Menchie’s
Best Bakery Bowie Bakery
Best Brunch Crave Kitchen & Bar
Best Wings Track One
Best Burgers Papa Burgers
Best Mediterranean Jerusalem Grill
Best Lunch Spot L&J Cafe
Best Food Truck Off The Grill
Best Sushi Sunny’s Sushi
Best Breakfast Good Luck Cafe
Best Italian Food Bella Sera
Best Seafood Pelican’s Steak & Seafood
Best Pizza Ardovino’s Pizza
Best Steakhouse Cattleman’s Steakhouse
30
Best Romantic Restaurant Cafe Central
BEST IN
FUN
BEST IN FUN
Best DJ DJ Ivan
Best Band/Musician Joe Barron
Best Dance School Protégé Dance Co.
Best Radio Personality Johnny Kage
BEST IN
BEST IN DRINK
DRINKS
S
Best Wine Selection Mesa Street Grill Best Happy Hour Hope & Anchor
Best Beer Selection Hoppy Monk
Best Cocktails Blackbird Cantina Deluxe
BES
T IN SHOPP
IN
G
G N I P P O BEST IN SH
Best Jeweler Johnson Jewelers
Best Clothing Boutique Ella Blu 31
Best Margaritas Los Bandidos de Carlos & Mickey’s
Best Local Coffee Shop Coffee Box
Best Gift Shop Vanities
Best Watches Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry & Watches
#EPStateofMind
December/January, 2018
Highlighting the corners of our city one post at a time...
82 likes
89 likes
8 likes
WANT TO SHARE YOUR LOVE FOR EL PASO?
#EPStateofMind so we can discover your post! 48 likes
32
40 likes
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
U
E
BE
ST
CLOTHING BOU
TIQ
Thank you El Paso for voting us Best Clothing Boutique
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
33
5410 N. Mesa | 915.881.9999
December/January, 2018
ST
G M O DELING A
EN
4020 N. Mesa, El Paso,TX. 79902
|
915.313.4570
|
BazaarModels.com
34
C
Y
BE
ST
G M O D ELIN G A
EN
BE
CY
BE ST
G M O DELING A
EN
CY
BE
CY
Thank you for letting us shine as El Paso’s best modeling agency .
ST
G M O DELING A
EN
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
CELEBRATING
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
YEARS
35
December/January, 2018
36
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
37
December/January, 2018
| By: ZAK HANSEN photography by: JESSE MAYNES |
PODIUM FINISH 38
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
M
December/January, 2018
P
odium Finish, located downtown
at Texas and Ange in a reclaimed
Podium Finish
about cycling, though that could be also be the caffeine. It’s likely both.
automotive shop, is a lot of things. Six years ago, in talks to sell a house, two
It’s a full-service bike shop offering repairs
real estate clients of Ephraim’s made him
and upgrades, gear, clothing and accessories
a deal: “‘If we buy a house,’ they said,
and everything in between. It’s an authorized
‘you have to buy a mountain bike and
BMC Switzerland Performance Bikes dealer.
come ride with us.’ Me, thinking about the
It’s an indoor cycle training center. It’s a café
commission, said, ‘Deal.’ A couple months
and restaurant. Most of all, it’s a place for
later, sure enough, they bought a house so
people to come together.
I went and bought myself a mountain bike and went riding with them.”
Podium Finish is the latest chapter for partners Jo Ann Underwood and Ephraim
He hated it.
Vivar, whose backgrounds in sales—he in cars, she in cemetery plots—led them
No fan of the stop-and-fix-it nature of
to their careers in real estate, then led to
mountain biking, Ephraim instead took his
cycling, and to each other.
bike to the streets where, in time, he came across a group of guys riding on Edgemere
Ephraim—who may love coffee as much
and they started riding together.
as he does cycling, a fact that becomes clear as the self-professed “coffee addict”
A handful of those riders expressed
pours himself another Café Cubano at 7:30
interest in starting a club. Soon enough,
p.m.—radiates enthusiasm when he talks
that 12-member group had ballooned to
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
39
125. That group—EP Cyclists—now boasts
Soon, the duo was approached by two local
For
upwards of 400 members.
bike shops looking to expand and floated
cappuccinos and lattes, smoothies, salads,
now,
their clients the idea of coupling shop with
flatbreads, sandwiches and wraps and a
For Ephraim, though, cycling is more than a
café. After both declined, Jo and Ephraim
handful of delectable desserts, along with
hobby. In his words, and in Jo’s, it saved his life.
went forward with their idea themselves.
daily specials—pearl-sugar French toast, from-scratch
the
menu
oatmeal
features
banana
coffee,
pancakes,
“Six years ago, I bought my first bike, not
They haven’t looked back since; they’ve
everything bagels piled high with toppings.
counting the one I had as a kid,” he said. “For
hardly had time to.
Podium Finish’s bicycle technician Mosco Garcia holds the lion’s share of Shimano’s
20-something years I was a party animal. I’m not ashamed to admit that. The bike helped
Podium Finish got its start in a much smaller
industry-standard certifications and, in the
changed my life. I started riding and I was
space on Missouri Avenue, but the duo’s
coming months, will complete the set,
hooked. Then I was riding every other day,
big dreams needed space to accommodate
making him the only Shimano-certified
Saturdays and Sundays and, guess what?
them, and in May, they relocated the store to
mechanic in the region.
Partying had to wait.”
its current home. Its doors officially opened
The bike also led him to Jo.
in October, though walk-in customers had
Its cycle training facility boasts six machines,
already placed bike orders before the tape
each virtual-reality enabled, allowing cyclists
was off the windows.
to train indoors, setting goals, keeping an eye on health and training stats, even holding
“When I met the bike, I met Jo Ann the exact same month,” Ephraim said, eyes shining.
It’s already been a whirlwind few months for
virtual “races” against other cyclists the
Podium Finish, but don’t expect things to slow
world over.
When they met, Ephraim was brand new to
down anytime soon. Come January, Jo said
cycling; Jo wasn’t a cyclist at all.
they plan to apply for a beer and wine license
The
Google-licensed
maps
even
allow
and expand to a full-service kitchen. Its current
cyclists to train for races in virtual versions of
“She didn’t ride bikes but she became my
café menu — and soon-to-be full-service menu
real cities, free from traffic, stops, inclement
official, only supporter,” Ephraim said with
— was crafted and prepared by Chef Luis
weather — everything that gets in the way of
a laugh. “She would come out to event and
Hernandez, who honed his skills over years
setting and surpassing goals.
support me, drive me to and from events,
spent at some of El Paso’s finest restaurants,
and most importantly, took pictures.”
Café Central and Garufa among them.
40
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018 In Jo’s eyes, Podium Finish is set to be a one-stop shop for busy cyclists and coffee lovers alike. “You can come in first thing in the morning, have a protein shake, change, punch in on the trainer, shower, change, and I’ll have your coffee and lunch ready for you to take with you,” she said.
EAT ON THE E DGE
El Paso is taking note, and Podium Finish is already bustling. Regulars—among them TV personalities, downtown employees, government officials from the both sides of the border and, of course, plenty of cyclists— come in and out, exchanging laughs and jokes, in both English and Spanish. As Jo said, “We’ve met so many wonderful people along this journey … I think it’s through coffee, Ephraim thinks it’s through bikes.” I think they’re both right.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
We would like to welcome you to the Edge of Texas Steakhouse and Saloon, founded in 1997. We look forward to meeting and continuing to serve our loyal guests and making new friends.
COME MEET THE FAMILY! 8690 Edge of Texas St. El Paso, TX 79934 | 915.822.3343
Thank you for nominating us best 8690 Edge of Texas St. El Paso, TX romantic 79934 | 915.822.3343 restaurant!
Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm | Sunday 11am-8pm | Closed on Thanksgiving
41
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Boticelli Tote and Able Canteen
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Glorietta’s Gift Gallery Michael Aram Rainforest Rhino Beetle Box
V&X Boutique Quai & Desi High Key Sunglasses
Chocolat Chocolate Tray
December/January, 2018
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43
New Year New You P RO F I L ES
“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi
The turn of the New Year is a time filled with promise and hope—as it should be. Simply put, it’s a time to wipe our proverbial slate clean and begin anew. Whether it’s in the area of health, wealth or sheer self-improvement, the
following businesses look to helping make our 2018 a brighter year than before. Go on, turn the pages for a ‘‘New Year, New You’’ that’s really meant to shine!
Star City Tattoo and Arts Expo The popularity of tattoos is undeniable.
If you’ve thought about getting a tattoo, or want to add to your body,
They have evolved to become a way to
this is a great place to “window shop” and get something from an
commemorate someone or to openly express
artist you might not have met otherwise. Hosted by Aspired Vision
yourself. This has allowed for the Star City Tattoo and Arts
Studio, the integrity and atmosphere of the expo is very important and
Expo to flourish since its conception. Starting small in Fort Bliss,
unique. This is a “no gimmicks” expo where the El Paso community
Mike Alqassimi of Aspired Vision Studio was able to create an expo at
can come and shop for a tattoo and be entertained. “You can come in
a much larger scale and cater to more people outside of the military
with a budget in mind and go through artist’s portfolios and see what
base. What started as 127 artists has expanded to almost 200 artists,
you like,” said Mike. He adds that the show will bring a large diversity
not to mention the growing number of people attending. Star City
of styles, ranging from color to black and gray—something that El
Tattoo and Arts Expo is now in its third year and will now be held at
Pasoans should take advantage of while they are here.
the Downtown Convention Center to allow for more space.
Star City Tattoo and Arts Expo 1 Civic Center Plaza El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 534-0609 info@starcityexpo.com Starcityexpo.com
The expo will also include live entertainment. You can expect to see The Enigma, the legendary performer known around the globe, Heather Moss, an American model who was named Miss United Ink, and Marlo Marquise, an internationally known suspension artist. While the expo supports local tattoo artists, more than half of the talent will actually come in from all over the United States. The Star City Tattoo and Arts Expo will be held March 2-4 and will be expected to be the biggest event they’ve had yet. Make sure to get your tickets so that you don’t miss out. You can see a list of the talent online or on their Instagram page.
By: KRYSTA AYERS photographed by: JOHN HORTA
Kimberly Brenner Kimberly Brenner’s story is unique, and her mission is simple: to help create healthy working relationships. As a relationship advisor with 28 years of experience, she is able to give straight-forward guidance and feedback to couples of any type (mother-daughter, business partnerships, husband-wife, LGBTQ couples, etc.). She is able to draw from her own life experiences—her and her husband have been married for 45 years now, but the seven years that they were divorced make her story unique. Kimberly is an advisor of high quality. She is a strong believer of the phrase, “When you don’t have love, nothing else matters.” She is diligent and passionate about finding solutions and making relationships healthy again. Her focus lies on communication and creating conversations that create a bond between two people again. She states that when you have a healthy marriage, it leads to being healthy in other areas, such as finances and business. Kimberly understands the shift that marriage roles have seen in recent years, and has been able to modify her guidance accordingly.
Kimberly Brenner 6006 N. Mesa #307
Kimberly will soon be adding a very confidential and personalized
El Paso, Texas 79912
three-month concierge service to rebuild your marriage. Her
kimberlybrenner.com
services are highly sought-after, so if you need guidance with any
kimberlybrennerfmc@sbcglobal.net
relationship you’re in, look no further than Kimberly Brenner. 48 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
(915) 491-5709 By: KRYSTA AYERS photographed by: DAVID PARISH
Carlos Aguirre, MBA ASTS – Aguirre State Tax Services 310 N. Mesa, Suite 502 El Paso, Texas 79901 (915) 667-0688 www.aguirrestatetax.com
ASTS – Aguirre State Tax Services The only locally established firm in the Sun City to offer state tax
The team at ASTS-Aguirre State Tax Services knows well the stress
services backed by bona fide Texas state auditing experience, ASTS-
and demands of impending audits that business owners regularly
Aguirre State Tax Services is making strides as a premiere state tax
face. Often times and due to sheer lack of knowledge, these
consulting firm for all businesses, big and small. Former Texas State
businesses miss out on valuable tax credits, or incur liabilities much
Auditor, Carlos A. Aguirre, MBA, along with Former Texas State
higher than they should. That’s where ASTS comes in. “We’ve
Employee, Jacqueline Aguirre, offer a level of expertise unlike any
dealt with very large liabilities. Some get reduced to zero and some
other in our area from state auditing services that aim to “manage,
get credits back,” says Carlos, having saved businesses literally
reduce or eliminate” tax liabilities for businesses. From mixed
thousands of dollars because they “know the process inside and
beverage and liquor tax, sales and franchise taxes, tax payment
out.” With 2018’s tax season around the corner, ASTS-Aguirre
agreements and refund claims, to name a few, these tax gurus have
State Tax Services is a great way to kick in a New Year that’s truly
proven themselves to be a powerhouse in the area of audit defense.
prosperous for you and your business!
By: VERONICA NEVAREZ photographed by: JOHN HORTA
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 49
Jay Welsh Being a businessman is not new to Realtor Jay Welsh. Since the age of nine, he opened a lemonade stand and since then, has been in the business of selling. Maintaining the same eager hustle, he spent 10 years in the automotive industry; working his way up through every possible position, before finally transitioning into Real Estate—something he’s always had a passion for. His techniques include those that he’s learned throughout his years of experience. “I do things differently,” he says. He adds, “I understand that people need a great advocate, negotiator and marketer on their side [when buying or selling a house].” The world of realty has seen a lot of changes in our technological age. Jay focuses on video marketing and professional photography on 100% of the homes he sells. He has an extremely proactive approach when it comes to marketing these homes and assisting people. “I love every aspect of homeownership … and I love helping people get where they’re trying to go in their life,” he says. His passion and his work ethic are apparent. Whether you need to buy a new home or sell an existing home, you can expect for Jay Welsh to have a game plan in place to accomplish whatever you’re trying to do.
Jay Welsh Home Pros Real Estate Group 714 Belvidere, Ste. A El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 787-0056 jay@jaywelshrealtor.com
50 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: KRYSTA AYERS photographed by: DAVID PARISH
Thank you El Paso for voting me Best Photographer!
ChristianNassriPhotography ChristianNassri ChristianNassri.com (656) 175-9544 BES
T P H O T O G R AP
HE
R
Thank you
B E S T R E A LT O
R
For voting me best realtor in El Paso!
Jese Gonzalez
Realtor at ClearView Realty 915.549.1962 www.SellingEP.com jese@jeseGonzalez.com
For all your Real Estate needs Contact Jese Gonzalez, the real estate matchmaker -Matching buyers & Sellers-
A new El Paso, online-based store, has officially launched, just in time for the holidays! Casita Home and Goods offers artisan-made home décor and gifts from Mexico. From textiles, to ceramics, to fun party décor, Casita’s wide range of product makes it an easy shopping destination for all. Mila Marcus, owner and founder, was born and raised in El Paso, Texas, and had dreams of creating her career on the border from a young age. “My mission from the start has been to work closely with some of the very best artisans throughout Mexico to design a unique, quality product using traditional Mexican techniques. Mila built this business working directly with artisans to feed her truest passions and to share them with the world. Her love for Mexico, entertaining, and creating a welcoming Casita of her own has allowed her to create a business that is truly a reflection of who she is. “I wanted to build a platform that allowed me to share with the world why I’m so inspired by Mexico, and to inspire people to open up their homes just as my mother taught me to—to entertain, to create memories, and to spread love and happiness, one dinner party at a time.” So, whether you’re looking for beautiful product to set your holiday tables, or simply in search of inspiration to entertain with, Casita Home and Goods is only a click away! Shop now at shopcasita.com. shopcasita
SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Artist Spotlight
#TradeUp T
December/January, 2018
he bag you carry can reveal a lot about you, ranging
from style, size, fashion and comfort—it’s tough finding
that perfect expression when there’s so much to choose
from. If you’re like Janean Mann of Junes Bags, you want a bag
that is affordable, versatile, high quality and chic while contributing to a slowdown of climate change. Janean, who I sat across from, sipped from her tea at a local coffee shop before telling me about the first stitch of her story about the idea for her bags.
54
Photo by: Bobby Gallagher
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Junes December/January, 2018
| By: JACQUELINE AGUIRRE |
“I thought there was a real void in the market for a fashionable, reusable bag that was cool looking and was kind of different looking, while still folding up to fit in your purse and breathable,” she says.
While visiting Juárez, Mexico with her friends, Janean began noticing a multitude of photos of missing women posted all over the city. Feeling a light spark within her, she felt as though something needed to be done. While she continued developing her bag and acquiring the right mesh material she needed, and through many mutual connections, she was able to contact an independent sewing co-op in Juárez. This is a shelter for women and their children who have suffered the wrath of the ongoing drug war and the violence of the city. Janean and the women living in the co-op have been working together for over a year and a half and produce 50% of the product. “That’s something that’s a big conviction of mine. I’m just like, ‘Do something about it’ and this is something—that’s my passion piece,” she says. As for the bags, which are “fashioned after a plastic bag,” they are durable in order to hold heavy loads. With at least one inside pocket for your phone, wallet or keys, these bags are perfect for any situation, from travel to the gym. All with the same stunning fabric, these bags are easy to fold up to fit inside of a purse or even a pocket. Some of the most popular bags include The Mexicana bag, displaying Asian inspired birds through bold and bright colored fabrics, and enclosing a special message that birds can cross many borders and vibrant cultures. Janean jokes about a test run with the bags—she stepped into the bag while her friends pulled the straps, and up she went.
“It was a little extreme, but we really wanted to test the durability of it,” she says with a laugh. As the pieces began to be sewn into place, Janean prepared to launch her bag in New York, and followed up with a tour through several farmer’s markets www.thecitymagazineelp.com
55
December/January, 2018
Photo by: Richard Hill
Photo by: Isak Tiner Photo by: Janean Mann
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
# T r a d e U pJ u n e s
Photo by: Janean Mann in California. She branded her tour with
you can slowly change the model of what it
“#TradeUpJunes,” which meant to trade
means to carry your own bag.
plastic bags for her Junes Bags to replace over 700 disposable plastic bags. After
“I wanted to be part of this new energy of
many successful trades, she continued to
El Paso. It’s a special place. I feel like what
work closely with the development of more
I’m doing is interesting and it’s important, and
bags with different prints.
what keeps me going is all the love I receive from El Pasoans,” Janean says.
Janean, a self-described “desert rat” explains
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
that returning to the border is important to
Junes Bags, both the original and the
strengthen the connection that El Paso has
Mexicana bags, can be found through several
with Juárez, especially in this time. By moving
local sellers and stores like Taylor Hood
forward in a way that is conscious and aware
Farms, local and New Mexico Whole Foods
of how we’re impacting our environment in
and other boutiques in both California and
our own city, and by making smarter choices,
New York.
December/January, 2018
Thank you for voting us best law firm For Three years in a row!
BEST T TORNE A
B E S T L AW F I R M
B E S T L AW F I R M
58
Y
OUR FIRM IS COMMITTED
to tough, aggressive representation that protects our clients’ rights and interests.
W YAT T/ UN D ERWO OD C R I M I N A L | FA M I LY | I NJ URY
915-485-9100
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
705 Texas Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79901 wyattunderwoodtriallawyers.com
December/January, 2018
EA
N
BE
ST M AN EDITERR
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
59
December/January, 2018
GY
M
BE
ST
GYM /CROSSF
IT
O S A P L E KS VOTED BEST GYM 2017 THAPEN D to be
M WE ARE PU
? r a t s ' w a r a u o y Are
West Raw’Fitness e Suite D 4519 Osborn East Raw’Fitness AB East Suite 3 y a w e t a G 0 0 8 660
Elite Raw’Fitness e Suite C 4519 Osborn Far East Raw’Fitness za Suite 139 1700 Zarago
Northeast Raw’Fitness Pass Suite I 4601 Hondo Las Cruces Raw’Fitness ,c oop Suite B L y r o k ic H 1680
elp.com w ra www.thecitymagazineelp.com 915-209-4505
December/January, 2018
BEST F O
BEST WATCHE
BEST WATCHE
B E S T W AT C H E
S
S
S
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches is a business that uniquely Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches is a business that uniquely blends many aspects of fine jewelry and watches: the artistic, jewelry that represents the essence of the wearer; the scientific, byidentifying identifying diamonds and gems; and the emotional, whenpieces certain pieces diamonds and gems; and the emotional, when certain represent milestones and important events in one’s life. Customers will represent milestones and important events in one’s life. Customers find will quality, expertise and commitment at Susan Eisen. “The most find quality, expertise and commitment at Susan Eisen. “The most rewarding aspect is the earned trust from our customers coupled with rewarding aspect is the earned trust from our customers coupled with creating a piece they will love and cherish,” Eisen said. The diamonds a piece will love and cherish,” said. Themantra diamonds are creating hand picked forthey quality by Susan herself Eisen and the sales is, hand picked forsale quality by Susan and the sales is “the “theare service after the is even moreherself important than themantra sale itself.” service after the sale is even more important than the sale itself.”
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
The Susan Eisen shopping experience is all encompassing and The Susan Eisen jewelry and watch shopping experience is all impressive. Eisen is a master gemologist appraiser, goldsmith and encompassing and impressive. Eisen is a master gemologist appraiser, author, soand herauthor, store is from most from othermost retailother stores. goldsmith so different her store is different retail “Knowing the backthe endback of how are made, necessary stores. “Knowing endthings of how thingswhat are is made, what is necessary to keep them in condition, their best condition, while maintaining to keep them in their best while maintaining the highest the highest quality standards control standards and appraisal credentials, sets us quality control and appraisal credentials, sets us apart,” apart,” Eisen said. Eisen began her business 37 years ago with an art 7 years ago with an art metal Eisen said. Eisen began her business 36 metal background from UTEP. As a native El Pasoan, Eisen sponsors background UTEP. A sand a native Pasoan, Eisen sponsors events for thefrom Junior League the ElEl Paso Museum of Art and events for the for Junior League and the on El the Pasored Museum designs jewelry famous celebrities carpet.of Art and designs jewelry for famous celebrities on the red carpet.
Susan Eisen Fine Jewelry and Watches | 5857 North Mesa #19 | El Paso, Texas 79912 | (915) 584-0022 | www.susaneisen.com
61
December/January, 2018
BES
U T FOOD TR
CK
Thanks for voting us your Best Food Truck El Paso! Find us at every Utep Miner Event or at 919 Hunter (EPCC Valle Verde Campus-Americana Village)
W
E
R! E T A C
BBQ | BRISKET | CHICKEN RIBS | PULLED PORK | SAUSAGE 62
915.861.3709 |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
offthegrillfoodtruck | offthegrillfoodtruck@gmail.com
Holiday Parties
December/January, 2018
Book your event today!
the holidays are rapidly approaching. Call 915-532-1881 and ask for our event Coordinator to start planning your special event.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
3800 North Mesa Street • 915.532.1881 • m e s a s t r e e t g r i l l . c o m
63
El Paso/Las Cruces’ premier Lifestyle Magazine Pick up a copy of this month’s issue at your local Walgreens and check out THE CITY After 50 magazine, The City WEDDINGS magazine, THE CITY SPACES and Home & Design Magazine
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Thank you, El Paso, for voting online for our annual Best of The City. YOU voted and chose this year’s Best of The City winners. With 185,956 votes, it is an honor to both be nominated and to be a winner. This is our biggest party of the year, so please join us on January 13 at the Southwest University Event Center to celebrate the Best of The City winners. All door money will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation—El Paso. For more information, call our office at (915) 500-5730. Thank you for voting and we’ll see you at the party!
December/January, 2018
N
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BA
Members Trust Company
GECU Investment Services & Members Trust Company What are your financial goals? Whether you want to start investing,
since 2003. This experienced team works with families in El Paso and
make sure that you have enough money to pay for your children’s
across the state of Texas helping to meet their unique needs from
college, create a plan that outlines your wishes in the event of an
trust management and administration services to estate planning,
untimely death or are disabled, or planning for your retirement, you
guardianship and more.
should create a financial plan. GECU is here to help you every step of the way. GECU offers local, wealth management services through
Jorge Macias, GECU Investment Services Financial Advisor stated,
GECU Investment Services* and Members Trust Company**, both
“We understand that listening to our members’ goals and providing
located in GECU’s Viscount Branch at 7227 Viscount.
options that can truly help our members decide what the best plan is for their futures is important. We meet face-to-face, as often as we
GECU Investment Services is the newest program located at the credit
need to, in order to ensure we understand our members’ financial
union, opening its doors in 2016. If you’d like to build and manage
situation and goals for the future. That process helps us present
wealth, plan your retirement and more, then GECU Investment
options that can help our members reach their financial goals.”
Services can help you create a financial path that works, whether you
Judy Monteleone, Vice President and Trust Officer added, “Members
are a young student who can invest $50 a month to an adult preparing
Trust Company has been a strong part of GECU for many years and it’s
for retirement. Members Trust Company has been a part of GECU
because of our unified mission to help our members and community
2 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING 66
www.thecitymagazineelp.com photographed by: JOHN HORTA
December/January, 2018
GECU Investment Services
thrive. Providing trust and estate planning services are meaningful ways to make a strong impact in members’ lives today and in the future.� Our local teams create a comprehensive financial plan with options for you to choose. Non-members can also take advantage of the services offered by GECU Investment Services and Members Trust Company to create a long-term financial plan. GECU is excited to offer these wealth management services to the entire El Paso community. Members and non-members alike can call and make a no-cost, no-obligation appointment with a financial advisor or a trust officer to learn more. Visit gecu.com or call 915.774.1765 for more information. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
GECU Investment Services & Members Trust Company 7227 Viscount (915) 774-1765 gecu.com *Securities sold, advisory services offered through CUNA Brokerage Services, Inc. (CBSI), member FINRA/SIPC, a registered broker/dealer and investment advisor. CBSI is under contract with the financial institution to make securities available to members. Not NCUA/NCUSIF/FDIC insured, May Lose Value, No Financial Institution Guarantee. Not a deposit of any financial institution. CBSI is a registered broker/dealer in all 50 states of the United States of America. **Non-deposit investment products available through MEMBERS Trust Company are not deposits of or guaranteed by the trust company, a credit union or credit union affiliate, are not federally insured or guaranteed by the NCUA, FDIC or any other governmental agency, and are subject to investment risks, including possible loss of the principle amount invested. MEMBERS Trust Company is a federal thrift regulated by the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. For legal advice, please consult your attorney and/or accountant. FR-1950047.1-1117-1219
3 SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 67
BES
P T LUNCH S
OT
L & J Cafe It was during Prohibition, in 1927, that Antonio and Juanita Flores first
their horses to the establishment and tie them to the hitching posts.
established Tony’s Place. The business was renamed L & J Cafe in 1968
The military, active and retired, are still honored and respected with
when daughter Lilia and husband John Duran took over as the second
a discount when they come to eat. The respect and admiration is
generation. Third generation owners, Leo Sr. and wife Frances Duran
mutual, as shown by generals who bring photos to be hung on their
assumed leadership in 1988 after dad John’s passing. Fourth generation and
walls. Law enforcement, fire department paramedics and EMT’s also
General Manager, Vanessa Duran recognizes the importance of carrying on
receive a meal discount when in uniform.
the family values and traditions and says, “Our business was founded on solid values of family, respect for our customers and employees, top notch
Presently, the L & J Cafe has seen an immense amount of success.
food quality and consistency”. The oldest, continuously family-owned
After applying for an SBA loan five years ago, the business expanded
business in El Paso just celebrated 90 years this past September.
the restaurant by adding 90-100 additional seats which are consistently full. The kitchen was also remodeled with additional and upgraded
Since the business’ inception, Ft. Bliss has been an instrumental part of the restaurant. Historically, the cavalry was known to ride 68 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
equipment in anticipation of the growth to come.
The business is still a popular place for blue and white-collar workers, professionals and politicians. The restaurant is also known nationwide and is the first place for celebrities and out-of-towners alike to come and enjoy an authentic Mexican meal. Some celebrities include First Lady Laura Bush, Anita Perry, former DEA head Karen Tandy, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Kathleen Turner and Ethan Hawk. Multiple generations of families are also reflected in the customers that come in to eat, carrying on the L & J tradition. Affectionately known as “The Old Place by the Graveyard,” due to its proximity to the historic Concordia Cemetery, L & J Cafe continues to serve delicious Mexican food made from scratch with original family recipes passed down from generation to generation.
L & J Cafe 3622 E. Missouri Ave. El Paso, Texas 79903
L & J’s staff and management would like to say thank you to their loyal and
(915) 566-8418
faithful customers. Congrats, L & J Cafe! Photographed by: JESSE MAYNES
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 69
Ricardo Reyna, M.D. 3901 N. Mesa El Paso, Texas 79902 BEST DOCTO
(915) 838-0100
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Ricardo Reyna, M.D. A proud Sun City native, The City Magazine’s 2017 “Best Doctor,” Ricardo Reyna, M.D., demonstrates whole-heartedly the importance of going over and above his patients’ expectations. The UTEP graduate attended McGovern Medical School in Houston before returning home to establish a vibrant pediatric following. His pursuit of medicine stems from a touching story surrounding his 14-year old younger and only brother, Nick Reyna, and a cancer diagnosis that meant countless nights in the hospital and eventually, the boy’s own wish for Ricardo to become a doctor. Although Nick passed during Ricardo’s first year of medical school, he left with him a legacy of empathy and compassion that now separates him and his practice from the rest. “Empathy is what happens to you, matters to me,” he says, remembering the words of encouragement from his brother to complete his medical studies. “He said, you started this for me, now finish it for me.” And finish it he did. Today, Ricardo’s recognized as one of El Paso’s “Best of The City 2017,” an award rooted in numerous nominations and thousands of El Pasoans’ votes. A faithful Christian and family man, he says of his award, “I humbly thank my family, friends, current patients and future patients.” Priding his practice in the extra time he takes to show he cares, he adds, “We are measured by the difference we make in people’s lives,” pointing to a truly well-deserved achievement. Congratulations, Dr. Ricardo Reyna! 70 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: VERONICA NEVAREZ photographed by: DAVID PARISH
Raw’Fitness
Y
M
BE
ST
G Y M - C R O SSFI
TG
Octavio Urias had a vision over seven years ago, and
asks is for 30 minutes a day, for high-intensity trainer-led
that was to transform lives. Nothing came easy as he
sessions. Members are drawn to their supportive and
has had to work his way up from only two clients when
motivating environment as it is the “happy place” for
he began. Fast forward to 2017: Raw’Fitness is spread
hundreds throughout the city.
throughout the city, with five locations in El Paso and one in Las Cruces! Octavio and his team are on a mission to
Octavio has set an example that proves hard work and
transform one million lives!
determination can truly make a difference in your life. “HFW” (Hard Freaking Work) is the attitude that is
Raw’Fitness is no ordinary gym. It is a transformation
cultivated at Raw. Octavio and his team believe in every
center. When people walk through the doors, they can
single Raw’Star and strive for everyone to walk out a
expect a physical and mental transformation as members
better, faster and stronger version of themselves after
take a journey into their new lifestyle! All Raw’Fitness
every transformation session.
Raw’Fitness (915) 209-4505 www.transformationelpaso.com Far East 1700 N. Zaragoza Suite 139 El Paso, Texas 79936 East 6800 Gateway Blvd E. Suite 3AB El Paso, Texas 79915 Northeast 4601 Hondo Pass Suite I El Paso, Texas 79924 West Elite 4519 Osborne Dr. Suite C El Paso, Texas 79922 West 4519 Osborne Suite D El Paso, Texas 79922 Las Cruces 1680 Hickory Loop Suite B,C Las Cruces, New Mexico 88005
Photographed by: JOHN HORTA
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 71
Franklin High School Cheer
BES
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ERLEADING
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The Franklin High School cheerleaders would like to give
Coach Angel Santa Cruz, who was a cheerleader and
a big thanks to the El Paso community for voting them
captain at UTEP, is using his experience to push these
“Best High School Cheerleading Team” for 2017. Since
girls to their full potential. Already, the girls have raised
June, the 2017-2018 squad have worked tirelessly to
over $4,000 from their supportive community to go
be at the top of their game. The entire squad consists
towards out-of-town competitions. The team is already
of 15 girls on Varsity and 11 girls on Junior Varsity.
expected to compete in the spring at a Cheer and Dance
Their accomplishments started soon after try-outs and
Competition. The team just hosted a stunt clinic that had
becoming a new team. During summer camp, the team
well over 100 participants in attendance. You can catch
came home with several first-place titles, many were
this winning team at any Franklin home game or local
awarded NCA All-American and one girl was named top
competitions, with exciting routines implementing stunts,
All-American—the highest ranking you can receive.
jumps, dancing and tumbling—and of course, a lot of spirit. Franklin High School 900 N. Resler El Paso, TX 79912 (915) 236-2200 www.episd.org/franklin
72 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: KRYSTA AYERS photographed by: JOHN HORTA
BES
T PHOTOGRAP
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Christian Nassri Photography The City Magazine’s Best of The City “Best Photographer” of 2017, Christian Nassri, is making his mark not only in El Paso and Juárez, he’s honed his craft as far and wide as New York City, Miami, Dallas and even Spain, to name just a few. Although he specializes in weddings, his photography spans everything from engagements and anniversaries, family and children’s portraits, to architecture, gastronomy and fine art. A native of Juárez, Christian always loved photography and got his official start in 2006, soon becoming highly sought out for his stunning works. Interestingly, his background is in industrial systems engineering and he worked for Laboratorios de Ciencias Forenses, Gobierno del Estado de Chihuahua (a forensic science laboratory in Chihuahua, M.X.) as a ballistic forensics expert. Last May, the photog resigned from his government job to pursue a full-time career in photography, a move that this year’s Best of The City 2017 proved worthwhile. Today, Christian enjoys being in high demand for his photography and hopes to eventually showcase his work in galleries and museums, and also looks to someday teach photography. With respect to this year’s recognition as our city’s “Best Photographer,” the humble cameraman says he’s thankful to all his Juárez and El Paso voters, and those who voted for him from as far as Spain. A truly talented and highly skilled ex-engineer turned brilliant photographer, we congratulate and expect to see more of Christian Nassri.
ChristiAN Nassri Photography www.christiannassri.com Mobile: +52 656 175 9544 Ciudad Juárez, Mexico instagram @christiannassri
By: VERONICA NEVAREZ photographed by: DANIEL AGUILAR
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 73
BEST DENTIS
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EP Dentistry 4 Kids Dr. Brandi Tiner, Best of The City “Best Dentist” winner for 2017, would like to thank the city of El Paso, especially the patients of EP Dentistry, for all of the votes and extreme support that has been given. Dr. Brandi Tiner has been living and working as a dentist in El Paso since 2002, when she was stationed at Ft. Bliss with the U.S. Army. A highly experienced
professional,
Dr.
Tiner
completed her undergrad at Texas A&M. Dr. Tiner then went on to pursue the dental program at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. In 2012, she joined EP Dentistry 4 Kids, supporting the great philosophy that the facility is proud to implement. “The number one compliment that we receive is how much people love our team here,” Dr. Tiner says. The facility is very proactive with its patients, encouraging parents to be involved with their child’s treatment, as well as caring for the children as if they were their own. “We come to work because we love doing what we do,” Dr. Tiner says. Similar to the way that Dr. Brandi Tiner fell in love with El Paso 15 years ago, you are sure to fall in love with EP Dentistry 4 Kids.
Dr. Brandi Tiner EP Dentistry 4 Kids 5867 N. Mesa El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 504-6888
74 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
By: KRYSTA AYERS photographed by: JOHN HORTA
Sally Hurt-Deitch Market CEO The Hospitals of Providence Aaron 5 years old, who signaled the new vehicle into service by turning on the siren and lights for the very first time.
The Hospitals of Providence (915) 577-6000 www.thehospitalsofprovidence.com
The Hospitals of Providence Children’s Hospital When we talk about top-notch quality healthcare, we’re talking
features an extended cab for families and a distinctly smooth ride
about The Hospitals of Providence Children’s Hospital. Winner of
based on NASA research on vibration minimization, allowing pediatric
The City Magazine’s Best of The City 2017 “Best Hospital” award,
patients to receive highly specialized care while being transported.
The Hospitals of Providence healthcare network as a whole has
“This new state-of-the-art vehicle is an extension of the hospital.
consistently proved to be a winning team for the highest level of care
Patients and families alike can have the peace of mind that they are
offered in our city. Market CEO, Sally Hurt-Deitch, who’s played an
receiving the best care possible,” adds Sally.
integral role in a near one billion dollar expansion of The Hospitals of Providence and ultimately, in their successful patient-centered
One thing’s clear, The Hospitals of Providence healthcare network of
approach says, “It’s all about accessibility. We’re here for you and
high-quality, specialized care centers proves that our city’s well-being
the community we serve.” Their new critical care ambulance is a
lies at the heart of their mission to care and serve. Voted this year’s
testament to that commitment and is the first of its kind in the U.S.
“Best Hospital” is not only an achievement for Providence Children’s
The highly-equipped ambulance is one of the safest in the nation and
Hospital, it truly represents an achievement for our city as a whole.
By: VERONICA NEVAREZ photographed by: CHRIST CHÁVEZ PHOTOGRAPHY
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 75
MyLife Chiropractic What it means to be a Doctor By Benjamin Leyva D.C. El Paso’s Chiropractor. BES
T CHIROPRAC
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Being a Doctor means feeling unity with people and seeing others as someone’s
MyLife Chiropractic
Mom, Dad, Son, Daughter, Brother, Sister, Cousin or even best friend. In the
1393 George Dieter Dr.
last two and half years I have helped thousands of others overcome debilitating
Suite E
migraines when specialist, countless neurologist and even the Mayo Clinic have
El Paso, Texas 79936
failed them. I‘ve helped thousands leave addictive medications and avoid risky
(915) 228-4915
spinal surgeries. I have a deep desire to help my community understand that there
mylifechiropracticelpaso.com
are other ways to help the body heal aside from pills and surgeries. I lived it myself, a chiropractor changed my life permanently when I was 23 years old. I was going to go to law school, but after receiving chiropractic care my entire life changed and I was inspired to change my destiny and become someone I could feel proud of. It feels good beyond explanation to be able to hear someone say that their quality of life changed and that they feel alive again. I lived with so much physical pain in my body before I discovered Chiropractic that when I felt what an adjustment could do I promised myself to get on a mission to help others who suffered the way I did. The first adjustment I received took so much pressure off of my body that the feeling was unexplainable. I felt a deep sense of gratitude and shock, I remember feeling disappointed and angry at myself for not having gone sooner. I waited 10 years to go because one of my friends told me it wouldn’t work. Now I get to help people everyday the same way the Chiropractor who first adjusted me did. I feel blessed, honored and grateful beyond measure to be able to serve my community. I’m humbled to be voted El Paso’s Best Chiropractor. Thank you El Paso! Also, thank you mom for all of your sacrifices and everything you did for me. I hope I’m making you proud! I love you.
76 | SPECIAL ADVERTISING
Palo Verde Homes 7100 Westwind Dr, Suite 250 El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 247-2002 paloverdehome.com BES
T H O M E BUIL
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Palo Verde Homes For two consecutive years, Palo Verde Homes has won The City Magazine’s Best of The City “Best Home Builder” award as voted by El Pasoans who recognize top-notch quality. Owner and El Paso native, Edgar Montiel, goes over and above in providing our Sun City with new home construction that is not only unique, but proven to surpass home buyers’ expectations in its 11 years in business. A proud UTEP mechanical engineering graduate, with an MBA, Edgar points to continuous improvement as key in staying ahead of the curve. The builder was the first to introduce standard features like Energy Star certification, ceramic wood flooring, wood shutters, custom cabinets and synthetic stucco into production homes. The predominantly Spanish-style homes were also the first of their kind in our area. As such, they’ve made their mark as an industry leader as demonstrated in the numerous awards that have come their way locally and nationally. Edgar currently serves on the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas’ Emerging Leaders Council, was recently named a finalist for the 2017 NAHB Young Professional Award, and has served as the President of the El Paso Builder’s Association. Among one of America’s Top 200 Builders, Edgar credits his staff, sales team at Harris Real Estate, contractors, suppliers, customers and his wife and business partner, Carissa Montiel, for their success. Palo Verde Homes looks forward to serving El Paso families for many years to come!
Photographed by: DAVID PARISH
SPECIAL ADVERTISING | 77
CERTIFIED BALaYAGE ARTIST
Kevin Murphy | R+CO retailer
6633 n. mesa suite 204 915.504.9269 nicholasreyeshair.com @nicholasreyeshairsalon_elpaso
BEST JEWELE
R
THANK YOU EL PASO FOR VOTING US
BEST CHEERLEADING TEAM
L OO T HIGH SCH M TEA CHE ERLEADING
BES
FRANKLIN HIGH SCHOOL
BEST F O
B E S T W IN G S
S BEST WING
BE S T
LU NCH S
PO
T
BEST F O
BEST W IN GS
B ES T W IN G S
Thank you
El Paso FOR VOTING US
s g n i W t s e B 1330 Robert E. Lee Rd. El Paso, TX 79925
thank You For Voting Dr. Brandi Tiner
BEST DENTIST 5867 N. Mesa (915) 504-6888 9813 Dyer St #100 (915) 751-0123 BEST DENTIS
T
1502 N. Zaragoza R (915) 855-4442
www.epd4k.com | facebook.com/ EPDentistry4Kids
BEST
SALON/
SP
BEST VENU
A
BEST VENU
E
E
The staff at Barragan’s Salon & Spa would like to extend out heartfelt gratitude to our loyal clients for voting us Best Salon/Spa.
915.532.2722 | barragansalonspa.com 690 S. Mesa Hills | 12240 Pellicano
Thank you for voting us best venue two years in a row! 150 E Sunset, El Paso, TX 79922 | (915) 585-0801
NE
R
B ES
T IN T
E R IO R DE
SI G
Accesories for the Home Interior Design Service Wallpaper • Carpet/Tile • Area Rugs • Blinds/Shades Fabrics • Accessories • Silk Trees/Plants • Furniture THANK YOU EL PASO for voting Designs by L.L. Power “BEST INTERIOR DESIGNER” for the 5th year! We couldn’t be #1 without your continued support. It has been a pleasure to have served the Sun City for the past 27 years and we look forward to many more!
6515 North Mesa • El Paso, Texas 79912 (915) 590-7373 • FAX (915) 833-7449 designsbyllpower.com
December/January, 2018
Curious A | By: PAUL WARD |
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December/January, 2018
B
y now many people have heard the term “cryptocurrencies;� it is often seen on social media and in headline news. Typically, the word Bitcoin tends to ring a bell. A small percentage of people are getting in on the action, reaping the rewards
of early investment. Loud whispers are heard echoing off the walls of Wall Street and investors are taking notice. For them, these digital currencies are a valuable asset and they are making more money sitting behind their computer than they are working a 9-5. These virtual tokens have made millionaires in less than a year, and now their skyrocketing valuation has given birth to crypto-billionaires.
Cryptocurrency? www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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Curious About Cryptocurrency?
December/January, 2018
But how does one take part, or perhaps go beyond a simple initial investment? It all starts with familiarity with the blockchain (the public ledger of all cryptocurrency transactions), and understanding just how cryptocurrencies work. Once a basic understanding has been established, it’s time to jump on in—sitting on the sidelines can be the difference between making it rich or not. In-depth knowledge of the top three currencies is a great starting point. Currently, those are Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH) and Ripple (XRP). Knowing how these work can help a newbie investor dive into the smaller coins that can be the big money-makers. It all starts with taking a leap of faith, so to speak, and diving in head first into a to-be released coin, known as an initial coin offering (ICO). An ICO, similar to an initial public offering (IPO) in the stock market, is where the potential for big profits exist. Rather than creating a stock or a share on Wall Street, companies are turning to blockchain technology and creating cryptocurrencies to help fund their projects. Early investing in these projects can mean getting coins valued in pennies, or even less! Inexpensive coins mean many can be purchased for cheap, and as the company grows, so will their currency. As an example, in January of 2016 Ethereum was valued at 95 cents. In July of 2017, and again in September, it hit an all-time high
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December/January, 2018 of roughly $400. A small investment of only $100 would have bought roughly 105 coins. If sold at $400, a profit of nearly $42,000 would have been made. Due to the volatile nature of the market, Ethereum has hovered between the $300 and $400 range; still a substantial gain for early investors. Many analysts believe that this coin still has the potential to hit beyond $1,000 in 2018, and there are still many others like it. Getting in on these coins when they are cheap is key to making large sums of money, and anyone can do it. It all starts with a simple Google search; typing “upcoming ICOs” will do. Lists of these ICOs are populated, and this is where it all begins. The first thing an investor wants to do is discover a company that they can relate to. Ask questions like: What does the company do? And does it make sense to me? Never invest in something that you don’t understand! If an investor can relate to the company, they are more inclined to believe in the product, and belief in the product makes for a confident investment. Once the company’s purpose is understood, it’s time to look at their roadmap. What are their plans for the future? As a company hits these milestones, the valuation of the token is likely to go up. And lastly, who is behind the company? Every company releases what is called the Whitepaper, a document that outlines everything you need to know before putting your hard-earned money in. It will outline their plans
11426 Rojas Suite A-16 El Paso, TX 79936 915.303.5927
and include guidelines for token distribution. Over the last couple of years, there has been a significant increase in crypto-millionaires; from people on welfare to college students. Being an early investor could be the difference between early retirement and a life of leisure, or getting stuck in a deadend job barely making ends meet. This is an opportunity that does not come around very often, and the risk-takers are going to be the
Proud supporter of
ones that truly benefit from this booming technology—now is the time.
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Call now for a FREE estimate & recieve a FREE air freshner for your main entrance! 85 Commercial Cleaning - Cleaning Supplies - Bathroom Supplies - Air Freshners
December/January, 2018
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n o i t o M
s ’ o s a P El
e c n Da o i d u t S s r e t r a u q d a e H | By: KRYSTA
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AYERS |
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Motion Headquarters
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erchant studio off of M inconspicuous an in — ty ni d consisting of and opportu y nights, a crow ll of mirrors— da fu on om M n ro O a l. is here oreographer. elo Vista Mal eway from Ci m a rotating ch fre fro e e in th ut ss ro ro p s or Street, ac n a hip-ho ng a heels clas rush in to lear of women taki eats and tees p ou sw gr in a es e ag se l al the studio that u’re likely to routine. This is a Tuesday, yo ry ra on po by em op nt st r a co If you s, whether ggings there fo ey hold classe d women in le ter what day th at m o wallN . maybe men an so vel in El Pa and in front of ers of every le of dancers st nc ity da un n m aw m dr co s ha eadquarters. ternoon, a is is Motion H or Saturday af t Th t. gh ni en y em da ov on m ugh it’s a M emselves thro and express th gger. to-wall mirrors ething a lot bi rned into som tu y kl ic qu s eing the need am studio ha years ago, se ting dance te o pe tw m io co ud a st as aphy. ened the What started op-in choreogr Ray Villegas op training and dr , Parra and Joe es a tic el m io ac pr Pa rs Owne ners, the stud r dance team both of the ow udio space fo st to a nt ve rta ha po to im for El Paso extremely g in cities like am competin ity in dance is te un e m nc m da co a in of ted out Since a sense Since they star st two years. la e th in d ve has evol
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nominated El Paso’s
top PHYSICIAN GROUP
we’ll see you today Eric sides, m.d.
suncityorthoandhand.com
Call (915) 581-0712 East:90 1400 GEORGE DIETER STE. 100 Central: 1810 Murchison Ste. 140
around positive energy able to mold a en be is is ve ha . community Th Chicago, they strong dance Houston and a g tin ea cr lly turn organica studio. their studio, in walk into the u yo as on so as nt now appare in a space to tra is to provide rs rte ua dq ea n H ts, dancing in sion for Motio young studen y an m The new mis r Fo . ove a career any dancers m rn dance into is is why so m dancers and tu Th g. in th ela le m ib kshops. Pa t been a feas d attend wor an El Paso has no bs jo t ge rk to ght multiple s or New Yo ey have brou th y, ad to Los Angele re Al unity. the roles. to the comm are switching kshops open and Joe Ray or w r fo to io ud have come in rs into the st The Williams d choreographe an nd la rk e Ki ncers Guttah, Nicol portunity for da Talent like King It is a great op e. nc da of king e or yl w nced, teach their st by these adva ht the studio to ug ta be d an s know that be exposed El Paso dancer ng tti le of any age to e ar y d Joe Ra have to rs. Pamela an and it doesn’t choreographe reer in dance— ca a d an ity have longev it is possible to . out of the city mean moving
December/January, 2018 The multiple dance teams that the studio have now are proof of this growth and possibility. Motion Headquarters has seven dance teams: La Femme, a heels team for women; Full Grown, the male group; Cause Revolution, the senior dance team; Lost Cause, the junior dance team; Bombers, for those 13 years and under; and Commotion, a training-based team. Just last year, La Femme took home third place in their division at World of Dance in Houston, putting more eyes on El Paso and creating a serious look into the incredible talent that we have here. “We keep the culture [of El Paso],” said Pamela about La Femme’s unique dance style. The “Latin moves,” inspired by cumbias and Pamela’s background in ballroom dancing, have allowed them to stand out in competitions. For those who want to just have fun and dance, drop-in classes are available. It’s a fun way to spend an hour, learning a new choreography routine to exercise your mind and body. With their rotating choreographers, a new style can be taught each time that you go. “We don’t call it hip-hop…It’s movement and character,” says Joe Ray of the some of the styles they offer.
! nvited
Though the owners have already stirred up a lot of recognition and continue to challenge the mind set of El Paso’s dance scene, they remain humble and hard-working. “It’s been trial and error,” admits Joe Ray. “We’re now considered a dance community [outside of El Paso],” adds Pamela. For anyone willing to give them commitment and dedication, they are able to work you up to the level you want to be at, whether that’s being a working
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dancer, a choreographer or director for dance
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videos. They hope to film more here in the city and bring more production and casting calls here. For any artist, being able to express yourself is key to living your best life. Pamela and Joe Ray have put their sweat into creating an art that everyone can be a part of. They sought to create a dance world and it’s safe to say that they have accomplished that.
es Southw
ion, 0 format e. 915.500.573 in t e k ic in t z r a o g F a e Cit y M call Th ing
Benefit
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Thank you so much to my clients who nominated me and to my family for all the support and motivation. I Can help you buy or sell residential or commercial real estate. Give me a call!
Iris SAENZ realtor 1346 N Zaragoza Suite A 915-873-8202 | irissaenz@sellersbuyers.com
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ast rolo gy
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December/January, 2018 he New Year 2018 results in a two in numerology when reducing it down to a single digit (2+0+1+8=11, 1+1=2). In numerology, there are only nine
numbers. This year represented the beginning of a new cycle, since 2017 added to make a one, representing the beginning. If we reflect back, we can see this in our government as an example, with a new president elected. The New Year will focus on partnerships, relationships and intimate friendships. If you were alone last year, the coming year will be
more favorable to find a partner if you are looking for love. The two speaks of harmony, love and
| By: GRACE THE PSYCHIC LADY |
intimacy between two people. If you are in an existing relationship, the energy vibration will allow you to become more connected to your partner. Unfortunately, if there are underlying issues in the relationship such as resentment or another person, these may be more apparent and magnified. It is a time to focus on our interpersonal relationships. This is the year you find out who your true friends are. The two is a period of things that are hidden beneath the surface. It is a time for us to dig deeper inside ourselves and to get down to our very core. Things may not appear to be what they seem, so go inward to get to the bottom of it. Planning time for rest, quiet and meditation is necessary in helping one maintain an inner peace of mind. It is important, when looking from a health standpoint, to not look at diseases nor symptoms but to dig deeper—to find behaviors, family history and other factors that may be impacting your health. Peace and calm are keywords. The number two reminds us to finish what we started this year, and to polish up on our skills based on goals we set. From a professional standpoint, working with others is heightened at this time. If you are looking for a new job on your own, it will be easier this year to network or hire a headhunter to help you find the position you seek. If you are currently employed, you may find that you need to work alongside your co-workers to be more productive and to get the job done. With this being said, it is highly advisable to avoid office gossip as secrets try to come to the surface. Financially this is a good time to put away some of the money that many of us say we will save for our new year’s resolutions. Be on the lookout in regards to your credit cards, and make sure you are reading the fine print on any financial agreements to avoid hidden costs such as membership fees, balloon payments and variable interest rates. Avoid being impulsive or aggressive this year. Slowing down and going with the flow is of great importance in the two. The vibration of the two is to balance, live in harmony with others and be more nurturing in general. With that said, happy 2018! www.GracethePsychicLady.com
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Infiniti of el paso December/January, 7200 Viscount2018 blvd, El Paso, Tx 79925 (915) 775-5858
Infiniti QX30
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Acura TLX www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Acura of el paso 7230 Viscount blvd, El Paso, Tx 79925 95 (915) 778-0044
Hidden
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December/January, 2018
ms
NOMU CAFE | By: BIANCA GARCIA photography by: SHARILYN WELLS |
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N o m u C a f e a n d A r t s pac e
potting Nomu from the street isn’t hard. This gem of a café is located on the urban corner of Oregon Street, in the new Artspace building that is host to all things creative. Nomu is no exception. Owner Kathy Chen gave insight into how a café like Nomu fits into the Artspace
building. It would be easy to think that this is just another cute coffee shop, but the passion and ethos behind it make it so much more. Kathy explains to me that Nomu was actually an afterthought. The real force of inspiration is the non-profit she and her husband founded two years ago called Fab-Lab, short for Fabrication Laboratory. Fab-Lab is a sort of co-op workspace that features everything from laser wood cutting machines to 3-D printers. The vision behind merging something like a high-tech workspace with a coffee shop was to make intimidating tech more approachable. Through this space, Kathy hopes to create more “makers” in a world full of consumers. She believes that giving people a space to create will continue to inspire the grassroots movement catching on in El Paso. All the materials provided in the Fab-Lab are biodegradable and eco friendly, which is a continuous theme, even in Nomu. I immediately notice that they use paper straws instead of plastic, which was a breath of fresh air for this closet environmentalist. But that is far from the only thing to love about Nomu. The food served is from One Grub Community, which specializes in exclusively vegan dishes. Kathy is quick to point out that she is not 100% vegan. She saw a gap in the El Paso market for good vegan food when her vegan friends would go to big cities and “bathe in all the vegan options,” then basically have zero options for going out once they returned to El Paso.
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I tried a few items from the menu, and they
Kathy hopes that Nomu will serve as a
but also if you wanted to stay, eat and maybe
did not disappoint. The meal was light and
convenient healthy option in a sea of fast
even create.
fresh, but very satisfying. If you aren’t in the
food chains around El Paso. She is particularly
mood for a full meal, then like any good café,
excited that the new tram system will run
The main goal of Fab-Lab and Nomu is to
Nomu offers a wide array of baked goods
from UTEP and end just across the street
create more mindfulness and inspiration. “To
made by Savage Baked Goods. Every single
from the café, because most of the food
create a movement, you need a network,”
food item served is vegan and is free of all
around the campus is fast food. The space
says Kathy. That movement, she feels, is
major allergens. You might be wondering if
itself is perfect for study sessions when the
based on a collective demand rising in El
a vegan coconut rum cupcake could ever
dorm room or library just won’t cut it. Plus,
Paso, where people want to know more
taste as good without milk, butter and eggs.
this location is a convenient walk from most
about who is making their products and
The verdict? It does. In fact, if I hadn’t told
office buildings downtown.
where those products are coming from.
baked goods are vegan. Even my not-so-
Kathy tells me that they closed for about
It would have been easy to open a mediocre
vegan mom loved the food cupcakes and
10 days after their first month of business
coffee shop, especially considering that it was
berry Danish. The bulletin board caught my
for renovations in order to make the space
an afterthought. But after one visit to Nomu,
eye because it was full of events going on
more inviting. The changes were made with
you will have a hard time believing that.
around El Paso, as well as workshops that
the intention of making the space more
were happening at Nomu.
welcoming, not only for a quick coffee or tea,
you, you might have never known that the
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N o m u C a f e a n d A r t s pac e
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We
R AY BO R R E G O
Love
R E A L E S TAT E G R O U P
What We Do!! NEW HOME SPECIALIST * RESIDENTIAL RESALE *COMMERCIAL
REALTOR®
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Thank you El Paso for nominating me
BEST ATTORNEY
FIRST - CLASS TRIAL ATTORNEY
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ersatile Pieces for your December/January, 2018
Winter
W ardrobe W | By: KRYSTA AYERS |
hen it comes to shopping for new clothes, selecting
pieces that are versatile is key. Why? Mainly because
you’ll be able to invest in these pieces and save more money. These pieces can altogether make different
outfits and still keep your look fresh. For winter in El Paso, it’s important to layer. You never know what the weather will be like midday or long into the night, so layering and keeping easily mixed items (like a striped tee) will be key to your wardrobe. These are also items that you should keep in your closet since they are always relevant and never out of trend. Take a look at the versatile pieces you should have this winter.
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December/January, 2018
fa s h i o n i s ta
Moto Jacket Every woman should have a moto jacket in their closet. No matter what fabric you choose to get yours in, it is an extremely versatile piece for the fall and winter temperatures—especially in El Paso. Keep it edgy with some black boots and darker pieces underneath, or make it classy with a cream sweater and softer hues. Whether you’re taking yours to the office or going out for the night, the moto jacket is the best way to cover up.
Striped Top
Midi Dress When the temperature lowers, so
There’s probably nothing more
should the hem of your dress (or
versatile than a classic striped
skirt). The midi dress is back in full
top. I wrote about making this
force this season. This is perfect for
an essential travel piece because
anyone that still wants the feminine
of that reason. Whether it’s a
feel of wearing a dress, but wants
sweater or a T-shirt, you can tuck
to keep their outfit in line with the
it into your pencil skirt for work
weather. Find a bold pattern or keep
or pair it with some jeans and
it simple with polka dots, stripes or a
ankle boots for a quick outing. Try
solid color. Either way, there’s plenty
sticking with a black and white
of ways to style it. Pair this with your
combo or navy blue to keep your
moto jacket for an edgier look, or take
color options for bottoms endless.
it another direction with knee-high
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boots and a comfortable sweater.
fa s h i o n i s ta
Large Scarf
December/January, 2018
Boyfriend Blazer
Do I really need to say anything about
Topping outfits with a blazer is the easiest
scarves during this season? They are the
way to elevate your look and make it office-
perfect accessory to any outfit, plus they
ready (unless you’re pairing it with ripped
keep you warm and cozy. Having a simple
jeans, of course). The boyfriend blazer is a
black one is always the best (in my humble
popular choice, since layering for the winter
opinion), since you don’t have to worry
usually means bulky sweaters. The longer
about matching. Plus, with El Paso’s bipolar
and roomier version of the classic blazer also
weather, you can easily strip this off if it gets
allows for this to be worn with comfort in
warmer throughout the day.
mind. So, even if you’re wearing it to work with a dress or pairing it with high-waisted jeans and band tee, you’ll still be polished and comfortable.
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is H W
Prerogative | By: ANDY MARTINEZ |
e’ve made it to the end of another eventful year, and with that, we’ve
also had a full year to age. Fortunately, I’m here to help you hold on
to that youth so that, although we may be wiser, we can appear just as
naïve. Use these holiday get-togethers to show people that yes, you’ve
still got it and you look like you still got it. Invest in nutrient-rich skincare products to counter the effects of premature aging and pick up a bit of style tips to show that you’re doing a good job keeping up. Here are this month’s products to help you confront the new year with a hard look and a soft face.
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H i s P r e r o g at i v e
Root Science Youth I know that the prospect of adding oils to your face might not seem like the most sound idea. Us fellas with skin that seems to become an oil slick even right after stepping out of the shower shudder at the thought of making this issue even worse, however, skin tends to overproduce sebum oils to replenish itself after having them stripped with harsh cleansers. Root Science’s youth serum addresses this problem, and after consistent use, the skin becomes adept at absorbing the serum and rebalances itself. A consistent moisturizing routine is the best weapon against early signs of aging.
_______________________________________ $120 | shoprootscience.com
Baxter of California Grooming Cream This versatile hair cream is perfect for those longer locks that we tend to grow out during the winter months. The lightweight hold and natural-looking finish makes it seem like your hair is naturally just that cool. Use sparingly to tame those flyaways or apply a greater amount to achieve a more styled appearance.
_______________________________________ $20 | baxterofcalifornia.com
Mavericks Face Kit For those who need a hand with putting a skincare routine together, Mavericks has developed a threestep kit as simple as wash-rinse-repeat, designed to make this task less daunting. The nightly cleanser leaves the skin feeling refreshed and ready for its skin rebuilding component. Rebuild works overnight to aid in collagen regeneration, helping the skin reconstitute itself after the day’s wear and tear.
_______________________________________ $89.95 | getmavericks.com
Navy Velvet Bow Tie This attention-grabbing accessory might not be for everyone, but for those that are brave enough to sport a bit of velvet around their neck, this bowtie is the perfect add-on. Wear it to holiday parties and use it as a conversation starter.
_______________________________________ $20 | riverisland.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2018
Thank You El Paso for your Vote for Adrienne Alvarez as Best
REALTOR® 2017!
Your “Best” Home is just a Click Away at www.AAHomeSearch.com
Licensed in Texas and New Mexico
Adrienne Alvarez
KB Realty REALTOR®
(915) 412-7396 | (915) 857-6800
THANK YOU EL PASO FOR NOMINATING US
BEST ROMANTIC RESTAURANT
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(915) 833-2121 | 5034 Doniphanwww.thecitymagazineelp.com Dr. El Paso, TX 79932
December/January, 2018
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LENDER
IN
IN | By: KRYSTA AYERS |
&
OUT
December/January, 2018
Top of the Tier For the ladies, this sleeve trend is coming in hot and is continuing the big sleeve movement of 2017. We’ve seen the bell sleeves, but now blouses are taking it up a notch with tier sleeves. This is so easy to style, and will instantly add some fun to your outfit without you having to accessorize too much. Find silk blouses or blouses with a light material, so that you can transition from warmer to colder weather—because you just never know in El Paso.
Au Naturale In with natural deodorant and out with chemicalfilled stuff. You’ve probably heard about the dangers of the aluminum that is found in deodorant, so why put that on our bodies? Natural deodorant is flying onto shelves and all over the internet. They don’t block pores, won’t irritate your skin and plus, they have evolved (read: You won’t smell like a hippie.)
Gamer Since the holidays are approaching, party games are very much “In.” Nothing provides a better hearty laugh than being with a group of people to play charades or Cards Against Humanity. Get a group together, pour some drinks and let the chaos ensue. 110
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December/January, 2018
IN
&
OUT
OUT
Fade Out If you’re going to invest in dyeing your hair a non-natural color, you should definitely maintain it. The problem with dyeing your hair purple, pink, red, green, etc., is that it is costly, and you’ll be heading to the salon more often than you want. Take care of your locks and your color with shampoos made to make specific colors last. Try out oVertone, a highly-rated hair product, to keep the salon appointments further apart.
Low Rider The early 2000s called and they want their low-waisted jeans back. No one wants to see your underwear popping out of your jeans, plus the style is very hard for some to pull off. On the bright side, high-waisted jeans aren’t going anywhere, and they look good on everyone. So throw away your Christina Aguilera low riders and pick up some jeans with a little more coverage.
Chill Cocktails Since the colder months are upon us, no one needs to sit at a bar holding a cocktail with a huge ice cube. Instead, opt for something to keep your hands warm, like a Hot Toddy or a Tom and Jerry. If you can’t, or don’t want to make them at home, visit your local cocktail bar and have one of the skilled bartenders shake one up for you. 111
Fall
Fashion
| By: LIZZIE MARTINEZ photography by: DREW D. BECKLEY | ere in El Paso, we have it hard in the fall—in the mornings we’re freezing cold and by noon we’re burning up! It can be hard to figure out how to layer our “gym look,” especially when you know you’re going to heat up in the gym. Here are a few of my favorite fitness fashions for this upcoming fall/winter season.
Look 1 Warm tights with a hoodie and sports bra. Find tights that are thick textured to keep your legs warm. A sports bra with a hoodie will make your look more suitable for winter even when you’re actually hot. You can never go wrong a with a good sports bra. Pair it with a Gallon Gear. I found these online and they make your galloon, or half gallon of water, into a convenient purse. You can hold your phone, keys, chapstick, etc. all in one place. Take it to the gym and leave your clunky purse behind.
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December/January, 2018
fitness
Look 2
Turn summer outfit into winter.
Turn your favorite summer outfit into a winter look by adding some
knee-high socks. You can still wear cute shorts to the gym without
freezing on your way there. I usually wear a short pair of socks
underneath so I can take off the long socks when I warm up. A zip-
up jacket is a great way to cover up a sports bra while you’re out and about, and then you can quickly take it off when you’re at the gym.
Look 3 From the football game to the gym. Grab a football crop top and pair it with a matching pair of cropped leggings. Cropped hoodies are also very in-style this season, so grab one in case it gets chilly at the game while still showing off those abs. Finish it off with some Converse—a great way to go from the game straight to the gym.
Keep fit this holiday season by staying motivated in these awesome yet comfy styles. For more fall/winter fitness fashion and fitness tips to stay fit over the holidays, head on over to my blog at www. www.thecitymagazineelp.com
lizzieifbbpro.com.
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December/January, 2018
Professional Real Estate Ser vices
Sue Woo 915.740.5600 suejfw@aol.com
Jennifer Woo 915.539.6132 jenawoo@gmail.com
855 N. Resler Dr., Ste. C El Paso, TX 79912 | www.woorealestate.net
THANK YOU EL PASO FOR NOMINATING US BEST REALTOR
Thank Thank you you El El Paso Paso for for nominating nominating me me
“Best Attorney” Powerful Strategies & Personal Service
Milad Kaissar
FARAH Wrongful Death | Car Accidents | Premises Liability | Dog Bites | Serious Injury
114
(915) 533-0880 | gflawoffices.com | 1231 East Missouri Avenue, El Paso, Texas 79902 *Licensed in Texas and New Mexico. Offices in El Paso, Houston, and McAllen, Texas.
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December/January, 2018
YOUR WEDDING STARTS WITH A TRIP DOWN THE AISLE.
Make it a memorable one. 2137 E. Mills Ave. El Paso 79901 LauraCarrillo.com 915.581.1877
Photography by: Stephane Lemaire
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of t s e B ity
C e h T
2017
. 0 p.m 3 : 6 | 3 r e 1 aryiversity Event Cent Janhu est Un Sout w all c , n o i t forma n i t e e k For tic Cit y Magazin The .5730 915.500 ting
Benefi
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El Paso
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December/January, 2018
Beaut y
Winter-Toe Blues I
| By: ELYSE SIMONS |
t’s time to put away your sandals and get your feet ready for winter. The thermostat is dropping and we’re putting on our winter boots. You don’t want to head down that slippery slope of letting your feet go to pot during the
winter months. Our poor overworked feet take even more of a brutal beating in winter. So, peel off those fleece-lined leggings, light a candle or two and get ready to relax—your piggies will thank you. Here are some great tips and ideas to keep your tootsies smooth and worry free.
Soak and Soften
Perfectly Polished
Oil for All
Feet are a difficult area to soften since the
When it comes to winter toenails, try a fun
Cuticle oil applied to the toes will keep your
heels tend to harden with everyday activities.
deep berry color or a soft pink polish for that
nails supple during the dry winter months. Look
Get them ready to go with a soothing soak in
chic look. Try OPI nail lacquer in Sending You
for Apricot Cuticle Oil by Essie www.ulta.com.
the tub for about 10 minutes. Try Foot Soak and
Holiday Hugs or Passion www.opi.com.
Fancy Free by Lush Cosmetics or make your own by mixing two tablespoons of epsom salt in hot water alone with some lavender oil www.lushusa.com.
Buff, Buff, Buff
Moisturize
It’s time to work away those flakes and
Time to give your
Remember, you’re the most important
callouses with a hearty supply of elbow
feet a little extra love to
person to impress. Even if the only
grease. Use a pumice stone and a sugar scrub
keep them smooth. Slather on a thick layer
people who are actually going to
to get rid of even the most stubborn dead skin.
of intense foot moisturizer to hydrate and
see your feet during winter are your
Make a homemade scrub by using raw sugar
further soften callouses and revive your
significant other, your children or
and olive oil with a few drops of peppermint oil,
tired feet. One of my favorites is Heel
yourself, at least one of those wonderful
or treat yourself to a scrub like the Mandarin
Genius Amazing Foot Cream by Soap &
souls is going to feel a whole lot happier
Honey Sugar Scrub www.qticasmartspa.com.
Glory www.walgreens.com.
staring down at pretty, happy feet. 117
December/January, 2018
Jessica Meraz 118
www.thecitymagazineelp.com | By: KRYSTA AYERS photography by: THE RIKER BROTHERS |
December/January, 2018
Oo
ther magazines will soon interview Jessica Meraz and talk about what she wore and what café they walked into to talk. I won’t do that. What matters is that Jessica is a talented working actress and we get to talk to her and feature her because she’s from El Paso.
Jessica will soon be a household name—she is equal parts talented,
beautiful and ambitious. When we first met her, she was starring in the
show, “Chasing Life.” Three years later and she is now a new core member for the seventh season of TNT’s “Major Crimes.” A lot has happened since the last time we spoke to her. After “Chasing Life” ended, the actress took time out of her comfort zone and started doing standup comedy. “I never thought that I was funny, but people would tell me [that I was] so I tried it out,” she remembers. She divulges that writing material for her comedy was something that she enjoyed. However, it’s not so enjoyable to talk about your past and expose yourself to a crowd, becoming vulnerable
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December/January, 2018
r - bar
and grill
EL PASO’S ONLY HOCKEY SPORTS LOUNGE
Every day specials 4pm-7pm kitchen open until midnight
in a funny way, when you’re also trying to be a working actress with some privacy. She jokes that it wasn’t good for her love life. During her comedic time, she also filmed an episode for “Drunk History,” the hilarious Comedy
Central
show
where
drunk
narrators talk about a historic event while actors act it out. Jessica narrates the story of Clark Gable joining the Air Force (played by Josh Hartnett) and Griselda Blanca taking over the cocaine industry (played by Maya Rudolf). If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s worth going back to revisit. Jessica’s story of joining “Major Crimes” is a classic “timing is everything” story. She had originally auditioned twice before for smaller roles that she did not get picked for. When the time came to cast someone for Camila Paige, Jessica once again auditioned and landed herself the bigger part—a more fitting part that has also granted more permanency. For six months, Jessica spent time filming
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r-bareptx | 4172 N. Mesa Ste A | 915.300.1858 | Rbareptx@gmail.com
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December/January, 2018 and confirmed the long hours required for a show. She also explained never feeling more alive. “I [would] drive to work with a smile on my face,” she said of what working on the show felt like. “There’s so much pain, but the highs are so high and it’s so worth it.” When the season premiered on October 31, she threw a premiere party in LA while friends and family threw one in El Paso as well. The
Catering
excitement is obvious on her face when she talks about how great it felt and the support she received from everyone. Jessica is bubbly and sincerely nice. She is also ambitious and challenges herself often. “[Major Crimes] has taught me that my possibilities are endless.” She expresses an interest in being in great romantic comedies
This is the way catering is done (915) 747-7455 (915) 747-7460 online menu available https://utepcatering.catertrax.com /utepfoodservices
and continuing to write. Before Jessica started “Major Crimes,” she was working on something she is calling her “passion project.” She tells me that she wants to bring a comedic take on a news show to El Paso and highlight it in a real way, since outside perspectives are often wrong. She plans on coming back to continue writing and filming for it, but for now she is focused on auditioning for more TV shows for big networks like HBO and CBS. Although talk about Major Crimes being in its last season on TV has surfaced, there is online speculation that the show will continue in the form of online streaming. “I don’t want this to end,” she says. We can only keep our fingers crossed and wait for time to tell if we will continue to see Jessica as Camila Paige. We do know one thing for sure though; this won’t be the last we see of her.
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Celebrity
Eats with
Pedro Muñoz Owner of Stallion Boots | By: ELAINE GORDON |
P
December/January, 2018
BACHELOR’S 10-MINUTE CHICKEN NUGGETS WITH JAPANESE FRIED RICE Ingredients: 1-bag frozen breaded chicken breast nuggets (we suggest Trader Joe’s or Whole Foods brands) 1-bag Japanese-style fried rice with edamame, tofu and Hjiki Seaweed 1 bag frozen edamame 2 tablespoons coconut oil Fresh green vegetables in season and other vegetable in season of your choice. (corn, asparagus, etc.)
edro Muñoz, besides being the most eligible bachelor in El
1 large fresh jalapeno pepper, chopped
Paso, has made a statement worldwide for the past 38 years
2 cloves of garlic, minced
with his trendy and upscale exotic boot company located in
1/2 small onion, sliced thinly
El Paso. Stallion Boots, which are handmade using signature
salt/pepper to taste
soft tanned alligator and crocodile leathers, but also Mr.
Muñoz uses exotic skins that are not on the endangered list such
Directions:
as calf, ostrich, lizard, stingray, kangaroo, various snakes, water
In a large cast iron or stainless-steel skillet, place the entire bag of
buffalo and bison. Stallion boots are hand crafted by artisans that
Japanese fried rice, breaded Chicken Nuggets, vegetables, salt/
create intricate and stylish patterns for their boots, belts and leather
pepper, garlic, onion and the Jalapeno pepper. Cook over a medium-
accessories. Stallion Boots, with their extraordinary fashion and flair,
to-high heat, stirring frequently, until the food is heated through and
has captured the attention of the fashion world in Europe, Japan and
vegetables are semi-soft, about 10 minutes.
the U.S. Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Celine and Ralph Lauren have all commissioned Stallion to produce special collections for them. Some of the most well-known, high-profile celebrities in the industry that adorn their feet with Stallion Boots are, Madonna, Bob Dylan, Shakira, Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein and Arnold Schwarzenegger just to name a few.
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’
C o olk ’s
December/January, 2018
l
Writer's
BLOCK co oks ne e d in s pirat ion to o
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December/January, 2018
SEA BASS T With ROASTED CARROT
and red quinoa salad
hink of all the meals you’ve had over the year. Now throw those memories down the toilet—it’s time to step it up and hit the ground running for your first official dinner of the New Year. We’re not playing games
here, people. This is serious business. We have the potential to set the tone for next 365 days. Let’s do it right, let’s make it awesome, let’s make it easy and let’s make it delicious. Sea bass is the rib eye of the ocean—it’s got a great layer of fat under the skin that adds a huge amount of flavor to its
| By: JESSE MAYNES |
1pound sea bass filet, skin on, cut in two 1/4 cup cooked red quinoa, cooled 1/2 bunch upland cress, half of the stems removed 4 carrots, peeled and shaved 1/2 lemon 1 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Chef’s tip
already buttery texture. Served with a salad that’s as delicious
For a cheaper cut of fish, use cod or pollock
and take this salad to another level. Trust in the food, and it
1 teaspoon ground ginger
So, bring in the new year with your friends (old and new) and family with good food, drinks and company.
2.
In a medium mixing bowl, combine 5 tablespoons of oil with the paprika, turmeric, cumin, ginger, coriander, cinnamon, cayenne, cardamom and salt/pepper to taste. Set aside and set oven to 400 degrees.
3.
Take ends off carrots, peel outer skin and discard waste. Continue using the peeler to shave the carrots straight into your bowl with the oil and spice mixture.
4.
Once peeled into the bowl, mix to coat every strip of carrot and spoon into a shallow baking tray.
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Bake at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes, mixing half way through, until crisp. Once cooked, spoon onto a paper towel to drain excess oil. Set aside to cool.
6.
Once cooled, toss carrots with upland cress and quinoa. Let chill in refrigerator.
1/2 teaspoon cayenne
2 tablespoons butter
difference in how you feel and how your body speaks to you.
Cook red quinoa according to package, set aside and let cool.
5.
7 tablespoons olive oil
will trust in you. Invest in eating better—it will make a huge
1.
1 teaspoon coriander
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
carrots and quinoa. These textures and flavors will add depth
For the salad:
1 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cumin
as it is easy to make, upland cress is tossed with roasted
For the fish: 1.
In a heavy bottom medium sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil on medium high. While oil heats, generously season
Salt/pepper to taste
your fish with salt and pepper on all sides. Once oil has
Sugar, heavy pinch
skin side down onto pan, away from your body.
reached a light smoke coming out of the pan, lay your bass 2.
Gently press down on the fish so the skin side touching the pan does not curl up for roughly 20 seconds. At this point, DO NOT move or touch the fish for 3-4 minutes. Once the fish lifts and slides around the pan on its own, drop 2 tablespoons
CHop it like it’s hot
watch us cook this recipe on our YouTube! youtube.com/thecitymagazineep
of butter in the pan, remove from heat and flip the fish. Let flesh side cook for 1-2 minutes with residual pan heat while continually basting the fish with butter/oil mixture. 3.
Place cooked fish on top of salad and squeeze lemon across whole dish. Serve and enjoy.
December/January, 2018
PET OF THE
TCM Pet of the Month highlights our readers’ best friends!
Valentine
Owner: Reina Hernandez
MONTH
Valentine Hernandez is a seven year old Basset Hound. Her hobbies include sniffing, burying treasure, swimming in the Rio Grande and cuddling with her family. Her least favorite
things are bananas and running with her human.
Is your pet TCM’s next Pet of the Month? Send a photo and short story with why you think your pet belongs in this page to kim@thecitymagazineelp.com.
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El Paso’s New Premier Event Venue Now Booking Holiday Parties
Host your party in the Sun Kings Saloon, City Hall Grill, or the WestStar Bank Club.
On-site catering provided by Spectra Food & Hospitality. They can structure a menu tailored to your needs!
SouthwestUniversityPark.com 915.242.2018 www.thecitymagazineelp.com
1 Ballpark Plaza | El Paso, TX | 79901
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December/January, 2018
| Written and photographed by: DANIELLE MOTON |
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e l pa s o zo o
December/January, 2018
hey look just like any other dog,
are very leery of it, just wetting their feet in it,
Melissa ended our conversation by explaining
except for their dark hazel eyes and
but CJ will actually lay down in it,” said Africa
how and why painted dogs are on the
rounded ears. They are covered in
collection
Leverett.
endangered species list. “Even though they
spotted patterns all throughout their
Moon Pie has been the shifting leader, and
don’t have many natural predators, it is more a
small, agile bodies. You may notice
has been the most curious and brave. The
human factor than anything, through hunting.”
their teeth with premolars that are
boys are still young, so the pack’s hierarchy
Fighting tears, she went on to explain why
larger than those of other canids,
is still a work in progress.
the conservation of one of the most efficient
supervisor
Amanda
predators in the world is so important.
making it easier for them to consume bone. These are not the tame, domestic dogs with
One of the unique features of the painted
Painted dogs are resilient and have found
which we’ve grown accustomed; these are
dogs is their coloring. Each dog has different
ways to remain top predators, but they still
African painted dogs. After almost a year of
identifying spots, and two of the brothers are
face danger at a high rate because of human
preparation in getting the boys ready for their
named based on the pattern on their front
contact and conflict. “Something so beautiful
exhibit, as well as getting the exhibit prepared
legs. Moon Pie has a white crescent-shaped
still needs to be conserved, because we are
for them, the El Paso Zoo has debuted four
moon on his left front leg, and Black Heart has
responsible of taking care of them and their
painted dogs in the Africa area of the zoo. The
a sideways-shaped heart on his right front leg.
environment,” said Bailey. “Thankfully we have our boys here, and they’re now part of
boys are brothers—Moon Pie, CJ, Black Heart and Notch—and are young, two-year-old
When asked about one of the “coolest” things
our extended El Paso community. By having
pups. We sat down with zookeeper Melissa
about the dogs, Melissa doesn’t hesitate.
them here, we know our community will find
Bailey, supervisor of the Africa section of the
“It’s the ‘no man left behind society.’” Bailey
that connection to them that the keepers in
zoo. Melissa has been with the city’s zoo for a
said. “So, what happens is the two leaders of
this area already have.” That connection is
year and a half, and started as a supervisor in
the pack, instead of dispersing the sick, they
what is at the heart of the El Paso Zoo and
the Americas area until she was promoted to
take care of them. They care for the young all
how they operate—the connection between
her position in the Africa area.
together. They hunt as a pack and everyone
humans and wild animals.
gets food, not just the dogs that took down When talking to Melissa, it becomes easy to
the food.” Melissa went on to explain that
When you get a chance, you should visit the
see how dedicated the keepers are to caring
even if the prey they catch is small, like a rat,
African painted dogs at the El Paso Zoo. You
for all animals, both inside and outside of the
the dog who caught dinner will return back
can find them laying in a heap all over each
zoo. The keepers for the painted dogs have
to the pack and hold the food in their mouth
other, much like puppies, running around their
noticed characteristics that help distinguish
while each dog comes and takes a piece. No
exhibit, playing together—no one left behind.
each brother. For instance, CJ, named after
one is left behind.
his father Chip, enjoys the pool. “The others www.thecitymagazineelp.com
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December/January, 2018
Bariatric Patient
Candida Rodriguez lost
130 lbs.
“I LOVE MY NEW SELF!” The Hospitals of Providence SURGICAL WEIGHT-LOSS PROGRAM
Candida Rodriguez loves her kids. But at 289 pounds she couldn’t
process, she gained so much more — the ability to run and play
run and play with them. With hypertension and pre-diabetes, she
with her children. “I am no longer on medication for hyperten-
lived in constant fear that her health would take her away from
sion or diabetes. I’m no longer at risk of dying young like my
her children — just like it happened to her own mother at a
mother,” said Candida. “The Hospitals of Providence was very
young age. “Getting healthy is a choice I had to make for me, so I
helpful in preparing me for a life change. I love my new self!”
can be healthy for my children,” said Candida. That’s when she turned to The Hospitals of Providence for help. The bariatric weight loss program at The Hospitals of Providence provided Candida with the support and resources she needed in
For more information call 577-2953
order to lose weight and get healthy. This 13-week program treats both the physical and emotional sides of weight loss with services before and after surgery, including support groups, nutritional counseling, gym memberships and more. After her gastric bypass surgery, Candida lost 130 pounds. In the
www.TheHospitalsOfProvidence.com 130
/BariatricCenter www.thecitymagazineelp.com
Weight loss surgery is generally designed for those with a body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 40, or equal to or greater than 35 with serious co-morbidities. Weight loss surgery is considered safe, but like many types of surgery, it does have risks. Consult with your physician about the risks and benefits of weight loss surgery. Patient testimonials reflect results achieved by these patients. As each case must be independently evaluated and managed, actual weight loss will vary.
December/January, 2018
EL PA SO
s ’ l e i r b a G Wish M | By: ROSE LUCERO photography by: MAYRA CONTRERAS |
any children in El Paso are faced with various
critical illnesses that leave them in and out
of area hospitals for undetermined amounts of time. The battles are never easy. For
almost 40 years, the mission of Make-a-
Wish has been creating life-changing wish experiences ®
for children with critical illnesses around the world.
This past summer, 14-year-old Gabriel from El Paso, TX was faced with the news that he had cancer—an inoperable brain tumor. Shortly after his diagnosis, Gabriel started aggressive treatment, five days a week for six weeks straight. Indeed, Gabriel has demonstrated that he is a fighter. During the course of his treatment, he had two volunteer wish-granters visit with him regarding his top three wishes. Gabriel chose Disneyland®, the happiest place on earth, as his first choice. As Gabriel continued with his treatment and waited for the doctor’s approval to travel to Anaheim, California with his two brothers and parents, we also learned that Gabriel wants to be a United States Marshall when he grows up. After learning this information, it didn’t take long for the Make-a-Wish office in El Paso to make contact with the U.S. Marshal’s office to see if they would be part of the www.thecitymagazineelp.com
131
December/January, 2018
wish send-off for Gabriel and his family. Within a few days, the permission was granted for the U.S. Marshal’s office to be involved. To everyone’s surprise, David Sligh, the United States Marshal for the Western District of Texas, happened to be in El Paso the same day as the scheduled send-off. To add to the excitement, not only would the U.S. Marshal’s office help with Gabriel’s send-off on October 13, but they would also swear him in as a Junior Deputy U.S. Marshal. After Gabriel was sworn in, he was taken for a special ride in a marked U.S. Marshal vehicle and was allowed to suit-up in official U.S. Marshall protective gear to help have a “bad guy” sequestered. With Gabriel’s determination, he was able to help put the “bad guy” away. The smile on his face
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December/January, 2018
m a k e - A - W i s h e l pa s o
speaks volumes. Don’t you agree? A small reception was hosted by the US Marshal staff to help celebrate Gabriel’s swearing in, just as many US Marshals do with their own families after they have been sworn in. Gabriel’s father, Eddie, shared with the Makea-Wish staff how Gabriel could not stop talking about how he was a U.S. Marshal now. Two days after the send-off, Gabriel and his family made their way to California to enjoy his wish trip, which included meeting the Mad Hatter at Disneyland and breathing some clean Pacific Ocean air. This is one example of how, for more than a moment in time, wishes are a profoundly effective way for children to cope with and even conquer critical illnesses. Help us ensure every eligible child has a wish to count on. Visit ntx.wish.org or call
Let Your Beauty Come Through
915-855-8700 for more information.
professional makeup artistry bridal • print • video • runway • special events
6 1 0 . 3 6 0 . 0 5 0 1 | w w w. e l y s e s i m o n s . c o m elyse@elysesimons.com www.thecitymagazineelp.com
elysesimonsbeauty
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December/January, 2018
THE CITY CALENDAR DECEMBER 2017 - JANUARY 2018 8
16
9
El Paso Rhinos
::: December 8
El Paso County Events Center Bring your jackets and come and root for the El Paso Rhinos. December 8 v. Blazers 7 p.m. December 9 v. Blazers 7 p.m. December 10 v. Blazers 4:30 p.m. January 26 v. Snipers 7 p.m. January 27 v. Snipers 7 p.m. January 28 v. Snipers 4:30 p.m. Info: visitelpaso.com
Happy Hippie Holidaze Arts and Crafts Fair ::: December 9-10
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hal Marcus Gallery Enjoy live entertainment, local vendors and come dressed as your favorite hippie for this awesome event. Admission: Free Info: halmarcus.com
10
12:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. Downtown Arts Festival Plaza Take the family out to ice skate, see the Christmas tree, inflated snow globe and enjoy the holiday season downtown. Admission: free Info: elpasolive.com
Mark Farina
::: December 9
9:00 p.m. The Lowbrow Palace DJ and producer, Mark Farina is coming to The Lowbrow Palace to play his unique style of jazz, downtempo and house music. Admission: $20-35 Info: thelowbrowpalace.com
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23
::: December 10
7:00 p.m. Tricky Falls The Drums are here again to bring back a highenergy performance, this time at Tricky Falls. Get ready to dance. Admission: $36 Info: trickyfalls.com
15
9
7:00 p.m. The Fountains at Farah Celebrate Star Wars Episode 8 with a night of lightsaber battle fun. Admission: Free Info: Facebook.com/events/ elpasolightsaberbattle
The Drums
WinterFest
::: December 8-30
El Paso Lightsaber Battle ::: December 16
Moscow Ballet’s Great Russian Nutcracker ::: December 23,24
The Plaza Theatre Don’t miss out on the 25th anniversary production of this classical ballet being performed in El Paso’s historic The Plaza Theatre. Admission: $28 Info: elpasolive.com
6
UTEP Theater and Dance: A Christmas Carol ::: December 15
7:30 p.m. Wise Family Theater Support our local university students and come watch a classic Christmas story unfold on stage. Admission: $9-$14 Info: utep.edu
Disney Live! Mickey and Minnie’s Doorway to Music ::: January 6-7 7:00 p.m. Abraham Chavez Theatre Start the year off right with the kiddos and watch this entertaining Disney show. Admission: $25-$70 Info: elpasolive.com
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
December/January, 2018
13
19
Best of The City 2017 ::: January 13
6:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Southwest University Event Center Come party with The City Magazine as we celebrate the winners of Best of The City 2017. Admission: $20 Info: thecitymagazineelp.com
EPSO Be Our Guest ::: January 19-20
7:30 p.m. The Plaza Theatre In collaboration with EPPM Chamber Music Festival, come experience the Mozart Concertone live at The Plaza Theatre. Admission: $16-$45 Info: epso.org
BesteoCf ity Th
2017
p.m. | 6:3n0 3 1 y enter C r t a ve Janhu ersity E iv n U t wes Sout
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Casablanca
::: January 13
7:00 p.m. Rio Grande Theatre Las Cruces Watch the classic 1942 romantic drama film in the Las Cruces Rio Grande Theatre. Admission: $8 Info: riograndetheatre.org
16
Rodney Carrington ::: January 26
7:00 p.m. Abraham Chavez Theatre Stand-up comedian and musician Rodney Carrington is back for a night of laughs. Don’t miss out. Admission: $61-$100 Info: abrahamchavez.theaterelpaso.com
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RENT
::: January 16-17
The Plaza Theatre In its 20th anniversary tour, be sure to not miss out when El Paso brings RENT to the city. Info: elpasolive.com
www.thecitymagazineelp.com
El Paso Symphony Youth Orchestra Winter Concert ::: January 28 3:00 p.m. The Plaza Theatre Let your ears be drowned in the sounds of El Paso’s youth orchestra. You won’t be disappointed. Admission: $16-$40 Info: epsyo.org
mation r o f n i ket e For tic Cit y Magazin e call Th .5730 915.500 ing
Benefit
El Paso
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DOWNTOWN
DOWNTOWN
Anson 11 $$-$$$
Park Tavern
303 N. Oregon St. Ste. 110 | (915) 504-6400
204 E. Mills Ave. | (915) 228-9050
Anson 11 is two exceptional dining experiences dedicated to the
From the same people that brought you 150 Sunset, Park Tavern is a
military man, the gentleman and the food connoisseur that was
new lunch and dining experience in downtown. With many options
Anson Mills. For a downtown dining experience like no other, Anson
available, from creamy chicken pasta to buttery fried fish, this new
11 is the restaurant to go to. PR, H
addition to the block is a welcoming place to satisfy your cravings.
The Downtowner $$
International
325 N. Kansas St. | (915) 532-5200
114 A. Mills Ave. | (915) 355-7281
Eat like a downtowner. Found on the ground floor of the Hotel
Grab a carefully crafted cocktail and meet us on El Paso’s first rooftop
Indigo, The Downtowner offers breakfast, lunch and dinner - the only
bar. We’re located in the heart of downtown, with views of San Jacinto
breakfast spot available in downtown El Paso. The restaurant delivers
Plaza, so join us for delicious food and drinks. We have everything
great American taste with a twist of our Southwest flair. Savor the
from crispy Brussels sprouts in bacon jam to a classic cheeseburger
amazing dishes offered on the menu and enjoy a cold and carefully
with agave-chipotle pickles. On Taco Tuesdays enjoy $2 tacos and
crafted cocktail while enjoying the gorgeous views of downtown.
drink specials and a newly added brunch menu for the weekend that
$$
$$
includes tasty El Paso-inspired dishes with a complimentary mimosa. Enjoy the big city feel right here in downtown. O, DF Prices: $ - Low Priced Patio/Outdoor Seating - O
$$ - Medium Range Dog Friendly- DF
$$$ - High Priced $$$$ - Exquisite Dining Party/Private Room - PR Happy Hour - H
To highlight your local restaurant in The City Local Eats email: info@thecitymagazineelp.com
WESTSIDE
Mi Piaci
WESTSIDE
Avila’s
$$$
$$
5411 N. Mesa, Suite 1 | (915) 875-0034
6232 N. Mesa St. | (915) 584-3621
Join Mi Piaci Ristorante Italiano for lunch or dinner with Chef/Owner
Winning Best Taco for Best of The City 2015 and Best Chips
Cosimo Baltaglia, who hails from Calabria, Italy, for the freshest
and Salsa in 2014, Avila’s has a savory Mexican menu that will
seafood, gourmet hand-cut Angus reserve steaks aged 21 days,
satisfy your cravings. We’re open for weekend breakfast, have
and gently homemade pasta from Italy. O
lunch specials available daily and a convenient pick-up window is accessible for family dinners on the go. PR
Jerusalem Grill $$
Westside’s 3rd Hole
5380 N. Mesa St. | (915) 500-4357
1035 Belvidere Suite 168 | (915) 584-5577
Jerusalem is a low-key eatery where you can find authentic gyros,
There’s no better place to relax and grab a bite to eat than W3H. Nominated
baba ghanoush, shish kababs and more. Their appetizer combo is
as El Paso’s best tacos, stop by today and see why we’re becoming El
complete with hummus, baba ghanoush, grape leaves, spanakopita
Paso’s go-to spot for catching a game and eating some good food. “We
and falafel. Your tastebuds will enjoy this retreat to an amazing
saved you a seat.” Now with NFL Sunday Ticket on all screens. O, H
$$
array of dishes. Serving El Paso Authentic Italian Cuisine since 1948 • Private Party Room • Beer & Wine • Outside Dining • Live Music Thur. to Sat. • We cater large or small events
The State Line
$$
1222 Sunland Park Dr. I (915) 581-3371 Enjoying delicious authentic BBQ from The State Line. Based on four principles: offer the highest quality smoked BBQ, provide generous portions at affordable prices, offer friendly table and bar services and celebrate the heritage of Texas. Come on by to enjoy!
Italian Kitchen West
$$
450 Thorn Ave. | (915) 842-0775 Enjoy boundless savory Italian classics either at their outdoor Italian.Kitchen. Westpatio
or intimate and comfortable atmosphere inside.www.theitaliankitchenelpaso.com Italian Kitchen West m is doling out classic pizzas, mouth-watering pastas with great wine pairs and Italian meat entrees. Stay local, but enjoy the cuisine from an ocean away. O, PR
UNIVERSITY/KERN
WESTSIDE
The Kitchen
Mesa Street Grill $$$
$$
150 Sunset | (915) 585-0801
3800 N Mesa St., Ste D1 | (915) 532-1881
Whether you’re looking for brunch, a quick lunch or a nice sit-down dinner
Mesa Street Grill introduces their newest dessert creation – the Pineapple
with views of El Paso’s sunsets, you will find all that you need at The
Crostata. This refreshing blend of pineapple, cinnamon and nutmeg is
Kitchen at 150 Sunset. Be sure to also check out our special wine dinners,
crowned with a cashew crumble and handmade sugar garnish. Taste this
with a specially curated menu and wine pairing. Come and treat yourself.
dessert once and it’s sure to become a summertime favorite. O, H, PR, H
P, H, DF, PR
EASTSIDE
Gusto
$$
5860 N. Mesa St. Suite 130 | (915) 307-3346
Cattleman’s Steakhouse
Gusto is El Paso’s newest and most unique restaurant on the west $$$
3450 S. Fabens Carlsbad Rd. Fabens, TX 79838 | (915) 544-3200
side. It features international cuisine that blends European with LatinAmerican flavors. Gusto will transport you to a different place with a totally new taste experience. Enjoy lunch, dinner and drinks in a
This is a family-style restaurant located on a 46 square mile working
modern environment. PR
ranch. Come savor our famous juicy steaks and mesquite-smoked BBQ while enjoying miles of desert scenery and spectacular sunsets! PR, O
King Crab $$$ 1700 N. Zaragoza Suite 154 | (915) 849-8697
NORTHEAST
Edge of Texas
$$$
8690 Edge of Texas St. | (915) 822-3343 You can’t get seafood like this anywhere else in El Paso. With Chef Pierre bringing his Cajun home-style cooking from New Orleans, the seafood
Located in the far east, this is definitely worth the drive! Eat the best steak
boils and dishes will leave your mouth watering for more. Fresh seafood
you’ve ever had and enjoy the saloon.
is brought in twice a week. Come in and try for yourself. PR, H
Microblading and Eyelash Specials, Call Now!
Master Hair Stylist | Nails | Skin | Wax | Makeup | Microblading | Massage
915.351.0032 | Mixsalonspa.com
915.629.7707 | MilanSalonandspa.com
scene
“El Paso Miniatures” ARTalk
OCTOBER 26, 2017 | at HAL MARCUS GALLERY | Photographed by JON-CARLO DIAZ
scene
Child Guidance Center 16th Annual Dinner & Roast of Mary Kipp OCTOBER 26, 2017 | at EL PASO COUNTRY CLUB | Photographed by JESSE MAYNES
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NOVEMBER ISSUE LAUNCH PARTY NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | at GUSTO RESTAURANT | Photographed by JESSE MAYNES
scene
scene
Junior League of El Paso A Christmas Fair Preview Party Night NOVEMBER 2, 2017 | Photographed by JOHN HORTA
scene
Grand Opening of
8 Hour Sleep Clinic NOVEMBER 9, 2017 | at 2000 LOMALAND DR. | Photographed by JOHN HORTA
scene
Designs By LL Power
Holiday Open House NOVEMBER 10, 2017 | Photographed by JESSE MAYNES
scene
A-1 Kitchen’s “Lunch and Learn Event” Hosted by Subzero-Wolf NOVEMBER 14, 2017 | Photographed by JESSE MAYNES
ht g i n a TO U O Y E T INVI get r o f t ’ n you wo
f o t Bes
t y i C e h T
7 1 20
m. . p 0 3 : 6 13 | Event Center y r a u Janhwest University Sout
on, i t a 730 m 5 . r 0 o 0 f 5 . n i 5 ket e. 91 For tic Cit y Magazin e call Th ting Benefi
El Paso
December/January, 2018
December/january Advertiser INDEX Adiuvare Healthcare....................................................Pg. 152
Paso Del Norte Children’s Guidance Center..................Pg. 91
Casa Buenavista......................................................... Pgs. 6,7
r-bar and grill................................................................Pg. 120
Casita Home and Goods................................................Pg. 53
Ray Borrego Real Estate Group...................................Pg. 100
CT Construction.............................................................Pg. 25
Sin Vodka.................................................Pgs. 19, Back Cover
Edge of Texas................................................................Pg. 41
Smallcakes...................................................................Pg. 104
El Paso Rhinos...............................................................Pg. 12
Southwest Plastic Surgery............................................Pg. 11
Elyse Simons Beauty...................................................Pg. 133
Southwest University at El Paso............................... Pgs. 2, 3
Flavours Catering.........................................................Pg. 121
Southwest University Park..........................................Pg. 127
Fox Auto Group.........................................Pgs. 95, Front Fold
Spectrum Technologies...............................................Pg. 105
GECU..............................................................Pg. Inside Front
Stonewood Bar & Grill........................................ Pgs. 144,145
Grace the Psychic Lady.................................................Pg. 85
Sugar Skull Fashion Boutique........................................Pg. 86
Gusto.............................................................................Pg. 87
Sun City Orthopaedic & Hand Surgery Specialists........Pg. 90
Hal Marcus Gallery......................................................Pg. 121
Sunland Park Alfa Romeo..............................................Pg. 43
Hotel Indigo...................................................................Pg. 15
Sunland Park Racetrack and Casino............................Pg. 135
Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino...............Pg. 13
Table Occasions.............................................................Pg. 84
International Bar..........................................................Pg. 123
The Hospitals of Providence.............................. Pgs. 4, 5, 130
Intracueticals...............................................................Pg. 134
The Italian Kitchen West................................................Pg. 25
Jerusalem Grill...............................................................Pg. 59
The State Line...............................................................Pg. 41
KTSM News Channel 9.................................................Pg. 37
United Blood Services...................................................Pg. 21
Mattress Firm....................................... Pg. Inside Back Cover
Vanities Jewelry & Gifts, Inc............................................Pg. 1
Mesa Street Grill............................................................Pg. 63
Walgreens.................................................................. Pgs 8, 9
Mix/Milan Salon and Spa.............................................Pg. 141
Wyatt Underwood Trial Lawyers...................................Pg. 58
Nicholas Reyes Hair Salon.............................................Pg. 78
Xpress Cleaning Professionals......................................Pg. 85
Park Tavern..................................................................Pg. 126
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“SO GOOD IT SHOULD BE A SIN”