“ E v e r y t h i n g ’s C o m i n g U p R o s e s a t F o u t z F a m i l y D e n t i s t r y ”
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It’s the perfect time of the year in Henderson. We survived the summer heat and finally get to enjoy the things that make our city amazing: bike rides, hikes, and, my personal favorite, patio dining! The holidays are around the corner with Halloween on the horizon, and we can feel the crisp air at night. It’s the start of the cozy season filled with crockpots, the sound of football games on TV, and pumpkin spice everything!
My own dinner table was once called a city landmark because I love to entertain friends and family, and to say it had seen its time would be the understatement of the century. There were so many meals shared among loved ones, but also so much life that happened around that old wooden table. I think this is a sentiment many can relate to as the kitchen table often ends up being the central point of any gathering. Food defines our cultures, takes us back to our roots, and brings us together.
Food and drink play a huge role for us here in the valley, considering so many locals work in the hospitality industry, and we have a city full of foodies and specialty cocktail connoisseurs. Gratefully, our city has no shortage of places to delight, and we couldn’t be happier to bring some of our favorites to you.
We hope you enjoy this month’s issue, and please get in touch if you have something you’d like to see in one of our upcoming publications!
From Our Table to Yours - have a great month ahead,
CRISSIE BOWN, PUBLISHER
PUBLISHER
Crissie Bown | crissie.bown@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Paige Candee | paige.candee@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Eve Bushman, Nicolette Martin, Vivian Greggory, Jennifer Florendo, Andres Molina, Angela Broockerd
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Adam Trujillo, William Crozer, Janie Jones
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Rhiannon Coffman
1: Life By Music donated 150 guitars to Clark County schools. 2: Research shows that music education is linked to higher academic achievement. 3: Students received new guitars, expanding musical education beyond limited school sessions. 4: Expanded access to instruments fosters personal growth and academic success for local students. 5: The donation was valued at more than $30,000. 6: Supporters such as Free Guitars 4 Kids and 702 Property’s Alex Mavros participated. 7: The charity empowers youth and veterans through music education, instrument donations, and scholarships.
Rock N Grapes, a wine pub in Henderson's Downtown Water Street District, is celebrating its one-year anniversary. Since opening, the establishment has delighted guests with build-your-own charcuterie boards, creative sandwiches, and a diverse selection of approachable wines and local craft beers. The community is invited to join in the festivities and enjoy the unique food offerings and exciting atmosphere as Rock N Grapes toasts to a successful year and looks forward to many more. rockngrapes.com
Photography by Heather Jacquart
Gameday Men's Health opened its doors in Henderson, at 2285 Corporate Circle, Suite 140, this summer, offering specialized healthcare services for men. The clinic treats men’s health issues, including low testosterone, low energy, irritability, decreased motivation, sexual health, or similar health concerns, through personalized plans. Gameday aims to create a comfortable environment for patients to discuss their health openly and get results through specialized treatment. gamedaymenshealth.com/green-valley
Dynamic Stem Cell Therapy, a leading Las Vegas-based clinic specializing in regenerative medicine, is celebrating its eighth anniversary. Since 2015, the clinic has been at the forefront of stem cell treatments, offering cutting-edge therapies for various musculoskeletal conditions. Using Wharton's Jelly stem cells and advanced ultrasound-guided techniques, the company has helped numerous patients find relief from chronic pain and injuries and continues to prioritize patient safety and innovative treatments. stemcellpowernow.com
Photography by Casey Jade
Local mixologist’s journey to becoming a top craft cocktail creator
ARTICLE BY EVE BUSHMAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY ADAM TRUJILLO
How does someone become a top craft cocktail mixologist? Asking this question, and a few more below, we learn that Tucker St. John, the director of beverage at the popular Esther’s Kitchen in the Arts District, has a penchant for learning and teaching that began fewer than 10 years ago when he was obtaining his degree in history from Nevada State University.
“It was really by accident,” Tucker began. “My mother was a bartender. And I was dating a bartender who was making more money in her one job than I did in the three I held while attending school full time. While I was still in school, I looked into it. I simply walked into a bar looking to be a barback –that’s the person that is always in the background in most bars assisting in everything. When they asked me if I liked craft cocktails, I didn’t know what that meant back then.”
From there, Tucker got a job at his girlfriend’s bar, did what he called “independent study” and learned all about craft cocktails. His historical background led him to enjoy the research while learning from the bartenders around him. “But you got to do the work, develop the palate,” Tucker added. “I started at Esther’s Kitchen four years ago, and I’m still learning from my fellow bartenders.”
“The reason I love the hospitality industry, is that I get to serve people and learn about them and connect with them,” shared Tucker. “Especially with people locked to their phones these days –I’m right there in front of them.”
As far as the cocktail program at Esther’s Kitchen Tucker explained, “Our cocktail palate is more acidic and drier – so we craft unique ‘Esther’s Cocktails’ to go with the Italian food we serve. I like my customers to give something different a shot, and we will dump it if you don’t like it and find something new for you. I don’t have an ego in making cocktails.”
CELEBRATE HALLOWEEN WITH DELICIOUS PUMPKIN DELIGHTS AND FESTIVE BAKED GOODS IN HENDERSON
“We offer spiders, pumpkin bowls, and witches’ fingers made from our breads, along with Halloween-themed sugar cookies, seasonal dips, and more.”
As the cooler autumn air settles in, Great Harvest Bread Company in Henderson is gearing up to tantalize taste buds with a bewitching array of Halloween-themed treats. The bakery, known for its wholesome, made-from-scratch breads and sweets, is metamorphosing its offerings to embrace the spooky spirit of the season.
Kim Jacobs, owner and operator of Great Harvest Bread Company in Henderson, shared her excitement about the upcoming Halloween specials. "We will offer spiders, pumpkin bowls, and witches’ fingers made from our breads, along with Halloween-themed sugar cookies, seasonal dips, and more," Jacobs revealed.
“The bread spider can be a great centerpiece for a party table. You can even hollow out the body and use it as a dip bowl, and then use the spider legs and witches’ fingers for dipping.”
The bakery's commitment to seasonal flavors is evident in their October lineup. "We focus on a lot of pumpkin-flavored products throughout October – Pumpkin Ohs, Pumpkin Spice bread, Pumpkin Scones, Pumpkin chocolate chip breads," Kim explained. This pumpkin-centric approach perfectly captures the essence of fall.
Great Harvest isn't just stopping at baked goods. They're offering a range of Halloween-themed retail items, including mugs, hot chocolates, and kitchen accessories, allowing customers to bring the Halloween spirit into their homes.
As the holiday approaches, the bakery will introduce special product combos at discounted prices. Among these, the pumpkin bowls are a customer favorite. "They make cute gifts, and they can be used for dinner as soup bowls," Kim noted. For those looking for a more ghoulish treat, the witches' fingers, green-colored breadsticks with an almond "nail," are sure to be a hit.
Great Harvest is also embracing other fall flavors beyond pumpkin. Cornbread, chili, and apple streusel bread are making appearances, along with seasonal jams and pepper jellies in flavors like cinnamon pear and apple butter.
As Halloween draws near, Henderson residents can look forward to adorning their tables with Great Harvest's spooky and delicious creations. Whether it's a pumpkin bowl filled with hearty soup or a platter of witches’ fingers for dipping, these treats promise to make this Halloween a deliciously memorable one.
ARTICLE BY EVE BUSHMAN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY VENTANO ITALIAN GRILL & SEAFOOD
How would you like this from a restaurant: Over 20 years at the same location, all diners leave with to-go containers due to portion size, pricing that is approachable to all, owners that routinely check in at the tables, a multi-page beverage list for wine, beer, and spirits, paper menu that still respects sanitation, and, if you become a long standing patron, you may just possibly be rewarded with flowers on your birthday or a free home-cooked meal delivered to your door when you are sick. That, and more, is offered from the one and only Ventano Italian Grill & Seafood (ventanoitalian.com).
Of Ventano’s three owners, Arnauld Briand, Michael Monguillot, and Carmine Vento, it was Arnauld that had much to say about why the restaurant has been so popular for so long. “Every week we’ve seen restaurants come and go…and why have we been so successful, is because I’m very good looking and people come in to take my photo!” Arnauld joked. “Honestly, we put the customer first. Here’s a story I would like to share: my wife and friends went to dinner; the restaurant told them they had no ice and yet in the same center were other restaurants and a gas station with a mini market. I found that completely unacceptable. If we don’t have what we need we go out and get it, we don’t deny our guests anything. My background is in gourmet restaurants, when I opened my own, I simply wanted people to be happy and well fed. We give large portions – lots of to-go boxes – so why change that – it’s been good for 22 years.”
“AS VENTANO ITALIAN GRILL & SEAFOOD CELEBRATES OVER 20 YEARS OF EXCELLENCE, IT EXEMPLIFIES HOW A COMMITMENT TO QUALITY AND COMMUNITY CAN CREATE A LASTING LEGACY IN THE CULINARY WORLD.”
Arnauld believes that Ventano, located at 191 South Arroyo Grande Boulevard in Henderson, is notable because it’s a welcoming family environment – just a big happy place to make people feel comfortable. They’ve kept “the best quality – even during a bad economy.”
When you visit Ventano expect one of the owners to stop by your table, one of them is always there. Their regulars visit weekly, some come two to three times a week. If they know it’s a regular’s birthday, they can expect flowers. If they are sick at home, Arnaud will bring food to them, as he sees them as family.
Ventano’s has a large wine inventory thanks to Michael, boasting the best wine list in Henderson and one of the best in Las Vegas. And like the food menu, it is very reasonably priced. “We are not here for awards,” Michael said. “We are here to sell product. Besides our large dining spaces (adjacent to the main dining room there is another large private dining room for parties) we also have a full bar with gaming and dining that’s completely ventilated and separate from the restaurant. Our specialty cocktail list has over 20 different drinks right now.”
Their free-standing building, on land that they own, has a large patio space that offers guests views of the Las Vegas Strip. The interior space isn’t cheated out on that view either. As soon as the sun sets the drapes are pulled away and neon lights catch the eye.
As Ventano Italian Grill & Seafood celebrates over 20 years of excellence, it exemplifies how a commitment to quality and community can create a lasting legacy in the culinary world.
OCTOBER 4TH-6TH
Thomas & Mack Center | 7:00 PM
The Greatest Show On Earth is coming to Las Vegas with six performances at Thomas & Mack Center from October 4th to the 6th. Packed with explosive excitement, The Greatest Show On Earth guides audiences through an interactive and music-filled journey filled with new, modern twists to classic circus acts. For specific local Las Vegas show information visit ringling.com/show/las-vegas -nv-2024-thomas-mack-center
OCTOBER 4TH-6TH
Annual Parish Festival
St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church
Join St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Church, located at 2300 Sunridge Heights Pkwy, Henderson, on October 4th (5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), 5th (12:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.), and 6th (8:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.) for a weekend of fall fun, food, and festivities. Enjoy kids' bounce houses, games, a craft sale, cultural booths, treats, raffles, pet adoptions, and live music. sfahdnv.org/parish-festival
OCTOBER 12TH
3rd Annual Las Vegas Down Syndrome Conference
UNLV's Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine | 8:00 PM
The 3rd Annual Las Vegas Down Syndrome Conference will be held Saturday, October 12th at UNLV's Kirk Kerkorian School of Medicine. The conference raises awareness and empowers the Down syndrome community, this full-day event promises a day
of cutting-edge research presentations, expert insights, and meaningful connections. For more information and to register, visit downsyndrome connections.org/conference.
OCTOBER 21ST
2nd Annual Las Vegas Charity Classic Golf Tournament
Anthem Country Club | 10:00 AM
Help in raising much-needed funds for The Hub - a city engagement on a mission to connect people to a restored life through rescue, relationships, resources, recovery and reconciliation. More details and registration at www.lvcharityclassic.com.
OCTOBER 25TH
Coronado’s Oogie Boogie
Trunk or Treat Fest
Coronado Prep Preschool | 5:30 PM
Join Coronado Prep Preschool for Coronado’s Oogie Boogie Trunk or Treat Fest on Friday, October 25, 2024, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 2650 Sunridge Heights Parkway, Henderson. Enjoy a bounce house, food, photo booth, 15 trunks for trick-or-treating, raffles, and games. coronadopreppreschool.com
OCTOBER 25TH
Disney Pixar’s Coco Live to Film Concert
UNLV Performing Arts Center | 8:00 PM
On Nevada Day, Friday, October 25 at 8:00 p.m., the UNLV PAC will present Disney Pixar’s Coco Live to Film Concert. Enjoy a one-of-a-kind family experience with the Oscar®-winning composer Michael Giacchino’s musical score performed on modern, pre-Hispanic, and colonial era instruments along with the film played live on a big screen. Purchase season tickets online at pac.unlv.edu.
This hearty chicken noodle soup is the perfect comfort food that is packed with nutritious goodness. This pairs perfectly with homemade beer bread or a sourdough loaf.
INGREDIENTS:
• 8 cups chicken broth (add more if desired)
• Whole fryer chicken, cut in chunks or shredded
• 5 celery stalks, sliced
• 8 carrots, sliced
• ½ onion diced
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ cup half and half (optional)
• 1 package egg noodles
• Salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS:
In a large stock pot, add 8 cups of chicken broth. Dice carrots, celery and onion and add to the broth. Bring to a boil, and reduce to medium heat until the vegetables are soft. In the meantime, skin and cube 1 whole fryer chicken and add to the stock pot. Next, add egg noodles (frozen Reames homemade egg noodles are my favorite) and let boil until noodles are cooked. Add butter, half and half, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer on low until ready to serve.
CONTINUED >
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cans diced tomatoes
• 2 ½ cups vegetable broth
• ½ cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons olive oil (or alternatively, 1 stick butter)
• ½ cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste
This classic tomato basil soup is easy and quick to make and is the perfect way to get the rustic, tangy and savory flavors of this Italian dish.
DIRECTIONS:
Toss the butter or olive oil in the pan. Add onion, and saute until the onion is translucent and soft. Add minced garlic, and saute for 2 minutes. Next, add canned tomatoes and simmer. Transfer to a blender, and puree until smooth. Add the fresh basil and heavy cream. Transfer mixture back to the pan to thoroughly heat, and salt and pepper to taste. Top with fresh parmesan and chopped basil, and serve with toasted Italian bread.
