Plano, TX October 2023

Food for the Soul

Welcome to an issue that promises to tickle your taste buds and transport you to a world of culinary delight – our much-anticipated Food and Drink Issue! October is our most delectable issue of the year, filled with some of our favorite dishes and beverages around town. In a world where flavors and aromas hold the power to evoke memories, spark joy, and bring people together, we're excited to present a compilation that celebrates the artistry of food and the magic of libations.

With the change in seasons comes a change in what we are craving and for fall that often means comfort food. Let us take you on a tour of the Top Fine Dining experiences in Plano. Whether you are seeking a romantic night out or planning a corporate event for your team, Plano has the perfect culinary options to please the palette.

We also included a few new recipes for you to try at home, whether you’re cooking for just your family or for entertaining guests. Our Editor, Katelyn, gives us a sneak peek into her Souptober tradition and shares one of her favorite soups. Food brings us all together, and whether we are sharing a meal with loved ones or enjoying a night out on the town, the time spent while enjoying food is invaluable.

Lastly, allow us to introduce you to our nonprofit of the month, Minnie's Food Pantry, which provides essential nourishment while alleviating hunger and promoting community well-being for those in need.

May your culinary explorations be limitless and your dining experiences unforgettable. Raise your fork and glass with us as we embark on this delectable adventure!

Cheers and bon appétit!

October 2023

PUBLISHER

Angi Burns | angi.burns@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Katelyn Reed | katelyn.reed@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kathy Moreno | kathy.moreno@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Zoya Jackson, Rudy Frederico

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe

ANGI BURNS, PUBLISHER @PLANOCITYLIFESTYLE

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Don’t Sweat It, Beat the heat wIth BIg D MechanIcal toDay!

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

1-7: Spotlight on the Plano Chamber of Commerce. “The Plano Chamber of Commerce is committed to maximizing the business development and economic growth of the community through advocacy, education, innovation, and collaboration.” The Chamber office is located at 5400 Independence Parkway, Suite 200, Plano, TX 75023.

Want to be seen in the magazine? Tag your Instagram photos with @planocitylifestyle

A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Congratulations to Representative Mihaela E. Plesa

Congratulations to Representative Mihaela E. Plesa on the Grand Opening of her new District 70 office! Pictured here with the mayor's intern, Rizwan Khan. We wish Representative Mihaela Plesa all the best as she serves our district and are incredibly excited to witness the positive impact that Representative Plesa will bring to Plano and District 70.

The new office is located at 900 E. Park Blvd., Suite 140C, Plano, TX 75074.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/Plano

Unlock Your Child's Inner Genius

At Code Wiz, they believe that learning to code is the easiest way to shape your child’s future. Students develop programming skills along with invaluable approaches to critical thinking and problem-solving. Best of all, anyone can learn to code—no matter their age, tech proficiency, or personal interests. They’ve designed fun, flexible programs to ensure every child becomes a wiz! Code Wiz Plano is located at 6905 Coit Road,

Welcome to Plano Doosan Robotics

Doosan Robotics offers a range of collaborative cobots designed to handle complex tasks with precision and efficiency. Doosan's cobot features highly sensitive torque sensors capable of detecting obstructions in the workspace, allowing people to work safely alongside the cobot. The new Doosan Robotics is located at 7950 Legacy Drive, Suite

OCTOBER

local experiences

and things to do in our area.

Our community is brimming with incredible food options. We decided to feature establishments with delicious cuisine and talented mixologists curating delicious drinks to indulge in. We’ve selected some of our picks that you must experience for yourself.

UNION BEAR: A locally owned and operated brewery & restaurant, Union Bear proudly brews “no coast beer” and serves staff-curated spirits & cocktails.  5880 State Hwy 121, #101, Plano, TX 75024

WHISKEY CAKE: Whiskey Cake is your neighborhood joint for craft cocktails and farm-fresh comfort food straight from the farm. Good food tastes better when it's grown locally. 3601 Dallas Pkwy., Plano, TX 75093

URBAN CRUST & 32 DEGREES BAR: Above this pizza paradise lives an upbeat hot-spot that boasts downtown views, DJ grooves & an ice bar that keeps signature cocktails cold. 1006 E. 15th St., Plano, TX 75024

PRIM & PROPER: Developed by and situated within Neighborhood Goods, this restaurant concept features world-class coffee, cocktails, wine, and beer.  7300 Windrose Ave., Suite A130, Plano, TX 75024

MEXICAN SUGAR: Get the full spoonful of sugar seven nights a week. Stylish, hacienda-style location featuring upscale Mexican plates & a variety of tequila cocktails. 7501 Lone Star Drive, Plano, TX 75024

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Studies have shown that taking music lessons helps children to perform better academically, particularly in math and reading. It requires using both sides of the brain, which improves cognitive function, memory, and concentration.

SOUPTOBER

ARTICLE BY KATELYN REED

"A FIRST-RATE SOUP IS MORE CREATIVE THAN A SECOND-RATE PAINTING." — ABRAHAM MASLOW

Every October, I gather my favorite people for my favorite fall tradition: Souptober. When the first breath of autumn finally reaches Texas, I set the date and ask everyone to send me their recipes.

The evening of Souptober, my friends arrive wearing oven mitts, arms laden with Roasted Tomato Soup, Green Chicken Chili, Lobster Bisque, and all manner of aromatic pots. Every countertop is covered with crockpots, Dutch ovens and stockpots. We sip wine and set to work sampling the soups, exclaiming over one another’s delicious creations. At the end of the evening, every guest goes home with leftovers for the week and a dozen new recipes to keep them warm through the cooler evenings.

SHANNON'S CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz white mushrooms

• 1/2 white onion, chopped

• 6 cups chicken stock

• 1 teaspoon dried parsley

• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

• 4 egg yolks

• 5 tablespoons butter

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 2 bay leaves

• pinch of thyme

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1/2 cup heavy cream

Souptober is a time to savor soup and friendship. Here’s one of my favorites from my friend Shannon to get you started... CONTINUED

Remove stems from mushrooms and set aside for later use. Thinly slice mushroom caps and set aside separately. Heat 3 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add onion and reduce heat to medium-low. Sauté until tender and translucent, but do not brown. Add flour and stir for 3 minutes, until flour and onion are well combined. Turn off heat.

Add chicken stock, parsley, bay leaves, and mushroom stems. Simmer over low heat, partially covered, for 30 minutes.

Meanwhile, sauté the mushroom slices. Melt 2 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Add mushroom slices and season with salt and lemon juice.

Stir to mix well. Cover and simmer over low heat for 5 minutes.

When the broth is done, place a colander over the pot containing the sautéed mushrooms. Pour the broth (containing the mushroom stems and onion) through the colander into the pot with the sautéed mushrooms. Discard the mushroom stems and onion. Simmer over low heat for another 10 minutes.

Combine egg yolks and heavy cream in a small bowl and beat until well mixed. Slowly add to broth. Add more salt and cream, if necessary. Heat over very low heat another 5 minutes, but do not bring to a simmer. Garnish with chopped parsley and croutons.

Nonprofit of the Month

MINNIE'S FOOD PANTRY

Minnie's Food Pantry is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a mission to provide healthy meals, educational resources, and basic life necessities by way of red-carpet treatment for families served! Minnie's Food Pantry takes great pride in serving all those in need regardless of age, ethnicity, gender, race, religion or zip code!

For families seeking food assistance, Minnie's Food Pantry is open to serve Wednesdays - Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. and provides nonperishable goods, fresh meats, fresh produce, bakery items and dairy products.

THE EMPOWERMENT CENTER

In addition to food assistance, Minnie's Food Pantry has reopened its Empowerment Center. Here, individuals can participate in a variety of classes and workshops that empower, encourage and educate participants. These classes range from financial literacy, health and wellness, and nutrition to job skills training, resume building, certification classes, "How-To" resources and hands-on learning opportunities. Minnie's Food Pantry hopes those they teach will

utilize the tools they receive to truly transform their lives and achieve self-sufficiency!

MINNIE'S BOUTIQUE

Minnie's Boutique has officially reopened as a social enterprise where families can take pride in shopping for new items and basic necessities such as toiletries, clothing, cleaning products, kitchen appliances, and so much more — for FREE. Through this program, Minnie's Food Pantry is able to further combat food insecurity by providing an avenue for families to have easy access to meet their needs, while promoting a sense of self-esteem and ownership!

As the holiday season approaches, Minnie's Food Pantry is readying to provide ~3,500 families with a turkey and all the trimmings needed to prepare and enjoy a complete holiday meal with their loved ones. For those able and willing to help, Minnie's Food Pantry is in need of items such as mac and cheese, boxed potatoes, stuffing and snack items. Items can be dropped off Mondays and WednesdaysSaturdays from 8 a.m. to  11:30 a.m.

Minnie's Food Pantry is located at 661 18th Street, Plano, TX 75074. To learn more, visit https://minniesfoodpantry.org

educator turned entrepreneur

Brittany Welch is a former softball coach and teacher turned grazing table goddess. After years of making charcuterie boards for her own enjoyment, a friend asked her to create a grazing table for a birthday party. She was thrilled to have the opportunity to impress her friend’s guests and set to work crafting a delicious and beautiful experience. Brittany jokes that as she set up for the party, she had “a drink in one hand and meat and cheese in the other.” With her hands full, the idea to start Boards by B was born.

When Brittany started Boards by B, she was still teaching, but had stopped coaching in an attempt to take something off her plate. She’s well aware of the irony – she took off coaching and added on the responsibility of growing a business! Her first year of building Boards by B was full of growth and learning experiences. Brittany says she learned so much about herself, business, perseverance, and grit during that first year.

The business recently celebrated its two year anniversary, and Brittany now makes charcuterie, breakfast, and themed boards, fruit platters, and grazing tables full time. She also hosts interactive workshops to help charcuterie lovers make their own delicious boards at

home. Additionally, she now offers custom cookies that can be decorated to celebrate an occasion or promote a business. Regarding her transition from education to entrepreneurship, Brittany says, “Being able to devote more time and energy to BBB has been amazing! It is my passion and my dream, and it’s surreal to see how it’s grown since day one. I still get chills thinking about how I get to do this full time now!”

Brittany prides herself on her attention to detail. Whether she’s creating a board for a corporate event or a grazing table for a wedding, her goal is to provide clients and their guests with an amazing experience. She wants every bite from the boards and tables she creates to be unforgettable.

She brings the same level of creativity and heart to her workshops. They’re designed to be informative, fun, delicious, and one-of-a-kind. Brittany says they’re perfect for private events, too. Whether you’re hosting a bachelorette party or looking for a fun team-building activity for your company, Brittany can design a workshop sure to please.

For more information on Boards by B, give Brittany a follow on Facebook, TikTok, or Instagram @boardsbybdfw.

Bon Appétit

Explore the Top Fine Dining Experiences in Plano

Take a tour of our top picks for fine dining experiences in Plano.

Eddie V's Prime Seafood is a renowned restaurant known for its elegant and upscale dining experience. The restaurant specializes in offering high-quality seafood and prime cuts of steak, creating a perfect blend of surf and turf. With a sophisticated ambiance, live jazz music, and a comprehensive wine selection, Eddie V's provides a luxurious atmosphere for special occasions and fine dining.

Fresh and sustainable are more than just buzzwords at Bavette Grill — they actually grow many of the greens and veggies they use in a series of hydroponic tower gardens located right outside their doors. More than farm to table, this gives a whole new meaning to patio to plate!

With a sophisticated and contemporary ambiance, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar offers a combination of fine dining and a welcoming atmosphere. Guests can expect top-notch service, a menu featuring premium steaks, seafood options, and flavorful sides. Fleming's is often celebrated for its extensive wine list, making it a popular choice for wine enthusiasts.

Sixty Vines is a unique and inviting restaurant that focuses on offering a modern and relaxed wine-centric dining experience. Known for its emphasis on wine on tap and a wide variety of wines by the glass, Sixty Vines creates a vibrant atmosphere for wine enthusiasts and casual diners alike. The restaurant's menu features a farm-to-table approach, with dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

Brasão Brazilian Steakhouse brings the flavors of Brazil to your table. The restaurant offers a unique dining experience known as Churrasco, where various cuts of meat are cooked to perfection over an open flame and served table side by gaucho chefs. Brasao's inviting atmosphere and attentive staff will make sure your experience is one to remember.

Cathedral Italian Bistro & Bakery offers a unique counter experience allowing guests to witness the culinary process and interact with their culinary team hand crafting pizzas on demand and making all fresh pastas in house daily. No expense was spared to create a vibrant restaurant and lounge that’s both elegant and cozy.

A fine dining experience offers exquisite culinary craftsmanship, a symphony of flavors, and impeccable service. It creates cherished memories, celebrates occasions, and fosters connections. From artful presentation to luxurious ambiance, it's a journey of gastronomic discovery, where every dish is a masterpiece and every moment is savored, making it an unforgettable celebration of taste and elegance.

Sixty Vines

Variations in Food Service Franchising

The world of food service franchises is a dynamic and diverse realm that caters to a wide range of tastes, preferences, and dining experiences. From the simple and comforting allure of coffee and dessert concepts and smoothie and power-food shops, to the intricate and sophisticated offerings of sit-down restaurant brands, the spectrum of options available to franchisees and customers is vast. Let's explore some variations.

SIMPLE FOOD OPTIONS: COFFEE OR WELLNESS FOODS

The aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of delectable desserts can instantly transport individuals to a realm of comfort and indulgence. Coffee and dessert franchises occupy a special place in the hearts of many, offering quick yet delightful experiences that can be enjoyed on the go or in a cozy café setting. These franchises often prioritize speed and convenience, while maintaining a focus on quality and taste.

Other simple concepts in the food space offer smoothies and power drinks, açaí bowls, flavored soda and other carbonated drinks, milkshakes, or even French fries. These simple food concepts allow new franchise owners to get into the food space without getting overwhelmed by the complexities that food service can bring. A simple food concept can be a great springboard into future food concepts.

FAST CASUAL: BALANCING SPEED AND QUALITY

Fast-casual food service franchises offer a step up in terms of variety and dining experience, while still prioritizing efficiency. These franchises focus on fresh, often customizable meals that bridge the gap between fast food and sit-down restaurants. Customers appreciate the ability to create their meals with high-quality ingredients and enjoy them in a more relaxed atmosphere.

Brands like Teriyaki Madness and Sticks Kebob Shop exemplify the success of fast-casual concepts. With streamlined service and menus that cater to diverse tastes, these franchises have found a sweet spot between convenience and quality, appealing to a wide range of consumers, from health-conscious individuals to those looking for a convenient and satisfying meal.

QUICK SERVICE RESTAURANTS: CLASSIC CHOICES, SWIFTLY SERVED

Quick Service Restaurants, or QSRs, are iconic fastfood franchises and an integral part of modern culture. These establishments are known for speedy service, consistent menus, and budget-friendly options. While their offerings may seem simple, the operational efficiency and branding of QSRs make them global powerhouses.

McDonald's, KFC, and Subway are prime examples of QSR franchises that have established a near-universal presence. Newer brands like Big Billy's Burger or Johnny Rockets invite a fresh look at QSRs. These brands offer

familiar and comforting fare that can be enjoyed on the go, making them a go-to option for individuals seeking quick meals without sacrificing taste or familiarity.

CASUAL DINING: RELAXED ELEGANCE

Casual dining franchises provide customers with a more substantial and relaxed dining experience compared to fast-casual or QSR options. These establishments often feature diverse menus with a wider range of culinary offerings, from comfort food to international cuisines. Casual dining franchises focus on creating a welcoming atmosphere that encourages patrons to linger and enjoy their meals.

Chili's Grill & Bar and Olive Garden are well-known examples of casual dining franchises that excel in offering flavorful dishes in a laid-back setting. Their expansive menus, full-service staff, and inviting interiors make them popular choices for family gatherings, celebrations, and leisurely outings.

With so many options to choose from in the food service space, where do you start? An experienced franchise consultant is an excellent resource and can help you navigate the complicated waters of identifying, examining and deciding on the right franchise network for you and your family. These experts in the field can step you through the entire process, including how to fund the project, and connect you with other resources to help your entrepreneurial dreams come true.

The world of food service franchises is a vibrant tapestry woven from myriad offerings that cater to the diverse desires of consumers. From the comforting charm of coffee and dessert concepts to the refined elegance of fine dining establishments, each category brings a unique experience to the table. As entrepreneurs consider entering the franchising arena, understanding these variations can guide them toward making informed decisions that align with their goals and aspirations in the dynamic world of food service.

About the Author: Rudy Federico is a 33-year veteran of franchising and assists people interested in franchise ownership in all areas of finding the right franchise.

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER

SCREAMIN’ GREEN HAUNTOWEEN 2023

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THE CRAYOLA EXPERIENCE 6121 W. PARK BLVD., A100, PLANO, TX 75093 | 10:00 AM

Screamin’ Green Hauntoween is back! From September 23 - October 31, come experience SPOOKtacular family fun and WITCHtacular crafts. Creep through MONSTERific attractions while collecting ghoulish clues for our Scavenger Hunt.

FALL PLANO TRAIN SHOW 2023

PLANO EVENT CENTER 2000 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY, PLANO, TX 75074 | 10:00 AM

We are happy to announce the return of the Fall Plano Train Show at Plano Event Center. Admission is $10 per person. Children 12 and under, as well as Scout and Scout Leaders in uniform, are FREE. Cash and major credit/debit cards are accepted at the door.

HITCHCOCKTOBER: REAR WINDOW

ANGELIKA FILM CENTER & CAFÉ - 7205 BISHOP ROAD, SUITE E6, PLANO, TX 75024 | 7:00 PM

One of Alfred Hitchcock’s very best efforts, REAR WINDOW is a crackling suspense film where the protagonist is a seemingly ordinary man who gets himself in trouble for his secret desires. Trouble is, Jeffries’ musings may just be the truth.

HOLLYDAYS MARKET 2023

PLANO EVENT CENTER 2000 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY, PLANO, TX 75074 | 4:00 PM

We provide you with the option of choosing from the wide range of custom products we already have in our store or reaching out to us to design a unique bespoke gift for you, your loved ones, and our community.

OCTOBER 21ST

PLANO FOOD AND WINE FESTIVAL

LEGACY WEST: 5908 HEADQUARTERS DR, PLANO, TX 75024 | 12:00 PM

This event is FUN & DELICIOUS! Don’t miss it! The 6th annual culinary festival will feature a vast selection of award-winning wines and mouthwatering cuisine from 15 delicious restaurants! This year’s event will feature an array of gourmet delights, fine wines, and live entertainment that’s sure to excite.

OCTOBER 26TH

BOO BASH 2023

TOM MUEHLENBECK RECREATION CENTER 5801 W. PARKER ROAD, PLANO, TX 75093 | 4:30 PM

This award-winning event is held annually in October and features a carnival-like style atmosphere with games and, of course, CANDY! Families enter for free with a canned food donation and don their Halloween costumes for a night of trick-or-treating at our recreation center. Admission is free, no registration required.

OCTOBER 28TH

REST IN PLANO & APPARITION EXPEDITION 2023

DOWNTOWN PLANO ARTS DISTRICT 1021 E. 15TH ST., PLANO, TX 75074 | 5:00 PM

Walk through the gates and be transported to a Downtown Plano you’ve never seen before…if you dare. Take a peek into Plano’s paranormal past with this walking tour through the city’s haunted history. Ghoulish guides will lead you into homes and businesses full of true tales of the macabre. RIP Fest is a free Halloween-themed festival for all ages!

OCTOBER 29TH

PLANO BRIDAL SHOW

PLANO EVENT CENTER 2000 E. SPRING CREEK PARKWAY, PLANO, TX 75074 | 2:00 PM

Plan your wedding in ONE DAY! Premier bridal event of North Dallas with over 110 wedding businesses to plan your perfect wedding. Featuring upscale professional wedding businesses, a fashion show, door prizes and giveaways, and new wedding trends.

OCTOBER 30TH

TRICK-OR-TREAT AT LEGACY HALL

LEGACY HALL 5908 HEADQUARTERS DRIVE, PLANO, TX 75024 | 5:00 PM

A night of trick-or-treating where you can collect delicious candies and treats from the Food Stalls at Legacy Hall and other local businesses. Don’t forget to show off your costumes and strike a pose at their COSTUME CONTEST. There will be a lineup of exciting activities planned for the evening, including arts & crafts for kids, games and more.

A sample of recently sold properties in Plano.

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