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Southern Lace Estates Event Center Property Description Southern Lace Estates is a Spectacular 46,718 SF 2-story Event Center with a 6,938 SF Chapel overlooking a tranquil 20-Ac Lake and wooded forest creating a private and intimate setting for Weddings, Quinceañera, Special Events or Corporate Retreats with a bonus Residence Warehouse (“Barndominium”) situated on 96+Ac near Lake Houston inside the recently completed Grand Parkway (Hwy 99) Loop. Great location in the Northeast sector of Houston and within minutes of Huffman, Dayton and Baytown communities. Schedule your showing today! 281.940.7253 I info@avaarealty.com I 22611 Community Drive, New Caney, Texas 77357

LIFESTYLE LETTER

Letter from the Publisher

November 2023 PUBLISHER

Rachel Burk | rachel.burk@citylifestyle.com EDITOR

Stacy Leach | stacy.leach@citylifestyle.com

I hope this letter finds you well and filled with the same sense of excitement that's been bubbling up inside me. I've had the privilege of watching this place grow and evolve over the years, and I can't help but feel like a proud parent watching their child take its first steps. This, my dear friends, is home, and I'm thrilled to share it with you. I remember the days when our town was just a quiet little corner on the map, a place where everyone knew everyone else's name. The streets were familiar, and the sense of community was strong. I grew up here, made my best friends here, and have great memories. It was the place where we played in the streets until the lights flickered on, and where summers were spent chasing fireflies in our backyards. As life moved on, I made the conscious decision to raise my own children right here, in the place I have always called home. And let me tell you, it's been an incredible journey. Watching my kiddos walk the same streets and go to the same schools is nothing short of heartwarming. But what truly sets my heart racing with excitement is the transformation I've witnessed in our beloved hometown. The growth we've seen, both in terms of businesses and the diverse cultural fabric that now threads through our community, is nothing short of remarkable. It's like watching a blank canvas come to life with vibrant colors and bold strokes. With the Valley Ranch Town Center, we now have a bustling hub of activity. New restaurants and shops have breathed life into familiar streets, offering an array of cuisines that keep us all coming back for more. And the cultural events? They've brought a whole new level of vibrancy to our town, with music festivals and celebrations that have us dancing on The Hill. On this ever-evolving journey together, as we navigate the twists and turns, let's remember the heart and soul of this place: the sense of community, the camaraderie among neighbors, and the shared joy of watching our hometown bloom. I'm excited about what's ahead, and I'm honored to share this beautiful journey with all of you. Let's continue to make memories, create traditions, and savor the flavors of our town's growth, knowing that the best is yet to come.

CONTR IBUTING WR ITER

Kelsey Galloway CONTR IBUTING PHOTOGR APHER

Fireheart Photography

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 AD DESIGNER Matthew Endersbe LAYOUT DESIGNER Jayme Emery

RACHEL BURK, PUBLISHER @PORTERCITYLIFESTYLE

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Proverbs 3:5-6 Porter City Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of the Porter area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Porter City Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the

L I F E ST Y LE LE T T E R

accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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inside the issue The Thankful Issue

F E ATU R E D

D E PA RTM E NTS

12 Soak in the Beauty

Lifestyle Letter

City Scene

Business Monthly

Open House HO ME + DES I GN

Locals Only ENT ERTA I NMENT

We asked for local favorites. Here’s the food, family, and fun according to

Local Limelight A RTS + C U LTU R E

your neighbors.

Hot Spot FO O D + B EV ER AGE

Party Planning FO O D + B EV E R AG E

Events

Trend Setter FO O D + B EV ER AG E

A local designer’s spa-like oasis

14 What are the best ‘Hometown Hits’ in Greater EMC? 16 Crafting from the Heart

Explore the creative mind of a painter, leatherworker, and beard oil master

20 The Food Zone Grand Texas A Culinary Adventure

O N T H E C OV E R

Photography: Arrangement by Porter Flower Reserve Welcome to the month of fellowship, thanksgiving, and family. A table warmly brings people together, and this publication is the table for our community. Enjoy!

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city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen. 1

JESSICA SHIPLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

SPORTCAST MEDIA

1: Battle Line on 59, the rivalry game between New Caney Eagles and Porter Spartans. 2: Sundance Head performing at Back Pew Brewing for the reunion of the Class of ‘98. 3: Hot Nights & Cool Tunes - resident only event in The Highlands by Caldwell Community. 4: Bats are in full swing for the EMC Fall Ball season. 5: Porter Fire Station with their new friend, Fernando. 6: Reserve winners for pit contest at EMC County Fair goes to Porter FFA. 7: Congratulations to Jay Shipley of New Caney FFA for winning the Reserve Grand Champion Steer.

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C I T Y SC E N E

DEVELOPER OF COMMUNITIES & STEWARD OF THE LAND Lot Development | Single-Family Multi-Family | Rural Estate Living Ranch Development Recreational Properties

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Enhancing Your Natural Beauty

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business monthly A round-up of exciting news from local businesses.

Annual Dryer Vent Cleaning: A Must for Every Home Yearly dryer vent cleaning is crucial for all homes, especially those over two years old. Even in newer builds, debris can accumulate over time. Neglecting this essential maintenance can lead to hidden hazards, with some dryers even posing a fire risk. Protect your investment, ensure your dryer's efficiency, and reduce the potential for fire damage by scheduling an annual dryer vent cleaning today. Your peace of mind and your appliance's longevity depend on it.

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Welcome to the Team, Fireheart Photography Armed with a 35mm film camera in high school, the journey of artistic photography was born for Francie. While studying the arts in college, her weekends were filled capturing the excitement of rock concerts. With 25 years of experience, she’s garnered multiple awards across the world, but calls Kingwood home. Branding personality and joy in a way that is artful and timeless is her forte. The camera is the medium; the world is her palette. www.fireheartphotography.com/

Falling for Fabulous: Autumn's Hottest Hair Trends Unveiled Neon Blonde Parlour is the go-to destination for embracing this season's finest hair trends, just in time for fall and the holidays. Step into a haven where our talented stylists will transform your locks with the latest colors, cuts, and styles that capture the essence of autumn. Join our community of satisfied clients who trust us to keep them looking their best during this magical season. Experience a salon where beauty knows no bounds.

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Soak in the Beauty

A LOCAL DESIGNER’S SPA-LIKE OASIS

ARTICLE BY KELSEY GALLOWAY

O PE N H OU SE | HOM E + DE S I GN

The Goal: to create not just a room, but an oasis of relaxation. The classic porcelain curves of an antique clawfoot tub draw the eye and set the tone for the spa-like retreat. A picture window beyond opens to the soothing view of a fairytale forest with muted greens and invites the gentle swaying of leaves into the sanctuary. Two serene shades of dusty blue flow from the vanities on either side of the tub, creating a tranquil atmosphere and paying tribute to the owner’s love for the color blue. The whole room radiates a sense of peace and pampering. It delicately calls one to indulge themselves in luxury and let the rest of the world slip away. Touch is one of the core senses human beings rely on, but seldom is it the first thing that comes

to mind when you think of decorating a home. For Toni Hoppes, owner of thReading Designs and designer of this space, it is one of her most used tools. “I didn’t think of myself as a creative kid and definitely not artistic. I was more of a stick figure drawing kind of girl, but I was very hands on and loved to touch and feel,” Toni states. She reminisces about helping her mother remodel their kitchen, and how much she enjoyed looking at fabrics for window treatments and other finishes. Using those memories, along with that innate love of touching sumptuous fabrics and pulling together a look, and she made it into a career.

thReadingdesigns.com

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LOCAL FAVORITES

What are the ‘Hometown Hits’ of Greater EMC? We asked for local favorites. Here’s the food, family, and fun according to your neighbors.

LOCA LS ON LY | ENTERTAI NME NT

MARIDEL NIROSKY

Back Pew Brewing

Back Pew Brewing has been our family’s favorite place to hang out. I love the outside space where my kid and husband play baseball every time we visit. Love the music when they have bands playing. Love the varieties of beer they offer. The people that work in Back Pew are amazing, very knowledgeable about the beers they serve.

JAMIE KOZINA

One Acre Farm TX

AMBER DOBYNS

Freddy’s Taco Shack

Freddy’s Taco Shack has hands down the best tacos in the area! The tamales are available during the weekend and best I’ve ever had! Freddy is so kind, he remembers all of his repeat customers and is always friendly!

I love One Acre Farm TX! Not only because my son goes to their farm school, but just having that outdoor learning environment has been amazing for him...and me. He teaches me quite a bit about farm life and his nature learnings.

CHASTITY GUTHMILLER BEYER

Lake Houston Wilderness Park.

JACQUE CANADA

The Food Zone Grand Texas

The Food Zone Grand Texas is an awesome space with containers converted into food trucks with a spacious area to hang out. So many options; sure to please the pickiest eaters. The burger truck has awesome smash burgers. Mmm mmm crab hit it out of the park with the soft crab sandwich. Adip-i-tive is addictive. Their nacho flautas plate is crispy and so flavorful.

Lake Houston Wilderness Park. The exhibit indoors with snakes, turtles, and many other creatures for kids and adults was very informative and interesting to see. Lots of beautiful scenery for hiking, fishing, and swimming! Highly recommend!

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CRAFTING FROM THE HEART ARTICLE BY KELSEY GALLOWAY PHOTOGRAPHY BY FIREHEART PHOTOGRAPHY

EXPLORE THE CREATIVE MIND OF A PAINTER, LEATHERWORKER, AND BEARD OIL MASTER

Summer Dean Artist, Owner of The Bearded Gypsy As her brush gently strokes the canvas leaving behind a vibrant swath of color, Summer Haynes thinks back to her beginnings as an artist. At the delicate age of three years old, her great grandmother, also a painter, began explaining the intricacies of brushstrokes. From that point, Summer was enamored. The silencing of outside problems, letting the real-world wash away for a bit, the calming act of organizing paints, readying the canvases, and letting the art flow through her mind was a calling. Summer spent a lot of time in Hawaii, but originally graduated from NCHS, and her artwork reflects quite an eclectic mix between vintage Hawaii and farmhouse vibes. Painting is an outlet for Summer’s soul, and a way to keep herself mentally healthy and happy in the most creative way. Her cheerful, upbeat paintings are sure to bring similar waves of joy to everyone who views them. When asked what advice she would bestow on others, Summer simply stated “Do what makes your soul happy; if you don’t know [what that is] get out and try something new!” https://beardedsavagellc.myshopify.com/

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

Jeff Ruddell Oil Crafter & Owner of Dank Beards

Healthy, clean living. That phrase is what makes Jeff, owner and founder of Dank Beards, passionate. After a traumatic health scare a decade ago, he threw himself into fitness and living cleanly without processed foods or chemicals. He was particularly keen on the use of essential oils for their various health benefits, as well as CBD oil, which has become an increasingly common component in many wellness businesses. Aside from health, Jeff is also a passionate and proud member of the bearded community. He spent many years purchasing beard oils from other companies only to find they fell short of his expectations. From the confidence and encouragement from his wife, Jeff began concocting a serum. Using his extensive knowledge of aromatherapy and essential oils, creating a beard oil solution was the perfect end note to his currently thriving business. “When I see people pick my oil or soap, put it to their nose, and sigh with enjoyment…that’s the best,” said Jeff. He enjoys tinkering with different blends and finds satisfaction in creating something that both entices the nose and tames the beard. dankbeards.com CONTINUED > NOVEMB ER 2 0 2 3 | C I TYL I FE STYL E . C O M / P O RT E R

“Do what makes your soul happy; if you don’t know [what that is] get out and try something new!” Amid the chaos of Covid-19, a woman’s staunch faith and strong desire to prove herself came together to create Dirt and Thread Co., a local leather-working venture. Tracy, the owner and artisan behind the business, said that in the beginning, the unforgiving nature of leathercrafting presented difficulties that often ended in disappointment and frustration. She did not allow those setbacks to crumble her motivation. “Every tool impression, cut, and stitch had to be intentional. Mistakes were not easy to correct, and I had to learn to accept the consequence of those mistakes,” she reminisced. As she became more skilled and her business grew and flourished, the pride Tracy felt was undeniable. She has now sold her products across all 50 states and continues to grow. The drive to blaze a path and leave a legacy for her two daughters, coupled with the support of a loving husband, are strong motivators for Tracy. Faith is one of the staples of her life, and Tracy feels strongly that without it, she would not be where she is today. “With God’s love and my family’s support, I am motivated to build a business that will not only benefit my children but will also serve as a testament to the blessings that come from above.” etsy.com/shop/DirtandThreadCompany

Tracy Parrish Leatherworker, Owner of Dirt & Thread Co.

LOCA L LIM E LIGH T | A RTS + CULTURE

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The Food Zone Grand Texas A Culinary Adventure ARTICLE BY RACHEL BURK

In the heart of New Caney, where community spirit thrives, there's a place where aromas of delectable dishes dance on the breeze, a unique culinary haven that's taken this small Texas town by storm - The Food Zone Grand Texas. What started as an inspired dream has quickly become a vibrant epicenter for food, fun, and festivities. This captivating container-based food park has a history unbeknownst but worthy of a narrative. "We wanted to make a place where people could come and enjoy a variety of foods in one place, and have a great time with friends and family," explains the brain

behind this operation. But there's a twist to this tale. Instead of the traditional food trucks, The Food Zone Grand Texas opted for shipping containers to give it a distinct look and feel, setting it apart from the ordinary. They're stationary landmarks that everyone has come to know and love, unless a visit is still to be had. The idea originated from a trip to Mexico; a kitchen was composed of 5 containers put together, and was rather intriguing. After thoughtful consideration of the storage challenges at the 1314 location coupled with a deep appreciation for the container concept from Mexico, The Food Zone Grand Texas was crafted. CONTINUED >

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

Owner, Jesse Flores

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“We wanted to make a place where people could come and enjoy a variety of foods in one place, and have a great time with friends and family!”

So, who's the mastermind behind this innovative concept, and what's the story? Owner and founder, Jesse Flores, hails from the heart of the city, born and raised in Houston - a local! With 20 years of experience running a Mexican restaurant called Tacos Flores on 1960 in Humble, he's long known the power of food to bring people together. After two decades with that same food constantly on the front burner, a small idea caught fire, and now emblazons his thriving dream that is enjoyed by all Greater EMC. Reflecting on his restaurant days, Jesse recollects, "I love to hear and see our customers enjoying our food; we have customers that have been with us from the beginning." It's a testament to the passion poured into each comestible creation. Jesse approaches the Food Park with the same fervor as his restaurant. But getting The Food Zone Grand Texas to where it is today wasn't just about permits and finances. The real challenge was convincing people to embrace the idea of a food truck park before they became all the rage. It was about pioneering a concept and getting customers to try something new in the world of dining out... in a small town that's quickly having to learn the benefits of modernization. Not an easy task for anyone. The Food Zone off 1314 was the original location, but being welcomed with such open arms by the community, Jesse found the courage

H OT SP OT | FOOD + BEV E RAGE

to branch off, and attempt to create a new vibe with the location at Grand Texas. In addition to the ingenuity of the space, The Food Zone Grand Texas has composed an ideal gathering place with a stage for performances, a DJ booth, a 528" LED screen perfect for guests to watch while sipping and savoring each tackle, hit, or swing of a loved sport, a large green area to relax or have fun, and plenty of Instagram worthy spots to capture the perfect moment. While raised on tacos, Jesse is an adventurous eater at heart. His cravings dictate his food choices, making every visit to The Food Zone Grand Texas an exciting gastronomic adventure. But what truly fills his heart with gratitude is seeing everyone come together at The Food Zone Grand Texas. The commitment to family values shines through, and he beams with pride when he witnesses people sharing unforgettable moments with loved ones over delicious cuisine. And so, the story of The Food Zone is not just about containers and culinary delights; it's a tale of dreams pursued, obstacles overcome, and a profound love for bringing people closer through the joy of provisions. If looking for a place where culinary wonders meet community spirit, The Food Zone Grand Texas beckons. With the unique container-based charm and the burgeoning passion for bringing people closer, it's more than a food park; it's a culinary adventure not to miss.

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Gather

Whether you’re hosting Thanksgiving or an autumn dinner party, setting a festive table creates the perfect cozy atmosphere. Improvise and use what you have around the house for adding elements to the table. Candlesticks, vases, little pumpkins and gourds, or fall decor you have on hand can make a great centerpiece. Add fresh flowers or dried foliage for that extra layer of texture and color.

Set t ing th e Fa l l Ta bl e ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

e Tr

ad i t i o n al Table For this classic, traditional look, a plaid throw blanket stands in for a tablecloth to establish a festive base layer. Brass candlesticks with brown taper candles create a simple and elegant centerpiece. Use familiar accents such as amber jars filled with dried grass foliage and brass pheasants to adorn the table. To add a little character to the table, use a recycled wine bottle as a vase. The simple place setting is enhanced with a dried grass accent and brown silk ribbon tied into a bow to add a special touch to your traditional display. CONTINUED >

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The F

all

yT able

Are you planning to dine al fresco this fall? Create an earthy, fall garden party on the porch by using natural, organic elements, greenery and flowers. To make a statement, create a floral chandelier by hanging flowers upside down above the table using fishing wire (if your space allows). The centerpiece that runs down the length of this table consists of fresh eucalyptus with gold candlesticks and a ceramic pumpkin vase filled with flowers placed on top a tree trunk charger. Adding small pumpkins and fresh flowers along the center gives a little extra character. Instead of going with the classic white plate, enjoy a pop of color at your outdoor fall garden party with a blue place setting as a nod to the sky. Adding a cloth napkin and cloth placemat is a great way to add texture and more autumn color to your table. If the weather doesn’t cooperate on your day, bring the outdoors in with a lovely indoor garden party dressed up in fall foliage.

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

CONTINUED >

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re nc h Co u n t r y Table

PA RT Y P LA N N IN G | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

Rustic yet elegant, this tablescape combines the love of traditional, vintage and natural elements with an updated twist. Inspired by wooded acreage, the Spode Woodland Collection transferware designs are rooted in proper hunting tradition and perfect for marrying nature with traditional elegance. Dating back to 1831, the collection features various animals centered by the British Flowers border. This French antique dining room set was chosen for an intimate gathering for four. The fawn table runner mimicking deer spots brings an earthy, yet elevated foundation as the base for this table setting. Coordinating fawn napkins wrapped with twine and topped with natural feathers creates a whimsical touch. The stunning centerpiece starts with a vintage silver water pitcher that is then filled with fresh, sweet arrowwood Viburnums leaves. To complete the look, pair crystal glasses with vintage crystal stemware, and mix gold flatware with antique silver water pitchers, delicate salt and pepper shakers and your favorite trays.

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

EVE RY 1 ST A N D 3R D S U N DAY

Joy Lives Here - Fall Home Tour

NOV E M BE R 5T H

New Caney Community Market

T HE HIG HLAN DS BY CALDW EL L C O MMUNI T I E S | 1 0 :0 0 A M Visit any of Caldwell Companies extraordinary communities, like The Highlands and discover a robust lifestyle and best-in-class amenities that make every day feel like a celebration! Tour up to 43 fully furnished model homes and over 110 beautiful move-in ready homes by over 20 esteemed builders. Each Caldwell Community Welcome Center will have chances to win prizes as well! Learn about the tour and the communities you can tour at CaldwellCommunities.com/home-tour

VA LLEY RAN CH TOW N CEN TER | 1 1 :0 0 A M Open the 1st and 3rd Sunday from 11AM-3PM Shop from over 60 local vendors that offer produce, meats, honey, baked goods, artisan made goods and so much more! newcaneymarket.com

NOV E M BE R 1 1 T H

Peggy Beyer Memorial Celebration - 4th Annual Chili Cook-Off

2 1675 MCCLES KEY R D., N EW CA NE Y, T X 7 7 35 7 | 1 2:0 0 P M Come out and help raise money for scholarships for New Caney ISD seniors! There will be a chili cook-off, Cornhole Tournament and Silent Auction. This event will be at Bull Sallas Park at the Rodeo Arena area.

NOV E M BE R 1 1 T H

Fall Plant Swap

R. B. TULLIS BRAN CH - MCMLS | 1 0 :0 0 A M Bring your cuttings, seedlings or surplus harvest to swap with other gardeners. All types of plants welcome—please label if possible. Registration is not required, but if you register you will get a reminder e-mail. https://mcmls.libcal.com/event/11085613

DE C E M BE R 2 N D

J&CO Vintage Market Trade Days

2 0360 FM 1314 PORTER , TX 7736 5 | 1 0 :0 0 A M J&CO Vintage Market Trade Days is an event where Small Business Owners can bring their Vintage and Antique goods to sell. We also have vendors that offer brand new items, clothing and home decor as well as handmade items to showcase and sell.

DE C E M BE R 6T H

Greater EMC Chamber Monthly Luncheon

ATRIUM CEN TER | 11:00 AM A Time To Celebrate is the theme for December's luncheon. We will commemorate the season, the accomplishments of the chamber, and incoming and outgoing board members. Please register to join: https://www.gemcchamber.com/

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

EVE N TS

> edwardjones.com |Member SIPC

We support you and your loved ones. Everyone can use a little support At Edward Jones, we believe in partnering for positive impact to improve the lives of our clients and communities. That’s why we support Kingwood, Porter & New Caney. Need support to help build your own financial future? We’ll work with you every step of the way, backing you up with candid advice and thoughtful, tailored strategies — so you can see the road ahead and move forward with confidence.

Come talk to a person. Cameron H Hayes, AAMS™, CRPC™, CRPS™ Financial Advisor 19701 Kingwood Dr Bldg 1 Suite A Kingwood, TX 77339 832-644-2117 cameron.hayes@edwardjones.com

Jim Carranza, AAMS™ Financial Advisor 700 Rockmead Dr Suite 165 Kingwood, TX 77339 281-359-7455 jim.carranza@edwardjones.com

Madison Duxbury, CFP®, CRPC™ Financial Advisor 21383 Valley Ranch Blvd Suite 500 New Caney 77357 281-358-2187 madison.duxbury@edwardjones.com

MKT-16921-A AECSPAD 20020496

a festive pairing The age-old question, “What wine goes with turkey?” is answered. ARTICLE BY MARY ABEL

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

It’s a question heard every year about this time: “What are the best wines to serve with Thanksgiving dinner?” “In my early days in the wine business, the answer was pretty cut and dried because it was all based on the assumption that you had a turkey that came out of the oven that was dry, and so you’re almost guaranteed to need something with a little bit of sweetness to it to help balance that out,” James Lewis says. James is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years. “I’d recommend a sweet or off-dry Riesling or Gewürztraminer. Something that will help with that dry meat that you’re about to choke down.” But now, with all the ways people are preparing the big bird, he says that conversation has become a lot more interesting and fun. “People are frying turkeys, which come out really moist and delicious. They’re smoking turkeys and they’re doing them on the grill,” James says. “Now, when I’m asked that question, I always ask how the turkey is going to be cooked because any given preparation is going to call for something a little bit different. “If you’re deep frying it, it’s going to come out very moist with a fair bit of fat, so you need something that’s going to cut through that. So you can go with a dry white, you can do a dry Riesling, or you could try a French Chardonnay, which typically doesn’t have that big, rich mouthfeel that California Chardonnay would have. It’s crisper and cleaner with high acidity.” For those who prefer red wines, James says that a fried or smoked turkey can handle something a bit bolder and full-bodied. “Try something like a Pinot Noir. It’s not at all heavyhanded. When I’m talking about red wines, and

I talk about heavy-handed or big—Cabernet is big and full-bodied. I call it the linebacker of the wine world. Then you’ve got Pinot Noir, which is more about balance and elegance. So, if Cabernet is a linebacker, Pinot Noir would be the ballerina. They’re both athletes, but with different approaches to athletics, so they have different approaches to your palate. Cabernet is big, dry, and highly tannic, so you might serve a Cabernet or Malbec if you’re having a steak for Thanksgiving, but you wouldn’t want to do that with a turkey. “With a turkey,” James continues, “you want something that’s going to have a little more acidity, less tannins, and medium body; not that big mouth-filling richness. You can do a Beaujolais or an old-world Italian Sangiovese, which tends to be a very food-friendly wine.” Somewhere in between might be a soft, flirty rosé. And rosé wine seems to be having a moment. “Rosé was always thought of as a summer wine, but people are now drinking it year-round. It’s an excellent choice to go with turkey.” What about bubbles? “I almost hesitate to answer that because it’s kind of the easy answer. You can drink Champagne or sparkling with anything because of that really bright acidity. Especially if you have a fried bird, a Prosecco or sparkling wine is going to cut right through that fattiness and balance it out really nicely.” If you’re hosting a tableful of friends and family this year, James says it’s easy to bring together a collection of wines that will please the crowd. “If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

“If you do one bottle of sparkling, whether it’s white or rosé, a bottle of dry white, a bottle of rosé, and a bottle of medium-bodied red, you’ve got something to cover just about anybody’s preference.”

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What if I’m serving ham this year? “Lots of people have ham for Thanksgiving, right? It’s very traditional to pair ham and Pinot. But again, you can get creative. You can do a Grenache, you can do a Beaujolais…really, any of those medium-bodied reds will be delicious. “

What about dessert? “If you’re having pumpkin pie for dessert, I would go with something like a tawny port. The spiciness of the pie combined with that kind of nuttiness and caramel notes of a tawny port? Lovely. And it would work with an apple pie as well.”

How much should I spend on a bottle of wine? “That’s kind of an impossible question to answer because wine is so incredibly subjective. That said, I’m a firm believer that there is an absolute ocean of delicious wine in that $15–$25 retail price point. If you go to your wine shop and tell them you’re looking for a nice off-dry Riesling for around 20 bucks, they should be able to find you something that’ll work really well. There’s no reason to break the bank.” James Lewis is a sommelier who has been in the wine business for more than 26 years, and he and his wife Nancie own Crush Wine Bar in Castle Rock Colorado.

T R E N D SE T T E R | FOOD + BE VE RAGE

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