Food + Beverage

No-Cook Holidays

Go from Frazzled to Dazzled This Season Article by Fatima Durrani | Photography by Christopher Bigenho Photography The stress and strain of getting a healthy meal on the table is an all too familiar feeling for many families. But when the holidays roll around, this tension can feel amplified. Preparing for guests, cleaning the house, grocery shopping and cooking–it all piles up, and sometimes even negates the joy of the holiday experience itself. If you find yourself in this boat, overwhelmed...

Life + Culture

Giving Back to Heroes

Organizations That Support Veterans in North Texas Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Various Organizations Veterans, the men and women who chose to defend American civil liberties, deserve our deepest gratitude and support. With more than 40,000 veterans in Collin County alone, according to the National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, their impact on our community is significant. This collection highlights local veteran-focused nonprofits...

Education

Developing Leaders

The Lasting Value of MCJROTC at Allen High School Article by Angi Burns | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Allen ISD At Allen High School, the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC) program offers students far more than a typical high school elective. It serves as a powerful foundation for leadership, character development, and future success—whether that path leads to college, military service, or a civilian career. Rooted in discipline and built around service and...

Life + Culture

Veteran of the Month

Gary Bourgeois Protects His Community Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Gary Bourgeois Every day, we walk past community members who’ve made extraordinary sacrifices for our everyday freedoms. One of them is Gary Bourgeois: a local leader, veteran, and lifelong practitioner of martial arts. Gary recently retired as a master sergeant after 23 years in the Louisiana and Texas Army National Guard. His service included a deployment to Iraq, where he served as a...

Event Planning + Services

Thanksgiving Tables

Transform Your Holiday Table with Thoughtful Details and Autumn Flair Article and Photography by Mariah Leeson/Giggles Galore Thanksgiving is a holiday spent gathered around the table, so it’s important to make sure it feels welcoming and inviting for your guests.  However, setting a beautiful fall table doesn’t have to be complicated or hard. This Thanksgiving, entertain like a boss, and feel confident doing so, when you focus on these tips to create a beautiful table guaranteed to ensure...

Life + Culture

Nonprofit of the Month - Community Garden Kitchen

A Compassionate Nonprofit Committed to Ending Hunger in Collin County Article by Ayesha Durrani | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Angela Poen Collin County, the third-wealthiest county in Texas, paradoxically faces a stark reality: 15 percent of its residents live below the poverty line.  Food insecurity profoundly affects the well-being of families. According to Community Garden Kitchen (CGK), without proper nutrition, children struggle to keep up academically, often falling behind...

Education

Smoke

A Story of Trauma, Healing, and Community Article by Ken G. Crawford | Photography by Courtesy of Smoke Film When Allen Fire Chief Jonathan Boyd teamed up with filmmaker Josh Gallas of Prelude.tv, they set out to tell a story bigger than firefighting. The result was Smoke , an award-winning short film that explores the hidden toll of trauma on first responders, their marriages, and their families. The film follows a firefighter returning home after the worst shift of his career—forced to...

Education

Student of the Month

Miles Lewis Found His Passion in Robotics Article by Valerie Merrick | Photography by Photography Courtesy of Lewis Family When some seniors see Advanced Physics on their schedule, they start negotiating with parents and school administrators to update their class list. But not Miles Lewis. Instead, Miles asked for robotics classes leading to a transformative year full of competitions and volunteerism. As a member of the Allen Eagles Robotics, Miles discovered his knack for understanding and...

Food + Beverage

The Game Is Always On at GOAT’s Sports Bar & Grill

Bringing a “Big Stadium Atmosphere” to the Community Article by Tiffany Ditto | Photography by Ty Harper Photography At GOATs Arena Sports Bar & Grill in Fairview, game day spills across two floors, onto dozens of TVs, and through three separate audio zones. Texas Rangers fans can cheer in one section, while Dallas Cowboys supporters listen to their game steps away. “It’s one of the things that sets us apart,” says Bella Becerra, general manager. “We can play three audios at the same time...

Food + Beverage

A Taste of Europe

Experience the Flavor of France at Home at Andreas Prime Steaks & Seafood Article by Deborah Dove | Photography by Adeline Merrick: Merrick Multimedia Allen, Texas, may be thousands of miles from the sun-soaked tavernas of Greece, the bustling tapas bars of Barcelona, and the rustic trattorias of Italy, but international chef Andreas Kotsifos brings the same worldly flavors to the suburbs with Andreas Prime Steaks & Seafood. A native of Greece, Andreas—the executive chef and owner of the...