FSM July 2020

NEWCOMERS' JULY 2020 VOL XXV ISSUE 2 DIGITAL EDITION

Promoting Community & Commerce since 1995

ON A GRAND-ER SCALE AN UPDATE ON GRAND PARK
IS A SMART HOME A SMART MOVE? VOICE-CONTROLLED DEVICES

SALUTE TO SERVICE EAGLE SCOUT, GRADUATE AND BEYOND









THE BIG STORY

On the Cover FEATURE

To Come

Photo by
Chris Fritchie

30

A Taste of Culture in
Our Own Backyard

Everything from Japanese sushi to
Syrian stretchy ice cream, Frisco
residents do not have to travel far to
get a taste of authentic cultural flavor.
How did they end up in Frisco?

On the Cover Asmara Khattab stretches Arabic ice cream at Big Dash Frisco.

The Flanagan family owns
and operates Frisco’s first
mobile flower bus, Blumen Bus.

Photo by
Chris Fritchie

6 NEWCOMERS'

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NEWCOMERS' CONTENTS 22
JULY 2020
PEOPLE
publisher
CHRIS JOHNSON 42 Business is Blumen in Frisco

editor By Lauren Greci
ANDREA HAMPE
59 Eagle Scout, Graduate and
creative director
MISTIE SHOTWELL Beyond
By Allie Spletter
office manager
BECKY JOHNSON 42

manager, account services FOOD COMMUNITY
ANDREW JOHNSON
30 A Taste of Culture In 17 Back to School Prep Essentials
manager, digital media
BEN JOHNSON Our Own Backyard By Kimberly Blaker
By Christi Redfearn
sales administrator 22 On a Grand-er Scale
LINDSAY JOHNSON 46 Wahta You Waiting For?
By Stephen Hunt
director of business development By Garrett Gravely
GEORGE RODRIGUEZ 51 Is a Smart Home a Smart Move?
49 Small Bites
advertising sales 56 Recipe By Vikram Venneti
LAURA HAMBY
54 Entertainment
AD SALES: 972.335.1306 64 Did You Know
[email protected]
62
51

Style Publishing Group 30
P.O. Box 1676, Frisco, Texas 75034
Phone: 972.335.1181 | Fax: 214.722.2313 QUICK LOOKS

Toll Free: 877.781.7067 10 Letters to the Editor
[email protected] | www.friscostyle.com 11 Letter from the Publisher
14 Things to Do
No portion of this publication may be 62 One Day in Frisco
reproduced without express written
permission of Style Publishing Group, LLC. By Chris Fritchie

©2020 All rights reserved. Get the scoop on everything happening at Frisco STYLE! Readers will find a magazine library,
recipes and extra article-related content on our website. Stay updated by visiting friscostyle.com.
FRISCO STYLE GIVES BACK

Frisco STYLE Magazine proudly sponsors Boys & Girls
Clubs of Collin County, Camp Craig Allen, Clothe-
A-Child, Frisco Arts, the Frisco Community Parade,
Frisco Family Services, Frisco Freedom Fest, Gary
Burns Fun Run, the Frisco Rotary Club and is a member
of the Frisco Chamber of Commerce.

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YOUR LETTERS & MORE

LLeettters ttootthhee EEditdoirtor

Just wanting to thank you so much for thinking of us and driving donations to our food pantry in the June
edition of the magazine. You are always thinking of impactful ways to support nonprofits and it means a lot.
Your asking for food pantry donations for us in exchange for a hardcopy of the magazine is so creative and
strategic. We thank you!

The entire magazine is an awesome read. Andrea’s commentary on change was spot on. The focus on those
like us who are essential and still remain on the frontlines (but are not the obvious first responders that come to
mind in a crisis), will certainly help expand awareness.

Great article on Jim Steinmark’s Patriot Softwash (he is a great guy and is continuing to provide his service to
us). Thank you for choosing our site to capture his photo. The front of the pantry in the background was perfect
too.

While we recognize it will be some time before any of us has any sense of normalcy, and things continue to be
“messy,” as Andrea said, there have been some blessings that have come from these uncertain times. We keep
forging ahead and doing what we do best, because of the support of people like you.

Joni Klarin, Frisco Family Services

10 NEWCOMERS'

Welcome to July 2020! For the last 18 FROM THE PUBLISHER
years, we have dedicated our July issue to
the Newcomers to Frisco. I am often asked, NEXT MONTH
“What is a newcomer?” Well, it’s someone Do not forget to submit your
who has moved to Frisco recently–newly photos for Frisco STYLE’s annual
arrived. And, during these 18 years Frisco Cover Photo contest by July 15 at
has had more than its share of new residents, friscostyle.com. The winning photo
as we continue to lead the nation in growth. will be featured on our August
cover, while additional images from
But this growth is not the only distinction participants will be included inside
Frisco has had through the years. Frisco is the magazine. You do not want to
the Number 2 Best Place in U.S. for First- miss out on this issue, showcasing
Time Homebuyers  (July 2018, WalletHub); talent and creativity throughout our
Number 1 Best Place to Live in Texas (June community.
2018, WalletHub); Number 6 Safest City SHOUT OUT
in America  (January 2019, SmartAsset); Kudos to Kilburn Live and The Star
Number 9 of the Top 10 Rising Housing Markets in the U.S.  (April 2018, in Frisco who will debut Cinema
SmartAsset); Number 2 Best Place to Raise a Family in Texas  (April 2018, Pop-Ups, a safe and innovative
SmartAsset); Number 1 Best Real Estate Market in the U.S.  (August 2017, type of drive-in theater. The movies
WalletHub); Number 1 Most Successful City in America  (2016, Zippia.com); will be shown in the Gaylord Lot at
and, the Best Place to Raise an Athlete (2011, Men's Journal). The Star from July 1 through July
Those of us who have been here awhile are well-aware and proud of these 12, beginning at 8:30 p.m. Tickets
accolades. But, we know it’s the people that make Frisco special and a place start at $25 per car and can be
others want to call home. It’s people like our City Manager, George Purefoy, purchased at www.TheStarInFrisco.
serving our city faithfully and strategically for the last 30 + years. It’s Tony com.
Felker, the president of our Chamber of Commerce; David Shilson, Frisco
Chief of Police; Frisco Fire Chief Mark Piland. It’s the leaders at FISD, like There’s always more
Dr. Mike Waldrip, superintendent, and the entire FISD board, as well as our on the app.
many teachers and faculty. It’s no surprise that our highly regarded school
district is the number one reason people move to Frisco. available on
With this continued growth, we have also enjoyed an influx of diversity and
culture.
One of the blessings of my career path includes the opportunity to travel
internationally,fairly extensively.As I explain to my wife,the travel was bittersweet
in many ways. I visited a number of breath-taking places, but I was not able to
share the experiences with her. What I did experience was an immersion in
amazing art, food, worship, architecture and culture to such a great extent that
it is impossible to encapsulate into words. As they say, “You just have to be
there.” These experiences impressed on me an Increased appreciation for our
own country, heritage and culture, but, in addition, a respect and admiration
for other cultures. It “opened my eyes” and gave meaning to how rich and
diverse people around the world are and how much we can learn from each
other.
Along with places of worship, this richness of culture and tradition is evident
in the selection and variety of restaurants that have emerged in Frisco. We are
fortunate in that, along with a great deal of “traditional” offerings, we have many
new establishments offering ethnic cuisine, based on deep family heritage and
country of origin. The proprietors of each restaurant take personal pride in
their culture and food. They pour their hearts and souls into their food, and our
community is better for it.
Enjoy the inspirational stories of these restaurant newcomers in our feature
story and celebrate with us the variety of people and food that make our
community nothing short of award-winning.
Welcome and bon appétit!

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 11

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41 Things to Do

FRISCO PUBLIC LIBRARY FRISCO FREEDOM FEST FRISCO ROTARY FARMERS’ MARKET
ONLINE EVENTS July 3 – 4, Frisco Square Saturdays (8am – 12pm)
facebook.com/friscolibrary/ friscofreedomfest.org 6048 Frisco Square Blvd, Frisco
Enjoy great food, music, and fireworks friscorotaryfarmersmarket.com
WEEKLY ART COMPETITION during one of North Texas’ biggest FRISCO FARMERS’ MARKET
July 1, 17 and 24 Independence Day celebrations! Get Saturdays (8am – 4pm)
Instagram ready for a 5K Glow Run, a Cornhole Sundays (10am – 4pm)
Join Frisco Art Gallery on Instagram and Corn Dog Eating Contest, 9215 John W. Elliott, Frisco
@friscoartgallery in their quest for Freedom Fest fun, Taste of Frisco and friscofreshmarket.com
the best Americana art piece to so much more!
celebrate the birthday of America, FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS.
the best kid-made art, and the best LITTLE ELM JULY JUBILEE AMARILLO SOD SQUAD
spray paint art piece! Submissions July 4, Little Elm Park July 3, 4 (7:05pm)
will be accepted only within the 701 W. Eldorado Parkway July 5 (6:05pm)
allotted timeframe, must be your Live music from 5-9pm, family fun Dr Pepper Ballpark
work and must be tagged with @ starts at 5pm, fireworks at 9:30 pm. milb.com/frisco
friscoartgallery #playartistically A full day of fun capped off by an FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS.
#artforamericaweek13. amazing fireworks display over the BRAZOS VALLEY BOMBERS
lake. KHYI 95.3 The Range will live July 7, 8, 9 (7:05pm),
PROSPER’S PRIDE IN THE broadcast the music for the fireworks. Dr Pepper Ballpark
SKY PRESENTED BY Parking can be reserved for the day milb.com/frisco
CHILDREN’S HEALTH for $35 for non-residents/$30 for KING TUT TOURNAMENT
July 3, 5pm – 10pm residents. PRESENTED BY TOYOTA
Frontier Park, 1551 W. Frontier Pkwy July 17-19, Toyota Stadium
The 7th Annual Prosper Pride in fcdallas.com/youth/tournaments
the Sky is a wonderful evening of
celebration for our town and our
country, complete with Live Music,
Food Vendors, the Posting of the
Flags, Games and Fireworks! Due to
COVID-19, there will not be a Kid Zone
this year, but we will still have live
music at the Main Stage! Taking into
consideration the social distancing
guidelines and our patrons' safety,
we are working and planning to
ensure that the 2020 Pride in the Sky
event is the safest and best display of
patriotism in all North Texas!

14 NEWCOMERS'

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FRISCO HERITAGE CENTER ADRENALINE ALL AMERICAN off down a far more ghoulish path.
OPEN HOUSE July 25-26 Can he knock off his unsuspecting
July 19, 1pm – 4pm, 12:30pm – 3:30pm relatives without being caught and
6455 Page St., Frisco The Ford Center at The Star become the ninth Earl of Highhurst?
This is a great time for the entire Since 2010, Adrenaline has been And what of love? Because murder
family to visit Frisco Heritage highlighting the top west players isn’t the only thing on Monty’s mind.
Center!  Free fun for all ages.  Kids that have come through the lacrosse Winner of Four Tony Awards! Book
crafts and games, entertainment, program. The top 60 players from and Lyrics by Robert L. Freedman,
live animals, working blacksmiths, the entire West are selected by Music and Lyrics by Steven Lutvak.
and docent-guided tours. All historic the Adrenaline Evaluation Team Directed by Neale Whitmore,
buildings and the Frisco Heritage (AET) for this prestigious award and Music Direction by M. Shane Hurst.
Museum are open to the public free competitive game. theatrefrisco.com/2020-season/
of charge. adrln.com/event/2020-adrenaline-all-
american FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS.
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS. AMARILLO SOD DOGS
TULSA DRILLERS July 31 (7:05pm)
July 21, 22, 23 (7:05pm) Dr Pepper Ballpark
Dr Pepper Ballpark milb.com/frisco
milb.com/frisco
DAN + SHAY CONCERT
FRISCO ROUGHRIDERS VS. July 31, 7pm
TEXARKANA TWINS American Airlines Center
July 24, 25 (7:05pm) americanairlinescenter.com/events
July 26 (6:05pm)
Dr Pepper Ballpark A GENTLEMAN’S GUIDE
milb.com/frisco TO LOVE AND MURDER
July 24 – August 9,
Theatre Frisco,
When the low-born Monty Navarro
finds out that he’s eighth in line for an
earldom in the lofty D’Ysquith family,
he figures his chances of outliving
his predecessors are slight and sets
41
4

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 15

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Back-to BY KIMBERLY BL AKER
School
Photos by Chris Fritchie Studios
Prep
Essentials

Is Your Family Ready
for a New School Year?

As a new school year approaches, top on everyone’s new school year. Whether your child is just beginning
minds is what will that “look like,” given the impact of school for the first time or a seasoned student, a new
COVID-19 on last year and the summer. The first day grade level or school with new teachers, classes and
of the academic year is scheduled for August 13, 2020, expectations requires an adjustment. Students and
and Frisco Independent School District (FISD) officials parents alike may feel a range of emotions as the
are preparing for a variety of contingencies. “More back-to-school season quickly approaches. So ease
than anything else, we want to start the school year as your family's anxieties by adequately preparing for
normal as possible with face-to-face instruction,” said and setting the tone for the new school year.
Chief Academic Officer Wes Cunningham. “We miss
serving our students and working with our colleagues ESTABLISH RULES AND ROUTINES
in the way we know is the best format – with our A new school year means a fresh start and transition
students in our buildings. However, we have heard
from concerned families and staff, and there simply from your schedule over the break. Even from one
isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.” school year to the next, it's smart to reevaluate
school year routines and rules. Your kids are a year
Given this fluidity, it is important to plan ahead and older and might be in new schools and have new
prepare as much as possible, to provide students the teachers, different schedules or be ready for new
best possible opportunity to excel and flourish in the responsibilities. So, sit down as a family to discuss

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 17

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rules and expectations while also allowing your child or vision, it can severely impact their education.
some input. Setting clear expectations ahead of time Discovering and addressing any issues ahead of time
can help things go more smoothly. will prevent unnecessary struggles and reduce or
eliminate their need for support or accommodations.
HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU'LL Young kids often don't realize they have a fixable
WANT TO DETERMINE: problem or are unable to articulate their difficulties.
So, seeing a doctor or professional for screenings
• Each person’s responsibilities is essential to getting young children off to a good
• A daily schedule start.
• A family calendar for the year, months and
STAY UP TO DATE ON IMMUNIZATIONS
weeks. Part of setting up a successful school year

• Different expectations between weekdays and is ensuring your child and their classmates
are protected from preventable diseases with
weekends immunizations. Schools are a hotbed for spreading
germs and viruses because of the volume of students
• Screen time restrictions and lack of personal space and hygiene. So, you may
• Rules around playdates or spending time with need to provide proof that your child is up to date
unless you have a medical waiver.
friends

• Homework routines and expectations
• When kids need to be awake, eating breakfast

and ready to walk out the door

• How kids will get to and from school and

related expectations

TAKE SAFETY PRECAUTIONS TRAVEL SAFETY BETWEEN
Your child's safety is a significant concern when
HOME AND SCHOOL, WHETHER
heading back to school and away from your watchful
eye. Travel safety between home and school, whether YOUR KIDS WALK, RIDE A BIKE,
your kids walk, ride a bike, take the bus, or carpool
with another student or family is especially important. TAKE THE BUS, OR CARPOOL
So, create a safety plan for your kids before school
resumes. WITH ANOTHER STUDENT

A reliable way to communicate with your child OR FAMILY IS ESPECIALLY
is essential to their safety. Phones are available
that are appropriate for kids of all different ages. IMPORTANT.
Just be aware of FISD’s policy regarding devices
(can vary campus to campus) and make sure your PREPARE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS
child abides by the rules. For younger children, OR ACCOMMODATIONS
screenless devices like the Relay, KidsConnect, or
Gizmo Watch are excellent options. These devices If your child has special needs related to school
are designed specifically for children's safety and and learning, take that into consideration. Review any
come with features like GPS trackers and the ability to documented plans that are in place. Teachers should
communicate with limited contacts. have this information if it has already been created for
your child. But it's a good idea to refresh yourself on
Another useful way to protect your kids is to use your child's needs and established supports so you
location tracking apps. If you have older kids with can advocate on your child's behalf. Also, plan ahead
phones, there are many apps for sharing or tracking for special accommodations to help your student at
locations using their phones. Options include GPS home, too. This may include hiring a tutor or setting a
tracking or geofencing, where you define a certain regular homework schedule.
perimeter for your child and get notified if your child
leaves that area. GET SCHOOL SUPPLIES READY
Kids must have the supplies they need to support
Be sure to set expectations that your kids check-in
at certain times and before leaving or arriving at a their learning. Find out what's on your child's supply
new destination. Also, designate trusted emergency list and see what you can provide your child or
contacts and plans for unexpected events and make their class. Even if your child's school provides the
sure your child knows who you've chosen. supplies, it's good to have supplies at home for
homework or projects. Ask your child's teacher what
SCHEDULE ROUTINE CHECK-UPS
Get your child up to date on health screenings,

especially vision and hearing tests, before the school
year starts. If your child has problems with hearing

18 NEWCOMERS'

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FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 19

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would be helpful to have at home. about a new school year. Going TREAT IT LIKE A
Basic supplies usually include at back to school should be a time of HOLIDAY AND START A
least a backpack, pens, pencils, celebration and new beginnings.
paper, and a binder or folders. So, treat it like a holiday and start BACK-TO-SCHOOL
a back-to-school family tradition! FAMILY TRADITION!
If you don't have the financial Have your child choose a special
means to cover your child's outfit for the first day of school. For a full account of the Board
supplies, help may be available. Talk with your kids about what discussions on the 2020-21 school
Check with FISD, the Frisco Public everyone is excited about and year, you can watch the recording
Library, Frisco Family Services looking forward to in the new of the June 11 workshop posted at
or Frisco FastPacs to see if they school year. Also, make school http://www.friscoisd.org/about/
offer assistance or know of any year resolutions and help your board-of-trustees/agendas-
programs that can help kids set realistic goals. Involve meeting-archive.
your kids in the process of
DON’T FORGET TO BUILD preparing for the new school year,
EXCITEMENT! and find ways to make it fun, to
ensure a smooth transition and
Even kids who are excited academic success.
about getting back to school and
seeing their classmates often
feel some amount of trepidation

20 NEWCOMERS'

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BY STEPHEN HUNT

On a

Grand-er

Scale

As the only city manager Frisco has
ever known, George Purefoy has seen
it all. Hired in 1987, he has witnessed the
opening of Stonebriar Centre in 2000,
Toyota Stadium in 2005 and more recently
The Star in Frisco. However, one project, a
350-acre regional park north of Stonebrook
Parkway known as Grand Park has yet to
become reality under Purefoy’s watch. This
idea was first proposed in 2004. Later that
year, the city hired a project consultant. In
2005, the city began acquiring land and in
2006 completed an initial master plan and
got bonds approved for a portion of the
project.

Grand Park will feature a manmade lake,
water jets, boat docks, a train depot, a kids’
area, several wetlands, a wind sculpture
and other art, and trails for cycling,
running or walking. But thanks to obstacles
outside the city’s control, the land remains
undeveloped.

“Well, I think the mayor and some other
council members said it’s turned into an
urban legend. I understand everyone’s
frustration and concern about nothing
being started,” Mr. Purefoy said. “But there’s
no one trying to hold it up other than just
trying to make sure we get all the boxes
checked with all the different regulatory
agencies to where we can actually do
something.”

Once construction begins, the first order
of business is building the 50-acre lake,
a project which awaits a permit from the
Army Corps of Engineers, a delay again
due to external factors.

Future site of Grand Park.

22 NEWCOMERS'

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“This one has a lot of complexities to it,” Mr. Purefoy being cleaned. In 2013, construction on Grand Park
said. “Most of your projects just involve trying to was about to begin but work was halted after a city
make a deal as far as maybe a zoning use. Then, if it’s pollution study determined Stewart Creek, which is
a project the city wants to incentivize, what are the near the Exide plant and flows through the middle of
incentives the city might give? This project is almost Grand Park, had also been contaminated. So, until the
totally different in it’s a large piece of land the city has creek is cleaned and deemed safe, the project remains
developed and mostly owns, but then you’ve got the on hold.
complexities (of) Exide having put pollution down the
creek for a number of years and the complexity of now Further complicating matters is the fact that in May
two bankruptcies that have interrupted the process.” 2020 Exide filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection,
the company’s third filing since 2002. However, unlike
THE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM the two previous cases (2013 and 2015), which were
Between 1964 and 2012, the white towers of the filed to reduce company debt, this latest bankruptcy is
designed to facilitate the sale of company assets.
Exide battery recycling plant at 7471 South Fifth
Street were a Frisco fixture. However, after Exide Exide was due to submit a cleanup plan to the Texas
continually failed to meet environmental standards Council on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) in June, a
for lead emissions, the plant, which employed more remedial action plan (RAP), which outlines specific
than 100 people, was closed in late 2012 as part of steps the company will take to clean up the site. Since
an agreement with the city. The Frisco Community a big part of Exide’s RAP involves cleaning Stewart
Development Corporation (CDC) and Economic Creek, until that plan is submitted and cleanup is
Development Corporation (EDC) purchased the buffer complete, Grand Park will remain delayed.
land adjacent to the plant.
Mr. Purefoy said the city has been in contact with
For the past seven-plus years, the plant has gradually TCEQ to see how Exide’s latest bankruptcy is affecting
been dismantled and the surrounding land, which was its ability to submit a RAP and then get it approved. He
contaminated with lead and its byproducts, has been said the city is also exploring what measures it can take
to help accelerate this process.

This plan was presented to Frisco City Council during this year's Winter Work

Session in January. That said, they have not been adopted, but provide the latest

geographical representation.  Provided by The City of Frisco

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 23

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24 NEWCOMERS'

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Future site of Grand Park.

“We would have liked to have entrance to Grand Park will be the city say hey, we need some
started construction a decade on the northbound side of Dallas kind of a big park. The population
ago,” Mr. Purefoy said. “We had Parkway between Stonebrook density is increasing, so it was kind
a (date for) start of construction Parkway and Cotton Gin Road. of refreshing to see they were
and then it became known that The project’s master plan was last going to allocate some land to
Exide had polluted the creek. revised in October 2011, with build a big park, almost like a city
(Had we proceeded) then you’d the city soon exploring whether park. Nothing like New York or San
have issues about where do you updating that plan is warranted. Francisco, but at least a big swath
put that dirt and having to go and of land that they could put a lot of
probably take care of that dirt “It’s going to be one of the stuff in there. It’s not completely
again. As hard as it is to maybe topics at our summer work flat so they could do some things
reconcile in your mind, it might session, (asking) are there some in terms of walkways, bike trails,
be a blessing in disguise that it all things we can maybe get started running trails and maybe food
came up when it did. Otherwise, on earlier? It’s been so long since trucks and stuff like that. It was
there’s no telling what kind of we did the plan, we believe the refreshing to see that.”
issues we’d be dealing with today. council may want to take a step
The good thing is the city has land back, go back and look at the LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
under ownership and if anything, plan just to see whether there’s Despite the continuing hurdles
now the Exide question has kind some changes that need to be
of been settled as far as what the made according to the needs of to starting construction, Mr.
future of the Exide property is the city and the way the city has Purefoy, who will only be Frisco’s
going to be, whether it’s going developed,” Mr. Purefoy said. city manager for a few more years,
to continue as a battery recycling remains optimistic the project
plant or going to become some Frisco residents are intrigued can still begin on his watch. Once
other use. That question’s been by the possibilities Grand Park the Army Corps of Engineers
answered.” will offer in terms of outdoor approves the permit for the
recreation once it opens, lake, construction should begin
INTRIGUING POSSIBILITIES whenever that may be. “I in the next 12-18 months with
Grand Park is an ambitious remember hearing about it a while construction of Grand Park’s first
back,” said Greg Shafer, who along phase to follow.
project which spans 350 acres with his family has called Frisco
and balloons to 600 acres home since 2008. “That whole “Well, obviously the life of the
when including the planned area down there is just kind of park construction is going to
green space on the former land a dead spot. There are so many outlive my life here at the city.
occupied by Exide. The main apartment buildings going up What I’d like to do in the last
around here, it was nice to see year or two that I’m here is try to

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26 NEWCOMERS'

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get everything set so it can get
started,” Mr. Purefoy said. “I’ve kind
of given up on it being completed
during my tenure. I’m going to
try to do the best I can to get it
teed up so that within the next
year or two it can get started and
hopefully completed a few years
after that.”

Due to the number of regulatory
agencies involved at the local,
state and federal levels in this
project and the considerable
hurdles which need to be
overcome before construction
even starts, Mr. Purefoy ranks
Grand Park as the most complex
project he’s been involved with
during his time as city manager,
mainly because of its complexity.
He’s had to use every bit of his 33
years of experience, even tapping
into some new skills to help get
this project started toward the
finish line. “Well, part of what
you got to do is to temper your
emotions and try to stay even-
keeled even though you’re just
burning inside that you’ve haven’t
gotten anything done yet,” Mr.
Purefoy said.

Locals appreciate the city’s
efforts to overcome these
obstacles and begin construction
because they know once Grand
Park is built and open to the
public, it will be an incredible
addition to the community.

“They could do a lot of good
stuff if they get the land cleaned
up,” Shafer said. “We’re going to
need it. It’s going to be nice if we
have a place with a nice expanse
of trees and stuff going on.”

An old saying states good
things come to those who wait,
and Frisco residents have been
waiting to see Grand Park go from
architectural renderings to reality
for more than a decade. However,
residents will have to wait a bit
longer to see Frisco’s own urban
park become a reality.

Stephen Hunt is a longtime Frisco resident
and freelance writer who has fond memories of
a childhood trip to San Diego, which included
Balboa Park.

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28 NEWCOMERS'

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j BY CHRISTI REDFEARN

A Taste of Culture

Own Backyjard

Frisco has some incredible cuisine. Everything from cautious climate. Places where family style became experts
Japanese sushi to Syrian stretchy ice cream, residents do at to-go orders. Dining areas once crowded and filled with
not have to travel far to get a taste of authentic cultural laughter and conversation were suddenly silent. As we
flavor. But how did these places get their start? And, why work through the reopening process, these restaurants are
did they choose Frisco as the place to plant their roots? working tirelessly to accommodate their loyal customers
Restaurant and bakery owners across Frisco gave some while adhering to state guidelines and still serving unique,
insight on what inspired them to share their food with the amazing food showcasing their heritage and culture like no
DFW area and why Frisco was the place they wanted to call one else can.
home. The common threads among each establishment
are how the owners pour their hearts and souls into their Take a trip around the world with some of Frisco’s unique
food, they have great pride in being able flavors. The owners of each restaurant take personal pride
to share what they have spent years
mastering, and they appreciate being
able to provide for
their families while doing what they love.

Each place is locally owned and
operated – no corporate concept
restaurants. When the COVID-19
pandemic forced everyone to
completely change their habits
rather suddenly, each of
these restaurants rose to
the challenge and
adapted to the

An exquisite fruit display at Simply Thai Bistro.

30 NEWCOMERS'

in their culture and food, and their stories are inspirational. different backgrounds that complement one another for
Brazilian food is influenced by European, Amerindian, the business. Mr. Jeiel has worked with restaurants but
ventured out into other avenues, with his heavily urban
African and Asian cuisine and cultures. While there are upbringing. In fact, Mr. Jeiel compares his birthplace to a
many different styles and tastes based on the region Brazilian New York, with nonstop hustle. His brother-in-law
you are in, the food is never short on flavor. Churrascos has been in the restaurant business since he was fourteen,
are primarily found in Southern Brazil because of a long from the southern countryside of Brazil, a much more rural
tradition of livestock and heavy German immigration. and laid-back area. They were fortunate enough to spend
Churrasco means barbeque, and because gauchos were several years learning different aspects of the restaurant
nomadic living off the land, it was customary to gather business before taking the leap to go out on their own.
together with friends and family after butchering a steer to Their passion is about preserving history but also providing
cook the meat immediately over a wood-burning fire. It is a amazing food. Mr. Jeiel said, “Food connects us on an
tradition that lives on today, with waiters cutting portions of emotional level. It often takes us back to childhood.” By
cooked meat directly off a skewer in Brazilian steakhouses. providing experiences that are worth repeating, he feels
they are able to connect on that emotional level with their
David Jeiel and his brother-in-law, Alex Nunes, started food.
EG Steakhouse in 2013 because they wanted to carry
the banner for themselves – owned by Brazilians and EG Steak chose Frisco for a few different reasons. When
managed by Brazilians. They spent several years working they developed their concept, they were looking for space
for a few other Gaucho-style restaurants. In fact, when not only in the DFW area but were considering options
they opened, they were the only truly Brazilian-owned and nationally. They wanted to be careful to choose a place
managed steakhouse in the DFW area. “Trying to maintain where they could grow now and into the future. Several
authenticity has been a challenge,” said Mr. Jeiel. He came building owners did not want to take a chance on them.
from Sao Paolo originally, and Mr. Nunes was born in Through their contacts, they were able to meet with a
Southern Brazil, where their food originated. “My brother- building owner in Frisco who had space a few restaurants
in-law enjoys the history and I enjoy the food,” he adds. had tried to get started but failed. The owner was willing to
take a chance on them to lease the space and they’ve been
The pair have been working together a while in
different restaurants before opening EG Steak yet have

David Jeiel and Alex Nunes, owners of EG Steak.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 31

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in Frisco for seven years now.

“We’re grateful he took a chance

on us,” says Mr. Jeiel because it

has been a positive experience.

“People never get tired of

feeling appreciated,” he adds.

Their goal is to make patrons

feel appreciated while enjoying

authentic Gaucho traditions.

Hard work, good timing and a

little luck have all the makings to

give Frisco an authentic Brazilian

steakhouse, with passionate

owners who work tirelessly to

provide an amazing experience.

The seasonings, the different

choices of meat and the authentic

Brazilian side dishes make EG

Steak a destination for people

to enjoy as much as they can

handle, while feeling like the staff

genuinely cares that each patron

enjoys their meal.

Food in Greece makes wide

use of vegetables, olive oil, olives,

pasta, fish, wine, a variety of meat

and so much more. There are

some dishes that have a history

going back thousands of years

and still continue to be served

today. It has been influenced by

surrounding countries but also

influences their food equally.

Dining out in Greece is common,

and showmanship though the

food is part of the package. It is

another cuisine heavily influenced

by the region one is in at the time.

When it comes to Greek food Alex Nunes puts the finishing touches on a signature dish.
in the United States, it does not

get more authentic than a family

restaurant run by a head chef that When Ms. Maglaris returned to the Dallas area in 1998,

is not only Greek but lived in Greece for three years to she knew she had to open her own place. The DFW area

study the local food. Sally Maglaris was born and raised in has come a long way when it comes to being a food

Chicago where her family ran diners and restaurants her destination, and when she set out on her own, it was

whole life. When her parents retired and moved to Florida, still somewhat lacking. She started small with a place in

she and her daughter joined them for a while but decided Addison. She opened another restaurant in Plano, but

Florida was not for them. really found her footing when she opened “her baby” in

A friend asked her to move to Dallas to run a couple of 2010. It was a perfect situation – her sister and brother-in-

places at Valley View Mall and Collin Creek Mall in 1995. law, Rhea and George Manos, were visiting from Chicago

After a short time in the DFW area, she wanted to connect and she finally convinced them to stop visiting and move

with her roots and that is when she moved to Greece. to the Frisco area to be a part of her dream – Platia Greek

“Life was so amazing. You could walk out of your house Kouzina.

and pick fresh fish or whatever you wanted,” Ms. Maglaris “I always wanted to open in Frisco,” Ms. Maglaris said

commented about her time there. “There are so many having lived in the area for several years. The timing was

different regions of Greek food and each region does especially good for them. The economy was struggling,

something special.” and they had money to invest. They looked at a few

32 NEWCOMERS'

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34 NEWCOMERS'

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different locations but settled on the location where they and it becomes a community gathering of sorts. Most of
still are today. “It was a vacant pizzeria. My sister and I hired the staff has a tenure of three years or more, so customers
contractors, but we did a lot of the work ourselves,” she get to know them on a deeper level. When visiting Platia,
said. you will never get a half measure. Food is their passion,
and they want everyone who dines with them to feel like
The food is hearty and rustic, and all fresh, from scratch. family, and in a Greek family, you never leave the table
They wanted to focus on creating a genuine, fresh taste of hungry.
Greek food – one that would keep people coming back for
more. “We do not advertise,” Ms. Maglaris said. “We let our Thai food started making waves in the 1980s when
customers do it for us.” On weekends, it is not uncommon tourism to the country started to take off. In that short
to have a waiting line, but the customers know each other, time, it has become one of the most popular types of food

Owners of Platia Greek Kouzina, Sally Maglaris and Rhea and George Manos.

around the world. Historically, there are many Chinese
Szechwan influences, but over the years it has evolved
and changed to become its own unique experience. They
boast of their special unique blend of all five tastes – sweet,
sour, bitter, salty and spicy. Over time, regions adapted in
different ways leading to modern times showcasing four
distinct styles of cooking in the country.

Anuwat and Ratchani Karapakdee have been Frisco
residents for almost 20 years. When they came to America
from Thailand, Mr. Karapakdee immediately started
cooking for renowned restaurants in different places

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 35

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because making great food had the people in Frisco. The people are smells and the tastes are amazing,
been a passion since he started in so kind,” Mrs. Karapakdee said. The but the passion and the genuine care
1989. When they found their way to loyalty shows in their restaurants, each dish is prepared with is what
Texas, he became a chef for Chow going from one small location to makes families come back to this
Thai Pacific Rim, the first Thai food expanding their patio area and restaurant over and over again.
restaurant in the DFW area. After five even opening their second location.
years, he moved on to Seasons 52 Families come back time and time Sushi and sashimi are a Japanese
and then the Westin Hotel in Frisco again because they get to see specialty, filled with honor and
before being able to open his own amazing chefs prepare the food, yet tradition. While the cuisine’s roots are
place. Since they already lived in feel like they are dining at home. The deep, the style of food has definitely
Frisco, there was not another place had its share of evolution and
they could imagine opening their own
restaurant. Anuwat Karapakdee, co-owner of Simply Thai.

Mrs. Karapakdee said, “We wanted
to give Frisco real Thai food and
have a little Thailand in the heart
of the town because we love it so
much.” With the opening of Simply
Thai, the Karapakdees brought Mrs.
Karapakdee’s two brothers and their
wives, also all accomplished chefs
who came from upscale hotel and
dining backgrounds, to help cook and
run the restaurant.

Although the Main Street location
started small, they enjoyed being
able to work like a family. “Even the
cashiers work for us for three to
five years, starting in high school,
graduating, and sometimes coming
back from college to work,” Mrs.
Karapakdee added. Mr. Karapakdee
is not only trained in Thai cooking,
but also French, Japanese,
Vietnamese and Mexican food. While
working for others he was not able
to be as creative as he wanted to be,
and opening his own place allowed
him the freedom to take his food to
the next level.

This family of chefs often create
weekly specials, where they create a
Thai dish with influences from other
Asian cuisines. If it does well with
their customers, it becomes part of
the menu. They take extra care to
make sure their food offerings stay
unique, original and delicious. There
is a sense of pride that comes from
being able to explore Thai food
creatively and stay true to their roots.

The entire family genuinely loves to
cook. Their ingredients are fresh, and
they are particular about balancing
all the flavors to maintain authentic
Thai cuisine that looks as good as it
tastes. “We love the community and

36 NEWCOMERS'

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elevation over the centuries. It has had a presence in Japan

for more than 500 years. It appeared in the United States

in the early 1900s as more Japanese people immigrated.

While it started as a way of preserving and fermenting

fish with rice, it evolved more toward the use of the fresh

fish we know today. Being a sushi chef is a high honor and

something some chefs serve as apprentices for decades.

For KC and Lydia Choi, owners of Sake Toro, sushi is more

than fine dining – it is their opportunity to showcase their

staying true to the traditions that make sushi special. Mr.

Choi has been a chef in many different restaurants, and

a few different cities, practicing and honing his craft. He

has been able to take something he has learned from each

place and incorporate it into Sake Toro’s menu, giving it

global flavor and local flair.

Mr. Choi is originally from Seoul, South Korea but moved

with his family to Michigan in 1982 at the age of thirteen.

“I have worked at Asian or Japanese restaurants since

middle school. I have been a busser, host, dish washer and

waiter and I have always respected Japanese cuisine,” said

Mr. Choi. The firsthand experience with so many aspects

of the restaurant business gave him a unique perspective

on starting his own restaurant years later. “I did not know

much at the time, but I always looked up to the restaurant

owners. They were doing well,” Mr. Choi added. Even KC and Lydia Choi, owners of Sake Toro.
though he did not think about it much growing up, his
path led him toward opening his own restaurant. As a

38 NEWCOMERS'

father and family man, it was important to him to become Originally from Syria, Kareem Alrefaai and Asmara
successful and provide for his family. Working for other Khattab moved from their homeland to the US at different
restaurant owners was good for him to learn the business, times, but both were passionate about sharing their unique
but he knew he needed to have his own place to have the ice cream and pastries from their old home with their new
chance to get ahead. home. They also had a dream to set out on their own to
become successful entrepreneurs. While they could have
Although Mr. Choi has been a chef at many restaurants, pursued a full Arabic restaurant, they found a niche in
ranging from places in Las Vegas to helping a friend open focusing on desserts by opening Big Dash Ice Cream and
Tomodachi in Austin, Frisco was not a place he knew of Pastries in Frisco.
originally. “After helping my friend open and make sure he
became successful, it was time to start my own restaurant,” Mrs. Khattab is a self-taught pastry chef, learning
Mr. Choi said. After searching around on his own, he everything on her own from her home kitchen as she
contacted a realtor in Dallas who suggested Frisco for his grew up. She worked day in and day out to perfect her
location. “My Austin friends said it was a good idea and techniques and recipes. “I know it is all sweet and ice
it was all positive feedback,” Mr. Choi said, and Frisco cream, but I wanted our sweets to have the back-home
became his and Mrs. Choi’s new home. taste, as well and the modesty of not making it too sweet,”
she said. She covers a variety of Mediterranean deserts
Mr. Choi always looked
up to sushi chefs. The Co-owner of Big Dash Frisco, Kareem Alrefaai.
tradition, the necessity
to be particular and neat, including stretchy Arabic ice cream (something you
the art of arranging the have to see for yourself to believe), crispy Baklava, and
food on the plate, were traditional Kinafa, a dessert made with a noodle-like pastry
all things he admired soaked in sugar syrup and layered with cheese and other
and wanted to be able ingredients.
to master on his own.
“Almost half the food on “Syrian dessert is amazing and very tasty with so many
our menu comes from different varieties,” Mrs. Khattab says. Ingredients include
things I learned while everything from ice cream to pistachios to cheese. Being
working in Las Vegas able to share a piece of her home with people who may
or my own creation,” have never experienced authentic Middle Eastern cuisine
Mr. Choi said. The rest or may have a preconceived notion of what the food might
is traditional Japanese be like is something she truly enjoys. She also mentions
sushi. He is always she has a special place in her heart for her first dessert she
looking for something offered, sweet cheese (a soft mix of semolina flour and
new, something light, sweet cheese filled with cream) and adds that everyone fell
and to set new trends. in love with it. “It is a must try,” she says. They also offer a
He watches what people
eat and tries to create
dishes that taste delicious,
but also match what is
popular.

If you ever find yourself
at Sake Toro, be sure to look at the specials on the board.
Mr. Choi creates spectacular dishes based on what is the
freshest and in season for Japanese and sushi cuisine.
There are even some off-menu surprises waiting for those
with an adventurous spirit.

Syrian and Arabic food also has a long history, filled
with unique uses of herbs and spices, unique traditions,
and has been influenced by the climate, but also trade.
Desserts hold a special place in Arab cuisine, as sweets are
consumed more frequently during the month of Ramadan
than they are the rest of the year. It is influenced by the
many different cultures that have inhabited the region
for centuries and evolved to take its place as unique but
steeped in history. The ingredients might look
a little unusual to some, but they blend together to create a
sweet and savory balance on each plate.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 39

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It’s a Lifestyle.

40 NEWCOMERS'

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Minutes later, I finally decided on my a lemon slice and a cup of soy sauce, both of which
entree, just as Jee came back surprisingly accented the flavor.
with the beer and squid.
Upon her return, I ordered Before I could even finish the gyoza, Jee already
a bowl of shoyu ramen – a returned with the hearty bowl of shoyu ramen I
soy-based mixture consisting ordered earlier. Given that I was served each plate
of chicken paitan broth, rather expeditiously, my table was already full, but that
bamboo shoots, a hardboiled is a good problem to have. Even more impressive is
egg, chopped green onions, that it was the only problem.
a shredded red bell pepper,
shiitake mushrooms, mung The shoyu ramen was served at a perfect
bean sprouts, black garlic temperature – the broth was not cool, but it also did
oil and a chopped grilled not burn my taste buds at the slightest touch. The
chicken breast. noodles were cooked at a perfect consistency, while
the bamboo shoots were firm, yet malleable. The fish
Now, I debated ordering
edamame instead of ika
geso earlier, but the reason
I opted for the latter instead
is because I have found
that fried squid makes for
a surprisingly effective
litmus test for a restaurant’s
quality control. Here in the
United States, fried squid is
commonly ordered under the
name “calamari” and it has
become such a ubiquitous
appetizer that even some
Tex-Mex restaurants offer it.
It is considerably cheap and easy to cook,
but by that same token, it is also an easy
dish to botch, and this is unfortunately a trap
that many restaurants fall victim to. Ramen Wahta
is not one of those restaurants, and I am happy to
report the ika geso was a welcome departure from
the rubbery, slimy rings of squid. In fact, in other
restaurants, they were not even rings; they were
deep-fried tentacles that were crisp on the outside
but simultaneously tender on the inside.

Somehow, the pint of Asahi complimented this
tasting. The beer has a sweet, hoppy taste to it, not
unlike more westernized pilsners like Stella Artois.
Beer snobs who exclusively order microbrews
would likely scoff at it, but it is not particularly
common in the United States, so it still lives up to
Ramen Wahta’s cultural verity.

Before I was able to finish the ika geso, Jee
unexpectedly came back with a plate of steamed
gyoza. “Here – it’s on the house,” she said.

“Gyoza” is a Japanese word for jiaozi, which is a
Chinese dumpling that can take on a wide variety
of fillings. Both dishes are cooked in a rather similar
fashion, but gyoza tends to have a thinner coat of
dough with a stronger garlic flavor to boot. That
description certainly applies to the gyoza I was
served, and the garlic flavor was especially present
in the ground pork filling. The gyoza plate came with

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 47

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cake served alongside these ingredients was one BY CAROLYN CAMERON
called narutomaki, which is a white, paste-derived fish a thin coating of ginger or paprika could have
roll with a pink, spiraled center. enhanced it.

It was a strong offering, but even with an overall Regardless, it was an astonishingly abundant and
flavorful amalgamation of ingredients, I found myself palatable mixture of ingredients for just $10. Also,
wanting the chicken to have had more flavor. For as the fact it was delivered to my table before I could
sodium-intensive as the broth was, it did not seem even finish either appetizer dish is nothing short of
like the chicken was as absorbent of the flavor as I had impressive.
hoped. The peppers and mushrooms complimented
it in a way, and a small drippling of soy sauce was By this point, I was already full and I had just
enough to counteract this flavorlessness, but perhaps finished my pint of Asahi, but since I was already
breaking precedence in drinking amid such an
occasion, I decided to order a small serving of cold
sake. The beverage was delivered to my table in a
small, porcelain bottle called a tokkuri, which was
accompanied by a shot glass. Now, many people
make the mistake of shooting sake, but this is a rice-
fermented wine we are talking here, so I did the proper
thing and sipped it while savoring its sweetness.

Ramen Wahta is located at 8745 Gary Burns Drive.
While it is mostly surrounded by corporate chains
and fast food restaurants, it could not be any less
homogenous. The restaurant is open from 11 a.m. to 9
p.m. on Monday through Thursday, and from 11 a.m. to
10 p.m. on Friday through Saturday.

And remember, do not shoot the sake!

Garrett Gravely is a Dallas-based arts and entertainment writer, journalist,
and music critic.

48 NEWCOMERS' Ika Geso (deep-fried squid)
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SMALL BITES

K-DOGS
2601 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034
(Stonebriar Centre, Level 2, in the Food Court)
K-Dogs serves an assortment of Korean Style Corn Dogs.

BATCH BAKERY

5355 Dallas Pkwy, Ste 610
972.704.3287 - batchbakery.net/frisco
Bakery serving pies and treats so tasty that they add a smile to
any situation.

SPRING CREEK BARBEQUE

3623 Preston Rd, Frisco, TX 75034
469.362.7927 - springcreekbarbeque.com
Branch of a Texas smokehouse chain dishing up meat & sides in a
simple, family-friendly setting.

FRISCOSTYLE.COM JULY 2020 49

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50 NEWCOMERS'

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