From the Editor | February & March 2022
Welcome to 2022, Central Texas. With the new year comes some new ways to tell you what’s happening and who’s doing what in our area hometowns. You’ll also get Tex Appeal Magazine six times now instead of just four. In celebration, we’re adding new regular features for you and upping our game a little bit in bringing you stories about great people in Central Texas.
Dr. Elizabeth Jennings tells us how she pulled herself up by her own bootstraps when adversity came knocking on her door on page 8.
Scene attended the reception for the Bell County Museum’s opening of the Private Charles J. Miller: WWII Paintings from the South Pacific exhibit that runs through June 10. See who was there and what they saw on page 12.
Flavours visits with U.S. Army veteran Lara Crum, owner of Iron Gauntlet Brauhaus in Killeen, on page 14 to see what she’s brewing on the doorstep of Fort Hood.
The Review has some great cookbooks to share on page 18 that are certain to get you salivating, if not conquering some fun culinary challenges.
We’ve brought back a calendar of sorts in our Events list, starting on page 20.
Tracy Dang tells us about her hometown inspiration for her restaurant, La Dalat Vietnamese Cuisine, that she owns with husband, Henry Nguyen, on page 24. We visit Acropolis in Harker Heights on page 28 to learn about the history of Greek cuisine and what makes the restaurant an ideal spot for special occasions including Valentine’s Day. Salado’s Alexander’s Craft Cocktails and Kitchen offers a seasonal menu and cocktails under the direction of Chef Dave Hermann on page 32.
Find ideas for what to do on or around Valentine’s Day on page 36 that are not the same old/same old for those wanting an adventure.
Learn what to don when your party invitation states what kind of attire the hosts want you to wear on page 40.
Melissa Che shares with us about what life-changing event inspired her to begin her prenatal sonography and photography businesses, Baby On Board Killeen 3D/4D Ultrasound Studio and Melissa Che Imagery on page 44.
CenTex Ed, a new feature written by Central Texas educator Johna Underwood helps parents understand what their students really need through the lens of teachers on page 47.
We’ll share event highlights from The Great Place in our Fort Hood Friends feature on page 48.
We explore the controversy of beans versus no beans in Texas chili and look at what other states believe to be chili on page 50. If it makes you mad, holler at me. I wrote it. I’m a Texan. I can take it.
Speaking of dining out, explore healthy eating options when you’re trying to stay faithful to practicing better self-care on page 52.
Drive up the road to visit the Armstrong Browning Library at Baylor University in Waco, home of a large collection of possessions owned by 19th century poets, Robert and Elizabeth Barrett Browning on page 54.
Finally, meet Rogers’ hometown hero, Alvin Ailey, the world famous dance choreographer who revolutionized modern dance on page 56.
We really loved putting this issue together and had a great time getting to know some new and native Bell County folks in the process. I love hearing from you, whether you love what we’ve written, or you have a bone to pick, so drop me an email at Editor@TexAppealMag.com or call me at 254-774-5266 and tell me what you think.
Y’all be good. If not, at the least don’t get caught.
Janna Zepp
Tex Appeal editor