TEMPLE, Texas — Downtown Temple businesses are experiencing the traditional holiday rush while contributing to the area's ongoing revitalization efforts.
At Westphalia Market Butcher Bakery in downtown Temple, lead butcher Rylan Mikeska and his team have kept the cases stocked with holiday favorites.
"We've been selling a lot of prime ribs, roast tenderloins, all those fancy cuts for the holidays," Mikeska said, noting that turkey breast had already sold out by mid-morning. "We got a couple of whole turkeys left. If you want a whole turkey smoked, ready to go, come get it."
For this newer establishment, the holiday season has been a learning experience.
"The turkeys were new for us getting that in here," Mikeska explained. "We're just trying to figure out how to get them in here and what people want."
The growth of downtown Temple's business district has caught the attention of longtime residents like Pete Baronio, who visited the market both to shop and show his support for the area's development.
"I love everything they're doing downtown, changing the face of downtown Temple," Baronio said. "I think you can see the progress happening all over. I can't wait till it's a little more walkable and everything's done, but all in good time. These are big giant steps they're taking."
Mikeska offered professional advice for those preparing the Thanksgiving feast, "Don't overcook it, don't dry it out. Nobody wants to come to eat dry turkey. So, use your meat thermometers."
The butcher recommends cooking turkey to 160 degrees Fahrenheit for optimal results.
And in the great debate between ham and turkey for the holiday table? Mikeska's answer was simple.
"Gotta have both," he said.
Beyond the food preparations, customers like Baronio are embracing the holiday spirit.
"It's more about playing games, getting the kids involved, making sure everybody has a good time," he said. "We do go around and say what we're thankful for."
As for his own Thanksgiving favorite, Baronio didn't hesitate to say that "apple pie is like, you know, it always comes around. It's not traditional, but that's my favorite."