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| Contents | the Makers | October 2013 |
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17
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BOBCATFANS Magazine
SMTX Magazine
08 TIDBITS 10 LOCAL SMOKE 14 THE LOWER CLASS
06 HAPPENINGS 08 REMEMBERING CAMELOT
16 MAKE US LAUGH
Five stand-up comedians willing to tickle your funny bone and make you in pee your pants.
28 WURSTFEST Q&A
Talking sausage with the WURST Executive Director Suzanne Herbelin.
10 HAPPY PAINTBRUSH
Jill Pankey creates works of art for the people who enjoy the vibrant happiness of the Southwest.
14 CRAFTSMANSHIP
Sometimes you just want the good stuff. Meet the local talented artisans who make it.
24 CHEWED & BREWED
@bobcatfans
/bobcatfans
ABOUT THE COVERS It’s all about celebrating people who get their hands dirty and make something of quality. And in this case, people who also make us laugh.
BOBCATFANS Cover of Aaron McDavis Photographed by Eric Morales
SMTX Cover of glass sculpture “Imagination” Photographed by Eric Morales
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PUBLISHER
Rick Koch @rickkoch ART DIRECTOR
Will Bowling @wbcreative PHOTO EDITOR
Eric Morales @ericmphotoTX EVENTS
Johnell Huebner @johnellhuebner DEVELOPMENT
Steve Huskey @wizardofgoogle FEATURES
Diana Hendricks CONTRIBUTORS
Katie Lewis Hilda Helsing Tiffany Matthews Grace Marlow Pam Bowen Suzanne Herbelin Xander Peters ADVERTISING
361.236.5624 rick@bobcatfans.com FEEDBACK
@bobcatfans bobcatfans@gmail.com
Copyright 2013, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. BOBCATFANS | SMTX Magazine is a private company and is not affiliated with Texas State University.
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SMTX | Tidbits
DON’T WAIT FOR THE ZOMBIE APOCALYPSE!
FOODSTOCK October 19 from 1-6pm FOODSTOCK is a concert & benefit for the Hays County Food Bank. It’s a free show and event that happens three times a year on the San Marcos Courthouse lawn. Though the event is free, the Hays County Food Bank staff will be on hand accepting fresh produce, non-perishable food items, and monetary donations. Your donations will go directly to feeding those in the community who need our help.
For information about the FOODSTOCK concert and benefit, contact: foodstocksmtx@gmail.com For information about the Hays County Food Bank, call (512) 392-8300 or visit www.haysfoodbank.org
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| Editorial Staff |
You’re a smart shopper. That explains why there’s always a legion of reanimated undead corpses lining up for a taste of your delicious brains. Our good friends at Zombie Defense Solutions haven’t yet found a way to cure those poor souls, rotting away as they shamble down the bloodstained streets. But they have compiled a survival kit containing everything that you’ll need to avoid an unpleasant death.
Bobtrotter
Joyce “Sweet J” Ekworomadu (eckwor-oh-MAA-doo) is the 12th female player in the history of the Globetrotters. The 5-10 sharp-shooter out of Texas State University was the Southland Conference Player of the Year and Student Athlete of the Year in 2008.
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SMTX | Local
would not back the change if it calls for specifying outdoor spaces. Nonetheless, there are always those who fully support a growing intolerance for secondhand smoke. “The smell, the taste, I just don’t get the benefit of it,” Salem Reyna, a student at Texas State and enthusiast for local nightlife, said. Reyna went on to explain some of the more routine complaints about indoor cigarette usage: the way the smoke makes her clothes smell or how a stranger will accidentally singe her arm from time to time in passing. “If they just went outside to do it, then it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. Then again, I have no sympathy, because I don’t see the point of smoking in the first place.”
UP IN Smoke Twenty years ago, if you were to look on top of every table in a local bar, there would be as many ash trays as beer bottles. The times are changing though. It seems as if waitresses and bartenders around San Marcos may be in route to sweeping up their final cigarette butt.
Following discussions that took place at a public meeting on Aug. 20, the City Council shifted their staff’s concentration towards conducting research throughout the community in order to strengthen the 1995 Clean Air Ordinance—which regulates smoking in public places.
Councilman Ryan Thomason, Place 5, even agreed on the point that there would be no loss of revenue for local businesses due to the revision of city smoking laws. “Most of the information and commentary we’re getting have said bar sales increase within three to six month after the ban,” he said. “And that’s overall.”
The revised edition intends to designate specific smoking areas, or “clean air areas,” on both municipal and commercial properties, although private social functions and bowling centers during league play are exempt. If a business does not properly indulge upon these new ground rules, then they run the risk of a fine up to $2,000.
The City Council’s presentation also includes the experiences of both San Antonio and Austin after implementing the change in law, indicating how “neither city has conducted a comprehensive study of the economic effects of their smoke-free ordinances.” Also mentioning that in Austin there was “no negative effect on restaurants or bars, but billiard halls seem hurt by ban,” followed by an abundance of complaints by the halls’ owners. As for the repercussions in San Antonio, the presentation states that “restaurant business in (the) city improved in particular” and there was less citizen complaint.
As suggested by a community survey taken earlier this year on whether the city should enact stricter smoking regulations in public places, 47% were in favor, 26% disagreed and the remaining 27% were either neutral
Other community members who make a living around the city’s square, such as Allen Shy, owner of Harper’s Public House, seem to have a conflicting opinion on the matter. Shy said he is in favor of the ordinance but
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As for the city of San Marcos, it seems as though looking back at the hazy past of smoke-filled pool halls and bars may become of more consequence than keeping your eyes on a bright, clean future. The second and possible final vote on the future of smoking in San Marcos will be October 2.
Notes | Vapor To The Rescue
On a weekend night around the city’s center, in most respects, one may walk through the front door of their favorite bar only to be greeted by a wafting cloud of smoke. But, in the near future, an occurrence such as this one will definitely be susceptible to change.
or did not know. Of the matters taken under consideration, City Council included research in their presentation by comparing Austin and San Antonio’s smoking ordinances established within the past ten years, while also citing general implications towards health and the lack of economic impact.
Consequently, an increasing number of cities have installed stricter Clean Air ordinances since the turn of the century (both neighbors, Austin in 2005 and San Antonio in 2010). Thomason recognizes this fact that the forthcoming of a ban like this has been inevitable by stating, “Almost the entire nation has gone to a smoking ban.”
Electronic Cigarettes With more and more smoking restrictions comes the rise of a growing alternative, the smokeless e-cigarette. No odor, no ash, no offense. While smoking tobacco products contain over 4,000 chemicals, certain studies show the liquid used in nicotine vaporizers to contain 99% less harmful or cancer causing agents. Rewrite The Rules
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| By Xander Peters |
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SUBWAY | train hard. Eat fresh.
Profiles
Justin Mc Guffin Never Too Old
When you are at the local skate park, you usually see a bunch of young kids out there ripping it up. But when you see a 30+ year old hanging and tearing it up with the best of them, there is a good chance it is Justin. Justin is a creative director at Arson Wells Design Agency, and more importantly, he is a Texas State grad. Justin grew up in Sanger, Texas, where he learned how to skate board. By ‘learned,’ I mean by the “guess and check method,” bumps and bruises and blood and tears. He would call it a tough love. As he grew up, this love was pushed to the side by school, girls, and growing up to become part of the working class. Flash forward 10 years of working, getting married, having a kid, running a design firm in Dallas. His passion and love for the board returned. It was not easy to jump back on the board. It’s not like riding a bike; it’s hurts a little more. After buying a new board, Justin found a group of guys--young and old. In fact, he ending up buying and building his own skate park. So now, every Wednesday night, you can find him out learning new tricks and skating his stress away. But his favorite part of skating is hitting up just about every skate park along I-35, and one that he never misses is the one in San Marcos.
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| By Staff Photo Eric Morales |
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SMTX | back stage
They take music seriously, but they aren’t serious guys. imaGenius, says with a laugh, “Even if you’re a nerd like me, you can still make something. Nobody can ever tell us that what we write is wrong. It’s one reason why I write, to let other people know that [they] can do this. If I can do this, you can do this.” DJ Hanz is the latest addition to group. His participates in the live shows, to lend an improv element. Since DJ Hanz doesn’t rehearse with the group, his role is to liveplay the tracks like an instrument. This means he can scratch, or drop sound to leave the rappers keeping time in their heads as they go it acapella. The Lower Class will open for ZEALE October 10 at Taxi’s. Notes | The Lower Classmates Kartune, Pliny Science, imaGenius, DJ Hanz (from top left to right)
Pliny Science: Born circa 1988. Doesn’t eat breakfast. Got into freestyle rapping in 8th grade, but grew up in Smithville, TX, so he didn’t tell too many people.
The Lower Class remains true to themselves. welowerclass.com | @welowerclass | thelowerclass.bandcamp.com | FB/thelowerclassmusic
The Lower Class is comprised of members who draw influence from artists such as Mf Doom, Jurassic 5, and J Dilla. Their sound [is] reminiscent of hip-hop’s Golden Age and [is compared] to the likes of De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, The Cool Kids, and Souls of Mischief. A great majority of those who are reading this article have probably never faced any real gangsta problems, or have to deal with the problems that come with mo money. Well, The Lower Class doesn’t deal with those issues either. They deal with the everyday problems that everyday people deal with. You know, the everyday problems that you deal with, or have dealt with at one point. “I’m facing myself,” says Pliny Science, under the weight of truth and of his gold chain. “Does everyone want to see the
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inner me?” These guys aren’t interested in creating ultra-pop, easy-todigest music. They sample jazz (slightly more complex than standard pop music), even the 8-bit sounds of old-school video games, and tend to use GRE words. The guys are interested in digging a little deeper. The Lower Class understands there is risk to not rap about what’s trending right now, but they are willing to take on that risk in order to remain true to themselves. Their music is all
about authenticity. “I throw what I know. I never want to be fake,” said Pliny Science. In fact, the group is completely DIY. The music (from writing to recording), the videos, t-shirts, website, posters, everything is all done in-house. They aren’t waiting for anyone to hand them any kind of success, instead they are working towards it. “I do with my own hands,” says Kartune, who is responsible for the video and graphic design content. “No outside help. What you see is us.”
Kartune: Favorite ice cream is chocolate. “I don’t like it when ice cream goes overboard!” Started music at age 16. Studies Visual Communication. Works at Telecommunications helping old people fix their internet. imaGenius: Eats oatmeal for breakfast. Comes from a family of musicians, but imaGenius gravitated toward the engineering side of things. In the 6h grade he called himself “DJ Era” and made trance and techno beats at home. DJ Hanz: His real name is Hans Rakotomanga. He’s from Madagascar, and yes, he loves the movie because now people know a little more about his homeland. Just finished his masters in International Studies.
Vimeo Staff Pick “Extraneous”
| Words & Photos Eric Morales |
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f u n ny HA HA HA Ha
Five Stand-Up Comedians This is where five local comedians find themselves, in the purgatory that is the newly revived San Marcos comedy scene. They’re stuck on that same middle ground, the gray area between those who laugh at you and those who are laughing with you. It takes a special kind of heart to set your soul towards a path where the road is paved with the teeth and bones of your peers. It takes work, it takes yearning, it takes a knack. Most of all, it takes a community with a sense of humor.
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By Xander Peters Photos Eric Morales
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I always say no to drugs, but they never listen.”
Upcoming Shows Taxi’s Piano Bar Thursdays @ 9p (weekly)
Aaron McDavis
Green Parrot October 3 @ 10:30pm
It took a jab in the ribs from a close friend to finally get Aaron McDavis in front of the microphone. That was in 2007.
object would fly across the room, that the standup found his knack for a darker side of comicalness.
Six years down the road, he’s still tracing those same steps on stage. Except now, it feels more natural. The crowds laugh louder, the sets are longer and strangers are even beginning to recognize his face. But falling into the comedy scene may not have been a coincidence for McDavis.
After already dabbling in open mic nights for both standup and improv, McDavis made his way to San Marcos in 2010 to finish a Theater degree. Between doing short sets at what was then a limited local scene and making the commute to places like Cap City Comedy Club and the Hideout Theatre in Austin, the humorist further refined his routine while also earning an alternate spot as the Funniest Person in Austin (FPIA) for 2013.
As a child growing up in Dallas, the comedian learned how to find humor early on when it best fit his situation. “(My parents) had me in their early twenties,” McDavis says. “They were always these very young and angry people.” It was at that point, when an occasional
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Similar to some of his own idols, (such as Richard Pryor, Woody Allen or Dave Chappelle), McDavis uses his intuitive nature towards flipping what most would call a tragedy and turning it into
something funny. Whether he’s exploring the lighter sides of terrorism, suicide or even his self-described squirrelly nature, that bolt of enthusiasm which makes or breaks a comic has begun to show up more and more in his routine. “I’m introverted. It’s not that I don’t want to connect with people. It’s just that I have a certain attention span with them,” he says. “So, (comedy) is kind of like my connection. We all relate to this certain situation. That’s why I like sad, tragic humor, because we can all relate to it. When you acknowledge tragedy and absurdity, that makes you stronger.” It’s those hypothetical shots of heroin, those 20 minute sets underneath hot lights and a crowd of people waiting to laugh that makes it all worth it.
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If you’ve ever said, “I just want my kids to have everything I never had,” then that makes you a bad parent, because I never had syphilis. ”
Toby McElroy Most comics don’t start their mornings out like Toby McElroy. He wakes up. He helps the kids get dressed and ready for school. He tells them to have a good day. He takes care of the little ones. Then, he watches his wife walk out the door for work. McElroy is a stay-at-home dad. It’s been just over four years since his first appearance on stage. Yet, the idea of doing standup has lingered in the back of his mind since watching bits on television as a kid in Lexington, TX. “When I saw Barry Sobel (perform), I wanted to do that. That was a goal of mine. So I told a joke when I was in junior high, and somebody made a comment, like I hope you don’t ever plan to do comedy. I let that crush me, ya know?” That didn’t stop McElroy from wanting to become a comic. He just never did. That is, not until his mid-30’s.
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Tucked away between where the Coffee Pot once was and the Tap Room, a micro-club sprung up a few years back called Corridor Comedy. After checking out the place with a long-time friend, McElroy decided he couldn’t wait any longer and performed his first openmic the following weekend. “I found out that a lot of people, they have to get over nerves to perform. For me, I’ve always been this big, goofy redhead named Toby,” he says. “I have this theory, that if you’re a male with red hair, then you have one of two ways you can go: bully or become a clown.” In McElroy’s case, the route of being the clown was less violent. By pure luck, he had stumbled into one of the warmer comedic communities. There were no hoops to jump through, no comics to get-in with, and there has never been a “right” thing to do or say. Instead, it was, to his own surprise, how every comic seems to care about another person. “If you go to Taxi’s (Piano Bar) on a Thursday night, more than likely you’ll see a table of comics talking about nothing comedy related. They’re wanting to know how school’s going, how’s the family, what’s new in life,” McElroy says. But, much like the city he performs in, McElroy isn’t another generic brand. From ex-military to driving a minivan, from being psyched out of trying comedy to competing in Funniest Person in Austin (FPIA) twice, and being a Christian man in a sea of foul language, he stands out. “I like to write clean, because it really forces you to write better. But it’s also kind of challenge. I tell a lot of comics coming up to write clean, because you can make it dirty, but you can’t take a dirty joke and make it clean.”
Upcoming Shows Taxi’s Piano Bar Thursdays @ 9p (weekly) Follow @GinjaNinger
| Photo Eric Morales | Model Grace Marlow |
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Kelly Stone For Kelly Stone, it didn’t take balls to get where she is today. It took majora. In her opinion, the male testicles aren’t the most powerful parts of the body. They have those little muscles that cause shrinkage when the water’s too cold, and they’re the first to hide when a man is terrified. These reasons, among others, only deem them less than valiant. That was how Stone began her first big joke. While growing up in innercity Houston, she could be described as something of an over-achiever. A four-year varsity soccer player, the kicker on the football team, and consecutive “Most Outstanding Girl Camper” are just a sliver of her early feats. But long after her cleats were hung up and the paper mache from church camp had been put away, Stone set sail for a new wind. The years would lead her to San Marcos, followed by Austin, to Philadelphia, then back to San Marcos with a family and career in 2007. More notable over that arc of time, though, was to standup comedy. The spark that ignited the flame came during her time in graduate school at the University of Texas, when she landed a part on stage as a part of The Vagina Monologues. Her role? The Woman Who Loved to Make Vaginas Happy. “Part of her monologue was to impersonate all the different types of moans women do. I did it while wearing a corset, black leather pants and these crazy boots with metal heels,” Stone says. “I did that in front of my mom, my grandma, my uncle; my whole family came to support me.”
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Being a part of that play was what set the tone to write her jokes about typical family life and her own sexuality. “For me, I don’t do homophobic stuff. I don’t do racist stuff. I don’t do stuff at the expense of other people,” she disclosed. “Unless it’s people I’ve slept with, then that’s fair game.”
Upcoming Shows Hot Mess Comedy Show Bar 141 October 25 @ 8pm Hot Mess Comedy Show Bar 141 December 6 @ 8pm Follow FB/funnykelly @funnykelly
As for the past year, Stone has hosted the local Hot Mess Comedy Show at Bar 141. In the midst of desecrating her wedding dress, to a live phone call with a man she met through a fake dating ad on Craigslist, she claims to be creating a “forgiving audience.” Nevertheless, the more controversial, the better. “I think a lot of time people are afraid to talk about things. I think we diagnose normal behavior because we don’t know that it’s normal. Because people don’t talk about it,” she says. “Let’s talk about it. Maybe we can learn from it, maybe even get a laugh and move on. Let’s get over ourselves, we’re all f...d up.” Although she may be the worst enemy to someone who blushes easily, the manner in which Stone arouses a crowd between her purple hair, aggressive style and relentless references to masturbation may entail that she doesn’t mind casting the first stone.
I’m in an on-again, off-again relationship with my snooze button, and I’m losing sleep over it.
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I am my own white whale.
Upcoming Shows The Green Parrot Halloween Show October 31 @ 9pm (headlining)
Michael nieto
Follow @michael_nieto
It would be safe to say Michael Nieto enjoys some of the more transparent aspects of life. He goes to concerts, hangs with friends, spends a lot of time outdoors, and has lost most of his faith in the world around him.
That’s what makes Nieto intriguing: the effortless aptitude. Even that very first time he did a set, it felt like being in a car wreck. Not the painful part where you’re kissing the steering wheel goodbye, but how it all went by so fast.
During his adolescence, life had been ideal. From a middle class family in suburban San Antonio, it came easily. However, those same reasons may very well conclude why he isn’t much of a gambler today. In Nieto’s eyes, even to the extent that he relishes in, comedy isn’t practical. “A lot of comedians work a lot harder than I do. I’m kind of like, you delusional fools... there’s plenty of people who are really funny but nobody knows about them. They live out of their car and chain-smoke; they’re alcoholics…” he continues. “You might as well become a dentist.”
Since then, it’s only gotten easier. But at the same time, to a degree, it’s evolving into a curse. “Now, every waking moment, I’m like, ‘I can turn that into a bit.’ It’s detached, almost, and forces you to step back from the world to look at it instead of just be-bog along and look at butterflies,” Nieto says. “The material seems to come out of nowhere. Then, you can think about making it into humor, but… it’s like a revelation if you will.”
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As long as he can remember, his humor has been dry and sarcastic, to the point
of dead panned delivery. However, that’s what helps him be an individual. Unlike some comics, Nieto doesn’t depend on humping the stool or acting out jokes during bits. For instance, he doesn’t even tell people in public about doing standup out of the fact that he hates being treated like a dancing ape. At the end of the day, when all of the jokes about fat kids not getting into heaven are said or when the Boston Marathon’s dynamite winner is said and done, Nieto still admits that he’s optimistic as far as the destruction of our society goes. “We need something to fall apart,” he sighs. “It’s just going around in bad circles and getting worse. Out of destruction, there’s also creation… But, I don’t have any solutions.
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Leo Garcia When his career as a musician began to stall out, Leo Garcia caught himself falling into a dark place. To him, he was an artist. It took a close friend, the kind that never crosses words, to actually shed light on how it was only the attention that Garcia really craved. ‘F… you’ was his reply… A month after that same conversation, the truth had never been clearer. While growing up as the husky, quirky kid in a traditional Hispanic family, Garcia had always known how much he loved the praise for having a sense of humor but failed to put a voice to it out of fear that standing out might not be for the best. Then came his ‘coming out of the closet’ moment. “It was this wave of relief that I didn’t have to hide it,” he says. “If gay people feel that good, then I would suggest it to everyone. Realizing that seeking attention is an honest part of myself was really pivotal in being funny on stage.”
The worst thing about freedom is other people.”
From here, the idea of being a comic began to stem. After taking a comedy class at Texas Lutheran University, where he studies History, Garcia had his first handful of opportunities. The first go-around was a hit and miss. As for the second, there was hysteria. Now, with three years’ worth of notches on his belt, he’s still learning—not just about stand-up, though, but about people. “I like doing comedy that makes fun of being a human. We all have these things that we articulate our lives in such ways that we’re individuals. The real truth is that we all have that same impulse of sex and desire. On a Friday night, you can see it smeared on everyone’s face,” Garcia laughed. “I like things that make us all human.” Whether it be his delightful pessimism, the raw cynicism towards racial stereotypes or the overall fascination with human interaction, it all boils down to the simplest sense. 26 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 10.13
Sometimes, Garcia feels bad about how the world has turned out, and he thinks others should too. “I don’t like meeting new people, because I don’t like remembering that people are essentially good,” he says. “Then you meet them, you talk to them, and they’re wonderful. I’ll continually be a dick because I don’t want to remember that everyone is worth knowing.”
It’s elegant contradictions like these, idols with the sincere honesty of Louis C.K. and Garcia’s ability to read between the lines that evolves a nice guy with a hardy beard into an illustrator of his ideas.
Upcoming Shows Taxi’s Piano Bar Thursdays @ 9p (weekly)
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Suzanne Herbelin
Executive Director Wurstfest Association The first Wurstfest was in 1961. It’s held along the beautiful banks of the Comal River on the Wurstfest Grounds, at the entrance to Landa Park. 2013 marks the 53rd annual event. Wurstfest is self-supporting. The organization receives no tax dollars, members pay no dues, and the organization does not rely on sponsorship fees.
“Expect to taste the best festival food around because it’s prepared from scratch, in commercial style kitchens while you wait. To marvel at the size of the Wursthalle, to meet fun people and to want to return again.”
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How did it all begin? Wurstfest was the brainchild of Dr. E. A. Grist, a practicing veterinarian and local meat inspector. Exposed to the traditions of making sausage in the fall through his contacts with the more than 30 local meat markets at the time, his idea was to showcase their products with an event that would bring residents together in celebration. Local leaders saw the idea as a way to attract visitors to the area during the “off season” (New Braunfels was already a popular summer destination). It was a perfect match. A lot of tongue in cheek advertising using “WURST” (the German word for sausage) in place of “worst” like “for the WURST time in Texas” or “here in New Braunfels we’re proud of our baloney” attracted national attention. Organizers were pleasantly surprised when more than 2,000 attended the first event.
Who is responsible for running and organizing Wurstfest? The festival is produced by the Wurstfest Association of New Braunfels, a non-profit corporation. The 279-member organization provides manpower during the event and demonstrates “Gemuetlichkeit” ... fun and fellowship in the German tradition. Members of the organization are called “Opas.” There are four levels of Opas: “Kleine Opa” which is an apprentice category; “Opa” which is a shareholder and are chosen from “Kleine Opas;” “Senior Opas” which are members who have reached a certain age and served a minimum number of years with membership privileges but no longer maintain a voting share; and “Opa Emeritus” which is an honorary position with full privileges and voting rights.
What makes Wurstfest so successful in New Braunfels? More than 5,000 volunteers participate by operating a concession booth or producing a special event during the ten days of the festival. In the early years, food products were offered by local food establishments. The festival experienced rapid growth. In some cases, it was simply too much for businesses to keep up with the demand on the festival grounds in addition to their business obligations. When booth space became available, Wurstfest leaders began offering local clubs and organizations the opportunity to operate a concession as a fundraising project. Last year 76% of the more than $4.5M spent on the grounds was spent with non-profit organizations. The festival is fun, it offers food and entertainment unmatched by any other event in this area, and the money spent benefits worthwhile projects.
A few tidbits the average person might not know: - Concession space rarely becomes available because vendors know year after year they can count on making money. - A member can only serve as President one time. - Wurstfest operates a tubing business, Landa Falls, from the festival grounds in the summer.
What kind of effect does the 10-day event have on its home city? - The festival brings people to town at a time between the summer tourist season and the holidays. It’s estimated the economic impact is close to $30 million. - Many other local organizations rely on the festival for their fundraising activities, not just those that operate a concession on the festival grounds.
What kind of growth has Wurstfest seen over the years? In the late 70’s the association took steps to reduce attendance. The grounds were smaller at the time (just included the Wursthalle and Marktplatz), and there were many more people attending on Saturdays than could reasonably be accommodated. An admission price was put in place, and a no-tolerance policy established for rowdy behavior. In the early 80’s, the organization was able to lease an additional 4 acres and purchase 3 more, allowing the addition of two more entrance gates, ample parking, and space for entertainment tents outside. We directed our marketing to families and travelers and managed growth in an effort to prevent overcrowding.
Has the festival outgrown its current location? We completed the construction of a dance hall (Stelzenhaus) in 2011 that accommodates 300 people and are now in the process of putting a bridge in place just below the waterfall to allow pedestrians access to 2 more acres of land. We have space to grow and are making plans well in advance. There will always be times that are more crowded than others, but the organization has the space and the funds to create space for people to relax and enjoy.
to bring the entire family out. More than 50% of our guests are repeat patrons.
The music and bands? Wurstfest will invest close to $350,000 entertaining guests this year. Many of the groups popular with our guest today appeared in Texas for the first time on a stage at WURSTFEST. They are professional, they are fun, and they are dedicated to performing the finest in Alpine and Bavarian style music. Our entertainers tell us there is no other event where they see so many of the top artists in this field all in one place.
Where does money go? The Wurstfest Scholarship Trust is a separate 501(c)(3) organization. Wurstfest and its members contribute to the organization, and the Scholarship Trust has a concession booth in the Marktplatz (they sell roasted nuts). The festival itself is not a fundraising activity for the Wurstfest Scholarship Trust however. The first scholarships were awarded in 1989, and to date, 70 students have been given the opportunity to receive funding for up to 8 semesters. The Wurstfest Association has helped fund numerous community projects, parks projects, museum acquisitions, construction of community facilities, and river clean up campaigns. The purpose of the organization is to promote the economy through tourism and promote and preserve the community’s rich German heritage. The board looks for projects that are in keeping with this purpose. But giving away money is an added benefit. The purpose of the organization is fulfilled with each and every festival.
What is your favorite Wurstfest food? Let’s talk foods... Wurst ‘n Taschen: a bratwurst nestled in a pita pocket, covered with sauerkraut, topped with grilled onions and peppers; a product of the Downtown Rotary Club; fabulous Potato Pancakes: served with sausage and applesauce, prepared by members of the New Braunfels Rotary Club; can’t find better potato pancakes anywhere Apple strudel, German pretzels, gingerbread: all things sweet from Naegelin’s Bakery, the oldest bakery in Texas The list goes on….
Is the festival family friendly? We think so. Anytime you see strollers, wheel chairs and walkers together in one group you know you’ve got three generations. Many memories have been made here, and people return each year to keep those memories alive and make new ones. Sundays and Monday through Wednesday evenings are a great time
First timer tip? Catch a performance in all four of the entertainment venues, bring enough friends to share food items with so you can taste more than just a few, and don’t settle on a favorite until you’ve tried it all.
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SMTX | happy hour
Notes | The Beer Garden
Louie’s Oyster House & Beer Garden
Specializing in a wide variety of chargrilled oysters and seafood rolls. The new outdoor beer garden also serves up over 100 ice-cold brews. Louie’s is family friendly and perfect for afterwork happy hour. 119 E Hutchison San Marcos, Texas 78666
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Restaurants Bobcat Nation
Gumby’s
Sean Patrick’s
$1 Frozen ‘Ritas (Tue) $2 U Call It (Wed 6pm) Home of the Coach Fran Radio Show (Thurs) Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393
$1.50 Ziegenbock Daily 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629
Half Price Appetizers 50¢ Wings $1 Off ALL 100 Drafts $1 Off Specialty Drinks $3 Off All Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 E. San Antonio St (512) 392-7310
Chimys Cerveceria $.99 Crispy Tacos Wells & Margarita Specials Mon–Fri @ 4pm – 7pm 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175
$1.99 Margaritas 99¢ Domestic Pints Mon-Tues all day Wed-Fri ‘til 7pm 1617 Aquarena Springs Dr. (512) 805-2444
$4 Draft Beer $4 Wells $4 House Wine Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 6pm 690 Centerpoint Rd. (512) 393-2867
127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313
Showdown
Triple Crown
$2 Wells & Dom Bottles
Happy Minutes Specials
$1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells
3pm – 7pm Daily
139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448
$3 Kamikaze Shots $3 Red Snapper Shots
Mon-Fri til 7pm
Gray Horse Saloon $2–$5 Specials All day, Everyday
1904 Ranch Road 12 (512) 878-8080
Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260
Harper’s Pub
Barfish Lounge
141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399
Vodka St.
Bars
Jack’s Roadhouse
All Day, Everyday
$2 Drafts, $2.50 Wells $7.50 Pitchers Mon-Fri @ 4pm - 7pm 2550 Hunter Rd. (512) 878-2405
$3 and $5 specials Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 6pm 218 Moore St. (512) 353-3500
Food Specials $.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm - 10pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746
Mon-Fri @ 5pm – 8pm
Tres Hermanas
Palmer’s
Grin’s
$1 Off Everything $2 Off Specials
$3.99 Street Tacos $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Liquors Daily @ 4pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862
Los Cucos
Cody’s Bistro
Black Rabbit Saloon
Louie’s Oyster House & Beer Garden
$2 or less Specials 1625 Hunter Rd. (512) 392-3340
Riley’s Tavern Various Specials
3-3:15pm, 5-5:15pm, Daily
207 E. Hutchison St. (512) 392-7282
Taxi’s Piano Bar $1 Jello Shots, $2 Wells
Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm
202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031
Daily
Treff’s Tavern
8894 FM 1102 Hunter TX (512) 392-3132
Daily @ 1pm – 8pm
Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm
206 N. Edward Gary St (512) 396-2236
Zelicks Various Specials
Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm
336 W. Hopkins St. (512) 757-8787
$1.75–$3 Specials 804 Chestnut St. (512) 353-1594
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The finer points laying ink
The word ’tattoo’ is said to have two major derivations: from the polynesian word ‘ta’ which means striking something and the tahitian word ‘tatau’ which means ‘to mark something.’ The history of tattoo began over 5000 years ago and is as diverse as the people who wear them. Tattoos are created by inserting colored materials beneath the skin’s surface. The first tattoos probably were created by accident. Someone had a small wound and rubbed it with a hand that was dirty with soot and ashes from the fire. Once the wound had healed, they saw that a mark stayed permanently.
Soap & Water combo – Used to wipe blood and excess ink off so the artist can keep a clear view of his/her work.
The basic outline of the tattoo gets stenciled onto the body for accurate size and placement.
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Photo Eric Morales
Notes | It’s your skin
Tattoo machine – precision counts. Especially when something is poking your skin anywhere from 50-3,000 times per minute!
Safety is key. First and foremost, make sure the studio is clean. Make sure they use medical grade sterilization equipment. Always, always, always, look at the tattoo artist’s portfolio before letting them touch your skin. Also, let personality guide you. If you connect with the artist, beyond being a client, that always helps. And, listen to the advice of your tattoo artist. If they recommend a different spot for body placement, or a different color, it’s usually for good reason.
Standard Dixie cup for rinsing needle between colors.
Better ink means no toxins that cause allergic reactions. Better ink also means better, longer lasting color. You get what you pay for, people. 10.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 33
PRIVATE SHUTTLE PRIVATE BATHROOMS
24 HOUR CLUBHOUSE RESORT STYLE POOL
3-6 BEDROOM UNITS SWIM UP CANTINA BAR
LEASING OFFICE: 326 N. LBJ DRIVE C APSTONE C OTTAGES O F SM. COM
512.754.3333
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10.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS
Events & Happenings
| October 2013 |
ZEALE live @ Taxi’s
After touring with AwolNation and Imagine Dragons, hip-hop artist ZEALE makes his way back home to San Marcos for a special show with friends The Lower Class, Tate & Rashad and more. It’s a night of rising local hiphop talent showcased on the square. October 10, 9pm @ Taxi’s | 202 N LBJ Dr. , San Marcos
Remembering Camelot Travel back in time 50+ years and view the JFK presidency through the lens of a white house photographer. Sponsored by local nonprofit True Vineyard Ministries. All Month, Hours Vary @ The Wittliff Collection – Alkek Library 601 University Dr., San Marcos
can win the best dancer award. Watch the dancers, participate in the intertribal dances, and enjoy the booths that offer authentic Native American arts and food.
First Friday at Three Dudes Enjoy live music by The Blue Water Highway Band. Cool off with a frozen Cool Dude or a glass of wine. No cover. October 4, 6pm @ Three Dudes Winery 125 Old Martindale Road , San Marcos
Sacred Springs Powwow Native dancers from across Texas dressed in beautiful, hand-crafted regalia, gather at the Sacred Springs in San Marcos to celebrate Native American culture. Dancers compete all day to the beat and songs of traditional drums, to see who
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October 5, 10am @ Aquarena Center 167 Spring Lake , San Marcos
From Here To Eternity 5K Wake the dead at the 10th annual 5K run through the historic San Marcos Cemetery. The event raises money to beautify the cemetery. Top finishers are awarded tombstone trophies in male and female divisions.
October 5, 7am @ SMCISD Lamar Annex 500 Hutchison St. , San Marcos
Senior Send Off Hosted by the University Bookstore, it’s an excellent time for soon-to-be graduates to gather information about caps & gowns, class rings and invitations. Congrats on being “smart” enough to enter the real world...you dummy. October 16, 10am @ University Bookstore 601 University Dr., San Marcos
TXST Football Home Games This month catch three Bobcat Football games versus their new Sunbelt Conference foes ULM Warhawks, Georgia State Panthers, and South Alabama Jaguars (homecoming). October 12, 19 & 26, 6pm @ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr., San Marcos
Bra Night Fashion Show
#TXST2K13HCHalloween
More than 20 Texas State University student organizations take part in a special bra decorating contest to help raise awareness for breast cancer. Brought to you by Texas State CAMCO’s and FashioNation, the show includes free food from EuroCafe and others. Admission is free for all. October 16, 6pm @ LBJ Student Center Ballroom 601 University Dr., San Marcos
Homecoming night, Endless Entertainment brings you a party with a really long #hashtag name. #DJ Drama #LivePerformances #TwerkContest #18+ #BottleService #STFU ;) October 26, 9pm @ The MARC 120 E San Antonio. , San Marcos
GO TOPLESS.
Henry + The Invisibles
Dudes For Boobs: Breast Cancer Benefit
Love boobs? Help do your part to keep them healthy and perky. Music, art and boobs are honored like they should be by dudes everywhere. All proceeds benefit the Breast Cancer Resource Centers Of Texas. October 20, 6pm @ Stellar Cafe 235 N LBJ Dr., San Marcos
Halloween nite the talented one-man band rocks the 78666 like only he can. Dress up as your favorite piece of eye-candy and enjoy drink specials all night. October 31, 10pm @ Taxi’s 202 N LBJ Dr. , San Marcos
Carnage & Brillz Oh Bleep! and AfterDark bring the rage to the square on Halloween night. Shake your body on the biggest dance floor in downtown on the scariest & sexiest night of the year. October 31, 9pm @ The MARC 120 E San Antonio. , San Marcos
self-serve frozen yogurt 350 N. Guadalupe St. (Guadalupe & University) 512-667-6720
CATERING • CAKEBALLS FUNDRAISING • PARTIES
Ghosts Of Dixie - Album Release Party The long awaited release of their debut album “Baron la Croix” is celebrated with fans and friends of the San Marcos music scene. Performances by Those Nights and many more will help ring in the special night for Ghosts Of Dixie. October 11, 9pm @ Triple Crown | 206 N Edward Gary , San Marcos
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SMTX | Local
Once in a lifetime: JFK in San Marcos The 50th anniversary of John F. Kennedy’s earth-shattering assassination, and the plight of Rwandan widows may not seem like they have a whole lot in common, and on the surface, they don’t. But this Fall, the two will be joined together for a truly stunning celebration in San Marcos, Texas. The JFK presidency, often referred to as the Camelot era, marked a time when Americans were urged to come together with people of other cultures and work to make a difference in their lives. It’s in this spirit that Diana Wiley, Founder and Executive Director of True Vineyard, a non-profit organization in San Marcos dedicated to helping Rwandan widows through work-based solutions, teamed up with Frank Harvey of Houston, a well-known collector of JFK photos and memorabilia, to create an event that would inspire Texans to take up the JFK challenge and help Rwandan widows work to pull themselves and their families up from poverty. Remembering Camelot Through the Lens of Jacques Lowe – Mr. Harvey’s private JFK collection is the centerpiece of a three-part event designed to celebrate the days of President Kennedy and to extend his legacy of building bridges between cultures to the people of San Marcos. The collection offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to look back into those years that are treasured as a pivotal time in American history. A preview showing a portion of the collection at Texas State University’s Alkek Library features TXST alumnus Lyndon Baines Johnson and kicks off the event beginning October 1 through November 9, 2013. The main event, The Camelot Reception, will take place on Saturday, November 16, at the Embassy Suites Hotel, Spa & Conference Center in San Marcos. It features the complete Remembering Camelot exhibit with over 60 images; many of which were captured by JFK’s personal photographer, Jacques Lowe, and are being presented to the public for the first time through this event. In addition to these priceless treasures, the exhibit features unique JFK memorabilia and artifacts, including one of the most coveted pieces of Harvey’s collection, the lead car from JFK’s inaugural parade. The Camelot Reception will offer an evening of Kennedy-era inspired hors d’oeuvres and specialty cocktails. Guests will enjoy hearing from speakers, including the keynote speaker, Helen Lowman, a San
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Marcos native and the Peace Corps’ Associate Director for the Office of Volunteer Recruitment and Selection. The evening will be capped by a unique silent auction, which will include a variety of truly matchless Kennedy-centric items as well as a remarkable trip for two to Rwanda, personally guided by Diana Wiley, where the winners can personally witness the JFK legacy come to life as Americans step up to help people of Rwanda work to improve their lives. As Ms. Wiley explains, one of the enduring legacies of the Kennedy presidency is the effort to find mutual understanding between Americans and people of other nations and cultures. True Vineyard Ministries’ work in Rwanda is the embodiment of the Kennedy philosophy living on a half-century after his death. The third and final opportunity to view the collection will take place on Sun., Nov. 17, via a public viewing of the photography portion of the exhibit from the Camelot Reception. Eleanor Crook, Honorary Chair of the Remembering Camelot event remarked, “As Honorary Chair of this once-in-a-lifetime exhibit, I champion our host True Vineyard Ministries in furthering its tireless work in Rwanda. It is with great pride that I quote the words of JFK, ‘One person can make a difference, and everyone should try.’” In closing, Ms. Crook encourages all to “Join me in helping to make that difference.” Tickets to the Camelot Reception and Full Exhibit cost $250 per person and are now on sale. Admission to the final photography public viewing is $25. All funds raised from this distinctive series of events will support True Vineyard Ministries and its inspirational work with Rwanda’s recovery. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, please call 512.665.3393 or visit rememberingcamelot.com.
| Katie Lewis |
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“I paint for the middle class, I guess. What do I not like about art? Maybe it is that it can take itself so seriously.�
Living Out Loud
From tattoos to courtrooms to New York galleries. Jill Pankey tells stories of friendship with every stroke of the brush.
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Words & Photos by Diana Hendricks
“If you’re not happy, get out!”
W
hile most people are getting up, pouring a cup of coffee, and heading off to the office or classroom, San Marcos artist Jill Pankey takes off for a brisk run through the neighborhood before heading upstairs to her studio in her home on Sierra Circle to fill canvases with vivid colors that capture spirit, movement and, most of all, friendship. “The best advice I ever got was from my daddy. He said, ‘If you’re not happy, get out!’” remembers Jill Pankey. She admits that she didn’t understand the value of that advice at the time, but today, she is happier than she ever thought she’d be and right in the middle of where she wants to be. However, it took a while to listen to that wise advice and get to where she is today. This artist, wife, mother, friend—and yes, these days it is in that order – has become successful beyond her wildest dreams, doing what she wants to do. Jill has worked in galleries from New Zealand to New York. She is represented by the prestigious Russell Collection Gallery in Austin, La Posada Gallery in Santa Fe and galleries in Tucson, Oklahoma, Fort Worth and beyond. Her oil in canvas celebrates bodies and figures, all shapes and sizes. Her subjects dance and love and laugh and share their life stories with the audience.
Her “Boots” art has served as a base for the success of her vivid work and helped to draw international attention to her work. But the people in those boots—from ballerinas to conga lines to sisterhood and old friends—tell the stories. With titles like “And He Thought I Wasn’t Good Enough,” “Beach Babes,” “Petticoat Posse,” and “This Ain’t No Last Supper,” her work is part truth and part fiction, and every painting tells a piece of the story of how she got here from there. But her story is more than that of an artist who sells a lot of paintings. This is a story about dreams coming true—in loud, bright, noisy, crazy, brighter than real life Jill Pankey color. However, she certainly didn’t take a straight road to get here. Similar to the kids in the Family Circus cartoon who leave a dotted trail behind them, she got sidetracked a time or two, was successful in three careers (graphic design, fitness, and teaching), and finally found some breathing room and a chance to jump into painting full time. And she did just that— with both feet. “For a long time, I collected my own art,” Jill laughs. “But I hoped, no, I knew, that this is where I was going and someday I would get here.”
“Another bit of advice my dad offered was, ‘Don’t look back.’ He said to make a decision about what you are going to do and move forward with all your heart. And I like to think I have done that along the way. I have loved all the jobs that I have had, but they were jobs. They were careers—ways to earn a living, raise my kids, and keep food on the table. But they were just not my passion. And these days, it is a little scary, but it really is great to wake up being a ‘wine-swilling- full time hippie artist,” she jokes. Most Bobcat fans will recognize Jill’s work on the Texas State campus. The large mural in the stairwell of the South End Zone complex at Bobcat Stadium is hers—a painting commissioned by her then-backdoor neighbor, Football Coach David Bailiff, to commemorate her brother’s years at Texas State and the national championship team. The color and action capture the spirit of college football as visitors climb the stairs to the Sac-n-Pac Room. Jill’s Texas State career has deep roots. She, her sister, Lynn, and brother, Mark, all came to Texas State. Jill was a Strutter, a cheerleader, and a college favorite, “Gaillardian.” Several of the luxury suites at Bobcat
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stadium are home to Jill’s “Strutters” series. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the Strutters at Texas State, she donated ten paintings to be auctioned off to help fund the Linda Gregg Fields Strutters gallery. In fact, several of the paintings are on display in the Strutters Gallery today. Bobcat boosters Linda and Jerry Fields and Michael and Diane Bowman have Pankey paintings in each of their suites. So, aside from the zig-zag career movement, how’d she get here? How did she get to these bright colors, this defined movement, this loud and rambunctious celebration of southwestern culture on canvas? Jill Kemp Pankey grew up in Del Rio, Texas, a mile from the Mexican border. Her earliest influences—Normal Rockwell, velvet Elvis paintings and crepe paper flowers— still whisper around the edges of everything she does. “Color! I love the vivid color of Mexico. And the complete irreverence of velvet paintings and the stories that Norman Rockwell paintings tell,” she admits. “Though one time I said that in an artist’s statement when I applied for an art show, and I think they were a little put-off by the velvet Elvis influence.” She laughs, “I paint for the middle class, I guess. What do I not like about art? Maybe it is that it can take itself so seriously. Art can be so assuming and presumptuous. Is that politically incorrect for an artist to say? I don’t think so. I want my art to be fun. I am not angst or moody. What you see in my art is pretty much who I am. I love tacky colors, and the sizes and shapes of the human body, flaws and all! I want my art to be easy to understand. I want people to feel confident enough to like something and relate to it and not have it interpreted by experts. Everyone should get to be the expert of what they like best.” Jill’s art speaks to that philosophy. She wants people to be happy with who they are and what they look like. She is brave enough to say “I like Norman Rockwell and velvet Elvis paintings” and confident enough to laugh at herself and her profession, while being quick to admit that she is living the dream.
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Recalling her first medium, Jill doesn’t miss a beat. “Tattoos. Yep. My father was an unlikely subject. He was a tax accountant. He would come home, tired from work, and sit down to watch television, and I would take a ball point pen and sit on the floor and draw pictures on his leg. It’s funny to think about that now.” But yes, Jill always knew she would grow up to be an artist, even if not a tattoo artist. She said, “I started making art at the age of four or five. I came to Texas State to get an all-level art education degree but discovered I made more money as a graphic artist, so that is what I did, initially. I worked for agencies. I was a newspaper artist, a forensic artist, a courtroom artist, an art director for the local TV station, and painted portraits for ten years of Corpus Christi debutantes, using big flat doors as canvases for their coming out parties. And I did years of freelancing before I went back to school to get a Masters of Fine Art so I could teach in a university. For more than a decade, I taught at Texas State by day and painted my heart out at night.”
“I want my art to be fun. I am not angsty or moody. What you see in my art is pretty much who I am. I love tacky colors, and the sizes and shapes of the human body – flaws and all!”
Today, as a fulltime artist, she stays busy keeping her art on the walls of the galleries that represent her. “I couldn’t be one of those big artists who paints only one canvas a year. When something of mine sells in a gallery, I know I need to replace it with something new and fresh and marketable, or some other artist is going to get my wall space.” Jill retired from Texas State in January 2013 and has been busier than ever, keeping her wall space filled in galleries around the country. “I paint six days a week. Sometimes two hours a day, sometimes ten. It truly is my life. When I am not painting, I am studying, thinking, creating, imagining. I can’t pick up a magazine or go into the grocery store without looking at colors and bodies and clothes and shoes. I work all the time, but I really love what I do, so I sort of feel guilty calling it ‘work.’” So the moral of this story can be whittled down to a handful of phrases from an unlikely source—an old taxman from the Texas border. “If you’re not happy, get out”… “Follow your heart”… “Don’t look back”… Jill kicks back on the floor of her studio, surrounded by canvases in various stages of completion, brushes of all sizes, and blobs of colorful paint. She says, “I am not sure exactly how I got here. I’m happy. Being an artist is who I am, and who I’ve always wanted to be, and I cannot imagine life any other way.”
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201 3
E K R A S M hands on
artisan | ärtizən|
noun a worker in a skilled trade, esp. one that involves making things by hand In the age of IKEA, Pottery Barn, and planned obsolescence, we find ourselves throwing our hands into the air. “They don’t make things like they used to,” we say, as we follow the “simple” instructions to assemble our cheap, factory-made, rickety, particle board furniture. But, if you cruise around, you’ll find a new breed of artisans continuing in the tradition of making hand-crafted high quality goods. Wood, hide, iron, precious stones, and glass have been raw materials for artisans for countless centuries. The beauty of looking at objects made from decades and centuries ago is being able to imagine that someone’s hands shaped the creation you behold. The item is unique, one of a kind. Here are a handful of local neighbors who still make stuff the old fashioned way - with their hands.
Words & Photos by Eric Morales 14 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 10.13
Michael Colca
Reagan Smith
Roy Bellows
Misty Evans
Wes Sweetzer 10.13 | SMTX | BOBCATFANS 15
Glass sculpture “Imagination”
Wes Sweetzer & Justin Catron (left to right)
Wes Sweetzer & Justin Catron The Balance between art and Commerce Town: Wimberley | Mediums: Glass and Light | Years: 21
Walking into the storefront at Wimberley Glass can give one a feeling of childlike awe. Shiny objects draw the onlooker in the showroom. The artists working that day, Wes Sweetzer and Justin Catron, were laid back, welcoming, and eager to share every aspect of the work they were doing. They begin by heating the glass and rolling it out to create the length they need. Then they heat it up again and begin to blow air into it so that they can expand and shape it. But, a closer inspection of these shiny objects only heightens the awe. Tools controlled by human touch create the intricate details, colors and contours. It’s akin to wizardry. It feels mysterious. Vases and lamps contain the same magic as a glass sculpture of an aging man’s head. Tim de Jong, the owner and head Gaffer, has found a balance between art and commerce. With an unassuming demeanor and casual conversation, Tim tells me about his worldwide clients. Creating custom lighting, Tim and his team ensure that a place is not only well lit but also beautifully lit. Challenges include safety, of course. According to Tim, when work-
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ing with something like glass, one of the many challenges is making it so it maintains integrity under stressful situation (doesn’t break). But, that’s all in the physics. One of coolest aspects of the Wimberley Glass Works’ process is that anyone can see how they do it. They have a special viewing room in which a person can watch the artist molding heated glass into beautiful works of art. We could continue to describe this, but we recommend you take a 15 minute cruise down RR 12 towards Wimberley and check it out for yourself. Looking to buy? wgw.com Facebook: /wimberleyglassworks | @WimberleyGlass Contact info: Ph: 1-800-929-6686
Roy Bellows Working on the Edge of Risk Town: Buda | Mediums: Iron and steel | Years: 37 I’m lost in the sleepy town of Buda. I’m looking for IronForge, but Google Maps has taken me to a house. Google Maps has led me astray before, so I call. Mrs. Bellows answers and kindly directs me about 4-5 houses down. It’s a picturesque house that one might expect to find in Buda’s historic district. Behind the house are a couple of sheds. I’m led back there to find Mr. Bellows making some small preparations for my arrival. He stands before two doors covered in sketches and quotations from a myriad of his own inspirations. Looking around, even the tools he uses look like finely crafted pieces of art that he then uses to make more art. The only thing that convinces me that I haven’t been teleported back in time is the fact that Mr. Bellows is sporting a comfortably baggy tee shirt and blue jeans. When asked about what inspires his work, Mr. Bellows responds, “I like working on the edge of risk. I like to do things that I don’t really know how to do. Things happen that way, you know?” he says with a smile.
Designed and made signage for GSD&M in Austin.
Mr. Bellows has no problems satisfying his client’s needs, since his art is how he makes his living. “I’ll do anything that people ask. I’m making a weather vane, a canopy bed, key chains, 50
“when you’re doing something like this, there’s only one of a kind”
The same tools that have been used for centuries
Meteorite Rings
feet of fence,” he says as he brings out a model design of the fence. He welcomes every challenge, every new experience. He goes on to talk about automation (machine production, no human hand at all) in comparison to what he and his kind do. “But when you’re doing something like this, there’s only one of a kind. It’s a different story. That’s what appeals to me. Heated iron.” BELLOWS FORGE was founded in 1976 in Fredericksburg, Texas, and is now located in Buda. ROY BELLOWS studied drawing and painting with Warren Hunter at his La Villita School of Art in San Antonio in the late 1950s. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art History from the University of Chicago in 1966.
He learned the basics of blacksmithing from Frank Turley at Turley Forge in Santa Fe, New Mexico, in 1974. He apprenticed with Toni Benetton in Mogliano Veneto, Italy, in 1980. He was one of Benetton’s last students at the Accademia Internazionale del Ferro Battuto, and he was one of only two Americans to have ever worked with him.
Looking to buy? bellowsforge.com Facebook: /Bellows-Forge Contact info: Ph: (512) 504-3539
Designs begin at the drafting table.
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“I started this because I love doing it.”
His work begins with sketches that undergo several stages before they are transferred onto the leather. After all the pieces are cut, the leathers are dyed and then it’s all stitched and riveted together—everything by hand. Currently his products can be found on Etsy. His wallets were, for some time, within the top 6 selling wallets on Etsy. He keeps a few wallets in bulk, but the bags are made to order. Meaning that, the bag you order was made just for you. Reagan has shipped to Canada, Russia, China, New Zealand, the Ukraine, and all over the United States (mostly the West Coast). He’s even had offers and bulk orders from boutique retailers that he has to turn down because of his current priorities. “I started this because I love doing it. I never wanted it to be just a business. I still enjoy it, and I don’t want it to become stressful. And, I like spending time with the bags, putting my work and my love into it. They are something I’ve created, and I take pride in all of them.”
All leather bags made to order.
Reagan Smith A Student of Leather Town: San Marcos | Mediums: Leather | Years: 2
Reagan Smith is a sculpture student at Texas State University. He is part of a young crop of hard-working, inspired artists coming out of the university. He has been working with all sorts of materials during his studies. Wood is one of his favorite mediums to work with, but he also loves leather. Reagan is monochromatically fashioned in a light earth-toned t-shirt and brown pants. He blends in with the surrounding wood benches, tables, the leather and tools.
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After graduation, Reagan is unsure. “A lot could change in the next couple of years. I’ll always have this if I ever need it, but I’m not a big future planner. I don’t like to be tied down to one thing.” So, my advice: order a handcrafted bag made just for you while you can. With such craftsmanship, you’re probably looking at a lifetime investment. Looking to buy? etsy.com/people/reagansmith21
Walk right in.
No appointment needed. Open late and weekends.
512.353.6425
M-F 9 a.m. - 9 p.m. Sat/Sun 8 a.m. - Noon 1941 North IH35, Suite 101A on the frontage road at Wonder World Drive
The hands behind our da Vinci Robotic Successes belong to a dad, husband, golfer and wakeboarder
Now oering virtually scarless surgery through single-site da Vinci procedures.
Dr. Erik Anderson, General Surgeon, is now performing more successful single site procedures than any other physician in the Austin-SA region. Find out why more people choose da Vinci Robotic surgery at Central Texas Medical Center.
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Misty’s necklace features ombre carnelian brick shaped stones, 14k gold fill metals and hand cut deer skin leather ties.
“I know I’ll get to the point where I can make it a flourishing career.”
Misty Evans Handcrafting Chic Town: Kyle | Mediums: Gold, Sliver, and Stone | Years: 5 Hammering the wire in each design creates strength and allows for aesthetic design elements.
Misty Evans, upon first meeting, is the every-woman of aspiring jewelry designers. Working out of a home in a small suburban maze in Kyle, Evans is working on “edgy, chic, modern design” jewelry. Actually, Misty studied interior design and had her own business. In 2008, her daughter was conceived, and she began spending more time at home. Finding herself becoming a full-time mother, but needing something to feed her creative side, she took to something she could do from home, at her own pace. But, that pace is picking up for her, and she’s loving it. She’s been doing her research. “I am still learning, and I don’t really know what I’m doing yet,” she laughs. “But, I am getting there, I know I’ll get to the point where I can make it a flourishing career.”
Bracelet Mandrel - a heavy stainless steel cast bar that mimics the taper of the human arm
“Brigitte” chandelier earrings in wrapped 14k gold fill with aqua chalcedony and peach moonstone
Csillawear, on Congress in Austin, is one of her main accounts. Dolce Blu in The Domain also carries her jewelry and a couple of others locally. A small claim to fame is that one of her clients is Meg Caswell, season 6 winner of the HGTV show Design Star. The ideas, at times, just pop into her head. She keeps a sketch pad with her for when these ideas strike. She’s been biding her time. Her daughter is now 4 years old and will be starting school soon. At that time, Evans will be able to shift more of her energy from being a full-time mother toward her art and business. The most exciting thing for Evans is that her business could go anywhere. She is interested in creating cabinetry knobs and sculpture. She’s looking forward to getting a soldering iron and a kiln so that she can continue delving deeper into the creation of handcrafted, original pieces. Looking to buy? mistyevansdesign.etsy.com Facebook: /MistyEvansDesign1 | @MistyEvansDzine Contact info: Ph: 210-831-7519
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The Morley Rocker Modern design meets exceptional comfort in this completely unique rocking chair.
“No product comes out of here without hand work. The tools simplify some of the processes”
Michael Colca The Joy of Wood Town: Driftwood | Mediums: Wood | Years: 22
“It’s the desire to create, the drive to express. If I’ve got something to do at the workbench all day, it almost doesn’t matter what it is. You’re in the midst of this process. There’s just hardly anything more satisfying than that,” says Mr. Colca in an opening statement when asked about his work and inspiration.
Michael and Phil use raw muscle to create the shape of a chair.
“When you start working a piece of wood, you experience the beauty and the mystery that lies inside. The smell, the texture, the look… Every piece of wood is picked for how it will contribute to the composition. This is going to make the legs because of this, this will make the panels, etc. Things that you don’t really notice, but you notice.” “No product comes out of here without hand work. The tools simplify some of the processes, but it all has to be hand fit, hand finished and detailed.” Michael and Phil begin to work on part of a chair. The pieces have been prepared, so they are only going to glue and shape the wood. Around the shop is another chair in mid-process, and off to the side is their first working model, or prototype, for the guys to use as a reference when working on the final products. There are physical struggles to bend the chair (by hand), there is focused concentration, and there are bouts of laughter. There is joy in the work. And, ultimately, it isn’t work.
The same chair at a later stage in the process.
“I want people to say later, ‘the person who did that work really cared about what they were doing.’” It will be difficult to ever look at a chair the same, when someone like Mr. Colca elevates and combines art and function. Looking to buy? michaelcolca.com Contact info: Ph: 800-972-5940
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This custom designed altar for Immaculate Conception Parish in Industry, Texas, was commissioned to reflect the gothic arches of the stained glass windows in the church.
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SMTX | chewed and brewed | October 2013 |
SAUSAGE
Hays County BBQ Moving Soon To: 1612 IH-35 San Marcos, TX 78666
In France they are sausissons and in Germany, wurst. The art of sausage making has been celebrated by tastebuds for centuries.
(Next to Texas Roadhouse)
Parking Lots lots more.
Attire Like any real BBQ place, you can pretty much get away with wearing whatever you’d like. Coming from a business meeting? That’s fine, just tuck that tie into your shirt. Coming from class? Cool, bring a friend or two.
Hours Monday through Saturday 11am - 8pm Closed Sunday
Hays County BBQ With Hays County BBQ’s recent Top 50 BBQ glory in Texas Monthly, it would be natural to make the leap in thinking they have great smoked sausage as well as killer brisket and fantastic ribs. And that guess would be completely correct. Their sausage is hand made in-house, and it’s nothing short of great. The casing on their hand-made sausage links snap and pop, like
The Good Grub Guide highlights the dishes and neighborhood favorites in the area’s food scene. They are reviewed and selected by the editorial staff.
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KEY
every perfect smoked sausage should. The meat is perfectly smooth and not at all gritty. The taste is pure BBQ bliss. If you like a little spice, try their Jalapeno Cheddar paired with the tangy sauce. While this place is only 6-years old, they are already on their way to becoming legendary, so head on out and grab some homemade sausage from one of the state’s best places!
Delivery Happy Hour Outdoor Seating
$$$ Most Entrees over $20 $$ Most Entrees $10 - $20 $ Most Entrees under $10
| Dish Reviews By Katie Lewis |
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| SMTX | Good Grub Guide Hays County BBQ & Catering With excellent reviews across the board, and a TEXAS MONTHLY TOP 50 pick, this is pit BBQ done with true central Texas tradition. The house made cheddar & jalapeno sausage is simply amazing. Their slow smoked brisket, turkey, ribs and chops satisfy every time. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 2601 Hunter Road, San Marcos (512) 392-6000 $
Friesenhaus This charming little eatery is where it feels like Oktoberfest all year long and you can’t help but breathe in the smell of authentic German sausages and schnitzels. The Currywurst, a German street-food staple, is ultra savory and a tad tart and goes amazing with a gold German beer. The accompanying picked red cabbage was both crisp and tender and was just plain fantastic. If you’re up for a sausage adventure the sampler is a good way to go. It comes with one Friesenhaus original bratwurst, one Friesenhaus smoked bratwurst and one weisswurst, served with German fried potatoes and sauerkraut. The wait staff is incredibly knowledgeable and they’re more than happy to guide you through the German traditions. 148 S. Castell Ave, New Braunfels
AMERICAN Cool Mint Café Just off campus is a slightly hidden 1920s Arts and Crafts Bungalow style café. With fine dining in mind, Cool Mint chef serves only the freshest ingredients. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sat. 415 Burleson St, San Marcos (512) 396-2665 $$ Gill’s Fried Chicken A San Marcos original, Gill’s serves up crisp, golden, and super juicy fried chicken. While you’re there, sink your teeth into the southern staple, fried okra. It truly is something to rave about. Lunch and dinner daily. 2550 Hunter Rd, #1112, San Marcos (512) 353-3113 $ Grins Grins is a true San Marcos icon that continues to be enjoyed by several generations of students and locals. Head on over and order a juicy burger or mouth-watering chicken fried steak. Don’t forget to grab a frosty margarita and dine on their outdoor patio. Lunch and dinner daily. 802 N LBJ, San Marcos (512) 392-4746 $ 26 BOBCATFANS | SMTX | 10.13
Gristmill Located along the Guadalupe River in historic Gruene, this massive restaurant is perfect for a family outing. It has a cheerful and warm atmosphere, and as for the food--it’s just plain delicious. Be prepared though, there is usually a wait, but it’s well worth it. 1287 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels (830) 625-0684 $$
ASIAN A-Tan Asian Bistro & Sushi Bar This little Asian bistro has, simply put, the best darn sushi in New Braunfels. The food at A-Tan is consistent, fresh and inspired. Their most popular roll, the Guadalupe, is not only huge, but ultra delicious. Craving soup? Their egg drop is certainly one-of-a-kind. 1528 Common Street, New Braunfels (830) 620-1888 $$$ How Do You Roll? How Do You Roll is an interactive fusion sushi joint where you pick the ingredients for whatever taste you’re in. Each roll is made quickly from fresh ingredients, right before your eyes. Choose from a large selection of sauces, wraps and toppings. Try the
420 roll. You won’t regret it! How Do You Roll is delicious, inexpensive and fun. 420 University Drive, San Marcos (512) 393-2221 $ Prik Nam Pla Thai Cuisine Prik Nam Pla has quickly become known for their traditional and mouthwatering curry dishes and lip-smacking fish cakes. The service is consistently accommodating and ultra friendly. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 1917 Dutton Drive, Ste 104 San Marcos (512) 396-9919 $ BYOB
BARBECUE Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ Want to talk about amazing dry-rub barbeque? Head on over to Cooper’s Old Time Pit BBQ. The best time to go is during the weekend, where you can order their ever so succulent, off-the-bone pork chop. This chop is SO flavorful you wouldn’t even want the sauce. 1125 Texas 337 Loop New Braunfels (830) 627-0627 $$
Milt’s Pit BBQ Located in the downtown district, it’s barbeque Kyle residents visit over and over again. They’re the ones with the finest sauce you never saw coming. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. cash only. 208 W Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-4734 $ BYOB
BREAKFAST & TACOS Lolita’s Café This taco stand is arguably the Mecca of San Marcos breakfast tacos. With their two drive-thru windows, and a walk up service area, it’s always easy to grab and go. All of the ingredients are prepared fresh daily, bright and early every morning. You’ll never be disappointed. If you’re SUPER hungry, try their Burrito California, packed full of rice, beans, pico, lettuce and your choice of meat, but don’t forget to ask for extra napkins! 1501 Aquarena Springs, San Marcos (512) 392-3441 $ Pike Restaurant & Antiques Formerly an old Ford dealership, the atmosphere is both vintage and exciting. This place is fantastic for brunch. Their omelets are especially delicious. Breakfast and lunch daily. 386 W. San Antonio St, New Braunfels (830) 387-4594 $$
GLOBAL
Euro Café & Market Now here’s a local joint where you actually want to try something new every time you go back. The menu features authentic Mediterranean-style entrees, including Gyros, kebabs and delicious inspired specials. 350 North Guadalupe Street, San Marcos (512) 392-6044 $ Vodka Street Conveniently located on The Square, this classic bistro and bar serves up amazing tapas, burgers, and Sun-
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| SMTX | Good Grub Guide day brunch. The food is beautifully presented and along side the more elevated and inventive dishes, they serve up old-fashioned favorites. Dinner daily. Sunday brunch. 202 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 396-4260 $
ITALIAN ilario’s This quaint little trip to Italy is great for any occasion. The menu features old style pizzas and an array of popular Italian dishes with delicious garlic bread at a reasonable price. They’re also serving up some local TX wine. Lunch and dinner daily. 5401 S. FM 1626, Kyle (512) 268-3300 $ Italian Garden With just a short walk from campus, this little restaurant has become a local staple. They’re serving up consistently delicious dishes that are easy on the pocketbook. Lunch and dinner daily. 415 North LBJ Drive, San Marcos (512) 392-8730 $
MEXICAN Chimy’s Cerveceria This is what you get when you blend a fun college bar with a mouth-watering Mexican food joint. Chimy’s is perfect for a quick bite or relaxing with a stiff margarita after a long day on the river. Come on by to watch the game while scarfing down ridiculously delicious fajita nachos. Lunch and dinner Mon-Sat. 217 E. Hopkins, San Marcos (512) 216-6175 $ Garcia’s Mexican Food Restaurant Garcia’s is Tex-Mex at its finest. Now with two locations in San Marcos, it’s easy for you to try their terrific chips and flavorful salsa. Dive into their terrific fajitas and cheesy enchiladas. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily 1917 Dutton Drive, San Marcos (512) 353-0099 $ Zookas Ultimate Burrito Can you guess what the most common response to hearing the word ‘Zookas’ is? “Obsessed!” Zookas puts other
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Sean Patrick’s Bangers and Mash isn’t something that you see every day, but at the gastro-brew-pub Sean Patrick’s, this old school dish from across the pond is served up daily. It’s a combination of Irish beef and pork sausage, covered in a piquant onion gravy with colcannon mash. Now, if you’re scratching your head, wondering what colcannon mash is, know it’s rich and delicious, and is traditionally prepared from mashed potatoes and cabbage with milk, butter, salt and pepper. It’s the quintessential side dish for savory sausages and gravy. It even has a song written about it! No joke. 202 E. San Antonio St., SMTX burrito chains to shame. Serving up endless combinations with unusual sauces and wrap flavors, this is truly the ultimate burrito shop. Lunch and dinner daily 312 University Drive Ste A San Marcos (512) 353-3913 $
PIZZERIA Brewster’s Pizza Take a drive through the Hill Country and stop for an amazing pizza and inventive house-brewed craft beer. The Omnivore Pie, complete with spinach, is a favorite. You can customize your pie with a wheat crust for a slight flavor twist. Lunch and dinner Tues-Sun. 9595 Ranch Road 12, Wimberley (512) 847-3299 $$ Gumby’s Pizza & Buffet Gumby’s is a typical college pizza joint, but with a hot lunch buffet and a beautifully fresh salad bar. There are daily specials and who can forget the famous Stoner Pie. Gumby’s is perfect to soak up the booze after a night out on the town.
Lunch buffet daily. 403 North Guadalupe Street San Marcos (512) 754-8629 $
PUB/SPORTS BAR Center Field Sports Bar & Grill This sports bar is both warm and inviting with its delicious array of spicy wings and juicy burgers. Watch out though, their huge portions of French fries are extremely addicting! You’ll have plenty to sit through an entire game. Lunch and dinner daily. 200 West Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-1400 $ Mozie’s Bar & Grill You’ll always find yourself standing in some true history when you’re in the cozy town of Gruene. Mozie’s Bar & Grill is part of that history. The space, while narrow and long, is a perfect setting to eat delicious food. You can’t go to Mozie’s and not get the amazing Shiner beer-battered onion rings and famous fish tacos!
Lunch and dinner daily. 1601-A Hunter Road, New Braunfels (830) 515-1281 $$ Sean Patrick’s Located on The Square, this beautiful Tex-Irish pub features the largest tap beer selection in all of Hays County. From their delicious Guinness Burger to the more traditional Bangers & Mash, Sean Patrick’s has something for everyone to enjoy. Lunch and dinner daily 202 East San Antonio Street, San Marcos (512) 392-7310 $
SANDWICHES Mochas and Javas A local favorite for studying, web surfing, or catching up with friends, this coffee shop serves a variety of heavenly panini sandwiches. Breakfast and lunch daily. 700 N LBJ Drive #103, San Marcos (512) 396-5282 $
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| SMTX | Good Grub Guide Pedestrian Café Located in Mimi’s Trailer Park, this food truck combines an array of robust and fresh flavors to form an epic meal. Each dish is hearty with various sides to accompany whatever your heart desires. Lunch and dinner daily. 301 N Guadalupe St., San Marcos (512) 618-5411 $ Which Wich Sure, here’s one of your typical sub sandwich food chains, but they really do have a crispy style and distinct zest of their own. Which Wich is quick, close to campus and, of course, affordable on any budget. Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. 302 University, San Marcos (512) 396-4924 $ The Leaning Pear Venture out into the beautiful hill country and make sure to stop at The Leaning Pear. The chef has the gift of fusing flavors that will surpass your imagination. There isn’t a dish that will disappoint. Lunch daily, dinner Fri-Sat. Closed Tuesday.
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111 River Rd, Wimberley (512) 847-7327 $ Naturally Featuring outstanding homemade quiche and yummy sandwiches, this place is great to take the edge off during your lunch break. The salads and smoothies are a great alternative for a healthy meal as well. Lunch Mon-Sat. 1102 N. Walnut, New Braunfels (830) 214-6300 $
STEAKS & SEAFOOD Bordeaux’s Serving up filet mignon and fresh seafood like it’s nobody’s business with sides that are just as scrumptious. Located in the heart of Kyle, Emeril Lagasse has dined there to enjoy Chef Larson’s menu. Dinner Mon-Sat. 108 West Center Street, Kyle (512) 268-3463 $$$
KOBE Steakhouse Hibachi grill for steaks & seafood, terrific sushi, happy hour and Asian cuisine all in one! KOBE serves up any combination you’re craving. Lunch and dinner daily. 515 Springtown Way, San Marcos (512) 396-7200 $$ McAdoo’s Seafood Company This Cajun style seafood restaurant and bar has wonderful food and impeccable service to go along with it. Have a drink at the bar while you wait to be seated, then enjoy fresh oysters, fish, or crawfish. Overall, it’s a great fine dining experience for a night out on the town. Lunch and dinner daily. 196 Castell, New Braunfels (830) 629-3474 $$$ Myron’s Prime Steak House Sophisticated and upscale, yet relaxed, this prime steakhouse offers succulent steaks and seafood. The menu is a-lacarte, so everyone can experience a little bit of everything. Dinner daily. 136 North Castell Avenue, New Braunfels. (830) 624-1024 $$$
Pedernales’ Octoberfest This limited edition brew, and by limited we mean that the upand-coming Pedernales Brewing Company out of Fredericksburg only made 120 barrels of this seasonal gold. It’s on tap at Sean Patrick’s this month while supplies last. (ABV 6.4%)
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