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Contents | NOVEMBER 2014 |
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26
18
BOBCATFANS
SMTX
8. HAPPENINGS
06. WINE & WASSAIL
10. HAPPY HOUR
08. SIGHTS & SOUNDS
12. RACQUETBALL
10. BAKERY
14. FALL FASHION
12. SPICE LIFE
16. BACK STAGE
14. BLACK’S BBQ
18. DANCE SCHOOL
18. TASTE OF SAN MARCOS
COVERS
20. SURVIVAL GUIDE
26. BREWED
BOBCATFANS Photo by Will Bowling
OL DROTHLY• R B OF WO R GRU EA •
TH
THE
EY
WED CHE
WED & BRE
RESTAURANT Celebrating Smoked Meats, Cocktails & Tradition
• WINE & WASSAIL WALK •
P.10 VOTE FOR...
G O DO W N TO W N N OV 15 AN D S T RO L L F RO M S HO P TO S HO P FO R AElections G O O D T I M EAre W I TComing, H A G L AS S O F W I N E
P.6 Meet The Candidates
• FRESH PAN DE HUEVO •
P.12 FARMING BODIES
TRENDY SWEETS YOU’D SEE IN A MODERN-STYLE BAKERY, FLAKY DELIGHTS YOU THOUGHT ONLY FOUND IN SOUTH S.A. So San Marcos, So Creepy, So Gnarly
NOVEMBER | 2014
P.10
• TWISTED X BREWERY •
P.14 “RENT”
TRAVEL DOWN TEXAS FM ROAD 150 TO SIP, GULP, AND CHUG ON SOME OF THE IN HAYSPlay COUNTY TheTASTIEST AwardSUDS Winning OpensP.26 October 7th
Kent Black’s BBQ Outdoor Bar Patio
SMTX Photo by Robert Lerma
24. BREAKFAST TACOS 32. BASKETBALL POSTER
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THE BEST NEW
22. OPERATION TURKEY
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PUBLISHER Rick Koch
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CONTRIBUTORS Xander Peters Tiffany Matthews Jordan Gass-Poore Brodie Corinth Heather Yzaguirre Andres Sotomayor Devin Glenn Robert Lerma
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Copyright 2014, BOBCATFANS LLC 139 E. Hopkins Suite B San Marcos, TX 78666 All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or part is prohibited. SMTX | BOBCATFANS Magazine is not affiliated with Texas State University.
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Events & Happenings | NOVEMBER 2014 |
Fun Fun Fun Fest November 7-9
Brought to you by Transmission Events, Fun Fun Fun Fest sets up stage at Auditorium Shores for its ninth annual, weekend-long, alternative music and comedy collaboration. This year, bands and artists headlining the festival include Judas Priest, Modest Mouse, Nas, Girl Talk and many, many more. Friday - Sunday, November 7-9 @ Auditorium Shores 800 W. Riverside Dr, Austin
8
LOUDPVCK
Veteran’s Day Parade
Bobcat Football
November 7
November 8
November 8
The Marc and AfterDark Entertainment continue their successful efforts to bring quality EDM and party music to San Marcos with LOUDPVCK on the first Friday of the month. Get your tickets online before they sell out. Event is 18+. Friday, November 7 @ The Marc 120 E. San Antonio St.
The annual Veteran’s Day Parade takes place downtown in commemoration of all of those, both local and across the nation, who have served in the armed forces. Grab a free breakfast and take the kids out to catch some candy. Saturday, November 8 @ 8:30a - 12p @ Downtown San Marcos
The Texas State Bobcats take on the Georgia Southern Eagles at Jim Wacker Field for yet another Sunbelt Conference showdown on the second Saturday of the month. So shine your tailgates off and get the grills ready, because your opportunities to catch the Bobcats at home are running out. Saturday, November 8 @ Bobcat Stadium 1100 Aquarena Springs Dr.
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11th Annual Texas Author Day November 9 The 11th annual Texas Author Day will take place at the San Marcos Public Library. A slew of Lone Star literature favorites will be available for book lovers of all ages to hear, speak and read from their works. Sunday, November 9 @ San Marcos Public Library 625 E. Hopkins St
2014 Wurstfest November 7-16 Join in the unique annual celebration rich in German culture and full of Texas fun! Located near the headwaters of the beautiful Comal River in New Braunfels. You’ll enjoy good food, music, dancing, exciting carnival rides and games, German & Texan beer, special events and the finest in Alpine and Bavarian style entertainment. Daily, November 7-16 @ 178 Landa Park New Braunfels
Eye of the Dog Home Show November 28-30 The local Eye of the Dog Art Center presents a display of 30 different artists collections in a variety of mediums, including clay, painting, jewelry, textile and much more. Admission is free, as well as entertainment from live music and an opportunity to do your holiday shopping in a creative atmosphere. Friday - Sunday, November 28-30 @ Eye of the Dog Art Center 405 Valley View West Road
Pink Heals 5k November 8 Dave Graybill of Arizona, founder of the non-profit organization Pink Heals, brings his long distance running event and a Pink Heals rally to town. All proceeds raised will be donated to the Emergency Cancer Fund through Central Texas Medical Center’s Foundation. Saturday, November 8 @ Downtown San Marcos
Wine and Wassail Walk November 14 Kick off the season’s holiday cheer with an evening in historic downtown San Marcos at the second annual Wine and Wassail Walk, benefiting United Way of Hays County and the San Marcos Main Street Program. Tour local retail businesses while being served a variety of wines, homemade wassail and paired hor d’oeuvres. Friday, November 14 @ 5:30 p.m. @ Downtown San Marcos
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Happy Hour Specials | NOVEMBER 2014 |
Pomegranate Basil Martini Bokotini
Blueberry Paloma
Side Car Moscow Mule
PALMERS Think Palmer’s Restaurant Bar & Courtyard is all food and no fun? Let me let you in on a little secret. Palmer’s has got some of the most creative, mouthwatering, and simply put, heavenly cocktails in San Marcos.
218 Moore St San Marcos, TX 78666 (512) 353-3500
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| Photos Ashley Haguewood |
RESTAURANTS LOUIE’S BEER GARDEN
BOBCAT NATION
$.50 Chips & Salsa $2 Wells & Domestics Daily @ 3pm – 6pm 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393
$3.99 Street Tacos $1.50 Ritas (All Day) $2 Domestic Bottles $2.50 Wells $3 Infused Liquors Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 119 E. Hutchison St. (512) 878-8862
CHIMYS CERVECERIA $2 Ziegen & Cans $3 Fireball $3 Cuervo $4 Special Shots Everyday Specials 217 E Hopkins (512) 216-6175
SEAN PATRICK’S
$3 Off Select Appetizers $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
GRINS
$.99 Margaritas $5 Baby Beer Buckets Mon-Th @ 2pm - 10pm 802 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-4746
GUMBY’S
VODKA ST.
$1.50 Ziegenbock (All Day) $4.20 Ziegenbock Pitchers Mon-Wed @ 9pm-11pm 403 N. Guadalupe St. (512) 754-8629
Half Price Appetizers $3 Wells, $1 Off Drafts Mon-Fri @ 3pm - 7pm 202 N LBJ Dr. (512) 396-4260
BARS BLACK RABBIT SALOON SHADE ROOFTOP $2.50 Pints PATIO BAR Every Monday 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313
BARFISH LOUNGE $2 U Call It’s Every Tuesday 141 E. Hopkins (512) 558-7399
HARPER’S PUB
$2.50 Wells $2.50 Dom Bottles Daily @ 3pm – 7pm 139 E. Hopkins St. (512) 878-2448
$1 Off All Liquor $2 Off Craft Cocktails Daily @ 5pm – 9pm 127 E. Hopkins St (512) 667-6313
TAXI’S PIANO BAR
Various Daily Specials Mon-Fri @ 6pm - 8pm
202 N. LBJ Dr. (512) 392-3031
TRIPLE CROWN
$1.75 Shiner & XX $2.50 Big Bark & Guinness $1.75 Wells
Mon-Fri @ 5pm - 8pm
206 N. Edward Gary St. (512) 396-2236
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BO BCATFAN S | ATHLETES
Profiles
A NDRE W SCHA FER The Texas State Racquetball Club officially started two years ago. Andrew Schafer was one of the players lucky enough to have a one-on-one lesson with the 10-time number one racquetball player, Kane Waselenchuck, the “Tiger Woods” of the game. HIT AND RUN You think you can’t run very much stuck inside a 20-by40-foot box, but if you’re there playing racquetball, well, there’s a lot of running involved.
- Schafer admitted that he has come away from the courts with large, purple head welts.
The inaugural Krowning Moment Pro Invitational Bobcat Open, which he helped plan, drew the top 15 racquetball players in the world to Texas State and raised more than $13,000 for club gear, equipment and travel, according to Schafer.
“(Racquetball’s) the weirdest sport that seems to be out on The 10-time number one campus,” Schafer said. racquetball player on the His initiation to the weird side International Racquetball Tour, of athletics came in the form Austinite Kane Waselenchuck, of Big Brother. An assigned ended up winning the tournaTexas State fraternity “Big ment, who later agreed to Brother,” that is. coach the Texas State club in Schafer’s freshman self didn’t the near future, Schafer said. know it at the time, but this invitation to play racquetball in the courts at Texas State’s Recreation Center would forever change the way he viewed circular objects.
WALLBANGERS
The concept of racquetball, Schafer explained, is to hit the court twice, the lower you hit the ball the better it is, and When a ball is flying toward eventually you’ll get to the your head at 150 miles an point where the ball will hit the hour, its shape – its very bewall and roll straight across ing—changes. It’s no longer a the floor instead of bouncing. ball that bounces and rolls – Racquetball reminded Schafer it’s a weapon. of baseball. He didn’t get his “college shot” with that sport, PLAYING WITH PROS which he played for 15 years, so he put his time and dedicaSo, safety glasses are a must, and to prevent injuries, tion into racquetball instead. Schafer said it also helps to play with someone who actually knows how to play racquetball.
Schafer’s tenure as the club’s president happened by happenstance.
From there Schafer eventually played tournaments for the now 16 member Texas State Racquetball Club.
Within two weeks of joining the club, he said he was appointed vice president and assumed the presidency shortly after.
Year Junior Studying Psychology Hometown New Braunfels Competition Nov. 15 at TXST Rec Center vs Texas Christian University and Texas Tech 12 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 11.14
| By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photo Eric Morales |
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BO BCATFAN S | FASHION High-low knit button down top in geranium $24.90
FAL L TO WI N T E R Winter’s nearly here, but there’s still time to enjoy the fall’s flowy dresses and skirts. Experiment with the best of summer and winter by combining one of each season, like pants and a strapless or a dress with high lace boots for looks that bring out both your rugged and dainty sides. Simple accessories work best when your outfit already carries a dynamic flair, but don’t hesitate to add a loose knit sweater.
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Skinny military pant in charcoal $29.90 Lace-up ankle boot in black $29.90
Color-block bodycon dress in green/black combo $24.90 Denim chambray pearl snap shirt $22.90
Textured velvet babydoll dress in chocolate $29.90 Platform Mary Janes in black $29.90
| Clothing courtesy Langford Market | Photos Ashley Haguewood |
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BO BCATFAN S | BACKSTAGE
“We had an amazing time [in Shanghai]; we played to 3000 people, they wined and dined us. Our band finally had a glimpse of what it would be like as a household name. Great memories all around.”
“Their dynamic sound could be described as something along the lines of “power folk,” mixed with quicktongued rap verses.”
W i ret r ee p u ts th e pop i n u npopu lar As the music scene in Central Texas continues to mushroom into its own genre much like Nashville once did, Wiretree remains a pioneer of the distinct sound. Initially a solo project based on Kevin Peroni’s homemade recordings, Wiretree is now a quartet that launched themselves onto the local, national and now international tier of performers with catchy songs, a solid album, and great performances. A part of the movement of artists in the Austin area who are credited with steering the scene away from the Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray era, the sound of Wiretree has spread as far East as even Shanghai, China. They were invited to play at the Strawberry Festival, the largest festival of its kind in China, boasting a line-up of over 60 indie and alternative bands from around the world. Their songs are a refreshing mix of so many
genres, from the folky guitar solos, to the power pop choruses to the indie influenced melodies. As they continue to develop who they are as a unit, they become more discernibly pop; the genre that has gained infamous attention from music lovers, critics and society at large. “There’s nothing better than the 3-4 minute pop song. I do like it to be a little unconventional, but make no mistake, I’m making pop music.” And make no mistake, if this is what pop is, then we should all be listening to pop.
Listen Now
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Their albums have progressively illustrated their growth as a band and their interpretation of music and the way that they explore the experience of connecting with listeners, of pushing and pulling at their emotions throughout an album to recreate what they experience as musicians.
wiretree | By Heather Yzaguirre |
THEOUTPOSTSANMARCOS.COM
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512.392.7678 • 1647 Post Road
Amenities subject to change. See office for details.
| Words & Photos Eric Morales |
BO BCATFAN S | ARTS
“Texas State offers a unique approach to dance that is designed to emphasize biomechanical efficiency and to develop a unique aesthetic approach to dance.”
TE XAS STAT E DA NCE SCHOOL
JOI NS R A NKS O F NY U A N D J U I L L I A RD I N N AT I ON ’ S TOP P ROG RAM S Dance-Colleges.com, a site that ranks over 300 university dance programs, placed Texas State’s dance program at number 24 on its annual list. The dance list offers information regarding schools’ majors, diploma selections, program goals and specialties and even campus safety ratings, making it a very comprehensive and effective ranking system. The site is not affiliated with any school or group and clearly indicates this independence to ensure unbiased analysis.
“It has been a joy watching the dance program as it has grown and evolved over the years,” said John Fleming, dean of the College of Fine Arts and Communication.
The dance school provides students the opportunity to explore a wide variety of dance forms and puts extreme value in the role of dance as an art form.
“The quality of the work is clearly evident in their dance concerts. I am proud of my colleagues and am very glad that they and their students are getting the national recognition that they deserve.”
Developing the ability to use those dance forms in educational and performance settings and as a means of developing sound aesthetic values are major priorities in the program.
theatreanddance.txstate.edu 18 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 11.14
@TexasStateDance
| By Heather Yzaguirre | Photos Andres Sotomayor |
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BRAVING THANKSGIVING
THE SURVIVAL GUIDE FOR GOING HOME Simply put, there’s no place like home, especially during the holidays. However, home may not be in quite the same fashion as how you left it. Blatantly speaking, what you could perhaps come to know about your parents may be qualities you’re willing to forget. Because by now, long gone is your dad’s habit of wearing his robe in the morning. To make matters worse, you may have accidentally caught your mother
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sunbathing topless in the atrium. Why?—she forgot the kids were home for break. But there’s hope. With the right approach and just enough halfhearted enthusiasm, even you can learn to laugh at the pinching of your newly acquiring love handles,
| By Xander Peters |
enjoy the relentless re-gifts from your looney aunt, as well as how to act excited about your best friend’s big baby news. Here are our tips for how to survive the always delightful Thanksgiving holiday, and all of the humble family values that come with it.
A LITTLE HEADS UP There’s one big difference between your mother and your roommate: your roommate laughed at how you ripped the fake kitchen drawer off while drunkenly searching for a fork the night before, but your mother didn’t. So unless you don’t mind having a bit of explaining to do in the morning, let your parents know ahead of time that you will be making it home a little late for a Tuesday evening. That is, if you’re lucky enough to not already have a curfew.
BOOZIN’ ON THE DOWN LOW No matter how much those two blonde girls appreciated your “athletic ability” at that pool party this past summer— “athletic ability” as in how you chugged a beer, crushed it on your forehead and did a cannonball into the pool—your aunt visiting from Wisconsin probably won’t find it as impressive.
HELP AROUND THE HOUSE Just because your mailing address has changed doesn’t mean the dirty dishes have forgotten about you. Invest a little charm and cleaning up around the house for your parents. Smile pretty and laugh at your dad’s recycled jokes. Take the dog for a walk around the block (so that you can sneak a quick cigarette, that habit you picked up freshman year.) With enough showing off about how much you’ve matured, they may even invest a couple extra bucks in you.
BUT THEY WERE MY BEST FRIENDS Like I have said before, people change. Maybe you will find yourself amazed at just how far your friends from high school have in so little time. Then again, it could be the exact opposite. Regardless though, try to sneak away from the family for a bit. It could do you some good.
MOMMA’S HOME COOKING No one else can whip up a batch of turkey stuffing on Thanksgiving like your mother does. But anyone with two thumbs can throw together some instant mashed potatoes. That being the case, bring a few extra tub-awear containers to carry any holiday leftovers back for your own hollow, decrepit fridge. Your array of fast food condiments inside the refrigerator door could use the company anyway.
“SO, HOW’S LIFE BEEN AS A STUDENT?” You’re bound to be asked this question at least once—“So, how’s college going?” But instead of telling grandma about those two pledges you made out with at that frat party, just lie. However, that depends on how socially liberal your family is, of course. For all you know, your grandmother may have had her fraternity hay day, as well. TIME WITH THE FAMILY All in all, this is what the holidays are really about, a meal of freshly sliced turkey and watching your uncle fall asleep sitting up afterwards while everyone is watching the Dallas Cowboys game. So appreciate it while it lasts. Because you never know how long any of your beloved family will actually be around to annoy you during the holiday seasons.
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“It struck a chord in me, and I knew at that moment that I had to help bring this service to San Marcos.�
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A FRIEND “AD OPTED” TEX AS STATE ALUMNUS JESSE RUIZ FOR THE AUSTIN-BASED OPERATION TURKEY EVENT IN 2010 TO PROVIDE HIM WITH A FREE THANKSGIVING MEAL, RUIZ SAID. AT THE BEQUEST OF THIS FRIEND, RUIZ VOLUNTEERED TO HELP FEED AROUND 40 HOMELESS RESIDENT S. ONE OF THE PEOPLE HE SERVED THAT DAY WAS A FORMER C O-WORKER OF HIS, A SINGLE MOTHER WHO RUIZ SAID HE HAD SEEN STANDING AT AN AUSTIN INTERSECTION CLOSE TO WHERE HE USED TO LIVE. SINCE 2011 RUIZ HAS HELPED NOURISH THE BELLIES AND HEART S OF SAN MARC OS RESIDENT S THROUGH OPERATION TURKEY. VOLUNTEERS DISTRIBUTED MORE THAN 500 MEALS DURING THE INAUGURAL OPERATION TURKEY IN SAN MARC OS, THE NUMBER D OUBLED THE FOLLOWING YEAR AND C ONTINUES TO GROW EACH HOLIDAY.
Let’s cut to the chase. Why does Operation Turkey exist? We deliver hot turkey meals to (the) homeless, elderly and less fortunate on Thanksgiving Day. We feed 40 percent of the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. When did Operation Turkey start? In the year 2000, it began with a single meal in Austin. Why is it important to provide food to this organization? Our operation in San Marcos is different than chapters in other cities, as we focus on deliveries as well as the homeless. What made you decide to start the San Marcos chapter? As a Texas State grad, I felt called to give back to a community that afforded me the right to an education. How does the organization work with the other chapters? In (San Marcos), I currently work with individuals through their churches or with local business owners from the fitness community to hold fundraisers at their respective gyms.
Where does the food come from? Our main sponsor is US Foods, as they donate a lot of food to each city. However, through fundraising, volunteers and donations, we are able to reach our ever expanding needs and goals. When do you begin accepting food donations? We begin about two weeks out from Thanksgiving Day. Our most commonly donated food item is a frozen turkey. Up until last year we were taking the donations and storing them in a walk-in cooler at Bikini’s in town. How many pounds of food were donated last year? I’m not sure of that number, but we fed well over 1000 people last year alone. How can people become involved with the organization? Please go to: operationturkeysanmarcos.com We’re always looking to expand on our San Marcos operation as we focus on finding yearly donors, volunteers and the battle to discover the most efficient way to stay in touch with the people we serve.
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Invented right here in Texas,
the breakfast taco is consumed by the thousands every single day all around us. This breakfast staple has taken over the menus at nearly every restaurant in our robust little city, as well as in coffee shops, cafés and even gas stations. But why? Is it because they’re small yet hearty? Because they’re portable and easily eaten on the go? They’re also quick, cheap and easy to get, and include all of the breakfast favorites, like eggs, potatoes, bacon, cheese and other delicious meats and spices - the kind we rely on to get our mornings off on the right foot. Not to mention, they’re a pretty amazing cure for even the worst of the worst hangovers. Just saying...
Our favorite ingredients
We took it upon ourselves to seek out and share with you the best breakfast tacos San Marcos has to offer. It was a rough job, but someone had to do it. So after hard work and deliberation, we’re happy to present you with our findings. So without further ado, unwrap the best breakfast tacos of 2014.
Bacon, egg, cheese & avocado
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| By Katie Ogletree | Photos Ashley Haguewood |
TACO TooLS TORTILLAS
The best of the best, the cream of the crop. When it comes to the paramount breakfast tacos in our city, we rounded up a few true breakfast taco connoisseurs and had them search out the most popular varieties, as well as some more interesting combinations, all in the name of finding out which tacos reign supreme.
Most Unique Jo’s Café 310 Mary St (512) 878-8448
Are you put to sleep by the thought of yet another bacon and egg on flour? Are you after something so totally counter to what is found at every restaurant and gas station from here to Mexico? Then Jo’s Café has exactly what you crave. With ingredients like sweet potatoes, fresh avocado and zucchini, you’ll be sure to come up with a combination of ingredients you’ve never thought to put together before, and your breakfast will have suddenly turned from drab and tiresome, to exciting and different.
If you’re a bacon lover, you really need to get yourself a bacon, egg and cheese taco at Wow-Wee’s. The sheer amount of bacon that they stuff these giant tacos with is impressive.
Wow-Wee’s was originally founded in 1989 as “Wow-Wee’s Hamburgers” on Tyler Street in Brownsville, Texas. Wow-Wee’s has been serving Tex-Mex Tacos in South Texas for over 20 years, and the Original Wow-Wee Burrito – a 21”, 2 ½ pound behemoth of a taco, if you can even call that a taco, was the product of requests from local football players. 21” is huge. Giant. And that’s why Wow-Wee’s here in San Marcos has earned its place as biggest taco. But it’s not just big in size; it’s big in flavor!
By THe Dozen
1400 Old Ranch Rd 12 (512) 878-0804
Avocado, sweet potato and mixed veggies
Add avocado and queso fresco to your next bacon and egg taco. What sounds simple is actually absolutely mind-blowing. The creamy avocado is a perfect counterpart to the crispy bacon, the piping hot eggs, and the salty queso fresco. This is one of those taco combos you’ll be telling all your friends about.
biggest
BACon Lovers
Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant
Combo Perfecto
You can purchase their fresh tortillas to go by the dozen! For just $3.99 you can take them home to make your own breakfast tacos, or even just to eat as a snack. They’re that good.
Best Tortillas There really is something special about a fresh, homemade tortilla that’s unlike anything else. The warm, soft and pillow-like texture, combined with the buttery sweetness is pretty much unparalleled. In fact, once you’ve had one, it’s really hard to regard the mass-produced, plastic wrapped variety as anything but a coaster. Lucky , because Chepo’s Mexican Restaurant makes handmade, fresh, and bar-none the best tortillas in all the land.
WoW Wee’s Café 1505 Aquarena Springs Dr (512) 878-0339
Once you’ve had a fluffy, fresh, homemade tortilla, all bets are off. The way you look at breakfast tacos will never be the same. You’ll even start deciding that you like flour better with one variety while you prefer corn for another. It’s a science, really.
FOIL
Breakfast tacos are often wrapped tight in a layer of shiny, aluminum foil, in order to keep your goods piping hot for an extended period of time.
EGGS
The base ingredient to your average breakfast taco, and another element not to be taken for granted. Salty or bland? Scrambled or folded over? Real or fake? You’re bound to find all of the above when you try tacos at different places, and your tastes are your tastes. Slightly salted, scrambled, real eggs seem to be the best of the best when it comes to universal preference.
BACON
One of the most common ingredients in a breakfast taco, and can be found crispy, intact in strips, or crushed up and cooked in with the eggs. Who doesn’t love bacon? A flour tortilla really pairs nicely with the strong bacony smoked flavor.
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TACO T00Ls SAUSAGE Another common ingredient found in breakfast tacos, mild sausages will add a delightful, slightly spicy and incredibly meaty flavor with a familiar and traditional breakfasty feel.
Best Salsa The salsa at Taqueria La Fonda is pretty much the stuff dreams are made of. If your dreams are anything like ours, and are filled with all things 1204 S I H 35 breakfast tacos. Even if your dreams are more (512) 392-8363 normal, once you’ve had a taste of this salsa, they’ll now include visions of this salsa. It’s spicy, sweet, tart, acidic and full of punchy flavors that will keep you on your toes.
Taqueria La Fonda
Try The Nopal That salsa is made even better when poured all over their nopal (sliced and cooked strips of prickly pear) and egg taco on a corn tortilla.
CHEAPEST
Under a Buck Order tacos between 7 - 11am and get any 2-ingredient taco for ONLY $0.99! Scoop up a bacon & potato, or a chorizo & egg, or a bean & cheese. Combos are endless and inexpensive.
Super Burrito on the Square 126 S Guadalupe St (512) 738-8065
If you don’t have much jangle in your pocket, check out one of the newest San Marcos breakfast taco stops, Super Burrito on The Square, right under Rooftop on The Square. While they have the cheapest tacos in town, they certainly do their best to not skimp on flavor. However like anything else in life, you get what you pay for, so don’t expect to have your tastebuds blown away. This TexMex joint knows what’s up for college students who are on a budget.
UP THE ROAD The Diamond Shamrock Wimberley
The Diamond Shamrock 14410 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, TX 78676 (512) 847-1002
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The Diamond Shamrock is Wimberley’s go-to for consistently fresh and delicious breakfast tacos for a reason: they just are the best. You order by the day of the week that your favorite tacos are named for. The Tuesday is a chorizo, egg and cheese stuffed in a warm flour tortilla. A Friday is a bacon, potato and cheese in flour, and the Saturday is a potato, egg and bacon in flour. They’re reliable, hot, and cheap. Just prepare for a wait. It’s the most popular spot in town. Call ahead to avoid the wait. Don’t forget to grab some of their spicy Mean Green salsa, or their slightly more mild red. Mouth-watering!
CHORIZO Resembling ground beef, chorizo is usually mixed in with eggs or beans, spreading its deliciously spicy and intense flavor to every bite. Deep red in color, chorizo promises to give your mouth an authentic Mexican kick of spice and meaty satisfaction. Spicy chorizo and egg tacos tend to taste most delicious when paired with a sweet corn tortilla. BARBACOA Meat, usually shredded, slow cooked and stewed beef meat from the head of the animal, served nestled deliciously in a warm flour or corn tortilla all by itself without any eggs or beans or anything like that. Just tender, delicious, flavorful and simple meat. While tradition says head meat, you may just be getting shredded beef shoulder when it comes to some of the less authentic taco stops. PICADILLO Traditionally prepared with cooked and seasoned ground beef, tomatoes and eggs. Best served in a warm tortilla with some delicious, spicy salsa. It’s filling, hearty and an unusual variety to be found on typical menus. If you find it, you should try it at least once. Yum-delish.
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Garcia’s
Lolita’s
Fuego
Wow Wee’s
What you’ll find here at Garcia’s in terms of size of taco is what you’ll find, on average, pretty much everywhere in San Marcos. It’s ultraportable, and while one may not be enough, they’re cheap at $1.62 each, and two can fill you right on up.
Slightly larger than Garcia’s, Lolita’s tacos may just be the perfect size for your on-the-go breakfast demands. They fit perfectly in your hand while you walk or drive, and have just the right amount of hearty ingredients to get your morning off on the right foot, and at just $2.08, it’s a real deal.
One and done, Fuego’s tacos are not the least bit stingy with their fresh and piping hot ingredients. One taco will carry you from the early morning to lunch without a problem, and the flavors may have you coming back for more, which is doable, since they’re open 24 hours a day.
Now this is one BIG taco, and it’s not even the biggest they offer! One will be enough for your breakfast, and maybe even your lunch too! Not only do they have big tacos, but they also put big flavors into their monstrous, homemade tortillas. Though the price tag might be bigger than most, take into account this taco is almost twice the average size. Huge!
Local Favorite Lolita’s Café 1501 Aquarena Springs Dr (512) 392-3441
Taco Royalty
Now, if there’s a breakfast taco that’s touted as being the “best” in all the land, or at least in the San Marcos area, it’s from Lolita’s Café. Everyone’s been there, and if they haven’t, they’ve at least heard of it, or driven past it. There’s nothing fancy about this joint. In fact, it’s quite the opposite. This shack on the side of the road boasts one walk up window and two drive through windows, and long lines that sometimes extend out onto the street, creating quite an interesting traffic situation. But those lines move, and they move FAST.
Family owned and operated, Lolita’s Cafe slings more tacos before noon than most restaurants do in a week, not even exaggerating. The steady stream of customers at their famous shack and at other sales points, like the Mochas & Javas coffee shops and the Texas State University Quad, means the royal family of breakfast tacos in San Marcos are constantly busy daily serving hungry locals from open til close. < Owner Marta
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Newest taco spot Fuego Tortilla Grill 913 N. IH 35 512-754-8226
eat them Fresh Because of their wide variety of ingredients, Fuego tacos are best enjoyed when served, so plan accordingly for a delicious sit down meal. They serve their tacos 24/7, so head in there anytime you want.
OverAll Good tacos Café on the Square
The oldest stop on the breakfast taco tour is also the most beloved by the connoisseurs, and for good 126 N LBJ Dr reason. The Café on The (512) 396-9999 Square is steeped in history and comes complete with good, old-fashioned café fare. But one thing that stands out from the rest is their breakfast tacos. From their perfect size, to the just-right amount of ingredients, to their mouthwatering salsa, the tacos at Café on The Square will make you feel like you’re having a Goldilocks experience in finding the taco that is just right.
Fuego Tortilla Grill is the new kid on the block and has brought some serious breakfast taco heavy weights here to San Marcos. They’re big, fresh, unique and homemade. Check out some of their tried and true tacos, like a bean and cheese or a bacon and egg for a familiar and comfortable breakfast. However, if you’re feeling daring, why not look into their Dr. Seuss, created using roasted hatch green chilies, eggs, bacon, grilled onions, pepper jack queso all on a fresh made flour tortilla, or even their Sunday Brunch taco, with eggs, bacon, sausage, peppers, onions, potato, and poblano queso.
Mexican sausage & Eggs The chorizo at Café on The Square is pretty sensational, spicy and deep without leaving a huge grease stain all over your face, hands and clothes. The smooth texture from the guacamole provides a perfect contrast to the spicy meat and velvety eggs. Add some of their chunky, red salsa for the nice acidity that your mouth will beg for.
Down thE Road Taco Palenque
Born out of Laredo, Texas, in 1987 by Don Pancho, the original founder of El Pollo Loco. This is the standard all taco stands should be measured against. Complimentary chips await you with a salsa bar that is out of this world. “Home of the Pirata” their huge signature taco with two flour New Braunfels, TX tortillas full of juicy and tender fajita beef, refried beans, and melting cheddar cheese is TRUE 1270 N Interstate 35 TexMex. Happily cover your taco with their addicting spicy green salsa guacamole sauce, grilled (830) 214-0561 serranos, salsa tatemada, cilantro, onions, and a slice of lime. No one in their right mind has ever accused this quickly expanding Mexican restaurant of lacking in flavor. It’s muy bueno!
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TACO TOOLS NOPALES Green and delicate cactus, also known as Prickly Pear, slices. They are slightly sweet, bright, and acidic. This veggie pairs deliciously with eggs and tomatoes. Their texture adds something special to the mix, and if you find this stuff on a menu, you’d be wise to order and try it at least once. Delicious when stuffed inside a warm corn tortilla. POTATOES Sometimes, you have the option of adding tender cooked and (hopefully) seasoned potatoes to the mix in addition or instead of your eggs. What you do with these potatoes is up to you. Mix them in or get them alone, they’re a sure way to make sure you stay full from breakfast to lunch. CHEESE Sounds simple but really, it isn’t. To cheese or not to cheese? And what kind of cheese? Is it melted? Creamy? Greasy? Too much? Too Little? Just right? Is it cheddar? Jack? A blend? Is it just delicious melty and gooey queso? Didn’t think about all of that, did you? SALSA A seemingly obvious and simple item to go with your breakfast of champions, however, it’s just not that simple. There’s as many varieties of salsas out there as there are people, and no two are alike, unless they’re not homemade, and they get their stuff from the same distributor. They can come in a variety of colors, textures, flavors, heat levels and temperatures. It’s always fun to sample a new variety, but once you have your favorite, there’s really no comparison.
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C U LT U R
2006
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7PM
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4:30PM
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SM TX | D OWNTOWN
An n u a l W ine and Wassai l Walk Let the holiday cheer come early this year! This year, the Wine and Wassail Walk will take place at shops in and around the downtown square. The walk is a tour of 16 local retail business with an array of contests, specials, homemade wassail, and hors d’oeuvres paired with delicious wine. The Blue Lotus and Torre di Pietra, two nearby wineries, will serve a few of their local blends.
cheerfully decorated downtown while sipping on locally fermented grapes paired with savory bites. The Keith Kelso Band will play live music outside what will be the “UN Cafe,” the night’s central hub where you can find out more about the tour and Hays County United Way, which the event benefits.
#SMTXWINEWALK is a unique night where residents have the opportunity to explore the local businesses that have sprouted up with a glass of wine in their hand. Patrons get a taste of true San Marcos with a stroll around the smtxwinewalk.com
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The walk will be a kickoff to the city’s first Holiday Shop Local Campaign, an effort to get residents and visitors to support local businesses and allow downtown to continue to flourish.
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SM TX | SO SAN MARCOS
“SIGHTS & SOUNDS” For nearly 30 years, countless thousands have joined together for evenings of bright lights and great food at Sights & Sounds of Christmas. This year’s spirited visitors will be greeted not only by Santa via Helicopter, but for the first time ever, festival organizers open their stage to musical talents like Kyle Park to help ring in the holiday cheer.
BETHLEHEM Ever wonder what is was like living in the time of Bethlehem? Explore our Town of Bethlehem and learn past traditions, work with arts & crafts, touch real camels, and make historical desserts. The Town of Bethlehem has been a feature for years. Kids of all ages enjoy this old-time experience.
FOOD YUM! The world famous Kettle Biscuits, Kettle Corn, Funnel Cakes and more! Make sure to bring your appetite to the park for Sights & Sounds and let your holiday cravings run wild with local fixings supporting non-profit organizations. Some lines are just worth the wait!
ICE SK ATING The Sights and Sounds of Christmas is bringing even more holiday cheer with a large ice skating rink. Enjoy skating round and round with family and friends surrounded by millions of Christmas lights and holiday music.
ADMISSION
SANTA By LAND, AIR & RIVER
Nightly Admission is $5. Kids 12-and-under are FREE!!! $7 for all four day wristbands are available for purchase at the San Marcos Activity Center or the Parks and Rec Center office (presale only). Sights & Sounds is December 3-6 at San Marcos Park Plaza.
On opening night, Santa and Mrs. Claus will fly in promptly at 6:30pm and land at the back of the park on the soccer fields. Welcome Santa & Mrs. Claus with a warm holiday welcome and walk through the park to meet them at Santa’s photo area. Don’t forget to bring your wish list! The following nights the world’s most powerful couple will arrive by Harley Davidson, Classic Car, and River Boat.
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KYLE PARK LIVE Watch Texas Country artist Kyle Park as well as 1000’s of kids from across Central Texas perform their favorite songs on stage. Kyle Park brings a new dynamic to the festivities this year when he performs on Thursday night (Dec 4). Giddy Up!
| By Brodie Corinth | Illustration Devin Glenn |
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SM TX | LOCAL
“Where sweets are always in season”
Local bakery brings tradition and trend to San Marc os Where else in San Marcos can you get a homemade Pan de Huevo - just out of the oven - by someone who’s been making them for generations? Baking is in the blood for the owners of City Bakery, an establishment that’s been a part of the San Marcos community for over 25 years and two generations, with family owned bakeries in nearby New Braunfels as well as in San Antonio. What separates City Bakery from other bakeries in town are its high quality, authentic Mexican pastries in combination with its modern fare. Seeing such an array of products is not only an overwhelming sense of pride in the local cultural identity, but an indicator of the actual roots of that identity. San Marcos has played a close cousin to both Austin to the north and San Antonio to the south, and as the growth of the town gains more and more attention, shops like City Bakery show visitors what this town is all about - and has been about for decades. It’s the perfect blend of trendy sweets you’d see in a modern-style bakery, and the flaky delights you thought you could only find in South San Antonio in an unnamed Pandaria. citybakerytx.com
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The traditional fares such as the sweet potato empanadas and fresh daily tortillas are made with recipes handed down from generations of bakers, nearly the definition of authentic. The newer items include brightly colored meringues and very artistically decorated cookies that vary according to holiday. Their much lesser known, their cakes are so magnificent. Colorful, creative, chic towers leave the kitchen bound for weddings, birthdays, quinceaneras, anniversaries, and countless other momentous events directly to their center stages. But the glory in this bakery isn’t in their branding or beautifully overpriced macaroons, it’s in the pride, love and joy that went into building it and transforming those sweets into cultural roots of a town that’s ready to come out of its shell and show off its personality.
City-Bakery (512) 353-2489 | By Heather Yzaguirre | Photos Ashley Haguewood |
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The Santos family comes up with fresh ideas frequently, from taco seasonings to kettle corn.
Adding Spice to your life Inspired by the community of hunters High Caliber Spice provides a healthy and simple way to cook foods with complex flavors.
Y
ears ago, on a whim, Lee Ann Santos entered a homemade barbecue recipe into a cooking contest and, figuratively speaking, ended up taking the cake. This was the event that kicked off the journey that became High Caliber Spice and ended up being a catalyst for a complete life reboot. Inspired by the community of hunters and fishermen, her spices are made to enhance rather than disguise the natural flavors of meats using the most natural and high quality spices. Soon after Lee Ann began making and selling her sauces at local shows and markets, she realized that she was really onto something. Her product’s primary market was within the hunting
realm in Colorado, and she began focusing her energy on targeting it. It wasn’t until she came down to Austin for a barbecue competition sometime in 2012 that the scope of what she could do with this business occurred to her. Imagine, a place where your grill isn’t covered in three feet of snow for half the year. A place that you can cook out for Thanksgiving, or even Christmas. Year round barbecue. Now that’s a place that needs a sauce company. As true as Texans are to their sauce, there’s always room in the pantry for one more, if not just to switch things up every now and then. Now the great debate, which I don’t intend to even attempt to resolve here, is rub versus sauce.
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And luckily, neither does High Caliber Spice. But one thing you can count on is the issue of preservatives and fillers. Sauces and spices are both commonly the victims of ingredients like sodium benzoate and sulphur dioxide. Santos’s sauces and spices are fully organic, with each ingredient hand-picked and modified hundreds of times over to achieve a very specific taste. Looking at the labels, you’ll only find a handful of ingredients, blended intricately to create a one of a kind taste. They’re never processed or pre-packaged, only bottled by the hands of Santos herself. Natural preservatives are favored over cheap alternatives, keeping her sauces as fresh as if you’d just mixed it in your own kitchen.
SAUCES & SPICES Big Game Sauce The go-to product is the Big Game, intended for, well, big game. The marinade tenderizes and infuses the meat with flavor, honoring the spirit of the animal. Jamaican Jerk There’s the Jamaican Jerk, which she continues to make exactly like the day she won her first place prize for it. This one is a bit spicy. Catch Of The Day The hidden gem, though, is the Catch of the Day dry rub for fish and seafood. This spice will blow your simple lemongarlic-butter way out of the water and is just as easy, if not simpler.
highcaliberspice 303-875-82489 | Words and Photos By Heather Yzaguirre |
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IT’S OFF THE BEATEN PATH, THE TOAST OF THE TOWN, AND THE BEST NEW RESTAURANT IN SAN MARCOS THAT KENT BLACK WAS BORN TO OPEN. Kent Black’s BBQ renovation of the old shack on Hull street > 14 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 11.14
| By Katie Olgetree | Photos Robert Lerma |
Before
Before
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< Kent Black stands ready to help you taste the best of Texas BBQ. We recommend the Beef Rib. >
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Truly drool-worthy dishes created using local ingredients, hand-crafted love, and worldly inspiration.
The Stacker, On the Sunday Brunch Menu
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| By Katie Ogletree | Photos Ashley Haguewood|
Vodka Street Global Bistro & Bar 202 N L B J Dr (512) 396-4260
Watermelon Jalapeno Margarita
From Asian flavors to Cajun spice, Vodka Street Global Bistro & Bar travels the world’s cuisine in a fashionable and exciting way. Grab a hand crafted cocktail, relax at their swanky bar, and relax after a hard day’s work. With attentive and thoughtful staff at your fingertips, you can be sure to enjoy every second of your experience. As for the food? There’s something for everyone. Have a hankering for alligator? Cool. They have that. They also have award-winning burgers ready for your hunger to take down that will have you coming back for more, and a delicious variety of pastas. But what you really need to try is the Vodka Street Stacker, available on their Sunday Brunch menu. Enjoy ravioli crisp, bacon, avocado and a fried egg, topped with another crispy ravioli and fried egg, on a bed of fresh pico, smothered in chimichurri. It’s OK. Go ahead and drool. There’s no judgment here.
Vodka Street is a great place to spend your next girl’s night out. With an upscale, sexy feel and a whole slew of delicious cocktails, it’s a perfect spot for you and your ladies to let your hair down. Plus, they’re serving brunch on Sundays, so get your girls together, Sex and The City style, with mimosas and amazing bites.
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Bobcat Nation Sports Bar & Grill 700 N LBJ (512) 667-6393 We’ve got spirit, yes we do! We’ve got spirit, how about you? The folks over at Bobcat Nation Sports Bar & Grill are all about Bobcat Pride, magnificent meals and delectable drinks. While you’re celebrating all things Texas State, chow down on a aptly named San Marcos Dog, slathered with chili and queso, topped with chopped white onion and jalapenos. So good. If dogs aren’t your thing, and wings are what you crave, they’ve got three savory sauces to get you on your way to Flavor Town. Whether you choose Cajun Parmesan, Chipotle BBQ or classic hot wings, you’ll be a happy camper. Of course, nothing goes better with the big sports game than a burger loaded up just like you like it.
San Marcos Dog
Head to Bobcat Nation the Thursday before any Texas State Bobcats football game and you will see an interesting sight: Texas State Head Football Coach Franchione, hanging out, answering questions from Bobcat Nation’s patrons for ESPN’s The Coach Fran Show! That’s right. Come meet Coach Fran, ask questions on air, and drink a Frantini!
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Popeye & Olive Oil Pizza
Harper’s Brick Oven Pizza Pub 139 E Hopkins St (512) 878-2448 The pub everyone loves is slinging out beautifully enticing and wonderfully aromatic artisan pizzas from their piping hot brick oven. Hand made to order, these pizzas will have you head over heels, and jaw-dropped. With varieties like their Popeye & Olive Oil pizza, complete with spinach, olive oil, olives and fresh mozzarella and feta cheeses, and for the meat lover, The Caveman with red sauce, spicy sausage, pepperoni, Canadian bacon should satisfy even the most mammoth of meaty cravings, there’s a pizza to please even the pickiest of palates. And if, for some reason, there’s not a pizza that sounds like it’s going to hit the spot, create your own! They’ve got a plethora of pizzas to make your wildest dreams come true. Wash it all down with a cold beer from their thirst-quenching draught selection, hang out with friends and celebrate the day. Sometimes, there’s absolutely nothing better than pizza and beer.
From the NFL to NBA, if there’s a sports game, they’ve got it on one of their TVs at Harpers! The only difference now is the gourmet pizza. The folks at Harper’s worked tirelessly to ship and install an authentic New York brick oven just for you and all of your hungry friends. Making great pizza, wings and salads happen every single day.
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Be the MVP... with no bench time.
da Vinci Robotic Surgery General Surgery, Gynecological and Weight Loss Procedures Find a list of daVinci surgeons at www.ctmc.org 22 BOBCAT FA NS | SMTX | 11.14
Grin’s Restaurant 802 N LBJ Dr (512) 392-4746 There’s a reason Grin’s Restaurant is a favorite here in San Marcos. Not only are their margaritas delicious, and their prices are legendary at only $0.99 each, they’ve got fantastic food as well. Did you know that aside from margaritas, Grin’s is known for one of the best takes on the traditional Texas favorite, Chicken Fried Steak? You do now. Head over to the restaurant on the hill, grab a seat on their spacious outdoor deck or at a seat facing one of their huge windows, and get down on the tender, juicy and crispy steak with some of their super savory white gravy. Dipped in their Shiner Bock Beer batter, and dusted in seasoned flour, there’s no shortage of flavor here. There’s really nowhere else around that serves it up better in a more fun and relaxed environment. So kick back, relax, get your drink on and enjoy a delicious steak dinner at Grin’s.
Shiner Bock Beer Battered Chicken Fried Steak
Grin’s is a great place to relax with your crew, and did you know happy hour is every single day from 2 p.m. until close? No wonder Grin’s is known for the best happy hour in the city!
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MARDI GRAS
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on the
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Louie’s Oyster House & Beer Garden 119 E Hutchinson (512) 878-8862
Craving the sounds and smells of summer? Louie’s takes care to ensure a comfortable experience all year round. Head over and transport yourself back to the lazy days on the river, endless hours of relaxation, parties and no cares in the world. Hang out on the spacious outdoor patio, complete with heavy duty heaters for the winter months, rain or shine, brisk or balmy, it’s no problem. Warm up with a bowl of Crawfish Bisque, and hearty and flavorful boudin balls or celebrate the memories of summer with their fresh and delicious blackened fish tacos, or a plate of fried catfish or maybe even chow down on one of their sensational burgers. Whatever time of year it is, it’s always summer at Louie’s.
Did you know that the building Louie’s occupies has a lot of history? Way back when, the place used to be a bus station. The buses run elsewhere now but we hear Lyft is servicing the area now, so after you’ve enjoyed a rousing game of washers or pool, and partaken in the huge selection of craft beer, hit up the ride sharing program and get home safely.
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â&#x20AC;&#x153;I just wanted to make beer.â&#x20AC;?
Twisted X uses > Garrison Brothers Distillery bourbon aged barrels. They are hand made with wine wood to give even more flavor. < Jim Sampson, Head Brewer
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Down the twists and turns of Ranch Road 12, in the dead center of tradition and innovation, lies Twisted X Brewery.
in Cedar Park. He made beer there from a three barrel system on nights and weekend while still working days in the tech industry.
Under a powder blue sky, Jim Sampson, founder and owner of this Dripping Springs-based brewery, sat on one of the site’s wooden patio tables and surveyed his surroundings – prior to last October Sampson would have, instead, been sitting inside an office.
This continued for two years until Sampson said he could build a “desired client base.” It got to the point where about 50 bars requested his beer. The brewhouse could only service about 10 of them, he said, so, once permits were acquired, he went and raised funds for the current Twisted X Brewery manufacturing facility.
He left his job with a tech company in Austin once Twisted X Brewery opened at its current location. “I just wanted to make beer,” Sampson said. When Sampson initially tested the amber-colored waters in 2009, after a business deal to open a TexMex restaurant/brew pub fell through, his life became grainy. He continued to brew the Mexican-style lagers he had started for the restaurant, teetering between the light and dark side of the beer world. A dark lager, Twisted X, and Cattle Creek, a light lager, were Sampson’s initial creations. To turn things up a notch, he added the jalapeno pilsner Fuego. This beer helped light the way to the opening of Twisted X Brewery.
“The Cedar Park place was built on purpose to prove to people that this Tex-Mex thing would work,” he said. Anticipation brewed for the grand opening party of Twisted X Brewery last November. From making beer in his house in his home state of Iowa for the past 20 years to celebrating the brewery’s one-year anniversary, Sampson said he wanted to create a place where people feel comfortable to hang out, a place where people want to go. And he has created a “destination-style brewery.” People walked around the site taking photos and wooden planks line its ceiling to commemorate their visit.
“Recipes are easy. If you want to make a beer, you can go out on the Internet and there’s a million recipes for a style of beer,” Sampson said.
The aimless wanderer, the adventurer, the explorer and those visiting the Texas Hill Country were Sampson’s reasons for building Twisted X Brewery in Dripping Springs.
In 2010 Sampson began selling his beer on the market from a 900 foot warehouse-turned-brewhouse
“Let’s drop ourselves in the middle of that and people will accidentally find us,” said Sampson.
23455 W RR 150, Dripping Springs • (512) 829-5323 • texmexbeer.com | By Jordan Gass-Poore | Photos Ashley Haguewood|
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Cypress Creek Reserve distills the spirits of the tropics with Texas pride. Owners David and Laura Watson produce Crystal Rum and an aged Reserve Vanilla variety infused with the distinct, floral twang of Tahitian vanilla beans. David Watson, owner and founder of Cypress Creek Reserve Rum
During David’s travels abroad, he thought about his plans after retirement from his job as a rig welder, a skill that would prove to be handy in his subsequent endeavors. After toying with the idea of importing the distinct varieties of rum he encountered abroad, David decided to just learn to make it himself. After researching and experimenting for years, David began distilling on the property his grandmother bought in 1955. David and Laura share all of the responsibilities down to hand labeling each bottle. After just three years of distribution, the rum can be found in over 140 liquor stores across the state and their vanilla
extract is available in over 90 HEB stores. David and Laura are committed to both contributing to the richness of Hill Country traditions and supporting others with the same dedication – hiring local artists like Blanco-based graphic artist Darlene Penshorn to design the distillery’s logo and label. The distillery’s next phase includes a patio adjoining the tasting room that will feature a full bar serving their white and gold rums and hand-shaken cocktails that compliment them. The couple envisions a convivial space where locals and visitors alike can enjoy good spirits, good company, and the character of the place they love – with a hint of Tahitian vanilla. The tasting room is open Tues.Thurs. from 11:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. and Fri.-Sat. from 11:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. For more information visit www.cypresscreekreserve.com
1400 Jacobs Well Rd, Wimberley, • (512) 847-6874 • cypresscreekreserve.com
Four key components of Cypress Creek Reserve’s Rums: rich molasses, yeast, activated carbon, and pure Tahitian vanilla bean extract.
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| Words and Photos By Ashley Haguewood|
(R-L) Brewery Assistant Calvin Kouba & Owner / Master Brewer David Middleton
Middleton Brewing, a locally owned ripple in the craft beer explosion, upgrades its presence in the microbrewery world. In all frankness, the hipster culture could very well deserve thanks for— well—a few things. The resurgence of burly beards and mustaches, for one, and craft beer’s skyrocketing popularity throughout the nation, for two. Hoppy IPA’s, Pilsner style lagers, imperial stouts—craft beer bars and brewpubs have sprung up like wildfire over the past few years. What was once an almost purely grassroots movement has become big industry, now consuming 10% of a market worth in excess of $100 billion a year. Though, the process of creating such pristine drinkability goes far beyond trendy dive bars and beard oil. Of the already 2,500 microbreweries nationwide (and growing), Dennis Middleton and his team recently hops-ed up their facilities just outside of San Marcos, which opened in 2011, Middleton Brewing. “We tried to give this brewhouse a different feel,” says Clay Rahmberg, a
Middleton Brewing employee of many hats: sales and marketing, distribution, et cetera—before asking, “Are you allowed to drink on the job?” I shrug a “why not,” having no intention to be rude, as Rahmberg is already pouring what they call the Bourbon Barrel Blues, a Belgian Brown Ale aged in Jack Daniels whiskey barrels. It’s a medium bodied brown ale with hints of bourbon, vanilla, oak and coconut, he explains, as a result of the aging process when using barrels that have never been previously held anything but bourbon. The Bourbon Barrel Blues brew, as well as some of the brewpub’s other in-house creations, consists between a combination of traditional Belgium, British, deep west coast, (particularly San Diego, where Middleton originates), and Texas style influences. Such as the Limestone: Belgian Golden IPA (7.2% ABV), a seductive balance between fruity golden ales and hardy west coast IPA’s. Or the Mica: Saison, a traditional Belgian-style Saison, a type of farmhouse ale, crisp and cleansing on your palate, with tart notes reflecting the wheat in the grist. “What we’re doing here is uniquely
American,” owner and head brewer Middleton says. “But it’s got a Belgian undertone.”
one’s own product, his carefully crafted alcoholic artistry, is—and has always been—“passion,” he goes on to admit.
Like many, Middleton has been a home brewer for a number of years—25, to be exact. However, his taste palate expanded from, what he calls, the “big, American IPA revolution” in San Diego to a thorough appreciation for classic Belgian-style beers while racing in the motocross World Championship Series in Lommel, Belgium. “I just couldn’t help but notice that the beer was incredible,” Middleton says of his first trip to Belgium, what has now amounted to around 20 trips altogether.
“Passion, passion, passion…” Middleton says, shaking his head.
After a couple decades of perfecting his own spin on the Belgian’s traditional brew formula, though, and several years into his hobby turned business, Middleton’s recipe for drinkability and ABV success is something he admittedly prides himself on. “I’ll put my double against anyone in Belgium. I’ll put my blonde against any of the blondes in Belgium. And I’ll put my saison against anyone’s saison in Belgium—except DuPont,” Middleton laughs. But the key to such enthusiasm for
Middleton, Rahmberg and the many other members of their team started this business renovation project back in May. Every single one of the brews currently on tap were made at their new location. The brewhouse now uses a 10 barrel system, which produces twenty times more of their in-house beers at a time than the previous location’s system could account for. On opening day, their line reached outside of the bar room’s door. As for the future, Rahmberg says there will be a dog park available, as well as a surplus of events to meet the needs of the craft beer drinking community within both San Marcos and Wimberley. “There’s a lot of cool bars in town,” Rahmberg says. “But it’s also really neat to come drink at the place where your beer is made. It’s a whole different kind of feel.”
101 Oakwood Loop, San Marcos • (512) 847-3435 • middletonbrewingtx.com | By Xander Peters | Photos Ashley Haguewood|
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