March 3, 2011

Issue 195 | March 3, 2011

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2 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of Dining

Best Coffee Shop

Sweet Eugene’s Photos by Valerie Clark

By Mara Minsberg A worthwhile departure from ubiquitous corporate chain coffee shops, Sweet Eugene’s House of Java has been a local staple serving the Bryan-College Station area since 1993. With its eclectic ambiance, unique décor, satisfying drinks, and delicious baked goods, Sweet Eugene’s provides the ideal setting for visiting with friends or studying for an exam.

Sweet Eugene’s high-quality coffee and espresso drinks are all brewed in-house with selfroasted coffee beans and purified water. In addition to standard coffee options, they also feature a wide assortment of hot and cold drinks, including fruit smoothies, java shakes, chai teas, various cocoas, and many other enticing beverages. Their drink menu includes a number of specialty espresso drinks in a variety of flavors sure to provide the requisite caffeine to stimulate sluggish studiers. For those with a sweet tooth, Sweet Eugene’s has both hot and cold candy-inspired treats and blended shakes in tempting flavors like Heath Bar and Mudslide.

Sweet Eugene’s features an extensive and varied food menu, boasting distinctive fare like sweet or savory crepes, lunch wraps, panini sandwiches, pastries, and desserts. Appetizing made-to-order crepes include imaginative options such as the Green Eggs and Ham Breakfast Crepe and the Hot Granny in Caramel Apple Crepe for dessert. Sweet Eugene’s also has a hearty selection of baked goods, including croissants, apple fritters, donuts, and kolaches. Whether for a snack or for a meal, Sweet E’s offers a wide range of food items wellsuited to fuel even the longest of studying marathons.

In addition to the tempting food and drink menus, students and professionals flock to Sweet Eugene’s for its distinctive decor and warm welcoming atmosphere. With multiple rooms featuring comfortable and inviting furniture and attractive artwork, there are many spaces conducive to studying or working. The shop also has outdoor seating perfect for enjoying baked goods and coffee drinks on a nice day. Sweet E’s also sells specialty items and novelties, including flavored drink syrups, coffee cups, art, jewelry, tea, and t-shirts.

Sweet E’s was also the recipient of this year’s Best of BCS “Best Wifi Spot” award. They offer free Wifi to customers, making it an ideal environment for researching papers or surfing the internet. Mindful of hectic schedules and heavy student workloads, Sweet Eugene’s opens early and closes late daily to accommodate its busy patrons. The coffee shop opens its doors at 6:00 am Monday through Saturday and at 7:00 am on Sundays, closing at 1:00 am Sunday through Thursday and at 2:00 am on Fridays and Saturdays. They are also open 24 hours during particularly demanding study times such as final exams.

To indulge in Sweet E’s delectable food and coffee drinks or to cozy up to the perfect study corner, visit their location at 1702 George Bush Drive East in College Station. For more information, call (979) 696-5282 or check them out online at sweeteugenes.net.

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Best of Dining

Best chicken fingers

Layne’s Photos by Steven Heger

Publisher Mick Maynard Caviar Dreams: Font

Business Manager Andrea Maynard Editor in Chief Chris Shepperd MANAGING EDITOR Chris Zebo Design/Layout Cara Matocha, C2-Studios Inc. writers

By Vladimir Amador Across from the A&M campus, there is an old, run-down looking building that gaggles of Aggies visit daily. Most would think that nothing incredible could possibly be produced in the unassuming place, driving past it on the way through town. And none would guess that an Aggie cultural phenomenon could be established there, either. But…something’s been happening inside the place for years--the most delicious chicken and the most mysteriously wonderful, mouth-watering secret sauce are produced and sold inside every day of the week.

Sixteen years ago, Layne’s got its start in this small, rugged building and today the establishment is one of the most popular eateries in town and the winner of a Best of BCS award for Best Chicken Fingers.

Their famous chicken finger plate comes with 5 perfectly fried chicken fingers on a bed of crisp golden french fries. Though often quickly consumed, these 5 strips of fried bird heaven should be savored slowly for full finger-licking effect. The plate also comes with a delicious slice of Texas toast, with just the right amount of butter and just the right amount of crunch. And, of course, there is the secret sauce. This secret, concealed (must be top secret), inexplicably peppery concoction makes crispy chicken just that much better. (And its only 10 cents per extra sauce packet, so you will probably want to stock your fridge full of it!)

Sometimes, great things come in surprise packages, and most Aggies and locals agree: Layne’s is a BCS institution and the best place in town for chicken fingers.

Best burger

Kassie Cessna Autumn Dawson Turner Dawson Mallory Dykowski Josh Howell Nichelle Jaeger Sarabeth Lacy Mara Minsberg

Sherrill Mogonye Gabrielle Nguyen Brandon Nowalk Erica Pitman Megan Roiz Ian Soares Joey Trevino

Photographers Valerie Clark Steven Heger Distribution Kyler Dillon Andy Nguyen Becca Nelms interns Vladimir Amador

Maggie Dotson Ryan Frische Cameron Gott Lana Rothe

Koppe Bridge

By Vladimir Amador A place that claims to be “Texas Paradise” must be pretty darn good. Koppe Bridge is more than just good, though. Their burgers are raved about all over town and even outside of BCS. It should come as no surprise that Koppe Bridge beat out the rest of its competitors to earn the title of Best of BCS’ Best Burger.

One bite of their signature half-pound, old-fashioned burger with mustard, lettuce, tomato, onion, and pickles will have you joining the fan club as well. Koppe Bridge offers other things you can add on to your burger, too, like American or Swiss cheese, grilled mushrooms, or sauerkraut. And whatever combination you choose will be sure to leave your stomach happy.

Their menu also includes barbeque items, chicken, steak, fish, wings, and lots more, so everyone should have something they can enjoy.

While the burger is the star of the show, Koppe Bridge’s fries create just the right complement to make perfection even better!

This traditional burger joint has been around since 1992, and some big names have stopped by to give it a try. The likes of Former President Bush and Governor Rick Perry have all left the establishment like every other customer, claiming they just enjoyed “The Best Big Burger in Town.”

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Maroon Weekly receives no student fees or university funding.

Opinions are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the editor, publisher or the newspaper staff. Maroon Weekly is not liable for omissions, misprints to typographical errors. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the express consent of the publisher.

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If delectable burgers weren’t enough, Koppe Bridge also offers live music on select nights.

Customers can enjoy a burger and a drink while listening to the finest musicians around in their beer garden.

If you have yet to try the pleasurable experience of dining at Koppe Bridge, make sure you stop by either of their two locations in town. Your stomach will thank you and your first time definitely won’t be your last.

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of Dining

red mango

Best dessert

Photos by Steven Heger

By Vladimir Amador Dessert often gets a bad rep. Most people see it as the unhealthy, fattening end-ofthe-day treat. It’s also the first thing given up when people want to lose weight, get healthier, or rid themselves of their bad consciences. Lucky for us here in BryanCollege Station, Red Mango has come up with a solution.

As the pioneer of all-natural frozen yogurt, Red Mango found a way to deliver all of the tasty flavors and textures we have come to expect out of dessert while also packing in loads of nutritious goodness.

Not surprisingly, Red Mango is the winner of Best of BCS’ Best Dessert.

Their yogurt is all-natural, nonfat, and gluten-free, and they have a ton of varieties to choose from. Part of the fun is to be creative and enjoy your dessert; and not just by eating it, but also by preparing it with all of the toppings you can choose. You could keep it simple by picking original yogurt with strawberries, blueberries, and graham crackers. Or you could be a bit daring and choose pomegranate yogurt with mango, mandarin oranges, fruity pebbles, and mochi. Whatever the combination, your bowl will surely be filled with lots of scrumptious flavors.

full of organic granola and omega-3s, are so big and filling that they could even serve as a nutritional meal replacement. They also offer a variety of smoothies including fruit & yogurt smoothies, fruit & tea infused smoothies (the citrus green tea smoothie is a must try!), power smoothies, and iced tea chillers.

Of course we can’t forget about chocolate!

Red Mango is now promoting an all new dark chocolate yogurt made with Ghirardelli chocolate. Their new hot chocolate chillers are described as “like indulgent hot cocoa, but without the heat and guilt.”

If yogurt isn’t enough for you, Red Mango has other equally satisfying options to delight your sweet tooth. Their fresh fruit parfaits, www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of Dining

Shiraz Shish Kabob

Best Ethnic Food

By Chris Zebo Shiraz Shish Kabob is a family owned restaurant opened in 2008 by a Persian and Turkish family who decided to fill a void in Bryan-College Station for good Eastern Mediterranean and Eastern European food.

Believe it or not, before they opened their doors, you would have to drive all the way to Houston for good falafel and kabobs (and that’s just not fair).

The sit-down or take-out restaurant quickly became a staple of classic Persian and Mediterranean specialties for two central reasons. First, everything you order is made from scratch; from their delectable hummus and baba gannouj to their artisan flatbread (which is cooked to order and always served hot). Their marinated meats, like their beef and game hen kabobs, are always highquality cuts and they’re always grilled tender and juicy.

The second reason the restaurant became so popular--especially being located across

from campus--is because of their price point.

It’s low. Real low. You can get two minced beef or chicken kabobs with an order of their famous bread for only $7. You’ll also feel stuffed and have that feeling of dizzy elation (in other words, food coma) that only comes after eating something hearty and filling.

But there’s one other characteristic of Shiraz that’s probably taken for granted by patrons.

It’s a characteristic of all dining experiences that we take for granted, actually--at least when it’s done right. But sometimes it’s done wrong. When you walk into a restaurant, your eyes instinctively survey the tables, the walls, the chairs, the floors and even the menus. You subconsciously judge an establishment for order and cleanliness (it’s a natural defense mechanism that’s been trained into us from our early days as scavengers). If a place is unkempt and disheveled, if the tables are sticky and have a previous patron’s dirty dishes on them, and if the food display cases have smudged glass and rancid, leaking food product in

Best Pizza

Antonio’s Photos by Steven Heger

By Ryan Frische

When I think of pizza, Antonio’s comes to mind instantly. It’s the quintessential pizza parlor in Bryan-College Station. Huge, savory slices, great service and perfect hours have transformed Antonio’s from a typical pizza parlor to a landmark in Northgate.

The key to great pizza comes in the form of flavor and variety, and Antonio’s has perfected both. They consistently serve up unique types of pizza that push the limits of Italian cuisine. From buffalo chicken and bleu cheese to black bean avocado quesadilla, Antonio’s delivers on creativity.

Located in the heart of Northgate, Antonio’s stays open until 3 a.m. for the late night crowds and stomachs that crave the toppings and affordable prices.

One online review sums up the allure of Antonio’s best: “If it’s 2 a.m. on the weekend and you aren’t here, there is no excuse. The creativity they bring to the table can only be described as scrumptious.”

them, then you know the food you’re about to order is going to represent those qualities in some way.

Photos by Valerie Clark

Shiraz not only displays their skewered meat in a display case (and they don’t have to, BTW), but they almost do it to show off. If you could ever stomach eating raw meat, then you might consider doing it at Shiraz.

We know that’s an overstatement, but you can’t help but feel the level of pride the family has for their food. Each tray of meats looks tantalizingly fresh and succulent. And because each skewer looks so appetizing, you can’t decide what to order--you want one of everything. (Interestingly, the restaurant has recently changed its menu and it now offers mix-and-match options, probably as a result of customers wanting one of everything.)

You might think the family is obsessive, and in food industry terms, that’s a great quality to have. Cleanliness and order implies, whether you realize it or not, that a lot of heart and dedication has gone into the food

you’re about to enjoy.

Message to Shiraz: We see the love and we taste it, too. That’s why you’ve been voted the best.

Best margarita

ninfa’s mexican restaurant

By Ryan Frische When looking for the best margarita in Bryan-College Station, there are key factors in the selection process that must be met: price, taste, size and, of course, is it strong?

Ninfa’s Mexican Restaurant has perfected this recipe for success with their famous Ninfarita. Not only does the size and strength match up with the price, but the taste is perfect to boot.

Located on Earl Rudder Freeway in College Station, Ninfa’s is a staple in the Brazos Valley for great fajitas and their infamous margaritas. Drink specials are a driving force for college students, and Ninfa’s is no exception. Word of mouth and advertised specials have set Ninfa’s have generated a lot of loyal and returning customers for the restaurant.

If you have not yet had the opportunity to taste a Ninfarita, Tuesday is the perfect day to branch out and experience the flavor that garnered it a Best of BCS award. “Two for Tuesday” takes place every Tuesday at Ninfa’s, with Ninfaritas and menu items on special. Happy hour is another great time to sample the famed drink, Monday through Thursday from 2pm to 6pm. And Ninfaritas can be purchased for the low price of $3.50.

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With so many opportunities to get the best bang for your buck, Ninfa’s has created a drink loved for its strength and flavor. It’s not just a margarita, it’s a Ninfarita.

Best of Dining

Spoons

Best Frozen Yogurt

Photos by Valerie Clark

By Chris Zebo Do we even have to tell you that Spoons won Best FroYo? The place has lines so long out the door that they’re hiring a crossing guard on Texas Ave. Seriously, look at Google Earth: You can see the line from outer space like the Great Wall of China.

Opened in the summer of 2009 and owned and operated by Aggies, Spoons’ self-serve and pay-by-weight concept gives patrons what they want and how much they want of it. The self-serve frozen yogurt concept had been extremely popular in major cities across the US for a few years prior to the C-Stat manifestation. But when it finally reached College Station, it took no time to take off. Who can resist filling their own bowls with any flavor of froyo they choose and then dressing it up with any of the many toppings Spoons offers on the way to a weigh station?

In a sense, Spoons is the froyo that launched a thousand ships. If you haven’t noticed lately, the streets of BCS are now paved in yogurt cultures.

In the past year, in an attempt to mimic Spoons’ success, numerous other self-serve yogurt joints have clamored into place to placate our desire for frozen yogurt. But Spoons has something they don’t: the heart of Aggieland.

In addition to being owned and operated by Aggies (the business model was actually developed by a team on campus), Spoons gives back to the community by helping numerous student organizations in their fundraising drives. Spoons also holds a special place in Aggie hearts because they’ve seen the place grow with their own eyes. Not only did they witness it, but they helped make it happen--giving Aggies a strange feeling of ownership and pride toward the place that few establishments can claim.

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of Dining

Best mexican food

casa rodriguez

By Brandon Nowalk To be voted Best Mexican Restaurant in Bryan-College Station takes something truly special. With stiff competition ranging from late-night taquerias to fancy sit-down restaurants, Casa Rodriguez managed a true feat coming out on top with its blend of world-class recipes and small-town charm. But to those of us who love a good enchilada and great service, it’s not really surprising.

At the heart of Downtown Bryan at North Bryan and 24th, Casa Rodriguez is elegantly tucked into a rich, relaxing promenade away from university traffic and noise. With its classic storefront and simple decor, it makes for the perfect spot to catch up with friends over chips and queso (and you can’t help but bump into someone you know there).

Casa Rodriguez opened its first incarnation over a century ago, quickly becoming a popular stopover for locals and railroad passengers alike. Since then, it’s transformed from the cantina in The Treasure of the Sierra Madre to the local hotspot in Friday Night Lights. Opening its doors bright and early at 7am, what first sets Casa Rodriguez apart is its diverse array of breakfast tacos, quesadillas, and spicy Mexican omelettes topped with the restaurant’s trademark chili con carne made from the family recipe that’s been wooing customers for decades. Served with fluffy tortillas, it’s a delicious way to start the day. But it wouldn’t be the most popular Mexican joint in town if not for its traditional dinner offerings, which include enchiladas topped with onions and your choice of sauces, succulent fajitas with all the usual fixings, and, of course, a hearty selection of signature dishes like the A&M quesadilla.

On the 30th anniversary of Casa Rodriguez opening at its current location, what better time for fans to show their appreciation by voting it Best Mexican Restaurant and what better time for newcomers to taste the tradition.

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Photos by Valerie Clark

Best of Dining

Best place to eat after hours

Fuego tortilla grill Photos by Valerie Clark

By Erica Pitman Paul Moler created Fuego Tortilla Grill with Mexican authenticity in mind, taking inspiration for the popular restaurant from the food carts found on the streets of Mexico. He sought to bring that particular taste of Mexico back to Texas and chose College Station for the location of the first Fuego.

A good crowd is to be expected anywhere that is open 24 hours in a college town. But Fuego has really experienced a boom in after-hours dining. It has quickly become a popular place for college students, and the restaurant has been warmly welcomed into the Aggie community.

So…it really shouldn’t surprise anyone that Fuego took two awards this year: Best Place to Eat After Hours and Best Breakfast Taco.

Fuego has set a new standard in town. First, you don’t have to worry about breaking the bank when you eat there. Their big tacos start at $1.79 each, so they fit everyone’s

budget (especially broke college students’).

Second, they prepare incredibly fresh, quality food and they have a model of service and consistency that has raised the bar not only fast Mexican food but also for late night dining options. Fuego is always making fresh food. No matter what time you walk through the door, your food will be made to order. And that’s a pretty amazing feat, considering the place never sleeps.

Their breakfast options became popular in a matter of months, soon after word had spread that their portions were hefty, flavorful and inexpensive. And it isn’t grandma’s eggs and bacon we’re talkin’ about here, either. With a plethora of options to fill their tortillas, Fuego’s breakfast tacos are a fresh and savory way to start your day.

Whether for freshness, convenience, or affordability, BCS is flocking to Fuego.

Best sandwich

blue baker

By Brandon Nowalk It’s hard to believe Blue Baker only opened ten years ago and is already a BCS icon, winning both Best Sandwich Shop and Best Food Delivery. Then again, the bakery has been so successful it ushered in a recent wave of competition all over town--though no one has managed to replicate Blue Baker’s special mix of warm service, youthful style, and, of course, great sandwiches.

Any place can open a counter and some booths and sell sandwiches. Blue Baker’s twist is right there in the name: Blue everywhere, from the walls, the vinyl, the uniforms, to the dynamic, multi-leveled setup--and even customers, since the store offers free food to those who cover themselves in blue. Having participated in the tradition myself, I highly recommend cashing in on the deal at least once. If there’s a more fun way to score free, award-winning food with friends, I haven’t heard.

Baking the day’s bread in its gigantic brick ovens every day, Blue Baker boasts an artisanal quality you can taste, from the pizza crusts to the salads (served in baked parmesan shells) to the piping hot soups in their sourdough bread bowls. Also popular are the daily loaves of bread for sale, which are baked on schedule, like pumpkin bread on Saturdays, zucchini bread on Sundays.

But the highlight, naturally, are the sandwiches. From time-honored favorites like the Pesto Azul (chicken and pesto on fluffy, herbed focaccia) or the Club Bleu (a flaky croissant with everything on it) to the essential mainstays, like the Earl or the BLT. You can’t go wrong with a Blue Baker sandwich. Visit the original on Dominik or the newer location on University, or call for dependable delivery service, and you’ll see why Blue Baker is the name for great sandwiches in Bryan-College Station. www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of Dining

fox and hound

Best sports bar Photos by Steven Heger

By Ian Soares In Aggieland, watching sports is more than just an activity it’s practically a way of life. So, it’s no surprise that when it came time for the voters in the community to decide on their favorite sports bar that they chose the one that takes it as seriously as them.

While some sports bars have a little bit of something for anyone, The Fox and Hound prides itself on offering the most to everyone. The Fox and Hound has over 70 types of beer on tap, giving it by far the largest beer selection in the area and one of the largest in the state.

But The Fox and Hound is way more than just a bar, it has taken the game watching experience to the extreme. The Fox and Hound boasts some of the largest projection screen televisions around, and wall-to-wall LCD’s; so whether you’re enjoying a great meal, shooting pool, playing darts, or just hanging out at the bar, every seat in the house is going to have a great view.

The Fox and Hound is known for its great atmosphere, incredible beer selection, and its lovely wait staff known as the Fox and Hound “Foxes.” For these reasons it comes as no surprise that it was voted the best Sports Bar in BCS.

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Best of Dining

freebirds

Best taco/burritos

By Vladimir Amador

A lot goes into a good burrito. You need the perfect tortilla. You need the perfect meat.

You need the perfect veggies. You need the perfect rice, beans, cheese and sauce. Not just anyone can make this savory, rolled up meal. According to the voters of Best of BCS, no one can make one as good as Freebirds, this year’s winner of the Best Burrito/Taco.

Freebirds’ mission has always been to “Feed your belly, feed your soul.” They have been doing just that here in Bryan-College Station since 1991. Hungry customers flock to one of their four locations in town to chow down on their tasty burritos, tacos and other fast Mexican specialties. Their variety of selections may seem overwhelming at first, but the diverse menu allows for people of all palates to be satisfied. The light eaters can order a Hybird, the smallest of all the burritos, while the hungriest and the most daring diner can indulge in the Super Monster Burrito (and good luck devouring one alone).

The size of the burrito isn’t the only thing that varies--the deliciousness that’s crammed inside does, too. You can have your choice of meat (steak, carnitas, chicken, and even a veggie option) and you can also choose from everything else the place has for you to throw in there. You ask for it, they stuff it in the tortilla and roll it up, ready for you to enjoy in minutes. Freebirds also won Best Taco in town, so you can have all of these options inside 1, 2, or 3 tacos. The choices are endless and customers aren’t complaining!

Freebirds has been feeding bellies and souls for years, and the bellies and souls of BCS have thanked them by rewarding them with the Best Burrito/Taco of Bryan-College Station.

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

MAROON WEEKLY | 13

Best of lifestyle

best aggie gear

aggieland outfitters

By Mara Minsberg With its two convenient locations and wide selection of merchandise, Aggieland Outfitters is Bryan-College Station’s preferred place to purchase Aggie gear. Aggieland Outfitters is a local leader in Texas A&M clothing and gifts, featuring exclusive designs and licensed apparel in a variety of sizes and styles. This Aggie-owned-and-operated store has been serving the local community with its coveted high-quality, licensed Texas A&M merchandise since 2000.

Aggieland Outfitters offers unique and stylish Texas A&M clothing and accessories for all ages, including Game Day t-shirts, dresses, outerwear, hats, tote bags, and jewelry. They also carry an extensive stock of gift items, such as car decals, umbrellas, tailgating supplies, and home décor. Whatever your clothing and gift needs, Aggieland Outfitters is an excellent source for all things A&M. For all of your Aggie merchandise, gifts, and apparel, you can visit Aggieland Outfitters at either of its two BCS locations. The Southgate location at 208 George Bush Drive in College Station is open Monday through Saturday 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Post Oak Mall store at 1500 Harvey Road is open Monday through Saturday 10:00 am to 9:00 pm, Sundays 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. Aggieland Outfitters also offers convenient online shopping via their website at aggielandoutfitters.com. For additional information, call their Southgate location at (979) 680-8780, or call their Post Oak Mall location at (979) 764-4445.

best barber shop

northgate barber shop

Photos by Valerie Clark

By Chris Shepperd There are a lot of traditions in Aggieland. Everything from how you say “hello” to where you spend Thanksgiving evening, are basic rituals to Aggies young and old. Who would have thought where you get your haircut could take on the same meaning?

Northgate Barber Shop has been serving Bryan and College Station since 1935. When a member of the Corps of Cadets needs to keep their cut clean they know just where to head.

But for Northgate Barber Shop it is more than just trimming the Corps. And it isn’t just about the boys.

While Barbershops have traditionally been the proverbial water cooler of conversation, Northgate Barber Shop caters to the entire family. With two great locations (107 College Main, right across from campus, and 1506 Holleman Drive) and friendly, capable barbers and stylists at both locations, Northgate Baber Shop can take care of all of your hair cutting needs.

Don’t let the name fool you. They know how to handle all kinds of clients.

You can keep up with all the latest news and specials by following them on Facebook.

While ‘Old Army’ can certainly appreciate Northgate Barber Shop’s style, it is easy to understand why ‘New Army’ voted them Best Barbershop in the Best of BCS competition.

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Best of lifestyle

chrome

best hair salon

Photos by Valerie Clark

By Kassie Cessna Expressing oneself comes through many outlets, and for some people, it’s through their hairstyle. This is why when choosing a hairstylist, one has to be conscious that the right hairstylist has been chosen.

Attention to detail and never making the client feel uncomfortable are two attributes that a hairstylist must have. At Chrome Salon, all of their hairstylists fit into this category, and that’s what sets Chrome apart from the rest.

Whether you need a simple trim, or to go from all over blonde to dark brown, the hairstylists at Chrome can do it. Chrome’s stylists have been extensively trained by the best of the best in the hair industry. Chrome has eleven Redken Master Specialists and four Redken Certified Hair Colorists and Designers. These titles aren’t easy to come by; they take skill and rigorous qualification to earn.

Chrome has earned numerous accolades and awards to prove exactly why they are the best.

In fact, they were nominated for Redken’s Salon of the Year, and in years past, the salon was one of the top 200 fastest growing salons in the country.

“Make BCS a more beautiful place,” is Chrome‘s motto, and this comes true each time a client walks out of the building. Located on University Drive in the Gateway Plaza, it’s convenient and easy to find. For more info and to book appointments, you can visit experiencechrome. com or call (979) 268-1398.

best laundromat

harvey washbangers Photos by Steven Heger

By Erica Pitman Located on Texas and Harvey, Harvey Washbangers is more than a laundromat. With their customers in mind, the popular laundromat takes washing clothes to a whole new level, offering multiple convenience services and having a bar and grill within the facility. While waiting on laundry, customers can monitor their loads with a laundry “lightboard” and sit and watch cable television with surround sound, all while enjoying some of Harvey Washbangers’ homemade specialties, like their wings, the Banger Burger or some of their mouthwatering desserts.

The laundromat, usually open from 9am until 11pm with the last wash at 9:30pm, is always fully attended and has multiple-sized, front-loading washers and oversized dryers. There is no longer a need to fiddle with quarters; all of Harvey Washbangers’ state-of-the-art frontloading Speed Queen machines are operated with smartcards.

The Harvey Washbangers wash and fold service offers busy customers an alternative to doing their own laundry altogether. Once a customer drops of their laundry, the staff takes it from there; they wash, dry and fold the clothes (or put them on hangers) all in a 24-hour time period.

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Going far and beyond the needs of their customers, Harvey Washbangers truly puts a new twist on an old concept.

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Washbangers also goes the extra mile with its dry cleaning services. Not only do they have low competitive prices, they also offer drop off and pick up times seven days a week. As the only dry cleaner in BCS to offer that, it is easy to see why Harvey Washbangers took the crown as Best Laundromat.

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Best of lifestyle

the woodlands of college station

best housing

By Chris Shepperd Apartment complexes, a lot like life, are like a box of chocolates: You never know what you are going to get inside. With so many choices in the Brazos Valley, it is not abnormal to feel overwhelmed in your search for the right place to live.

The Woodlands of College Station takes pride in giving people exactly what most people want; quality, comfort, experience and, most importantly, a nice place to call home. It’s no surprise that The Woodlands was the number one choice for voters in the Best of BCS’ Best Housing category.

Amenities are the name of the game when choosing where to live, and The Woodlands rises to the top in every category. With a luxurious pool surrounded by spacious lounge areas, recreation is just part of what you‘ll enjoy when you sign your lease. There are, of course, other amenities, too--such as grilling stations, a 10,000sq-foot clubhouse, a volleyball court, a tennis court, two weight rooms, a wifi café, a billiards room, and a cardio fitness center. Oh--and don’t forget the movie room with theater-style seating!

The Woodlands is an all-inclusive student living community. So, when you pay the rent, they pay the bills (power, water, trash, sewer, high-speed Internet & cable). But it doesn’t stop there. With The Woodlands, it’s more than just amenities. The staff hosts special events to fit the individual needs of each of their residents. For example, they offer Yoga classes, fitness classes and more to tenants.

With the list of amenities they offer coupled with their commitment to satisfying their residents, it’s no wonder The Woodlands topped this year’s Best Housing category.

Best of lifestyle

gold’s gym

best gym

By Megan Roiz

It’s not a secret that a large percentage of Generation Y folks are at least mildly concerned with physical health and appearances.

When it comes to going all out for the ideal body, Gold’s Gym is the place to be. Nicknamed “The Mecca,” the original Gold’s opened more than 45 years ago in Venice Beach, California, jumpstarting a tradition of commitment, passion and dedication that is now practiced at more than 600 locations worldwide.

Gold’s Gyms are built to help people realize and achieve their fitness goals. Each establishment is dedicated to the strength and health of each individual member. With a premium combination of diverse amenities and top-notch personal training, “The Mecca” is a suitable nickname.

Whether you are looking to train for a marathon, trying to shed a few pounds to fit into a bikini, or are just focused on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, Gold’s offers staff and equipment to fit your needs. Personalized fitness programs, customized conditioning programs, and a wide array of heart-pumping group exercise classes have been helping members reach their fitness potential for over 45 years.

When you put on a Gold’s Gym t-shirt, it’s a credit to your strength and well-being. You become a part of a tradition of commitment and excellence that spans more than 30 countries, 40 states and has helped more than 3 million people accomplish their fitness dreams.

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Everyone has their own strength, and they come in many different forms. The people at Gold’s recognize that, and strive to help each and every member find it.

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Saturday

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Wolf pen creek Amphitheater

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. Bellamy Brothers . Hotel California . Rich O'Toole . Cody Canada . The Rock-a-Fellas & The Departed

G N I E B E R O M D E C N U O N AN SOON! www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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22 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Best of lifestyle

best tattoo shop

liberty tattoo co.

Photos by Steven Heger

By Vladimir Amador Liberty Tattoo Co. is an exciting new company in College Station anxious to make its mark in town. Only a few months into business, their level of needlework (the ink-filled kind, not the threaded kind) and word of mouth that quickly spread once they opened their doors quickly earned the new shop a Best of BCS award for Best Tattoo Shop.

One walk into their new, high-end shop and customers immediately know they are in good hands. Their tattoo artist, Lee, has tons of experience and the talent to show for it. You can go in with an idea and they can make it into a reality, a permanent one, actually. Or you can walk in with a clean slate and, together with the consultation of an on-site artist, design a masterpiece.

Liberty also offers awesome deals all the time! Their Facebook page details all of the specials and promotions going offered each week, so be sure to add them on FB to get in the know. Currently, Liberty is working on a tattoo happy hour for Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from noon to 5 pm. You can get all traditional tattoos for 30% off and all others for 10% off. It doesn’t get much better than that!

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of nightlife

Texas hall of fame

best country dance hall

By Kassie Cessna The Texas Hall of Fame is a staple dance hall in the Brazos Valley. Old and young alike come to dance Thursday thru Saturday nights. Having one the of the largest dance floors in town, this helps make the Texas Hall of Fame the best country dance hall in the Brazos Valley.

Thursday nights is the locally famous College Night, where drinks are cheap and people are plenty. They have great drink specials all night long on Thursday nights, including $1.50 bar drinks, $2.50 Longnecks, $3 Crown and Jaeger, and $1 Lonestar Pints among numerous other drink specials.

In addition to great nights like College Night, and great drink specials, the best live music can be found at the Hall. At least once a weekend there is someone playing--someone up and rising or someone who has a bigger following, like Aaron Watson. Local favorites like Granger Smith and Stoney LaRue play at the Hall at least once a quarter.

While it’s mostly a country dance hall, on Thursday nights the music playing isn’t only country. They play top 40 music as well. The musical variety appeals to everyone and truly makes it a one-of-a-kind place.

The Hall is truly the Best dance Hall in the Brazos with a huge dance floor, great drink specials and awesome concerts weekly. You cam check out the concert calendar on their website at texashalloffame.net.

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WWW.FREEBIRDS.COM 24 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

ROCK PRAIRIE

Best of nightlife

hurricane harry’s

best live entertainment Photos by Steven Heger

By Sherrill Mogonye Hurricane Harry’s is a staple for live country music in the Bryan-College Station area and that is why they were voted “Best Live Entertainment” by Maroon Weekly readers. It’s no wonder why Aggieland chose them since they regularly host such well-known artists as Wade Bowen, Randy Rogers, Cross Canadian Ragweed and Roger Creager.

College students and citizens flock to Harry’s when the big country western artists are putting on a show. With different levels of viewing and great acoustics, fans are never disappointed the quality of Harry’s productions.

Harry’s is conveniently located just down the street from Texas A&M University. The venue’s spacious dance floors and inexpensive drink specials also attract large crowds each week.

(At times, customers can purchase drinks as low as one dollar!)

Harry’s general manager, Lance Larsen, has led his business to be very successful over the years. This is obvious by the full parking lot each week. Hurricane Harry’s has been that way for decades, and there is no sign of the popular joint slowing down.

Their slogan, “Everything’s bigger in Texas, Better at Harry’s” is a testament to the way they do business – one step above.

Hurricane Harry’s is located at 313 College Avenue in College Station. Call (979) 846-3343 or visit harrys.bcsclubs.com for more information on scheduled entertainment and drink specials.

www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of nightlife

best of northgate

the dixie chicken Photos by Valerie Clark

By Chris Zebo If there was ever a capitol of Northgate, practically everyone would agree it would be The Dixie Chicken.

And not just because it’s a great place to grab a drink and some food, but because it’s the reason Northgate is Northgate as we know it today.

Some people might not know this, but when the venerated establishment was put on the strip in 1974 by entrepreneur Don Ganter, Northgate was a very different place. At that time…let’s just say it wasn’t the most boisterous dining and entertainment spread in Texas. Before 1974, you couldn’t even buy a drink in Northgate; it was in a dry county (now think about that for a minute). But when the “gate” opened to beer and liquor, new businesses flooded in to revamp the district for students eager to socialize and to let off steam from their busy school schedules.

So Ganter’s Chicken laid an important egg at just the right time.

Later, when the Dixie Chicken became incorporated, Ganter went on to open other establishments in the area, like The Dry Bean, Alfred T. Hornbacks, Chicken Oil Co., and the popular live music and dancing venue Shadow Canyon (now named Daisy Dukes). Each of the venues would also define Northgate architecturally, with weathered wood walls, sawdust-saloon style interiors and nostalgic antique signage that harkened back to the Texas of yesterday. In a sense, Ganter was like the Walt Disney of College Station, with each venue themed around the cultural imagination of fabled Texas lore.

If being one of the first wasn’t enough to gain The Chicken the Best of Northgate Award, one thing certainly is. A few years after The Chicken opened in the late ‘70s, one of Aggieland’s most famous traditions began. The Ring Dunk first started on the Chicken’s back porch over 30 years ago and to this day is still one of the most significant contributions to the roll call of Aggie traditions. Each year, hundreds of Aggies still flock to The Chicken to drop their shiny new rings into 32-ounce mugs and gulp all the way down till the gold prize is caught in their teeth. (And we wonder how they can claim to serve “the most beer per square foot of any bar in the US?”) Although Ring Day festivities have spread to other establishments around town, it all started at The Chicken.

What place in Aggieland cannot only claim it’s a famous bar and restaurant but that it’s also a rite of passage?

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Best of nightlife

salsa at village café

best dancing

By Chris Shepperd By day, they serve coffee, tea and sandwiches; by night, they serve…salsa dancing?

Who would have thought Downtown Bryan’s Village Café would have won a Best Dancing category, especially with so many spots to choose from in Northgate. But in just a year’s time the venue has grown into one scorching hot night of dancing (and we stress the word “hot” here, since you’re gonna sweat).

What began as a small and intimate salsa night last year has turned into a dance floor now crawling--or we should say, dancing--with tons of Aggies and locals Wednesday and Saturday nights. Their success is largely owed to a unique formula; unlike most dance clubs where you walk in, drink, and dance, the Village Café’s salsa nights begin with a fun salsa lesson.

On Saturdays, for example, people arrive at 10pm and take the popular 30-Minute Crash Course Salsa Lesson. And in just a half hour, you not only learn how to dance but you also meet tons of new people you’ll likely dance with later.

The energetic instructor makes you switch partners regularly throughout the lesson, so breaking the ice was never easier. And even if you’ve still got two left feet afterwards, you’re going to have fun with others who are equally left-footed or just coming to party.

After the lesson, the dance floor opens up to a steamy night of dancing. And that’s…when it starts getting crowded.

For those who get addicted to salsa dancing (it happens), the Village offers a longer lesson on Wednesday nights from 8pm to 9:30pm followed by dancing until midnight. The Wednesday lessons are also for beginners and you get to learn cool moves (and maybe learn how to trade one of your left feet for a right one). More info about lessons and dancing at Village Café can be found at mambosentertainment.com.

stress FREE

LIVE MORE,

stress FULL

COMMUTE LESS

vs.

Sleep longer... Save the Environment...

Burn more calories... Smell the roses...

Whatever your reason, choose to walk vs. r ide to class. Located across the street from Texas A&M, T he Tradition is j u s t a 5 m i n u t e wa l k to campus.

THE

C A L L : ( 8 8 8 ) 8 5 9 . 6 9 7 9 O R V I S I T: L I V E T H E T R A D I T I O N . C O M

TRADITION

TEXT “TRADITION” TO 47464 www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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Best of nightlife

sonic

best signature drink Photos by Steven Heger

By Vladimir Amador Sonic has been America’s leading drive-in for 50 years now. Their endless selection of goodness, ranging from juicy burgers to foot-long chili cheese Coneys and healthy and delicious grilled chicken sandwiches, sometimes makes the selection process a tough one.

One thing is certain, though: After pushing that red button, a quality and tasty meal will be delivered to your car with a smile on wheels (carhop wheels, that is).

What is the best way to wash down this delicious meal, you may ask? The answer is simple: A cold and refreshing cherry limeade, the winner of the Best of BCS’ Best Signature Drink category. This delectable concoction is made with real, fresh limes and just the right hint of cherry to create the perfect beverage to pair with a burger or just to have by itself.

There are 4 different sizes to choose from, and during happy hour (2pm to 4 pm everyday) you can enjoy this cup of deliciousness for half off! Yes, that huge Route 44 cup full of the most popular drink in town could be yours for half the price! (Can you tell we’re a little excited about that?) Not only will your wallet be happy, but that huge container should keep you satisfied for hours or maybe even days. If you want to change it up, Sonic has 168,000 fountain drink and slush combinations to choose from. So mix it up! But then again, you can’t mess with greatness…and only the cherry limeade can claim this year’s title as Best of BCS.

32 | MAROON WEEKLY March 3 – 16 www.maroonweekly.com

Best of nightlife

caffé capri

best of downtown bryan

By Chris Zebo

In an era of cookie cutter chain restaurants when soul foods have been stripped of spirit by corporate formulas, it’s become increasingly difficult to find those rare places where food still comes from two hands, where recipes have been passed down by close-knit families, and where ingredients are mixed in small, controlled batches under the watchful eye of one cook. The privately-owned Italian family restaurant, once the bastion of authenticity amidst the Olive Gardens and Sbarros, has suffered a lot over the years from taste buds straying into Chef Boyardee cans. Unfortunately, after years of cheap and salty fast foods, the tongue has lost its way. It’s been trained to salivate like a Pavlovian dog the minute a Romano’s commercial illuminates the TV screen.

But there are still outposts of the real Old World tucked away in the new chain restaurant landscape. In Downtown Bryan, one restaurant has continued to make fresh, family recipe Italian food for over 15 years. Opened in 1995 by Rami Cerone, Caffé Capri seems like a renegade restaurant ironically just for bringing food to your table that was crafted by hand on site. But when you pick up the restaurant’s menu, the left side of the menu lists appetizers and entrees taken directly from the Cerone family kitchen. And on the right side of the menu, Rami Cerone took his own spin on classic Italian dishes and created new and “experimental” offerings to keep pace with the modern world.

But like any true Italian family restaurant, Rami didn’t take liberties with the Cerone family sauce. Caffé Capri’s marinara sauce is a secret recipe that’s been passed down by Rami’s father’s family. It’s rumored that in the early days of the restaurant’s operation, Rami’s father would actually go and make 30 gallons of sauce for him, but only if everyone in the kitchen averted their eyes while he mixed and measured the secret ingredients. Business picked up quickly and more sauce was in demand, so Papa Cerone could no longer keep the marinara recipe a secret (but that doesn’t mean you’ll learn what’s in it any time soon).

A popular spot for lunch, Caffé Capri is surprisingly inexpensive--and that’s not always possible for privately owned restaurants that don’t have the benefit of the bulk buying power the big chain guys get to keep their prices low. At lunchtime, an order of fettuccine alfredo or spaghetti with meatballs is only $5.50. At dinnertime, the same order is served in a larger portion for only a few bucks more.

Originally a grocery store, the building on 22 N. Main was converted into a restaurant without sacrificing some of the charm of the original structure. Walking inside is like walking into Bryan’s past but with some modern embellishments peppered throughout, like beautiful mosaic tiles installed on the walls near the open air kitchen. Also, in keeping with elements of Downtown Bryan’s architectural history, the tables and columns were made of a stone called rose travertine that was taken from the interior of an old Downtown Bryan building.

It takes a lot of ingredients to make a fine restaurant. And we don’t just mean what’s in the sauce, or what’s behind the bar, or how the place is managed. In addition to being a leading establishment downtown for their ambiance and food, Caffé Capri has also reached into the community in various philanthropic efforts to improve the Brazos Valley. Through donations, the restaurant has lent a helping hand to organizations such as CARPOOL, The Big Event, Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southeast Texas, numerous elementary and middle schools, Keep Brazos Beautiful, many TAMU organizations and countless others. Their attention not only to what goes on inside the walls of the restaurant but also to the community outside has forged a connection with the Brazos Valley that is nothing short of familial. www.maroonweekly.com March 3 – 16

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maroon weekly gamepage

answers

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Best of nightlife

best shot bar

By Megan Roiz On a weekend designated for celebration by way of “adult beverages,” a shot bar is just the place to start, continue or to end the night.

The Dry Bean Saloon on Northgate tops the bill as this year’s winner of Best of BCS Shot Bars category. Nestled alongside Bottle Cap Alley, between the Dixie Chicken and Fitzwilly’s, the Dry Bean is a spectacular place to go to get your drink on (responsibly, of course).

The Dry Bean is little more than a hallway with a fully-stocked bar and a big crowd of people crammed together and looking to excite the night with a bit of liquor. The little shot bar (maybe named after a bean for its diminutive size) features a rather impressive menu of shots, most of which you are not likely to find anywhere else in Bryan-College Station. As far as in-and-out places go, the Dry Bean is ideal for great service and their little delicious drinks in shot glasses and shooters.

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Dry Bean saloon Photos by Valerie Clark

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