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// IN THIS ISSUE >> UP-TO-DATE RESTAURANT LISTINGS ›› COCONUT OIL SUPERFOOD ›› HITCH HIKER ›› CHAIN WITH A LOCAL FEEL ›› LOGAN ›› EVENTS ›› ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

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ENTERTAINMENT 5 CHAMBER NEWS 6 BOOK REVIEW

PUBLISHER

L I N DA W. J OHN S ON

MANAGING EDITOR

W I L L I AM BA R S HOP

GRAPHIC DESIGNER EVE TEMONIA

EVENTS

C H A S E DY E R

ROAD TRIP

T R E Y B R OOK S

RESTAURANT GUIDE DOC FRANKENSTEIN

PRODUCTION EVE TEMONIA

IMAGES

Images: Creative Common License unless otherwise credited.

ADVERTISING MA R T Y R OBERSON 205.523.4 668

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS REGINALD ALLEN R A I H A B A J WA WILLIAM BARSHOP CO U R T N E Y BLA N CH A R D K A I T LY N B LO U N T TREY BROOKS KELSEY CAMERON JORDAN CISSELL MARGIE GOLDSMITH SHEENA QUIZON GREGG GARY HARRIS C I N DY H U G G I N S KEVIN LEDGEWOOD BRETT REID VA N R O B E R T S JON ROGERS RACHEL STEINER ALEJANDRA TENORIO

Planet Weekly P. O . B o x 2 3 1 5 Tuscaloosa, AL 35403 Phone: 205.792.7239 Email: publisher@theplanetweek ly.com Please direct correspondence to: publisher@theplanetweekly.com The Planet Weekly is a proud member of The West Alabama Chamber of Commerce. © 2015 All rights reserved. THE PLANET WEEKLY is a registered trademark.

Planet Weekly is published every other Thursday. No part of this publication including editorials may be reproduced, in whole or part, by any means, including electronic retrieval systems, without the Publisher’s prior expressed written consent. One copy of each issue of THE PLANET WEEKLY is free to each of our readers. Any reader who takes more than four copies without expressed permission of the publisher shall be deemed to have committed theft. The views and opinions of the authors of articles appearing in this publication may not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Publisher.

22 STORIES 4 BON JOVI RETURNS // REGGIE ALLEN

“It’s been 28 years and three days since Bon Jovi last stepped foot in the Magic City, but who’s counting? Apparently front man Jon Bon Jovi is. The 54-year-old singer reminded the sold-out crowd at the BJCC that the band hadn’t been at the venue since their Slippery When Wet tour in 1986. Almost three decades and ten albums later, Bon Jovi is far from living on a prayer.”

6 THE FABULOUS LIFE OF COCONUT OIL // RACHEL STEINER “Coconut oil has gained much popularity over the last few years and research continues to support its many benefits. Many of you have probably heard numerous ways to use it, but I am going to highlight some of its great qualities and explain a little of the science behind it.”

7 BUFFALO PHIL’S // CHAIN WITH A LOCAL FEEL

“Overall, Buffalo Phil’s is a nice spot for good food and great vibes. Whether a college student, parent or passerby, the savory wings are sure to please anyone.”

22 COMMUNITY ARTS // KEVIN LEDGEWOOD Film Series, Exhibits and more.

9 BEER/WINE REVIEWS 10 IN THE KITCHEN

RESTAURANT GUIDE

14 PET PLANET 15 MOVIE REVIEWS 16 EVENTS 19 DECEMEBER ART NIGHT 20 PUZZLEMANIA / EDITORIAL CARTOON 21 HOROSCOPE

HIGH TIDE SPORTS 23

SABAN WEEKLY PRESS CONFERENCE GARY HARRIS

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F E AT U R E | R E G G I E A L L E N

BON JOVI RETURNS TO BIRMINGHAM WITH A VENGEANCE

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t’s been 28 years and three days since Bon Jovi last stepped foot in the Magic City, but who’s counting?

Apparently front man Jon Bon Jovi is. The 54-year-old singer reminded the sold-out crowd at the BJCC that the band hadn’t been at the venue since their Slippery When Wet tour in 1986. Almost three decades and ten albums later, Bon Jovi is far from living on a prayer.

second half of the concert with “It’s My Life”, “God Bless This Mess” and “The Devil’s in the Temple” before engaging in a small dialogue with the audience. Getting personal for a minute, [Jon] Bon Jovi talked about the emotional process of creating “This House Is Not for Sale,” the band’s first fulllength album in two years, and launched into the acoustic ballad “Scars on this Guitar.”

Last February, the nine-time Grammy Award-winning band returned to Birmingham for their “This House is Not for Sale” tour, promoting the release of their thirteenth studio album.

The stop also served as the Alabama debut of Bon Jovi’s newest members, bassist Hugh McDonald and Phil X, who recently replaced Richie Sambora as lead guitarist.

Shortly after 8:30 P.M., the Legacy Arena went pitch black and filled with waves of applause. Surrounding the stage, a thin, billboard-sized backdrop illuminated with a series of white lines scrambling across the screen, ultimately leading to the album’s signature look, a large-rooted tree with a rustic house atop it.

After “ending” the show with “Have a Nice Day”, “Bad Medicine” and “Keep the Faith”, the five-man group departed the stage, leaving the crowd yearning for more. After cruising through a 21-song catalogue, there were only a handful of hits that the band didn’t cover.

Emerging from the thin veil, Bon Jovi and company launched into the titular “This House is Not for Sale” and “Knockout.” The front man then took time to reflect on the large gap since the band’s last visit in the Magic City, citing that many of his newer fans weren’t even born yet before performing notable hit “You Give Love a Bad Name.”

The almost 150-minute show covered a wide spectrum of the band’s 28-year-career that the lead singer joked had more hits than the Sopranos, the titular mob family from HBO’s show of the same name.

The band then kicked off the

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Naturally, Bon Jovi saved the best for last, returning to the stage for a three-song encore, starting with 1994’s “Always”.

Taking it back to their Slippery When Wet Album days, Bon Jovi performed “Wanted Dead or Alive,” a top-selling hit when they were last in Birmingham.

The band then closed with a very crowd-infused version of “Living on a Prayer.”

Alabama-based group Sweet Tea Trio opened up for the multi-Grammy Award Winning group. The young, Country ensemble comprised of Savannah Coker, Kate Falcon and Victoria Camp, were winners of the band’s local opening act contest. Voted “Best Country Female Artist” at the 2016 Alabama Music Awards, the trio have been compared to The Dixie Chicks and The Pistol Annies.

Though the years have passed, Bon Jovi’s fans welcomed them back with open arms. Hopefully, it won’t take another thirty years to see them again.

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>>> N E W S | T H E C H A M B E R O F C O M M E R C E

NEWS CHAMBER IN SESSION: WASHINGTON UPDATE TO WELCOME SEN. LUTHER STRANGE The Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama will welcome United States Senator Luther Strange for the 2017 Chamber in Session: Washington Update. The event, which allows Chamber members a unique perspective on current issues, will be held Monday, April 17 at 11:30 a.m. at Embassy Suites. The Presenting Sponsor for Chamber in Session: Washington Update is Crimson Village. Gold Sponsor for event is Embassy Suites.

Silver Sponsors are Cintas and TekLinks. Bronze Sponsor is Raymond James.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR “PUBLIC SPEAKING AND PRESENTATIONS,” APRIL 12 No matter how important a message is, if it is not delivered effectively, chances are it will not be heard. Strong presentation skills can captivate an audience. Poor presentation skills can kill your message. In “Public Speaking and Presentations,” participants will learn how to deliver effective presentations that deliver results. From the introduction to the strong closing, participants will gain the skills to deliver a powerful, professional presentation. This half-day workshop, scheduled for Wednesday, Apr. 12 at the Chamber of Commerce, is suitable for anyone who speaks in public. Presenter Shanna Ullmann is certified as a master trainer in Business Communications and Professional Business Etiquette and Protocol, and will lead attendees in becoming skilled in delivering confident presentations. For more information, or to register, visit www.tuscaloosachamber. com and click the Training Series link. This session is part of the Modern Business Landscape Training Series, sponsored by Bama at Work.

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>>> H E A LT H | D R . R AC H E L S T E I N E R

THE FABULOUS LIFE OF COCONUT OIL Coconut oil has gained much popularity over the last few years and research continues to support its many benefits. Many of you have probably heard numerous ways to use it, but I am going to highlight some of its great qualities and explain a little of the science behind it. Coconut oil has actually been classified as a “super food” because of its unique combination of fatty acids and its positive effects on our body and our health. Before I get started though, not all types of coconut oil have these benefits.

If you search for coconut oil in the store, you will notice a variety of brands, types, and prices. Cold pressed, refined, unrefined, raw, and virgin are just a few words you may see on a jar of coconut oil. Don’t let this overwhelm you, it is simple- you must buy UNREFINED, COLD PRESSED coconut oil to get the benefits and let me explain why.

First off, there are two types- refined and unrefined. Refined virtually has no coconut taste or aroma. The oil is produced from dried copra (not fresh coconuts) and it typically undergoes various levels of bleaching and deodorizing. When the oil is refined, it is treated with numerous chemicals and is processed at a very high temperature. By doing this, the health benefits are compromised and the shelf life is increased which makes it less expensive. Unrefined which can also be labeled virgin or extravirgin, has a fresh coconut taste and smell, is white in color, and is made from fresh coconuts. The unrefined oil is going to be a few dollars more than the refined, but it is definitely worth it.

Another quality you must consider when purchasing coconut oil is whether it is coldpressed or not. Cold pressed is a chemicalfree mechanical process that extracts oil from seeds and nuts. Oils that are cold pressed are made in a heat-controlled environment to keep temperatures below 120ºF. The lower the temperature it is made with, the more nutritional properties will stay in tact. All labels will sound great on the front for marketing purposes, but again just make sure to look for these two words- UNREFINED and COLD PRESSED. While researching the benefits of coconut oil, I found one website had 101 uses and properties (not Dalmatians!) That is a lot so I am going to highlight a few that I found fascinating, things I personally do, and would be of most benefit to the majority of readers.

1. Anti-bacterial properties. Lauric acid, which is a type of fatty acid found in coconut oil, is converted to monolaurin that helps kill off fungi, infection, and bacteria.

As a result of these various health benefits, it has been extensively used in Ayurveda, the traditional Indian medicinal system.

2. Improvement of blood cholesterol levels.

Coconut oil is loaded with saturated fats, which were once thought to increase your risk of heart disease. Saturated fats raise HDL cholesterol (the good cholesterol your body needs). There was a study done on rats that found coconut oil reduces triglycerides, LDL cholesterol (the bad cholesterol), and antioxidant properties. Long-term use showed a reduced risk of heart disease and cardiovascular improvement.

3. Whiter Teeth. Oil Pulling, have you heard of it? Oil pulling is done by swishing a teaspoon of oil in your mouth for 15-20 minutes.

It is believed to have many benefits, however the most popular is a natural teeth whitener.

I do this myself and am a true believer! Many of my family and friends who oil pull have also noticed visibly whiter teeth. It helps with many other dental hygiene properties such as stronger teeth, prevents bad breath, and can actually decrease TMJ problems by strengthening the muscles in the jaw.

Thousands of years ago before dentists and discovery of proper dental health, oil pulling was done to prevent cavities and infections of the mouth.

4. Boost Brain Function. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia worldwide and research has found it is caused by the brains reduced ability to use glucose for energy in certain parts of the brain. Coconut oil is high in medium chain fatty acid and has proven to show immediatea improvements in brain function when consumed by providing an alternative source of energy.

5. Skin and Hair Moisturizer. Research also shows various purposes of coconut oil when used directly on the body as opposed to consuming it. It has become popular to use it for cosmetic purposes to improve the health and appearance of skin and hair. Studies show that when applied to dry skin, it improves the moisture and lipid content making it soft and hydrated. These properties also work the same for your hair. When applied to the hair as conditioner or as an overnight hair treatment, it hydrates dry hair and adds instant shine.

Hopefully you can see now that coconut oil has many great qualities, giving it the reputation of a “super food”. Whether it is consumed or used directly on the body, this simple addition to your pantry can change your health for the better in so many ways.

Again, when purchasing coconut oil make sure to spend the few extra dollars on UNREFINED, COLD PRESSED to reap the health benefits.

>>> B O O K R E V I E W

DISTANT SON// AN ALABAMA BOYHOOD

Norman McMillan

Two central Alabama counties, Hale and Tuscaloosa, provide the setting for Distant Son, the absorbing story of a young boy struggling, during the forties and fifties, to define himself in a world of poverty and deprivation.

Norman McMillan was the eighth of ten children. His forceful mother Lucille was greatly ambitious for her children, and his feckless father Albert never knew how to capitalize on his advantages. During much of young McMillan’s first eighteen years, his family sharecropped, living in a series of rough, unpainted houses and struggling to claw out a meager living by truck farming.

Despite the deprivation the family faced, they seldom dwelled on their straitened circumstances. Lucille preached a strange sort of noblesse oblige based on ancestral pride. Because their riches of birth and ability were far greater than mere material possessions, Lucille taught her children to think of themselves as superior to many people who were better off economically. Any deprivation they experienced was temporary and would only serve to strengthen and toughen their character. It was, she assumed, their birthright to succeed and prevail.

Meanwhile, Albert, whose family provided the illustrious ancestors held up as models, drank up his meager money, sold off his property, and, as the years passed, withdrew more and more from the world.

Both comical and moving, Distant Son tells the story of these parents and their children as well as their relatives and neighbors. It depicts with rich and lively detail a life that was largely fading in the boom years of the 1940s and 1950s, but a world in which many people still found themselves. Without self-pity, the memoir celebrates the human spirit and its triumphant power to transcend temporary circumstances.

Norman McMillan is co-author of Three Generations of Warriors: The Argonne Forest, The Flying Tigers, and the Skies of Vietnam and was the recipient of the Eugene Current-Garcia Award for Alabama’s Distinguished Literary Scholar.

“Norman McMillan’s great memoir is in the high tradition of Rick Bragg’s All Over But the Shoutin’ and Janisse Ray’s Ecology of a Cracker Childhood. McMillan had one shining moment which makes his memoir the most Southern I have ever read. When the family mule died, his

father hitched Norman and his brother up to the jo harrow and finished plowing the field. This now stands as my favorite moment in Southern literature.” — Pat Conroy, author of The Great Santini and The Prince of Tides “Norman McMillan charms us with this coming-of-age story of a son devoted to an ardent, ambitious mother, a woman who rises to the challenge of poverty and the shame of her husband’s defeat, who shakes up the world of rural Alabama with her progressive ideas about race and education. As an imaginative son, McMillan moves with grace through the difficult world of childhood, and thanks to his sister Evelyn, sees beyond that world to the broader frontiers of adulthood.”— Patricia Foster, author of All the Lost Girls "Norman McMillan's Distant Son tells of coming of age mostly in Hale County and then near Tuscaloosa in clear-eyed prose that is witty, poignant, and sometimes hysterically bawdy. Thanks to booze, the Depression, and ten children in a row, the McMillans fell on hard times and ended up sharecropping from place to place. They knew one thing, though: they wanted those children educated and they'd do anything to see to it--sell anything, go anywhere, beg, borrow, and work like the Devil. In the end, Distant Son is a tragicomedy that tells of a world that seems both far away and right next door." — Judith Hillman Paterson, author of Sweet Mystery

The University of Alabama Press is a proud member of the Association of American University Presses. The Press currently publishes 70-75 new titles a year and has over 1,800 titles in print. It is a founding member of the University Press Content Consortium and is at the cutting edge of digital publishing. The Press is the publishing arm of the University of Alabama.

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BUFFALO PHIL’S// CHAIN WITH A LOCAL FEEL Located less than five minutes from the University of Alabama, Buffalo Phil’s is a fan favorite amongst students and locals alike. For students, it is one of the elect off-campus eateries that accepts dining dollars, the university’s designated currency for food. For the latter, it is a convenient stop for greasy sustenance before promenading to Bryant-Denny stadium on game day.

Perfectly nestled in the Strip shopping pavilion, the café-pub hybrid is welcoming with the sounds of popular alternative rocks jams and the enticing aroma buffalo wings.

Inside, the four walls are adorned with enough athleticthemed relics to keep the eyes busy until you are greeted by your server. Two large televisions hang over the bar section and several others are placed in the back room. It is a seat-yourself kind of place, but there isn’t a bad spot in the house. Also, the service is very quick.

While a chain establishment, the popular wing restaurant, nicknamed B-Phil’s by locals, has become a staple in Tuscaloosa culture. Like most pubs, Phil’s menu is standard; fried and served with one side (also fried), and your choice of dipping sauce.

The “World Famous” flats and drummettes are tossed in your typical variety of flavors, sauces and rubs (i.e teriyaki, lemon pepper, Honey BBQ.) Those looking to play it safe can always go with mild, a flavorful twang that doesn’t bite back. However, it is their Crimson BBQ sauce that deserves the utmost praise.

Most combos are accompanied with the choice of curly fries, tater tots, beer-battered onion rings, steamed veg-

gies, brown rice or potato casserole.The Chicken Winger, a combination of buffalo wings and chicken tenders, is a favorite amongst patrons. Paired best with the restaurants signature curly fries and bleu cheese, this simplistic arrangement is perfect for first timers looking to test their bearings. Naturally, Phil’s caters to the wing lover, but its menu offers a little something for everyone. There’s salads, chicken fingers and, of course, the go-to burger.

However, those looking to break the norm might find solace in the Megatron, a burger stacked with two half-pound beef patties, melted American cheese, BBQ pulled pork, coleslaw and onion rings. Even with the fried vegetable atop the burger, the meal still comes with a side. One of the biggest items on the menu, the heartattack-on-a-bun warrants a to-go plate.

The popular wing-spot is equipped with the typical lineup of spirits and on-tap beers, but it is the Philibuster that has become a household name. A green concoction of various liquors, juices and secret ingredients, B-Phil’s signature adult beverage is said to be so potent that the limit is two per customer. It even comes in a tall, plastic souvenir cup that you can brag to your friends.

Overall, Buffalo Phil’s is a nice spot for good food and great vibes. Whether a college student, parent or passerby, the savory wings are sure to please anyone.

Buffalo Phil’s is located on 1149 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa, Alabama and is open Monday-Saturday from 11 A.M.- 11 P.M. and on Sunday from 11 A.M.-9 P.M.

CHAMBER NEWS, continued from page 5

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>>> R E S TAU R A N T R E V I E W | S H E E N A G R E G G

Photos Courtesy of Sheena Gregg

FUZZY’S TACO SHOP//ADDING MORE TO DOWNTOWN For someone who loves food, I can’t help but get excited about all of the new eateries that have opened in Tuscaloosa in the past year. Whether it’s Midtown Village, the Shoppes at Legacy Park, or downtown Tuscaloosa, the restaurant gods seem to have perfectly sprinkled new businesses all across the area. For the downtown area, the addition of a fast casual scene seems to make sense among all the variety of places down University Boulevard and Greensboro Avenue.

Enter Fuzzy’s Taco Shop. I first became familiar with Fuzzy’s after a memorable trip to a conference in Athens, Georgia. A bad wreck left me carless while I wandered around the outskirts of campus looking for something delicious after a long afternoon. Fuzzy’s provided a refuge with nachos and a massive margarita so once I heard that Fuzzy’s was coming to T-town, I was more than pumped. The hubby and I decided to have a low key Saint Patrick’s Day dinner by visiting Fuzzy’s Taco Shop downtown. Despite the craziness of Saint Patty’s day, the lack of students for Spring Break provided a hopefulness that we’d have an efficient dining experience.

We entered Fuzzy’s and were immediately welcomed by the staff donning festive Saint Patty’s Day gear. The few diners we saw seated had huge green colored margaritas on the rocks. Since it had been a while since my first Fuzzy’s experience in Athens and this was my hubby’s first trip, we took our time looking through the menu. Though I’d had nachos during my first visit, the hubs and I both decided on taco plates to see if Fuzzy’s was truly a taco shop to rave about. I opted on a shredded chicken taco, as well as a spicy pork taco, both on soft

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corn tortillas. My sides included a cilantro-lime rice and refried beans while the hubs got mix-mex rice and borracho beans.

We patiently waited on our taco plates as we enjoyed our order of chips and guacamole. At first I was concerned about the amount of dark seasoning on the tortilla chips, but found it to have a nice flavor with Fuzzy’s guacamole. It wasn’t too long before our nice little buzzer indicated it was “go time” on our taco plates. Noticing the feta on my tacos, I couldn’t wait to get a bite in.

I loved the flavors, though I didn’t particularly taste the garlic sauce that was mentioned to be in both tacos. After taking my first bite of taco, I was immediately distracted by my husband’s facial expression as he took a bite of his mix-mex rice. With a face that said, “taste this,” I quickly took a sample bite and was disappointed at the texture and cold temperature of the rice indicating that it possibly didn’t cook all the way. Looking at my cilantrolime rice, I had high hopes from past experiences of Chipotle’s cilantro lime rice that my plate would deliver.

Sadly, my rice was also cold and gritty in texture. However, my refried beans and the hubby’s borracho beans were actually the appropriate temperature and quite tasty.

All in all, I would go back to Fuzzy’s.

I didn’t get a margarita during our Saint Patty’s Day excursion, but it will definitely happen during my next visit. The quality of the tacos were great, despite some of the disappointing moments with the rice. I’m looking forward to having a redeeming visit to Fuzzy’s in the future exploring the rest of the menu.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is located as 2321 University Boulevard

in downtown Tuscaloosa and opens daily at 10 a.m. Tweet us @ ThePlanetWeekly and let us know where you are eating!

Sheena Gregg, MS, RDN,LD is a registered dietitian and local “Filipino foodie.” Follow her on Twitter @TheThriftyRD

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GOOD PEOPLE BREWING COMPANY//HITCH HIKER IPA

CIGAR OLD VINE ZINFANDEL// SANTA ROSA, CALIFORNIA, USA

The wine is 100% Zinfandel and is sourced from Lodi.

Well, friends, we’re just a few mere weeks away from baseball season, and personally, I’m too excited for words.

There’s just something about going to the ballpark, having a couple of beers, a hotdog of course, and taking in the warm weather. This also marks that spring is here and that also means that several breweries are releasing spring seasonal offerings. One of my favorites brewed in the state of Alabama is Good People’s Hitchhiker, a west coast IPA, whose release coincides with the beginning of baseball season. I always know when the weather begins to warm up and pitchers and catchers report to spring training, Hitchhiker is being brewed. This is one of my favorite beers that Good People offers, so here are my thoughts: The design work for all of Good People’s beers are some of my favorite, and I love that they’ve stuck to the same design for Hitchhiker for all these years. There’s just something about that big block lettering and the map background that I really love. If you’ve seen the cans, you’ll notice that the art is basically a sticker on a blank, silver can. Last year Good People purchased a labeler so that they could begin offering smaller runs of seasonal beers in cans rather than just in draft like they had done for so long. This was a great move on their part, because seasonal beers like Hitchhiker and Mumbai Rye were great on draft, but the fact that I can now have it in a can makes me so happy.

I poured this beer into a Good People pint glass, because why not, and you first notice a light, burnt orange color that has about a finger’s width of khaki colored head. As the head slowly disappears, you get some nice lacing on the glass and that continues as you drink. The aromas coming off this beer are so strong in the way of pine and citrus hops. You get a lot

of what comes off as pineapple as well as some orange and lemon. The beer smells fantastic and as it warms, you get a lot more of the orange aromas and maybe even some grapefruit.

The taste is incredible; lots and lots of big hops flavors with tons of grapefruit and earthy notes. At first, the taste kind of follows the nose with the pine and citrus, but then you start to pick up even stronger notes of the grapefruit and lemon. The beer finishes with this really piney kick that’s resolved with a bit more of that lemon and orange. It’s important to note here that Good People lists the IBU (international bitterness unit, the way of determining how bitter the beer will be) at 100+, but that’s not to say that the beer is a tongue scorcher. It’s actually very mild and balanced. Although, it is a bit more on the bitter side than their core IPA, this one has a ton of citrus flavors that really tame the bitterness down and make it really enjoyable. I can’t say enough about the flavors in this beer, because it’s truly a work of art.

Mouthfeel is balanced and damn near perfection for the style. You get a little bit of a tinge in the back of your cheeks, but the beer has a light body and a nice crisp finish. Moderate carbonation makes this beer super easy to drink and very refreshing. It’s perfect for sipping in the heat and even better for drinking with a hotdog.

It’s a shame this beer is only available in the spring, because this would be a staple in my refrigerator. Like I said earlier, this is how I know it’s time for spring. I look forward to this beer and baseball at the same time like a light at the end of a cold, dark tunnel. Drink it up while you can because it won’t be around for very long, but I guarantee you’ll wish it was too.

The winemaker is Marty Peterson. In the letter he sent to reviewers he was clearly proud of both the wine and the labeling. He said the 2015 is the first vintage of Cigar Zinfandel to carry the Lodi appellation and its unapologetic big bold flavor.

Cigar Old Vine Zinfandel Reviewed From the tasting notes: … a powerful Zinfandel that exudes confidence and elegance while balancing rich, ripe fruit.

The fruit for this wine was cold-soaked before a fourteen-day fermentation. The wine was aged for eight months and partially in French oak. I tasted the 2015 vintage of Cigar Old Vine Zinfandel.

Appearance Although the marketing material suggests a very dark wine, it wasn’t as opaque as I was expecting. It’s dark, but some light does shine through. I would describe the color as dark plum. It’s plenty leggy and coats up the glass well. The legs fall extremely slowly down the sides of the glass.

Aroma The wine is quite aromatic and I was able to get a consistent whiff from afar. The nose is complex with hints of wood smoke and allspice. There is a bit of pungency to the aroma as well. There isn’t much if any alcohol burn in the nose, though. Cigar Old Vine Zinfandel alcohol content 15.5% per the bottle. That’s fairly high and I was quite surprised (and pleased) that didn’t come through in the aroma.

Taste The wine’s taste starts out very dark and rich with ripe black fruits. From there it moves to more of a bright red fruit flavor.

Inside all of that you get notes of cocoa and dark coffee, plus plenty of black and red fruits. It’s very tasty and as the tasting notes describe, “lip smacking.”

Mouthfeel and Tannins Cigar Zin’s mouthfeel was smooth and creamy. Tannins were present but supple.

I felt them mostly on the tongue.

Finish Being as big and rich as this wine is, it wasn’t a surprise that the wine had a long and lingering finish.

There was just a bit of bitterness in there, but the flavors definitely carried the finish.

Allowing the wine to breathe didn’t reduce the bitterness.

Overall Opinion What impressed me the most about this wine was the fact that so much flavor came from 100% Zinfandel. This wine reminded me of a red wine blend that would have had to “engineer in” all that flavor and boldness. From what I understand, this shouldn’t be a surprise due to this being a Lodi Zinfandel. They’re said to be known for such deepness in flavor. Something else that didn’t escape me was the wine’s marketing to guys.

The labeling being the big giveaway.

Having said that, yes, I could definitely see sharing this wine with my buddies and all of us liking it. It seems to hit that certain sweet spot nicely.

Recommend! But, maybe let it age a bit to reduce the bitterness in the finish.

Cigar Old Vine Zinfandel suggested retail price $19.99.

Suggested Food Pairing The tasting notes suggest pairing this wine with steak or BBQ. Sounds perfect to this guy!

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>>> I N T H E K I T C H E N | R AC H E L PA X T O N

HOW TO MAKE AND CAN HOMEMADE SPAGHETTI SAUCE It is very satisfying to make and can homemade spaghetti sauce. It does take a little work, but it is definitely worth the effort. If you have gone to all the trouble to grow your own tomatoes, trying canning a few jars of spaghetti sauce to enjoy with your family this winter.

To can homemade spaghetti sauce you will need a pressure cooker/canner. A boiling water canner doesn't reach a high enough temperature to process the vegetables in the spaghetti sauce, so the canning jars must be processed in a pressure canner. The benefit of a pressure canner is that you can also use it as a boiling water canner, eliminating the need to have a separate boiling water canner.

Once you have your homegrown tomatoes, pressure canner, and some canning jars, you are ready to get started making homemade spaghetti sauce.

Spaghetti sauce The measurements I will be listing are approximate. It is difficult to give precise measurements when tomatoes come in all different sizes, so just do your best to judge how many canning jars you will need. My tomatoes were small- to medium-sized. By following this recipe I was able to can 2 quart sized jars of homemade spaghetti sauce.

Note: You can use any kind of tomatoes, just make sure that they do not have any blemishes or cracks. Only pick the best tomatoes for canning to avoid the possibility of bacteria growth.

Ingredients: 45 small- to medium-sized tomatoes 2 tbsp. olive oil 2 tbsp. butter 1 onion, chopped 2 green bell peppers, chopped 8 oz. mushrooms, chopped 4 tsp. minced garlic 1/4 c. fresh basil, chopped 1/4 tsp. Italian seasoning 2 tbsp. tomato paste

BREAKFAST / LUNCH

Mon-Wed 11am–9pm Thur-Sat 11am–10pm Sun 11am–9pm www.tacomamaonline.com

City Cafe 408 Main Ave | Downtown Northport // 758.9171 Established in 1936. Big on food, low on price. Open for breakfast and lunch.

Historic downtown Northport. Closed weekends.

301 Bistro (Was L&N Train Station) 764-1395 Casual Dining, Full Bar and Beer Garden 301 Greensboro Ave, Tuscaloosa Mon-Sat 4–11PM Sun 11am-9pm www.301bistro.com

Brown Bag 9425 Jones Road | Northport // 333.0970 Its speciality, fried green tomatoes, joins barbecue plates and fish filets on an extended list of meats and vegetables.

Tues 10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. | Wed-Sat 10:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.

Cook Out 100 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Fast-food chain known for its drive-thru BBQ, burgers & more than 40 milkshake flavors.

Thur-Fri 11:00am-4:00am Sat-Wed 11:00am-3:00am www.cookout.com CountryPride Restaurant 3501 Buttermilk Rd // 554.0215 www.ta.travelcenters.com Breakfast 24 hours. Lunch and Dinner buffet.

Cracker Barrel Old Country Store 4800 Doris Pate Dr | Exit 76 // 562.8282 www.crackerbarrel.com Holler & Dash 1130 University Blvd A-1, Tuscaloosa//752-3310 Sun-Thur 7am–2pm Fri-Sat 7am–9pm Sun 7am-2pm www.holleranddash.com International House of Pancakes 724 Skyland Blvd // 366.1130 Jack's 1200 Hackberry Lane | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Mr. Bill's Family Restaurant 2715 McFarland Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 333.9312 Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd *402 | Tuscaloosa // 366.8780 Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip | Tuscaloosa // 342.0022

Sweet Home Food Bar 2218 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 764-9346 Mon.-Fri. Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm Tropical Smoothie Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, | Tuscaloosa// 331-4070 Casual, health-conscious cafe featuring custom smoothies, sandwiches & wraps.

Mon-Thur 6:30am–9:30pm Fri-7am-9pm Sun-10:30-8pm T-Town Café 500 14th Street, Tuscaloosa | 759-5559 |www.ttowncafe.com Mon - Fri 6am - 3pm; Sat - Closed; Sun 10:30am - 3pm

Gently squeeze the tomatoes into the sink or a bowl until all of the seeds and liquid are removed. A colander works well to catch the seeds. You might want to save some of the juice to top off the jars when you are pouring the sauce into the canning jars.

As you finish removing the juice and seeds from the tomatoes, drop the tomatoes into the blender. When the blender is almost full, process the tomatoes until smooth, and then pour into a bowl. Continue until all of the tomatoes are seeded and processed.

In a large pot over medium heat, cook the onion, green peppers, mushrooms, and garlic in the butter and olive oil until the onion softens, about 5 minutes. Pour in the processed tomatoes. Stir in basil and Italian seasoning. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer on low for about 2 hours to allow the flavors to blend. If a thicker sauce is desired, add tomato paste to desired consistency.

Pack hot jars with hot spaghetti sauce leaving 1-inch head space. Wipe rim and screw threads and adjust lids and screw bands.

Following manufacturer's directions, process quart jars in pressure canner for 25 minutes at 11 lbs pressure.

Let your jars sit somewhere where they will not be disturbed for at least 24 hours to cool and finish the sealing process.

Rachel Paxton is a freelance writer and mom of five. For more recipes, gardening, organizing tips, home decorating, holiday hints, and more, visit Creative Homemaking at http://www.creativehomemaking.com.

MAR 22 + APR 5

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

Rama Jama’s 1000 Bryant Dr // 750.0901 Closest restaurant to Bryant-Denny Stadium.

If you have never peeled tomatoes before, it is very easy. The key to peeling tomatoes is to dip them in boiling water for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until the skins start to crack. I place them in the bottom of the pan and then remove them with tongs. Next dip them in cold water until you can handle them. The skins slip right off. It is best to keep a pan of boiling water on the stove while you are working. If you let the water cool while you are working, it will not be as effective in removing the skins.

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

The Waysider 1512 Greensboro Ave // 345.8239 Open for breakfast and lunch. Smoke free.

MEXICAN

Chipotle Mexican Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0140 www.chipotle.com Chuy's 1320 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 349-4947 Sun-Thur 11am-10pm Fri-Sat 11am-11pm www.chuys.com Don Tono's 2312 4th Street | Temerson Square // 345.9191 El Mariachi 3520 McFarland Blvd E |Tuscaloosa // 409-8585 El Rincon (2 locations) 1225 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 366.0855 1726 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.1274 Fernando's Mexican Grill 824 McFarland Blvd E | Northport // 205.331.4587 Fuzzy’s Taco Shop 2321 University Blvd, Tuscaloosa//409-8344 Mon-Thur 10am–10pm Fri-SAt 10am–12am Sun 10am-10pm | www.fuzzystacoshop.com Iguana Grill 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 752.5895 Jalapeno’s Mexican Grill 2001 New Watermelon Rd | Northport // 342.3378 LaGran Fiesta 9770 Hwy 69 S // 345.8871 Los Calientes Mexican Grill 3429 McFarland Blvd E // 553.1558 Los Tarascos (2 locations) 1759 Skyland Blvd // 553.8896 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 330.0919 Margarita's Grill 1241 McFarland Blvd E // 343.0300 Moe’s Southwest Grill (2 locations) 2330 McFarland Blvd E // 342.1487 1130 University Blvd // 752.0234 moes.com Pepito’s (2 locations) 1203 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9028 1301 McFarland Blvd NE // 391.4861 Taco Mama Tuscaloosa 2104 University Blvd A, Tuscaloosa

FINE DINING

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials: Monday - $20 Bottles of Wine; Tuesday - Ladies Night 1/2 off Domestic Beer and House Wine, Select $5 Martinis, $2 off Select Sushi Rolls for Everyone; Uptown Wednesday - $6 Uptown Shrimp; Featured Cocktails and $20 Bottles of Wine.

Cypress Inn 501 Rice Mine Rd // 345.6963 Fax: 345.6997 | www.cypressinnrestaurant.com 2003 Restaurant of Distinction. Beautiful riverfront location.

Steaks, seafood and more with Southern flavor. Wine list, full bar. Specialities of the house include Shrimp Cypress Inn and Smoked Chicken with white barbecue sauce. Kid friendly. Closed Saturday lunch. Mike Spiller is featured the first Thursday of every month. Happy Hour- Mon-Fri from 4:30 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. featuring 1/2 price appetizers. $2 Domestic Draft Beers and $3 Well cocktails.

Evangeline’s 1653 McFarland Blvd. North // 752.0830 Located in the Tuscaloosa Galleria. 2004 West Alabama Tourism Award Winning Restaurant. American Eclectic Cuisine. Lunch: Mon–Fri 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: Tues–Sat 5 p.m. - until... Fall: Saturday Brunch.

FIVE Bar 2324 6th Street. // 205.345.6089 A restaurant/bar based on simplicity. We offer 5 entrees, 5 red wines, 5 white wines, 5 import beers, 5 domestic, and 5 signature cocktails, to go along with our full liquor bar.

Dinner: Sunday - Thursday 5-10; Friday and Saturday 5-12 Lunch: Friday and Saturday 11-3; Sunday Jazz Brunch: 10-3 five-bar.com; 205.345.6089/ The Side by Side Restaurant 2410 University Blvd. | Embassy Suites | 561-2500 thesidebysiderestaurant.com River 1650 Jack Warner Pkwy NE, Tuscaloosa//632-3801 Tue,Wed,Thur-11am–2pm, 5:30–9PM Fri-11am–2pm, 5–10pm Sat-10am–1pm, 5–10 Sun-10am–1pm Closed Monday www.rivertuscaloosa.com

JAPANESE

Bento Japanese Restaurant & Sushi Bar 1306 University Blvd // 758.7426 Hokkaido Japanese Restaurant 607 15th Street Open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Ichiban Japanese Grill & Sushi 502 15th Street // 752.8844 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Bar 6521 Hwy 69 S | Hillcrest Center // 366.1177 Offers steak, seafood, tempura, teriyaki and sushi. Including cooking at your table, if you choose. Sun–Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. - 11 p.m.

Kobe Steak House 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 759-1400 Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 4:30 p.m. - 10 p.m. Sat & Sun 11:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Pokirrito 68 (was Ezell's Southern Food Express) 220 15th St E, Tuscaloosa Sushi Bar

ITALIAN

Broadway Pizzeria 2880 Rice Mine Road Northeast Tuscaloosa, // 391.6969 DePalma’s Italian Cafe 2300 University Blvd, Downtown // 759.1879 Menu ranges from sanwiches to finer pasta dishes and pizza.

Varied beer and wine selection.

Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. – 11 p.m. www.depalmascafe.com Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.345.4343 Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd // 758.0112 Pizzas, calzones, hoagies and more. Open daily for lunch and dinner. www.mellowmushroom.com Mr. G’s 908 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339-8505 Olive Garden 2100 McFarland Blvd E // 750-0321 Open daily from 11 a.m. | www.olivegarden.com

CASUAL DINING

Avenue Pub 405 23rd Avenue // Tuscaloosa Brunch, lunch, and dinner.

Specialty cocktails, local pints, bottled beer, and wine.

Mon - Fri. 11 a.m. – 11 p.m., Sat. Noon – 11 p.m., Sun.Noon p.m. – 9 p.m.

Big Daddy’s Cafe 514 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 759.9925 The Blue Plate Restaurant (Was Northport Diner) 450 McFarland Blvd, Northport // 462-3626 Buddy’s Ribs & Steaks 2701 Bridge Ave | Northport // 339.4885 Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd // 523.0273 Mon–Wed 11 a.m. - midnight | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O SA

Chicken Salad Chick The Shoppes at Midtown & Essex Square, Northport | Said to be the very best chicken salad that can be found anywhere. www.chickensaladchick.com Dave’s Dogs 1701 McFarland Blvd E | University Mall // 722.2800 Five Guys Burgers & Fries 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 391.0575 www.fiveguys.com Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers//764-9097 315 15th St, Tuscaloosa Fri-Sat 10:30am–11:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am–10:00pm www.freddysusa.com Glory Bound Gyro Company 2325 University Blvd // 349-0505 Glory Bound Gyro Company is a unique restaurant that focuses on great food and service in a funky, fun-filled atmosphere.

Open Mon-Thu: 11am - 10pm | Fri - Sat: 11am-10pm | Sun: 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.

Hooligan’s 1915 University Blvd // 759.2424 From hamburgers to hummus. Open daily 10 a.m. - 11 p.m.

The Kitchen 2322 4th St, Tuscaloosa//331-4731 Tue-Fri 8am–3pm Sat-Sun 9am-9pm Closed Sunday Logan's Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd E // 349.3554 Madear’s 1735 Culver Road // 343.7773 Mon–Fri 6 a.m. - 5 p.m. | 2nd & 3rd Sunday 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 391.0572 Great burgers & sandwiches. Unique setting, full service bar, veggie entrees, kid friendly, and open late www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Newk’s Express Cafe 205 University Blvd. East // 758.2455 Fax: 758.2470 // www.newkscafe.com Express casual dining experience in a refreshing and stylish atmosphere. Serving fresh tossed salads, oven baked sandwiches, California style pizzas and homemade cakes from Newk’s open kitchen. Sun–Wed 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Thurs–Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Nothing But Noodles 1320 McFarland Blvd E #530// 349-2900 www.nothingbutnoodles.com Pastas, Salads, Soups, Desserts Fri-Sat 10:30am–10:30pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm O’Charley’s 3799 McFarland Blvd // 556.5143 Open daily lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch // www.ocharleys.com Panera Bread 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 366.8780 www.panerabread.com Quick Grill 1208 University Blvd | The Strip // 342.0022 www.bamaquickgrill.com Ruby Tuesday (2 locations) 6421 Interstate Drive | Cottondale // 633.3939 Just off I-20/59 at exit 77. Near Hampton Inn and Microtel Inn 311 Merchants Walk | Northport // 345.4540 www.rubytuesdays.com Sitar Indian Cuisine 500 15th St // 345-1419 Southern Ale House 1530 McFarland Blvd N Monday-Thursday 11a-9p, Friday-Saturday 11a-10p Sunday Brunch 11a-2p A warm and inviting restaurant just north of the river with both classic and contemporary interpretations of Southern Cuisine. We boast a large variety of local craft beers on tap and other options in bottle for our beer loving constituents.

Wine and Signature cocktails Southland Restaurant 5388 Skyland Blvd E // 556.3070 Steaks, chops and home-cooked vegetables Mon–Fri 10:45 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sweet Home Food Bar www.sweethomefoodbaral.com//764-9346 Mon-Sat 9am–9pm Sun- 10am-3pm

Good food, beverages and family friendly Monday through Wednesday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Thursday through Saturday from 11 a.m.-10 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. till 9 p.m. (Sunday Brunch 10:30am-3pm).

Buffalo Wild Wings 2710 McFarland Blvd. East | Tuscaloosa // 523.0273 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine, full bar Champs Sports Grille 320 Paul Bryant Drive | inside Four Points Sheraton Hotel // 752.3200 Breakfast and lunch buffets. Sunday brunch 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Hooter’s 5025 Oscar Baxter Dr | Next to Jameson Inn // 758.3035 Wings, clams, shrimp and of course the Hooters Girls www.hooters.com Innisfree Irish Pub 1925 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 345.1199 Moe's BBQ 101 15th Street | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 752.3616 Mon-Sat 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Bar open until 2 a.m., 3 a.m. on Fridays Mugshots Grill & Bar 511 Greensboro Ave // 391.0572 Great burgers. Full service bar. Open late. www.mugshotsgrillandbar.com Walton's 915 Patriot Pkwy, Tuscaloosa//752-1693 Wings and much more Mon-Sat 9am-10pm Closed Sun waltonstuscaloosa.com Wilhagan’s 2209 4th St | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 366.0913 Wings U 1800 McFarland Blvd East Suite 218 | Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 561.3984 Features the first coal-fired pizza oven in Alabama. Owned by former UA/Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Completely open concept! www.wingsu.com WingZone 1241 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 342.2473

BARBEQUE

Archibald & Woodrow's BBQ 4215 Greensboro Ave | Tuscaloosa // 331.4858 Mon-Sat 10:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. | Sun lunch Bama BBQ & Grill 3380 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.9816 Dickey's BBQ (3 locations) 9770 Alabama 69; Midtown; and 13544 Hwy 43 North at Rose Blvd. in Northport.

Texas Barbecue. | 344.6500 1800 McFarland Blvd, Midtown Village, Tuscaloosa. | 758-1133 13544 Hwy 43 North, Winn Dixie Shopping Center, Northport. | 330-1147 Dreamland (2 locations) 5535 15th Ave | Tuscaloosa // 758.8135 101 Bridge Ave | Northport // 343.6677 The legend. On game day, get there early if you want to make kickoff. Seating is limited. Hours: Mon–Sat 10 a.m. - 9 p.m. | Sun 11 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Full Moon BBQ 1434 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 366-3555 (sports Grill) Mon-Thur 10am–9pm Fri-Sat 10am–10pm Sun 11am-9pm Hick’s BBQ 4400 Fayette Hwy // 339.3678 // Tues–Sat 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Moe's Original BBQ 2101 University Blvd.. // 752.3616 Mon–Sat 11am - 10pm | Bar service Mon-Sat 2am and Fri -3am | Kitchen closes at 10pm Pottery Grill (2 locations) Highway 11 | Cottondale // 554.1815 3420 Alabama 69 | Northport // 333.5848 Menu: thepotterygrill.com Awesome barbecue. The Pottery Grill serves up everything from pork, chicken, ribs and sausage to burgers, hot dogs and salads. Take-out and catering available.

Tee’s Ribs and Thangs 1702 10th Avenue // 366.9974 |11 a.m. - 10 p.m. daily

STEAKS

Logan’s Roadhouse 1511 Skyland Blvd | next to Sams // 349.3554 Steaks, ribs and spirits

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe 1800 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 344-6444 Mon-Sat 11am-9pm Sun 11am-8pm

Longhorn Steakhouse 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 345-8244 #412

Urban Cookhouse 1490 Northbank Parkway #110, Tuscaloosa// 561-6999 We use the freshest ingredients available with an emphasis on supporting the local farmer Mon-Sun 10am–9pm//www.urbancookhouse.com

Nick's In the Sticks 4018 Culver Rd | Tuscaloosa // 758.9316 A long-time Tuscaloosa tradition.

Good steaks at a reasonable price Try a Nicodemus if you have a designated driver.

Zoe’s Kitchen 312 Merchants Walk // 344.4450 A wonderful selection of Greek foods

SPORTS GRILL

Baumhower's Wings of Tuscaloosa 500 Harper Lee Drive | catering-Pick-up Tuscaloosa // 556.5858 | Always fresh and always fun. Owned by former UA/ Miami Dolphins great Bob Baumhower. Kid Friendly Buffalo Phil’s 1149 University Blvd | The Strip // 758.3318 Sports grille with TVs galore. Diverse beer and wine selection, full bar BurgerFi 1320 McFarland Blvd E #510, Tuscaloosa//759-2510 Stylish, eco-minded chain serving grass-fed beef burgers, plus hot dogs, craft beer & wine.

Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-Thur 10:30am-11:00pm order.burgerfi.com/menu/tuscaloosa

Outback Steakhouse 5001 Oscar Baxter Dr // 759.9000 R. Davidson Chophouse 2330 4th St. /Downtown Tuscaloosa/ 2056148782 We specialize in traditional American steakhouse fare including filets, New York strips, ribeyes, porterhouses, and more.The wine list and cocktail menus are exceptional and rotate with the seasons. Reservations are available online at rdchophouse.com or by phone.

Hours - Tues–Fri. Lunch – 11:00am – 2:00pm; Cocktail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - untill. Saturday: Lunch – 11:00am 4:00pm; Cocktail Hour – 4:00pm; Dinner – 5:00pm - until. Sunday Brunch: 10:00am - until Texas Roadhouse 1363 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa// 759-2596 Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun-11am-10pm Mon-Thur 3pm-10pm www.texasroadhouse.com 43 Prime Steakhouse 13620 Highway 43 N Northport// 331-5800 Monday-Thursday 4:30-9 Friday-Saturday 11-10 Closed Sunday

Billy's Sports Grill Historic Downtown Northport // 879.2238

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MAR 22 + APR 5

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>>> RESTAURANTS |

W H E R E TO E AT I N T U S C A LO O S A (CO N T.)

SEAFOOD

Chuck’s Fish 508 Greensboro Ave | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 248.9370 Monday - Thursday 5-10 p.m. and Friday - Saturday 5-11 p.m. Steak, seafood, & sushi specialities. Daily specials.

Red Lobster 2620 McFarland Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.553.8810 Sun-Thurs 11AM-10PM//Fri & Sat 11AM-11PM Reservations Accepted Take-Out Available Private Dining Area Available for Advanced Booking (Lunch Specials Available Mon-Fri 11AM-3PM) Shrimp Basket 3249 McFarland Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//469-9786 Mon-Fri 10:30am–9pm www.shrimpbasket.com The Levee Bar and Grill 1 Bridge Ave | Northport // 632.3136 Casual riverfront dining Hours: Mon-Thurs 11 AM-9 PM, Fri-Sat 11 AM-10 PM, Sun 10:30 AM-3 PM (Happy Hour Mon-Thurs 2 PM-6 PM) leveebarandgrill.com

CHINESE

Buffet City 1747 Skyland Blvd E // 553.3308 All you can eat buffet. Open 7 days a week.

Chang’s Chinese Restaurant 1825 McFarland Blvd N // 391.9131 China Fun 2600 University Blvd | Alberta City // 553.2435 Chongwah Express 1425 McFarland Boulevard, Northport. 333-1088 Hot Wok Express 6571 Alabama 69, Tuscaloosa// 758-0148 Mon-Sat 10:30am–8pm Lee Palace 6521 Highway 69 S // 391.9990 / Open daily 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mr. Chen's Authentic Chinese Cooking & Oriental Market 514 14th St. | In the Oz Music shopping center // 343.6889 // Open Sun - Thu 11am - 9pm, Fri & Sat 11am - 9:30pm New China Fun 4213 University Blvd E, Tuscaloosa//553-2435 Mon-Thur 11am–9:30pm Fri-Sat 11am–10:30pm Sun 12–9:30PM Panda Express 636 15th St E// 343-6888 Fri-Sat 10:30am-10:00pm Sun-11:00am-9:00pm Mon-Thur 10:30am-9:30pm www.pandaexpress.com Pearl Garden 2719 Lurleen Wallace Blvd | Northport // 339.0880 Peking Chinese Restaurant 1816 McFarland | Northport // 333.0361 Open 7 days a week. Super lunch and dinner buffet.

Hours: Sun–Thurs 11 a.m. - 9:30 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Swen Chinese Restaurant 1130 University Blvd | The Strip // 391.9887 Trey Yuen 4200 McFarland Blvd E // 752.0088

PIZZA AND SUBS

A Taste Of Chicago 1700 Greensboro Avenue 205-342-DOGS Mon. - Thurs. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Fri. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 10 p.m.

17th Street and Greensboro Avenue. Authentic Chicago style foods. Italian Beef Sandwiches, Chicago Rib Tips, and Chicago Style Pizza.

California Underground 13552 Highway 43, Northport | 339.8660 Chuck E. Cheese's Midtown Village, 500, Tuscaloosa St//979-3420 Mon-Thur 11am-9pm Fri-11am-10pm Sat-9am-10pm Firehouse Subs 1130 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 248.0680 Hungry Howie’s (2 locations) 1105 Southview Ln | South Tuscaloosa // 345.6000 1844 McFarland Blvd | Northport // 333.2633 1211 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa | The Strip // 366.1500 4851 Rice Mine Rd | Northriver/Holt // 345.3737 Lenny’s Sub Shop 220 15th St // 752.7450 // Fax: 752.7481 // www.lennys.com Little Caesars Pizza 1414 10th Ave // 366.2220 | www.littlecaesars.com (Second location) 5980 Old Greensboro Rd, Tuscaloosa// 331-8150 Little Italy 1130 University Blvd. // 345.4354 Marco’s Pizza 1021 McFarland Blvd, Northport// 330-4555 Mon-Thur 11am–10pm Fri-Sat 11am–11pm Sun 3–10PM | http://www.marcos.com Mellow Mushroom 2230 University Blvd | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 758.0112 Subs n' You 2427 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa // 205.758.0088 Roly Poly Sandwiches 2300 4th Street | Tuscaloosa // 366.1222 The Pita Pit 1207 University Blvd | The Strip // 345.9606 Hours: Mon–Sat 10:30 a.m. - 3 a.m. | Sun 11:30 a.m. - midnight

Pyros Fire Fresh Pizza 1320 McFarland Blvd E #270, Tuscaloosa//248-7343 Mon-Fri 10:30am-10pm www.pyrospizza.com Tut’s Place 1306 University Blvd | The Strip // 759.1004

DELICATESSEN

Honeybaked Ham Company 421 15th St. E // 345.5508 //www.honeybaked.com Jason’s Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd // 752.6192 Fax: 752.6193 // www.jasonsdeli.com Located in the Meadowbrook Shopping Center.

Jimmy John’s (3 locations) 1400 University Blvd | The Strip // 366.3699 1875 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 752.7714 815 Lurleen B. Wallace S | Tuscaloosa // 722.2268 Delivery 7 days a week. www.jimmyjohns.com Manna Grocery & Deli 2300 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 752.9955 McAlister’s Deli (2 locations) 101 15th St | Tuscaloosa // 758.0039 3021 Tyler Dr | Northport // 330.7940 Sandwiches, salads and spuds www.mcalistersdeli.com Momma Goldberg’s Deli 409 23rd Ave // 345.5501 |www.mommagoldbergs.com Newk's 205 University Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 758.2455 Schlotsky’s Deli 405 15th St. E // 759.1975 // schlotskys.com Which Wich University Blvd.// Downtown Tuscaloosa // Mon – Sat 10:30 – 9 // Sunday 11 – 7 // Fresh ingredients, great sandwiches. 764.1673

ASIAN CUISINE

Ruan Thai 1407 University Blvd // 391.9973 | ruanthaituscaloosa.com Exotic Thai cuisine. Offers vegetarian options, outdoor dining, and a full bar. Sushi on Thursdays. Lunch: Mon–Sat 11 a.m. -2 p.m. | Dinner: Mon– Thurs 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. Fri & Sat 5 p.m. -10pm | Sun 11 a.m. -3 p.m.

Surin of Thailand 1402 University Blvd // 752.7970 Authentic Thai restaurant and sushi bar. Open daily.

Lunch: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. | Dinner: 5 p.m. - 9:30 p.m. www.surinofthailand.com

COFFEE SHOP

Barnes & Noble 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Tuscaloosa // 349.6366 Five Java Coffee, fresh juices, smoothies and treats from Mary's Cakes.

Open Monday - Saturday at 7am; 9am on Sundays Heritage House 700 Towncenter | Northport // 758.0042 Open Mon-Fri 7 a.m. – 8 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Krispy Kreme Doughnut 1400 McFarland Blvd // 758.6913 //www.krispykreme.com Starbucks (2 locations) 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 343.2468 1901 13th Ave East | inside Super Target // 462.1064 starbucks.com

DESSERTS

Celebrations Bakery, Inc. 1832 McFarland Blvd N | Northport // 339.3221 Fax: 349.1945 Cold Stone Creamery 1130 University Blvd. | Tuscaloosa //343.1670 Specializes in customized ice cream Hours: Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 10 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

Sun 12 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Dunkin' Donuts 2520 Stillman Blvd. |Tuscaloosa// 349.3400 McCorvey Dr. | Tuscaloosa // 348.4041 www.dunkindonuts.com Mary's Cakes & Pastries 412 22nd Avenue | behind Opus | Northport // 345.8610 www.maryscakesandpastries.com Mon–Fri 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Sat 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Smoothie King (2 locations) 415 15th Street | Tuscaloosa // 349.1721 Fax: 349.1945 1403 University Blvd | Tuscaloosa // 462.3664 Sweet CeCe's Frozen yogurt Treats 2217 University Blvd. | Downtown Tuscaloosa // 561.6458 A fun and friendly make your own creation, yogurt experience!

TCBY (3 Locations) 2304 Mcfarland Blbd | Meadowbrook Shopping Center // 349.4661 // 2 Mcfarland Blvd | Northport | Essex Shopping Center // 758.6855 // 1130 Univ. Blvd. | The Strip // 345.0804 Yogurt In Love Patriot Center 7402 Highway 69 South Phone Number: 764.9173 Fax Number: 764.9228 Monday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m., Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-10 pm.

Yogurt Lab 920 Paul W. Bryant Dr Ste 200 | Tuscaloosa // 347.9522 Yogurt Mountain 1800 McFarland Blvd E | Midtown Village // 342.1484 Mon–Thurs 11 a.m. - 11 p.m. | Fri & Sat 11 a.m. - midnight

Pizza 120 50115th St. East | 561.6853

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MAR 22 + APR 5

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

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MAR 22 + APR 5

13

>>> PET PLANET

CLARA // RUSSIAN BLUE

HUEY // FUN DOG

Clara is a very sweet kitten with big, beautiful eyes. This attentive little kitten loves people and wants to be held and petted. Her coat is a pale gray with faint Tabby markings.

Survival of the fittest! That describes Huey, a handsome 10-month-old male terrier-mix dog. Huey was pulled from our local animal shelter where he was part of a pack of puppies picked up by Animal Control. Huey had been in this shelter for over 4 months. We had to get this happy, sweet dog out of the shelter to see what the real world is all about! Huey has a smooth tan and white coat and weighs around 28 pounds. He could potentially weigh up to 35 pounds when full-grown.

Huey is such a fun dog! He is well socialized with people, but he will need to learn what it is like to live in a home environment. Huey is still a big puppy, so he will need training and structure to help him develop into a well-mannered adult dog. That shouldn't be too much trouble because he is quick to learn and very eager to please. Huey is pretty energetic, so he will need daily exercising if he lives in an apartment. A fenced-in yard will be required if he is left outside unattended, plus he really needs a safe outdoor space to run around and play. He should be fine with children over 8 and seems to do well with other dogs.

We have started on his crate training. Huey is up-to-date on his vet care, is neutered, is heartworm negative and is microchipped. He is on heartworm and flea/tick prevention.

Huey is beyond ready to find a home where he can live the good life and be well taken care of!

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She is negative for FIV and FeLK, and she is up-todate on vaccinations, and is spayed. We hope you will bring her into your heart and home!

If you are interested in giving HUEY or CLARA the forever homes they want and deserve, visit the Humane Society of West Alabama at http://www. humanesocietyofwa.org or call us at (205)-554-0011.

The Humane Society of West Alabama is in need of volunteers for both the cat and dog facilities.

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer please contact our volunteer coordinator at volunteerhswa@gmail.com or go ahead and download a volunteer application from www.humanesocietyofwa.org/formsinfo.html and send to the same email.

VOLUNTEER

// IN THIS ISSUE >> UP-TO-DATE RESTAURANT LISTINGS CROWDER ›› STEAL YOUR FACE ›› WOMEN'S ALLIANCE ›› COLLIDE ›› EVENTS ›› ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Turning point domestic violence and sexual assault services center and the Board of Directors are excited to announce the new Executive Committee at its annual meeting. The annual meeting starts at 6:30pm at the First United Methodist Church and features awards, a chance to meet the new committee members and exciting guest speakers on February 27, 2017. A few words of welcome are planned by local officials including, Chief Tommy Reese of Demopolis, Dr. Mallory of Shelton, board members and others. In recognition of Turning Point, the West Alabama areas domestic violence/sexual assault agency, >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAR 8 + MAR 22

1

Next Issue // April 5

Advertising Deadline: Friday, March 31 205-523-4668//205-792-7239

theplanetweekly.com 14

MAR 22 + APR 5

issuu.com/planetweekly

is inviting all citizens, social groups and other non-profits to join with them in this annual event to thank them for their continued support.

Our goal is to create a conglomerate displaying the strength gained by joining together. We are asking individuals and various groups and members to join us and continue a commitment to ensure that all lives are lived free of violence and abuse,? said Amy Gundlach-Foster, Executive Director of Turning Point.

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> M O V I E R E V I E W S | V A N R O B E R T S

LOGAN// HIS TIME HAS COME

★★★★

OU T OF 4

T

wentieth Century Fox has brought the curtain down on its original “X-Men” franchise with the “Wolverine” spin-off “Logan”, co-starring Hugh Jackson and Patrick Stewart. “Wolverine” writer & director James Mangold’s abrasive, slam-bang, but valedictory entry doesn’t resemble the usual, optimistic, hyperbolic, Marvel spectacle with a vibrant ending.

Mangold and scenarists Scott Frank of “The Wolverine” and Michael Green of “Green Lantern” have formulated an often violent, profane saga set twelve years into the future. Jackman and Stewart claim this movie marks the last time they will portray Wolverine and Professor Xavier. Unlike earlier franchise entries, “Logan” arrives with an R-rating for its “strong brutal violence and language throughout, and for brief nudity.” Saying that “Logan” sheds the kid gloves that previous “X-Men”/ “Wolverine” movies wore amounts to an understatement.

The “Kids in the Mind” website, for example, counted as many as 53 F-words and its derivatives, 24 scatological expressions, 9 anatomical names, and 6 minor obscenities.

Although enough blood & gore flows for a half-dozen movies, the ferocity of watching various characters getting viciously battered as well as slashed and gouged constantly, usually with multiple blades skewering heads should keep squeamish audiences screaming and gorehounds drooling.

“Logan” doesn’t confine its murderous mayhem strictly to its valiant heroes and slimy villains. This anything-goes opus slaughters innocent bystanders with relative indifference. The thing to remember about “Logan” is Twentieth Century Fox produced it rather than Disney Marvel, so it doesn’t resemble “Iron Man,” “Thor,” “The Incredible Hulk,” “The Avengers,” and “Guardians of the Galaxy.” Mind you, the “X-Men” movie franchise probably won’t vanish altogether since James McAvoy may still reprise his younger Professor Xavier, while a different actor will inevitably deploy those retractable, razor-sharp, adamantium claws that Hugh Jackman has wielded with such finesse in nine X-Men films over 17 years.

First, “Logan” takes place in the year 2029. Although everything appears contemporary, Mangold has inserted some thought-provoking, futuristic touches, such as self-driving tractortrailer rigs that careen along the highways oblivious to the safety of other motorists. Second, the heroes and villains dress like ordinary people, and Logan and Professor Xavier are far older than we’ve ever seen them.

They are hiding out when the film

unfolds, and Professor Xavier suffers from degenerative brain disease.

Indeed, Xavier relies entirely on Logan to protect him from unscrupulous people that want to seize the man with “most dangerous mind.” The two have sought refuge across the border in Mexico, and Logan works as a limo driver. He manages with considerable difficulty to keep Professor Xavier on medications that prevent him from suffering terrible psychic seizures. These seizures constitute the equivalent of earthquakes that can paralyze people in their shoes.

Some audiences may be turned off by the commonplace reality with which Mangold and his writers have wallpapered “Logan.” Jackman’s grandpa version of the Wolverine is comparable to Frank Miller’s depiction of an older Batman in the graphic novel “The Dark Knight Returns,” except Logan is in far worse physical condition. Indeed, Logan can still slice and dice his adversaries like a Christmas turkey, but his healing powers have waned.

A physician warns Wolverine that he may be suffering from adamantium poisoning. The first scene shows Logan awakening from a siesta in his luxurious 2024 Chrysler limo to find a gang of truculent border trash trying to steal his tires. Our hero approaches them, and a fracas erupts that leaves several either dead or wounded.

Wolverine, however, emerges the worst for wear, staggering about clumsily as he slashes and gashes his aggressive opponents who blast away at him. He is often shown repeatedly guzzling liquor and dresses in a sloppy manner. Director James Mangold stages Logan’s hand-to-hand combat scenes so each battle has a chaotic and frenzied spontaneity. Nothing about the fights that ensue appear

visually cool and kinetic as they were in earlier “X-Men” films. Sometimes, Logan looks like he is going to lose until he lets his rage fuel his ferocity.

Logan discovers that a desperate Mexican woman, Gabriela (Elizabeth Rodriguez of “Miami Vice”), has been following him. She has a group of mutant children with her. These children are not only trying to elude the henchmen, but they also trying to reach safety across the Canadian border. She pleads with Wolverine to drive them to their destination. He refuses to acknowledge her presence, but then discovers that an obnoxious enforcer, Pierce (Boyd Holbrook of “Run All Night”), with a mechanical hand and a cynical Southern drawl, from the Mexican research facility Transigen wants to recapture the children. These children are laboratory mutants on the lam. One of them,

Laura (newcomer Dafne Keen), brandishes lethal claws like Wolverine; she may be reserved and pint-sized but those claws do her talking. She demonstrates her savagery when she beheads the Goliath-like henchman sent to seize her.

“Logan” boasts several exciting confrontations as Wolverine and Laura make mincemeat out of an overwhelming number of adversaries.

The beauty of these scenes is that the hapless enemy doesn’t have a clue about their impending demise.

Mangold and company generate one surprise after another as Wolverine and Professor Xavier flee from Pierce and his legion of hooligans on a road trip. Laura accompanies them and earns their respect as a devastating killing machine, and her combat scenes are extraordinary.

Eventually, new nemesis Dr. Xander Rice (Richard E. Grant of “Hudson Hawk”), who wants the children captured, loosens his ultimate secret weapon X-24 that battles Wolverine to a virtual stalemate. The avalanche of tragic events that accumulate as “Logan” spirals toward its twilight of the gods ending may sadden some moviegoers. Furthermore, the dearth of backstory about the conspicuous absence of the other X-Men qualifies as “Logan’s” solitary shortcoming.

As the wizened Wolverine, Hugh Jackman evokes sympathy. Patrick Stewart fares no less admirable as the dementia-afflicted Professor Xavier who struggles to come to terms with his murky past. Altogether, “Logan” is unforgettable! Incidentally, a hilarious skit with Ryan Reynolds as Deadpool serves as a prologue.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAR 22 + APR 5

15

>>> E V E N T S THURSDAY, MAR 23

Green Bar Presents: Daft Punk Tribute Night WHEN: 10:030pm-12:00am COST: $5 WHERE: Green Bar 2350 4th St Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 366-0913 LINK: http://greenbarttown.com/ DESCRIPTION: When: Thursday March 23rd @ 10:30pm, doors open @ 8pm Where: Green Bar 2209 4th St, Tuscaloosa, AL 35401

THURSDAY, MAR 23

Musical Chairs @ Dat's Good BBQ WHEN: 6:00pm-8:30pm COST: WHERE: Dat's Good BBQ 4300 AL-13 Northport, AL 35473 PHONE: (205) 799-1311 LINK: https://www.facebook.com/ events/628373994016258 DESCRIPTION: Come join Musical Chairs as we play some tunes for you at Dat's Good BBQ in Northport.

We will play musical chairs with guitars, mandolins, harmonicas, and other fun musical toys. We play music from through the years in our own fun way. Come join the family friendly fun! No cover. 6-8:30 pm https://www.facebook.com/ events/628373994016258??ti=ia

FRIDAY, MAR 24

Live Music at Rhythm & Brews March 16th-18th WHEN: 5:00pm and 12:00am COST: Free WHERE: Rhythm & Brews 2308 4th S Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 248-7181 LINK: http://rhythmnbrews.com/ DESCRIPTION: Friday, March 24th The Mustache Band will be taking the stage. Doors open at 5 p.m. Saturday, March 25th - The Farmers Daughter Band will take the stage. Farmer's Daughter brings your classic rock, 80's, 90's, country favorites, and current radio hits to their sets each night. Doors open at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY, MAR 25

\Food Truck Fest WHEN: 4:00pm and 10:00pm COST: Free WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Company 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 266-5137 LINK: DESCRIPTION: Food Truck Fest at Band of Brothers Brewing

SATURDAY, MAR 25

Farmers Market WHEN: 7:00am and 12:00pm COST: Free

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MAR 22 + APR 5

WHERE: Tuscaloosa River Market 1900 Jack Warner Pkwy Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 248-5295 LINK: http://www. tuscaloosarivermarket.com/ DESCRIPTION: The River Market opened in May 2012. Vendors set up ripe red tomatoes and famous Chilton County peaches. Musicians sit propped up against the door, playing guitars as you walk in, and freshly brewed iced tea is for sale to help battle the heat. Additionally, local Food Trucks, bakers, artists, and craftsmen gather here to sell their gourmet grub, fresh-baked yeast rolls, homemade jams and jellies and hand-carved cutting boards. Popular summer foods include tomatoes, Chilton County peaches, squash, corn, and local honey. The Farmers Market at the River Market is open from 7 a.m. to noon on Saturdays ALL YEAR LONG and on Tuesdays (from Memorial Day through Thanksgiving).

Now accepting: EBT/SNAP/SFMNP/ WIC, cash, credit, and debit. Come on y'all, eat local!

SATURDAY, MAR 25

Black Warrior Brewing Company: Poses & Pints WHEN: 12:00pm-12:00am COST: $10 WHERE: Band of Brothers Brewing Company 1605 23rd Avenue Tuscaloosa, AL 35401 PHONE: (205) 248-7841 LINK: https://blackwarriorbrewing. com/ DESCRIPTION: Join us at Black Warrior Brewing Company on Saturday, March 25th at 12 p.m. The cost will be $10 for yoga and a beer.

MONDAY, MAR 27

2017 Northport Community Engagement Dinner WHEN: 5:30pm-7:00pm COST: $20 WHERE: The Levee 1 Bridge Avenue Northport, AL 35476 PHONE: (205) 758-7588 LINK: http://tuscaloosachamberal. chambermaster.com/events/ details/2017-northport-communityengagement-dinner-spring-1195 DESCRIPTION: Join the Chamber, the Levee, and officials from Northport for dinner! This semiannual event is designed to keep Northport business leaders and citizens informed on issues related to the Northport Community. Attendees will hear from Northport officials or industry professionals concerning topics such as roads, economy, schools, etc.

EARN EXTRA INCOME Help Local Businesses Get More Customers!

Sell Advertising Space in the Planet Weekly Please Call or Email Linda Johnson 205.792.7239 • publisher@theplanetweekly.com

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CRAFT BEER | WINE | BARCADE | GROWLERS

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MAR 22 + APR 5

17

Effective

ADS CONTACT

205.792.7239

Accepting New Patients!

Chiropractic Care Nutritional & Weight Management Programs Sports Physicals 9770 Highway 69 South Unit A | Tuscaloosa Englewood Plaza next to Winn Dixie

205-409-6333

Check us out online at www.freemanchiropracticandwellness.com Now Accepting Blue Cross Blue Shield!

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MAR 22 + APR 5

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> ROAD TRIP | S O U T H E A S T E R N CO N C E R T S A N D E V E N T S BIRMINGHAM

NASHVILLE

n Wednesday, Mar 22 The Nick//James McCartney

n Friday, Mar 24 Ryman Auditorium//Steve Miller Band / Marty Stuart

n Friday, Mar 24 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Charlie Wislon, Fantasia, & Johnny Gill Oak Mountain Amphitheatre// Train, Natasha Bedingfield & O.A.R. Saturn//Big Freedia BJCC Concert Hall//Chris Rock

n Saturday, Mar 25 Good People Brewery//AirWave Block Party The Alabama Theatre//Snakes In The Hood n Sunday, Mar 26 The Alabama Theatre//Home Free Vocal Band Lyric Theatre//Home Free Zydeco//Memphis May Fire n Thursday, Mar 30 Iron City//Hippie Sabotage

n Saturday, Apr 1 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Velocity Tour: Professional Bull Riders n Tuesday, Apr 4 Workplay Theatre//Rising Appalachia

n Wednesday, Apr 5 Saturn//Real Estate Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Phantom of the Opra Workplay Theatre//Papadosio n Thursday, Apr 6 Lyric Theatre//Drew Holcomb

n Friday, Apr 7 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Panic

n Saturday, Apr 8 Legacy Arena at the BJCC//Kari Jobe n Sunday, Apr 9 Iron City//Explosions In the Sky

n Sunday, Mar 26 Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Peter Frampton Raw

n Wednesday, Mar 29 Nashville War Memorial Auditorium//The Flaming Lips Ryman Auditorium//The Rides & Los Lobos Ryman Auditorium//Steve Miller Band n Thursday, Apr 30 Marathon Music Works//Railroad Earth

n Thursday, Mar 31 Zanies Comedy Club//Anthony Jeselnik Nashville Muncipal Auditorium//Legends of Southern Hip Hop

n Saturday, April 1 Schermerhorn Symphony Center//Nashville Symphony Ryman Auditorium//The Cash Legacy City Winery Nashville//Billy Joe Shaver n Monday, Apr 3 Marathon Music Works//Dark Star Orchestra

n Wednesday, Apr 19 Bridgestone Arena//Neil Diamond Ryman Auditorium//Patton Oswalt

Hippie Sabotage//Mar 30

n Thursday, Apr 20 Ascend Amphitheater//Thomas Rhett with Kelsea Ballerini

ATLANTA

n Saturday, Mar 25 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre// The Atlanta Opera Tabernacle//Bring Me the Horizon n Sunday, Mar 26 City Winery//Cracker

n Monday, Mar 27 Variety Playhouse//The Magnetic Fields Chastain Park Amphitheater//John Mellencamp – Emmylou Harris n Thursday, Mar 30 City Winery//Los Lobos

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band// Mar 31

n Friday, Mar 31 Atlanta Symphony Hall//Nitty Gritty Dirt Band

n Saturday, Apr 1 The Masquerade//Combichrist & Dope n Sunday, Apr 2 Tabernacle//The Flaming Lips

n Tuesday, Apr 4 Mercy Lounge//Maren Morris

n Wednesday, Apr 5 Cobb Energy Performing Arts//B.a.p

n Thursday, April 6 Bridgestone Arena//Willie Nelson n Friday, April 7 Mercy Lounge//JoJo

n Wednesday, Apr 12 Ryman Auditorium//The Decemberists n Thursday, Apr 13 Mercy Lounge//Periphery

n Friday, Apr 14 Nashville Municipal Auditorium//Katt Williams Ryman Auditorium//Loretta Lynn Bridgstone Arena//Chris Tomlin

n Sunday, Apr 16 Ryman Auditorium//Explosions In the Sky

n Monday, Apr 17 Grand Ole Opry House//Adam Sandler with David Spade

n Thursday, Apr 6 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre// Marsha Ambrosius

Willie Nelson //Apr 6

n Saturday, Apr 8 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center// Ron White n Sunday, Apr 9 Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre// Olivia Newton John

n Thursday, Apr 12 Tabernacle//Anthrax, Killswitch Engage n Saturday, Apr 15 Center Stage//Testament

n Wednesday, Apr 19 The Masquerade//Nonpoint

n Saturday, Apr 8 Atlanta Symphony Hall//Leela James & Daley

>>> R OA D T R I P D I R E C T O RY Travel the South's best venues. Visit their website for ticket info and more.

Acoustic Café 2758 County Hwy 9 205.647.3237

Fox Theatre 660 Peachtree St NE 404.881.2100

Montgomery Performing Arts Center 201 Tallapoosa St 334.481.5100

Von Braun Center 700 Monroe St SW 256.551.2345

Amphitheater at the Wharf 23101 Canal Rd 251.224.1020

The Hangout 251.948.3030 thehangout1.com

The Nick 2514 10th Ave S 205.252.3831

WorkPlay 500 23rd St S 205.380.4082

Bridgestone Arena 501 Broadway 615.770.2000

Marathon Music Works 1402 Clinton St 615.891.1781

Sloss Furnaces 20 32nd St N 205.324.1911

Zydeco 2001 15th Ave S 205.933.1032

Centennial Olympic Park 265 Park Ave W NW 404.223.4412

Minglewood Hall 1555 Madison Ave 901.312.6058

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre 2200 Encore Pkwy 404.733.5010 >>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAR 22 + APR 5

19

>>> PUZZLEMANIA | C R O S S W O R D P U Z Z L E

Across 1. Costar of Courtney and Jennifer 5. Date with an MD 9. Just sits around 14. Condition treated with Ritalin, briefly 15. Gaze intently 16. 1960 Wimbledon champ ___ Fraser 17. Milieu for Darrow 19. Shiitake alternative 20. Miss ___ Ewing 21. Absorb eagerly 23. Explain further 25. Neighbor of Latvia 30. Ho-hum 33. Clairvoyance, briefly 35. Sisterhood in a Rebecca Wells novel 36. New Age musician 37. Kon-____ 39. Old-fashioned 42. German negative 43. Observes 45. Lake ____, source of the Blue Nile 47. Fed. rule 48. Waiter's schedule blocks 52. Slept 53. With "ana," an Adriatic capital 54. Singer Shania 57. Mobile telephone giant 61. Pants material 65. Silent 67. Hill's antithesis 68. What Phelps has done well 69. Fifth-century Pope 70. Head-hanging emotion 71. On an even ____ (stable) 72. Tanning oil figs.

SOLUTION FOR PUZZLEMANIA CROSSWORD ON PAGE 21

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MAR 22 + APR 5

Down 1. Delicate trim 2. Rocker Billy 3. Yiddish synagogue 4. Actor Zmed 5. Mortgage no.

6. Swimming spot 7. Indonesian boat 8. Soy product 9. In a bumbling way 10. Winter quarters 11. Cambodian's neighbor 12. Big game animal 13. Six, in Sorrento 18. Chemise 22. Utilize 24. Letter start 26. Gulf state 27. California NFL team, briefly 28. Bellybutton type 29. Growing older 30. Maintenance 31. Sandwich choice 32. Electrical units 33. Onetime anesthetic 34. Kitchen utensil 38. Passport fig.

40. Stadium shout 41. "I'm working ___!"

44. The ____ Chapel 46. "___ Madness" (1966 Sean Connery comedy) 49. Not used 50. Danzig, to residents 51. Tolkien monsters 55. "___ you one!"

56. New Zealand island territory 58. Preserve 59. "Time ___ the essence!"

60. Caveat at a second-hand store 61. Computer info units 62. "That's a laugh!"

63. Hard ___ rock 64. ___ Jong Il 66. Not lge. or med.

>>> PUZZLEMANIA| S U D O K U

It's easy to play Sudoku! Simply fill every column, row and 3x3 box so they contain every number between 1 and 9. The game is easy to play but difficult to master! Solution Page 21

WRITERS WANTED

For Information, please email PlanetEditor@ yahoo.com

>>> PLANETWEEKLY • TUSCALOOSA'S SOURCE FOR ENTERTAINMENT, MUSIC, SPORTS & THE ARTS

>>> HOROSCOPES | W E E K L Y O V E R V I E W Subtler elements may influence you over the course of this week, perhaps a dream or intuitive hunch. And even with Venus, your personal planet, presently retrograde, you can find this connects you more closely with your feelings. Try not to dither too much, though, as there could be certain opportunities that come your way that need to be grabbed immediately. If you wait for just the right time, you could miss them. Finally, a reunion could prove a delightful occasion.

Your social life could dominate this week, with a key event being something that will evoke many happy memories in the months to come. With the Sun dancing into this same sector early in the week, you have an opportunity to take stock and consider what you can do to improve matters in this area. You could take offense at a chance remark that isn’t meant to be personal. Giving the other person the benefit of the doubt may be your best bet here.

The Sun’s move into your sector of ambition may have you moving into the spotlight over the coming four weeks. But for now you might want to consider your present position and where your priorities lie. Certainly, with Venus retrograde in this sector, it might not be wise to rush ahead with key deals. But if you’re prepared for a change of plan along the way, go for it. You may enjoy mixing and mingling this week, as friends can prove great company.

The desire to explore new territory and expand your reach can be emphasized from this week as the Sun moves into your sector of far horizons. If you’re up for a spring vacation, this is the time to go for it. The cosmos is encouraging you to leave behind your everyday environment and immerse yourself in new experiences.

You could feel a tad guilty for abandoning certain responsibilities, but try not to let it worry you. Just do what you need to do.

You have a chance to think more deeply about business or financial matters and make some key decisions. But with Venus continuing retrograde in your sector of shared assets, you may need to take care when closing various deals or considering borrowing money or any other financial moves. A soothing focus could see you enjoying some downtime in the form of new experiences that give you much food for thought. Over the weekend, it helps to expect the unexpected.

Relationships continue to be a major focus for you and something that you may relish over the weeks ahead. This could be because there’s a chance of a reunion or a heartfelt conversation with someone you parted from in a difficult situation. A healing could occur if you make the time to talk. However, when it comes to family members, you might need to tread with care, as their opinions could conflict with yours on a key issue.

The current blend of energies could encourage you to consider whether you are better served by sticking to your present agenda.

In fact, if everyday busyness has overridden your deeper purpose in life, this could become very clear to you at this time. Getting your priorities in order might mean letting go of certain activities in order to focus on something that nurtures your soul. A dazzling piece of information could lead to an opportunity this week.

There may be fun and games on the agenda, as the planetary picture suggests you’ll be in the mood to enjoy yourself. And anything goes so long as it involves some kind of adventure.

Nevertheless, you could feel a little bit guilty about the cost involved in one escapade. If there is a cheaper way to have the same experience, this could be an alternative. If not, perhaps you should just go ahead. A social event could have quite an impact on you.

Family matters seem to be at the top of your agenda, which may not be such a bad thing. Getting together can encourage discussion. If a certain matter is causing bad feelings, a heart-toheart chat may be all it takes to sort things out. On another note, a positive focus on your leisure sector could see you enjoying a sensual spa treatment or massage that helps you unwind after a busy period. Some time out can be very good for you.

The people you connect with over the course of this week can be a source of delight and optimism. Nevertheless, it’s possible that you could overreact to a conversation when nothing personal was meant. This might stem from childhood experiences, and this may be something to reflect on that now needs to be released. On another note, you may feel ready to clear out clutter at home and in the office, which can boost your energy level.

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PUZZLE SOLUTIONS

With Venus continuing retrograde in your personal financial sector, you may feel moved to pare back spending in order to save for something really special. But buying one or two small luxuries could help you make up for any lack in this department.

On another note, it helps to put a little bit aside for unexpected expenses, as it’s possible that something could crop up. On the other hand, you could have a small windfall to look forward to as well.

As the Sun enters your sign, its radiant glow can enhance vitality and give you the confidence to move ahead with plans and projects that have been on the back burner. Links to Venus enhance your popularity and make you a winner on the social scene. However, try to avoid getting into a spat, as the present picture reveals that it won’t do either side any good. You’d be better off focusing on building constructive relationships rather than involving yourself in needless conflict.

>>> VISIT US ON THE WEB @ THEPLANETWEEKLY.COM

MAR 22 + APR 5

21

>>> C O M M U N I T Y A R T S | KEVIN LEDGEWOOD

GUEST CURATOR, UA FACULTY OPEN “FREEDOM?” AT PAUL R. JONES GALLERY The University of Alabama’s Black Faculty and Staff Association recently joined with Brooklyn-based curator Dalila Scruggs to create a new, long-term exhibition at the Paul R. Jones Gallery in downtown Tuscaloosa.

The exhibit, titled “Freedom? Selections from the Paul R. Jones Collection,” runs from Jan. 23 to April 28 and showcases approximately 30 works by African American printmakers, photographers and painters in order to explore the ways Black liberation has and has not been achieved within the United States.

“The question mark in the title signals the contingent and incomplete nature of ‘freedom,’” Scruggs said. “Just because freedom has been fought for doesn’t mean that the struggle is over. There is a continued need for vigilance because at every stage of the liberation struggle there is always more to be done.”

Scruggs, in collaboration with UA faculty, organized the exhibition around five key themes that are loosely chronological: neo-slave narrative, picturing new Negroes, the economics of freedom, civil rights icons and Ubuntu: strength in community.

To further explore these themes and illuminate the works that represent them, the exhibit is accompanied by interdisciplinary reflections, written by more than 15 UA faculty members, covering disciplines from English and art history to dance, mathematics, music therapy and more.

The reflections will be included in the exhibit as well as published in a limited-edition, commemorative brochure. The brochure will be available to the public beginning at the exhibit’s opening reception, which will be held Feb. 3 from 5 to 7 p.m.

Major artists represented in the exhibit include Jacob Lawrence, Romare Bearden, Lev T. Mills and James Van Der Zee. “The Black Faculty and Staff Association is charged with coming up with ways we can incorporate the Jones Collection materials into the lives of students as well as within the community generally,” said Dr. Trudier Harris, a University Distinguished Research Professor in the department of English and member of the association.

JAHEIM, LEELA JAMES, ERIC BENET & DALEY

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“I think anybody who picks up a copy of the brochure will learn something about African-American struggles for freedom in the United States,” said Harris. “In addition, visitors to the exhibit will be able to learn more about the collection, Paul R. Jones, and how the gallery came to be.”

The gallery honors the late Paul R. Jones who, during his lifetime, amassed one of the largest collections of African-American art in the world. The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art at UA includes more than 2,100 works valued at $10.3 million. Jones donated the collection to UA in 2008.

Calvin Burnett, Freedom Fighter, 1967.

Lithograph. Paul R. Jones Collection, PJ2008.0151. © Estate of Calvin Burnett/ Licensed by VAGA, New York, NY

The Paul R. Jones Gallery is at 2308 Sixth St. in downtown Tuscaloosa.

Gallery hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday through Friday and the first Friday of every month from noon to 8 p.m.

The Paul R. Jones Collection of American Art is part of UA’s College of Arts and Sciences, the University’s largest division and the largest liberal arts college in the state. Students from the College have won numerous national awards including Rhodes, Goldwater and Fulbright scholarships.

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SPRING FOOTBALL PREVIEW TIDE OFFENSE HAS EXCITING YOUNG TALENT

O

n Tuesday, Nick Saban opened his eleventh spring practice at Alabama. Like most springs past, Saban again has a team loaded with talent, though some of it is young and inexperienced.

So there are some question marks the Tide will begin addressing over the 15 spring practices that culminate with A-Day on Saturday, April 22.

Here's a look at the offense.

JALEN HURTS RETURNS AT QB One spot where that is not a question mark in terms of a returning starter is quarterback. Sophomore Jalen Hurts comes off a spectacular freshman season in which he put up big numbers. Hurts set the single season school record for TDs accounted for, with 36 (23 pass/13 rush). He totaled 3,734 yards of offense (2,780 passing/954 rush). For his efforts, Hurts was named the SEC Offensive Player of the Year. He came within a second of leading Alabama to its 17th national title.

As good as Hurts was, to some he wasn't good enough. No doubt, he struggled throwing the ball consistently down the stretch. He had some mechanical issues. And there is speculation that Lane Kiffin might have checked out early. But it's time to move on with new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. The three-time NFL OC came to Bama from New England, where he was the tight ends coach the last four seasons. Word is that one of Daboll's first goals is to simplify the passing game a bit. That should benefit Hurts and true freshmen Tua Tagovailoa and Mac Jones. It will be interesting to watch how those three progress in Daboll's system this spring.

TOP TALENT AT WR Two of Bama's top three pass catchers are gone.

Wide receiver ArDarius Stewart (54 receptions) and tight end O.J. Howard (45 receptions) will be missed. But Calvin Ridley (72 receptions) returns as a big-play threat.

This might be the year that senior Robert Foster fulfills his promise. Foster started 2015 fast before suffering a season-ending shoulder injury. Word is that Foster and Lane Kiffin weren't on the same page last season. So for Foster, Daboll could be a breath of fresh air. New WR coach Mike Locksley seems to have a good rapport with Foster as well.

Sophomore Trevon Diggs will be another interesting one to watch. He's a good-sized target with bigplay potential. Diggs might get another look in the secondary.

Senior Cam Sims (14 receptions) brings good height and the ability to go up and get the ball. Junior Derek Kief, another tall receiver, probably had his best off-season work.

True freshman Jerry Jeudy was very impressive in the off-season work. He's a big-play talent in the mold of Ridley.

At tight end, junior Hale Hentges has been a solid blocker. Sophomore Miller Forristall has supposedly added 20+ pounds. He is a football player. He's a

surprisingly good blocker for his size and he gets open and catches the ball. I really like Irv Smith, who played last season but is listed on rolltide.com as a redshirt freshman. The 250-pound Smith can block, catch and run (he supposedly ran a 4.59 in the off-season). Keep an eye on true freshman Major Tennison from Bullard, TX. I heard some very good things about the 6-4, 245-pounder throughout off-season work.

OFFENSIVE LINE HAS VERSATILITY On the offensive line, sophomore Jonah Williams at right tackle, senior Bradley Bozeman at center and junior Ross Pierschbacher at left guard return.

Bama is looking to replace left tackle Cam Robinson and right guard Korren Kirven.

Several OLs have the versatility to play multiple spots, so look for OL coach Brent Key to work a variety of combinations up front this spring.

One popular question has been whether Jonah Williams would remain the starter at right tackle or flip to left tackle. The guess here is that he will work to some extent at both spots this spring. Lester Cotton, who started a game at left guard and a few at right guard last season, might also work at both tackle spots. Watch for redshirt freshman Scott Lashley. The 6-6, 330-pounder has all the tools. He could emerge as a standout at one of the tackles.

True freshman Alex Leatherwood, impressive in the off-season, could work at both tackle spots and also at guard. Sophomore Matt Womack has spent time at right tackle and left tackle. JUCO transfer Elliott Baker will also be in the mix at both tackles.

Redshirt freshman Chris Owens has shown flashes at tackle and guard.

At right guard, several guys could emerge. As

noted, Cotton has some starting experience here.

Others to watch are sophomore Brandon Kennedy, mammoth redshirt freshman Deonte Brown (very good numbers in the weightroom), sophomore Richie Petitbon and possibly junior Dallas Warmack (he's primarily been at LG). The 6-3, 310-pound Owens seems to be a natural guard. He might get a look here.

Regardless of how things shake out, it certainly looks like the Tide might have one of its most physical OLs in recent years. Load up all those running backs behind this group, and the Tide running attack could develop into a physical force.

LOADED AT RUNNING BACK Speaking of the running backs, this corps is probably as deep with talent as any in a while in Tuscaloosa.

The guess is that junior Bo Scarbrough (broken leg vs Clemson) might be limited this spring. The 230-pound Tuscaloosa native was really coming into his own before the injury.

Has there ever been less fanfare over a Bama 1,000-yard rusher than there was last season about junior Damien Harris? Maybe it's because Harris had just two rushing TDs. But he averaged an impressive 7.1 yards per carry.

Sophomore Joshua Jacobs ran for 567 yards and averaged 6.7 a pop. Fellow sophomore B.J. Emmons has had two foot surgeries (same injury). The guess is that he will be limited or won't participate this spring.

Two freshmen turning heads are Najee Harris and Brian Robinson. Both are 220+ and hard to bring down.

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