seveneightfive April 15 - May 31, 2013

Topeka’s guide to art, entertainment, lifestyle + local flavor

Vol. VII Issue VII•April 15 - May 31, 2013

50+ Events

For Spring

FREE

dig me

LEAD BE A LEADER AND JOIN FAST FOWARD, TOPEKA’S YOUNG PROFESSIONAL SOCIETY Network | Monthly After Hour Events Give Back | Volunteer Projects Go Inside | Insiders Series Learn | Learn-Ignite Luncheon Series Follow Us on Facebook and visit our website for upcoming events and to join!

fastforwardtopeka.org

Topeka’s Newest Dining Experience!

Enjoy Friday Night Dining at Ice & Olives White Table Cloth Dining in the Java Bar!

Great New Entrees Every Friday by

Chef John Phillips

Complimentary Wine Tasting by

Lakeside Wine & Spirits Reservations Recommended Jazz Guitar Music by Peter K

Ice&Olives • Thunderbird Square 3627 SE 29th St. Topeka • 785.215.8460 Weekly Menu: www.IceAndOlives.com

April 15 - May 31, 2013 • Vol. VII Issue VII

contents arts + entertainment

7 laugh lines: new name 8 5Q w/Brothawood 9 heard + noted 18 new(er) art space 22 hoy hoy might troy 22 yp summit 28 couture for cancer

spring Events

16 50+ events for spring 29 shop top city

24 22

cover

4 mug shot: New Belgium 12 cocktails at the Monkey 13 drink specials 14 topeka food co-op 24 kansas grapes 28 food porn: farmers market

by Amanda Reynolds

local flavor

Also available at 900 N. Ks Ave

with

Ruprecht Roosterdamus, The Psychic Chicken TM

Apr-May

2013 What’s the scoop, Rupe?

I’m at the end of my rope.

Help! I’ve been dating this great guy for a good while now and he seems really serious, but he hasn’t popped the question.

Should I move on or give him more time? - Bride in Waiting.

Dear BiW, Tried a sudden smack to his head yet? Some guys just don’t get it until they’re history. Sit him down, tell him yer joining Match.com if he can’t give ya a good reason not to. - RR ____________________________ A R I E S Gained a few pounds over the winter, eh? Well, Spring is the perfect time to get serious and avoid being rolled back into the surf by Save the Whales. Again.

T A U R U S Pay the ransom. Yer hamster is counting on ya.

G E M I N I Every now and then something wonderful happens to us for no apparent reason. Now isn’t one of those times of course but it’s nice to think about.

C A N C E R There’s a fine line between genius and insanity, Bucko. Try not to trip on it and stab yerself in the eye with that 12” kitchen knife. Awfully hard to explain to a SWAT team in yer ex’s back yard in the middle of the night in the rain. Trust me.

L E O Ya did it anyway. Sheesh!

V I R G O Don’t be the fall guy. Wipe that doormat expression off yer face and get back in there and drop kick you know who right in the zip code. Text me the details.

about us L I B R A Paroled is such a demeaning word, I prefer “prisonless.”

S C O R P I O “Why does Scorpio always get seveneightfive is a free lifestyle magazine the best Prognosticatios?” highlighting entertainment, art, local ‘Cause I say so.

That’s why.

businesses + more in Topeka.

We strive for accuracy S our A materials, G I T regrets T A errors, R I U in all but S cannot be held responsible. therecontacting ya go. Yer kind, WeWell, recommend venues to confirm dates and events.

considerate, and seveneightfive designaffectionate is the parent company of some of the caring and and what does it Topeka-focused get ya? most respected widely-read hyperlocal publications in digital and Still, print Ya media. Founded in 2007, A restraining order. themight company was established by owner Kerrice Mapes when want to try knowing seveneightfive magazine was created to inform area residents someone before giving them a and visitors about arts and entertainment events in Topeka. sponge Just “XYZ” magazine, with It’ssurprise “little sister” quarterlybath. publication, sayin’, Bucko, just sayin’. events and stories, was a focus on Topeka-area family-friendly first published in 2010. seveneightfive and XYZ magazines C website A P Rincarnations I C O Ras N have well at seveneightfive.com and I made fun of Texas XYZtopeka.com.

In west January 2012,here seveneightfive design published the inaugural the annual seveneightfive “I last time, and I’medition trulyofsorry I Do,didn’t ” a wedding resource come up guide, with www.ido.seveneightfive.com funnier

seveneightfive magazine and its social media incarnations are not derogatory remarks.

Apologies. intended for readers under 18 years of age.

A Q U A R I U S Fat bubbas in camo. Just sayin’ it makes me smile. Still, I’d avoid dating one if possible. $20 P.O.stupid, Box 750491, Many are meanTopeka, or KS 66675 Subscribe online: seveneightfive.com drunk, smell really bad, like to abuse small animals and they’re typically armed to the tooth. Yeah, that’s singular. Why become a hunting statistic?

SUBSCRIBE

get 785

P I S C E S Going shopping? Be sure to use yer credit card so ya can be tracked by the millisecond where ya were and what ya got with a grainy photograph of ya and somewhere someone is studying the whole thing trying to figure out if ya want mustard on yer next hot dog or not. And that’s not a euphemism. Me? Paranoid? Why ya ask?up No, locations todopick really, WHY DO YOU ASK!? seveneightfive, including: ___________________________ for the Blue Guru?

• Question Whitehall Gifts Something on yer mind? Need • an Dutch Goose answer to a burning (and • itching) The Eclective personal question? I • sayTopeka Print it’s too we find Blue out before • late.

Weller’s Bar Email & Grill Don’t wait! me!

• Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com Ramada Inn • ___________________________ PT’s Coffee (All) • * Astrological Boss Hawg’s predictions are about as as Bar KanCare. If yer going to screw • helpful Java the poor, at least have the guts to • overTSCPL say so, Mr. Governor. Sheesh! - RR • New City Cafe

@seveneightfive

adver tisers

Please take a moment to visit and thank all our advertisers. Because of them, this publication is made possible.

Support locally-owned businesses and try something unique. Let them know we sent ya!

Engage your SENSES... at the Washburn Tech ArtWalk!

Live music...bring your instrument and jam with Lyrix!

Hands-on art projects for guests

ad design by...Kansas Barker Washburn Tech Graphics ‘13

Prognosticatio

Artwork by students & staff featuring...ceramics, blown glass, jewelry, wood, chain maille, photography, paintings and more Prairie Print Makers Exhibit featuring works by...

Thomas Hart Benton - William Dickerson Norma Bassett Hall - Herschell Logan Luigi Lucioni - Charles Rogers Birger Sandzen - C. A. Seward Huge Mural Painted by Laura Engelhardt Snacks prepared by Culinary Arts

sight - sound - taste -touch - smell

FRIDAY, MAY 3 5:30pm - 8:30pm

Spring Nail Special

contributors Publisher/Owner

$50

Mani

& Pedi

$10 more for OPI Gel Colour

Obtain what you desire

1422 SW Lane |233-5577 | Fan Us on Facebook for more specials

LOCA L VOCAL

ALFRESCO - Best Patios in Town Joletta’s! - Austin Mark Kanal Island [The Dutch Goose] is the best for meeting.

-Tish Colón-Barns I like the The Office Bar + Lounge patio. It is the perfect spot at 5p to watch traffic go by, the sun warming my skin and the beautiful (even when under construction) Capitol building in the background.

I always run into people I know, and have a great relaxing time. Plus, wifi! - Rio Cervantes-Reed South deck of Blind Tiger is nice. Julie’s Bistro also has a perfect little hidden patio on the east side of the shop. -Karl Fundenberger I enjoy the covered patio at Paisano’s. Rain or shine, my husband and I can enjoy a fresh breeze and quiet atmosphere. -Jessie Polk Soto The Burger Stand. Live music! - Heather K Hodges Henry T’s - Beth Segelquist Kuhn The Boobie Trap! Never a dull moment, always a good time.

-Jeff Bohnenblust PT’s at College Hill because there’s perfect coffee inside!

-Judith White The Trap [Boobie Trap]. and only ‘cause of the company it keeps. I love those people. -Robin Stepp College Hill Pizza Pub. Cause I am always there. -Joey Williams.

Used to be College Hill... now it’s Specks on Sundays ..

Awesome live music and good, good people. -Austin Mark I’d go with Blind Tiger. Patio with cover, outdoor speakers, ample seating and heating lamps = WIN! Unless, of course, there is Dubstep and hula hoops on The Boobie Trap patio....well, then...

- Sally HoopThirsty Thurston Blue Moose, hands down! -Jamie Hornbaker Monkey, (PT’s at College Hill), b/c I like to wave at the people I know sitting there as I drive by...!!! -Renelle Aytes

Kerrice Mapes kerrice@seveneightfive.com

Poetry Editor What’s the scoop, Rupe?

Dennis Etzel Jr. I’m at the end of my rope. poemslyrical@yahoo.com Help! I’ve been dating this great guyMarketing for a good while now and Specialist he seems really serious, but he Weekender Editor Rio Cervantes-Reed hasn’t popped the question.

Should rio@seveneightfive.com I move on or give him more time? - Bride in Waiting.

Advertising Dear BiW,Kerrice Mapes Rio Cervantes-Reed Tried a sudden smack to his head yet? Some guys just don’t Design get it until they’re history. Sit Amanda Reynolds him down,Kerrice tell him yer joining Mapes Match.com if he can’t give ya a Lorie Jo Bridges James Robinson good reason not to. - RR ____________________________ photography A R I E Tiffany S Bonnewell Drake over the Gained a fewEJpounds Amber Farmer winter, eh? Linnzi Well, Fusco Spring is the perfect time to get serious and Megan Rogers Krohe avoid beingGary rolled back into the surf by SaveSarah the Long Whales. Again.

Amber O’Dell

T A U R U S writers Pay the ransom.

Yer hamster is Amber Bonnett counting onRobin ya. Cremer Tony Davis

G E M I Dennis N I Etzel Jr. Every nowCale andHerreman then something Keller wonderful Larissa happens to us for no Sarah Peterson Herr apparent reason.

Now isn’t one Gary Piland of those Rio times of course but it’s Cervantes-Reed Reed nice to thinkKevin about.

Martie Rison

C A N C EBoone R Smith Wah There’s a fineTom line between Janice Watkins genius andErin insanity, Bucko. Try Wynkoop not to trip on it and stab yerself in the eye with that 12” kitchen Distribution Rio Cervantes-Reed knife. Awfully hard to explain to Larissa Keller a SWAT team in yer ex’s back yard in the middle of the night Business in the rain. Trust me.

Liz Bell L E O Editing Ya did it Copy anyway.

Sheesh!

D O’Brien

V I R G O Don’t be the fallWArs guy. Wipe that Bar Jared Hitchens doormat expression off yer face and get back in there and drop Intern kick you know who right in the Jessica Matheis zip code. Text me the details.

L I B R A Paroled is such a demeaning word, I prefer “prisonless.”

S C O R P I O “Why does Scorpio always get the best Prognosticatios?”

‘Cause I say so. That’s why.

S A G I T T A R I U S Well, there ya go. Yer kind, considerate, affectionate and caring and what does it get ya?

A restraining order. Still, Ya might want to try knowing someone before giving them a surprise sponge bath. Just sayin’, Bucko, just sayin’.

C A P R I C O R N I made fun of west Texas here last time, and I’m truly sorry I didn’t come up with funnier derogatory remarks. Apologies.

A Q U A R I U S Fat bubbas in camo. Just sayin’ it makes me smile. Still, I’d avoid dating one if possible.

Many are stupid, mean or drunk, smell really bad, like to abuse small animals and they’re typically armed to the tooth. Yeah, that’s singular. Why become a hunting statistic?

P I S C E S Going shopping? Be sure to use yer credit card so ya can be tracked by the millisecond where ya were and what ya got with a grainy photograph of ya and somewhere someone is studying the whole thing trying to figure out if ya want mustard on yer next hot dog or not. And that’s not a euphemism. Me? Paranoid? Why do ya ask? No, really, WHY DO YOU ASK!? ___________________________ Question for the Blue Guru?

Something on yer mind? Need an answer to a burning (and itching) personal question? I say we find out before it’s too late. Don’t wait! Email me!

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ * Astrological predictions are about as helpful as KanCare. If yer going to screw over the poor, at least have the guts to say so, Mr. Governor. Sheesh! - RR

#785MugShoT | it’s all about the beer • by Kevin Reed

beer+

new offerings from New Belgium

T

aking his passion of home brewing to a commercial level, Jeff Lebesch opened new Belgium Brewing Company in Fort Collin’s Colorado in 1991. The brewery has a tradition of environmentally friendly factors of wind power and recycled methane gas. It has also allowed employee ownership which has helped it to be named one of the best places to work in 2008 by “Outside” magazine The flagship of this company is the Fat Tire Amber Ale. Inspired by a bicycle trip through Belgium, this light amber ale is bread-y and slightly sweet. Named “Best Canned Beers to Drink Now” by Esquire magazine in 2012, it somehow captures the taste of apple pie crust in liquid form.

For a sweeter taste, you may want to try New Belgium Trippel I.P.A. Bordering on a bubble gum flavor, this clear gold elixir makes a nice treat with a creamy mouth-feel. Balance the sweetness and coriander flavors of the Trippel with game-y foods, such as lamb or rabbit, or enjoy it with a platter of manchego, a buttery Spanish cheese served with nutty crackers.

Lowering the flavor notes ever so gently brings us to the Sunshine Wheat. A translucent silky hay color, subtle aroma and spice with coriander and orange peel, the Sunshine Wheat makes an excellent thirst quencher for a warm day. Pair this beer with a pork and apple dish, or with a wedge of brie served with a few slices of a green or honey crisp apple to mimic the apple and honey sweetness of this beer, available year round.

Add a touch of bitterness to your palate with the seasonal Dig pale ale. Dark brown in color, there is a grapefruit finish with specks of lemon, mango and peach. Dry, crisp and clean, Dig makes a great accessory to catching up with an old friend. Enjoy this pale ale with a chicken or pork dish dressed with pineapples, or a thick turkey burger topped with grilled pineapple slices and red bell pepper strips served on a hearty wheat bun. The sweetness of the grilled pineapples and the sweet spiciness of the red bell pepper provide a nice balance to the hops.

Raising the bar of bitterness for the adventurous, New Belgium’s Rampant Imperial I.P.A. lives up to its name. Full bodied and bone-dry, this copper-colored confection is to be taken in slowly. Sit back and enjoy the ride. This I.P.A. will pair well with a cheese platter including a wedge of Stilton’s white cheese with apricots and water crackers, or try it with fresh figs and honey-drizzled goat cheese.

While social imbibing has its place, there are times that call for solitary reflection. For looking inward, align yourself with 1554 Belgian Dark Ale. Practically opaque with a ruby red hue, the dark malt and hint of chocolate allows the mind to relax, contemplate, and explore. This ale can prove to be a very satisfying liquid diet, but if you do discover during all that contemplation that you are hungry, enjoy it with a deep dark barbeque dish, a fine steak, or rich, creamy cheeses.

New Belgium Brewing Co. products can be found at your favorite liquor store. Keep an eye open for the Lips of Faith series and Folly Pack, which revives discontinued flavors. If for some terrible reason you can’t find your favorite brew, remember this uplifting quote from the Book of John (my dad), “It’s only fair if everyone is equally miserable.” aseveneightfive

@TopekaBeer Events •

April 19 | Deschutes Woody Tap Takeover | Burger Stand Featuring four Deschutes beer including Armory XP

•

April 19 | Deschutes Sampling Devlins on 29th Street | 4 - 5:30p

•

April 20 | Science of the Brew | 7p | Kansas Children’s Discovery Center | www.kansasdiscovery.org

•

April 25 | 4p | Abita Sampling Lakeside Wine + Spirits | Shops of Thunderbird Square

•

April 25 | Abita Brewing Night (Abita bottles on special) | Burger Stand

•

May 2 | Tallgrass Firkin’ Tapping | College Hill Pizza Pub | 5p

•

May 3 | First Friday ArtWalk Tallgrass Ethos Release Party | Serendipity | 6p

•

May 9 | Tallgrass Sampling | Devlins 29th | 4p

•

May 9 | Tallgrass Flight Night featuring Ethos | Old Chicago | 6p

beer notes {from you}

M

*** Tell us about your favorite beer. Email us at seveneightfive.com.

y favorite beer has to be the Sierra Nevada Narwhal (seasonal) Imperial Stout. Mayhap it is due to the fact that the Narwhal - unicorn of the sea - is my spirit animal. I also think it has to do with the cocoa undertones, and I am quite the chocoholic. It’s unfortunate I could only grab one bottle of this while it was on the shelves this year. This beer goes down quite smoothly and would be a great complement to a late night snack of strawberries and almonds.

(I’m a beer nut and a health nut!)

- Submitted Christopher Kelly

From our Family to Yours...

785.235.1700

515 VAN BUREN TOPEKA RowHouseRestaurant.net

5

ARTConnect First Friday ArtWalk || May 3 | June 7

A K E P O T E H T T C E J O R P L MURA Safer communities through art.

Submit your concept for the first mural located in Oakland.

More information at www.artsconnecttopeka.org

Save The Date July 17th @TCTA

is no laughing matter

by Martie Rison

S

[

Laughing Matters is now known as Laugh Lines Improvisational Comedy Co.

[

trademark law

ince March of 1993, the Topeka Civic Theatre + Academy (TCTA) has offered hilarity galore with the improvisational troupe Laughing Matters. A dedicated group, the troupe has performed during good times and hard times. They even carried on during a flood in the summer of their first year. In all, the group has performed 145 shows at the Topeka Civic Theatre & Academy and look forward to many more shows in the future.

Only there will be one small change, a new name. This past March, the troupe received a “cease and desist” order from an improvisational company using the name “Laughing Matters” in Atlanta, GA since 1986. Shannon Reilly, artistic director at TCTA was forced to comply and find a new name for the well-known troupe. The new name, Laugh Lines Improvisational Comedy Company, was announced at the troupes’ 20th anniversary show on April 6th. “We hate to change the name” said Reilly. “I promise you, we’re trademarking the new name for sure!” aseveneightfive For news about the Topeka Civic Theatre + Academy and show times, please visit topekacivictheatre. com | Also watch the seveneightfive facebook for a group outing at Laughing Lines on Saturday, August 17th.

no Job too Big or too sMall

take a look at our website and find us on facebook!

TopekaLandscape_TM12wi.indd 1

landscape design / installation Retaining Walls laWn and Bed Maintenance iRRigation systeMs paveR/stone Walks patios and dRives seed and sod Fire Pits • Lighting OutdOOr Kitchens WateR FeatuRes pool design 10/29/12 7:50 AM

7

Brothawood Live | The Office Downtown

W

8

5Q

hat happens when you fuse jazz, rock, blues, funk and R+B? Brothawood. This quartet puts their souls into their sound which is the perfect blend of all the above genres, plus they will make you want to get up and groove. M. Boyd Brown, the founder of Brothawood, is the bass player that rubs funk on every song he plays. His friend and former band mate Marcell M. Stewart is the man behind the keyboards adding a smooth and silky jazz piano flavor. Corey Johnson, a good friend of Marcell’s, is the one who not only plays the drums; he delivers a unique sound that sets the tone for the fusion of their sound. The newest addition to the band and also their front man is none other than Topeka’s Ric Barron. His incredible blues-infused vocals carry the tune for Brothawood making the band complete. I had the privilege of hanging out with this fun group of guys at a show and here is what I found out about their band:

Brothawood

by Jessica Matheis

1

2 3 4 5

What brought you together?

MUSIC

Brown: I knew Marcell for about 10 years and he had played with me when I was with Josh Vowell & The Rumble. When I left JV & The Rumble. I called Marcell wanting to put a band together with him on keyboards. He introduced me to Corey and then, we needed a new front man he called Ric. The first time we played together we knew we had something good going on. So we rolled with it.

Barron: I was looking for a different kind of group to play in and every body and their brother plays the blues. They [Brothawood] were a R+B and fusion band and they were looking for a front man/guitarist. After a sort of audition, they asked me to join.

Stewart: All of us had worked together in the past for different events, not ever knowing we would become Brothawood.

If you were stranded on a desert island and could only bring one album, what would it be? (Assuming there is a record player on the island!)

Brown: Not fair. I wouldn’t have just one! I have my iPod at all times!

Johnson: Gucci Mane. Chicken Talk.

Stewart: Tye Tribbet’s Stand out album Barron: The 50 most essential classical songs of all time What figure (musical or otherwise) has influenced you the most in your musical careers?

Barron: My mother. She gave me a choice between guitar or tap dancing and ballet, I chose guitar. I would listen with my mother in the dark to swing and pre- Motown while she waited for dad to come home every Friday and Saturday night.

Stewart- Gospel music.

Johnson: My Uncle Neil Sanders Brown: “Robben Ford” What is it about the fusion of Jazz, Blues, Rock, Funk and R+B that you love the most?

Brown: I dig those genres because they all have similar grooves and themes and one can get mighty, mighty funky. I love Soul music and R+B because they make ya want to get up and shake your pants. Fusion allows a musician to be very expressive and when you do a fusion piece live there are no two nights that are the same musically.”

Barron: The emotion and originality of the musician, the instrumentation, the music, and the people listening.

Stewart: I love how people begin to move and groove.

Johnson: The dynamics

h+n

overheard out+about

compiled by Tweets sent to @785heardnoted | illustration by Amanda Reynolds

Tweet Tweet to @785heardnoted “If you rub it the right way a spaceship will pop out” OH @boobietrapbar OH @BlueMooseTopeka “Wait, I got to swallow first!”

“Yeah, that’s what she said!”

“It’s March Mustache Madness.” “No dude, what you have is a molestache.” OH @thedutchgoose “I think there’s pimps in here.” OH at Abigail’s “Why don’t alcohol companies make caffeinated booze?”

“Uh, they do. It’s called a Jager Bomb.”

OH @ the Goose “I’m trying to save the flavor” OH @ The Celtic Fox “It’s rum in daiquiris, tequila in margaritas, and vodka is just weird” - @rcrawford @RyanTopCity OH at private party: I just feel like if we go to that carnival, I’m going to get shanked!

Happy Birthday Oscars.

MAY 11 Celebrate with the crew of Oscars, their family and friends and of course, seveneightfive.

PARKING LOT PARTY

*Meat dishes provided *Bring side dish or appetizer * Lawn Chair + Sunscreen * Your party mode / hat

Who came up with the name Brothawood and why?

Brown: My sister and I came up with the name. When I first formed the group, it was two white boys and two brothers so we were playing with words one day and came up with Brothawood. It was a name that was cool yet cross cultured, and catchy. aseveneightfive

9

Sh o p LOcal!

Gravity Gallery & Shops 822 1/2 N Kansas Ave

O p e n

W e e k l y

NOTO Arts District

W e d - S a t

S e r e n d i p i t Serendipity y

7 8 5.4 3 0 .3 1 57 N O T O A rts D is tric t -Weddings -Business Meetings -Class Reunions -Wednesday Jam Sessions

10

notoartsdistrictcom

S U P P ORT N OTO A RT !

NORTH TOPEKA ARTS DISTRICT

cocktails | monkey style

by Rio Cervantes - Reed | photos provided

PT’s

at College Hill, 17th & Washburn (fondly known as the Flying Monkey, or just “The Monkey”) introduced its new cocktail menu to a select group of friends and loyal customers at a recent gathering.

Already a mecca for coffee and craft beer lovers, seveneightfive invites those seeking out new liquor treatments to re-visit the Monkey.

For all your Topeka Beer News!

Follow us on Twitter and Facebook

@TopekaBeer

Putting the “bar” back in coffee bar

Classic Irish Coffee

Since PT’s is known for their coffee drinks, we’ll start here with the coffee cocktails. Offerings range from martini-style to the traditional classic Irish coffee, served of course with Jameson’s Irish whiskey. The more exotic choice though would be the Chilled Brasileiro, a blend of PT’s Cold Front coffee with Creme de Cacao, Copa de Oro coffee liqueur, chocolate and cream served over the rocks with a dollop of whipped cream. Other coffee-liquor blends include the Mocha Martini, the Night “Capp,” a spicy cappucino blend with Cinn-Fire cinnamon whiskey, Bailey’s and Coffee, and the Drunken Affagato, a real treat with a scoop of Iwig Dairy’s Vanilla Ice Cream.

Not-so-Regular cocktails

The Dusty Dodge

PT’s “regular” cocktail menu is anything but regular. Asked by coowner Jeff Taylor to name my favorite, the Dusty Dodge wins, hands down. Described on the menu as a hard pink lemonade, it has a nice bite that will please any drinker looking for a new go-to drink. The Caipirina, a Brazilian cocktail with mint leaves, will please anyone looking for an update to the ubiquitous mojito. The Rivera, with vodka, tequila and pineapple juice is a delicious alternative to the margarita, and will go nicely with patio-drinking at the Monkey this summer. The Top City Horsefeather, a whiskey concoction with bitters, fresh squeezed orange and ginger ale received quite the buzz in the room. The menu is rounded out with the Classic Manhattan. Billed as Jeff ’s favorite, I didn’t give this one a taste, as that is endorsement enough for me!

There are many reasons to visit the Monkey: friends, open mic on Tuesday nights, Game Nights, live music events, great food, coffee, and craft beers. The cocktail menu, with drinks ranging from $69, certainly adds another reason to stop in for a while and enjoy.

12

aseveneightfive

21st + Urish | 272.1432 TailgatorsTopeka $3.5 Jager bombs $2 Apple Pie shots

Tailgators

2105 SW Mission Ave 272.9749 specksbarandgrill.com

Speck’s Tavern

4121 SW Huntoon 215.8172 @TopekaQuintons

Quinton’s

2833 SW 29th St | 273.7300 FB: Boss-HawgsBBQ-and-PigskinsSports-Bar

Pigskin’s

600 NW Paramore | 232.5511 FB: Joletta’s Bar

Joletta’s

4005 Gage Center newcityonline.biz

New City Cafe

3203 10th St. | 357.8474 FB: Dutch Goose @thedutchgoose Established 1935

Dutch Goose

118 SW 8th Ave | 235.2138 FB: The Celtic Fox

The Celtic Fox

3701 SW Plaza Dr. 246-6866 FB: Abigails.Topeka

Abigail’s

weekly $3 Corona $2.5 Margaritas $6 Dom Pitchers $4 Jack Daniels $3 Captain Morgan

$2 Wells $2.5 Dom Bottles

Wednesday Thursday $3.5 32oz Dom Draws $3.5 Your Call

Friday

$3.5 24oz Dom Cans $4 Bonzai Bombs

saturday

$2 Dom Bottles $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $4.5 Goose Sandwich + Fries

HH 4 - 6p: $1.5 12oz Dom Drafts

HH 4 - 6p: $1.5 12oz Dom Drafts $2 Wells

$4.5 Dom Pitchers $3 Dom Headaches $2.5 Dom $2.75 Import Bottles $2 Dom Pints Aluminums $3.5 Wellers + Coke $5.5 Chicken Strip $4.5 Red Bull Bombs $2 Fire Ball Meal $12 Steak Day!!! $5Chburger + Fries Karaoke 9p

HH 4 - 6p: $1 OFF Irish Pints Fox brothers tend bar

$1.5 Pint Draws Karaoke 7:30p - 12:30a

$3 Headaches $3.5 German Bierocks

$3 Big Bottles $4 Frozen Drinks

$2.5 Dom Bottles $3 Fire Ball

$3 Blue Moon Pints Happy Hour (HH) 4-6p $2 Dom Pints

$4 ALL Big Draws $2 Kamikazi Shots

$2.5 Wells HH 4-6p 20 oz. Copper Head

$1 off all Bottles $3 UV Drinks $2 SoCo Lime

$3.5 Calls $4 Long Island, Beaches, Grateful HH 4-6p $6.5 Marty’s Latest Top Shelf Martini $2 Dom Pints

$3 Double Wells $2.5 Dom Pints

$2 Dom Pints $3.5 Dom Jumbos $4 X-Rated+Or-g $3 Fire Ball $3 Pinnacle Vodka $5 Something Good $5 Something Better $2 IPA Pints HH 4-6 $3.5 Import + Prem.

Bottles $3 Big Dom Draws $3.5 Double Vodkas $2 Wells $5 Double Captain College Night Show $2.5 Dom Bottles ID Before 11p

$3.5 Boulevard Wheat Pints HH 4-6p $2 Dom Pints

Special breakfast menu

$2 Dom Bottles $5 Jumbo Wing’s Basket (8) $2 Fire Ball

Noon-1p: $3 Mimosas 4-6p: $3.5 House Wine LIVE MUSIC

$3.5 German Bierocks $3.5 German Bierocks Live Music 9p Live Music 9p No Cover No Cover

Happy Hour: Monday - Friday | 3:30 - 6:30p: $2.5 Wells + $.75 Draws + $1 Apple Pie Shots.

$2.5 Dom Longnecks $4 Frozen Drinks

Monday - Friday HH: 5-6p: 2-4-1 Wells, Martinis, House Wine + Beer. $5 Tapas Menu

$2 Wells $5 Cheeseburger + Fries

HH 4 - 6p: HH 4 - 6p: $1.5 12oz Dom Drafts $2 Bud / Bud Light Btls

$1.5 12oz **Cans $2.5 Bloody Marys +Dom Draws HH: 10p-1a: Service Night $.75 Draws $2.5 Wells

$3 Aluminum $2.5 Miller / Coors Light $3.5 Naked Jay Vodka $6 Pulled Pork Sand

$2.5 Juarez Margaritas $2.5 Dom Bottles $5 Taco Burger $6 Taco Salad $.75 Tacos

$2.5 Dom Pints $3 Wells $5.5 Cheeseburger

$3 Import Bottles $3.5 Dom Headaches $6.5 Philly Sand

$3 Aluminum $3.5 Skol Vodka + Energy $6 Chicken Fried Steak

$2.5 Dom Bottles $4 Jack Daniels $6.5 Brisket Sand

$2.5 Wells $2.5 Bud/Bud Light $2.5 Rum+Cola $2.5 Wells $2.5 Bud/LightMugs $2.5 Rum + Cola $2.5 Bud/Bud Light $4.19 1/4lb All Beef Mugs $3 Bud Light Platinum $2.5 PBR Mugs $4.89 Chicken Sand$4.29 BBQ Pork Mugs Hotdog, Cheese $2.5 PBR Mugs $4.99 1/2lb Burger wich w/Homemade $5.29 Homemade Sandwich $2.5 Nat Mugs filled, Bacon $3.19 1/4lb Chburger w/Homemade Chips Chips Pork Tender W/ w/Homemade Chips $3 Bloody Marys wrapped w/ Chips w/Homemade Chips Chips Made from scratch Kyler Jam 5-1a Thurs + Sun After 8p: Bourbon + Vodka Wells | “Home of the 3lb. Speckburger Challenge”

$4 Bloody Marys $3 Big Dom Draws

$3.5 Zing-Zang Bloody Mary $2 Dom Pints $3.5 Jumbo’s

$3 Big Cans Karaoke 7:30p Free Pool 12 - 5p

$3 Dom Headaches $2 Dom Pints or Bottles 75c tacos

Daily $3.95 appetizer special

Honoring all Tuesday - Friday Specials. All Day.

$2.5 Dom Bottles $3 Bloody Mary+Mimosa Jam Session 9p

Tuesday

Everyday 9a - 12p: $2.5 32oz Dom Headaches | HH 3 - 6p: $1.25 Coors Light, Miller Lite, Busch Light + PBR 12oz Bottles

Monday

Sunday

food | drink | happy hour

seveneightfive specials

topeka food co-op

natural, local, friendly

by Cale Hermann | photos by Megan Rogers Photographie

D

o you support local business? Do you like nice people? Do you eat food?

We bet you answered ‘yes’ to all three, so we have a tip for you: go to The Topeka Natural Food Co-op at 503 SW Washburn. You’ll find an impressive variety of natural and organic foods in a small store, with service and a casual atmosphere you won’t get at a supermarket.

14

[

First of all, do you know about the Co-op already? “When I tell people where I work, they have no idea,” says Meaghan Conant, sales associate. Even though the place has been operating in some form since 1975, too many people have been keeping it a secret. As a cooperative, it is run by members (who get a discount), but you do not need a membership to shop there.

Once inside the co-op you’ll find a compact cornucopia of natural, organic, and local items.

]

“We welcome everybody,” insists Barb LaClair, president of the co-op’s board.

Once inside, you will find a compact cornucopia of natural, organic, and local items. There are organic fruits and vegetables from Lawrence, bread from Hoyt.

“It’s like a farmer’s market all year long,” Meaghan says. In the cold cases live local milk and cheese, and frozen local meat.

These staples aren’t the whole story. Andy Mayo, who lives in the neighborhood, stopped in to pick up some “snacks that aren’t totally processed.” There are tasty chips, soda pop, candy and chocolate, much of it close to the register, begging to be impulse-purchased.

One whole wall of the store is devoted to bulk goods, including grains, beans and spices. Out of oregano? Bring in your shaker, have it weighed and get as much as you want. “The spices are the best bargain in town,” LaClair shares.

Buying spices in bulk also allows you the freedom to get just the right amount.

New customer Rita Stanley, M.D., has taken to buying in bulk. “When you buy by the package [at the supermarket], it’s either too much or not enough.”

Also in the bulk section is a peanut grinder. Flip a switch, and a nozzle will produce the most delicious peanut butter in town. Seriously, you have to try it.

[

We hope you discover + try this quiet local treasure, but the truth is that this is something of a critical time for the Co-op.

]

After looking around, and asking the staff for help, if you still don’t find what you’re looking for, do not despair. When asked what made the Co-op unique, Devrin Forte, store manager, immediately offered, “Customer service, and our special order program.” They will track down an item you want, order it, and call you when it arrives.

We hope you do discover and try this quiet local treasure, but the truth is that this is something of a critical time for the Co-op. The sour economy has taken a toll, and there is now mainstream competition. “The things we used to be unique for,” LaClair notes, “like having organic produce and cheeses, now you can get that at the grocery store.” Dear consumers, please think about that for a moment. When you shop elsewhere, how much of your money leaves Topeka, and doesn’t come back?

LaClair insists, “Locally-owned businesses are an investment in the community, they have a stake in the community.”

Rachael Savage, the Co-op’s community networking head, says that you, the consumer, have “an opportunity to live the values you have. If you really want to help the local economy, or really want to support small business, you want to know where your food is coming from.” At the Co-op, you can learn the staff ’s names, they can learn yours, and maybe you can even meet one of the farmers who produce your food. That’s a lot of advantages for a small store. aseveneightfive

The Topeka Natural Food Co-op 503 SW Washburn

[Just a block north of The Trap + Taco Casa]

Monday-Friday: 9a - 7p Saturday: 9a - 5p | Sunday: noon - 5p

50+ Events

For Spring 1.

Tulip Time | Now through April 21 | Over 100,000 tulips and daffodils | Ted Ensley Gardens, Lake Shawnee; Doran Rock Garden at Gage Park; Botanical Garden at Old Prairie Town. | $5 | parks.snco.us Walk/Run/Hike/Bike Topeka trails | Get outdoors!

For information about the Kaw River State Park trail, visit kdwpt.state.ks.us. For information about Shawnee Co. trails, visit www.parks.snco.us.

4.

Fun at the Zoo w/Alligators | Bayou Bash, May 4 | $50 Adults-only, live zydeco, food + bevs | topekazoo.org Hot Air Balloon Ride | Sail Away Adventures | 272.3625 | sailawayballons.com Couture for Cancer | April 20 | 100 S Kansas Ave. | 4p |topekacoutureforcancer.org Picnic Time | Head to Ice & Olives and get a great picnic basket. Complete the meal with a bottle of wine from Lakeside Wine & Spirits.

May 4 | Patio party with Beans & Cornbread | Pigskins Cinco de Mayo | Margaritas on Patios | 785 Suggests: Pepe & Chela’s, College Hill Pizza Pub, Los Charros

10.

May 4 | Kentucky Derby | Dandy Derby Party at Serendipity with seveneightfive Explore Rees Fruit Farm | ReesFruitFarm.com Boating at Clinton Lake Take the pups to the Bark Park Urban Art Exploration including the mural by Expo Center, downtown art, and NOTO Shunga Trail - walking, biking, frisbee golf Live theater at Helen Hocker | topekacivictheatre.com April 21 | Capital City Crushers | info and tickets at www.capitalcitycrushers.net April 9-13 | History buffs alert| KS Museum of History Furnishing KS Exhibit | kshs.org | Now - Sept. 22

16

The Downtown Farmers Market is in full swing beginning April 16. And just when you decide you can’t make it through the week without another shot of fresh produce, viola! The Monday Farmers Market at the Topeka-Shawnee Co. Public Library begins May 13, and the Capitol Mid-week Farmers Market, on the Capitol Building grounds opens May 15. -Rio Cervantes-Reed

18 - 28 Lake Shawnee Marina | Paddleboating! | May 5-29, Weekends Only | parks.snco.us

Visit the beautiful Rose Garden at Gage Park and enjoy the outdoors.

May 4, 7:05p | Kansas Koyotes Football game | Kansas Expo Center | ksexpo.com

Sit on the patio at Blackbird Espresso Bar and Bistro with an iced coffee drink.

May 23-June 2 | Carnival | ksexpo.com

May 25 | Shawnee County North Aquatic Center opens! | Get out and go chill on the Lazy River!| parks.snco.us

Find great deals at area garage sales Take a trip to the Iwig Dairy Farm and pet the cute little cows, sample their products and see what dairy farming is all about.

Call 379.9514 for tour times Goofy Golfing | Visit one of Topeka’s mini golf courses! | golflink.com

See Tennessee Williams’ famous screenplay Cat On a Hot Tin Roof at Topeka Civic Theater. On stage April 19 through May 4.

Blintz Brunch at Temple Beth Sholom April 21 from 9a to 1p.

DJ Dreux says his fiance wants a home garden this season.

Looks like Dreux will be getting down and dirty! seveneightfive recommends attending classes given by Master Gardeners at the Topeka-Shawnee Co. Public Library. For a full schedule visit shawnee.ksu.edu on the web.

33.

38.

G’s frozen custard, Bobo’s, The Pad in N. Topeka. Put flowers on graves and feed the ducks at Memorial Park Cemetery. Flying kites by the fire station on the corner of 21st + Urish. Walking the trail out by the Kansas Museum of History.

- Martie Lawless Rison

Jules Verne Film Fest at Washburn University, May 3 and 4, Room 112 Henderson. | Who’s excited for 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea?

- Ni’Col Revell

Walking Iliff Commons.

- Jennifer Bohlander

Take the kiddos to Kansas Childrens Discovery Center | Open until 5p | Closed Mondays.

Three words: Tad’s Tropical Sno

Sunflower Kennel Club All Breed Dog Show | May 10 - 12 | KS Expo

Grilling out on the patio with fresh seafood from Seafood Thyme and meats from Herman’s.

Mulvane Arts Museum’s Mountain/Plains Art Fair | First weekend in June

Find a community garden and get a little messy in the dirt.

“Best of Broadway” | White Concert Hall | April 20 | 7:30p

WU Art Department Student Show on exhibit from now through June 9

Go see Topeka Rugby Football Club | topekarugby. com for details.

Channel your inner child at Gage Park while riding the Carousel and the Mini Train.

Take a history lesson at Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site.

Sip $3.50 Bloody Marys + Mimosas on the patio Sunday mornings at Blue Moose.

Patio drinking at all our favorite bars

Cool off on a hot night with a frozen treat from G’s Custard Girls on the Run 5K | Saturday May 18 | info and registration at ywcatopeka.org Fiesta Mexicana | July 9 - 13

44.

47.

Lake time, cook outs, windows down, softball, motorcycles and lazy Sundays on the porch!

Cruise nights at Fairlawn Plaza | 2nd Saturday from April to October Volunteer at the Topeka Community Cycle Project | Thurs from 5p - 7p and Sat from 10a - 1p | 423 Kansas Ave.

54.

Reading your new seveneightfive magazine under a shade tree!

Disc Golf, Echo Cliff, First Friday, Tennis, Rugby, Alfresco dining at RowHouse and of course Dave, the Raw Food Trucker @HyVee May 15 | 6-9p | $30. -Amanda Reynolds

Take a tour of the Capitol Dome Try your hand at disc golf at Lake Shawnee, Crestview, or Rice Park.

17

ART

renew, recycle + reuse new art space

by Michelle Leivan | Artist, Author, Artrepreneur | ArtPrintExpress.com Artwork provided by artist | Photos by Michelle Leivan

W

ith a rich family history of art patronage and advocacy, Benoit (Ben) Swinnen, founder of Swinnen and Associates law office discovered a treasure when he bought one of the two buildings located at 921 SW Topeka Blvd. “I saw an opportunity to own a building that I had been admiring,” said Ben. The style of the building reminded him of his childhood in Brussels, Belgium where the brick façade represented a deeply personal appreciation, “There is a beauty in brick; you do not want to take down brick buildings.”

He spent the next several weeks planning renovations to his new gem, intending to move his law office to the downtown area when a second opportunity became available to buy the matching building just north of his acquisition. That is when the inspiration for the art atrium between the two buildings became the vision for the new office space.

“Closing it in with brick was not an option,” remembers Ben “I wanted to keep the original beauty of both buildings so the most obvious option was glass which is invisible and not destructive to the unique beauty of the two spaces, yet it allows two to become one.” This is when he invited architect Mike Wilson into his vision. Their shared mission was to preserve or

18

restore any of the original structure that was possible while bringing modern ecological innovations, such as LED lighting and high efficiency heating, into the new design while staying true to the integrity of the building. “I wanted to bring a change without changing the social function of the building’s existence. I had to bring life back to the old stones because even though they were abandoned they still are alive today.”

The building offers the opportunity to connect the past, present and future, “It is not putting a piece into a museum, it is putting the museum into our daily lives,” explains Ben. This project makes art and history accessible - connecting the buildings and repurposing an alley into a gallery.

Keeping with his vision, the new atrium brings a beautiful contrast to the existing architecture.

Made of steel and glass it incorporates the former exterior walls and encloses the former alley that is now used to exhibit fine artwork by emerging artists throughout Northeast Kansas.

Swinnen and Associates have partnered with SouthWind Gallery to insure the consistent rotation of excellent young contemporary Kansas artists shown. “I wanted to bring to the community a public space for young artists to display their work,” says Ben.

Ben Swinnen Art Advocate

“

The gallery promises to be an innovative opportunity for emerging artists to display their vision, bringing new life to the old brick and mortar that had once been ignored.

One of the first artists invited to show in the atrium with an ongoing display is Marni Schleuning who was intimately involved in the restoration and generation of the atrium space. Marni’s art is a bold mix of sculptures and paintings. She uses a mix of metal, wood or canvas with “found” or “repurposed” objects which is a perfect match for the envisioned use of the space. Her works range from geometric to abstract, from whimsical to functional, from color laden to very natural. Exploring the possibilities, “I get inspired by what I ‘see’ in an object and the challenge is taking it from my head and making it real. The process allows me to move through personal goals with each piece I make,” explains Marni about her development. “The satisfaction comes from taking discarded items and turning them into unique individuals with personality. It seems that the items and the subject pick me and become a little bit of me to share.”

Marni was born and raised in Topeka and is eager to be a part of the growing arts community. She has seen Topeka change to embrace individuality and support for local products, which she believes creates a stronger community.

It’s the Goose....

THINGS HAPPEN!

3203 SW 10th | 785-357-8474 | @thedutchgoose

...a high style home furnishings store with an eclectic mix of new designs, antiques and vintage pieces...

This gallery created by Swinnen and Associates promises to be an innovative opportunity for emerging artists to display their vision, bringing new life to the old brick and mortar that had once been ignored. A revitalized treasure with foresight and planning is making a significant contribution to future generations.

www.warehouse414.com

The atrium is available to be seen during office hours 8a-5p Monday through Friday and in the evening during the First Friday Art Walk 5-8p. aseveneightfive

“Spiraled Sun” (left) and “Medusa” (right) by Marni Schleuning

Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday

11a - 5:30 p by chance or by appointment 414 se second street topeka, kansas 66607 785.232.8008

sn +

local flavor

pizza joints Craving Pizza - check out these local places!

College Hill Pizza Pub Home of the make-your-own $5 pizza. Open ‘til 3 am daily with a great patio.

4043 SW 10th Ave | 273.0100

edges

grow, love, discover, push, lose Sarah Peterson-Herr | photo provided

T

opeka’s home-grown Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble is preparing for another one of its amazing shows. Ad Astra Theatre’s next show, Edges, is mostly like a musical and I love musicals.

Technically, it’s categorized as a song cycle, which means that all of the songs in Edges deal with a specific theme or idea, but differs in that it does not have the typical plot of a musical. In Edges, the songs are based on the ideas of growing up, love, self discovery, loss, and being pushed too far, which sounds like something I, and probably you, can relate to.

The Edges stories will be told through six Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble cast members: Zachary Cope, Maggie Gremminger, Brendan Boyle, Ashley Young, Jacob Stone, and Erika Shirrell. The characters deal with confronting emotions, escaping expectations, and deciphering complicated relationships. The writers, Benji Pasek and Justin Paul, encourage any Edges’ production to move things around, rearrange song order, and mold the show to make it more relevant to their community and experiences. So, it could be a different show with each production.

To enhance the story, Ad Astra Theatre Ensemble is partnering with Warehouse 414 to create a Juried Art Show to accompany Edges. Ad Astra is currently seeking submissions from local artists for art pieces that deal with shows’ themes. All media types are accepted.

Ad Astra’s next show, Edges, is unlike any show I’ve ever seen.

You will get to experience both visual and performance art from local artists all in one evening. Edges runs May 9 – 12.

For more information and tickets, check out Ad Astra’s website, www.adastratheatre.com. aseveneightfiv

La Rocca’s Two locations (West and Gage Blvd). Great Italian cuisine and pizza. Must try their Italian Sub, our publishers’ favorite.

2025 SW Urish Suite 107 | 861.7141 3100 SW Gage Blvd. | 861.7142 AJ’s Pizza Walk into a New York subway when you grab pizza or a big salad from Manhattan’s Little Appple’s AJ’s Pizza.

1930 SW Westport Drive | 861.7000 Pizagels Delicious, unique pizza completed by bagels, garlic twists and more.

2830 SW Fairlawn Rd. | 273.7070 Via’s Award-winning wings and pizza, this pizzeria has all the great fixings, including beer from Blind Tiger and Tallgrass on tap.

738 SW Gage Blvd. | 215.8421 Glory Day’s The “original” locally owned pizza joint, Glory Day’s is tried and true delicious pizza-goodness.

Three Locations in Topeka: • • •

Village West Shopping Center 2811 SW Wanamaker Rd. | 271.5151 Lake Shawnee Aquarium Center 3310 SE 29th st. | 266.5353 Fleming Place Shopping Center 1033 SW Gage Blvd. | 271.5402

Buzzard’s Pizza Ever had Roadkill? Well now is your chance to come and try it at Topeka’s own pizza and sub shop. You won’t believe how good it is.

4745 NW Hunter’s Ridge Circle | 215.8829

JACK COBOS

SEEN + NOTED

AN ARTIST TRIBUTE Rio Cervantes - Reed | photo provided On January 17, lifelong Topekan Jack Cobos passed away after a heart attack. Jack was a talented graphic artist who started his own design and publication business after a 20 year career at Josten’s Yearbook. Perhaps this is what drew him to become a friend to seveneightfive magazine, as he could often be found at our social events with his son Nick, the published author of, “Dreamers Don’t Quit.” In addition to his son’s book, Jack published art and history books, including “The Bottoms: A Place We Once Called Home,” about Topeka’s first neighborhood and its demolition written by Tom Rodriguez. Jack also published several childrens’ books illustrated by Topeka artist Andy Valdivia, including Gloria Garcia’s, “Freddy Finley.” He was also on the Board of Directors for the NOTO Arts District.

Jack’s life and body of work will be celebrated with a tribute during the First Friday Art Walk on May 3 at 814 NE Kansas Ave. at the Ballet Folklorico de Topeka dance studio. Ed Gonzales, owner and director of Ballet Folklorico said, “Jack was instrumental in this community. He helped make a lot of things happen here that helped build NOTO.” NOTO board members will be providing support for the event, and artists Joey Rocha and Andy Valdivia, colleagues and friends of Jack’s, will be displaying their works along with Jack’s art. Jack’s brother, guitarist Phillip Cobos, will be performing during the celebration.

Jack’s daughter, Jacquie Cobos Munoz is curating her father’s art for the exhibit. She shared, “This is not something my father would have ever asked for. A showing of his work during the Cinco de Mayo celebrations will be a perfect tribute to him.”

His son Nick reiterated that statement, “We hope to see many come and experience Dad’s art with all the honor he was far too humble to accept while he was with us. He was a talented and good man, deserving of this Tribute.” seveneightfive remembers Jack as a humble man who had to be prompted to talk about his accomplishments and discuss his works in progress. More information about the First Friday Art Walk event commemorating Jack’s life please visit seveneightfive. com. aseveneightfiv 21

HOY HOY MIGHTY

TROY

by Martie Rison | photos by Gary Krohe | artist photo by Adam Koger

a shutterbug’s tribute to a majestic topeka landmark

T

opeka High School is a rare treasure sitting in the heart of the city. If you were so lucky to have attended THS, you are aware of how stunning the building’s features are. The school boasts three floors of classrooms, a gothic library, an ornate cafeteria and so much more. Citizens of Topeka can appreciate the beauty of THS as they pass by, students enjoy the schools features each day as they attend, and the alumni of THS carry the school in their hearts. One such alumnus is Gary Krohe. Gary is a member of Topeka High School’s class of 1971, which was also the schools 100th graduating class. Growing up with a shutter bug father, Gary has always been comfortable with a camera. While many students spent their time in sports, clubs or simply not participating, Gary captured various memories by taking pictures for

22

the class yearbooks. Fast forward 40 years and Gary has amassed an impressive career in photography and broadcasting. While helping to organize the 40th reunion for his class, THS Historical Society executive secretary Joan Barker showed Gary some historic photos of the school. The photos had been taken by Harold Wolfe when the building was still new in the 1930’s. Joan mentioned to Gary that people who had seen these photos in the past would often mention that a coffee table book should be made with them. At that moment the ideas for Portraits of Troy came flooding to Gary.

This project had been a large undertaking, many of the shots required doing mathematical figuring, checking the schools blue prints, utilizing Google Earth and the U.S.N.O sun almanac. There is even a picture where Gary hung out of the side of a

helicopter to get that perfect shot. All of this care ensured each photo was taken at the same time of day, and from the same spot as Harold Wolfe. Gary succeeded so well in this that the images flow seamlessly as you turn the pages of Portraits of Troy. As a THS alumnus, I am overwhelmed by an emotional response as I look over the pages. There is not a single thing missing from the book, every sentimental corner of the school, every ornate detail from the elaborate candelabras to the finely carved fireplaces. It’s all there. I want to say thank you to Gary, thank you for documenting the beauty of THS for the whole world to see. Thank you for helping us remember how amazingly fortunate we were walk the halls of Troy. And thank you for making certain that generations to come will have a window to the past in which they can see how rare and beautiful she really is.

The demand for Portraits of Troy has already begun. A book release party will be held at Topeka High School during the April First Friday Art Walk.

Gary has also agreed to book signings for the First Friday Art Walks in May (at Warehouse 414) and in June (at the soon to open Oddfellows Fine Books and Collectables). Copies of Portraits of Troy will be available at many local businesses including Wolfe’s Camera and Findables in Gage Village. For more information about Portraits of Troy or to order a copy online go to portraitsoftroy.com aseveneightfive 23

kansas grapes A

wise friend once told me that life is too short to drink bad coffee or cheap wine. I may be guilty of drinking bad coffee on occasion, but fine wine isn’t something I’m willing to compromise.

You don’t need to travel far to experience the best wine the Midwest has to offer. You will just need to drive a short 20 minutes west to the heart of the Flint Hills in Paxico.

Founded in 2008 by Bob and Julie DesRuisseaux, Prairie Fire Winery is a daytime getaway for wine connoisseurs and enthusiasts who want to enjoy the simplicity and taste of a really good and not-too-pricey bottle of vino. Whether you are looking for a sweet bottle of red, a crisp white or anything in between, you will find your favorite libation at Prairie Fire.

24

award-winning wine next door

by Erin Wynkoop | photos by Megan Rogers Photographie

Bob DesRuisseaux has been making wine for over 20 years. DesRuisseaux grew up around wine and started making his own varieties to carry on his French ancestors’ love for producing and enjoying a good tasting beverage. He and his wife Julie purchased 60 some acres of land in the beautiful Flint Hills to fulfill their dream of owning a vineyard and running their own winery.

When asked what goes into a good glass of wine, DesRuisseaux simply states, “You have to start with good grapes, without a doubt. A good bottle starts in the vineyard.

You can’t make good wine out of a poor product.”

With 15 labels from which to choose the options are plentiful. The beauty of variety, along with the opportunity taste before buying relieves you of the expectation of falling in love with the first label you try.

DesRuisseaux explains developing a taste for wine best when he says, ‘... [he prefers to] convince someone to drink the kind of wine they enjoy, not the kinds we enjoy.”

I love the idea that there is something for all wine lovers, and maybe a couple of labels for those who are not so keen on the idea.

I can almost guarantee that after a tasting, anyone can find something they will enjoy.

I was pleasantly surprised while tasting the amazing assortment of whites and rosés, that my typical “go-to” sweet white didn’t end up my favorite of the Prairie Fire selection. After learning the process and actually taking the time to sip and taste the different essences of notes and smell the aroma of each variety, I fell for a drier selection. A couple of my favorites include the Traminette Semi-Dry, which is a white that has floral notes with a hint of spice and the Prairie Punch, a blush variety with

Women Making Headlines

AWC

2013 Headliner Awards

March 7, 2013 For a list of the finalists, visit www.topekaawc.org.

Congratulations to our 2013 Headliner Award Winners!

Dana Weaver, LeadingAge Kansas Lauren Tice, Jayhawk Pharmacy Carolyn Lang, Ogden Publications

Thank you to Our 2013 Headliner Sponsors!

Presenting Sponsor

“

Whether you are looking for a sweet bottle of red, a crisp white or anything in between, you will find your favorite libation at Prairie Fire Winery.

Headliners’ Round Table Sponsors

Editors’ Round Table Sponsors

Ogden Publications LeadingAge Kansas Byliners’ Round Table Sponsors XYZ Magazine Kansas Association of Counties 8th Annual Aaron Douglas Art Fair 2013

THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

>>>more on next page

25

[

DesRuisseaux prides himself on his sparkling labels, being the first varieties in the state of Kansas to uphold the Methode Champenoise, the traditional method to make Champagne from the region of the same name in France. hints of honey and citrus. Bob and Julie treated us with a sampling of their Vidal Blanc sparkling wine, which is definitely something to gush about.

DesRuisseaux prides himself on his sparkling labels (“Brut,” a dry wine, and “Doux,” a sweet counterpart) being the first varieties in the state of Kansas to uphold the Methode Champenoise, the traditional method to make Champagne from the region of the same name in France. Of course these varieties cannot be considered “Champagne” due to the fact that the grapes do not come from the region, but I can imagine DesRuisseaux’s sparkling wines could give even the most traditional wine producers in Champagne something to talk about.

In the coming months, Bob and Julie plan to open a tasting room on their ranch just minutes outside Paxico, where wine lovers can come together and eat, drink and be merry while enjoying the breathtaking view of their vineyards in the Flint Hills.

The couple also has plans to expand their vineyard (more grapes equals more wine) this spring. They would like to try their hands at beekeeping and eventually produce the ever-popular variety of honey wine called mead.

Bob and Julie only use choice, locally grown grapes to make their award-winning wines using centuries-old techniques to create the best locally made wine I have ever tried. They are a delight to chat with

]

and have a vast understanding between them concerning the connection of good company and fine wine.

Enjoy tastings everyday Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 12-5p at their Downtown Tasting Room, located at 103 Main Street in Paxico, where they share a space with Prairie Ghost Art Gallery. You can stop in any day of the week to take a bottle home with you.

Read Bob’s blog and order online by checking out their website at prairiefirewinery.com or find them on Facebook and Twitter for updates.

Cheers and enjoy! aseveneightfive

Masonic_I Do vert_Layout 1 12/6/12 7:49 PM Page 1

This isn’t heaven, it just feels like it.

You Can Have It ALL! at the

Topeka Masonic Center

Backs By Popular Demand

301 Gage Suite 161

785-234-1548

WINE, BY NEW CITY Weddings n Receptions Rehearsal Dinners Meetings n Seminars Conferences n Banquets Special Events n Ceremonies

RESERVE YOUR EVENT TODAY! Eclectic Latin Caribbean Cuisine, Wonderful Wine Selection 4005 Gage Ctr Dr OR 715 S. Kansas Ave. newcityonline.biz | Friend us on Facebook

785-783-7720 2300 SW 30th, Topeka, KS kellyl@topekamasoniccenter.com www.topekamasoniccenter.com www.facebook.com/TopekaMasonicCenter

“The ultimate dining experience.”

27

Food Porn

farmers m a r k e t

by Elizabeth Lumpkin photos by Jeff Carson provided by XYZ Magazine

The things I’ve dreamt about all winter long

W

hen you love to eat, you often love to cook, too. For foodies in Topeka, there is nothing as exciting as that annual rite of spring: the opening of the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market.

Last October when I drove to the market for my weekly Saturday foodie fix and found the market was closed for the winter, I shed a tear. I drove around town to my favorite foodie haunts looking for the same sense of joy that the Farmers Market always gives me. The Natural Food Co-Op, the Iwig store and Ice and Olives helped fill the void. And no Saturday is complete without fresh fish and seafood from Seafood Thyme.

Still, as I returned home well-provisioned for the week, I was downcast over the loss of the Farmers Market. I got on the phone to a few of my regular vendors and stuffed my freezer with their beef, pork and chicken, but I knew I was going to suffer until spring.

Thankfully, the Downtown Topeka Farmers Market reopened Saturday, April 13. Here are a few vendors I recommend you make part of your foodie routine: Wiedmann Farm Fresh Meat | Rick and his son are there every Saturday with beef, pork and eggs. The beef is raised on grass, and supplemented with grain. You can taste the love in every bite. For a “best of ” from Rick, check out his hamburger and bacon. Grill the hamburger outside over charcoal, no salt or pepper. Serve it on an onion bun or kaiser roll with no fixings. Sit back and relish hamburgers the way you remember them.

Kelleys’ | Elizabeth and Lee Kelley’s fresh herbs, eggs and organic chickens are a must. You can get the fresh herbs in baggies, or take home a herb plant to grow at home. We took home a rosemary plant last summer and it made the whole yard smell yummy all season long. The eggs from the Kelleys are among the best tasting

by D e b at B the i s e market. l | p h oGet t o there p r o v early; i d e d they sell out by 9a. you’ll find Rees Fruit Farm | They always have delicious fresh local fruit all through the growing season. Their blueberries and blackberries are some of my favorite fruits of the season, as is their apple cider.

Amish Bread & Baked Goods | Look for the lovely women dressed in traditional Amish clothing. These ladies are the baking artisans of the market. Their rosemary bread is a favorite of mine, but if you 28

look around among their offerings, you’ll find a great many new things to try. This is honest from-scratch cooking, their bread isn’t filled with preservatives and chemicals. As a result, you may find it will only last for three to four days. I always buy two loaves; one for the first part of the week, and one to freeze.

Vegetable stands | There are so many outstanding vegetable vendors that I recommend you explore and find your own favorites. One of my favorite Farmers Market yummies to track down is organic home grown potatoes. You simply won’t believe how different they taste from commercially produced potatoes. Look for sweet corn when it comes into season. There will be corn on the cob for most of the summer, but the sweet corn season is very short. If you can find a vendor with morel mushrooms, consider yourself fortunate.

They are hard to come by and expensive when you find them, but oh, so worth the hunt.

Taco Trucks | Before you leave the market, stop at one of the taco trucks. Both serve delicious food. Get a dozen homemade tamales to take home. They freeze beautifully and make a quick meal when you don’t have time to cook. There is also real honest watermelon juice available: no preservatives, no sugar, just watermelon pulp with the seeds removed and blended into a delicious refreshing drink.

The Downtown Topeka Farmers Market is open every Saturday now through early October, 7.30a to noon, located south of the Capitol Building. aseveneightfive

How can I support local?

Making a conscious decision of where your money is spent can make a huge impact on our local community. Help keep Topeka unique and colorful and support local business.

A new initiative and website has emerged - www.shoptopcity.com with a list of local restaurants, businesses and more. Visit the website to learn more about each business. seveneightfive magazine has joined forces with the initiative to continue to show our support and promote local businesses.

Cofounder, promoter and local business owner Jenny Torrence-Harris said, “How we spend our money day in and day out is how we support our community, and I for one love our unique town and embrace our diversity.

Take the time when thinking of where to eat, buy your gifts, purchase your tires, or have a beer. You are who supports your local community by working daily to keep their doors open.�

When deciding where to eat, shop and play, consider checking out this website for a great list on where to go, and where you money is going. As always, keep it local ...Top City local. aseveneightfive

ks ave progress The City of Topeka has created a link on their home page reporting progress of the approved downtown infrastructure improvements, scheduled to begin next year. The site, activatetheavenue.com, features a timeline for the project and will be updated with the latest documents respective to the project as they are finalized. The first three steps of the project include defining the project scope and schedule, performing a traffic study and carrying out preliminary design. aseveneightfive

d

V

ornbrea

T UR DA A S Y E

&C

3 | B e an 1 .

4 s 5.

LI

All DAY SPECIALS:

Sunday: Zing Zang Bloodies $3.50 Domestic pints $2.50/ jumbo $3.50 Monday: Blue Moon $3 pints Tuesday: Wells $2.50 Wednesday: Calls $3.50 & $4 Long Islands, Long Beaches & Grateful Deads Thursday: Boulevard Wheat Pints $3.50 Friday: Domestic jumbos $3.50, $3 Fireball & Pinnacle Vodka & $2 IPA Pints Saturday: Domestic pints $2, X-Rated & Or-g $4, $5 for Something Good & Something Better

Krazy Karaoke

w/DJ Dreux Doty | Every Friday Night

LIve Music

on the Brookwood Terrace Every First and THird Saturday

HAPPY HOUR 4-6 p.m.

Monday: $2 Domestic pints Tuesday: $3 Copperhead 20oz draws Wednesday: $6.50 Marty’s Latest Top Shelf Martini Creation & $2 Domestic pints Thursday: $2 Domestic pints Friday: $3.50 All import & premium bottles

Goldfish RAces

every first Wednesday