September 1 - October 31 seveneightfive 2011

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

Vol. VI Issue II September 1 - October 15, 2011

our wall:

a vision in paint forms the newest panel of Topeka’s Great Mural Wall { photo essay • pg 3 }

fix the topeka dam

kaw river

{ part one • pg 23 }

craftivists| jayhawk theatre fundraiser the return of the milk man | and much, much more

free paint me

Tie Dye Custom Personalization Available

(For Men, Women, Children of all ages)

Golf and Team Sports wear Casual/Fashion Wear Novelty ItemsWear Authentic Art Pieces - Pet Wear - Head

Where the Coast meets Kansas Ave.

If you like The Office, then you’re sure to like The Office Too!

AMERICAN APPAREL

LUNCH: Open at 11 am DINNER & DRINKS: Open ‘til 2 am Sun-Tues EARLY MEETING: Breakfast brunch ‘til 5 am Wed- Sat

Business Uniforms - Bands Athletic Leagues - Events rd

AMERICAN APPAREL

We Support Fair Trade College Students Addition 10% off With Student ID

728 S Kansas Ave. Topeka Ks, 66603 Phone (785) 783-8622

Fax (785) 783-8623

3251 S. Topeka Blvd. | 785-354-9380

Live Music at the Office www.drinkattheoffice.com

seveneightfive magazine Sept.1 - Oct. 15, 2011 Vol. VI Issue II

Publisher/Owner

Kerrice Mapes kerrice@sevneightfive.com

<< Bars Give Back: Binary Event photo by Amanda Reynolds

features editor

Leah Sewell leah@seveneightfive.com

[ in this issue ]

Poetry Editor

Dennis Etzel Jr. poemslyrical@yahoo.com

Weekender Editors

Alice C. Hunt + Rio Cervantes-Reed

Marketing Specialist

Rio Cervantes-Reed rio@seveneightfive.com

Advertising

Kerrice Mapes + Rio Cervantes-Reed Aymen Ghali Amanda Reynolds

writers

Liz Bell

10 craftivists 22 art in the garden exclusive

7 new city cafe downtown 19 iwig delivers 26 the office too

@seveneightfive

Overhear something funny out-and-about?

Tweet it here: @785heardnoted Events we support: #ffaw | #topcitythursday

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seveneightfive is a free lifestyle magazine highlighting entertainment, art, local businesses + more in Topeka.

Disclaimer: seveneightfive strives for accuracy in all of our materials, regrets errors, but cannot be held responsible. We recommend contacting venues to confirm dates and events (sometimes they change).

{on the cover}

Bar WArs

23 locals take up HGtv challenge 27 tommy from speckâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s: bud light behind the bar

785

Business

local ART

LOCAL FLAVOR

photography

Rio Cervantes-Reed Larissa Keller

8 binary event

The future of the KAW River: part one.

Kerrice Mapes Leah Sewell

Distribution

8 on the house 18 5Q: beans + cornbread

23 fix topeka dam

Layout + Design

Lydia Barnhart Tiffany Bonnewell EJ Drake Adam Koger Gary Krohe Colin MacMillan Josh Rouse

local music

Chesney Parkâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Great Mural Wall Project continues to grow.

Jayhawk Theatre music event

Illustrations

Amber Bonnett Regina Budden Robin Cremer Anthony Davis Dennis Etzel Jr. Cale Herreman Larissa Keller Kerrice Mapes Gary Piland Matt Porubsky Rio Cervantes-Reed Josh Rouse Melissa Sewell Macie Smith Tom Wah Janice Watkins Erin Wynkoop

3 photo essay: our wall

Adam Koger Photographer kogerphoto.weebly.com

Jared Hitchens

deliciously evolving...

785.235.1700

www.RowHouseRestaurant.net

ale alchemist with patrick porubsky Chemical Curator University of Kansas

Tuesday, Sept. 6 | 6-9p (come 15 min. or stay for hours)

Ramada Convention Center FREE | Open to ALL!

T

he only thing I like more than food is beer, and I’ve found the perfect combination: Bosco’s Thai Chicken Pizza with home-brewed Black Ginger Ale. The savory peanutflavored pie is enriched by the sweet, citrusy and slightly roasted-tasting black ale. The smooth brew is easy to drink and doesn’t overwhelm the taste of the pizza. aseveneightfive

Black Ginger Ale

makes 5 gallons

5 lbs. light malt extract ½ oz cascade hops (60 minute boil) 4-8 oz fresh ginger in straining bag 1 lb. cracked chocolate malt 1 packet of ale yeast

Thai Chicken Pizza

If you haven’t tried this, you need to call or visit Bosco’s right away.

435 S. Kansas Ave. 785.232.6726 * See the ad in back of magazine for hours *

#bigdreamks

Is a fun & safe event that allows people to write down their big goals & dreams, and post them anonymously. All dreamers connect and offer encouragement to at least one dreamer. It’s REAL people helping each other go after that BIG DREAM. Connect. Dream. Participate.

Learn more: Use the QR code or visit www.bigdreamgathering.com

Upcoming Events for YPs Quarterly Networking Socials: Members FREE / Guests $5

Sept 29: 5 - 7 p.m. @ Ed Bozarth Chevrolet

3731 Southwest Topeka Boulevard

Oct 25: 5 - 7 p.m. @ Chamber Business Expo

Ramada Convention Center, downtown Topeka

Quarterly Insiders Series Events: Members FREE / Guests $10 photo by Lydia Barnhart

“The ultimate dining experience.”

LUNCH

Mon - Fri: 11 am - 2 pm

DINNER

Mon - Thu: 5:30 - 8:30 Fri & Sat: 5:30 - 9:30 4005 Gage Center Drive | 785.271.8646 |newcityonline.biz 2

Sept 9: Easter Seals Capper Foundation 3500 SW 10th Ave. / 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Oct 7, 8 & 15: KS Expocentre

One Expocentre Drive / 6:30 - 9 p.m.

Working behind the scenes at an event!

Save the Date - Holiday Party: December 2 | Location TBD

Fast Forward is a program of the Topeka Chamber of Commerce designed to offer young professionals a place to socialize, network and grow in leadership potential through a variety of yearly programs.

We invite you to attend an event as a guest or become a member.

Please refer to our website www.fastforwardtopeka.org for information about joining Fast Forward or to RSVP for an event.

{ photo essay }

our wall.

by A DA M KO G E R and G A RY K ROH E

A.K.

G.K.

G.K.

T

he seventh panel of the Great Mural Wall of Topeka was planned with help from members of the community. Lead artists Ashley Laird and Dave Loewenstein joined Chesney Park residents and Topekans to add the new jewel to Topeka’s crowning glory at 19th and Western in the Chesney Park neighborhood.

The piece, entitled, “Contagious Beauty,” celebrates Topeka’s artistic past and thriving present.

A.K. 3

prime.

A.K.

G.K.

G.K.

A.K.

A.K.

A.K.

The mural was a community effort from the start, with many Topekans lending a hand and picking up brushes to help make the plan a reality.

paint.

“The design explores contagious beauty as a metaphor for art in Topeka. As Topeka reflects on its rich history and continues to cultivate art in its community the desire and ability to create becomes more activated and alive. An overall abstract pattern referencing a network of synapses and molecular structures represents the spreading of this inspirational energy. Highlighted throughout the composition are references to both well known and more “under the radar” Topeka art treasures. Prominent Topeka artists from the past such as John Stuart Curry and Aaron Douglas are referenced as well as examples of new artistic momentum exemplified by the NOTOArts District and ReThink Topeka projects.” -- Ashley Laird.

A.K.

Outlines projected onto the wall at night and the first permanent brushstrokes.

G.K.

A.K.

culmination.

The mural is nearly complete as of this printing, and available for the public to enjoy.

G.K.

G.K.

G.K.

A.K. Lead artists Ashley Laird and Dave Loewenstein perch on the scaffolding. Laird, a Topeka native and Fine Art graduate of WU, has been assisting with panels for several years. This is her first panel as lead artist. Loewenstein is reknowned throughout Kansas for his murals depicting and celebrating Kansasâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; cultural heritage.

G.K. 6

seen + noted |

LOCAL

FLAVOR new city opening

in the heart of the city

by Kerrice Mapes photo by Lydi a B ar n hardt

One of our favorite local restaurants is opening a second location in downtown Topeka.

New City Cafe: 715 S Kansas Ave. Offering salads, soups and sandwiches | M-F | Lunch Only Scheduled to open first of October. This is their 2nd location.

New City Cafe, known for their addictive blend of eclectic Caribbean and Latin cuisine, beautifully prepared with fresh, high quality ingredients, has been pleasing diners in their chic restaurant located in Gage Center since 2003 under owner Luis Guillén.

Since the restaurant opened they have also become a great location for lunch, focusing on a deli-style service of sophisticated salads, soups and sandwiches.

Luis is excited about the addition and offering quality food in a quick dining atmosphere that downtown Topeka demands.

It’s this lunch success that they are sharing with downtown Topekans when their second location opens at 715 S Kansas the first of October.

“We’re gonna keep it simple. We won’t serve entrees, just sandwiches, salads and soups that are the quality we are known for. We want to accommodate those bank workers, secretaries and state employees who need a delicious lunch in 30 to 45 minutes.”

715 S Kansas is adjacent to Marion Lane Candles and offers free parking on Kansas Ave. during the day.

“We are excited to move into this location. Connie, the owner of Marion Lane and our landlord is very excited as well and really wants to help make downtown happen.”

Open Monday through Friday for lunch only, Luis hasn’t dismissed the idea of opening for dinner, but it’s not in the near future.

“The food for the downtown location will come from here [Gage Center location], so we are keeping it simple.

However, if the downtown area kicks off, which I really hope it does, we will expand.”

Until then, know that New City has always had a heartfelt desire to offer unique cuisine to their customers, and now we can feel this in the heart of our city, Downtown Topeka. aseveneightfive

7

on the

house

{ how Topeka bars are giving back }

a future venue b y J a n i c e Wa t k i n s

10.01.11 might be binary code and glorified “geek speak” for the computer literate, but for downtown Topeka, October 1, 2011 marks an event that will be anything but nerdy.

The first annual Binary Benefit will done two stages, five local music artists and bands (and possibly counting), vendors, a silent auction, and a chance to tour an architectural Topeka icon. Spearheaded by local band, Monk’s Wine, this far from average block party, hopes to bring awareness to local musicians and raise money for the renovation of the Jayhawk Theatre.

“The Jayhawk Theatre is a great place to promote the arts in Topeka,” asserted Jarrod Guth, guitarist and backup vocalist for Monk’s Wine.

the Binary Benefit

10.01.11 8th Ave. + Celtic Fox downtown Topeka

more info on FB page, search “The Binary Benefit” or facebook.com/TheJayhawkTheatre

Monk’s Wine recognized the need for the revival of the classic Topeka venue and tuned into other artists desires to stay in Topeka and play and please their hometown audience. The answer came in the idea of a benefit to renovate the Jayhawk Theatre and a chance to bring together musicians of all genres across Topeka. The goal is to block off 8th Avenue between Jackson and Kansas and have two stages marking the street ends, with amps and drumkits donated

by Supersonic Music, blaring onto the block. The musicians signed on for the day will alternate playing original and cover songs from each stage. For only $5, benefit concert goers will experience a full day of music, have a chance to bid on silent auction items inside the Celtic Fox, promoting only local businesses, and even take a tour of the Theatre, which will be open during the day. A compilation CD, mastered by Rundown Studios, featuring the artists signed on for the event will also be available. All proceeds will go directly to the Jayhawk Theatre.

“It [the renovation] is something we really want to see in Topeka. We really want to play there,” says Guth. “All of us are really wanting to grow artistically,” he nods, noting that many local artists and bands have to travel to nearby towns, like Lawrence, for venues to play. “We recognize there is a lot of talent in Topeka that people are missing out on.”

i m a g e s p r o v i d e d b y M o n k ’s W i n e & J a y h a w k T h e a t r e

The Jayhawk Theatre Board is working to raise funds from the community and through grants to fully restore the 1926 theater and modernize it for use for concerts, performances and more. To learn more, visit jayhawktheatre.com

For more information regarding the benefit visit The Binary Benefit Facebook page or www.monkswine.com. aseveneightfive Bands scheduled to perform: Monk’s Wine Chris Aytes and the Good Ambition

X-Men Jamie Sanchez-Cabriza Josh Vowell and the Rumble

seen + noted |

DA RT

by Larissa Keller photo by Adam Koger

O The dartboard in the window next to Quizno’s is promoting the DART, a benefit for Let’s Help.

n Saturday, September 17 at 9 am., teams of three to six people will converge on downtown Topeka for the Downtown Adventure Race Topeka (DART). Anyone over age 18 can participate (under 18 must be accompanied by an adult) and need not be an athlete. Costumes and team themes are encouraged, with prizes for top finishers as well as other unique categories.

Get weekly events sent to your inbox via the seveneightfive w e e k e n d e r. S i g n up online or use the QR Code to t h e b e l o w.

The DART is a multi-leg urban adventure race where participating teams compete in a variety of fun challenges and tasks that will test both physical and mental skills. It is the first of its kind in Topeka. Proceeds from the cost of $35 per person directly benefit the adult basic education and lunch programs at Let’s Help. The cost also includes an official T-shirt, free food and beverages and a race number. Participation is limited to the first 50 teams to register. More information can be found at dothedart.com aseveneightfive

DART RACE: Saturday, September 17 | 9am | Teams of 3 - 6

locals featured on HGtv He’s a tall cool drink of water named JD. She’s a pretty petite blonde who goes by Sher. It’s a stuffed pheasant named Ricky. Throw in a Chevy Volt named Melanie. Now you may be asking, what kind of sick story is this? It’s all perfectly innocent, as JD Lindman from Topeka, and Sher Bailey from Chanute travel to Chattanooga, TN on behalf of HGTV to compete in the network’s, “Endless Yard Sale Challenge.” Find out how, “Team Comedian,” fared on October 16 when the one-hour special airs. Until then, check out www.seveneightfive.com for our interview with the fearless pair, and learn how Ricky, the taxidermic pheasant came to be their mascot. Be sure to check out their audition videos while you’re there! aseveneightfive I can’t drink out of a square glass, my mouth is round @ Blackbird

I dated the bartender’s son once. Let’s be honest, who have I not dated? @ Terry’s

It’s not my problem if you’re stupid @ Pigskins

Hey! Wanna see my Hello Kitty? @ Goose

She was added during the Farmville craze of 2009 @ Bosco’s

heard + noted Be sure to keep RTing + Tweeting @785HeardNoted with all your favorite witty tweets

Us e t h i s c o d e t o v i e w t h e article and audition video.

I can’t take anyone talking politics seriously if they still have acne @ College Hill Oh, it’s good to know you once had a soul @ Hanover Pancake House He was a hipster before hipsters were cool @ The 20’s

RTs from @785HeardNoted If some dude ever says, “Take a bite of my heart tonight” I’ll know he’s on drugs and I actually might do it @erinleigh1222 I wish I’d known 15y ago when a college advisor asked, it’s a valid career choice to “Say stupid stuff on the internet.” @benrobbins

9

art

the

art troupe

The grassroots art group, the Craftivists, bring their accessible art to the Aaron Douglas Art Fair as featured artists this year. b y E r i n W y n k o o p • p h o t o s c o u r t e s y J u l i e V. P h o t o g r a p h y

T

he Craftivists ladies are shining as featured artists for the Aaron Douglas Art Fair for 2011. This is an honor for grassroots artists who love to support the community they belong to. Craftivist Laura Burton was beyond excited to find out they were asked to be the featured artist for the fair. She says the art at the Aaron Douglas Art Fair is, “accessible in so many ways.”

“A lot of the people at Aaron Douglas are people who are making art in their basement,” Burton says, as she describes what makes the art fair so great. “It attracts a lot of people from the community, families out walking their dog who stop by and start looking at the art… To 10

The Craftivists have a mission to use their art to convey ideas about different social issues.

authentic feather extensions

be the artists chosen to represent that event is a huge honor and speaks very well of the accessibility of our art.”

These amazing Craftivists, consisting of Sara O’Keefe, Nicole MacMillan, Michelle McCormick, Laura Burton and Julie Velez, have a mission to use their art, according to MacMillan, “to convey ideas about different social issues” including women’s issues such as empowerment and combating body issues. They also strive to make art accessible to the community through art fairs and art groups at the YWCA. The Craftivists started out with a “group of girls and a bottle of wine” according to Laura Burton.

She describes MacMillan as someone who “brings a lot of positive emotional energy into the group.”

Burton says that Michelle McCormick has a “really unique creative perspective” but also takes care of business when need be. As for Julie Velez, Burton gushes about how amazing she is at photography and she is not afraid to pitch in and try something new. Burton describes Sara O’Keefe as “THE amazing artist who holds all the creative energy together.”

In the next year, the Craftivists hope and plan to be on the internet, selling their one-of-a-kind art and blogging about various social issues and causes that are important to them as well as information on projects and upcycling.

Be sure to visit the Craftivists and all the amazing artists participating in the Aaron Douglas Art Fair September 24, 2011 from 10am to 5pm at the Aaron Douglas Art Park, 12th and Lane. aseveneightfive

obtain what you desire.

2601 SW 17th 233.5577

Your CommunitY taking aCtion

Shawnee County’s Largest Workout

HPHS Robotics Program Interagency Coordination Council

Kansas Young Professionals Conference, 2012

initiatives & Partners of... www.heartlandvisioning.com 11

lifestyle

C

ourt Apointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Shawnee County is celebrating their 25th year on September 28th with a gala fundraiser at the Ramada Convention Center in downtown Topeka. The theme of the event is “Justice is Served,” and CASA will deliver on that promise with a bevy of “celebrity servers” from the local judicial and law enforcement communities. Meals are $75 a plate and dress is business attire for those arriving straight from work. The gala will also honor Judge Daniel Mitchell for his 25 years of service as a District Court Judge as well as for his exemplary support of CASA and its mission. The proceeds from this event will help fund the day-to-day operations of CASA in the form of training for volunteers and costs for administrative oversight.

gala for justice

by Anthony Davis • photo courtesy CASA

CASAs are volunteer officers of the court, and act as the eyes and ears of judges in cases where children are removed from their homes and placed into the court or foster care systems. At any given time, it is estimated that 1,200 children are classified as “children in need of care” in Shawnee County alone. A CASA is assigned to a case, and that individual will remain with that case until its resolution, a timeframe which lasts 40 months on average.

Boranyak cites that available volunteers and financial restrictions have forced the CASAs to focus only on the most severe of the cases.

“We need increased support from the residents and business community in order to bridge the gap. We need volunteers to train, and the funds to train them.”

Operating on a “shoe-string budget” is a fact of everyday life for CASAs, and in Shawnee County they have managed to more with less. In 2010, each of the 431 cases handled by CASAs cost an average of $620, which is approximately half the average cost for similar programs around the country. This is the reason why even small donations can make a big difference.

To make a reservation for the gala, contact Carol Smith at kscjchick@att.net.

To volunteer or make a donation, visit CASAofShawneeCounty.org or call 785-215-8282. aseveneightfive

save the date!

The 24th Annual Homes for the Holidays Tour starts Friday, November 18 with a 6 p.m. candle light tour and

continues through the 20th. Homes are volunteered by owners and made available for public viewing. Local florists and designers donate time and materials to decorate the homes and showcase their talents. New this year is a house decorated in traditional Jewish style. Tickets are $9 in advance, $10 at the door.

community story tree project seen + noted |

T

b y E r i n Wy n k o o p

he Potawatomi Tribal Police Department’s Victims Assistance Program is calling attention to Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October by unveiling a project their survivors art group, along with members of the surrounding communities, have been working on throughout the summer. This Community Story Tree Project, consisting of 72 square foot tiles, create a mosaic of the community tree. This project is set to promote healing through art and striving to become a violence-free community in the future. Please be sure to stop by Jones Huyett Partners for the presentation at the First Friday Art Walk on October 7 to see this remarkable project in its entirety.

bars for football Tailgators

Bullfrogs Live Lucky Dogs Pigskins

Skinny’s

Blind Tiger

go to seveneightfive and vote on next month’s top five poll

*winners based from online votes. Tie between last 4*

“Of the 1,200 children in need of care, we can only help about onethird of the cases.”

top five

Sharon Boranyak, a CASA board member, stresses that there is still a lot of work that needs to be done.

lsdiscs L

ars and Bren Nordgren aren’t your typical golf equipment retailers. While others focus on clubs or golf balls, these brothers instead focus on discs.

The Nordgrens sell new and used disc golf equipment via their websites, LSDiscs.com and LSDiscs.net. The idea began when the two were younger and made money by finding lost discs for golfers. As they got older, they started getting more involved in playing tournaments and going to disc golf leagues, and eventually decided to turn the childhood business into a promising new enterprise.

“I was doing it through college and I enjoyed doing it, it’s always been an atmosphere for a sport I’ve enjoyed,” said Lars, who graduated from Washburn University in 2008 with a marketing degree.

“When I got out of college it was

by Josh Rouse• photo contributed

golf brothers

Two Topeka brothers find their disc niche; host local tournaments.

kind of the perfect time because I didn’t have any strings attached, I didn’t have any commitments to any jobs, and honestly the job market was probably the worst time out of any time in the job market.”

This fall, the brothers will host the Mighty Shunga Open during the first weekend in October.

Nordgren said it’s easy for beginners to get started with the sport.

“Honestly, the best way is just to come out and check out the league,” said Nordgren. “We run a league every Wednesday, at Lake Shawnee the first week of every month and Crestview the rest of the weeks. A lot of people just kinda check out what’s going on.

You can come better learn how to throw and have more guidance than just trying to learn on your own.” aseveneightfive

FIGHT NIGHT AFTER PARTY

DOORS open 5:30 pm BOUTS start 6:30 pm facebook.com/DangerFirePromotions 14

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CD Tradepost, 826 SW Kansas 9/8/11: Headchange 5:30-7:30 pm 9/15/11: TWHS Drumline 6:45 – 7:45 pm 9/22/11: Jacob Hodge 5:30-7:30 pm

9/29/11: The Hit Squad “Block Party DJs” 5-7 pm

Tradepost Outlet 2121 SW Wanamaker 9/18/11 The Trants 2pm – 3:30 pm

magazine

15

by Regina Budden • photos provided

ren fest next door St.

Marys, a town 30 minutes from Topeka on U.S. Highway 24, is hosting its second Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival. The festival is on the St. Marys Public Golf Course September 16-18 and 22-25, starting at 5 pm. Thursday and Friday, and 3 pm Saturday and Sunday. The focal point of the festival is Shakespeare’s beloved comedy, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” which starts at 7:30 each night.

“It’s always cities that do big festivals,” said Tim Akers, part owner of Renaissance Cellars Winery and the director of the play.

“Small towns can do the same thing, and do it just as well.”

The festival will feature local artisans such as a blacksmith, carpenter, weaver and potter.

Costumed actors will roam the grounds to interact with festival attendees as they shop and enjoy turkey legs and Highland games.

The funding, supplies and actors come from the area. Eric Stevenson, Akers’ partner at the winery, is building the set for the show as well as playing the fairy king, Oberon.

“What you get with amateur performers versus professional Shakespearean actors is that they put more realism to it,” Stevenson said. “We don’t have our noses up in the air. It’s enjoyable because we’re not taking ourselves too seriously. It’s more tangible to the audience.”

Akers and Stevenson will join other local small business owners to offer their wares at this small-town festival.

They said the size is 16

[a midsummer night’s dream]

This fall hundreds of people will drive across Kansas to visit the Kansas City Renaissance Festival. Little known is that many of the same experiences are being created closer to home.

Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival St. Marys | 30min from Topeka September 16 - 18 | 22 - 25 Thursday & Friday: Open at 5 p Saturday & Sunday: Open at 3p “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” starts at 7:30p each night.

an advantage for artisans who work from home because most cannot afford booths at a larger festival.

Although the play costs $10 per person, $15 per couple or $30 for a family, the festival is free, which Ben Moats, the show’s producer and a partner of KG Moats and Sons, hopes will entice potential attendees.

“We want to be the Shakespeare festival of Kansas,” Moats said. “Most other states have one, but there’s no big festival in Kansas.”

Akers said the biggest draw is that whether someone’s looking for a cheap date or a place to take the kids, the festival can accommodate.

“Someone can have tiny kids crying bloody murder and, since you’re sitting outside, it doesn’t matter. It’s not like you’re in a theatre where everything’s close and it echoes. You can bring a picnic dinner, and you can set a blanket out on the hill and if you bring your own food, you bring your food. It’s not restricted in any way.”

Moats said the state’s funding cuts should prompt art-lovers to “put their money where their mouth is,” which is the heart of the Flint Hills Shakespeare Festival.

“It’s about doing something that can inspire people to live culturally and live locally, even in these economic times,” Stevenson said.

For more about the festival, tickets, volunteering or requesting a booth, visit www.smshakes.org or contact Ben Moats at 785-844-1698. aseveneightfive

VIRGO Sometimes ya just have to walk away, Bucko. It’s not worth the aggravation. Trust me.

Dear Rupey, I can’t stand it! Every time my boyfriend walks past, he has to reach out and touch my butt. It’s driving me crazy. How do I get him to stop? – Cranky Babe Dear CB, What’s the down side? Yer sig likes yer stuff, Bucko. Be glad it isn’t someone else’s booty he’s reaching out for... — RR ____________________________

the return of the milk man

by Boone Smith • photo by EJ Drake

A

ll the way down 29th street, past Croco, past Skylark, and then right down Tecumseh there is a dairy farm where you can buy fresh milk in glass bottles, the way that people certainly bought it before plastic took over packaging. Why haven’t they switched to plastic bottles at Iwig Dairy?

“Our customers tell us that the plastic ruins the taste of the milk,” says Tim Iwig, the man in charge.

In the past, the dairy store off of Tecumseh was the best place to buy Iwig Dairy’s wonderful, locally produced milk. Now you can buy it at Dillon’s, HyVee and Apple Market in Topeka, and also at the Community Mercantile and Checkers in Lawrence.

After selling $227,600 of $250,000 in Iwig stock last summer, the dairy has expanded their business a little further, all the way to a store at 724 Gage devoted to selling Iwig Dairy products. This, too, has been a great expansion of the business, and has provided a new place for customers to get the dairy fix that they crave. The store, however, is only the first of a new, multi-pronged approach to getting milk to the customers.

ARIES Never be afraid to admit yer a complete fricking moron, ya screwed and yer really In the next month, Iwigup Dairy willreally, be unfurling a sorry.

Just not at the IRS. Mobile Marketing Van.

“With this truck we intend to create a Mobile TAURUS Farmer’s MarketI know that it’s willbeen bring local year, produce to a tough you where it’s convenient, ” says Tim. with the price of rubber undies and look the bright With the success of all, thebut store ononGage, the dairy is taking business side, to theyer next rashlevel. is healing nicely!

They are planning to find different neighborhoods GEMINI and church parking lots across the Topeka area on a If someone says, “Could be weekly basis to sell bottled milk, ice cream, cheeses all meat, smug eggs, and cheerful and also locally worse!” produced tomatoes and like, it’s perfectly fine to slap a other fresh, local goods. fat lip on ‘em and add, “Wow, a

“This will fortune bringteller. farm Cool!”produce to your local neighborhood where you CANCER haven’t hadOkay, access it before. ” to so it’sto finally over. Time

Besides the Mobile Van,pillow Tim Iwig grab Marketing yer special love and tells me his next big announcement, the second head for home. Andand yer special prong of his multi-pronged approach to get the glitter thong, and yer special goods out: “We intend to open a store in Lawrence. ” rubber thingies and yer... Better The location has not been decided yet, but they rent a van, Bucko. intend to be open by the end of August.

purchase IWIG milk + products Topeka: Dillions, Hy-Vee, Apple Market + IWIG store at 8th + Gage

LEO With the store on Gage, the Mobile It’s late, yer a little Marketing Van,lonely and and thea new little and suddenly, storehungry in Lawrence, Iwig there Dairy is continuing to findDenny’s new ways to in the distance—the bringYatheir sign. try todelicious look away,bottled but yermilk and dairy products to even more helpless to resist the beckoning, people. a seveneightfive mesmerizing glow. A small smile creeps across yer face. Ya turn into the parking lot...

LIBRA Finally, the heat has faded and the fall breezes are with us again. That was one long, nasty, hot, smelly summer. Now we can all get ready to FREEZE! SCORPIO Last month’s Prognosticatio was too good not to repeat... Sung to the tune “California Girls” by The Beach Boys: “The other signs all wish they were Scorpios...”

C’mon, sing it!

SAGITTARIUS Well, did ya?

CAPRICORN I’m afraid we won’t be having any sexy fun news for ya this time, Bucko. Nothing personal, but soap is yer friend. Just sayin’.

AQUARIUS I’ve been getting complaints from Leo that yer not dropping

by Denny’s as much. Late at night. Loaded. And real friendly.

PISCES Ah, the little fishy is feeling frisky, eh? Cooler weather, a bit-o-rain and yer ready to head into the party season? Well, all I can say is go for it. Yer never again going to be as young as ya are right now, Bucko. Enjoy! ___________________________ Question for the Blue Guru?

Stop kidding yerself, Bucko. Yer not as big (a loser) as ya think!

Ruprecht@PsychicChicken.com ___________________________ * Astrological predictions are about as real as Rick “W” Perry claiming he has created jobs. Gimme a break. Mostly public sector or minimum wage and not even keeping up with population growth? Besides, the last Texan we had was such a loser—this guy creeps me out! He even sounds like Bush. Ick!

17

5 Q / beans & cornbread

are the people gonna dance?

For local funky brass band Beans & Cornbread, the answer is always YES.

by Robin Cremer • photo by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography

F

ormed around the middle of the last decade, Topeka based Beans & Cornbread is a big ol’ brass band that lays down some serious funkiness, that you can sit, listen, and enjoy; but after hearing a few of their upbeat horn driven funky-licous, tunes, you can’t help but get up, get down and shake, shake, shake your booty.

Building a repertoire from artists representing a wide variety of musical genres spanning a multitude of decades; B & C cover songs by the likes of: Tupac Shakur, the Gap Band, Stevie Wonder, Bob Marley and Bill Withers, not to mention that great New Awlins funk they cut their teeth on.

An eight piece band (five horn players, guitarist, bassist and drummer, most sing) with members “spreadin’ out so far and wide,” it’s hard enough getting them together to do a gig much less talk to the “kooky” music writer of seveneightfive, but we managed to pull three of ‘em together long enough to talk about their funked up band and the remarkable music they perform.

You guys play mostly covers. How do you choose the ones you play?

Alan Eisman; Funky Bass Player: Our main goal when we’re choosing music, are people going to dance to it, that’s our main goal. And are

we going to be able to do it well. We’re not going to do a song if we can’t do it well. We’ve tried songs that are great songs but they just didn’t work out for our orchestration, and didn’t work out for the crowd. We tried a bunch of different songs and the end result is get people to dance.

Eric Padilla; Funky Vocals and Trumpet: And 90 percent of the suggestions that come to the band we don’t do. Alan is the one who pretty much decides, cause he’s the one who arranges everything. We’re all musicians but these two (Eric and Robert) know how to write out music. So, if it’s a fun song and they think they can arrange it.

Robert Kilpatrick; Funky Vocals and Trombone: Because we have so many horns, we have to actually write the music out, you can’t just wing it.

What’s been the most unusual cover for you to perform?

Eric: Christina Aquilera, Ain’t No Other Man. We played it two or three times, but the vocals were just too high for me.

Robert: That and Down, that was pretty unusual. Jay Sean, it’s sort of modern hip hop.

The most popular?

Eric: The 70s style and when we do our cover of California Love (Tupac), everybody just loves that. Everybody loved our old Stevie song and we got rid of that one and added a different one so we didn’t have to play the same one over and over.

Alan: A few years ago, there’s a guy who was holding a Bocce Ball tournament, and had us play. He was a big reggae guy; he wanted us to learn a bunch of reggae and we kept some of it.

What are your day jobs?

Alan: Air Traffic Control.

Robert: I work for the Kansas National Guard.

Eric: I’m an advisor with Farm Bureau Insurance.

(Lance Quilling on Funky Trombone and Funky Saxophonist Aaron Graverson are high school band directors. Mike Hurla who plays Funky Trumpet is assistant manager of Dairy Queen, while Funky Drummer Lucas Whippo and Funky Guitarist Ross Williams are students at Washburn.)

What’s the most unusual place you’ve played at?

Alan: That Bocce Ball tournament was one. We’ve done weddings in Illinois, we’re about to do a wedding in Central Kansas.

Eric: We played for Washburn. The first years of the band we were a lot more brassy, that New Orleans funk style. And they had a Mardi Gras luncheon and they paid us to come play at lunch and four faculty came in and ate. We were supposed to play two hours. We got paid to rehearse.

Alan: We got paid pretty good on that.

Robert: We got paid really good on that. (laughing) aseveneightfive

Catch Beans & Cornbread LIVE at Skinny’s Sports Bar and Grill, 4016 SW Huntoon, Sept. 9 with the Rising Tide

seen + noted |

by Rio Cervantes-Reed photo by Gary Krohe

comfort + carry out T

he sign outside may say, “Carry Out Only,” but it also states, “Home Cookin’ You’ll Love to Take Home.” Stepping into Cora Lee’s, 2511 SE California is a lot like walking into someone’s living room. A small television is tuned to daytime courtroom drama viewable from a comfy living room set.

Owner Milton Carr stood ready behind the counter to take my order. After perusing the menu, and asking for suggestions, I got the Sampler Platter: one fried pork chop, 1 fried chicken wing, and one fried fish strip, served with a choice of sides and cornbread.

Deliciously sweet, cake-style cornbread.

As it was being packed up to go (carry out only, remember), I had time to sit and talk with another customer who came in. Even though she ran a business just down the street, she’d never been in and thought today was a good day to check it out.

The atmosphere encourages visiting, and I learned from Milton that the home-style recipes he uses comes from his mom for whom the restaurant is named. I also learned that Milton and I were students at Highland Park at the same time, so we reminisced about the space when it was a Taco Tico.

It was a good alternative to cafeteria food, and it was a common gathering spots for Scots such as us.

“Have you considered going full-service, or at least dine-in?” I asked, envisioning the space filling with students once again. “If business keeps going the way it is, yeah. It’s going well so far.” The prices are fair and the food is delicious, with a vast menu at several price points. Stop in and get some to go. seveneightfive likes: Cora Lee’s serves James’ beverages out of Kansas City. Locally produced and distributed, the drinks are juice-based and very refreshing. Topeka’s hot weather demands it, so stop in and try it out for yourself. aseveneightfive

Cora Lee’s • 2511 S.E. California 785.215.6094

{ poetry }

the spirit of the moment An interview with Matthew Porubsky b y D e n n i s E t z e l Jr.

I

am looking over the proof copy of Matthew Porubsky’s latest book Fire Mobile (the pregnancy sonnets), which is probably out by the time you read this. I feel honored to both be editor and interviewer for Matt’s book—a true treasure. To quote Caryn Mirriam-Goldberg, this is a “generative and generous celebration of the sacred feminine” that “shows us the hard-won and shining soul of real love.”

Dennis: Would you say you have one or more writing processes? What are they?

Matt: So, the process starts with a lot of thinking and a lot of music. Lyrics and rhythms inspired me as much as, or even more than, reading poetry. There are some musicians, like Josh Ritter, Sam Beam and Julie Doiron, that I know when I listen to their tunes I will be inspired by any number of lines. From these short lines, that might be of the slightest importance in the song, I be inspired to write an entire poem or series of poems.

I think anything I write, poetry or articles, hinges around the idea of “themes.” I can’t help but try and make things work together toward something larger. The way I’m most comfortable writing is this concept of many voices that can come out of one, or combine into one.

I guess I always write the same way, just write differently. I mean I have five line poems and twenty page poems, but I am getting at it in the same way. Does that make sense? The spirit of the moment and the original idea for the poem can take me anywhere by the time I sit down to write. There have been poems that I have thought about and taken notes on for years and when I sit down to write them turn into something else entirely, but that is the way it’s supposed to be.

I’m telling stories that I feel cater to an honesty inside everyone. I have always wanted to write in a way that any person who would pick up and read it or hear it feel it and know it and can relate to it. I don’t want to confuse anyone or try and sound “literary.”

Dennis: Was there anything you did differently for your Fire Mobile collection?

How did you approach the series?

Matt: There was an idea of confinement like I have never done before. Sonnets have always interested me; I try and comply to this form but break away at the same time. I took it a bit farther with this collection and created a confinement for the book as a whole. I split it into three trimesters and only allowed myself one poem for each week or pregnancy. That really isn’t a lot of poems when compared to the wonderful and mysterious changes that are encountered in those 40 weeks or so. I also imposed restrictions on myself as a writer. I wrote the original manuscript when my wife was pregnant the first time and then revised the manuscript during her second pregnancy. I guess you could say I was completely immersed. I was swept up with the process and the images and couldn’t help but bring attention to this incredible construction of life that seems commonplace at times. aseveneightfive

20

(Weight, Etc.)

These new intricacies and additions, both inside and around you, have tempered each space compressed. Embodied in whimpered sighs, standing on the scale, your condition

is weighed in full at its utmost extreme.

The numbers spin adding the four extra pounds of blood and a one-pound placenta, amniotic and other fluids seem

to make up six more, plus one for each breast, two pounds of nurturing uterus weight, with ten more pounds throughout to illustrate what it takes to support your baby best,

who adds another some seven pounds alone, as the scale stops and you miserably moan.

>> buy the book: mppoetry.com

(Quick-Steadied Footing)

You shimmy off the sea-salt of sleeping, unconscious waves of your heartbeats and dreams, one hand below the cloud slowly building in your belly which stretches to its seams

daily. Off-balanced steps center part-way across the veneer, steadied by your breath, as you envision the plotline in play that changes your aplomb by length and breadth.

This embodied growth is partnered throughout swift draped hair on your shoulders, nails in quick reaching, blouse unbuttoning. This about you is a building, a timpani wick

lit and burning the shine of small kindling to glow as a drumming never dwindling.

“I’m telling stories that I feel cater to an honesty inside everyone.”

book artwork by local artist Stella Robbins

(Stretching Wakeup)

{ readings }

The small something inside subtly stirs you to awareness, reaching around deeprooted dreams, steeping in fog-colored sleep.

You both have turned together so long, sure

of shared comfort and placement within bounds.

Now, this is a scribbling outside the lines, beyond the sinew barrier confines below sheets and skin. You swear you hear sounds

of liquid moving as the coil springs long and defined, with formed joints testing limits.

It is a firmness pushing set permits of a union shaped in growth. A new, strong

pressure wakes you to the ripening cast discovering itself from your contrast.

Oct. 10 The Raven Book Store w/Leah Sewell Lawrence, KS | 7p Nov. 4 Blue Planet Cafe w/Stella Robbins Art Show| 6p

Topeka, Kansas

Dec. 11 w/Begin Again: 150 Kansas Poems TSCPL | 3-5p

Most Galleries Open ‘til 8:30p Be part of the ArtWalk, call ArtsConnect @271.0065 Get a map at artsconnecttopeka.org

art in the garden

by Joan Porter * photos by Dude Cavanaugh

T

wenty local and regional artisans will show and sell their work in three large gardens when “Art in the Garden” opens on Sunday, September 18, from 3:00-7:30p. Included among the works are oil, acrylic and watercolor paintings, jewelry, floral designs, ironwork sculptures, photographs, weavings, hypertufa, pottery, fused glass bowls, charcoal and etched drawings and handcrafted purses. There will also be an opportunity to win an antique quilt.

All three gardens have been featured in the past on Topeka’s citywide garden tours. Since being on tour, each garden has matured and developed in new ways. Primarily a shade garden, the Glatts’ garden features a large variety of hosta and other shade plantings.

New additions include a garden house which provides respite from the busyness of life. For new sun garden ideas, the Cavanaughs offer a delightfully decorated garden house, a formal garden and a hypertufa bed located alongside the pergola. Train enthusiasts of all ages will enjoy the garden railroad in the Porters’ garden. Also in this garden, which is located on a quiet cove of Lake Sherwood, are both sun and shade gardens as well as new water features and garden art.

“Art in the Garden” is a fundraiser sponsored by Brookwood

Covenant Church. Funds will be used to purchase the supplies for a mission trip to two villages in northern Thailand. While in Thailand, the team of 10, who are paying their own transportation costs, will divide into three groups: a medical team which will see 750 patients; an eye care team which will make approximately 150 prescription glasses at $3 per pair and hand out 500 sunglasses at $1 per pair; and a construction team which will build playgrounds in both villages.

The $15 ticket price includes entrance to all three gardens. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 478-3567.

Tickets will also be available at each garden gate: Glatts: 3107 SW Arrowhead Road Cavanaughs: 3930 SW King Arthur’s Road Porters: 7537 SW 33rd Street. aseveneightfive Art in the Garden Sunday, September 18 3:00-7:30 p

College Hill Tavern

ly s i c EVERY SATURDAY k e e w ve m u LIVE, LoCAL MUSIC! li Summer Breeze Sept. 30 White Patio Yacht Party September 10 | 9p

The Students 7 - 9p

EVERY TUESDAY

EVERY WEDNESDAY

Acoustic Debauchery Jeff Toda | 9p

All Star Band

OPEN JAM NIGHT EVERY THURSDAY “Best Jam in Topeka” | 9p

DJ Party

w/Groovy Girl | 9p

EVERY FRIDAY KaraoKe

w/Groovy Girl Char |9p

1616 SW 17th Street

lifestyle

tough Kaw Our river is inhospitable to recreation, with dangerous dams, and sandbars acting as quicksand to canoes and kayaks. The Kawnivore 100 participants trudged through it, losing one of their own in the process.

by Cale Herreman • photos by Colin MacMillan / Nathan Ham Photography Part one in a two part series on the Kansas River

T

his river of ours is a tough one. You could say that it’s because the state named after it, our beloved Kansas, is also pretty tough. But really, the truth is that our ancestors decided that the river was useless for commerce, so they felt free to build weird dams on it, and couldn’t be bothered to pick up the pieces when a railroad bridge fell into it. Maybe that was just spite, getting back at the damn thing for all the floods. river series

The Rivermiles organization, organizer of the Missouri 340 race, a multi-day epic canoe and kayak event on the Missouri River, found itself without a race due to prolonged flooding. So eyes turned a very different, but nearby, river, and the Kawnivore 100 was born. Held July 22 to 23—the paddlers were in the river overnight—it was a shorter race, but.

23

“Cornfields that used to line cut banks are now part of the river, and deep channels you used to count on for easy passage have swapped places with gravel riffles that grab your boat...”

“You have to earn every mile on this race,” says MR 340 veteran Katie Pfefferkorn. “With the Missouri, you can kind of count on some good currents, where if you need to take ten minutes and just not paddle, you will still be moving. Whereas on this river, you really don’t have that luxury. So every mile that you get is because of more blood, sweat and tears.”

for screening and early detection by using YouTube, Facebook and Twitter to spread the word. (Look up 3 Dudes in a Canoe).

Brother Kevin explains: “The original model was like a walkathon, pay me a dollar a mile. That was too complicated, so we just ended up saying, ‘we’re doing this super epic thing, we’re raising money for this cause, donate as you see fit’.”

The Missouri has been seriously reshaped by the Army Corp of Engineers to be deep, wide and stable enough for barges to carry cargo on it. The Kansas is much closer to a natural state, which means constant change. The Rivermiles website describes it from a paddler’s perspective: “Cornfields that used to line cut banks are now part of the river, and deep channels that you used to count on for easy passage have swapped places with gravel riffles that grab your boat and make you doubt your memory.”

When asked if he actually tweeted during the race, David says no.

“I did not. I was too busy pushing the boat through sand.”

David Moore, who competed in the Team division with his brothers, put it this way: “Really low water. Took a lot of effort to get the boat to move anywhere. There were probably thirty straight miles of, every hundred yards you have to pull out of the sand.” Often, this required actually getting out of the boat to push. This did a number on their boat’s paint job, which looked like it had been sanded off on the very bottom.

Just across the river from that scene of tragedy, though, was some red-eyed hospitality at Topeka’s Portage Park. The park, only accessible by a gravel road that runs over the top of a levee, was a required stop for race-goers. It has a boat ramp just west of the dam, where they would get out of the water, and then reenter the river through a ramp just east of it. This was partly for safety, and partly to give the paddlers a much-needed break in the middle of the night, early morning, or whenever they showed up.

The Moore brothers had two things keeping them going: a strong competitive streak, and the memory of their mother, who had died from colon cancer four years ago. They raise awareness and money 24

There was bad news and good news for Topeka in this event.

Ryan Moore, a doctor who worked at St. Francis, drowned while attempting to navigate his kayak around the coffer dam, a low concrete structure that directs the river toward the water treatment plant. He was 36, and had been in training for this race.

A member of the event support staff, who would only give his name as Darrin, said the Topeka stop was a highlight of the weekend. “It

went well. A drama team [from Topeka West] came out. Did a really good job, bringing food and coffee, and had fruit there, that was real nice.”

That stop also made an impression on Pfefferkorn, who was there around 4 AM. “It was really neat and welcoming,” she said, which is nice to hear about Topeka, especially coming from the perspective of someone working their way downstream in this tough river of ours. aseveneightfive

fix the Topeka dam

by Cale Herreman

T

opeka is the site of “the most dangerous spot on the entire Kansas River,” according to the Fix the Topeka Dam advocacy group.

Three paddlers have been killed in four years, most recently Dr. Ryan Moore in July, trying to get around the ‘low head’ dam. This concrete structure stretches three-fourths of the way across the river, directing water toward the city’s treatment plant. The ‘notch’ where the water can flow past is where the trouble is.

The river falls several feet, and anything that falls with it can be trapped in a “hydraulic,” a looping water current.

“If you can get up, to get a breath of air, you’re immediately pulled back in and pushed down,” says Scott Mansker, river advocate and host of public television show “RiverMiles.”

“They found [Dr. Moore’s] boat still stuck in the hydraulic.”

Mansker and the others in Fix the Topeka Dam have a solution in mind, and are trying to convince officials with the City of Topeka: “Filling the area immediately below the dam with rock so that the energy of the water is absorbed and spread over a larger area and is no longer capable of trapping people.” The drop-off of the notch would become a slope.

“It’s a design that’s been successful around the country. Much simpler, and much cheaper than defending lawsuits,” Mansker says, summarizing the group’s pitch to the city.

The group has a petition at: https://sites.google.com/site/fixthetopekadam/petition aseveneightfive 25

LOCAL

FLAVOR

seveneightfive delivers the TPS report on the food at The Office Too.

by Rio Cervantes-Reed * photos by EJ Drake

the south topeka office

I

t was only a matter of time before the success of The Office at its downtown location proved that perhaps a second location was in the cards. The Office Too: Dueling Piano Bar & Restaurant opened Thursday, August 18 at 3251 South Topeka Boulevard [previously Bennigan’s + Boulevard Grill]

Pear and Prosciutto salad: Quite a sensation for the tastebuds as each bite presented something new: the sweetness of the honey-dijon-poppyseed dressing, the tartness of the pear, the saltiness of the proscuitto ham, the creaminess of the provolone and crisp of the bibb lettuce. shrimp + grits: This dish is one of Sous chef Mark Renfro faves - applewood smoked bacon-wrapped jumbo shrimp with smoky grits. Topped with a rustic tomato sauce that lends a flavor that kicks the grits into shape. Generous portion and very fulfilling.

Three seveneightfivers were invited by chef Rick Seifert to get a sneak peek at the restaurant. Besides the food, the best part was knowing that we could return within five days.

Chef Rick, along with Sue Chef Mark Renfro and owner Dan Defendorf have taken the time to create a diverse menu featuring pub favorites up to specials including sashimigrade Ahi tuna.

When Rick and Mark were planning the menu, they wanted to stay in the same spirit as the food that the downtown location was serving, but with a new, larger kitchen and more seating, they knew they could do more and please an expanded palate. The combined experience of the chefs has prepared them for just that.

Sous chef Mark Renfro graduated from culinary school in 2008 and for nearly five years apprenticed at the highly regarded Pachamama’s in Lawrence. Knowing executive chef Rick Seifert for 14 years, their paths often crossed as their years of working in the restaurant and bar industry.

Rick was just out of the Army when his father told him he’d better learn a trade, and a trade he learned.

Both chefs are committed to consistently putting out quality food and are happy for the opportunity to do so at this new location.

“I serve comfort food made with a lot of love, but with a lot of culinary knowledge behind it,” said Rick. “Our customers will find our pricing is comparable to many local restaurants, but we strive for better quality. We hope people will enjoy the atmosphere and love the food.”

We think you will. aseveneightfive Check the Office website to keep up-to-date on live music and dueling piano performances for both locations at www.drinkattheoffice.com.

Read the full review and interview at seveneightfive.com

26

Stacked Chicken Tamale: By preparing the tamale in the stacked manner, the diner doesn’t have to work for their meal. The masa [made in house] and the spicy chicken are still extremely moist despite not being wrapped. The stacked tamale is highly recommended by our seveneightfive table.

Ribs w/cole slaw: “I’m a fan of the ‘dry’ ribs,” said Chef Rick. “When they’re done right, they’re moist, they don’t have to be drowned in sauce.” He was absolutely right. The ribs were prepared with a dry rub giving them a flavorful, peppery taste. A vinegar-based bbq sauce is available for dipping, but seriously, it was not needed. The meat pulled off the bone with a gentle tear of the teeth. Must try. Full + 1/2 slabs available.

Great coffee, better food!

Serving KC Roasterie coffee Espresso, gourmet lattes, mochas & frozen drinks Freshly made breakfast items & tasty sandwiches Friendly, relaxing atmosphere Live music every First Saturday

NEW MARTINI MENU

Relax at Juli’s: M-F 7a-5p | Weekends 8a-3p

4010 Huntoon | 228-2001 | www.juliscoffeeandbistro.com

Scan this QR Code or visit boscosdowntown.com to view our new & unique Martini Menu.

UPSTAIRS

ScoTT HolT Sat. Sept 17

Buddy Guy’s blues protege.

TIckeTS on SAle now!

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

with a new online storefront

www.warehouse414.com 414 south east second street | 785.232.8008 Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 11a - 5:30 p By chance or appointment

PIAno MAn Scott Senn every Thursday & Friday 5th + KS | 232.6726 | boscosdowntown.com

DInneR: weD - SAT [5-10] lUncH: M - SAT [11-3] 27

bud light behind the bar

by Amber Bonnett photos by Colin MacMillan Nathan Ham Photography

Party with Tommy, Bud Light + 785 Friday, September 23 • 7 - 9 p Speck’s Bar & Grill • 2105 SW Mission Ave Bud Light Specials + Giveaways (must be 21) Follow Us on Facebook for more details.

Last issue featured our first female bartender Johna who rocks Terry’s Bar. However, just across the street is another bartender who keeps seveneightfivers’ rocks glasses filled. Tommy Lewis, Speck’s Bar & Grill, serves up extra-large burgers with an extra-large personality.

Tell me a little bit about Speck’s? We pride ourselves on being a local tradition in Topeka. We’ve been around since 1957. You seriously know everyone’s name and not just give them drinks. We aren’t a sports bar. Everywhere in Topeka seems to be a sportsbar.

This is different. It’s a place where you come alone and not be alone.

So it’s kinda like Cheers? Yeah exactly.

[Tommy from Speck’s Bar + Grill]

It’s family day during this Behind the Bar interview...my whole is family here and you just had a baby, correct? Yes. Scarlett Grace Lewis is 2 months and 7 days old. She’s a super cool baby.

I could have brought her, should would’ve just kicked it. Might have been better pictures.

28

What’s your bartending style in three words? Friendly, fast...and funny. Add alliterative, forgetful and slightly OCD. A clean bar is a happy bar. I don’t like clutter. I like my mugs in the same direction and cups lined up. It isn’t a 5-star dining establishment, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t look good.

Your bar is the only one...?

Where you can eat a threepound cheeseburger.

How often does that happen?

Last weekend we sold six to seven of them. But usually, it’s a group of people. But there is the challenge - 45 minutes and it’s free. However, that includes the burger and almost threepounds of fries. If you do it, you would be the second person to do so. There has only been one guy, and he polished a pitcher of beer afterwards. Kind of a local hero.

Signature drink? I’ve never been a bartender who took 17 different flavors and mashed ‘em all together. I’m a traditionalist. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. I can make a mean Bloody Mary...haven’t change it since I learned from Aubrey. Made from scratch...secret Speck’s gives back to the ingredients (pssst...Porubsky pickles). community, tell me how? We sponsor the Topeka Rugby Team Drink you hate to make? There’s nothing I hate to make. Some and host all their events. We drinks slow me down, but I think the only person that bothers is raise a little money but we love the guy behind him. We work with a small staff. However, we put that they are a rowdy out a cool vibe. There’s nothing here to get people worked up. If bunch and a whole you are looking for wall-to-wall debauchery, this isn’t the place. lotta fun. They sing Prepare to talk to anybody here. pub songs and throw beer around. They Hangover cure? Yeah, don’t drink. You drink enough of anything, come here for meetings and there is no cure. on Thursdays and after

practices on Saturdays.

Beards are a trend in this column... Mine is definitely the most trimmed that has been featured. I mean, you had Jefe and then ol’ boy from Boobie Trap. A: What about Johna? I LOVE Johna. She event left me a note when she won last month saying, “I won, you didn’t...ha ha.” Seriously though, she is great...and no, she doesn’t have a beard. aseveneightfive

Ice&Olives 29th && Croco Rd. 785.215.8460 SE 29th Croco Rd. Topeka, • Topeka,KS KS66605 66605 • 785.215.8460

Great selection of imported cheeses along with masterful cooking and pairing advice from our staff.

Ice & Olives has Topeka’s BEST sandwiches, made to order with fresh Boars Head meats and cheeses. Stop in for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Deli open all day.

Knowledgeable staff • Unique selection in all price ranges The Shops at Thunderbird Square, SE 29th & Croco

Over 2000 wine labels.

Start your discovery.

ATTITUDE