The Alchemist Weekly by The Alchemist Weekly

You're the best, around. -You know, from Karate Kid

www.thealchemistweekly.com VOLUME 4 NUMBER 158:27â&#x20AC;˘ JANUARY 11 - JANUARY 17, 2011

We did it!

Albany● Corvallis● Lebanon● Philomath

VOLUME 4 NUMBER 158:27, JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

DRANK TH ER E

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Editorial

Editors Courtney Clenney, Stanley Tollett Staff Writers Courtney Clenney, Noah Stroup, Stanley Tollett Bump Editor Courtney Clenney Contributors Ella Marie Canus, Cindy Dauer, Patrick Fancher, Steve Hudson, Jimbo Ivy, Katie Kelly, Ben Metzger, Ayla Rogers, Ricky Zipp

I w a nt to go th e re

A T E TH ER E

I t ’s w h e re you go to have s om e on e e l se c ook f or you.

Art

AT E IT

Art Director Freddy Ruiz Layout Editor Courtney Clenney Cover by: Noah Stroup, iStock image

M m m m . . . . . nom n om n om .

DR AN K IT

Advertising

Account Executive Noah Stroup

Yo u i m b i b e. I i mbibe. We a l l i m b i b e i n d u c in g dia tr ibe.

Business

H E AR D IT

Publisher Noah Stroup The Alchemist Weekly is published by: CorvAlcheMedia LLC PO Box 1591 Corvallis, OR 97339

W h e n I ’m f e e ling down and o u t , I go o u t ot have these mu si c i a ns pul l me up.

BUMP 12 14 KNOW THEM

Alchemist Mission

As a publication, our goal is to facilitate greater understanding and appreciation for the diverse social and cultural groups found in the area. In doing so, we hope to create a greater sense of community between Oregon State University and Corvallis, between Albany and Corvallis, and between Philomath, Lebanon and Corvallis-Albany. The Alchemist recognizes the various interests of these groups and is dedicated to being as fluid as the community it serves.

T h e y a re your peeps. You n e e d t h e m l ike th e moon n e e ds th e s un .

18 WAS TH ER E

I ' ve b e e n th e re be f ore.

The Alchemist is available to you for free. Please limit yourself to one copy. If your picture is in it, you are welcome to take enough copies for your family. Subject to availability, back issues can be purchased by mail for $5. Send your request with specific issue date to PO Box 1591, Corvallis, OR 97339 and include a check or money order payable to The Alchemist.

19 BOU GH T IT TH ER E

W h e re yo u go f or th e goods .

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Last week's puzzle solutions

CONTACT US: 541.224.6873 The Alchemist Weekly welcomes freelance submissions. Manuscripts will be returned if you include a self-addressed, stamped envelope. letters@thealchemistweekly.com, news@thealchemistweekly.com, submissions@thealchemistweekly.com, editor@thealchemistweekly.com calendar@thealchemistweekly.com, ads@thealchemistweekly.com

Three years, three award issues and all because the community has rallied around a little publication called The Anarchist…er, The Atheist. What the hell does the logo say? Oh! I think it’s The Alchemist. What is an alchemist? An alchemist is someone who can take something of lesser value and increases its value almost by just being involved. In that sense, the artists, writers, poets, appreciators of art, business owners, and communitymembers-at-large who take time out of their day to involve themselves in improving the arts and culture of the area—you are an alchemist. In this issue, we salute those people, places and businesses that you, the Readers and fellow Alchemists, have chosen as your Favorites. During the nomination process, over 250 people chimed in. Though there were many worthy names put forth, we paired it down based on repeat nominations. In the last month, over 900 of you voted on the choices available…that or one of you voted over 900 times. Regardless, the turnout was outstanding and we truly appreciate you taking part in our 3rd Annual Awards. You’ll see in this issue that many of the winning businesses have taken the time to show their appreciation for your support. When you’re visiting their business next, please let them know how much you appreciate their support of The Alchemist Weekly. Over the next year, we hope to see you out in the streets heading to art shows, musical performances, poetry readings, and always on the look-out for your next source of inspiration. Creative minds thrive on creative minds and appreciators of creative minds. Let’s work together to ensure

the Mid-Willamette remains a vibrant and supportive environment for the arts. Thank you all for your incredible support over the years! Please join us this week as we celebrate our Three Year Anniversary: Thursday, January 13th Act One: Poetics at Cloud 9 (Rock Star Edition) 7:30 pm, FREE Open to all who want to read, ALL AGES until 10:00 pm Friday, January 14th Act Two: Stairway Denied: Led Zeppelin Tribute and ARCWELD at Calapooia Brewing 8:00 pm, $7 (Early show!) Local legends Arcweld pair up with your favorite local tribute to melt your face! Saturday, January 15th Act Three: Burlesque at the Top of the Peacock. Doors at 8:00, show at 9:00, $10 To truly understand the art of the tease, you need to let yourself be teased.

Letter to the Publisher from the Editor Why did we change the logo?

It’s all your fault, Stanley. Last week you wrote about people who might not be picking up The Alchemist because they’re not sure what it is. In an effort to avoid confusion, and trump our weekly status, we inflamed the size of the word “weekly” to make it so painfully obvious that you no longer have to be a member of an exclusive (and super sexy) club to understand what our publication is about. We will always be The Alchemist Weekly, but we now shout as loudly as we can that we are A WEEKLY! So, there is that—and it looks pretty good too. -Noah

Business aside, let’s get to the winners!!! Drank There Favorite Coffee Shop The Beanery

Photo by Patrick Fancher

When I was in high school, 100 years ago, all the upper classmen always mentioned a local hangout they referred to only as “the Bean.” It wasn't until I started to drink coffee that I cracked the mystery of what they were talking about. The Bean was short for the Allann Brothers Beanery, a coffee shop located on 2nd St. in downtown that also has two other locations in Corvallis, one near the OSU campus on 26th St., and another that just opened on Circle Blvd. Not many people know that this popular coffee outfit, which has spawned locations all over Oregon, was originated right here, in Corvallis, in 1972. It's no surprise to townies, like me, that Allann Bros. brewed coffee is considered the best Corvallis has to offer. Readers of The Alchemist Weekly recently voted it this

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year's winner of the Alchy Award for the city's Favorite Coffee Shop. While I haven't been to the newest location on Circle, the atmosphere of the two other shops are very chill, even when they're busy. They're ideal places to study, read the paper or simply hangout and enjoy a cup of joe. With three locations in the heart of Corvallis, the Bean's tradition of being everyone's favorite hot spot for coffee should live on forever. -Patrick Fancher

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Drank There Drank There

the complete list Photo by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Beer Bar: Block 15

Runners Up: Squirrel’s Tavern, Bombs Away Cafe

Favorite Wine Bar: Cloud 9

Runners Up: Squirrel’s Tavern, Enoteca

Favorite Liquor Bar: Downward Dog Runners Up: Crow Bar, Bombs Away Cafe

Favorite Coffee Shop: The Beanery

Runners Up: Interzone, Red Horse Coffee Company

Photo by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Liquor Bar Downward Dog Favorite Wine bar Cloud 9

Favorite Beer Bar Block 15 The Pacific Northwest is known for delicious beers and for having a brewery within throwing distance, no matter what street corner on which you happen to be standing. We are happy to say we presently stand firm at Jefferson and Third Street. Though, why bother throwing something when you could just turn around and step through the doors of Block 15, our Favorite Brewery. What do breweries have? Beer, and lots of it. Block 15 has a dozen or more of its own distinct brews on tap at any given time. These range across the board; if you enjoy beer, Block 15 will have your favorite. If you don’t enjoy beer, Block 15 will punch you in the taste buds and make you reconsider your outlook on life, and then apologize for the bruised taste buds and give you a cold brew to soothe them. This beer flavored assault on our senses makes Block 15 our Favorite Beer Bar. Food accompanies beer and Block 15 succeeds in that category as well. Block 15 offers everything from sandwiches to pastas to burgers and salads, which grants them our award for Favorite American Food. Their menu is as diverse as their beer selection ,and one would be hard pressed not to find some-

thing delicious to munch on. Main courses are all well and good for dinner and lunchtime but when beers and snacks are on the mind Block 15 delivers their beer-battered fries. We at The Alchemist Weekly have an award for favorite side dish, but if we didn’t we would have invented an award on its own just so these fries got their due recognition. Snacks , food, and beer take time to prepare, most restaurants expect you to sit quietly while your food is cooked, maybe read the paper or chat with company, but not Block 15. Each table is a canvas for creativity in the form of a chalkboard. Poems, tic-tac-toe boards, and drawings of all manner cover the tables as people sketch their every thought and emotion on the very table at which they sit. As such, TAW Readers voted them their Favorite Creative Outlet, and as the sound of chalk on the table squeaks by, Block 15 tucks another award under its belt. In summery, Block 15 has great food, even better beer, wonderful snacks and an outlet for imagination and artwork at every booth and table. If you are thinking: “This is the kind of place to take a date too.” You would be right. Block 15 is also winner of our Favorite Place for a First Date. -Steve Hudson

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Situated side by side upon the river front, Downward Dog and Cloud 9 have come to exemplify where Corvallians go to drink in style. From the artful, yet subtle, décor of the establishments to the unassuming attitude contained in both the signage and staff, these businesses emanate a quiet cool that makes them perfect for both the dedicated townie and the young socialites on the go. Despite being two of the youngest bars on the block, the Dog and Cloud 9 have quickly risen to become favorites among Corvallians of all walks of life. Boasting an impressive wine selection ranging from the usual California, Oregon, Washington flotilla to imports from Italy, France and Spain, Downward Dog/Cloud 9 is the place to go in Corvallis to get your grape on, but a hefty wine list in not their only charm by far.

Also, on the rare chance that you like your drink shaken, stirred, infused, or alchemically wrought from 15 fine flavors (read: cocktails) then the master bartenders at Downward Dog/Cloud 9 can mix up anything you can dream up, or show you a few of their own. But booze is not all they do; the food issuing forth from Chef Ko Attebury’s crew in the interconnecting kitchen is some of the finest fare in Corvallis, nay the world! Ever sampled gourmet mac and cheese along with your PBR? Ever wondered if chicken satay could actually make you a better person? All of these feats and some of the most unique menu items in Corvallis are waiting to decimate your palate and priced to leave your wallet singing drunken rugby songs rather than Dido’s Lament. Cloud 9 also boasts an impressive live music and entertainment array ranging from improv to poetry to DJs to every kind of band you can imagine and consistently books two to three nights per week. With spectacular events like their “High Class Mustache Bash” or the epic “New Year’s Ambush” Cloud 9 is quickly establishing itself as the place to go for high energy, unique special occasions that you can’t find anywhere else. It is with good reason that events such as these and the crowd that generally frequents the rowdier Cloud 9 on the weekends have created the term “CorVegas” to describe the level of energy and style that is quickly shifting Downward Dog and Cloud 9 towards the epicenter of Downtown nightlife. -Jimbo Ivy

GRAND OPENING February 5th

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OPEN NOW!

live dj 4 nights a week drink specials everyday / free pool on sundays Only minutes away from corvallis

129 1st ave / Albany, OR / 541.926.8900

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Ate There Ate There

the complete list

Favorite Mexican: La Rockita

Runners Up: Bombs Away Café, El Sol De Mexico

Favorite Pacific/Asian: Local Boyz Runners Up: Evergreen, Magenta

Favorite American: Block 15

Runners Up: Flat Tail Brewing, Murphy’s Tavern

Favorite Chinese: China Delight Runners Up: China Blue, King Tin

Favorite Mediterranean: Iovino’s Runners Up: Terzo, Crystal’s Café

Favorite Sushi: Aomatsu

Runners Up: Tokyo Steakhouse, The Riverfront

Favorite Thai: The Woodsman Runners Up: Tarn Tip, Thai Chili

Favorite Vegetarian: Nearly Normal’s Runners Up: Café Yumm, Evergreen

Favorite Quick Food: First Alternative Co-op

Runners Up: Willie’s Hot Dog Stand, Ital Kitchen (cart)

Favorite Bakery: New Morning Bakery Runners Up: Le Patissier, Great Harvest

Photo by Courtney Clenney

Favorite Pacific/Asian Food Local Boyz Fanatically supported by the people of Corvallis, Local Boyz brings classic Hawaiian plate lunch to Oregon and serves it up to line-out-the-door crowds on a daily basis. For those that don’t know, Hawaiian plate lunch is a style of cuisine historically consisting of two scoops of rice, a scoop of unique macaroni salad, and a main entrée; a formula that Local Boyz uses to whip up some of the best “comfort food” in the state. The overwhelming favorite according to an informal survey of the crowded restaurant

Favorite Mexican Food La Rockita “My friends asked me to open the place,” says Hugo Nunez. He started the first La Rockita in Philomath before opening in Corvallis. Heck, if I was his friend, I would have hog-tied and left him on a hectic campus bike path until he agreed to make me a burrito. The food is that good. Luckily, I can stow my lasso upon entering swinging doors covered in signs for tacos and mountain dew. The rumble of cars and that slightly damp smell of 9th street are replaced by red and yellow blankets, Mexican antiques, and the type of Latino music that always makes my stomach rumble. When I say I’m writing about La Rockita for The Al-

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is a toss up between the #5 Sweet Shoyu Chicken and the #24 The Combo featuring a sampling of chicken, steak and ribs. According to its fans, the one joining factor of any meal at Local Boyz is Da Sauce; a sweet, soy sauce-based concoction which lives in large bottles adorning every table. Despite its cramped quarters and insane customer base, who have very little patience for initiated staring at the menu rather than ordering, Local Boyz is an overwhelming favorite here in Corvallis and must be experienced to truly appreciate. -Jimbo Ivy

Favorite Vegetarian Food Nearly Normal's Yet another multiple winner of Alchy Awards is Nearly Normal’s—winner of Favorite Vegetarian restaurant and Favorite Entrée- the Nearly Nasty. It is an all-vegetarian-community-minded Corvallis institution in existence for over thirty years. Locals verily assert that it is accommodating and warm and upholds the great gonzo tradition of being principally involved in whatever you are doing. Whether

chy Awards, a blond woman holding a baby grabs me by the arm in bursting enthusiasm, “This is the best food in town! Everything is good, the prices are good,” and with a smile to the server, “and I might add the service is amazing!” Upon releasing her death grip, the server, Veronica Nunez smiles at me, “They feel at home here, they don’t need to worry about anything, we’re family.” She motions to the smattering of valley-ites sitting in bolted down chairs, “We attract kids, students, people that work at HP, everyone.” Nearby, a hipster ravenously forks gobs of burrito into his mouth while the television above him flashes on a model’s forced smile holding a Big Mac. The model would have liked La Rockita. -Katie Kelly

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THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

that be finding high quality food, coming up with delicious dishes, or interacting with a customer on a personalno not the creepy kind of hospitality, but actual interaction- level. Friendly, congenial, accessible and delicious it’s little wonder that Nearly Normal’s continues to impress. Stop by Tuesdays to get the Alchy winner of Favorite Entrée for half price and check the board for other weekly deals. Daily specials which actually vary from day to day - wow!- and often at least one of these is vegan. The menus and staff are accessible and understanding – with gluten free and vegan menus available as well. Don’t want something or want to sub? Usually not a problem. Go during slow hours and you could find yourself lost in conversation over the benefits of tsaziki vs. tahini, where the inspiration for the six different veggie burgers came from, or the merits of communal farming and business as a gonzo enterprise. Then help yourself to free lemon, lime or sometimes orange water (I know right?). Eat in, get comfortable and enjoy indoor/outdoor upstairs seating and some of the most interesting afternoon conversations you’ll find. This is also one place in town to pick up fresh baked daily goods free of preservatives, like their infamous brownies and better than your average donut. Feeling tired? Get some zoomerssssssssss to gogogo. This locally produced raw chocolate treat is designed to help you get through a long drive at night or day of housecleaning. Don’t miss this place, as it is well deserving of the award. -Ella Marie Canus

Photo by Katie Kelly

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Photo by Stanley Tollett

Ate There

Favorite Sushi Aomatsu “Doing” sushi isn’t something reserved for Hollywood power brokers anymore. It is a divine meal that has come to epitomize the delicious elegance that Japanese cuisine is famous for. It’s fresh, it’s symmetrical, and most importantly, it’s scrumptious. The Alchemist Weekly Readers have voted Aomatsu as their Favorite Sushi restaurant to indulge. For sushi aficionados, this place is like Mecca. You can sit at the sushi bar and watch as the team of expert chefs assemble your meal, or you can take a seat at one of the very cool, all wood inset tables in the back where after a large meal you will undoubtedly have to ask a friend to pry you out. The menu is replete with staples of the sushi world as well as a multitude of locally inspired rolls that cater to the indigenous palate. The Maguro dishes are overflowing

with unctuous chunks of fresh and savory Tuna, spiced and dressed to perfect balance. There are tempura rolls, glazed and lightly fried rolls, cream cheese and shaved macadamia and all sorts of other delicacies that would require countless weeks to sample them all. For the purists, there is a complete “real sushi” menu of sashimi and sushi of the highest quality and prepared with skill and beauty. The scallops, one of my personal favorites, literally melt in your mouth. I don’t even use soy sauce or wasabi, even though both are always supplied. The staff are friendly and unpretentious, so don’t worry if you aren’t sure about the protocol of proper sushi consumption. Everyone, at one time, was trying it for the first time. So, if you use chopsticks, your hands, or have to succumb to asking for a fork and spoon, don’t worry...the most important thing is that you get it in your mouth somehow. Once you do, you’ll know exactly why Readers selected Aomatsu as their favorite and I’ll bet you a pinch of raw wasabi that you will too. -Stanley Tollett

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Favorite Asian Food The Woodsman Don’t let the name fool you, The Woodsman has now been voted as the Favorite Thai Food two years running (ok, last year it was called Favorite Ethnic Food). As the restaurant name would suggest, there is a substantial amount of American food available. But, I’ve been there a number of times and never even bothered to look through that part of the menu. I go there for the Thai food, and so should you. My personal recommendations include the Chicken Pad Thai and, well, any of the curry dishes. Oh, and don’t forget the pot stickers. I usually order things spicy. And, the spicy level of heat, is well, spicy. Be prepared to go through a heaping amount of liquid and maybe some cooling chap stick if your lips catch fire like mine do. The trick is just to keep eating. Don’t stop, and you won’t notice your mouth is reaching the temperature of the Earth’s core. However, there’s something amazing about the Thai food at The Woodsman, even the spicy stuff still tastes incredible. You know how some things are so hot that they no longer taste good—so not the case for this restaurant. If spicy food isn’t your thing, but you still like the Asian cuisine, feel free to order your dish in mild or medium, but if you’re dining with me, I might call you out on it. -Courtney Clenney

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Ate There

Ate It Ate It

the complete list

First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op

Favorite Entrée: Nearly Nasty- Nearly Normal’s

Runners Up: Chicken Marsala- Evergreen, Chicken Fettuccine- Terzo

Favorite Burger: Squirrel Burger- Squirrel’s Tavern Runners Up: BBQ Burger- Block 15, Onionater- First Burger (Albany)

Favorite Sandwich: Chicken Sandwich- Vietnamese Baguette Runners Up: Mighty Meat(less)- Old World Deli, Pulled Pork- Murphy’s

Favorite Appetizer: Bomber Nacho- Bombs Away Café Runners Up: Dim Sum- Magenta, Magic Mushrooms- Block 15

Favorite Side Dish: Beer Battered Fries- Block 15

Runners Up: Sweet Potato Fries- Vault 244 (Albany), Pot Stickers- China Delight

Favorite Dessert: Gelato- Francesco’s

Runners Up: Four Layer Cake- Big River, Crème Brulee- Aqua

Favorite Hot Dog: Chicago Dog- Street Dogs

Runners Up: Jersey Dog- Willie’s Hot Dog Stand, Bratwurst- Pepper Tree Sausage House (Albany)

Favorite Breakfast: 2+2+2- Peacock Bar and Grill

Runners Up: The Farmer’s- Sharon’s Café, Eggs Benedict- Magenta (TIE) Spanish Omelet- Tommy’s 4th St.

Favorite Pizza: American Dream Runners Up: Woodstock’s, Cirello’s

Favorite Vegetarian: Nearly Nasty- Nearly Normal’s Runners Up: Original Bowl- Café Yumm, Malai Kafta- Evergreen

Favorite Baked Good: Croissant- Le Patissier

Runners Up: Cinnamon Roll- New Morning Bakery, Walnut Brownies- Blue Monkey Bakery (formerly Living Earth Bakery)

Photo by Cindy Dauer

Favorite Sushi: Maguro- Aomatsu

Runners Up: Spicy Tuna- Tokyo Steakhouse, Shogun Roll- Shogun Bowl

Favorite Quick Food First Alternative Co-op If the Readers of The Alchemist Weekly are hungry and want something quick, they head to the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op. As soon as you walk in the store, it is easy to see why: the options abound when it comes to ready-made food. In the morning, you can grab goodies from the breakfast bar, all made fresh daily. This bar features a range of ready-to-eat items like oatmeal, ham and cheddar rolls, apple crisps, and baked goods like muffins and scones. For lunch, dinner, or a snack, sample a number of options available at the Feast Alternative Deli. Grab a pre-made sandwich, like egg salad or roast beef, or have

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one custom assembled. Take a panini home to grill, or heat it up at the store. Adding to the options is a salad bar, hot food bar, fresh grilled chicken, and soup du jour. The deli case is also loaded with the likes of pasta salads, lasagna, quiche, fancy macaroni and cheese, dolmas, grilled salmon burgers, and meatloaf – all ready to eat. If all of that is not enough, you can get a pre-package salad, sandwich fixins, and a scrumptious dessert – with some gluten free options. Enjoy your food in the dining area of the store, or take it to go in a compostable box. Either way, you’ll soon know why the First Alternative Natural Foods Co-op won the 2010 Alchy Award for Favorite Quick Food. -Cindy Dauer

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Favorite Breakfast The Peacock 2+2+2 The Peacock is essentially a national treasure. Ok, not a national treasure, but at least a Corvallis treasure. The terms: loud music, karaoke and dancing come to mind when one thinks of The Peacock. All those things are present in the evening, but the lesser known side of The Peacock is what happens before 8 pm. And, the even lesser known side is what happens before 10 am. Two dollars of happiness happens before 10 am. The Peacock is the home of arguably

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the most fiscally responsible breakfast in town, and us college students are in high demand of fiscal responsibility. No matter what one’s breakfast desire is, The Peacock has it in the 2+2+2 deal. That means two eggs however you want em’ with sausage, bacon or ham, followed by pancakes, hash browns or toast. This means that armed with only a five dollar bill, dead cell phone, and the clothes from the night before, you can eat like a king and still have cash leftover to tip. Therefore, The Peacock 2+2+2 is crowned as our Favorite Breakfast. -Steve Hudson

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Ate It Favorite Dessert Gelato @ Francesco's

Photo by Katie Kelly

You’re a grown-up now. That babyhood soft-serve doesn’t sooth your sweet tooth quite like it used to. Luckily Nicole Thompson, owner of Francesco’s Gelato, invites your sophisticated self to sample the Favorite Dessert in town on a cute tiny pink spoon: Honey Lavendar, Chocolate Orange, Roman Holiday, Cinnamon, Passion Fruit Lemone, Amaretto... Just watch the drool, little miss adult. Thompson and her crew could be dishing out gelato from a back ally, like candyman drug-pushers, and they’d still have a crowd. Yet, the ambiance of the shop is worth almost as much as the sugar fix. Quiet lighting, writers-nooks, Italian art and all the while Nina Simone seduces your ears. “I like the gelato. I like the food. I like the people,” says regular, Lucy Goman who was a little perturbed that she was stopped from enjoying her double chocolate to answer the obvious question. Laura Loeffler laughs behind the counter, she has been working at Francesco’s for four years. “You’re making people’s day,” she says, “Here’s your coffee; here’s your gelato.” The bells on the door jangle, Loeffler greets a woman covered in a puffy jacket. “Honestly,” she continues, “I can’t think of any other job where we’d get along so well, we’re like sisters, the customers are a part of that.” -Katie Kelly

Favorite Baked Good Croissant @ Le Patissier I would like to reclaim two savory words: light and flaky. Too often these descriptors are thoughtlessly stamped on every advertisement for frozen pizza or called out by the unsophisticated pallet of a chubby little dough boy. Light and flaky are the only earthly words suitable to describe a Le Patissier croissant. Those unassuming crescents snuggled together under warm-lit glass are the easy winner of The Alchemist’s Favorite Baked Good in town. The thin crispy outer-

most layer enveloping soft airy flaky dough reminds the taste buds of what heavenly actually means. One by one, patrons walk up, hands clutched to their chest like children who aren’t sure they’re allowed to touch anything. A white-haired damsel stands back in reverence from the case, another just stares until the counter lady pleasantly asks what she would like. “We don’t cut corners, we’re traditional, you can’t rush it or it wont taste good,” says Didier Tholognat, a chef raised in Lyon, France. “My customers will travel all over the world

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and still say we have the best croissants,” he says with a matter-of-fact smile. “I’m here from 3:30am to 5pm every day, I wouldn’t do anything else, you have to love it.” Tholognat loves his croissants almost as much as he does his wife, “She made it not a regular place, she added warmth and decoration.” He moves his hand proudly around the shop of prim sheet covered tables and walls of blacks, pinks and yellows. The Circle Blvd. strip mall bustling outside is the only reminder that this is not the best bakery in the northern France. -Katie Kelly

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Favorite Hot Dog Chicago Dog @ Street Dogs I’ve never been to Chicago, but if I ever go, the first thing I would do is get a nice sloppy Chicago style hot dog. Fortunately, for us Corvallians we don’t have to venture any further than 2nd St. Street Dogs to sample some of America’s finest cased meats. Readers chose the Chicago Dog from Street Dogs as their Favorite Hot Dog, and after having inhaling 2 of the 1/4 pound masterpieces I now know why. The Chicago dog comes in a an unassuming white container that when opened reveals a mess of goodness. The dog itself is buried under a heap of toppings that include lettuce, tomato, a nice spicy dill pickle, a tiny green pepper, diced red onion, mustard and of course the infamous neon green relish. Nestled amongst all of this and inside a sturdy bun is the dog itself. A nice plump rod of juicy hot meat that has just the right amount snap to tender ratio. It’s spiciness and tang are all mingled together to create a hand held mouth stretcher that, once wrangled into the appropriate eating position, almost forces one to delay putting it down for fear of losing hold of the balance and integrity of the heap. Wisely, the dog assemblers have foreseen the likely spill over and supplied a handful of salty nacho style chips to shovel up whatever spills off or out of your meat wallet. Top all this off with a gigantic fountain Cola and you’re in business for some serious one-on-one time with a simple street food that has become synonymous with one of America’s greatest cities. So take your stance, grab some napkins, plant those elbows and tilt your head sideways like a snake unhinging its jaw. Then shove greedily and enjoy your favorite hot dog! -Stanley Tollett

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Drank It Drank It

the complete list

Favorite Brewery: Block 15

Runners Up: Calapooia Brewing (Albany), Oregon Trail Brewing

Favorite Microbrew: Total Domination- Ninkasi Brewing (Eugene) Runners Up: Alpha IPA- Block 15, Wit- Oregon Trail Brewing

Favorite Domestic: Pabst Blue Ribbon Runners Up: Coors, Budweiser

Favorite Beer Name: Aboriginale- Block 15

Runners Up: Ill Tempered Gnome- Oakshire Brewing (Eugene), Kringle Krack- Calapooia Brewing (Albany)

Favorite Winery: Tyee (Corvallis)

Runners Up: Lumos (McMinnville), Airlie (Monmouth)

Favorite Red Wine: Tyee Pinot Noir

Runners Up: Erath Pinot Noir (Dundee), Lumos Pinot Noir (McMinnville)

Favorite White Wine: Balle Vallee Pinot Gris

Runners Up: Tyee Gewurtzraminer, Spindrift Pinot Gris (Philomath)

Favorite Cocktail: Lotus Blossum- Downward Dog Runners Up: Kaffir No Evil- Aqua, The Matador- Bar 101

Favorite Mocktail: Mocktail isn’t a real word and therefore doesn’t exist as a drink. Runners Up: Shirley Temple- Everywhere, Arnold Palmer- Anywhere

Favorite Coffee Drink: White Mocha- Purple Moon

Runners Up: Cold Day in Barcelona- Downward Dog, Dirty Chai- Sunnyside Up

Favorite Red Wine Tyee Pinot Noir

Favorite Coffee Drink White Mocha @ Purple Moon

In Corvallis people love their coffee. More so, they love to be able to get their coffee on the go, thus we have the charming business model of “the coffee shack.” Little more than a purple hut filled with caffeinated excellence, Purple Moon is perhaps the finest of this variety and the finest fare from their bevy of bean-tastic, organic goodness

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Photo by Katie Kelly

Favorite White Wine Belle Vallee Pinot Gris

Photo by Cindy Dauer

Favorite Domestic Pabst Blue Ribbon

Photo by Courtney Clenney

Pinot noir is hands down my favorite alcohol laden beverage. And man-o-man did I land in precisely the right spot for this libation. More specifically, Tyee Pinot Noir is The Alchemist Weekly Readers, Favorite Red Wine this year. Tyee Wine Cellars, located on the Buchanan Family Century Farm in Corvallis have been producing exemplary wines for 26 years. I tried the 2007 Pinot noir. It cost me around $26 from Market-of-Choice—I know, I know, I should have bought the local wine from a local shop, and I tried, but they were closed. Damn you corporations for being able to stay open later. Aside from knowing I like the taste of Tyee Pinot Noir, I don’t know much else about wine. So, I sought out some re-enforcements in the form of roommates. They encouraged me to stick my whole nose in the glass and take a big whiff. Intoxicating, it was. A purely marvelous smell, that according to a Prince of Pinot review is “cherry and berry jam with hints of oak and spice.” Now then if the smell is intoxicating, you can imagine what it does to the taste buds. Well done Tyee. -Courtney Clenney

is their rendition of White Mocha. It’s the perfect thing on a cold, rainy morning; the flavors of the beans mixed with mocha are cheerful, warming and seem to have a closer kinship to high quality hot chocolate than coffee. Their White Mocha is representative of Purple Moon as a whole: fun, cheerful and a great way to start your day in South Corvallis. -Jimbo Ivy

JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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When feigning for a cold domestic beer, what the Readers of The Alchemist Weekly crave most is a frosty Pabst Blue Ribbon. Whether in a can, bottle, or on tap, PBR is officially the Favorite Domestic Beer of the Mid-Valley for at least a year, having won the 2010 Alchy Award. If for no other reason, the sheer abundance of PBR could have led to its popularity. The beer - with a history that dates back to the 1800s - is everywhere. Whether in bars, minimarts, grocery stores, or restaurants, there are more than 35 locations in Albany to snag one. In Corvallis, there too the beer is widely available, with upwards of 30 locations where PBR can be found. For Philomath and Lebanon, choose from a handful of locales to get your lips on this drunk fix. While it is widely available, some people also claim they actually like the taste. The recipe for this highly-revered yet inexpensive beer includes 6-row barley balanced with “corn-syrup carbohydrates” and blended with Pacific and Yugoslavian hops. It is then fermented and aged, creating a Pilsner-like beverage. For whatever reason, the beer with the blue ribbon takes the 2010 Alchy Award, beating out competitors including Budweiser, Coors, and Olympia. -Cindy Dauer

THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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I like wine to have a mission,” says Mike Magee, manager of Belle Vallee Cellers, “The Pinot gris should tell your brain either take another drink or bite some food. It’s a subtle grape that’s designed to go with food, especially lighter fare.” It’s a clear Thursday afternoon, sitting in the Belle Vallee Cellars downtown tasting room on 1st St. and talking wine. Magee is a master story-teller, and I want to crisscross applesauce on the floor in front of him to get the full effect. He is talking about a grape, but he might as well be Aristotle spinning metaphors about life. “Buying wine is emotional not logical. You’re trying to make a wine that you can create a positive experience around, so that the customer can re-create that experience down the road,” he says. I take the glass of wine in my fingers, swilling it around a little like in the movies. I’m not a wine person, but this place makes me want to be. I take a conservative sip, “Let the wine move back through your mouth, it’s not just about taste, notice your experience,” Magee advises. It’s delicious, full bodied and warming to the tongue. “You have to protect what the grape has to offer,” he says as my taste buds tingle, “This wine doesn’t spend any time on oak, otherwise the grape absorbs other flavors, overpowering it. So we do the whole process in stainless steel.” A beautiful waitress places a plate of cheese in front of us, “we also take it through fermentation at a colder rate. It takes longer but preserves the flavor characteristics of what the gris has to offer.” I’ve met my wine guru and the perfect winner of the Valley’s Favorite White Wine. -Katie Kelly

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Heard It Heard It

the complete list

Favorite Band: Xenat-Ra

Runners Up: Sar Shalom, pseudoboss

Favorite Electric Band: The Angries Runners Up: Xenat-Ra, Sar Sholom

Favorite Acoustic Band: Jenna Summer Smith Band Runners Up: Sumbitch, Wild Hog in the Woods

Favorite Electric Guitarist: Mark France Runners Up: Luke Thomas, Conner O’Shea

Favorite Acoustic Guitarist: Curtis Monette Runners Up: Melanie Reid, Adam Scramstad

Contributed Photo

Favorite Bassist: Aarron Wootten Runners Up: Joel Gustafson, Dave Trenkel

Favorite Band Xenat-Ra

Favorite Keyboardist: Dave Trenkel Runners Up: Sara DeLander, Cameron Denning

Favorite Drummer: JD Monroe

Runners Up: Charley McGowan, Brad Burnheimer

Favorite Vocalist: Jenna Summer Smith Runners Up: Noah Stroup, Ben Metzger

Favorite Songwriter: Jenna Summer Smith Runners Up: Matt Jager, Nick Harper

Favorite Turntablist: Turntable Enabler-JD Monroe Runners Up: Chris Churilla, Dr. Ellis

Favorite Hornist: Matt Calkins Runners Up: Ed Probst, Peter Wa

Favorite Bassist Aarron Wootton

Corvallis music fans are lucky that Aarron Wootton chose to play the bass guitar when none of his other friends wanted to. That was five years ago, and now he has been selected by Alchemist Readers as this year's Alchy Award winner for Favorite Bassist. Wootton recalls, "There was one drummer and a bunch of guitarists, and nobody played bass. I'd always liked the bass, so I went out and bought one and it just clicked, felt right". Wootton is the bass player for the popular reggae band Sar Shalom (The 2009 Alchy Award winner for Favorite Local Band). His musical influences include everything from Primus and System of a Down to Stuart Hamm, Jaco Pastorius and legendary funk bassist Bootsy Collins. As a big fan of the local music scene, Wootton says he is humbled by being named the top bass player. "I feel really grateful. There's a ton of great bass players in town. Some of them I really admire and look up to. To be named favorite, I mean...I wasn't expecting that," Wootton says. Sar Shalom has played together for two years now, and Wootton's goal for the band is to just keep growing and doing more. "I'd like to have a decent catalog of recordings and some nicely done CDs to hang on to and sell for years to come. We want to create music that really paints pictures for people," he says. Corvallis, your Favorite Bassist also has some advice for any aspiring musicians trying to catch a break in the music scene. "Keep it up, practice hard and long. Always ask questions and never be afraid to ask someone something you don't know." -Patrick Fancher

Photo by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Electric Band The Angries

So, you thought Corvallis was too quaint a community, to small and suburban to harbor a respectable (or should I say unrespectable) punk rock scene? Really? Time to revise your assumptions, kiddos. Meet Justin, Caitlin, Mike, and Robb. They are The Angries, and they’ve been raging strong since 2006. They profess taking some musical cues from Bikini Kill, The Briefs, The Gits, The Happy Bastards, Tourist, The

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The insane noise coming from Happy Trails as I was walking down the street for the interview was difficult enough. But, it was almost useless asking questions and trying to record voices of Xenat-Ra’s members over the screams of attractive women, with booze spilling onto my notepad as I was jotting down ideas and not even being able to recognize who was speaking because of the masses of people slammed into a smoke filled room. And all I could think of at the time was “damn??? It was only five minutes ago that I told them they had won Favorite Band.” Actually…not so much, and if you know anyone from Xenat-Ra you would understand the joke. I spoke with three of XenatRa’s members: Dave Trenkel, Mark France and Ben Metzger, and humble isn’t a significant enough word to describe the way they acted. The news didn’t even faze them. Before I started asking questions they joked about how they must have been the only people who voted at all in order for them to have won. I never expected them to go nuts but they did stay pretty calm for something extremely cool. 900 people voted and favorite band isn’t the only title to be given out to them: Ben won for Favorite Poet, Matt Calkins won for Favorite Hornist, Mark for Favorite Electric Guitarist, Dave for Favorite Keyboardist and Favorite Drummer was won by J.D. Monroe. Musically, Xenat-Ra cleaned house. Corvallis and art tend to go hand in hand, Ramones, New Bomb Turks, The Kinks, Defiance Ohio, and X Ray Spex—but make no mistake. In the true spirit of punk rock, The Angries take orders from no one. From their 2008 release of Get Yer Angries Out, to their 2010 Nothing New For Trash Like You, The Angries seeth to a sordid sound all their own. With most tracks between 1 and 2 minutes, there’s hardly time to lose interest in these rapid-fire refrains. If you’re wary of riding down the fast track, seek your easy-listening albums elsewhere. In concert they’ll hit you with a no-frills, raw thrills performance in keeping with the punk rock tradition—the tradition that isn’t. Rash, bold, brash and full of energy, The Angries are guaranteed to get your heart racing in all the right rhythms. So whether you’ve got a soft spot for your local music scene or just a hard-on to

THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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and within that, music takes the lead. Even if you do not publicly perform or even play an instrument there is still a demand for quality. In our community, music is coming from everywhere: open mics, the waterfront, live shows and summer fests. And, as we talked in a local downtown record shop the conversation switched from their reactions of winning, to the respect they share for the local scene. One of the first things Dave Trenkel said when I asked them how they felt about winning was, “There were some other great bands and other great musicians involved, so I feel very honored.” Xenat-Ra’s style is something that comes from everywhere. Just looking at the diversity amongst the categories they were up for this can be seen. Rapping with a sax and electric guitar, and switching in between metal and synthesizers and turntables doesn’t always catch on..or even happen at all…but this isn’t the first time Xenat-Ra’s fans have responded to their sound. In May of last year they held a few concerts and sold copies of their live CD and were pre selling their upcoming studio album to those who were interested. What they were able to raise was enough to begin recording for an album that will hopefully be out by the end of the year and new tunes can begin to circulate. But, for those who don’t want to wonder and wait for the day it drops before you can hear them again: on February 26, Squirrel’s becomes the stage for their next show. -Ricky Zipp

Contributed Photo

get your rock off, be sure to check out The Angries at their upcoming shows and their soon-to-be-released recordings. Caitlin and the boys will be jamming at Interzone on January 22nd, rocking Cloud 9 on the 29th, and shaking The Wake on February 19th. Also look for their spring release, a split 7” with Hooray For Everything from East Bay, Cali. Tired of quiet nights and no bar fights? Don’t get mad--get Angries. -Ayla Rogers

JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Heard It Favorite Vocalist Jenna Summer Smith Nearly everyone in Corvallis has seen Jenna Summer Smith sing, dance, spin fire, and perform. Jenna’s hands are in the cookie jar of many Valley performances in one way or another-and what delicious cookies they are! My personal favorite was an audience participation piece complete with paper seahorses, crabs and octopi for a reenactment of the stirring musical movement “Under the Sea.” And, this year she has won three, count ‘em THREE Alchy Awards. Favorite Songwriter, Favorite Acoustic Performer and Favorite Vocalist. These awards showcase her longstanding presence in the Corvallis music scene and her uncanny ability to distinguish herself amongst the many talented musicians our hamlet has to offer. She is a mainstay, having incarnated numerous times as a souloh act, headlining her namesake band and most recently performing vocals for Space Neighbors a local jam/funk/variety act. Jenna is a treasure trove of local lore – many of her songs recounting adventures and abettors of the myriad of experiences Corvallis has to offer. Her music and voice are upbeat, well put together, and naturally resonant. Her onstage presence is a musical entity, polished and authentic. Performances often inspire dancing amongst the family/musicians/friends supporting this extremely talented and even more loved lady. Listen for her around town at jams, shows, bday parties and more. Find her on-

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Contributed Photo

line for booking etc. at www.myspace.com/ jennasummersmith. On another note as performer extraordinaire, Jenna works with boyfriend Mas to complete the duo Jenna&Mas, and together they perform great feats of acrobatic daring do whilst aflame. Their fire dancing dominance is little challenged within the city limits, and they often join with performers from summitblodgettnashvilleland to put on some of the most technically impressive fire shows in the valley. Look for them at festivals in the greater Ecotopia range as well as cornvalley staples like MayDay, Pirate Party and the ever popular Pantyfest.

THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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In a recent convo with Jenna she shared this news and inspiring info with me: “I’m just getting back from being out of town, and returning brings lots of changes and new goals. I’m recording a new album for the coming summer, and there is a new Flaming Acrobalance show in the works as well. I have a new outlook on where my life should be going and how to get there. Now it’s time to do it!! Pretty excited! Also Space Neighbors is recording a new album and I love and feel fortunate working with musicians that inspire the best in me.” Congrats Jenna!!!!!!!!!! We love you! -Ella Marie Canus

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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bump

wednesday

tuesday

live music

Corvallis

FireWorks Foxtails Brigade [BAROQUE FLOK] 8 pm Sunnyside Up Café 116 NW 3rd St. Celtic Jam [CELTIC] 7 pm, FREE

Corvallis

sing

Peacock Bar & Grill Karaoke, 9:00 pm, FREE On the Top: DJ Big Cheese, 9:00 pm FREE Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Corvallis 2945 NW Circle Blvd. Corvallis Community Choir rehearsals 7 pm, $50

Lebanon

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

Corvallis

lecture

OSU Asian/Pacific-American Room, Rm. 206 "Where's My 40 Acres? And Other Broken Promises..." [OPEN FORUM] 12 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Memorial Union "Global Perspectives on Activism" [STUDENT PANEL] 5 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Native American Longhouse "Culturally Appropriate Curriculum & Textbooks?" [DISCUSSION] 4 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE

Philomath

Synergea Chiropractic 111 N. 20th Wellness Workshop: "How to Create a Metabolism that will Burn Clean and Efficiently for Life" 6:30 pm

Corvallis

dance

Corvallis Elks Lodge 1400 NW 9th St. Beginner Line Dance 7:00 pm, $3 Impulse Bar & Grill 1425 NW Monroe Ave. Cuban Salsa 7:30 pm, FREE OSU Women’s Building Room 112 Salsa Dancing 8:00 pm

Lebanon

Cascade Performing Arts Center 800 Harrison St. Beginner Adult Ballet Classes 7:30-8:30 pm, $5

eclectic

Corvallis

Enoteca Wine Bar Girls night out! Knit night [CRAFT] 7:00 pm

live music

Exit 9 129 First Ave. W Karaoke

Sunnyside Up Café 116 NW 3rd St. Bluegrass Jam [BLUEGRASS] 7:00 pm, FREE

Lebanon

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

Lebanon

Peacock Bar & Grill East The Brand [BLUES] 7 pm, every other Wednesday

Corvallis

sing

Albany

Corvallis

dance

Albany

lecture

Albany Eagles Lodge 127 Broadalbin St Albany Senior Dance 1:30-3:30 pm, $3

OSU Memorial Union Main Lounge "Creating Change Within Education" [PANEL DISSCUSSION] 7 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE

Riley’s Billiards Bar and Grill Pure Country Night - Country Dancing with DJ 9:00pm

Corvallis

eat/drink

Old World Deli 341 SW Second St. Belly Dance 8 pm

Corvallis

Cloud 9 126 SW 1st St. Beer & Blog 5 pm

Corvallis

eclectic

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library 645 NW Monroe Ave. Random Review by David Noakes: Jared Diamond's "Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed" [BOOK] 12 pm, FREE OSU Memorial Union Journey Room "Doing Time, Doing Vipassana" [FILM] 12 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Memorial Union La Raza Room "Little Town of Bethlehem" [FILM] 3 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Fairbanks Gallery Shelley Jordon "Materfamilias" [ART RECEPTION] 4:30 pm, FREE

Peter Gysegem’s Studio Argentine Tango Classes 7:15 pm, $5 peter@gysegem.com

Enoteca Wine Bar Wine Tasting 7 pm, $10

CRO S SWORD thursday Inkwell Crosswords by Ben Tausig

G-Movie Edits Across 1. Infomercial kitchen gadget 6. Kitchen pinchful 10. General feeling 14. Proposal starter, under Robert’s Rules of Order 15. Ballet move 16. “Wish me luck!” 17. Less than 18. Film in which Peter Fonda sneezes a lot? 20. Film in which Mark Wahlberg runs an afterhours betting parlor? 22. Be part of the crowd? 23. Small Asus PC 24. Hot stone massage spot 27. Born as 28. Entrepreneur’s need 31. Brand for people with strong allergies 33. MLB “twin killings” 34. “I’m gonna be King of Pride Rock” speaker 36. Colored cloth 37. With 57-Across, film in which George Clooney and Ewan McGregor play quality control employees at a garment factory? 40. Company mark 43. Start of a playground rhyme to see who has to do something 44. Spec on a shirt tag 47. Mike Judge character 50. “Mazes and Monsters” novelist Jaffe 51. ___ kwon do 52. Law grads 53. Go (for) 55. Commercial, in Britain 57. See 37-Across 60. Emile Hirsch film about the best place to load and unload boats? 63. “My ___ True” (Elvis Costello album) 64. Common promotion deal, for short 65. Estonian currency, as of January 1, 2011 66. Commotion 67. Classic Memphis soul label 68. Throw for a loop 69. Spooky

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live music

Albany

Chasers Bar & Grill 435 Second Ave. SE The Lucky Pups [ROCK] 7:30 pm

Corvallis

Calapooia Brewing Wild Hog in the Woods [STRINGBAND] 7:30 pm

Bombs Away Cafe Gravity Research Project [ACOUSTIC SOUL] 9 pm

eat/drink

Corvallis

Lebanon

Peacock Bar & Grill East Blues Jam featuring Kendall Lee & the Roadhouse Blues Band [BLUES] 7 pm, every other Thursday 32. Civil ceremony words 35. A.D. part 37. “Mazel ___!” 38. Succeed in 39. Manny Ramirez, famously 40. Eighth prez before BHO 41. Subject of the book “The Meaning of Everything,” briefly 42. Problem caused by starchy foods 44. Cooking vessel sometimes made from bamboo 45. Drink that may be garnished with a lemon peel 46. “Hmm ...” 48. Minimal trace 49. Black suit 54. Freshwater catch 56. It may change during puberty 57. Nike shoe with clear rubber turbo things 58. Bridal gown shade 59. “Angel” rapper 60. Muscles worked by crunches 61. He fled Sodom 62. Vijay Singh’s org.

JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Albany Eagles Lodge 127 Broadalbin St. NW Line dance, couples dance lessons, & open dancing, 7 pm, $4 Peacock Bar & Grill Karaoke, 9:00 pm On the top DJ Mike, 9 pm, $2

Corvallis

Down 1. Break up 2. Egyptian pyramid builder who became a god 3. We assume they ate my grandparents’ cat that disappeared in San Diego like twenty years ago 4. Bring to mind 5. Give a fresh surface 6. Went around in circles 7. Sheryl Crow’s “___ Wanna Do” 8. Lord of the Middle Ages 9. Twitter 10. “Trader ___” 11. As I see it, in texts 12. Sudanese activist/athlete Manute who died in 2010 13. Cessation 19. Do a certain synchronized dance 21. Son of Harriette and Carl Winslow 24. Be a voyeur, perhaps 25. Go 26. Common operator 29. Palindromic plus-sized model 30. “Buy me ___?”

dance

Albany

Enoteca Wine Bar Chocolate Truffle Happy Hour FREE Truffles 6-8 pm

Tangent

First Alternative Co-Op North 2855 NW Grant Ave. Wine tasting, 5-7 pm 2nd & 4th Thursdays

Corvallis

WineStyles 2333 NW Kings Blvd. Wine tasting: Blind Pinot Noir tasting 5:30, $5

Dixie Creek Saloon Kalyn & Cloey [ACOUSTIC FOLK/POP] 7 pm

lecture

OSU Owen Hall, Rm. 102 Donny George Youkhanna, "Looting of the Iraq Museum, Loss of a Nation's Memory" 7 pm, part of OSU's Ideas Matter 2011

Lebanon

sing

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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Corvallis

stage

Crescent Valley High School 4444 NW Highland Dr. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Crescent Valley High School Drama Department 7 pm, $6-$8

Albany

eclectic

LBCC South Santiam Gallery 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Susie Morrill, "Portraits in Place" [ART RECEPTION] 7 pm

Corvallis

Cloud 9 Poetics "Rockstar Edition" [SPOKEN WORD] Act 1 of The Alchemist Weekly's 3 year anniversary, 7:30 pm, FREE Majestic Theater 115 SW Second St. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day [CELEBRATION] Keynote speaker: Shelley Moon, 7 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Lonnie B. Harris Black Cultural Center "Dialogues on Race" [DISCUSSION] 5:30 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Memorial Union La Raza Room Interfaith prayer service [REFLECT] 2 pm, part of OSU's Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration, FREE OSU Memorial Union, lounge Rick Settersten, "Not Quite Adults" [BOOK] 4 pm

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bump

14 friday

live music

Albany

Calapooia Brewing Stairway Denied w/ Arcweld [ROCK] Act 2 of The Alchemist Weekly's 3 year anniversary, 8 pm, $7

It's an everyday thing sing

Corvallis

Peacock Bar and Grill Karaoke, 9 pm On the Top: DJ Alex, 9 pm

stage

Corvallis

Albany

The Beanery on 2nd John Shumway [ACOUSTIC] 8 pm

Albany Civic Theater 111 First Ave. SW "Wyrd Sisters" 8 pm, $8-$11

Bombs Away Café OSU Musicians Guild Showcase [ACOUSTIC] 10 pm

Corvallis

Cloud 9 Riot In the Clouds [OFFENSIVELY HIP] 10 pm OSU Memorial Union Lounge OSU A capella: Outspoken [CLASSICAL] part of Music a La Carte, 12 pm, FREE FireWorks Adam Scramstad [BLUES] 8 pm

Lebanon

Merlin's Bar & Grill Damit Jim Band [ROCK] 9 pm

Tangent

Crescent Valley High School 4444 NW Highland Dr. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Crescent Valley High School Drama Department 7 pm, $6-$8

dance

Albany

Riley’s Billiards Bar and Grill Ladies Night with DJ Unofficial 9 pm

Corvallis

Corvallis Senior Center 2601 NW Taylor Ave. Friday night dancers, live music by The Syncopators, 7 pm, $2-$4, first three Fridays

Dixie Creek Saloon Hollowman w/ Invane [METAL] 9 pm

eat/drink

Corvallis

First Alternative Co-Op South 1007 SE Third St. Wine tasting, 5-7 pm WineStyles 2333 NW Kings Blvd. Friday Night Flights 5-8 pm

Albany

eclectic

Albany Public Library 2450 14th Ave. SE Book Club Jamboree [BOOK] 12 pm Albertsons 1177 Waverly Dr. SE Food Drive to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. [CHARITY] sponsored by Community Services Consortium 9 am-3pm

Corvallis

Grocery Outlet 1235 NW 10th St. Food Drive to honor Martin Luther King, Jr. [CHARITY] sponsored by Community Services Consortium 9 am-3pm OSU Guistina Gallery "Russian Exhibit" [ART RECEPTION] 6:30 pm

saturday live music

Albany

Calapooia Brewing Professor Gall [INDIE JAZZ] 8 pm

Corvallis

The Arts Center 700 SW Madison Ave. Between the Cracks: Robert Briggs [BEAT POET] 7 pm, $5-$10 Bombs Away Cafe Hillstomp w/ Camino Deluxe [JUNK BOX BLUES] 9:30 pm, $7 Cloud 9 Orquesta Monte Calvo [AFRO-LATIN] 10 pm

Lebanon

Lebanon Coffeehouse & Eatery 661 Main Street Live Music 6:30pm Merlin's Bar & Grill Damit Jim Band [ROCK] 9 pm

Tangent

Dixie Creek Saloon Sons of Confusion [HARD ROCK] 9:30 pm

Albany LBCC North Santiam Gallery 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Carol Hausser, Cynthia Herron, and Beverly Soasey [EXHIBIT] through February 25 LBCC South Santiam Gallery 6500 Pacific Blvd. SW Susie Morrill, "Portraits in Place" [EXHIBIT] through January 28

Corvallis OSU Memorial Union, Concourse Gallery Mass of Glass II: Reflections of the OSU Craft Center’s Glass Programs [EXHIBIT] through February 1 OSU Memorial Union, display wall “Sign the Pledge” [SIGN] 10 am-3 pm, January 12- January 19, part of OSU’s Martin Luther King, Jr. celebration OSU Fairbanks Gallery Shelley Jordon, “Materfamilias” [EXHIBIT] through February 2 OSU Guistina Gallery "Russian Exhibit" [EXHIBIT] through February 11

eclectic

Corvallis

Contributed Photo

Top of the Peacock Act 3 of The Alchemist Weekly 3 year anniversary BURLESQUE spectacular 8:30 pm, $10

sunday live music

Albany

Calapooia Brewing Blues Jam 4:00 pm

Novak’s Hungarian Restaurant 2306 Heritage Way SE Strings of Time [MELODIC JAZZ] 6:00 pm, FREE

Lebanon

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Blues/Rock Jam 7 pm

Tangent

Dixie Creek Saloon Open Acoustic Jam 6 pm

eclectic

Corvallis

Enoteca Wine Bar Book Group [READ] 7 pm

Lebanon

sing

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

To be considered for a calendar listings, notice of events must be received in writing by noon on Tuesday, two weeks before publication. Send to our Bump Editor. Photographs should be clearly labeled and will be returned if accompanied by a self addressed, stamped envelope.

Lebanon

Lebanon Coffeehouse & Eatery 661 Main Street Saturday Afternoon Free Movie [SEE] 2pm – 4pm

Lebanon

monday

sing

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

Albany

live music

dance

Corvallis

FireWorks Southtown Open Mic Talent Search 8 pm

Riley’s Billiards Bar and Grill Ladies Night with DJ Unofficial 9 pm

Albany

stage

Lebanon

Albany Civic Theater 111 First Ave. SW "Wyrd Sisters" 8 pm, $8-$11

Corvallis

Crescent Valley High School 4444 NW Highland Dr. "A Midsummer Night's Dream" Crescent Valley High School Drama Department 2 pm & 7 pm, $6-$8

WWW.THEALCHEMISTWEEKLY.COM

sing

Merlin’s Bar & Grill Karaoke Nightly

Corvallis

Bombs Away Cafe Gravity Research Project [ACOUSTIC SOUL] Thursday, 9 pm

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THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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dance

OSU Women's Building, Rm 116 OSU West Coast Swing Club First Winter Term Dance 7 pm lessons, 8 pm open dance, $3 students, $5 community

JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Know Them Know Them

the complete list

Favorite Barista: Sam @ Purple Moon

Runners Up: Meagan @ 2nd St. Beanery, Bill @ Interzone

Favorite Bartender: Katy January @ Aqua

Runners Up: Sarah Shook-Monroe @ Downward Dog, Sarah Merritt @ Bombs Away Café (TIE) Seth Waddell @ Crowbar

Favorite Chef: Ko Atterberry @ Cloud 9

Runners Up: Jason Biga @ Aqua (TIE) Michael Harver @ Bombs Away Cafe

Favorite Dentist: Dr. Curtis Clark

Runners Up: Dr. Chris Martel, Dr. Lenore Hata

Favorite Doctor: Dr. Norman Castillo

Runners Up: Leyna Jensen @ Corvallis Community Acupuncture, Dr. Margaret Carr

Favorite Fiction Writer: Terry Pratchet Runners Up: Alison Ruch, Michael Thomas

Favorite Non-Fiction Writer: Jake Ten Pas Runners Up: Kathleen Moore, Paul Turner

Favorite Poet: Ben Metzger

Runners Up: Jimbo Ivy, Charles Goodrich

Favorite Hair Stylist: Garrett Vogler

Runners Up: Heather Mitchel @ The Retreat, Kendra Hines @ The Rage Salon

Favorite Local Celebrity: Cloud Davidson Runners Up: Jacquizz Rogers, Mike Riley

Photo by Courtney Clenney

Favorite Masseuse: Hillary Hogan

Runners Up: Leesa Walters- Two Cranes, Julie Hawley- Albany Massage Center

Favorite Painter (Analog): Nicole Garrett Runners Up: Nick Harper, Al Kapuler

Favorite Painter (Digital): Nick Harper Runners Up: Jake Dorr, Patricia Smith

Favorite Visual Artist: Paul Kincaid Runners Up: Al Kapuler, Jeremy Kortlever

Favorite Glass Blower: Firefly

Runners Up: Jordan “Sheepdawg” Lucas, Clinton Roman

Favorite Photographer: Amanda Long Runners Up: Jessica Brothers, Jim Carroll

Favorite Potter/Sculptor: Cynthia Spencer Runners Up: Keith Moses, Diana Bazanale

Favorite Performance Artist: Jenna Summer Smith Runners Up: Serena Kapuler, Jani K. Fisher

Favorite Shop Animal: Tess @ Book Bin

Runners Up: Bingo @ The Shoe Hutch, Cassius Clay @ The Pottery Place

Favorite Teacher: Tom Jensen

Runners Up: Colleen Works, Mark France

Favorite Professor: Kathy Greaves @ OSU

Favorite Bartender Katy January

“I can’t believe I won! I was screaming and jumping up and down spontaneously all night,” Katy January said. That was her response upon winning The 2010 Alchemist Weekly award for Favorite Bartender. And, after having visited with January and having her favorite cocktail creation, the Kaffir No Evil at Aqua, I couldn’t agree more with the Reader’s choice this year. Kaffir No Evil was also nominated for Favorite Cocktail, it’s blend of muddled red pepper, Kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass infused vodka set it apart as one of my favorite cocktails of all time. Who would’ve thunk that red pepper could make a good cocktail? An award winning mixologist, that’s who. January has been bartending for nine or 10 years, she’s responsible for the cocktail lists at Aqua, Terzo, and Flat Tail. According to January, a good bartender is one that is educated in their craft, cares about each

and every drink that leaves the bar (she measures everything, consistency is important), and is engaging to her bar guests. If you find yourself sitting at the bar at Aqua being introduced to someone a couple seats down (or across the bar) because you have common interests, it’s just because January knows her patrons and wants them to have a good experience at her place. She loves her job, but if she could rollerskate for a living, you-bet-your-vodka she’d be doing that. January is also a part of Sicktown Derby Dames, the local roller derby team. Her cocktails stand out because you can taste every ingredient in them, and it’s on purpose. January calls herself a “kitchen fusion bartender,” and she strives for each of her cocktails to be an experience. You can experience her and her drinks at Aqua, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings. -Courtney Clenney

Runners Up: Kevin Ahern @ OSU, Jon Lewis @ OSU

Favorite Mentor: Mike Riley

Runners Up: Sujita Sklenar, Tracy Daugherty

Favorite Waitress/Waiter: Hillary Utt @ The Woodsman Runners Up: Erin Grimm @ Aqua, Loni Mandigo @ Bombs Away Café (TIE) Sarah Shook-Monroe @ Downward Dog

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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WWW.THEALCHEMISTWEEKLY.COM

Know Them Photo by Jimbo Ivy

Favorite Local Celebrity Cloud Davidson Owner of the newschool icons Downward Dog and Cloud 9 Bistro, Cloud Davidson is not only a great asset to his businesses and to the nightlife of Corvallis, but to the enrichment of the city as a whole. Aside from providing Corvallians with great places to get together with friends for dinner and a drink, Cloud also supports the artistic appetite of the community. In addition to making a home for local and regional bands, he also sponsors a monthly poetry event, as well as an improv night, and is the driving force behind downtown’s First Thursdays Art Walk. With his unique business stance of providing gourmet comfort food paired with high class mixology, Cloud is very much the same as the places he owns; a beacon of humble, unpretentious dedication to his community and a great friend to anyone looking to celebrate and invigorate Corvallis and its people. -Jimbo Ivy

Favorite Poet Ben Metzger The Alchemist Weekly’s Readership voted Ben Metzger as their Favorite Poet. What better way to celebrate Ben’s artistic ability than to have him express himself in verse. So without any further ado, I give you words from your favored poet. Alchemical/ the mental/ your style sentinal/ wild intervals spun the scene centrifugal/ sidewalk stomper/ there's a rhyme talk author/ there's a prizmatic painter/ and other rhythmatic natures/ inflate the page/ the paper won't flap on its own/ can't just tack on a poem/

and expect the whole map to unfold/ creative process is urgent like a bomb threat/ submerge my brain in long lessons/ syncopated odd questions/ art is like a part of my heart organ/ creative creature carved a stark portrait/ from thin air on a dark morning/ sharp endorphins orbit space around the grateful town/ the collaboration, contribution/ now we're all movin'/ glimpse the future loosely/ print the truth and you'll see/ it's just youth on the rise/ put the art to the street/ put the pen to the pad/ put your voice to the beat/ fingers to the strings/ now thats what I call Alchemy. -futuremetz

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THE ALCHEMIST WEEKLY

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Know Them Photo by Courtney Clenney

Photo by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Teacher Tom Jensen

Favorite Doctor Dr. Norman Castillo It's tough to find a good doctor these days, but many Valley residents luckily don't have to. They can take comfort in knowing Dr. Norman Castillo is there to care for them. After a brief phone conversation with Dr. Castillo, I understand why The Alchemist Weekly Readers voted for him as their Favorite Doctor in Corvallis. The polite, soft-spoken Castillo, who has been a family physician in the area for almost 32 years seemed appreciative of the award bestowed by his loyal patients.

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"It's an honor by your readership. I'm flattered," Castillo said. In addition to his duties as a physician, Castillo has a personal web site (normponders.com) where he discusses such hot button topics as pharmaceuticals and minority health issues. Castillo has further plans to write and inform people about health care issues. "I hope to write more about doctors, insurance companies, hospitals overuse of technology, education and training of health care physicians and other people," Castillo said. -Patrick Fancher

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Tom Jensen is no ordinary teacher—if there really is such a thing. No, I mean to say that Tom Jensen is a substitute teacher. He has no homeroom, writes no lesson plans, and sticks to no regular curriculum. None of these absent formalities, however, make him any less of a teacher. Jensen substitutes for the K-12 bracket, and the subjects on his docket are nearly as diverse as the students he works with. Being a K-12 instructor is demanding enough, never mind the added unpredictability of subbing, so I asked Jensen what he finds most enjoyable or rewarding about his job. In other words, what makes all the work worthwhile? Jensen had quite a few inspiring comments to offer. His replies are glaringly earnest and without concern for propriety, “I enjoy working with these kids before they fall into the real world—I can learn a lot from their ideals.”

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Jensen says that he’s constantly learning new things at his job—not just because the classroom material is novel, but because he learns something valuable from each and every one of his students. “Every kid comes in with his own baggage,” Jensen explains, “even in the 3rd grade. The more children I meet, the more I learn about how to relate to people.” When asked how he felt about receiving the Alchy for Favorite Teacher, Jensen responds with profoundly authentic modesty—“I feel almost embarrassed— there are so many wonderful teachers in the district.” I asked Jensen why—in his mind—he had been chosen for the honor, “As much as I can, I try to demonstrate being a nice person in my life, and being considerate—that’s really the most I can teach anyone… When I see kids around town— past students—and they say ‘hi’ to me, and they seem generally happy to see me, that’s how I know I’ve done my job well.” -Ayla Rogers

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Know Them

Contributed Photo

Favorite Dentist Dr. Curtis Clark Let’s face it: for most of us, a trip to the dentist is nothing to get jazzed about. Sure, you care about oral hygiene, you brush every chance you get, floss when convenient— and how ‘bout that pack-a-day habit? Yours is sugar-free gum. Fine. Fair enough. You do all of this so you don’t have to spend your afternoons sprawled out in a LazyBoy in a room that boasts a larger collection of power-tools than your three-car garage. That’s all well and good, but hear me out. No matter how immaculate your hygiene, everyone’s mouth can benefit from some professional maintenance. That’s where Dr. Clark comes in. Located on 2155 NW Professional Dr. in Corvallis, Curtis Clark and his office of cheerful and competent colleagues offer comprehensive dentistry for the whole family. Notable services include general dentistry, preventive treatment, endodontic procedures (root canal therapy), oral surgery, restorative dentistry (crowns and bridges) and cosmetic dentistry. Like you, Clark’s primary focus is on prevention. Routine monitoring enables Clark and his clinical staff to catch potential problems before they cause discomfort, so you won’t have to dread a visit. As a testament to his quality care, Dr. Clark’s practice has grown in size exclusively on patient referrals—more commonly and appropriately termed ‘word of mouth.’ So what are you waiting for? Find out what everyone is flapping their gums about. Contact Dr. Clark’s dental office by phone: (541) 754-0600, FAX: (541) 758-4282, or email: info@DrCurtisClark.com -Ayla Rogers

Photo by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Shop Animal Tess the cat

Tess, named after the classic novel Tess d’Ubervilles by Thomas Hardy was voted Favorite Shop Animal in a landslide. The five-year-old Calico was a shelter cat that was rescued by the owners of The Book Bin. She was quite ill and needed some attention, but she’s perfectly healthy now and enjoys a very comfortable existence perched atop her chair, which after some wrangling and disagreement, was ceded to her by the employees. “It wasn’t always her chair,” said Lee Castleman. “But it belongs to her now.” Unlike many other shop animals, Tess actually lives at The Book Bin 24/7, 365 days a year. Her food, water and other necessities are back near the manager’s office and even though they are closed only two days a year, someone always comes in to check on her. Every day she can be found sitting behind the front counter lounging in blissful repose while the customers come and go, seemingly unaware of the buzzing commerce that takes place only inches away, even when large dogs are present. Tess doesn’t have a care in the world. She sleeps through nail clippings and has two humans devoted to her hair brushing. Yes it’s the lap of luxury for Tess, as it should be.

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“She’s the queen” says Linda Bradley adding that they even have a “cat cave” reserved for her near her throne should she ever feel the need to hibernate even deeper. She’s never really alone and it is clear that all The Book Bin employees consider her a major part of the family, and treat her with love and laughing lamentations about the rare times she gets moody, as all queens do. She even has followers amongst the customers, one of whom photographed her in her kitten days and framed a large portrait of her that hangs on the back wall. Clearly, the fiefdom is in love with their royal highness. After snapping a few close-up photos, I really understand this reverence as I am overcome with humility and thankfulness when Tess perks up a bit and poses, as if I have been allowed into the inner throne room. Thank ya, me lady! When business is done for the day and the lights begin to go out, Tess dismounts her chair and has free run of the place. Sometimes the first person to open The Book Bin finds Tess in and amongst the books or nestled into the window, but usually she’s always at the door to greet them when the key turns. Once business begins she takes her place on her perch and all is right in the world. -Stanley Tollett

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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Was There Favorite Way to Procrastinate Facebook

Was There

the complete list

Favorite Art Gallery: The Arts Center

Runners Up: Interzone, BAC Room at Bombs Away Cafe

Favorite Creative Outlet: Chalkboard Tables- Block 15 Runners Up: OSU Craft Center, Pottery Place

Favorite Festival: Corvallis Fall Festival

Runners Up: daVinci Days, OSU Battle of the Bands/Flat Tail Festival

It’s 7:18 pm PST and I’m starting my write-up for the Favorite Way to Procrastinate. Hang on, I have to go check my Facebook. 7:22 PST comment to friend. Get it? 7:25 PST found someone I haven’t seen or talked to in 10 years and sent them a friend request.

Favorite Free WiFi: Interzone

Facebook has had a big year. 7:27 PST friend posted 147 photos from Christmas vaca. This is going to take a while. The Social Network, about Facebook has been generating a lot of Oscar buzz. 7:42 PST stalked my latest crush…and the smiley biotch that’s writing on his wall. And now Facebook has won an Alchemist Award. Doesn’t get better than that. Total time spent writing this piece: 65 minutes. Total time on Facebook: 43 minutes. -Courtney Clenney

Runners Up: The Beanery on 2nd, Sunnyside Up Cafe

Favorite Hiking Trail: Bald Hill

Runners Up: Mary’s Peak, McDonald Forest

Favorite Local Park: Avery Park Runners Up: Willamette Park, Riverfront Park

Favorite Movie Theatre: Darkside Cinema Runners Up: Carmike Cinema, Whiteside Theater

Favorite Music Venue: Bombs Away Café Runners Up: Cloud 9, Squirrel’s Tavern

Favorite Non-Profit: Heartland Humane Society

Runners Up: Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, Habitat for Humanity

Favorite Place to Take Your Kids: Avery Park Runners Up: Corvallis-Benton County Library, Wacky Bounce

Favorite Spiritual Outlet: Mary’s Peak Runners Up: Bar Stool, Bald Hill

Favorite Place to Brainstorm: Shower Runners Up: Squirrel’s Tavern, Bald hill

Favorite Place to Get Picked Up: Bombs Away Café Runners Up: By the feet, Work

Favorite Place to Pick Someone Up: By the ears Runners Up: Bombs Away Café, Peacock Bar & Grill

Favorite Place for a First Date: Block 15

Favorite Place to Get Picked Up Bombs Away Cafe

Runners Up: Darkside Cinema, Magenta

Favorite Place to Make Out: My room Runners Up: Mary’s Peak, Alleyway

Favorite Place to Break Up: Her house Runners Up: Via text message, In public

Favorite Place to Hide During School: Newport, Ore. Runners Up: Squirrel’s Tavern, Downtown Corvallis

Favorite Place to Procrastinate: Facebook Runners Up: Downtown, Squirrel’s Tavern

Favorite Place to Study: Valley Library

Runners Up: Corvallis-Benton County Library, Interzone

Favorite Place to Make Out My Room

Readers voted that their Favorite Place to Make Out was “My Room” and conversely the Favorite Place to Break Up is “Her House.” In my experience the first one is spot on. While there are many interesting places to make out, and often times one finds themselves making out in random and impromptu settings, “My room,” your space, is by far the best and most versatile location in which to make out. First of all, it’s comfortable and intimate. You can play just the right sort of make out music, dim the lights or turn them up according to your preference. The best making out occurs when both parties are as comfortable as possible, relaxed and free of any need to constrain themselves. In “My Room,” meaning your room, not mine specifically, although you are always welcom, you are free to lose yourself in the passion and romance of your partner/partners.

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The second best thing about “My Room” is that should the moment arise, it is the ideal place to allow the moment to blossom organically into something a little more...intimate. If making out can be defined as the beginning of a relationship, then at the other end is the break up. And, Readers voted “Her House” as their favorite spot to have the “we need to talk” talk. I suppose in my male mind I can see this as pragmatic and logical, her house is probably where she feels the most comfortable and safe, in the most control. There are bedroom doors to slam, and pillows to weep on, for both parties. But, there is also her knowledge of the exact location of sharp objects, firearms and technically you are in her house (property) so, there is that... legally, things could go very wrong. But, it does show a measure of respect and bravery, which trumps my time honored break-up tactic of text messaging (which was runner up). -Stanley Tollett

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Photo by Courtney Clenney

Bombs Away Café received special recognition from The Alchemist Weekly Readers this year. Bombs features live music nearly every weekend with this month’s lineup jamming Thursday through Saturday all January. No other venue in the area comes close to competing, so of course Bombs is the winner of our Favorite Music Venue. What goes well with music? The answer is casual bar grub and the introduction to a friendly stranger with which to spend the remainder of your evening. Thus, qualifying Bombs Away Café for two more awards. The bar grub known as the Bomber Nachos are our Favorite Appetizer,

Favorite New Business Flat Tail Brewing

Much like music, Corvallis does restaurants well. From long standing local favorites to upstarts finding their way and now with Flat Tail Brewing winning the Alchemist Award for Favorite New Business you can add them to the list. Replacing Fox n’ Firkin on the waterfront the vibe you get from the restaurant begins with the people who started it. And, it seems as if their owner Iain Duncan has gotten the hang of this whole restaurant racket because Flat Tail is his fourth and stands out on its own. They’ve got the food, they’ve got the loca-

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which can only be described as a heaping pile of deliciousness and begs to be shared with a friendly stranger, making Bombs the Favorite Place to Get Picked Up. The patrons and employees are kind hearted and laid back, a place where everyone is welcome and encouraged to mingle amongst the crowd. The best time to mingle? Tuesday Pint Night. When the town is otherwise quiet on a Tuesday, Bombs is shoulder-to-shoulder crowded. Low on cash? Bring your 10 dollar bill and you can take part in some serious microbrew drinking and still have money to tip the lovely bartenders, which ends Bomb’s streak on Favorite Way to Spend $10. Plus the place is called Bombs, seriously. -Steve Hudson

tion, new brew recipes will be making their way onto the tap, a music scene will hopefully be coming and the pieces continue to add up in Flat Tail’s first year. And, after all the work it took to pull this off Duncan seems content, “You hope that the reception is going to be good and when you get a positive recognition and all that, that’s why you do it.” As they continue to gain popularity they still don’t lose their original focus. The brewery’s booze magician Dave Marliave lays this out perfectly, they are running a business but “we’re having a hell-of-a-fun time doing it.” -Ricky Zipp

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Bought it There Favorite Bike Shop Corvallis Cyclery

organizes weekly shop rides, both street bound and headed to McDonald Forest. Stop by the store or check out the Facebook page for more information. Corvallis Cyclery has been in Corvallis since 1974. It moved to its current location in 1981. -Cindy Dauer

Mid-Valley pedal-philes, cycling enthusiasts, and recreational bikers alike prefer the Corvallis Cyclery. The locally-owned shop on Second Street won the 2010 Alchy Award for the Favorite Bike Shop. This marks the second time the Readers of The Alchemist Weekly have honored the Corvallis Cyclery; it reclaims the title originally won in 2008 and then lost to Cyclotopia in 2009. With more than 600 bikes in stock – including children’s bikes, recumbents, road racers, mountain bikes, beach cruisers, unicycles, and tandems – there is something for everyone. Along with the array of new bikes, the Corvallis Cyclery also specializes in repairs. They can fix your flat tire in a few minutes, change your brake pads, or adjust your chain. The friendly and knowledgeable staff, some of whom have been employed there for more than 20 years, can also give your bike a general tune-up. At the shop, accessories abound, from rain gear (fenders, boot covers, jackets, pants, and helmet covers) to flashy handle grips. For avid bikers, the Corvallis Cyclery Photo

by Stanley Tollett

Favorite Furniture Shop Inkwell Home Store

When it comes to your average retail outlet, you’re probably not going to get the most objective perspective by interviewing the man in charge. The Inkwell home store, though—as you may have guessed—is no average retail furniture shop. Jointly owned by spouses Pat and Amy Lampton, the Inkwell grew out of a unique retail tradition, starting with the home store and house wares department and later expanding to include a broader array of more substantial home furnishings. So what else makes the Inkwell unique? I asked Pat. He replies that the products they sell are really consistently higher quality, and that said, they offer superior value as well. More than that, the house wares and furniture at the Inkwell represent the Corvallis lifestyle and the tastes of the people in the community. How does Pat know this? “We don’t have to apologize for the things we sell here— they’re things we ourselves would choose to own.” Talking with Pat, it strikes me that the way he sees his business, the way his employees see the business, and the way his customers see the business, it’s really all one and the same. Everything

I’ve heard in the greater community about the Inkwell, I’m hearing the same sentiments echoed by Pat Lampton. What allows him to be so in-touch with his customer base? I ask—What style of retail operation fosters that level of trust? “We take care of our customers,” Pat says simply, “when you treat people the way you’d want to be treated, they keep coming back to you with their business.” Okay, Pat, but it’s just furniture, right? I mean, you run a top-notch, honest business, but it’s still just stuff, isn’t it? How are you so intimately in touch with community attitudes? His explanation is thought provoking: “It’s a material world we live in, in a sense. We all surround ourselves with things—those things ought to reflect our own styles and sensibilities. At the Inkwell, one of our mantras is ‘buy less, buy better.’ Most of us have too much. Pair down the amount, cut down on the clutter. Invest in something of higher quality— you’ll have it longer and ultimately derive more pleasure from it. It’s like buying a piece of art here—certain material things in our lives (like art) affect us positively—others are just irritants.” -Ayla Rogers

Bought It There the complete list

Favorite Women’s Clothing Store: Second Glance

Favorite Antique Shop: OSU Thrift Store

Runners Up: Cosmic Chameleon, Sibling Revelry

Runners Up: Beekman’s Place, Buckingham Palace

Favorite Auto Service: Gary’s Automotive Runners Up: John and Phil’s, G&J Auto

Runners Up: TJ Maxx, Golden Crane

Favorite Used Clothing Store: Goodwill

Favorite New Auto: John & Phil’s

Runners Up: Second Glance, Cosmic Chameleon

Runners Up: University Honda, Wilson Motors

Favorite Shoe Store: Footwise

Favorite Used Auto: Craigslist

Runners Up: Miss Meers, Shoe Hutch

Runners Up: John and Phil’s, G&J Auto

Favorite Spa: The Retreat Day Spa

Favorite Bike Shop: Corvallis Cyclery

Runners Up: Epic Day Spa, Corvallis Nails and Spa

Runners Up: Peak Sports, Bike ‘n Hike

Favorite Music Album Shop: Happy Trails Records

Favorite Book Store: Book Bin

Runners Up: Internet, Border’s

Runners Up: Borders, Grass Roots Books

Favorite Music Instrument Shop: Gracewinds Music

Favorite Coffee Roaster: Allann Brothers

Runners Up: Fingerboard Extension, Troubadour Music Center

Runners Up: Oregon Coffee and Tea, Pacifica

Favorite New Business in 2010: Flat Tail Brewery

Favorite Flower Shop: Farmer’s Market

Runners Up: Luc, Corvallis Community Acupuncture

Runners Up: Expressions in Bloom, Penguin Flowers

Favorite Furniture Shop: Inkwell Home Store Runners Up: Goodwill, The Arc Store

Favorite Pet Store: Animal Crackers Runners Up: Petco, Denson’s Feed and Seed

Favorite Tanning Salon: Electric Beach

Favorite Glass Shop: Bad Habits

Runners Up: Tan Republic, Sunsations

Runners Up: Uprise, Tony’s Smoke Shop

Favorite Grocery Store: First Alternative Co-Op Runners Up: WinCo, Market of Choice

Favorite Tattoos/Piercings Shop: High Priestess Runners Up: Sacred Art, Downtown Tattoo and Piercing (Albany)

Favorite Way to Spend $10: Tuesday Pint Night at Bombs Away Café

Favorite Hardware Store: Robnett’s

Runners Up: Live music and a joint, Darkside Cinema

Runners Up: Home Depot, Spaeth Lumber

Favorite Home Décor: Inkwell Home Store Runners Up: Goodwill, Beekman’s Place

Favorite Beer Store: University Market (The Orange Store) Runners Up: Corvallis Brewing Supply, First Alternative Co-Op

Favorite Liquor Store: Deb’s Mixers

Favorite Hair Salon: The Retreat

Runners Up: Cork and Bottle Shoppe, Santiam Liquor (Albany)

Runners Up: The Rage, Bella Capelli

Favorite Men’s Clothing Store: Goodwill Runners Up: Fred Meyer, Mehlhaf’s

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Favorite New Clothing Store: Ross Dress for Less

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Favorite Wine Store: Corvallis Brewing Supply Runners Up: Grocery Outlet, Avalon

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JANUARY 11-JANUARY 17, 2011

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