Longhorn Life UTmost 2014 Edition by The Daily Texan

An advertising special edition of The Daily Texan

March 28, 2014

BEST OF cheers!

2014 PA G E 1 0

PA G E 1 4

PA G E 3 0

Sushi you’d swim for... but don’t have to

UTmost - best of Austin winners

University of Texas student start-ups

Page 2

Wednesday, February 19, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

EDITOR’S NOTE

ell, well, well. Look what we have here — the winners of the UTmost Survey are smack-dab in the middle of this edition. Longhorns, you voted for your favorites in 43 categories — everything from Best Late-Night Food to Best Festival to Best Barber Shop — and we’ve got the rundown on why UT students think these businesses are worthy of the title of UTmost Champion. Flip to page 14 for the start of the UTmost madness and see if that food truck or music venue you love took

the title. As if the big reveal wasn’t exciting enough, Longhorn Life has some great coverage on the student and smallbusiness sides of things. Some future UTmost winners may be among us right now — check out page 30. A few Longhorns take their learning to the next level by running their own start-ups while still in school, including one that aims to build a prototype of a shoe that turns kinetic energy into energy to power a phone charger. And students aren’t the only start-up managers on campus; head to page 34 to

see what a few UT professors are up to with their companies. Other Longhorns’ efforts directly benefit those on the Forty Acres, too. Find the low-down on the Texas Outdoorsmen, an group that facilitates activities such as hikes and camping trips, and Green Greeks, a new student organization designed to promote sustainability among Greek Life, on pages 26 and 27. Austinites love their art, especially that of the tattoo variety. Wanting to head out for your first piece but don’t know where to start? Page 4

STAFF Special Editions Coordinator Michael Gammon

profiles some of the popular and well-reputed tattoo shops in town. The schoolwork is piling on, as it normally does during the middle of the semester. If you’re spending hours in the PCL or the Texas Union trying to make your way through loads of homework with little time for food breaks, check out page 12. A few apps allow you to place a food order — whether it’s something like Torchy’s Tacos or a grocery run — which the staff will deliver to you, making study sessions a little more bearable. And if your brain is fried

from reading hundreds and hundreds of textbook pages, head to page 7; our Street Chic photo spread is easy on the eyes. Though corporate influences throughout the city are growing by the minute, this edition champions the small businesses that are still alive in well in Austin.

Buy local often,

Ali Killian Special Editions Editor

CONTENTS Explore

pg.4 pg.7

TSM ADVERTISING & CREATIVE SERVICES

Student Manager Ted Sniderman Student Assistant Manager Rohan Needel Student Account Executives Dani Archuletta, Aaron Blanco, Hannah Davis, Crysta Hernandez, Robin Jacobs, Erica Reed, Lesley Villarreal

pg.10

Student Administrative Assistant My My Nguyen Dito Prado

pg.14

Special Editions & Production Coordinator Michael Gammon

pg.26

Senior Graphic Designer Daniel Hublein Student Graphic Designers Karina Munguia, Bailey Sullivan

Texas Outdoorsmen promote hanging out with nature Green Greeks advocate sustainability among Greek Life Longhorns “Brave The Shave” for pediatric cancer

Features

Photographers Joe Capraro, Darice Chavira, Elizabeth de Regt, Silvana Di Ravenna, Clara Patt, Hannah Vickers, Jenna VonHofe

Broadcast & Events Manager Carter Goss

The businesses you selected as UTmost Champions

Impact

Writers Shantanu Banerjee, Priyanka Deshpande, Kritika Kulshrestha, Lauren Lowe, Samantha Meyer, Mariana Munoz, Sara Strohl, Jared Wynne

Sales Rep & Events Coordinator Lindsey Hollingsworth

Kome sushi shop boasts authentic Japanese food Where to grab coffee when you’re not pulling an all-nighter Food-delivery apps make most meals mobile Take a smoke break at an Austin hookah lounge

UTmost Winners

Designers Daniel Hublein, Karina Munguia Bailey Sullivan

Advertising Adviser CJ Salgado

Photos of fashion found around campus Boutiques offer alternatives to mass-produced styles

Good Eats

Web Editor/Associate Editor Andrew Huygen

Director Frank Serpas

Tattoo shops around town have Austinites covered A rundown on the ‘stealth dorm’ limits

Style

Special Editions Editor Ali Killian

pg.30

UT students storm the startup-business scene

FIND US ONLINE! longhornlifeonline.com

Cover image designed by Karina Munguia facebook.com/txlonghornlife

twitter.com/txlonghornlife

Longhorn Life is an advertising special edition of The Daily Texan produced by students in Texas Student Media’s special editions office. Reach us at specialeditions@texasstudentmedia. com. Copyright 2011 Texas Student Media. All articles, photographs and graphics are the property of Texas Student Media and may not be reproduced or republished in part or in whole without written permission. CONTACT TSM: We are located in the Hearst Student Media building (HSM). For advertising, call 512-471-1865.

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 3

EVENT CALENDAR

FILM SCREENINGS

WHAT’S HAPPENING TEXAS UNION THEATER All free film screenings are shown in the Texas Union Theatre, UNB 2.228 unless otherwise specified.

03/31 04/02 04/03 04/10 04/16 04/17 04/24

Spirited Away @ 8 p.m. The Breakfast Club @ 9 p.m. Dallas Buyers Club @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Saving Mr. Banks @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Hercules @ 9 p.m. Inside Llewyn Davis @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. Anchorman 2 @ 6 p.m. and 9 p.m.

Sun.

Mon.

APRIL

upcoming events

CAMPUS EVENTS 03/31

Cesar Chavez Legacy Dinner 7 p.m., Student Activity Center Ballroom, (SAC 2.412)

04/01

A Night with Nich Offerman, Star of “Parks and Recreation” 7 p.m., Hogg Memorial Auditorium

04/02

An Evening with Blake Mycoskie, Founder of TOMS 7:30 p.m., Hogg Memorial Auditorium

04/03

Thomas Was Alone: A Play Adaptation of the Indie Game 7:30 p.m., Black Box Theater (SAC 2.304)

04/10

Make-it Take-it Treats! 12 p.m., Texas Union Presidential Lobby (UNB 3.100)

OFF-CAMPUS EVENTS 03/29 04/05 04/12

Dish, a one-woman spectacle, 8 p.m., Long Center for the Performing Arts Sumi Ink Clube, art installation, closing reception, 7 p.m., Canopy Sure Thing, stand up comedy showcase, 8 p.m., Location

Tue.

Wed.

Thur.

Fri.

Sat.

4/1

4/2

4/3

4/4

4/5

Foxhunt

The Grizzly Adams Family

White Denim

Wild Child

Grouplove, Ms Mr

9 p.m. @ The Mohawk (inside)

7 p.m. @ Scoot Inn

7 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)

9 p.m. @ Emo’s

7 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)

4/6

4/7

4/8

4/9

4/10

4/11

4/12

TesseracT

Southern Soul Assembly Tour

Institute

Local Natives

What Made Milwaukee Famous

Mad Caddies

@ Shady Grove

9 p.m. @ Red 7

TEAM*, Hydra Melody

4/13

4/14

4/15

4/16

4/17

4/18

4/19

The Rocketboys

Anvil

Rob Thomas

Greg Brown

Eisley

Matt The Electrician

The Sounds

6 p.m. @ Dirty Dog Bar

@ Art City Austin Festival

8 p.m. @ Cactus Café

8 p.m. @ Dirty Dog Bar

9 p.m. @ Hotel Vegas

8 p.m. @ Bass Concert Hall

7 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)

8 p.m. @ Cactus Café

9 p.m. @ Emo’s

10 p.m. @ Threadgill’s (south)

9 p.m. @ Stubb’s (inside)

9 p.m. @ Emo’s

4/20

4/21

4/22

4/23

4/24

4/25

4/26

Whiskey Shivers

The National

Manchester Orchestra

Haim

Vampire Weekend

Bastille

Hayes Carll

7 p.m. @ Empire Control Room & Garage

9:30 p.m. @ The Moody Theater

7:30 p.m. @ Emo’s

4/27

4/28

4/29

Otis The Destroyer

Peterson Brothers Band

Thievery Corporation

7 p.m. @ Empire Control Room & Garage

6:30 p.m. @ Continental Club

7 p.m. @ Stubb’s (outside)

9 p.m. @ Emo’s

8 p.m. @ The Belmont

Page 4

LONGHORN LIFE

EXPLORE

Friday, March 28, 2014

discovering the city

Austin art goes deep — skin deep story by Jared Wynne photos by Silvana Di Ravenna

A tattoo artist at Dovetail drawing a tattoo on a customer’s forearm. hat does Austin have more of than most other cities? There’s more than one right answer. Bikes, beards and hole-in-thewall shops are all representative of the city. But what some visitors might notice a particular propensity of is the number of tattoos being sported by Austin residents. Austin boasts a broad assortment of tattoo parlors that exist to satisfy the demands of the local populace, and this level of demand has allowed for some meaningful variety to flourish. There are different parlors of different sizes catering to all different crowds and demographics. Some have evolved into chains that try to their best to serve the needs of each potential customer, while others are deeply specialized in one area of focus. One such specialized shop is Perfection Tattoo. The parlor first opened its doors 36 years ago in 1978, and today it is driven by head artist Chris Trevino. Trevino arrived at the shop in 1992 and specializes in Japanese tattoo art. “It’s what I’ve always done,” Trevino said. “I just walked into a tattoo shop and that’s what I saw.” Trevino worked hard toward attaining a level of mastery with his style, going so far

as to take his craft overseas in order to better refine it. “Between 2001 and 2012 I worked between Austin and Japan. It helped a lot to really tune my skills,” Trevino said. Trevino is flanked by two other artists at Perfection Tattoo and speaks proudly of both the custom work his shop provides and the individualized care that goes into it. Taking a much broader approach to its service is Platinum Ink. Two locations in Austin now bear the name, the first having opened in 2002. Owner Keith Nemerow saw entering the tattoo industry as a good way to take part in Austin’s local art scene. “I just wanted to be involved in the community, and I like the counter-culture aspect,” he said. But simply becoming a part of the art community wasn’t enough to run a successful business. Nemerow decided to broaden the focus of his parlor in the hopes of attracting a larger variety of customers. “A lot of parlors focused on specific types of art; they’re specialty shops,” Nemerow said. “We’re more mainstream. We try to hit a general demographic.” It takes more than a few artists to provide

as broad an assortment of styles as does Platinum Ink. To that end, eight artists are employed at the Interstate Highway 35 location alone. “They can do everything,” Nemerow said. In addition to the wide range of work they can provide, Nemerow cites a friendly and positive atmosphere as a good reason for potential customers to visit his parlors. “A lot of other shops aren’t friendly if you have no tattoos, or even just one tattoo,” Nemerow said. “But you’ll be welcome here.” Falling somewhere between those two shops is Dovetail Tattoo. Located just south of campus on 17th Street, Dovetail Tattoo held its official opening just a few years ago in 2010. Wendi Ramirez oversees the shop, and for her, the vibe and atmosphere were of utmost importance. “I wanted something turn-of-the-century, low-key and very respectful towards the clients and the artists. It’s about providing a sense of relaxation,” Ramirez said. Ramirez also sought to create an environment that felt safe and secure. “I wanted a place where families would be comfortable coming,” she said. Of course, the workers at Dovetail do not rest on their pleasant atmosphere alone. “We have very talented artists. All of their work is custom; it’s not just something taken

Keith Nemerow started Platinum Ink as a way to engage in Austin’s art scene. off of the wall. And we have a lot of experience here,” Ramirez said. That these and other parlors continue to thrive is a testament to the strength of the tattoo community in Austin and the demand that exists within the still-growing city. One thing is clear: no matter what sort of ink you’re looking for, Austin has you covered.

Perfection Tattoo artist Chris Trevino studied tattooing in Japan to refine his skills.

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 5

AUSTI N , TX

HIRING

NOW

Friday, March 28, 2014

SMOKIN’ HOT BARTENDERS HOSTS & SERVERS

WWW.BONEDADDYS.COM

11617 RESEARCH BLVD AUSTIN 512.346.3025

Page 6

LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, March 28, 2014

The low-down on ‘stealth dorm’ limits story by Shantanu Banerjee photos by Elizabeth de Regt

ustin City Council’s vote to reduce occupancy levels in ‘stealth dorms’ further increases the difficulty students face when it comes to housing. The vote in February that approved the new limits constitutes one of three votes that will be held on the issue. ‘Stealth dorms’ refer to homes or duplexes that are rented by several unrelated adults — much of the time students — as a form of housing. The initial approval for the new limits changes the number of unrelated adults that can live in a single-family home from six to four. This would apply only to homes that are built in the future, so those existing currently remain exempt. Currently there are at least 400 of these stealth dorms, according to Sarah Coppola of the Austin AmericanStatesman. With increasing rent in Riverside and West Campus, reducing occupancy limits in single-family neighborhoods does not help the difficult housing situation students currently face. The homes provide students with

alternatives to living on campus or in other areas of Austin that may be more costly. The residential setting can also offer a more spacious, home-like feel — something students might desire while at school. UT President Bill Powers stated in his blog that the Class of 2016 constituted a record with over 8,000 undergraduates — all of whom need a place to stay. These large class sizes coupled with the incoming Dell Medical School means the demand for student housing will only go up. By limiting access to housing options, the city further burdens students who are already hard-pressed financially. According to Forbes, two-thirds of students coming out of American universities are graduating with some form of debt. The average debt of a student is almost $27,000 as determined by the Institute for College Access and Success.

STEALTH continues on page 33

Single-family homes inhabited by a large number of students often irritate neighbors, who complain of increased traffic, elevated noise levels, excessive use of parking and increased presence of trash in the area.

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Tour: 2021 Guadalupe St.

Friday, March 28, 2014

STYLE

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 7

keeping the 40 Acres trendy

STREET CHIC

photos by Silvana Di Ravenna

Austin. What better city is there to people-watch? One of the most interesting elements of the â&#x20AC;&#x153;keep it weirdâ&#x20AC;? culture is the personal style on display wherever you find a lot of strolling Austinites.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Work and school, all right here on campus

University of Texas student Eric Herran works at Gregory Gym as a lifeguard. He appreciates that most of his responsibilites are contained within the 40 Acres.

hen senior Eric Herran gets out of class and heads to work, he doesn’t have to worry about traffic or dealing with a supervisor who doesn’t understand that his role as a student comes first. He doesn’t even have to get into a car or catch a bus. “I’m a lifeguard at Gregory Gym,” he says. “I don’t have to travel off campus and it still feels like a change of pace.” Herran’s job with Recreational Sports is just one of the more than 2,100 student worker positions and 930+ volunteer opportunities within the Division of Student Affairs. Division staff will be recruiting for paid and volunteer positions at the upcoming Student Job and Volunteer Fair on April 2 and 3. These on-campus positions are about much more than getting a paycheck, too. Research shows that students who work on campus are also much more likely to stay in school, graduate within four years and attend graduate school. On top of that, they have the opportunity to work directly alongside professional staff whose expertise ranges from health and fitness to business management and event planning. The broad range of student resources those departments represent is one of the reasons Resident Assistant Dakota Batch enjoys working in Student Affairs at Kinsolving Residence Hall. “I learn about all the amazing resources on campus,” she says, “and I can direct students to them.” Departments recruiting for current and upcoming positions at the fair include the Counseling and Mental Health Center, Hous-

ing and Food Service, New Student Services, Office of the Dean of Students, Recreational Sports, Texas Parents, Texas Student Media, the Center for Students in Recovery, University Health Services, University Unions as well as the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs. The scale and breadth of The University of Texas at Austin also means that student employees have lots of opportunities to find jobs that match their unique interests as well as their academic studies. Navit Jaimes is an event and image strategist helping to organize special events at Hogg Memorial Auditorium with the University Unions. Jaimes, who’s a marketing major in the McCombs School of Business, says her work at Hogg Auditorium gives her the opportunity to “apply the concepts I learn in class to my job and vice versa.” Within the Division, there are more than 180 different student job titles. This spring’s job fair will offer even more opportunities because of a partnership between the Division of Student Affairs and the University Leadership Network, a new program designed to help incoming students develop leadership skills while pursuing academic success. It pays, too. Students selected will receive a $5,000 annual award in 10 monthly disbursements as they continue to achieve program goals. The Division of Student Affairs Student Job and Volunteer Fair takes place Wednesday and Thursday, April 2 and 3, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Gregory Gym Concourse.

Friday, March 28, 2014

Boutiques flaunt unique fashion

story by Jared Wynne photos by Silvana Di Ravenna

he City of Austin is reputed for being a place that is proud of its own uniqueness. This pride naturally extends to local fashion trends, and there exists no shortage of options for locals looking to shop, buy and make their own personal fashion statement. With the number of trendy boutiques that have sprung up around the city, the question isn’t so much of finding a shop as it is of finding the right shop to suit your personal tastes. Different boutiques bring varied focuses with the aim of attracting their own desired clientele. Learning which shops offer what you’re looking for is half the battle, with the other half being finding something in your size. One of these three Austin boutiques may be your perfect fit. Lucy Jolis operates Sunroom, a small boutique located on South Lamar Boulevard. Her shop has stood for less than a year, but it has already carved out its place in the area with its unique look and feel. “Our spot here is the only one I ever looked at, and now I love it,” Jolis said. “It’s come a long way.” Jolis built a shop that reminds visiting customers of beaches and the California coast, and the vibe is no accident. “I really wanted a beach-inspired boutique,” Jolis said. Most items carried at Sunroom won’t easily be found elsewhere, as Jolis’ philosophy in working with designers ensures that her selection stands out from the competition.

“I’m very specific on the designs I carry,” Jolis said. “If it’s already in another store in Austin, I’m not interested in it.” Among those Jolis works with are designers from New York City, Los Angeles and Australia. And it isn’t just the uniqueness that informs her philosophy in selecting her stock. “I’m very particular about quality, and I think you get better quality from designers who produce on a smaller scale,” Jolis said. Bon Voyage is another recently opened

“I’m very specific about the designs I carry. If it’s already in another store, I’m not interested in it.” - Lucy Jolis, Sunroom boutique

Austin boutique. The shop is now one year old and may be a common sight to some students who frequent the western side of campus near to the corner of 24th and Guadalupe streets. Jennifer Lee works as the leader of the sales team at Bon Voyage. She emphasized the shop’s location as one of its main draws, especially for students. “The shop is close to several cafés, it’s very cozy and it’s right next to campus,” Lee said.

SHOPS continues on page 31

Lucy Jolis operates Sunroom, a “beach-inspired boutique” found on South Lamar Boulevard.

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

live close

live college Great location in West Campus — walk to class. New expanded 24-hr fitness center. Upgraded Computer lab with NEW computers. NEW pool furniture • NEW rooftop basketball court.

2 6 - w e s t. c o m 60 0 West 26th St | 512 . 47 7.340 0

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LONGHORN LIFE

GOOD EATS

Friday, March, 28 2014

embrace your inner foodie

Say, “Irasshaimase!” to Kome sushi story by Shantanu Banerjee photos by Hannah Vickers

Owner Take Asazu cuts meat in preparation to make a Sashimi Lunch.

iners are greeted with the Japanese salutation of “Irasshaimase!” by the entire staff as they walk into Kome, a restaurant offering Japanese, homestyle cuisine close to UT. Kome’s lunch and dinner menus are full of non-tradi-

tional Japanese dishes that follow personal family recipes while also incorporating elements from the chef’s background — Austin and New Orleans. Adding this personal touch allows Kome to offer a form of Japanese cuisine that cannot be found anywhere else in Austin. Featured in Bon Appetit’s “The Best New Sushi Restaurants in America” as well as locally in The Austin Chronicle and the Austin American-Statesman, Kome has repeatedly stood out among

fers the opportunity for residents of East Austin and UT to try family style Japanese without having to travel too far in terms of distance and price. Owners Takehiro Asazu and his wife Kayo opened Kome in 2011. The couple also has run the food trailer Sushi-A-Go-Go since 2009. Co-owner Kayo Asazu recommends first-timers try out chicken Katsu Teishoku for lunch and Tonpei-yaki for dinner. The chicken Katsu uses a juicy portion of meat that most dinKome co-owner Kayo Asazu ers find appealrecommends first-timers try ing, while the is chicken Katsu Teishoku for Tonpei-yaki the Japanese lunch and Tonpei-yaki version of a for dinner. pork omelet, which is a speother restaurants in the Air- cialty passed down by Kayo’s port Boulevard area. With mother. most local Japanese restauThe Teishoku lunches are rants being located outside combination meals that inof Central Austin, Kome of- clude a Japanese salad, rice

The Sashimi lunch includes tuna, salmon, striped bass, hamachi, amaebi, saba, scallop, tobiko, and fresh wasabi with rice.

Kome is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner and is located at 4917 Airport Blvd.

and soup as well as an entree staying true to Kome’s family tin, after experiencing sevfor $10 or less. The afford- style approach. eral Japanese restaurants, ability of dishes is another Some sure-shot sugges- Kome has been the most reason for the restaurant’s tions for uncertain diners authentic so far,” said history popularity. include Gyoza, Japanese- junior Leanne Chia. “I went “We are trying to be cre- style pork dumplings, or the with a friend, ordered severative in minimizing our Tempura, which includes al entrees, sushi, dessert and waste and in rotating our both vegetables and shrimp paid under $25. I have yet to ingredients effectively,” cooked in a special bat- find another Japanese place Kayo Asazu said when asked ter. For those who are more in Austin that can beat that.” how Kome manages to keep adventurous, the Takoyaki, As you walk out, the chefs prices low relative will usually stop to competitors. what they are “This means get- “Having grown up in Austin, after doing to yell, ting high-quality experiencing several Japanese “Arigato!” which products from less- restaurants, Kome has been the means ‘thank expensive inputs you’ in Japamost authentic so far.” on everything from nese. Feel free our chopsticks to to reply; regard- Leanne Chia, history junior the actual ingrediless of pronunents.” ciation, you will If students are be received just visiting in small groups, octopus dumplings, offers as kindly as when you enlunchtime is a better option the chance to taste Japanese tered. financially. For large groups, street food in a more formal dinner is preferable since setting. items are more sharable, “Having grown up in Aus-

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

Coffee shops bring the brew with flair story by Mariana Munoz photos by Darice Chavira

f you’re like most college students, you’ve already realized that coffee is your best friend. You know, the one who gets you through rough mornings and the dreadful all-nighters. It’s nice to be able to wind down and enjoy a cup of coffee, too, but with so many shops around Austin, it can be hard to find one that provides both good coffee and a unique experience. Lucky for you, Longhorn Life has found these gems.

Mozart’s Mozart’s Coffee Roasters has become a favorite study spot for college students. During the evenings, you are sure to see students on the outdoor patio geared up with their laptops, books, coffee and desserts. You can’t blame them — the coffee and desserts are to die for and the view is fantastic. Mozart’s is located in the Lake Austin area, which provides a gorgeous view of the lake; it’s as close as you’ll get to the water while in a coffee shop. In addition, live music rocks the shop every Thurs-

day through Sunday on the outdoor deck. Mozart’s offers gourmet coffees from around the world, flame roasted by their roast-master on site, as well as an on-site bakery. It offers free refills on standard cups of regular and iced coffee. The shop is also pet-friendly, which makes it an ideal spot to relax after taking your dog for a walk.

Spider House Spider House Café, located just north of 29th Street, is widely known as an Austin hotspot due to some of its unique characteristics. Not only does it offer great coffee, but also a wide selection of beers on tap, which is not very common in coffee shops. A crowd favorite is the eclectic décor on the patio — antiques, art installation pieces, garden statues and an abundance of booths, swings and tabletops illuminated with year-round Christmas lights. In addition, the patio is also a smoke-friendly environment equipped with free Wi-Fi. Spider House offers three outdoor stages on which

you can catch live music or comedy shows. The staff has even rumored the place to be haunted, which makes it ideal for thrill-seekers.

Café Pacha Café Pacha is the place to go if you are an organicslover. Ninety percent of the ingredients used are organic, which includes the coffee, teas, milk, yogurt, grains, chickens, cattle and even the chocolate. Many of the shop’s products are purchased through local farmers, ensuring high quality. The café has an international feel to it; the founder, Julie Schroeder, spent a year living in Bolivia, which inspired her to open Café Pacha and offer some authentic South American foods. The shop offers a variety of pancake flavors, such as pear and apple, making it a favorite amongst those with fancy taste buds. Without a doubt, Austin is coffee-shop heaven. Look anywhere and you’ll be sure to discover some great coffee and your next favorite hangout spot.

Mozart’s takes pride in their coffee drinks by offering an abundance of different flavors and blends.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, March 28, 2014

Phone a friend to deliver your food story by Kritika Kulshrestha

ustin’s restaurant industry has grown at an exponential rate. New restaurants like Gus’s Fried Chicken, Due Forni and Dolce Neve are finding their way into the heart of downtown Austin, and there are many more restaurant openings planned this year. With people looking to experiment with their food and their willingness to try out new places, food delivery services can make dining quick, convenient and hassle-free. Joshua Barber, vice president of Austin-based, online, food-delivery service Dine on Demand, said there wasn’t much competition in the food delivery space back when he decided to start his company in 2006. “I saw a need for restaurants trying to connect to delivery,” Barber said. “People are now more educated about food; they want

photo by Jared Wynne

team of nine employees are constantly trying to stay on top of the marketing game in a burgeoning industry replete with competitors like GrubHub Inc., Eat24 and Favor, the most recent startup

the app, it displays a list of nearby places or restaurants. The user types the name of the place into a search box inside the app, requests a ‘favor,’ pays a $5 fee and waits for the item to be delivered.

“...if Home Slice Pizza is preparing your order, and it probably takes a bit of time, then having that runner text you, asking if you’d like to add anything to your order, is something customers appreciate from the runners.” -Zachary Maurais, founder of Favor

Zachary Maurais, founder of Favor, posing with developer Caleb Fulgham outside the company’s headquarters on South Lamar Boulevard. quality. The fastest-growing segment of the food services industry is delivery.” Dine on Demand has a mobile-friendly website, but there are plans for a mobile

app, because more and more orders are coming in through mobile devices, Barber said. With more than 80 restaurant partners in the Austin area and more than 200 all

over the country, Dine on Demand has cultivated partnerships in five cities: Austin, Houston, San Antonio, Orlando and Colorado Springs. Barber said he and his

to enter the food delivery industry. Launched in June 2013 by co-founders Zachary Maurais and Ben Doherty, Favor has grown exponentially in the past couple of months. Voted “Best Local App” by The Austin Chronicle last year, Favor has a simple interface. Once a user logs into

The Favor runners are the customers’ personal shopping assistants, shopping for items ranging from paper towels and detergent to packaged food and salads.

DELIVERY continues on page 31

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 13

Smoke rises at hookah lounges close to campus story and photo by Lauren Lowe

ookah smoking is steadily gaining popularity in the United States. Veronica Johnston for Health Media Collaboratory at the University of Illinois at Chicago writes that “one in five American college students report smoking hookah in the past year.” It’s no coincidence then that many of the hookah lounges that are popping up around the country are in close proximity to college campuses. The Center for Disease Control defines a hookah as a waterpipe used to smoke shisha, a blend of shredded tobacco, flavoring and sweeteners such as honey or molasses. According to the American Lung Association, waterpipe smoking began in ancient India and Persia. Early hookahs were “believed to have been carved from a coconut shell, with the milk used as a filtering

agent.” Unfortunately, Austin does not have a wide variety of hookah bars; the overwhelming majority of Yelp listings are either Mediterranean restaurants that have a handful of hookahs for rent or Mediterranean/Middle Eastern-themed lounges that focus on hookah. But UT students in particular don’t need to look very far for a good place to partake in the hookah trend. West Campus is home to two hookah lounges with very mellow atmospheres and arrays of shisha flavors to choose from.

floats toward the ceiling in all rooms of the lounge. Kasbah offers more than 75 shisha options as well as various teas, coffee and snacks. Manager Alex Rigney said their bestselling shisha flavors are Starbuzz’s Blue Mist, a minty blueberry, and Double Apple. “Generally [Kasbah] is the best,” Rigney said. “We generally have the best hookahs … and it’s the atmosphere, definitely. It’s very homey.”

Kasbah Hookah Lounge

A man from Tunisia and a woman from Kansas started Arab Cowboy. According to the lounge’s website, the couple met in Los Angeles and eventually opened a place meant to combine their cultures in Austin. Arab Cowboy was originally a restaurant as well, but

The rooms at Kasbah are filled with couches, hanging tapestries and ornate decorations. Led Zeppelin’s “Black Dog” plays over the quiet conversations of the patrons. White, sweetsmelling smoke twirls and

Arab Cowboy Café & Hookah Lounge

Patrons share a hookah at Arab Cowboy Café & Hookah Lounge in West Campus. manager Katie Carrell said restrictions on preparing food and tobacco products in the same area made the owners choose a focus. Hookah was in higher demand. Arab Cowboy also displays and sells artwork from local artists that impress the own-

ers. Carrell, who has worked at Arab for more than four years, said that Blue Mist is also their bestselling shisha, but they have many popular custom blends such as peach-mango-mint. Plus, they offer several tobacco-

free options. “We have some students and a lot of the younger crowd come in at night, but during the day it’s definitely a classier place,” Carrell said. “We kind of have a little bit more of a chill environment.”

W BEST OF cheers!

2014

elcome to the results of the 2014 UTmost Best Of Survey! UT students, faculty and staff and members of the Austin community submitted their favorites. The following pages reveal the winners in various categories for the sections Food & Drink, Living and Shopping. Enjoy! If you have any questions, please email specialeditions@texasstudentmedia.com.

1400 S. Congress Ave.

KENDRA SCOTT

2007 Guadalupe St.

UNIVERSITY CO-OP ore bookst

jewelry

photo by Lauren Lowe

Based in Austin, Kendra Scott began her jewelry line in 2002 and now sells nationally. Her pieces feature interesting shapes and unexpected materials such as pyrite, abalone shell and chalcedony. Celebrities have been seen in Scott’s designs, according to her website. The jewelry ranges in price from $35 to $200+. What really makes Kendra Scott special is the “Color Bar,” where customers can get custom jewelry made in-store. Lauren Lowe

The Co-op’s website says that Professor William J. Battle founded the University Co-op in 1896 and modeled it after the Harvard Co-op. The Co-op provides services such as printer cartridge refills and notaries. In addition to being a campus bookstore, the Co-op sells everything burnt orange, from apparel and pillows to glassware and shower curtains. Virginia D. of El Cerrito, Calif. writes on Yelp that “if you don’t find a souvenir, you are doing it on purpose.” Lauren Lowe

Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 354-4737 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 456-7211 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8:30 a.m. - 7:30 p.m.; Sat., 9:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK

1503 S. 1st St.

GOURDOUGH’S f oo d truck

1415 S. Congress Ave.

HOME SLICE pizza

photo by Elizabeth de Regt

UT students ubiquitously love this dessert truck. Serving up specialty gourmet doughnuts of all flavors, shapes and sizes, Gourdough’s offers a wide selection that is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. Doughnuts are filled, topped and garnished with delicious combinations of puddings, creams, strawberries, blueberries, syrups, cookies, brownie bites — the list goes on. Now located on 1503 South 1st St., Gourdough’s is open until midnight on most days and until 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The doughnuts served here are sure to satisfy your monthly, or even biyearly, quota of sugary, gooey foods. But that won’t stop you from going more often. Priyanka Deshpande

Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 707-1050 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 10 a.m. - midnight; Fri., 10 a.m. - 3 a.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - 3 a.m.; Sun., 8 a.m. - midnight;

photo by Joe Capraro

Austinite’s craving a taste of the Northeast should look no further than Home Slice Pizza’s New York-style pies. Diners should expect a bit of a wait at this classic Austin restaurant, but time flies when guests can wait in the outdoor courtyard and play ping pong while the savory scent of pizza wafts through the air. “Home Slice Pizza is bent on creating an Austin institution based on the unfailing goodness of authentic New York-style pizza,” Nano Whitman, Home Slice’s director of operations said. “Food is love!” Samantha Meyer Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 444-7437 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Fri. - Sat., 11 a.m. - midnight; Sun., noon - 11 p.m.

4700 W. Guadalupe St.

2322 Guadalupe St.

MANDOLA’S italian

CAMPUS CANDY yogurt

photo by Joe Capraro

Family owned by founders Damian and Trina Mandola and their twin sons, Mandola’s is a nexus of Italian culture in the Lone Star State. Walking into Mandola’s instantly transports you to a classic Italian marketplace. Every taste, sound and smell in this establishment is authentically Italian. Mandola’s is not just a restaurant, it is also a bakery, deli and a grocery store featuring imported Italian foods. It’s no wonder Mandola’s is such a hit — this place is perfect for a boisterous dinner with friends and family or a classy date. Samantha Meyer Austin, TX 78751 | (512) 419-9700 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. - 9 p.m.

photo by Joe Capraro

You can’t miss this brightly covered bit of happiness on The Drag. Campus Candy is the perfect place to unwind with a cool treat after a hard week of classes. Patrons enjoy a wide selection of candies and innovative yogurt flavors — try the Cake Batter. The best part is that you can request any candy in the store a as topping for your yogurt. “The atmosphere and design is really cool and has a great college hang-outspot vibe,” frequent customer Katelyn Warshaw said. “I love fruity and tart yogurt flavors, which they always have.” Samantha Meyer Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 476-4447 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., noon - 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., noon - 1 a.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. - 10 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK

TRUDY’S

2400 E. Oltorf St., Ste. 1-A

888 PAN ASIAN

409 W. 30th St.

happyr hou

asian f ood

photo by Elizabet de Regt

Trudy’s Tex-Mex Restaurant and Bar has been a popular destination for UT students since its original location opened in 1977 on 409 W. 30th St. Trudy’s serves delicious food and a variety of drink specials for great prices; Happy Hour is from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays. Alcoholic offerings include an array of specialty tequilas, rums, vodkas, whiskeys and wines, as well as unique margaritas. While the bar is known to mix up great Mexican martinis on Mondays, their weekend specials are some of the most famed drinks. It’s no wonder that students picked Trudy’s as one of the best places to buy drinks around town! Priyanka Deshpande Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-2935 Hours: Mon. - Thu., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Fri. 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat. & Sun. 9 a.m. - 2 a.m.

photo by Elizabeth de Regt

Garnering a four-star review on Yelp.com and a 4.3 in Google Reviews, it comes as no surprise that this Asian restaurant is among UT students’ top picks. Located on 2400 East Oltorf St., 888 serves up delicious and tangy Chinese and Vietnamese food. The restaurant is famed for their coconut curries, pad thai and pho. A destination for meat-lovers and vegetarians alike, 888 offers great dishes, from stir-fry and fried rice to chicken, pork and beef plates. The dinner menu is sure to leave you satisfied, but a popular suggestion is to try the lunch buffet, as well. 888 is sure to please any Asianfood lover. Priyanka Deshpande Austin, TX 78741 | (512) 488-4722 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sun., 5:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.

5204 FM 2222

COUNTY LINE BBQ

BBQ

TRUDY’S 409 W. 30th St. n mexica f ood

photo by Elizabeth de Regt

While the original County Line location is located in the Hill Country, the Lake Austin location is a long-time tradition for students who live near or on campus. Since 1975, County Line has been cooking up quality cuts of brisket, pork, chicken and sausage, serving them alongside traditional barbecue sides of cole slaw, beans and potato salad. While the barbecue platters are popular, large groups go for the family style, all-you-can-eat meals. Traditional desserts such as homemade ice-cream, cobbler and pecan pie are served, as well. Perfect destination for a lazy afternoon! Priyanka Deshpande Austin, TX 78731 | (512) 346-3664 Hours: Mon., 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Tue. - Thurs., 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. Fri., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sat., 11:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun., 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

photo by Joe Capraro

UT students have found the perfect taste of south-of-the-border just north of campus — Trudy’s. This cozy restaurant serves up innovative Mexican dishes (try their Chorizo Stuffed Chicken, seriously), and a scary good margarita. “I think what makes Trudy’s special is that it is one of the oldest locally owned establishments left in Austin,” said Preston Dumas, Trudy’s operations manager. “It is still owned and operated by the same family since it was established in 1977. With a dedication to the fresh products of the highest quality, Trudy’s sets itself apart from the rest.” Samantha Meyer Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-2935 Hours: Mon. - Thu., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m. - 2 a.m.

FOOD & DRINK

2222 Rio Grande St.

RED MANGO yogurt

TRUDY’S

409 W. 30th St.

chips a& sals photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

Found next door to Plucker’s in West Campus, Red Mango’s frozen yogurt is what Longhorns want. For health-conscious individuals, Red Mango has also recently started offering Greek froyo options. Along with the variety of flavors, patrons can choose among fruit smoothies, too. Regardless of what you choose, the options are fresh and come with all the toppings you could want, including everything from cheesecake bites to berries of all kinds. If you’re coming back from class or just want some dessert, Red Mango is a close-by and healthier alternative to most choices in Austin. And to top it off, the staff will even verify your parking for the adjacent garage if you don’t feel like walking. Shantanu Banjeree Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 476-1496 Hours: Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - midnight

photo by Hannah Vickers

Any student looking for an accessible dose of Mexican cuisine would do well to check out Trudy’s. With a location just north of campus on 30th Street, Trudy’s offers a full menu of traditional Mexican meals along with a variety of drinks, including their famous Mexican Martini. And this is all in addition to the esteemed chips and salsa bowls served with every meal that brought them this award. Jared Wynne Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-2935 Hours: Mon. - Thu., 4 p.m. - 2 a.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.; Sat. & Sun., 9 a.m. - 2 a.m.

2300 E. Cesar Chavez St.

2606 Guadalupe St.

JUAN IN A MILLION ast breakfo

KERBEY LANE queso

tac

photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

Check out the breakfast tacos here and sometime you’ll be personally greeted by Juan himself. The selection is wide and hasn’t changed much since the restaurant opened in the 1980s. With more than 13 breakfast tacos to pick from, starting at $2.25, there’s something for everyone. This is not including the famous breakfast items such as the legendary Don Jaun taco, featured in “Man vs. Food” on the Travel Channel. Along with their breakfast options, Juan offers plenty of other Tex-Mex dishes ranging from burritos and chalupas to fajitas and enchiladas. The restaurant opens at 7 a.m. every day, so whether you’re short on cash or need any early breakfast, Juan’s is for you. Shantanu Banerjee Austin, TX 78702 | (512) 472-3872 Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

photo by Elizabeth de Regt

It seems that UT students have honed in on what they really love about this 24-hour eatery: the queso. Made from choppy cheese, tomato chunks and guacamole, Kerbey Queso is creamy, flavorful and generally delightful. Kerbey Lane Café has five restaurants open around the city and UT students seem to have a hankering for the Austin-founded diner’s UT location on Guadalupe Street. Kerbey prides itself on buying from Austin’s small-business community and using fresh, locally grown ingredients for its unique recipes. Priyanka Deshpande Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-5717 | Hours: 24/7

FOOD & DRINK

CHUY’S

2313 Rio Grande St.

CAIN & ABEL’S

10520 N. Lamar Blvd.

ames g / r e e b

bar

chips a& sals

photo by Hannah Vickers photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

With bins that allow customers to refill their own plates with warm, fresh tortilla chips and a variety of signature salsas, Chuy’s takes the title of Best Chips and Salsa this year. The Chuy’s salsa can be chunky, making for a spicier bite and larger portions per dip. They get the mix of tomato, serrano and cilantro so right that you might fill yourself up before your entrée arrives. If you want to make your chips and dip experience even more interesting, request some creamy jalapeno sauce, described by Chuy’s as “a sauce so special you have to know someone to get it.” Shantanu Banerjee Austin, TX 78753 | (512) 836-3218 Hours: Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

It should come as no surprise to students to see Cain & Abel’s picking up this award. Cain & Abel’s has been a West Campus fixture for more than 20 years. Take a walk from campus down West 24th Street and you’ll soon find this welcoming bar and grill. Students drop in and out during the afternoon and can fill the place to the brim during busy times. The neighborhood atmosphere makes for a great place to down a cold drink, and there are plenty of burgers and sandwiches to go around if you’re looking for more than just a beer. Jared Wynne Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 476-3201 Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. - 2 a.m.

1400 S. Congress Ave.

2908 Fruth St.

HOPDODDY

SPIDER HOUSE coffee house

burger

photo by Hannah Vickers

The Spider House Café is part and parcel of the scene around campus. The atmosphere is friendly, the vibe is relaxed and the outdoor seating is plentiful. Spider House offers a strong variety of drinks ranging from coffee to cocktails. The décor is fresh and unique, and perhaps most importantly, WiFi is freely available every day. It just might be the perfect place for a student to retreat after a full day of classes. Jared Wynne Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 480-9562 Hours: Daily, 5 p.m. - 2 a.m.

photo by Hannah Vickers

Gourmet hamburgers are the order of the day every day at Hopdoddy. The hormone-free beef is always freshly ground, and every additional ingredient is advertised as being all-natural. Those ingredients range from blue cheese and apple-smoked bacon to honey wasabi and caramelized onions. It’s an assortment sure to inspire repeat visits from new customers. Lines can be daunting, but the seating is efficient enough to see each hungry visitor seated sooner than later, and drinks are available to tide you over until your turn is up. Jared Wynne Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 243-7505 Hours: Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

FOOD & DRINK

3200 Guadalupe St.

THUNDERCLOUD i sandw

2606 Guadalupe St.

KERBEY LANE ast breakf

shop

photo by Joe Capraro

Founded in 1975, ThunderCloud Subs has been the connoisseur of delectable sandwiches for generations of Austinites. Don’t let the casual atmosphere fool you; these sandwiches are nothing short of gourmet. ThunderCloud slices its own meats and produce and makes its sauces and spreads from scratch. The friendly staff and classic options make ThunderCloud a lunchtime favorite. Subs are made-to-order and can be ordered online for extra convenience. Fun fact: Gluten-free students can still enjoy a delicious sub at ThunderCloud, which now offers gluten-free bread at all locations. Samantha Meyer Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 452-5010 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri., 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sat., 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

This winner comes as no surprise to Austinites. Whether it’s 3 a.m. with friends or for family brunch, Kerbey Lane always has your back with classics such as Kerbey Queso and sweet potato fries. The folks at Kerbey have also remained local-ingredient champions, only adding to how well they fit into Austin’s culture. With varying pancakes of the month, such as the popular cinnamon roll or s’mores pancakes, providing both sweet and savory options 24 hours per day at five locations found throughout the city, Kerbey takes another UTmost title for a third year in a row with ease. Shantanu Banerjee Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-5717 | Hours: 24/7

BABY A’S

1914A Guadalupe St.

VEGGIE HEAVEN

5610 N. I-35

ritas marga

rian vegeta

photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

Right by campus on The Drag, Veggie Heaven exclusively serves East Asian vegetarian and vegan dishes. With a wide range of choices from steamed buns to pot stickers, eating your vegetables here is no problem. With the spices and tofu options, even meat-eaters can leave feeling satisfied. On top of it all, the restaurant also gives you a bang for your buck, with many dishes around $7. Much of the time you’ll find yourself leaving with leftovers. After your meal, be sure to give their bubble teas or creamy Thai teas a try; they offer a great ending to a savory meal, especially if you go for the spicy options. Shantanu Banerjee Austin, TX 78705| (512) 457-1013 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 11 a.m. - 8:45 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., - noon - 8:45 p.m.

photo by Silvana Di Ravenna

Baby A’s has a wide selection of margaritas ranging from the Spicy Cucumber Rita to its well-known Purple Rita. Take note — they limit your Purple Ritas to just two per person, which speaks for itself. Also, you can get $1 off as many as a dozen different margaritas during happy hour from 2 to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday. Baby A’s serves the Austin-made Dulce Vida organic tequila, if patrons are looking to drink something locally brewed. The Dulce Vida also has a limit of two per person during a visit, and you can mix it into any margarita. And for those who can’t decide between a beer or margarita, fear not — Baby A’s also has the Beer Rita. Shantanu Banerjee Austin, TX 78753 | (512) 670-9111 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - midnight; Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

ENTERTAINMENT ALAMO 320 E. 6th St. DRAFTHOUSE

OASIS

6550 Comanche Trail

first

movie r

date

theate

photo by Darice Chavira

photo by Clara Patt

Dinner or a movie? The Alamo Drafthouse has made the choice easier by offering both. Simply write your order on a ticket, place it in front of you and a waiter will come by to pick up your order and have it delivered during the movie. It’s safe to say that it’s more than a movie theatre; it’s an experience. Drafthouse also screens sing-alongs and classic films on special nights, making it a hotspot for dates, reunions or a simple night out on the town.

Finding a romantic getaway in Austin can be tough, but if you are willing to make the trip out to Comanche Trail, The Oasis on Lake Travis will transform your first date into a beautiful memory filled with gorgeous sunsets, serene lakeside beauty and the charm of tranquility with food on the side. Hunger can wait. Have a margarita or two if you must, but enjoy the journey to Comanche Trail and take in the sunsets and scenery at The Oasis with your special someone. Kritika Kulshrestha

Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 861-7020

Austin, TX 78732 | (512) 266-2442 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 11:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Mariana Munoz

SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST

310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd.

MOODY THEATER music venue

l festiva

photo by Clara Patt

photo by Paul Hudson

There is a manic fever that grips Austin every year in March with hordes of people descending on the city to experience a super-charged cocktail of live music, film premieres, spectacular food from local food trucks and interactive events. The SXSW storm wakes up Austinites and leaves them wanting more live entertainment and fun by the end of it. Whether you have a badge, a wristband or are championing the free events, you can have a good time at SXSW with the right attitude. South By is the perfect time to walk around downtown, to engage in some people watching, to soak in the energy of the crowds and to grab free swag! Kritika Kulshrestha

From ACL Live tapings to hosting live music performances by Sting, Pitbull and ZEDD, Moody is Austin’s premier destination for live music, great acoustics and ambience. Located conveniently in downtown Austin, Moody gives you easy access to the best restaurants, pubs and shopping districts. You can’t say you’ve experienced Austin until you’ve been to a show at Moody! Kritika Kulshrestha

Yearly, during spring break

Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 225-7999

FOOD & DRINK 3200 Guadalupe St.

2606 Guadalupe St.

THUNDERCLOUD

KERBEY LANE ht late-nig

quick lunch

f oo d

photo by Joe Capraro photo by Elizabeth de Regt

Thundercloud Subs is really a neighborhood sub shop, having opened its first store in Austin in 1975 — almost 40 years ago. Using fresh ingredients and a wide variety of veggies, meats and garnishes, Thundercloud offers some of the finest casual subs around. Favorites include the California Club with turkey, avocado, bacon and cheese; the N.Y. Italian filled with hearty meats; and by far the most-loved sandwich is their special, the Austin Club, with smoked chicken, avocado, bacon and cheese. Priyanka Deshpande

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 452-5010 Hours: Mon. - Thurs., 10:30 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri., 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m., Sat., 10:30 a.m. - 11 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.

1400 S. Congress Ave.

HOPDODDY

Nothing fits the bill for a midnight snack quite like queso and pancakes. It comes as no surprise then, that Kerbey Lane is UT’s pick for Best Late Night Food. “Kerbey Lane Cafe is unique because we are a down-to-earth establishment in a city that is rapidly changing,” Karli Isiyel, Kerbey Lane’s director of branding said. “We will welcome you into our restaurant no matter the time of day and serve you a robust meal at a very decent price; we have done so for almost 34 years and aren’t stopping anytime soon!” Samantha Meyer

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 477-5717 | Hours: 24/7

4001 N. Lamar Blvd.

CENTRAL MARKET y grocer store

French fries

photo by Lauren Lowe photo by Clara Patt

French Fries with green chili queso or Parmesan fries — Hopdoddy has it all. If you plan to try their fries, then prepare yourself to down some serious deliciousness. As one of Austin’s iconic burger joints, as iconic as Franklin’s BBQ, you may head to Hopdoddy’s for the burgers or the shakes, but never forget the French fries! You’ve also voted it the Best Burger joint in Austin, so be prepared to wait in line and be ready to give your taste buds the time of their lives. Kritika Kulshrestha Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 243-7505 Hours: Sun. - Thurs., 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Fri. & Sat., 11 a.m. - 11 p.m.

The first Central Market opened in 1994 in Austin. Since then, eight more locations have opened across Texas. The grocery store is a foodie’s paradise, but there is also a café, a patio with occasional live music, cooking classes, an online store and catering services. Regular grocery items tend to be a little pricey, but they carry a plethora of products that you can’t find anywhere else that are definitely worth the trip. Lauren Lowe

Austin, TX 78756 | (512) 206-1000 Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.

LIVING

UNIVERSITY VILLAGE 1301 Crossing Pl.

4600 W. Guadalupe St.

THE TRIANGLE

east living

northus camp

photo by Darice Chavira

The Triangle is the ideal living space for those who would like to have a taste of the Austin lifestyle without having to travel too far from their doorstep. The Triangle is also a community. Located in the Hyde Park area, The Triangle offers an atmosphere where you can eat, sleep and work. Walk around outside and you’ll find shops, restaurants, bars, a park and even a farmer’s market on Wednesday afternoons. It’s only a short bus ride away from the UT campus, making it a convenient choice for students who prefer the proximity when it comes to their living arrangements. Mariana Munoz

Austin, TX 78751 | (512) 450-1500 Hours: Mon., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Tues. - Thurs., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat. & Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

photo by Lauren Lowe

This apartment complex has individual leasing and roommate matching. Each apartment has a washer and dryer, walk-in closets, free cable with HBO and free highspeed internet. They also offer fully furnished apartments. The community amenities include a game room, a gym, a coffee bar and a pool. University Village is located off East Riverside Drive near Austin Community College’s Riverside campus. Rates start at $495 per month for a four bedroom/four bathroom apartment. Lauren Lowe Austin, TX 78741 | (512) 247-7711 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sun., 12 p.m. - 5 p.m.

500 S. Lamar Blvd.

H20 HAND CAR WASH & DETAIL

615 W. MLK Blvd.

JACK BROWN

car

dry

ng cleani

wash

photo by Jenna VonHofe

With 37 convenient locations around Central Texas, including one right next to campus, Jack Brown Cleaners has been providing quality service at competitive prices in Austin since 1935. With their variety of services, friendly customer service and dedication to eliminating even the toughest stain, it is no wonder this business has been so successful. Just noticed a stain on your dress for tonight’s formal? Worry not. Jack Brown offers same-day service with free pickup and delivery to make your life easier. Sarah Strohl Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 478-4621 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

photo by Darice Chavira

Since 2003, H2O Hand Car Wash & Detail has provided quality customer service in automotive care to Austin natives. From washing windows to dressing tires, H2O takes pride in doing everything by hand to give customers a superior, clean job. Need your carpets or car mats cleaned? H2O has you covered. With their close attention to detail, employees will have your car looking as good as new after your visit. Darice Chavira Austin, TX 78704 | (512) 236-9274 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. - 5:50 p.m.; Sun., 9 a.m. - 4:50 p.m.

LIVING

2704 Rio Grande St.

RIO WEST west s ampu

JESTER

201 Speedway

pus on-cam g

livin

living

photo by Clara Patt

Why would you want to live anywhere else in West Campus when you can live in a beautiful, luxury apartment just off The Drag? With Rio West, you enjoy quick access to your favorite taco joint, clothing store, watering hole and not to forget the UT campus. You can enjoy the vibe of living in West Campus with a Rio West apartment; it makes for a real, student experience. Kritika Kulshrestha

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 236-1903 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sun., 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

photo by Hannah Vickers

Just east of the Perry-Caste単eda Library sits the Jester Residence Hall, the largest on campus. Jester is split into two halves, the suitably named Jester East and Jester West. Both offer a wide variety of amenities to students residing on campus. Study rooms, computer labs and social rooms are the highlights. The Jester City Limits food court offers a convenient way for students to sate their hunger. The long-standing hall is named for former Governor of Texas Beauford H. Jester. Jared Wynne Austin, TX 78712 | (512) 232-1926 Hours: varied for restaurants

LONGHORN LEASING ent apartm r

locato

courtesy of the Longhorn Leasing Facebook page

The agents at Longhorn Leasing make the usually stressful and tedious task of finding housing simple, exciting and enjoyable. With more than 4,700 properties in their database, Longhorn Leasing makes it not only possible, but also easy to find your dream house or apartment. Plug your criteria (bedrooms, pricing, location, etc.) into their online search engine to have access to pictures and descriptions of your dream properties, or set up a complementary property tour with one of their agents. It is actually their job to find you exactly what you are looking for, so they wont give up until you are completely satisfied. Sarah Strohl (512) 900-7963

BEST OF cheers!

2014

SHOPPING

3202-C Guadalupe St.

OZONE BIKES

3700 Guadalupe St.

PLANET K

bike shop

smoke shop

photo by Darice Chavira

Walk into Planet K and you’ll find a wall-to-wall selection of pipes, energy drinks, adult toys and tobacco paraphernalia. The staff is known to be friendly and laid back, as is the environment. Planet K goes the extra mile; everywhere you look, you’ll be sure to find items that you never thought you’d find at your typical smoke shop: action figures, comics, candy, calendars and hippie gear. They surely help keep Austin weird, in a good way. Mariana Munoz

photo by Darice Chavira

Bikes are a big deal in Austin — that’s why Ozone Bikes offers a wide selection of bikes, locks, water bottles and just about everything you need to keep you going on the road. The on-site mechanics are known to be very helpful and knowledgeable in answering all your bike-related questions. Even if you’re not a biker yet, Ozone Bikes is a great place to get started and geared up for your future travels. Mariana Munoz Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 804-5228 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sat., 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.; Sun., noon - 6 p.m.

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 371-1920 Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. - midnight

BUFFALO 2904 Guadalupe St. EXCHANGE e vintagng clothi

2815B Guadalupe St.

NICE KICKS shoe store

photo by Darice Chavira

Ever heard of the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”? This is very true at Buffalo Exchange, where clothes are traded into hands of new owners. The process is simple — people clean out their closets, bring in their items and trade them in for cash or in-store credit. Then you can browse the store afterward and pick out a few items. Buffalo Exchange offers stylish trends at inexpensive prices, so you can have a brand-new wardrobe without breaking the bank. Mariana Munoz Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 480-9922 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

photo by Lauren Lowe

Nice Kicks specializes in selling name-brand sneakers for men and women. Aside from the retail space on the Drag, the staff has been running a blog dedicated to providing the most current news in shoes since 2006. According to the website, the business was first operated out of a spare bedroom. Clint A. of San Antonio wrote in a review on Yelp that “the combination of their blog, online store and physical location in Austin, TX makes for the premier experience for finding the freshest kicks around.” Lauren Lowe Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 320-8100 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Sun., noon - 6 p.m.

LIVING 100A Guadalupe St.

MILK + HONEY SPA nail salon

2007 Guadalupe St.

DARQUE TAN g tanninn salo

photo by Jenna VonHofe

Need a new place to get your nails done? Or do you have a special occasion that calls for pampering? Milk + Honey Spa is the place to go. This isn’t your run-of-the-mill nail salon; Milk + Honey has taken it up a notch with their treatments, giving customers different options depending on their time and budget. The “Buff and Go” for instance is a basic, polish-free manicure that only takes 20 minutes, while the “Lux” includes soaking, massaging, exfoliating and all of that pampering goodness. While slightly pricey for college students (manicures $30 to $45, pedicures $40 to $70), Milk + Honey Spa is worth the splurge. Sarah Strohl Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 236-1115 Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.

photo by Jenna VonHofe

After our marathon winter this year, it’s finally time to start breaking out the shorts and tank tops. If you are looking for a quick, sunless remedy to winter paleness, Darque Tan is the place to go. With a location on the drag and college-friendly prices (not to mention the gorgeous results), it’s hard to pass up. Make sure to check out their website for deals and coupons. Right now, Darque Tan is offering first-time tanners a spray tan for only $5 (regularly $34)! Monthly memberships are also available starting as low as $40 per month. Sarah Strohl Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 499-8266 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. - 10 p.m.; Sun., 10 a.m. - 8 p.m.

SALON BY100A Guadalupe St. MILK + HONEY

WOOTEN2106 Guadalupe St. r barbe shop

hair salon

photo by Darice Chavira

photo courtesy of Milk and Honey

Looking for an affordable haircut with a prime, campus location? Wooten Barber Shop is the place to be. Located on the 2100 block of The Drag, Wooten offers men’s haircuts in a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere. With prices starting at $15, Wooten will provide quality haircuts that won’t cause you to break the bank. Whether you’re interested in a trim or a simple shave, Wooten barbers will use their training and expertise to leave you satisfied.

Hair is important, so naturally, a lot of us have trust issues when looking for someone to provide the perfect cut or color. Fear no more. The specialists at SALON by Milk + Honey genuinely care that you walk out with the perfect cut and color, and they aren’t afraid to take the time to ensure you get exactly what you are looking for. Get your hair pampered with expert care and top-of-the-line products while you sip on a complimentary coffee and enjoy the beautiful and relaxing atmosphere! Then leave the salon feeling confident and refreshed, and count how many minutes it takes to hear a compliment on your new do. (Shouldn’t be long!) Sarah Strohl

Austin, TX 78705 | (512) 451-2696 Hours: Mon. - Fri., 8 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m. - noon

Austin, TX 78701 | (512) 236-1115 Hours: Mon. - Sat., 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.; Sun., 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Darice Chavira

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LONGHORN LIFE

IMPACT

Friday, March 28, 2014

getting involved on campus

Texas Outdoorsmen answer nature’s call

story by Sarah Strohl photo by Jenna VonHofe

Texas Outdoorsmen facilitate local outdoor activities for group members at locations such as Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt and Hamilton Pool.

If you came to The University of Texas with a goal to have as many adventures as humanly possible (and study… sometimes), Texas Outdoorsmen can make that goal a reality. Founded in 2009 by a group of friends, Texas Outdoorsmen is a campus organization aiming to connect Longhorns who share a passion for getting outdoors. The executive members plan and organize fun, outdoorsy events for their members, such as campouts or hikes, but also encourage their members to share other plans on the group Facebook page. “We do anything outdoors that we can think of,” said aerospace engineering sophomore Andrew Edmonds, vice president of the Outdoorsmen. “We’ve already had one campout this semester, which involved

hiking, very tame climbing and enjoying a watering hole. S’mores were cooked, our food was prepared over a campfire and we got a little stargazing in.” The Outdoorsmen plan their events based on popularity, price and proximity to Austin, and some of their common events include paddle boarding on Lady Bird Lake, hiking through the Barton Greenbelt, going to Hamilton Pool and relaxing at Zilker Park. Grant Fielding, a mechanical engineering senior and the president of the Outdoorsmen, said his favorite times with the Outdoorsmen are enjoying nature with a campfire and some s’mores and getting to know new people. “Our big events are two campouts a semester to places like Inks Lake and Krause Springs, or going to

New Braunfels to float the river during the day and enjoy a campfire and grilled food at night,” he said. But aren’t all of these events and supplies expen-

sive? Yes, but students on the Easy Mac diet need not fret. Rather than paying dues upfront like most on campus organizations, the Outdoorsmen embrace a payas-you-go policy that allows members to pick and choose events to attend. “We can still get group rates by taking fees in advance, but we don’t charge someone for a semester’s worth of activities,” Edmonds said. “This allows people to participate in events without committing an entire semester’s funding.” The members bolster the group equipment — tents, cookware, grills etc. — with their own to make things cheaper for everyone. The one bad thing about hanging out with Mother Nature is that she is not always little miss sunshine. After our multiple “snow days” this semester, we Long-

horns know this first hand. But when things get cold or rainy, the Texas Outdoorsmen are ready.

plement the materials certainly helps, as well.” Who knew that the land of cattle and queso could be

“We’ve already had one campout this semester... S’mores were cooked, our food was prepared over a campfire and we got a little stargazing in.” - Andrew Edmonds, vice president of Texas Outdoorsmen “On campouts, I always have a first aid kit, extra water, extra blankets, an extra rain tarp and plenty of tools to build fires,” Edmonds said. “Really, when it comes to outdoor activities, most challenges can be overcome by having the appropriate materials to tackle them. Having the training to com-

such a haven for outdoorsy people? The Texas Outdoorsmen invite anyone and everyone to join them on their adventures, so next time you find yourself aching to soak up some sunshine or eat a real s’more by the campfire, consider them as your companions.

graphic by Karina Munguia

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

Page 27

It isn’t easy being green story by Samantha Meyer graphic by Karina Munguia

he streets of West Campus will contain some new landmarks this year. Side-by-side with the bright lights, wooden letters and neon T-shirts will be bright blue recycling bins among the rows of fraternity and sorority houses. Recycling and other sustainability efforts are the result of Green Greeks, a new student organization that is facilitating a “greener” Greek community at UT. “Green Greeks is basically a sustainable initiative that we started within Greek Life to promote recycling within the houses, to promote clean-ups around West Campus, to just promote sustainability and ‘going green’ more in the West Campus area and in the Greek houses

because we noticed there was kind of a lack of it,” Abz Zeitler, Green Greeks coordinator, said. Green Greeks is working to implement a variety of initiatives that will make Greek Life more environmentally friendly. The organization

New organization promotes sustainable Greek Life

have otherwise not participated in green events and activities,” Green Greeks Founder Liz Harroun said. It’s currently working on making Round-Up a sustainable event and starting recycling programs in more fraternity and sorority houses.

“Sometimes it’s frustrating because we wish that everyone would be really into it right off the bat, and it’s not that people aren’t interested; it’s just that we have to build the organization from the ground up.” - Abz Zeitler, Green Greeks coordinator just finished a five-week sustainability competition among sorority houses. “The sorority challenge is a huge accomplishment, since we are getting so many girls involved who might

Many colleges around the country have similar organizations to Greek Greeks, so while Green Greeks is an independent organization, it is part of a national trend of making Greek Life more sus-

tainable. “I know that at the University of Florida they have Greeks Going Green, and Greeks Going Green is actually a national thing,” Zeitler said. “So basically schools will go, ‘Hey, I want to have

this at my school,’ and they’ll start a chapter there, so I think it’s cool that we started our own version of that.” Working within the Greek community to promote change entails unique challenges.

“Greek Life is very large and already has well-established networks. We must be careful not to offend anyone or overstep boundaries

GREEN continues on page 33

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LONGHORN LIFE

March 28, 2014

Boldly bald for the St. Baldrick’s cause story by Samantha Meyer

Photo courtesy of St. Baldrick’s Foundation

size matters

tudents can expect to see a few more shiny, bald heads in their classes after this year’s Brave the Shave. Brave the Shave is an annual event at which students shave their heads to support pediatric cancer research.

The event is hosted by S.M.I.L.E., a service organization that focuses on helping kids in the Austin community, and will take place on April 5. “Specifically, we’re raising money for St. Baldrick’s, which is a charity that hosts

a bunch of events like these internationally,” S.M.I.L.E. member and ‘shavee,’ one whose head will be shaved, Lexi Rogers said. “Then they allocate that money to researchers and hospitals so that they can update their technology and improve treatments today, and then the research aspect improves treatments tomorrow.“ Rogers has known for years that she eventually wanted to participate in Brave the Shave. “I think as soon as I heard about it last year, even before I started at UT, I thought it sounded like a cool opportunity to do something really proactive,” Rogers said. “I feel like with something like cancer, everyone knows it’s bad; that’s not something

that people dispute. So, you hear that so much that I kind of feel like it can become white noise. For me, this was a way to stand up and do something about it, rather than just agreeing with everyone that it’s a bad thing.” Shavees hope that shedding their hair will allow them to make huge financial contributions to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation. “It’s a really good way to raise money, ‘cause you’re making this bold sacrifice and people are a lot more willing to listen with something like that,” Rogers said. “And we’re standing in solidarity with the kids who have lost their hair.” Rogers is a female ‘shavee.’ A majority of people who participate in Brave the

Shave are men. Fellow ‘shavee’ Volonda Jackson feels that in some ways it is a different experience for women. “I get the idea that in the society that we live in girls have to have hair,” Jackson said, “with guys it’s more lenient.” While family and friends have been very supportive of Rogers’ and Jackson’s decisions to shave their heads, reactions from strangers whom they meet when tabling for Brave the Shave can be mixed. “A lot of people are just like ‘No, that’s not happening,’” Rogers said. “There are a lot of people who come up and tell us that they’re a survivor of cancer and how much this means to them

because losing their hair was such a big deal. I think, despite all the negative reactions — or maybe because of all the negative reactions — it’s entirely worth it.” Students can come to the UT tower from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 5 for games, food, a petting zoo and to see their fellow Longhorns “Go Bald for a Bold Cause.” “We just want a ton of people there supporting everyone who is getting their head shaved,” Rogers said. “Spreading word, especially right now, is a huge thing.”

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LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, March 28, 2014

FEATURE

UT students storm the start-up scene story by Priyanka Deshpane

ichael Dell, founder and CEO of the multi-billiondollar computer manufacturer Dell, Inc., was the talk of the UT town the week before spring break. Dell gave a keynote address for the culmination of UT Entrepreneurship Week, or UTEWeek, which ran from Feb. 28 to March 6. UTEWeek, an annual event hosted by Student Government’s Longhorn Entrepreneurship Agency, was organized to incite students to start their own companies. Featuring a start-up job fair, a student start-up expo and several networking and educational seminars, UTEWeek was just one of the many initiatives on campus that promote student entrepreneurship. Stimulating student en-

graphic by Karina Munguia

trepreneurship has become an increasingly relevant concern for students, faculty and administration at UT. Austin, dubbed the “Silicon Hills,” is known to be one of the best places in the country to start a business. It is not hard to see why talented, driven students are excited about and are taking the opportunity to start their own ventures. Some students are clearly interested in entrepreneurship. Consider psychology and marketing junior Jane Gergen, who serves as a marketing director for Everywhere Energy, a start-up that aims to build a prototype for a shoe that converts kinetic energy from walking into energy to power a phone charger. Everywhere Energy recently won the Longhorn Startup Showcase competi-

tion in early March. Gergen said she enjoys working as a student entrepreneur and is seriously considering working for startups as a career.

possible.” Gergen said that working for a start-up has taught her a lot about career and personal development. “I hear a lot of students

“Learning that people aren’t as perfect as I thought they were was a little scary, but also amazing because it means you have the ability to achieve success as your imperfect self.” - Jane Gergen, founder of start-up Everywhere Energy “It’s exciting to have finally found something worth losing sleep over,” Gergen admitted. “I would love to be able to do this full-time after I graduate. That’s the dream, and I have one more year to help bring Everywhere Energy to a place where that’s

say they want to wait to join start-ups until they have more skills,” she noted. “What I’ve learned is so many successful people don’t know exactly what they’re doing. Growing up, I used to think people had their defined roles and they

were all masters at what they did. Learning that people aren’t as perfect as I thought they were was a little scary but also amazing because it means you have the ability to achieve success as your imperfect self.” “It’s about being dedicated and putting in major amounts of time and reaching out for help when you need it,” she said. Other successful student entrepreneurs include sophomore marketing student Sam Cade, who runs her own cake-baking business and business honors freshman Kade Thomas, who at 13 years old started a small landscaping company from the money his parents gave him for earning good grades. Thomas’ start-up has grown into a business with a gross income in excess of $350,000

over the past two years. Various start-ups by undergraduates as well as graduate students have already started making their impact on the local community, such as Burpy.com, a grocery-delivery service, and Beatbox Beverages, a company that creates a boxed wine-based cocktail, to name a couple. While some already have the resources to get their businesses up and running, other students might need assistance in developing their products and business plans or accruing funding for their start-ups. Luckily, there are ample resources, through the university and student groups, that help students through the business development process.

START-UPS continues on page 33

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

SHOPS continued from page 8 The shop’s small size and the way in which it’s neatly tucked into its location just off Guadalupe Street allow it to get by without drawing much attention from the everpresent nearby traffic of students and other local residents, but Lee doesn’t see this as necessarily a bad thing. “The shop’s not very flashy, so customers often come in for the first time without having known that we were here,” Lee said. “So it’s like a hidden gem.” In building the shop’s style and selection, the team tries to keep to pieces and designers local, both out of respect for locals and to offer something to visitors looking for a distinct piece of Austin flavor. “We emphasize the local aspect, so we’re very local and we have our own style. It attracts tourists because they want something very Austin, and the local customers like the local style and our prices,” Lee said. “It’s an eclectic, Bohemian style.” Those looking for something different than what shops like Bon Voyage and Sunroom provide might try venturing further north to Spring Frost, a boutique described by the shop’s own Jennifer Godbold as “designer, previous season.” Previously known as Designer’s Clear-

Page 31

DELIVERY continued from page 12 inghouse, Spring Frost was re-launched five years ago under its new name and design. “It had a consignment feel to it, and we got away from that,” Godbold said. “Now it’s a designer clearance but with a boutique feel, and we really emphasize customer service,” she said. Spring Frost also stocks a greater variety of pieces than some other shops. “We work with 25 different boutiques from across the country, and we’re growing year after year,” Godbold said. Godbold also sees the recent influx of new and fresh businesses to the area around Spring Frost’s Burnet Road location as a draw. “We don’t want to leave Burnet now. It’s really heating up,” she said. These and other independent boutiques do much to contribute to the unique style that belongs to Austin. For anyone looking to take part in that style, the biggest challenge may just be deciding on where to start your next shopping trip.

“We have a really fast average delivery “Customers leave ratings on both the food time of 37 minutes,” Maurais said. “These and the runner,” Maurais said. “We found that people shop for you and people can tip us customers like to get text messages that give whatever they want.” Maurais said Torchy’s them updates on the status of their order. For Tacos is the top-selling example, if Home Slice item on Favor. Pizza is preparing your They expanded their “I saw a need for restau- order and it probably delivery services beyond a bit of time, then rants trying to connect to takes restaurants because having that runner text ...The fastest- you, asking if you’d like people love choices, delivery. Maurais said. Inside the growing segment of the to add anything to your Favor app, there are dif- food services industry is order, is something ferent “playlists” such as customers appreciate delivery.” “healthy meals,” “latefrom the runners.” night cravings” and Maurais said be- Joshua Barber, vice president sides maintaining a “vegans.” of Dine on Demand “The biggest thing high level of customer that we’ve done for service, their team is growth is that we’ve put also looking to hire in a lot of time and thought into simplifying more developers for their soon-to-be-rethe process and making it really easy to ask leased Android app and to hire more runners favors,” Maurais said. “We’ve also spent a lot who can be positive additions to their start of time in identifying what makes a good run- up. ner.” “Favor has the potential to be a global Favor runners need to be able to commu- company,” Maurais said. “We plan to expand nicate the brand well and have to be upbeat to other cities as well this year.” and positive. Customers have direct lines of communication with the runner once their order has been placed.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, March 28, 2014

LONGHORN LIFE

START-UPS continued from page 30 Many colleges and schools within the university provide services to students that can help with the startup process, from initial idea development to taking the product to market. The College of Liberal Arts, McCombs School of Business and Bridging Disciplines Program all offer courses in entrepreneurship. Students can also take a course called 1 Semester Start-up as part of the Longhorn Start-up Program, which connects students with resources and mentors that help them refine and develop their business ideas. Additionally, Texas Venture Labs specializes in graduate student entrepreneurial development, holding seminars and competitions to spur innovation.

GREEN continued from page 27 Student organizations are also a vibrant force in the push to encourage student entrepreneurship. Groups such as the Technology Entrepreneurship Society and Texas Start-up

creative juices flowing. According to NPR, in 1992, Dell became the youngest CEO of a Fortune 500 company at age 27. While Dell has become wildly successful, he began

“It’s about being dedicated and putting in major amounts of time and reaching out for help.” - Jane Gergen, Marketing junior and Venture Capital Group regularly host speakers and events — such as HACKTX, a 24-hour computer-programming competition — and seminars about potentially hot start-up topics — such as the controversial virtual currency Bitcoin — to spark students’ imagination and to get

his career here, as an undergraduate at UT. Students inspired by Dell’s example should take advantage of the resources available to them to start their own companies. Who knows? Maybe the next Fortune 500 CEO is among us right now.

STEALTH continued from page 6 Those who have petitioned the City Council to set these new limits cite a wide range of reasons for opposing stealth dorms. Residents have complained about vandalism, trash overflow, parking and traffic issues, as well as noise complaints. There have also been complaints about unsafe conditions for children in these neighborhoods when it comes to walking, cycling and other common outdoor activities. “I see where the residents are coming from, but setting this new occupancy limit won’t solve the problem,” said biology junior Saheer

Page 33

“I see where the residents are coming from, but setting this new occupancy limit won’t solve the problem... I feel like a dialogue between students and residents should be emphasized.”

when offering our help,” Harroun said. “Also, most Greek organizations have set budgets, and therefore we must get our own funding for special events and initiatives.” While the organization has seen early success, Green Greeks still faces an uphill battle as a new organization on campus. “Sometimes it’s frustrating because we wish that everyone would be really into it right off the bat, and it’s not that people aren’t interested; it’s just that we have to build the organization from the ground up,” Zeitler said. “So we’re still working on that, but it is growing.” Despite the challenging aspects of implementing these initiatives, Zeitler and Harroun are optimistic about the impact Green Greeks will have. “I think it’s cool that this

is something that takes part in the houses and their daily living practices,” Zeitler said. “I think this is cool that it’s tailored to a specific section of students, rather than being a general org. We’re going make a big impact because we can actually reach out to these buildings or these specific 200 girls in a sorority or 300 guys in a fraternity,” Zeitler said, “so hopefully reaching out to a big enough number of students will make a big impact. And we’ve already seen some houses taking Styrofoam away or instilling recycling practices that haven’t had it in the past, which is the first step in anything — just doing little things that in the end are going to have a big impact.”

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- Saheer Patel, biology junior Patel. While there are two sides to every story, limiting the number of students that can live together may not necessarily be the only solution available to the City Council. “I feel like a dialogue between students and resi-

dents should be emphasized instead,” Patel said. “The poor decisions of a few shouldn’t reflect on all students living in these homes, and I feel like that isn’t being communicated.”

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Page 34

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OUR CAMPUS

Friday, March 28, 2014

Celebrating the faculty and staff at The University of Texas at Austin

UT FACULTY STIRRING THE START-UP POT by Kritika Kulshrestha| photo by Jared Wynne

Josh Alexander is CEO and co-founder of Toopher, one of the 24 start-ups that participated in the first season of the Longhorn Start-up Studio, founded by Bob Metcalfe in Oct. 2012.

tart-ups are more art than science at the Longhorn Startup Studio. Longhorn Startup Studio is a yearlong program at UT that allows faculty-led start-ups to be mentored by industry professionals and subject-matter experts in the Austin technology and startup communities through a series of intimate mentoring and Q-and-A sessions. Founded in Oct. 2012 by Bob Metcalfe, professor of innovation and a Murchison Fellow of Free Enterprise in the Cockrell School of Engineering, the Longhorn Startup Studio allows faculty who are already actively pursuing start-ups in their fields of research to improve their business plans and gauge their technology commercialization potential.

The first group of 24 startups completed the program last December, and many of them are now looking at raising more funds and working on expansion plans and new releases for their technologies. Planning for the second season of the Studio program is underway by Metcalfe, in collaboration with UT’s Office of Technology Commercialization and the Austin Chamber of Commerce. “For many of them who are novice or first-time entrepreneurs, if they are coming from a research or teaching background, they have never really had any experience running a company,” said Dan Sharp, associate vice president of research and director at OTC. “Many of them have not raised money yet; they need to learn how to raise money

— what investors are looking for. Oftentimes, they come into the studio, they get feedback and it helps them refine their funding pitch.” The mentoring sessions span a number of months. The start-ups make presentations to an audience and then engage in a Q-and-A with industry professionals, people from the OTC and professionals from the chamber. “Bob conceptualized the program, and we are collaborators,” Sharp said. “Our role is to help Bob identify good technologies that would be good technology startups. We would help him identify faculty members and the chamber’s role was to do some matchmaking and assist us with finding potential mentors and the other experts.” Evan Grim started Toopher, one of the startups, in early 2011 when he realized the need for an online security solution and authenticating system to prevent fraud and identity theft. Toopher uses multifactor authentication and the location-awareness feature of mobile phones. “When a user logs into Toopher for the very first time, say when the user is at home, because you’ve never logged in from that location, Toopher alerts the user by sending an alert or message to your mobile phone stat-

ing, ‘You were trying to log in from your home computer. Do you want to accept or deny this request?’” said Josh Alexander, CEO and cofounder. If the user logs into his Dropbox account, for example, from home on a regular basis, then having to constantly accept the request on his phone becomes a mundane task. It eventually can become a security vulnerability after a certain period of time, because the user may just accept a request without even verifying who is trying to log into the system other than him. Toopher allows the user to draw on the context of his or her location, so that the next time he or she logs into the account from the home computer and his or her phone is in the same place — the last time he or she pressed the ‘Yes’ option — the phone automatically accepts the request to access. “So just based on where the phone is, where it should be, the authentication requests will get pushed to your phone and it can answer that one without having to call you or to annoy you,” Alexander said. For Alexander, an adjunct professor of finance at McCombs School of Business, Toopher is his first major start-up. The company filed for its first patents in late 2011, and Alexander

and Grim managed to raise $2 million in their Series A round of funding; “Series A” is the name assigned to a company’s first major round of venture funding. It was during the Studio program in Oct. 2012 that Alexander and Grim began focusing on their company full-time. “There was this great opportunity to practice and explore our ideas before we went out to raise money,” Alexander said. “We essentially asked people during the studio to rip down our business plan and really look at it from a completely different angle and tell us why it won’t work. We don’t have ego and we wanted to find the best way to do something regardless of whether it was our idea or not.” The Studio allowed them to pitch ideas and challenge the assumptions, which were the underlying reasons for their decisions. The key suggestions Alexander said they received during the program were about improving their marketing and messaging to make it clear to investors who the buyer of the technology was and who the user was. “Our industry is unique; the issues that we face on a day-to-day basis are relatively common startup issues,” Alexander said. “How do you find the right type of sales

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staff, how do you implement strategic campaigns and how do you optimize your marketing budget? When you can immerse yourself in a community of others who are facing the same issues, you get to learn the best practices from these individuals along the way, and you get to share and grow.” Some of the other startups that participated in the program were M87, a software technology allowing efficient and easy-to-use wireless networks; Ultimate EOR, a technology that provides services covering reservoir modeling, enhanced oil recovery-process design and improved recovery of crude oil reserves; and People Pattern, a technology relying on social media data to deliver the most relevant content at the right time. “Professors have the teaching and research, but they need to be encouraged and helped in putting their innovations into startups,” Metcalfe said. “To create startups, we don’t need our professors to become salespeople and accountants, which they are not likely good at anyway. We need them to form teams, to take their innovations out into the market where they can do some good.”

UTLONGHORNRUN.COM

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things I’ve learned… compiled by Priyanka Deshpande | photos by Clara Patt

The Department of Theatre and Dance New Works Festival Favorite UT academic tradition: Commencement in the College of Fine Arts What makes you a proud Longhorn faculty member: The depth and quality of thinking I see in my students and the humility and sense of community expressed by colleagues.

4. 5. Joan Lazarus Theatre [16 years] at UT

1. 2. 3.

Favorite outdoor spot on campus: The terrace at Texas Expresso Favorite university library: The Fine Arts Library Favorite UT cultural/ school spirit event:

Lucy Atkinson

going there for one thing and end up leaving with books on a completely different topic. Favorite UT cultural/ school spirit event: Foam Sword Friday. I’m not sure if it’s my favorite, but it’s definitely the silliest and the wackiest. And we can all use a little more silly in our lives. Favorite UT academic tradition: Commencement ceremonies. It is always such a moving experience to witness my students celebrate their years of hard work as they walk across the stage. What makes you a proud Longhorn faculty member: I get to teach the brightest and the best! As a faculty member at UT, I get to teach and work with some of the most creative, hardworking and interesting students in the country, if not the world.

Advertising and Public Relations [5 years] at UT

Favorite outdoor spot on campus: Turtle pond. I remember being so surprised when I discovered it during my first year at UT. What an amazing and serene slice of nature right in the middle of campus! Favorite university library: The PCL. It’s not necessarily the prettiest or the most impressive (I think the Ransom Center with its Gutenberg Bible would win that award), but it’s certainly the most exhaustive. It has such a wide and varied collection. I often find myself

Sean Theriault Government [13 years] at UT

1. 2.

Favorite outdoor spot on campus: South Mall Favorite university library: LBJ Library

Favorite UT cultural/ school spirit event: UT/OU game in Dallas (half red, half orange) Favorite UT academic tradition: “Are You Smarter than a Liberal Arts Professor?” sponsored by Liberal Arts Career Services What makes you a proud Longhorn faculty member: On a weekly basis, our motto is confirmed when I hear about all my former students who are changing the world!

4. 5.

Matters of the heart are the ones that matter most. That’s why at Lincoln Financial we’re here to help you look after all that matters to you. From helping you plan your financial future, to protecting your loved ones. Let’s get started. To run your personalized retirement analysis or to have a one-on-one meeting with your local Retirement Consultant, contact Charles Davenport at 512-705-7023 or e-mail him at Charles.Davenport@lfg.com.

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LONGHORN LIFE

Friday, March 28, 2014