Metro Spirit 03.29.2012 by Metro Spirit

CONTENTS

INSIDER JENNY IS WRIGHT AUSTIN RHODES

04 06 08

METRONEWS RUFFIN’ IT

10 11

THE AUGUSTA GUIDE

SLAB

RUNE

PETS PAGE

NY TIMES CROSSWORD IN MUSIC AUGUSTA TEK

42 44 45

SIGHTINGS

COVER DESIGN | GABRIEL VEGA Want to advertise in the Metro Spirit? 706.496.2535 or 706.373.3636 Metro Spirit is a free newspaper published weekly on Thursday, 52 weeks a year. Editorial coverage includes local issues and news, arts, entertainment, people, places and events. In our paper appear views from across the political and social spectrum. The views do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher. Visit us at metrospirit.com.© 15 House, LLC. Owner/Publisher: Joe White. Legal: Phillip Scott Hibbard. Reproduction or use without permission is prohibited. One copy per person, please.

AmyChristian|production director amy@themetrospirit.com

JoeWhite|publisher-sales manager joe@themetrospirit.com

GabrielVega|lead designer gabe@themetrospirit.com

BrendaCarter|account executive brenda@themetrospirit.com

EricJohnson|writer eric@themetrospirit.com

LaurenRoman|account executive lauren@themetrospirit.com

JenniferPoole|publisher’s assisstant jennifer@themetrospirit.com

JohnnyBeckworth|circulation manager johnny@themetrospirit.com

Pain Doesn’t Have to Slow You Down Walton Medical Associates specializes in acute and chronic pain management and restoration of maximum function. Let our pain experts help you get back up to speed with our "New x-ray free” ultrasound guided (Sonosite) procedures!*

Now accepting new patients/referrals. Conveniently located inside Walton Rehabilitation Hospital. Curb-side parking! *Provided by Branan Foundation and Wells Fargo Foundation

Ability

Independence Recovery

Easter Brunch APRIL 8, 2012

Served from 11:00 am until 3:00pm | Adults -$28.95 | Senior Citizens -$24.95 | Children 5 to12 -$14.95

Chilled Displays Smoked Salmon with Capers, Tomatoes and Cream Cheese Chilled Peel and Eat Shrimp with Lemon and Cocktail Sauce Oysters on the Half Shell and Marinated New Zealand Mussels Sushi Grade Yellowtail w/Wasabi and Pickled Ginger Cajun Seafood Salad, Tossed Salad, Southern Ambrosia Salad Roma Tomato and Buffalo Mozzarella with Balsamic Vinaigrette Domestic and International Cheeses with Fresh Fruit Garnish Fresh Seasonal Fruit and Berries Baked Brie with Cinnamon Apples Breakfast Chef Attended Omelet and Belgian Waffle Station Country Sausage Links and Applewood Smoked Bacon Buttered Garlic, Cheddar Cheese Grits Fresh Assortment of Muffins and Danish Carving Station Slow Roasted Leg of Lamb with Mint Jelly Black Oak Ham with Dijon Mustard From the Silver Chafers Wild Salmon with Mango Peach Chutney Oven Roasted Red Potatoes Macaroni & Cheese Honey Glazed Baby Carrots Chefs Spring Vegetable Medley Wild Rice Pilaf Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast w/ Sun-Tomato Vinaigrette Desserts Strawberry Shortcake Southern Pecan Pie Double Chocolate Cake New York Cheese Cake with Strawberry Sauce Key Lime Pie

1355 Independence Drive • Augusta, Georgia 30901 (706) 823-5252• Toll Free 1-866-4-WALTON • www.wrh.org

V. 23 | NO. 13

706.855.8100 2651 Perimeter Parkay | Augusta

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

CONTINUED

INSIDER@THEMETROSPIRIT.COM Insider is an anonymous, opinion-based examination of the hidden details of Augusta politics and personalities.

SIDER

Hammond’s Ferry, Perhaps? Dedicated celebrity watchers are starting to take their dog-eared copies of Golf Digest to different neighborhoods in their quest to track down their favorite golfers. Certain up and coming neighborhoods seem to be gaining favor with younger golfers looking to break tradition and move beyond places like West Lake, Jones Creek or the Hill. Look for this change to grow more pronounced over the next few years as these neighborhoods amp up their recruitment.

Rush to Post News

THUMBS

This week’s example comes from the WJBF website, where Jillian Benfield posted a story in the Week Ahead section that reported that the deadline to file for the race for Richmond County sheriff is March 30. She also reported that the primary election will be held in June. According to both Sheriff Ronnie Strength and Board of Elections Director Lynn Bailey, qualifying for the sheriff’s race is from Wednesday, May 23, through Friday, May 25, and the primary is July 31.

What goes 90 hours, has two wheels and a gun? A Richmond County motorcycle cop during Masters Week.

down

When a longtime Augusta restaurateur was asked if this year could be one of the biggest Masters, he yelled, “Why not?”

In or Out? While the Augusta National has relatively friendly relations with its remaining residential neighbors, it seems to have a decidedly frosty relationship with some of its commercial neighbors. As hospitality and the National encroach on one another, all bets are off. There are big plans for lots more big buildings inside the gates, and that’s going to impact what happens outside the gates for locals.

Everyone is heading to the NEW

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

The Sporting Life It’s Masters Week, which means the fleet’s in. Only instead of thousands of horny sailors in bellbottoms, Augusta is filled with thousands of horny sports fans in plaid pants and polos. Augusta’s strip clubs import talent for the week, yes, as do Hooter’s and the other high-end places. It’s as hospitable to the guests as a crisp mint julep. Augusta is full of temporary nubiles, our quaint, virtuous southern town awash in “misbehavin’,… why I ain’t seen such since last year, bout this time.” If you want to know if the girl hitting on you is a true Augustan or some catty caddie from yonder ways, write “Martinez” down on a cocktail

napkin and ask her to pronounce it. The stories of the debauchery that goes hand in hand with the event — the van loads of “hostesses” whisked directly onto the grounds of the National, the special hospitality ordered up for the hospitality houses and the wandering streetwalkers unlucky enough to be on the “restaurant” circuit — you start to understand why the Masters has earned its place as the greatest sporting event to experience live. For every golfer checking his lie there seems to be dozens planning their lay. Budda BING! Welcome to Augusta, y’all!

Get the Party Started

NOW OPEN 7 DAYS

IN FRONT OF WALMART IN EVANS

The Metro Spirit offices are only four or five miles up Washington Road from the main gate of Augusta National (only about two or three miles from Hooters, for those of you who need a landmark). So if you need anything or just feel like talking, we’re here, hunkered down like all the other locals while the traffic outside crawls by. Just look for the two story yellow building on the left with the big Metro Spirit on the side. We’ve got a full bar and a big screen, so if your ticket broker didn’t come through, why don’t you come on over and watch the tournament with us? We’re at 3124B Washington Road. Call 706-496-2535.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

JENNY IS WRIGHT

A Great Time to Be, or Live, in Augusta If you’re reading this and don’t live in Augusta, I’m going to assume that you’re a golf fan. If you’re not a golf fan, you’re probably married to one anyway. It’s not that there aren’t other reasons to come to town. It’s just that no one in their right mind would be here this week, braving the crowds, if they didn’t have any plans to hit the tournament (read: tunamint). In fact, many Augustans get out of town. They spend weeks, months even, cleaning out closets, sprucing up yards and stocking up on new sheets and towels in preparation for renting their houses. It’s a lot of work, but it’s all worth it when you get a big, tax-free check from the renters. Most people who stay do so because it’s a great week to live here. There certainly are complainers, and everyone tries to avoid the traffic, but it’s basically just one big adult spring break. Having beer during the day is more acceptable than usual. We usually offer perfect weather, although the pollen will be out of control. We move our televisions outside, eagerly anticipating the afternoon coverage. We’re glad you’re here. I do have a couple of tips for you, though. Please, forthelove, do not wear jeans (or worse, jean shorts) to the golf course. I’m not asking that you get all fancy or anything, but respect the sport. Khaki pants or shorts and a collared shirt for the guys, and dresses, skirts or nice shorts for the ladies. We like to call it Southern casual. Wear shoes you can walk in. ‘Cause you’re gonna walk a lot. Speaking of shoes, ladies, leave your fancy heels at home. It’s completely acceptable for women to wear running shoes with a sundress. You’ll see people in golf shoes, too. Although it doesn’t bother me, I don’t get it. If Tiger needs a little help on the sixth green, I guess you’ll be ready to step up. If it rains, you’ll be glad you listened to me. I’ve had many friends who wanted to wear cute shoes to match their outfits. They were the first ones to slip and fall in the stinky mud out there. If that happens, I can promise that none of your friends will leave the tournament, so you’ll be forced to walk around with what looks like a bad potty accident on the back of your precious sundress. With Tiger having just won Bay Hill, he’s suddenly a favorite, which makes the week even more fun. Like him or not, golf is more exciting when Tiger’s playing well. But please, don’t cheer for him like you’re at a wrestling match. Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing better than the loud roar that follows a flawless putt. It’s the “Get it in the hole!” or “You da man, Tiger!” as soon as he tees off that is borderline offensive. Just about everyone will treat you with respect, kindness and southern hospitality. When done well, there’s nothing better. Please wave back, say thanks and don’t be afraid of conversation with a stranger. Ask for directions. We want to help, and especially this week, we love showing off our town. Walton Way is Walton Way, Washington Road is Washington Road, and The Partridge Inn is the Partridge Inn. For some reason we don’t shorten them to Walton, Washington or The Partridge. It is what it is. Otherwise, have a big time. Enjoy our restaurants and bars. Relax in our houses, and know that hours went into making it your home. Also know that the azaleas were much more impressive a week ago. Eat an egg salad or 10, and remember that a beer held too long will only get warm. Welcome, y’all!

JENNYWRIGHT lives in Summerville with her husband, who she calls The Man, and two kids, who she affectionately calls The Boy and The Girl. She enjoys taking photos, cooking and playing tennis.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

AUSTIN RHODES Furman Bisher: The Best Ever

On March 18 we lost the Living Dean of Southern Sports Writers to a sudden heart attack. Furman Bisher had slowed down in recent years, but was expected to be right here in Augusta this week for our annual festivities on Washington Road. It strikes me as odd that I should be shocked to hear of the death of a 93-year-old man, but I am, and now there is one less reason for me to love this amazing time of the year. I will miss his work and his smile, but, more than that, I will miss his friendship and guidance through the years. Oh to be able to hear his first conversation in 40 years with Bobby Jones... and all the many legends he called friends. From October 2009, my tribute to Bish on word of his sudden retirement. He liked this piece, and best of all, he said it made his wife smile. I have been asked the question more times than I care to remember: “Why is it that you like to watch and pull for Tiger Woods so much?” The answer, quite simply: “Because, in the world of golf, he is the best. The best ever.” There is virtually no golf expert worth his or her salt who would give that statement much of a challenge. About the most they could muster in disagreement is that Woods’ resume is a work in progress, and on that point I just might yield. Slightly. I enjoy watching and being in close proximity to the best ever, and so I am quite fortunate in the fact my family made Augusta their home. My profession of choice has given me a ringside seat to watch and interact with the some of the legends of the game. Jack Nicklaus scoffed at one of my questions (20 years ago, and I never had the guts to ask him another), Larry Mize and Charles Howell have recognized me on the course as an old friend, Arnold Palmer invited me to walk with him during a practice round because he wanted to know what news I had on his beloved Steelers, Rocco Mediate and Jim Furyk singled me out for special interviews because of my choice of hat (again, with the Steelers), and, yes, Tiger Woods once asked me during a practice round in 1997 if I knew a good place for Italian (I told him Luigi’s). But in all my interactions with celebrities during Masters Week, and of all my great encounters with everyone from Bing Crosby (as a small kid) to Donald Trump (his hair is funkier in person than on TV) to Ray Romano, no one ever impressed me more or was any kinder than another legend who is the very best at what he does:

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

AUSTINRHODES

The views expressed are the opinions of Austin Rhodes and do not necessarily represent the views of the publisher.

Furman Bisher. Bisher’s final regular sports column for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution ran over the weekend, and he made sure his exit was as low-key and classy as has been his entire 59-year run at the paper. According to his colleagues, he simply attached a note to his column last week, saying in so many words, “This is it.” How is that for calling it a career? In a field that is known for its cynics and curmudgeons, the 91-year-old columnist certainly had every reason to become as jaded and bitter as many of his much, much, much younger co-workers (at the AJC, he has no peers), but instead has crafted a six-decade track record of being upbeat, insightful and, dare I say, optimistic? He knew Ty Cobb well, and was granted one of the few, if not only, interviews with Shoeless Joe Jackson. Bobby Jones was a friend and, yes, Bish is on a first-name basis with everyone from Ted Turner to Hank Aaron, from Herschel Walker to Vince Dooley, from Billy Payne to Sam Sneed. He saw them and lived them all, the golf Majors, the World Series, the Super Bowls, the Olympics, the college bowl games, and oh those Kentucky Derbys, how Bish could wax on and on about the Kentucky Derby. I never cared much for horse racing, but the way he described the party made me actually want to be a part of the pageantry and pomp. Bisher has that rare gift, the ability to actually convey and inspire empathy from a reader. The loving tribute he penned on the occasion of losing his 44-year-old son is quite moving, and manages to convey the grief of a loving father without melodramatics or cliche. It is featured, along with many of his greatest columns, at the AJC’s website. Furman Bisher shared 59 years of sports news and opinions with readers of the premier newspaper of the southeastern United States, and he did it in a way that separated him from the crowd and made him an inspiration to those of us who chose to make our living in communications. Unlike Tiger Woods, who is still working on his career resume, Bish retires as perhaps the best ever. Resume complete.

V. 23 | NO. 13

Augusta NEWEST TRADITION

Make History

SUNDAY SALES

GET READY FOR THE TOURNAMENT BY STOCKING UP ON HOSPITALITY AT THE FAMOUS WHITE HORSE THIS SUNDAY. 497 HIGHLAND AVE.

Get in the Spirit

THE WHITE HORSE BOTTLE SHOP WILL BE OPEN THIS SUNDAY AND THE NEXT FROM 12:30 TO 6:00.

706.733.2262

SURREY CENTER

GOLF MAGAZINE’S FAVORITE FOR GREAT FOOD AND LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

Eat. Drink. Be Happy.

STEAKS • CHOPS • BURGERS • SALADS Happy Hour Daily, 4-8pm | Live Entertainment

816 Cotton Lane • Augusta, GA 30901 • 706.724.4511

www.EatDrinkBeHappy.com V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

Strength Responds

Sheriff goes on record about Silas rumors We’re sorry to air our personal laundry in the middle of this destination guide, especially after saying this issue was going to be all about you, our guests, but you’ll probably agree that when you get called into the sheriff’s office, it’s a pretty serious thing. Here’s a little background. Here in Augusta, we’ve got the mother of all sheriff’s races shaping up. Longtime Sheriff Ronnie Strength has decided he’s not going to run, and so far five other people have decided they’re going to try to take his place. One, Captain Scott Peebles, is the man Strength seems to have been grooming for the job. Another one, Robbie Silas, happens to be his brother-in-law. That right there makes things complicated enough, but because this is Augusta, you’ve also got to include a racial component. Like Strength, Peebles and Silas are white. Richard Roundtree, a former investigator with some very fact-based skeletons in his closet, is black. So too is Lieutenant John Ivey, who is considered a viable but minor candidate. And then there’s Freddie Sanders, Strength’s closest friend who was chief of police before the city and the county were consolidated. He is white and currently the only Republican in the race. The Metro Spirit was called in to meet with the sheriff because last week’s Insider, the Spirit’s anonymous, opinion-based column, reported on longstanding rumors that Silas, Strength’s brother-in-law, had been fired for cowardice by former Sheriff Charlie Webster. Strength wanted to go on record about the rumor and other inaccuracies he found in the Insider piece. The first thing he took on was the rumor that Silas was fired by Webster. “He was not fired,” Strength said. “I didn’t know all this until I looked at it, but when it came up, I went to Internal Affairs and said, ‘Pull his file and bring it to me.’” Silas, he said, was hired by Webster in 1987. He’d been through the union and was an electrician, and soon after Webster hired him, SRS started a big job and lured Silas away. “I read the letter,” Strength said. “’Dear Sheriff, please accept this as my resignation. I’m taking another job.’” Ten years later, the SRS project was through and Silas called Webster, who hired him back. Soon, Silas began again at the jail. That was all in the file, but Strength said he did more digging. He called the man who had retired as chief jailer, then the captain at the time, who is the current chief jailer. Neither could confirm the rumor. “So then, somebody pointed out that the only person who is still there is Lt. Robert West,” Strength said. “West was [Silas’] lieutenant when it happened, and I called him and he said he’d heard the rumor, but that it was a lie.” After that, Strength went to Webster himself. “I went over the story and asked him if it was ringing a bell and he said, ‘No, it’s not ringing a bell with me. When he was hired in ’87 I didn’t know him, but you can bet if he called back for a job and I had fired him for cowardice, I sure wouldn’t have hired him back.’” After that, Strength said he has no other choice but to believe the incident never took place. “There’s no paperwork anywhere that says it,” he said. “Not a hint anywhere. I said, ‘Can one person come forward and give me some

10 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

ERICJOHNSON

METRO

NEWS

direction that it happened?’ Nope. Nobody can.” While Strength admitted that there are ways of dismissing people that don’t leave a paper trail, he maintains that nothing he found indicated that such a move took place. He also made it clear that if it had happened, he wouldn’t stand for it. “If it had happened, I’d have been in there before I talked to ya’ll, and I’d have said, ‘You get out of this sheriff’s race right now, because they’re going to blister you from A to Z and we won’t hide a thing,’” Strength said. “But it didn’t happen. So I called him about it and he said, ‘So help me, there’s no truth to this.’” With this explained, Strength picked back up again with the Insider piece. “So he wasn’t fired,” he said, moving on to the next allegation. “Re-hired by brother-in-law Strength — no sir. I didn’t hardly know him and I wasn’t in the hiring business. Webster hired him back in ’97 and I was elected sheriff in 2000.” The last allegation, that Silas moved up quickly through nepotism promotions, he also disputed. “Absolutely incorrect,” he said. “I can show you the times and everything. There was no nepotism. I don’t play that way. Silas earned everything through promotions” While the Spirit acknowledges the factual error that Strength rehired Silas, clearly the reasons for Silas’ departure and his promotion record will continue to be debated throughout the contentious election season. Strength’s public statement, however, certainly takes some oxygen away from the flame.

V. 23 | NO. 13

Ruffin’ It

Bartending: At the Masters vs. During the Masters Usually, when I tell people I lived in Augusta for six years, the next question out of their mouths is something about the Masters. Inevitably, they’re perplexed that I don’t know more about it. These people are morons. Asking a question like that of someone who just happens to live in Augusta is like asking a Canadian how he makes his maple syrup, or saying to an Alabama resident “So… cousin sex.” Never mind that I only really lived here for about a year and a half; my family’s address was in Augusta while I was in college, and it was much easier to say that’s where I was from. If you know where or what LaGrange is, either I know you or you’re a horrible person, or both. Here’s what I know about the Masters: golf. That’s about it. Also, that a couple of brown dudes (see Singh, Vijay) and the concept of mixing lemonade with sweet tea gets old white people giddy to the point of conniption. No, my view of the Masters has been from behind a couple of different bars: one pretty much at the tournament itself (a catering company that hosted international attendees at stupidly large houses), the other the Soul Bar. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to working at each, which I’ve broken down in this handy guide for all you aspiring Augusta bartenders. On a related note, my condolences for your shattered hopes and dreams. Clientele: At the Masters The house that we set up in to host our guests was set back off of one of those weird, curvy-ass cobblestone roads behind Walton Way. It was four full stories, with at least three bedrooms and two baths on each one. I think the housekeeping staff even put solid gold poop in the toilets as an enabler. The place looked like the setting of an Agatha Christie murder, and oh my god could these people have been the killer. They were rich enough to the point of suspicion. The wealth wasn’t overt, but still obvious if you knew what subtleties to hunt for: a half-flash of Girard-Perraguax wristwatch under a sport coat sleeve, a platinum grille that said “Mo’ Money Mo’ Problems.” The bar was stocked with Patron Silver, Woodford Reserve, Chivas Regal, Maduro cigars and the fancy wine with a cork. Favored Drinks by Ethnicity Japanese businessmen: Heineken or scotch. Mafia dons from Boston named Carmine: Soda water with lime (it was Lent). Mafia dons from New York named Carmine: Soda water with “lime” (“whiskey”). California tanning moguls: Patron with a twist. Australian J. Crew models: Foster’s (I swear to god I’m being serious). Clientele: At the Soul Bar If the Masters crowd can be likened to that one formal dinner per year where all the fraternity dudes have to dress up and behave — and I think it can — then the downtown bar crowd during the Masters is like every other day of a frat boy’s life. These are the tournament attendees who either can’t quite afford the aforementioned amenities package, or else wandered drunkenly off and ended up downtown. There were so many khaki shorts, pink polo shirts, and Ray Ban sunglasses, it was like four different Miami timelines sharing an awkward moment. Watching them mix seamlessly with my usual dreadlocked, neck-tattooed clientele

V. 23 | NO. 13

was actually pretty rewarding. Favored Drinks by Ethnicity That one semi-Italian airline executive: Black-and-tans with Guinness and Sierra Nevada. Everyone else: SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! SHOTS! Tips: At the Masters Everyone seems to think that the stereotypical “rich person who doesn’t tip well” is an impossible juxtaposition, in that there doesn’t seem to be any rhyme or reason to it. News flash: Rich people got that way by being stingy, thrifty and probably a little bit underhanded. It’s why I assume that, if you make more than a quarter million per year, you’re responsible for my pets dying, and also Twilight. Fortunately, there are two circumstances under which richies’ wallets tend to yaw a bit wider. This is one of them. It was mostly men at the catering house, and when that many affluent males congregate, they like to one-up each other in terms of their wealth. Eventually it turns into more of a dick-measuring contest than a boys’ shower room after weight training class in high school, and only slightly more homoerotic. You, the schmuck standing behind the roller-bar in a white shirt and black vest, are the beneficiary, as executives, CEOs and soybean barons increase their tips two, five and tenfold, all the while smirking at each other with their eyes. It’s like they’re trying to buy you, and it’s awesome. I raked in about $1,000 that week, and all I had to do was stand around and watch a bunch of midlife crisis cases make gorilla noises. Tips: During the Masters This second one should be a no-brainer, but let me refresh you. Getting drunk does a couple of things: It unearths and magnifies an individual’s true self (see above) and it lowers inhibitions. Sometimes, this can result in unfortunate manifestations, the kind that get you a 50yard restraining order from cupcake bakeries and zoos. Your clients’ propensity for pastry rape is, however, none of your concern, as you benefit from their increased inability to distinguish $10 bills from $1 bills or to properly place decimals in the “tip” section of their credit card receipt. You, of course, will have been encouraging this by making them stronger and stronger drinks. Enabling? Maybe, but they’ll appreciate it, and it’ll build your rep. It’s the main reason I’m mentioned five times each on Yelp and Rate My Professor.

JOSHRUFFIN, an ASU and Metro Spirit alum, is a published journalist

and poet, who just received his MFA from Georgia College & State University. He was once the most un-intimidating bouncer at Soul Bar.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12 11

TERENCEBARBER

Your Weird Week in Crime: Masters Edition For the last couple of months, the Metro Spirit has been taking a look at crime in Augusta. Even though this doesn’t have much bearing on our guests, since the kinds of crimes experienced by visitors tend to be a little different than the crimes experienced by the locals, we thought you might enjoy a brief glimpse into the seedy underbelly of the Garden City, aka Home of the Masters.

DECLASSIFIED

First, the numbers: Financial fraud (either stealing a credit/debit card or writing a bad check) has dropped as we approach the tail end of tax season. As such, for Monday, March 19, and Tuesday, March 20, the crimes committed were exclusively thefts (larceny, robbery and burglary), damage to property or assaults. Wednesday, March 21, had one count of identity fraud, but otherwise no different than Monday or Tuesday. On Monday, March 19, a thief acting alone cut into the fence of Habitat for Humanity and ransacked two vehicles for a steel hand truck, a plastic toolbox and a metal toolbox with tools. The estimated value of the stolen items is $140. Between a cut fence, a smashed window, and the attempted theft of truck boxes, the estimated damage is equal to $3,375. On Tuesday, March 20, two men attempted to steal a hot water heater and a steel sink from a front porch. The owner of the property held the would-be thieves at gunpoint until Richmond County deputies arrived. One crime begets another: An assault involving gunfire occurred on Tuesday, March 20. An Augusta couple was confronted by a man who had previously burglarized their home. The alleged burglar became violent when the couple accused him — why he was at their back door after the burglary remains unknown — and fired three shots. No one was injured during the exchange. Things that make you say huh: At Bussey’s Auto Glass Tuesday, March 20, two rear windows were broken, power meters removed and lock and wires were cut to gain entry to the business. The office and toolboxes were rummaged through. Tools, a pressure washer, a 32-inch flat screen and cans of Chef Boyardee were missing. All of the items were later recovered, either in the woods, behind nearby businesses or within Bussey’s itself. Another theft of the same business occurred on Friday, March 23, and missing items included car batteries, jumper cables, a carburetor and wheel rotators and drums. All of the items were recovered from a shopping cart, as well as burglary tools in a book bag. On Wednesday, a burglar attempted to break into Rent-A-Center by throwing a brick at the front window. The brick broke, failing to damage the window beyond a few scratches. No further entry attempts were made. On Friday, Shane’s Tattoo had all the wiring cut, the lens of a security camera spray painted and the front windows shattered, but no entry into the business was actually made.

(actual size) 1.5” x 1.9” Tall $40 per week

12 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

Things Worth Fighting For

It’s Tuesday! You both had too much liquor. They owe you money. Your girlfriend called her baby’s daddy (because she said child was sick). Some kid is “touching” your niece. You really want to get out of your apartment lease.

Weapons Worth Using

Handgun (to intimidate) Crow bar Pack of cigarettes Open and closed hands Teeth

Crime Totals

63 counts of larceny (both felony and misdemeanor) 17 counts of assault Eight counts of burglary with forced entry (time unknown) Seven counts of invasion of privacy Seven counts of property damage Six counts of burglary with forced entry (night time) Four counts of burglary with no forced entry (daytime) Four counts of identity fraud Three counts of robbery (by intimidation, armed and purse snatching) Two counts of burglary with no forced entry (night time) Two counts of burglary with forced entry (daytime) Two counts of theft/mislaid property Two counts of public peace disturbance Two counts of burglary with no forced entry (time unknown) One count of forgery One count of terroristic threats

BELLA SALON

STYLIST/ NAIL TECHNICIAN NEEDED Booth Rental 3124 Washington Rd.

706.495.1174 JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

ANNUAL CHURCH RUMMAGE SALE Unitarian Universalist Church 3501 Walton Way Extension (Next door to Fire Station)

Saturday, March 31 8 am - 12 Noon (Items priced to sell)

Portman's Music is hiring for a General Warehouse full time position in the Augusta location. Candidates are welcome to apply on line at www.portmansmusic.com or you may drop your resume off at the sales counter.

All declassified ads are Cash in Advance (credit card payment required) and are $40 per week. Visit metrospirit.com to place your ad in minutes. V. 23 | NO. 13

When the BEST VIEW of your old car is in the REARVIEW... The April car sale is here at Health Center Credit Union!

APRIL ONLY! RATES AS LOW AS

2.75%

REFINANCES from other institutions are WELCOME!

*APR

Apply online at www.HCCU.coop, call us at (706) 434-1600, or visit any of our convenient locations.

*Terms of 36 months estimated monthly payment of $28.97 per $1000.00 borrowed. Rates subject to loan term, credit history and underwriting factors. Mortgage loans excluded. Effective April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012. Down payment may be required based on credit history. All credit union loan programs, rates, terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12 13

14 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

ERICJOHNSON

Welcome to Augusta, Ya’ll Though we know you’re here for the tournament, we here at the Metro Spirit, Augusta’s independent voice since 1989, want you to know that there’s more to Augusta than the Augusta National. Some of it, like the liquor stores, you might be forced to seek out, while others, like the busloads of prostitutes that come to work the tournament, might just seek out you. We know how anxious you are to get inside the gates, but we’re here to tell you, it’s not easy. Our friend Calvin El tried to skip in this Tuesday, but quickly had to skip out, despite being appropriately dressed. And he’s in good company. Despite all the Buy/Sell guys you see on the overpasses and along Washington Road, tickets are expensive and hard to come by, and that was before Tiger’s win the weekend before Masters Week. How that is going to affect the cost of your stay remains to be seen. So with this issue of the Metro Spirit, we’ve thrown most of our typical features out the door so we can focus on you, our guests.

V. 23 | NO. 13

On a purely practical level, it makes sense, since you out of towners aren’t going to be all that interested in our local issues or political squabbles (though if you should happen to park in the pretty parking deck across from the downtown Marriott, just realize that you’re pretty much at the epicenter of a lot of our local political bickering). Besides, many of our readers have either left town so they can rent their houses to you or they’re laying low and letting you have the run of the place. But on a larger level, giving up our paper to you makes sense, too, because in so many ways so many of you really do need the information in this guide. Face it, even among you privileged few, not everyone is being whisked here and there by van or private driver. Many of you will want to go out to eat or bring food back to your room. You’ll want to go for a run or a workout, and without our guide, you might not know where to go or how to get there. So go ahead and venture off Washington Road a little. We think you’ll be glad you did.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

ERICJOHNSON

National Parking

When you park, take a good look around. There’s more than meets the eye. If you’re new to the Masters, you might pause a moment over the fact that there’s so much free parking provided by the tournament. After all, in this price-gouging world, even reasonably priced parking would be considered a godsend; to find totally free parking at an event as prestigious as the Masters is almost incomprehensible. But given the excitement of the day and your enthusiasm for getting onto the course, you probably won’t give it a second thought, and who can really blame you. Aren’t we taught not to look a gift horse in the mouth? The fact of the matter is, however, that all that free parking has come at a cost. Over the years, the Augusta National has systematically bought up an entire neighborhood in order to provide that parking. Bought the homes, leveled the houses and over time created what any other city would consider one of the most beautiful urban parks imaginable — all to provide its patrons free parking for one week out of the year. And make no mistake — for those other 51 weeks, that land is not a park. It is just land. Valuable, beautiful and private. Now, only a few houses remain. Herman and Elizabeth Thacker have lived in their house on Stanley Drive since 1959, and though they would like to remain in the home, they have no problems selling a neighboring home they also own. But when the National made them an offer, it was an all or nothing proposition. “They wanted both of them,” Elizabeth said. The couple decided not to sell, but inquired a little while later about selling the second house. The National told them it wasn’t interested at that time. So they waited until someone else expressed an interest in buying it. “We had a real estate guy come by wanting to list it, so we called the National and told them we had somebody that was interested, and they told us they’d get back to us,” Thacker said. “That was six weeks ago.” Though you know the National wants the land, with so much parking and so few remaining houses, time is on their side. The remaining homes take up such an inconsequential amount of land from the parking area that they can afford to wait until the conditions are right for them. Their plan, their timetable. “I would think they’re going to eventually want it, but they don’t want to give you what they originally said,” Thacker said. “They said they’ve got all they need at this time. They’ve got enough parking spaces.” While that may be true, Thacker said there are still benefits to living in midst of all that parking. “We still have people who will park on our yard for $30,” he said. “Even when they’ve got free parking all around. They are out of town people and they have their personal belongings they don’t want to leave in there.” “And they don’t have that far to walk,” Elizabeth added. It’s true. The beautiful parking lot, while free, is nevertheless large and rambling and very much like a golf course itself. And given the fact that the National ropes off the parking and

16 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

controls the pedestrian traffic flow, parking there can cost mightily in blisters and precious energy. In the old days, the neighborhoods around Augusta National had thriving economies built on parking, with some visitors enjoying standing arrangements with the same homeowners for years. This culture was destroyed by the advent of the free parking, but the National’s assault on the peripheral economy didn’t stop there. Rather than allow competition to siphon off some of its control, the National has targeted the hospitality houses, those monstrous lodge-like buildings that host so many of the Masters-related functions, by building its own on the inside the gates. Eventually, it seems, the only outside commerce related to the tournament will the people selling water bottles and former Masters champ John Daly, who likes to park his RV across the street. For the Thackers, living next to the National has been a mixed bag. On one hand, the club has gobbled up the neighborhood their kids grew up in, leaving their family home an island in a beautiful, but slightly indifferent green sea. On the other hand, it’s been a good and responsive neighbor when neighborliness has been required. “They’ve been very nice to us,” Thacker says. “There’s a big oak tree that blew down over the backside of our property and we couldn’t determine if it was on our property or theirs,” Thacker said. “So I called up one of the guys and asked him if it was on their property or ours and he called back in awhile and said he’d take care of it.” “They cleaned up the whole back yard,” Elizabeth said. The Thackers are thinking about putting up a for sale sign to let people know that they’ll consider an offer on the house. Maybe that will even inspire the National to return their call. Or not. Either way, the couple has a relationship with the Masters tournament few can relate to. Take all that beautiful green you see on the course. They know first hand that fertilizer — lots and lots of fertilizer — is responsible. “It used to be when it would rain you’d get a smell, but I haven’t smelled it that much for the last year or two because we haven’t had that much rain.” Thacker said. “But last week they mowed everything out here. They went in and fertilized everything. They had a dump truck come in here and it was spreading fertilizer all over.”

V. 23 | NO. 13

The Pimento Cheese Factor

WifeSaver decides whether or not to take on the National After last year’s Masters, WifeSaver owner Chris Cunningham told the Metro Spirit that he was considering selling pimento cheese sandwiches during Masters Week. While that certainly wouldn’t have made Cunningham the only person in the world to sell pimento cheese, the fact that he had been supplying pimento cheese — the Masters’ signature food — to the tournament for the last few years made the prospect of branching out and marketing it on his own a bold and brassy idea. For those of you not from around here — you don’t cross the Augusta National. Cunningham was angered by the way the National dropped him as a supplier only about five or six weeks before last year’s tournament. That anger hasn’t mellowed much over the course of the last year. “I still don’t think it was handled very well,” he says. The kind of consolidation of services that bit Cunningham has not only increased over the last few years, it has changed the face of the tournament and its effect on the local economy. Restaurants, bars, hotels and caterers continue to rake it in during the tournament, but the businesses that directly supported the tournament itself have been left out in the cold. “I think they want to have control over it themselves, and to be honest, I don’t blame them,” Cunningham says. “Last year, I was just a little upset with the way it was handled.” Though Cunningham lost the pimento cheese contract, which he characterized as a kind of handshake deal, he does continue to cater during the tournament.

V. 23 | NO. 13

“It’s a good week for us,” he says. “I don’t know that the economy is any better or any worse — I just think word of mouth has helped us pick up a couple of extra jobs.” Besides that, he sees dedicated customers returning to the stores themselves. “We have a lot of people that stop by every year when they come to town,” he says. “They know about us and come to see us, and our word of mouth over the years has been good.” Does he think the value of that word of mouth will increase given the fact that Tiger Woods won the final warm-up tournament? “Tiger’s Tiger, and whenever he’s in the hunt, it always increases people’s interest, so I don’t think it will do anything but help,” he says. “But they sell all the tickets they want to sell, anyway. I do think it will probably increase viewership on television.” Television viewers can’t eat pimento cheese sandwiches, though, which brings us to the issue at hand — is he going to sell pimento cheese sandwiches this year? “No, we’re not going to do it,” he says. “It’s just not worth the hassle. We’re busy enough now selling fried chicken and macaroni and cheese.” While he says he was never contacted by the National or asked by them not to sell the pimento cheese, it’s hard not to think about Cunningham’s decision without feeling the full weight of the Augusta National pressing down on you. For those hoping to partake in one of the Masters most beloved traditions without having to go inside, it’s not complete disappointment, however. Cunningham says you’ve always been able to buy pimento cheese by the pound at his North Augusta location, and that will never change. You can find the North Augusta WifeSaver at 414 Martintown Road or call 803-279-1146 for directions.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

Sporting in Augusta

Forgot your gear? These are some of the local shops to visit while in town. From golf apparel to footwear, you can pick up your sporting needs at Academy Sports and Outdoors. Located at 4210 Washington Road. 706-210-6100. Also check the website to see what’s in stock at HYPERLINK “http://www.academy.com” academy.com Rivers and Glen, a locally owned Augusta’s fly fisherman’s dream store, is just minutes away from Washington Road. They carry products by Orvis, Patagonia, Filson, Barbour, Simms and Fishpond, as well as other clothing lines and luggage. Located at 387 Highland Ave. Contact the store at 706-7384536 or visit the website at HYPERLINK “http://www.riversandglen.com” riversandglen.com Get all your adventure supplies and rentals from Escape Outdoors and kayak down the Savannah River or even the Augusta Canal. As for clothing, choose from brand names such as Teva, Yakima and Patagonia. Check out the website at HYPERLINK “http://www.getyouradventureon.com” getyouradventureon.com or visit at 4275 Washington Road. Contact the store at 706-869-8080. Looking for the one stop shop for sporting goods for every season? Then stop on in at Sports Authority, located at 245 Robert C. Daniel Junior Parkway. It carries brands such as Under Armour, Nike and much more. Check out the website at HYPERLINK “http://www.sportsauthoriy.com” sportsauthoriy. com or contact 706-733-7974. If you’re near the mall, visit Dick’s Sporting Goods and shop around for exercise equipment, men’s and women’s apparel, golf equipment, team sports and just about anything else sports related. They’ll even let you try out putters on their putting green. Located at 3450 Wrightsboro Road or contact 706733-1199. Go to HYPERLINK “http://www.dickssportinggoods.com” dickssportinggoods.com to see all selections of products sold.

18 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

Swing into town Visit our local tennis centers

Diamond Lakes Tennis Center 102 Diamond Lakes Way, Hephzibah 706-772- 4913 Minutes away from I-20, this center is open to the public an hourly court fee. Newman Tennis Center 3103 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta 706- 821-1600. Open to public through hourly court fees or membership fees. Patriots Park 5445 Columbia Rd., Grovetown 706-863-7523. Nine available courts at this particular site. Warren Road Community Center 300 Warren Rd., Augusta 706-860-2833/0986. Outside tennis courts available to the public.

V. 23 | NO. 13

Drink Up!

Augusta has its fair share of spots to indulge in a little wine and beer snobbery Good news for Masters Week visitors: We’ve come out of the dark ages and now offer Sunday alcohol sales. No more meltdowns in the grocery store beer aisle. No more sitting in a bar when all you want to do is buy a bottle and relax at your hotel or house. Even better news is that, if you look a little deeper, you’ll find many places that love beer and wine as much as you do, and will happily point you to some previously undiscovered finds. Start with this list and you’ll soon be saying bottoms up! 9th Street Wine Market 12 James Brown Blvd., Augusta 706-724-1442 9thstreetwine.com Located right next to the Boll Weevil and across from the Marriott, this is more than a convenient spot, it’s a place to discover a bottle you may never have heard of before. Join them after the Mayor’s Masters Reception for an in-shop tasting at 5:30 p.m. Augusta Liquors 823 Alexander Dr., Augusta 706-736-6232 augustaliquors.com For wine, beer and liquor, this spot buys big so their customers can save no matter how much they buy. They also take special orders of any size. Bill’s Place 207 5th St., Augusta 706-722-6429 A downtown institution, this compact space holds a vast inventory. And it’s a great place to chat with the proprietor about your purchases. The Bottle Shop 240 Davis Rd., Augusta 706-364-3333 the snug.net You know what’s convenient? Having a great steak or burger, then walking mere steps to get a bottle to take back to the hotel with you. You can do just that at The Bottle Shop, which is attached to The Snug Steak & Grill.

706-922-8627 toastbev.com The folks at this upscale store know their stuff when it comes to wines, beer and liquors. Their wine room is huge and their line-up (literally) of craft and specialty beers is impressive. They even have plastic, stemless wine glasses which could definitely come in handy. Vineyard Wine Market 4414 Evans to Locks Rd., Evans 706-922-9463 vine11.com This spot has hosted Gary Player last year, who autographed bottles of his Muirfield (1959) and Master’s Label (1961) wines. They still have some left for $64.99, the golf fan’s ultimate souvenir of time in Augusta. The White Horse Wine & Spirits 497 Highland Ave., Augusta 706-733-2262 whitehorseaugusta.com Keeping you in good spirits since 1949, you can bet that this Surrey Center spot will be busy all week long. Wine World 133 Georgia Ave., North Augusta 803-279-9522 wineworldsc.com Located just across the 13th Street Bridge, Wine World is home base of the Savannah River Chapter of the Tasters Guild International. No matter when you visit, they’ll always have a few bottles open for sampling. First Friday, April 6, also means it’s time for an in-shop tasting from 5-8 p.m. It’s $5, but you’ll get $3 back if you purchase one of the six featured wines.

Cheers! Wine and Beverage 3109 Washington Rd., Augusta 706-863-3331 Offering a wide selection of craft beers and organic wines. This central spot also lays claim to the coldest beer cooler and the largest selection of vodka in the area. Harvard Wine & Beverage 110 Old Evans Rd., Augusta 706-855-0060 An expansive space that carries just about anything you could ever want in a beverage. North Augusta Wine & Beverage 1135 Knox Ave., North Augusta 803-279-1114 northaugustawine.com Talk about massive. This place is so big they had to split it into two spaces. Join them for a liquor tasting on Saturday, April 7, from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Summerville Ace 2065 Walton Way, Augusta 706-733-7787 Conveniently located across from the Partridge Inn, this is the favorite package store of Hill residents, probably because the experienced staff lets customers browse as long as they like. They recently expanded their beer selection and now offer bottles by singles or mix-and-match packs. Toast Wine & Beverage 417 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Augusta V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T 1102

Blue Sky Kitchen

Like the best mullets, this place is business in the front (the restaurant) and a party in the back (the bar). Great place to hang out, drink and people watch, and if they open the garage doors on the side of the building, that means the party has really started.

Southern fusion cuisine with great dishes like curry fried chicken, redneck stir-fry and coconut curry chicken soup. Full bar, friendly wait staff, excellent location. Live music on the weekends, nightly specials and check the board for dessert options.

1102 Broad St., Augusta | 706.364.4075

990 Broad St., Augusta | 706.821.3988

Augustino’s Italian Eatery & Prime Steaks

The Boll Weevil

Located inside the Marriott, the pasta bar is a lunch favorite of downtown office workers, but the soothing atmosphere and clubby bar area makes this the perfect spot for Happy Hour. Stay long enough and the wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen will get to you, making dinner here hard to resist.

Voted Best Dessert in Augusta several years running, largely on the strength of their 7th Heaven Cake. The rest of the menu is not bad either, not to mention the charming décor, but definitely save room for cake or pie. A lot of room because the slices are massive.

2 10th St., Augusta | 706.823.6521 | marriott.com

10 Ninth St., Augusta | 706.722.7772 | thebollweevil.com

Casa Blanca Café

Bar on Broad

936 Broad St., Augusta | 706-504-3431 | casablancatime.com

917 Broad St., Augusta | 706.955.7954

Best covered patio downtown makes a great place to have lunch or dinner. Tango Thursdays and tapas specials nightly with a good selection of beer and wine to go with them. The cafe will be open at 5:30 p.m. with a special menu on Par 3 Wednesday, April 5, and brunch (reservations required) is Sunday, April 8, from 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., with live music by Joel Cruz & the Young Lions.

Dance club with a nice lounge area full of comfortable seating. Word has it that one of the bartenders is from Miami and can put on a Tom Cruise in “Cocktail” type show for you… if you ask nicely.

The Cotton Patch

816 Cotton Lane | 706-724-4511 | eatdrinkbehappy.com

From its courtyard to its motto, The Cotton Patch appears to have been picked up from New Orleans’ French Quarter and plopped down on Augusta’s Riverwalk.

Opened in 1990, Bryan Mitchell and his brother came on at the Cotton Patch as investors a year later. In late 2000, they bought it outright. Mitchell continues to helm the place he first visited shortly after it opened nearly 21 years ago. “The reason we invested in it in the first place was my wife and I, right after we got married, came out here and sat on the patio, right about where we’re sitting right now, and just had a great time,” he said. “That’s when I fell in love with the Cotton Patch.” Indeed it’s difficult not to fall in love with the restaurant’s patio, with its wrought-iron details, greenery, fountain and combination of brick and coral stucco walls. The fact that the area reminds so many of a certain New Orleans institution is no accident.

11 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Thursday; 11 a.m.-11 p.m., FridaySaturday; noon-9 p.m., Sunday; bar open late every night

Beamie’s at the River

Club Rehab

It may be on the Savannah River, but the great seafood and laid-back atmosphere are more like visiting a beloved beach shack. A local favorite. They have beer, oysters and good service, so it’s no wonder.

Walk down the long hallway that looks like it could be in a David Lynch movie and you’ll find yourself in Club Rehab, a great place to dance with friends. If you’re with enough of your friends, ask for the special VIP lounge, decked out in sweet red velvet.

865 Reynolds St., Augusta | 706.724.6593

The Bee’s Knees

211 10th St., Augusta | 706.828.3600 | beeskneestapas.com Nightly drink specials, eclectic tapas menu, an everchanging beer and wine list and a menu of unique cocktails in an artsy, cosmopolitan atmosphere. The buffalo tempeh and the Buddha salad with tofu croutons will make you want to become a vegetarian… almost, and Sunday brunch is a must. Even better: All their weekly drink specials are in effect on Sundays.

20 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

“This patio area was inspired by Pat O’Brien’s in New Orleans,” he said. “A lot of the details were intentional.” The menu at the Cotton Patch is a mix of Southern soul food and good, old-fashioned bar fare. Rancho Potatoes, Charleston Chicken, Stuffed Tilapia and Murder Burgers are all favorites, and Mitchell says things like Ms. Delores’ macaroni and cheese (“so good you’ll throw rocks at everybody else’s, and you can quote me on that,” Mitchell says) will never change. “I like to take the classics and add something to them and make them our own, he explained. “Our focus is on Lowcountry comfort food with a twist. A wicked twist.”

913 Broad St., Augusta | 706-826-4431

Eagle’s Nest

640 Broad St., Augusta | 706-722-5541 | ramada.com A forgotten gem sitting atop The Ramada, the Eagle’s Nest is a bit of a throwback to another era when it comes to decor. There is, however, a great jukebox full of R&B classics, and what a view! Definitely a place to experience while in Augusta.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Fat Man’s Mill Cafe

Bar on Broad

Open Monday-Friday from 8 a.m.-4 p.m., Fat Man’s still employs Miss Pearl, who has been cooking great Southern food for the Usry family owners since the late 1940s. They still have Pearl’s famous meat and three plates on the menu but have added much more. The “speshul” wraps of the day and the salads are fan faves.

Relatively new bar behind Metro Coffee House and across the street from 1102, which makes bar-hopping pretty easy. Nightly specials, decent location and a diverse lineup of local live music.

1450 Greene St., Augusta | 706-733-1740

210 11th Street, Augusta | 706-364-8278

Firehouse

The Fox’s Lair

Good beer and one of the best jukeboxes in town attracts a very diverse, no-frills crowd. You never know what you might see at the Firehouse.

Augusta’s best-kept secret, this cozy bar is tucked away in the basement of The Olde Town Inn on Telfair Street but is definitely worth finding. Laid back, comfortable and often has live music on Thursday nights.

The First Round

Frog Hollow Tavern

349 Telfair St., Augusta | 706-828-5600 | thefoxslair.com

1145 Broad St., Augusta | 706-826-9955

2 10th St., Augusta | 706.823.6521 | marriott.com

1282 Broad St., Augusta | 706-364-6906 | froghollowtavern.com

The wine list at Frog Hollow, open for dinner Wednesday-Saturday, is massive. Not only that, but the bar features a diverse selection of scotches, cognacs, bourbons and vodkas… classic and seasonal cocktails, all made with fresh squeezed juices and homemade mixes. Oh yeah… they also serve good food, made using mostly local and regionally sourced ingredients.

Featuring Music by The Finesse Band

& the South Atlantic Live Entertainment Band

22 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

E R E H T N AND THE

. 4 S A W

Kitchen 1454

1454 Walton Way, Augusta | 706-945-1828

A meal unlike any you’ve ever had in a diner setting is what Chef Edward Mendoza promises when you visit Kitchen 1454 on Walton Way in downtown’s medical district. The restaurant may look like a former Waffle King — because it was — but a step inside is all it takes to see that something a little different is going on. Mendoza is an Augusta native who graduated from ASU and went to culinary school in Vail, Colorado. After working in restaurants in a few different cities, Mendoza settled in Dallas, Texas, where he worked for a couple of five-star restaurants and taught at Le Cordon Bleu. It was while Mendoza was in Dallas that he and one of his recipes, Coca-Cola Braised Pulled Pork, were featured in <<italics>>Bon Appetit<<italics>> magazine. Mendoza has taken his fine-dining background and used it to elevate his surroundings. “The atmosphere kind of dictated what we were going to do,” he said. “We try to put a little of the high-end in the diner. I took the things I learned in those settings and brought them to the diner.” Hence the inclusion of his signature dish, the Coca-Cola Braised Pork, as well as inventive sides like roasted beets to go along with the hot-lunch selections. Salads are fresh and unusual, and sandwiches and hot dogs add a sense of playfulness to the menu. Mendoza puts his creativity into action through the daily specials, which are listed on a chalkboard above the kitchen area. “I can walk in and say, I want to do Asian spare ribs and I do Asian spare ribs,” he said. “I mean, if you look at my menu across the top it makes no sense: Asian spare ribs, lamb stew, seared pork chops with smoked tomato sauce. I try to cook what I want to eat.” Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-3 p.m.

Gary’s Hamburgers

410 Georgia Ave., N. Augusta | 803-278-1314 | garyshamburgers.com Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, locals know that even though hamburger is in the name, the chicken strips here are little pieces of artery clogging heaven. You may be tempted to skip the roll that comes with them, but don’t. One bite and you’ll be addicted. Their breakfast biscuits are pretty amazing as well.

POINT

3 Point platters

★★

$3.50 SAM ADAMS stadium cups

YOUR HOME FOR NCAA HOOPS.

PLATT ERS CH OOSE 3 D IF F E R IT E M S E F O R $ 12 N T .9 9

★★

221 Differe nt Combos . One Lo w Price !

Available through April 2nd.

The Highlander

133 Georgia Ave., N. Augusta | 803-278-2796 | abritishpub.com The closest thing to an authentic “pub” in the CSRA, The Highlander (downstairs from Wine World if you’re into multitasking) has a food menu that features a Scotch Egg Plate, Shepherd’s Pie and other traditional English pub foods — all that and a full bar to boot. Just watch the steps on your way out. They can be tricky to navigate after a few pints.

Joe’s Underground

144 8th St., Augusta | 706-724-9457 After a day of eating pimento cheese sandwiches at the Masters, come down to Joe’s and round out your culinary experiences with a fried baloney sandwich. Good food, especially the homemade soups at lunch, and good drinks, with live music many nights.

V. 23 | NO. 13

3035 Washington Rd. • 706-364-WILD (9453) www. wi l dwi n gcaf e. co m METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Kroc Center Cafe

1833 Broad St., Augusta | 706-364-KROC | krocaugusta.org The Kroc Center is a fitness facility, pool, community center and more that offers guest passes to use the equipment. But anyone can visit the center to partake in the wonderful food served cafeteria style for breakfast, lunch and dinner. The lunch menu changes daily and includes items like Italian meatloaf and shrimp and grits. Grill items are served at lunch and dinner.

Luigi’s

590 Broad St., Augusta | 706-722-4056 | luigisinc.com In business since 1949, what can be said about Luigi’s that you don’t already know? This place stays packed during Masters Week so be prepared to wait, or call ahead for reservations. And while the Italian and Greek offerings are favorites, you really should try the chopped steak provolone.

La Maison on Telfair

Manuel’s Bread Café

Fine dining in Olde Town courtesy of Chef Heinz Sowinski, who will make you feel comfortable whether you choose to visit the dining room or Veritas Wine and Tapas Bar. Either way, order the crab tower or anything made with wild game. Wine Spectator Award Winning Wine List — eight years running!

Open for lunch during the week and all three meals on weekends, this French bistro has an extensive beer and wine menu and uses organically grown ingredients from down the street’s Blue Clay Farms in their everchanging food menu. Reservations recommended, especially during Masters Week.

404 Telfair St., Augusta | 706-722-4805 | lamaisontelfair.com

The Loft

927 Broad St., Augusta | 706-828-6600 Good selection of beers, decent dance floor, pool tables and good people watching. Good service and reasonable prices, too.

24 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

505 Railroad Ave., N. Augusta | 803-380-1323 | manuelsbreadcafe.com

Mellow Mushroom

1167 Broad St., Augusta | 706-828-5578 | mellowmushroom.COM 4348 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-364-6756 A wide selection of beer on tap with nightly specials offered. Nice patio at the downtown location plus brand new bar renovations in time for the Masters. The food (especially the pretzels) is great and don’t forget to pick up the coolest Masters T-shirt in town, available at both locations.

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Metro Pub & Coffeehouse

1054 Broad St., Augusta | 706-722-6468 Definitely not your traditional coffee house. More of a bar, really, but a great place to hang out and have a few drinks while playing pool or working on your laptop.

Mi Rancho

2 Eighth St., Augusta | 706-724-3366 Beer. Mexican food. And karaoke. Nice outdoor seating, and the inside (a former British pub) is not bad either. Good margaritas served in giant glasses. Can’t ask for more than that.

Nacho Mama’s

976 Broad St., Augusta | 706-724-0501 | nachomamasaugusta.com Great food, excellent prices and good margaritas. Anything you order will be good, especially if it includes their mango habanero salsa. The outside tables, if you’re lucky enough to get one, are a great place to sit and people watch. Visit Tuesday night at 5:30 and take a run with the group that meets there weekly before indulging afterwards.

The Playground

978 Broad St., Augusta | 706-724-2232 Live music venue showcasing mostly punk and rock bands. They also have drink specials and trivia/open mic/karaoke through the week.

Pizza Joint

1245 Broad St., Augusta | 706-774-0037 | thepizzajoint.net With two additional locations in Aiken and Columbia, S.C., the Pizza Joint has become well-loved for their slices, an impressive beer menu and nightly specials. The sandwiches, however, are worth straying from the norm for — especially the DeVito and the Big Mike.

Rooster’s Beak

215 10th St., Augusta | 706-364-2260 | feedyourbeak.com A beer drinker’s paradise, Rooster’s Beak features some of the best rotating taps in Augusta and great food as well. An unusual taqueria, be sure to check out their special tacos and ice cream made in house. Also be on the lookout (check their Facebook page) for the location of their food truck.

Sky City

1157 Broad St., Augusta | 706-945-1270 | skycityaugusta.com Named after one of Augusta’s former department stores, Sky City has a little bit of something for everyone Masters Week — Get funky on Thursday night with Funk You and The Favors, dance to your favorite tunes at First Friday ’80s Night (Masters Week Edition), and then round out the weekend with Yacht Rock Schooner Saturday.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Soul Bar

The Sports Center

A downtown institution offering good music, an interesting crowd and a great bar. Dance the night away or just hang out and drink. Either way, be sure to pick up a T-shirt.

If you can’t get a table at Luigi’s, Sports Center has some of the best burgers in town. Beer, burgers and pool tables. Who says entertainment has to be expensive and high-brow?

Soy Noodle House

Stillwater Taproom

Serving a blend of Korean, Vietnamese, Chinese, Thai and Japanese cuisine (the Boh Boon Vietnamese noodle salad is great), Soy Noodle House also has a wide variety of beer, wine, liquor and sake. They recently expanded the bar area and now have plenty of room for live music on weekends.

A great place to drink. Happy hour specials every day from 4-6 p.m., drink specials every night, laid back atmosphere, live music on the weekends and rocking chairs out front. And they’ll call in an order for you from Nacho Mama’s. What more can you ask for?

984 Broad St., Augusta | soulbar.com

1032 Broad St., Augusta | 706-364-3116 | soynoodlehouse.com

26 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

594 Broad St., Augusta | 706-724-9307

974 Broad St., Augusta | 706-826-9857

V. 23 | NO. 13

UNCOVER YOUR BODIES OWN SOURCE The Golf-Gym Workout Use the equipment in your local gym to tailor a golf-specific workout OF HEALTH AND VITALITY We are going to talk about how to use the equipment in Gold’s Gym and tailor it to a Clinical Stud Availabl ies e.

golf-specific workout. If you are starting a program, it’s suggested going through this training four days a week, for 30 minutes a session. A Monday-Tuesday/Thursday-Friday program is recommended. You don’t have to do all these exercises during every workout, but try at least one from each major group: back, legs, abdomen and arms. The biggest difference between golf fitness training and general fitness training is that after each exercise of 12 to 20 reps, a golfer should complete a stretch that corresponds to the muscle he or she is working. This allows the blood to flow to the muscle and encourages good flexibility and stamina. You want lean, pliable muscles, not bulky ones.

>Back

On the course Late in the round, when the pressure is on, the last thing a golfer needs is to be hunched over. A strong back and shoulders provide the posture needed in the address position and the all-important ability to repeat your swing. In the gym On the golf course, back problems are as common as bogeys. Nearly every muscle in the back is employed during a swing. There are four things to remember when working on your back: stretch first, squeeze your stomach muscles while you execute the exercise (the ab muscles complement the back), exhale as you perform the rep (not after) and avoid being hunched over.

Aaron & Melissa Cohrs

706.799.6739

· Promotes Ant-aging · Promotes Detoxification · Reduces Cellular Inflammation · Promotes Immune · Neutralizes Free Radicals Strengthening www.maxrocks.max.com · www.maxrocks.maxgxl.com

Seated row: This is one of the best exercises for golfers. Sit tall and upright. Keep your shoulders back. Now pull the handles toward you as if you were rowing. If the machine you’re using allows you to work one arm at a time, do that.

>Arms

On the course Strengthening your arm muscles will increase your clubhead speed, which will lead to increased length off the tee. Stronger arms also help you execute shots around the green and from the rough. In the gym Many arm exercises can be done without the aid of gym equipment, although it helps to have a flat bench and some dumbbells handy. It should come as no surprise that arm strength, stamina and flexibility will definitely help your game. Don’t use heavy weights, which will make the muscles bulky and can impede your swing. Triceps dip: Using a flat bench, go from a straight-arm position to having your arms bent at the elbow at a 90-degree angle, then push back up. Keep the back straight. Dumbbell shoulder press: As you push up, keep the palms facing each other. Use a weight you can easily lift 12 to 20 times.

>Legs

In the gym The best golfers will tell you that without a solid base, their swing would crumble. Balance and strength in the thigh, calf and glutes will lead to a powerful, fluid swing. Cardiovascular exercises like jogging will help, but some weight training coupled with stretching is a must for this part of the body. On the course During the backswing, the legs are your foundation. During the downswing, the legs are the engine that powers the machine. And by the end of a round, the stamina you build in your legs can be the difference between winning and losing a match — especially if you are walking with a golf bag on your back. Dumbbell shoulder press: Use one leg instead of two to improve strength and stability in your weaker leg. Work the thigh, calf and glutes by pushing the sled up the incline. Then repeat. Single-leg extension: From a seated position, extend the legs away from the body and then back down to work the thighs.

>Abs

In the gym Not only do the abdominal muscles play an important role in the swing, they also complement the back muscles. Strong abs will help you get more mileage out of a bad back. Doing a lot of reps and stretches are the key. On the course The rotation of the torso is enhanced by strong abs. Strong abs increase the speed with which the body unwinds, adding distance to your shots. They also provide stamina to repeat the rotation and increase accuracy. Abdominal machines: On the first machine, start in the upright position and bring the elbows down to the knees. On the second, the lower body is still, while the upper body twists up to 90 degrees to the side.

GOLD’S GYM: MARCH 29, 2012 |p.3

Raising Kane We Are Ohio

If you’ve been following this year’s NCAA division basketball tournament, you now know who the Ohio Bobcats are. I’m no fashion expert, but I can tell you that green and white never looked better on Cinderella. The Mid-American Conference school nearly became the first No. 13 seed in the history of the NCAA tournament to advance to the Elite 8. The undersized Bobcats took No. 1 seed North Carolina to the limit before losing in overtime in the Sweet 16 of the Midwest Regional. I flew to St. Louis and was inside the Edward Jones Dome for the Ohio-UNC game. I sat in Section 153 with a couple thousand die-hard Ohio basketball fans. In my house, I proudly hang a telecommunications degree from Ohio. When I attended Ohio (affectionately known as The Harvard on the Hocking), the Bobcats were a solid basketball program, but not spectacular. As a student journalist, my main beat was to cover the Ohio men’s basketball team. I joked back then that my true “major” in college was Ohio basketball and not telecommunications. Judging by my GPA during those basketball seasons, I think my parents will agree as well. I routinely skipped classes on a Wednesday to make road trips with the team to places like Muncie, Indiana (Ball State), Oxford, Ohio (Miami of Ohio), and Mt. Pleasant, Michigan (Central Michigan). Ohio basketball was more than just a beat; it was my passion. Unfortunately, in my four years in Athens, I never once watched my team play in the NCAA tournament. In fact, I sat from press row and watched Ohio lose in the first round of the MAC tournament four years in a row. The last one, my senior year, was especially tough. Ohio lost at the buzzer to Toledo. The memory of Sam Brown’s jumper going down still stings. Fast-forward 19 years and suddenly my alma mater is America’s team! Ohio is on the front page of <<italics>>USA Today<<italics>> and every other major sports website. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to see my Bobcats play North Carolina in the Sweet 16. After all, it had been nearly 50 years since the last time an Ohio basketball team made it this far in the NCAA tournament. No way was I going to miss this. It didn’t matter how much a last-minute plane ticket to St. Louis was going to cost. I was heading to the Sweet 16 to root on my Bobcats. It turned out to be the best spur-of-the-moment decision of my life. In the Gateway City, I met up with two very good Ohio Bobcat friends, guys who I went to school with who shared the same love for Ohio basketball. We attended a pre-game Bobcat Bash and ran into some alums that we hadn’t seen in nearly 20 years. It was truly special. Even if Ohio lost by 40 to UNC, this event alone made it worth the trip. I can guarantee you that North Carolina and Kansas fans at the Midwest Regional did not rent out a party room in a

per month

$10

Chris Kane and his Ohio Bobcats friends at the Sweet 16 Midwest Regional.

downtown St. Louis office building for their alums to gather. The Ohio Marching 110 showed up with the Bobcats cheerleaders and they got everyone pumped for the biggest game in Ohio basketball history. For a split second, I thought I was 18 and back in Athens on Court Street drinking a beer at The Pub. (I had a good fake ID!) As for the game against North Carolina, I’ve never experienced so many emotional highs and lows at a live sporting event. And remember, this is coming from a guy who was at Game 6 of the 1986 World Series (two words: Billy Buckner). This was different... so very different. This was Ohio playing against storied North Carolina for a trip to the Elite 8 and we had it... boy did we have it. When Ohio took the lead with only 3:30 left in regulation there were tears of joy flowing in Section 153. I remember asking my buddy Dan, “Is this happening... are we really going to the Elite 8?” Ohio fans were standing and chanting O-H-I-O the entire game. UNC fans were sitting down and stunned by what was unfolding before their eyes. It was too good to be true. North Carolina rallied to tie the game and eventually beat my Bobcats in overtime. As the final horn sounded, we slowly sat down for the first time all game to soak in what we had just witnessed. Even in defeat, it was the greatest moment in the history of Ohio athletics. At that moment, it hit us. We might never see this happen again in our lifetime. For North Carolina, playing in the Sweet 16 is supposed to happen every year. For Ohio, it happens once every 50 years. With tears still flowing and the team walking off the court, Section 153 stood up and sang the school fight song.

We are Ohio and I’ve never been more proud to be a Bobcat!

>Kane’s Masters Predictions

Winner: Lee Westwood. The best player to never win a major will finally win a major. Second place: Rory McIlroy. He is no doubt the favorite to win. Backing up his 2011 Masters collapse with a runaway victory at the U.S. Open is the stuff legends are made of. I am curious to see how Rory plays after taking three weeks off leading up to The Masters. Third place: Tiger Woods. Love him or hate him, you can’t ignore him. Tiger just won Arnie’s tournament at Bay Hill. He’ll be in the hunt on Sunday. Dark horse pick to win: Keegan Bradley. Winning the 2011 PGA Championship at the Atlanta Athletic Club was no fluke. He hits it long and is one of the best putters on tour. That’s a recipe for success at Augusta. Second dark horse pick: Sergio Garcia. I realize he’s never won a major and has been a head case at times, but I like the way he’s been playing of late. David Feherty did a great interview with Garcia on his Golf Channel show and I think Sergio is in a good frame of mind. It would not shock me at all to see Garcia wearing the green jacket. Low Augustan: Charles Howell III. Welcome back, C-H-3! Howell is making his first Masters appearance since 2008. Over the past 16 months, he’s played some of the best golf of his career. He hasn’t won since the 2007 Nissan Open. Why not this week?

>Kane’s Fitness Tip of the Month

Don’t work out during the final round of The Masters.

no commitment | month - to - month

no kidding

*amenities vary by location | $10 per month good at Bobby Jones location only

GOLD’S GYM: MARCH 29, 2012 |p.5

Best...

show you the healthiest choices (and splurge-only dishes) to AND Worst Choices We’ll help you order wisely no matter what type of restaurant you visit

Chinese Restaurant

China’s cuisine is as vast as the country itself, ranging from sublime vegetarian dishes to earthy meals using hair-raising animal parts. Here, though, many Chinese restaurants offer a mix of regional and Chinese-American — tasty food but nutritionally all over the map. We analyzed six Chinese entrées from real U.S. restaurants to help point you to healthier choices. Nutrition numbers are estimates: Results vary widely according to portion size. If sodium is a concern, ask the kitchen not to use added salt, and watch your intake the rest of the day. Your fortune: Healthy choices are in your near future.

>What You Need to Know About Ordering Chinese Food

Prepare to share: Chinese entrées are huge. Split one, take leftovers home and keep portion sizes reasonable. Keep it lean: Avoid extra fat — choose lean proteins and vegetarian plates, and steer clear of deep-fried dishes. Rice counts, too: Remember each cup of brown or white steamed rice adds about 200 calories to your meal.

>Smart Chinese Food Strategies

Splurge Only: Pork Lo Mein 1,419 calories Oil-slick noodles and marbled meat send calories soaring, while more than a day’s worth of sodium lurks in the seasoning.

boost flavor without as much added salt.

Healthy Choice: Ma Po Tofu 650 calories This fiery entrée may be listed with vegetarian items. If not, order it without ground pork to slash calories and saturated fat.

Sodium is a major concern in Chinese-American cuisine — one tablespoon of soy sauce has about 1,000 milligrams. Reach for the low-sodium (about 500 mg) bottle, if you must. Better yet, use Chinese mustard, duck sauce or chili sauce to

Ask Your Server: Ginger Chicken with Broccoli 849 calories Loaded with green veggies and (typically white meat chicken — just watch your serving size. Healthy Choice: Shrimp with Garlic Sauce 700 calories Shellfish and vegetables in zesty, low-fat sauce. Make it better: Ask them to use less oil. Ask Your Server: Mu Shu Pork 858 calories Stick to two filled pancakes of this vegetable-packed dish and cut calories by half. Splurge Only: Sweet and Sour Chicken 1,032 calories Batter-coated and deep-fried lean protein, smothered in sugarlaced sauce.

Mexican Restaurants Here’s the trick to keeping your healthy-eating intentions from taking a siesta at the cantina: Many of the ingredients highest in sodium are also high in calories and saturated fat, which means that cutting back on cheese, sour cream and chips solves three problems at once. Speaking of chips, let’s start with the starters: margaritas, salsa and chips (a combination quite possibly created by the culinary gods). Twelve chips and a little salsa are around 300 to 350 calories, and a margarita can range from 150 calories (small and on the rocks) to more than 400 calories for a great big frozen slurpy drink. So before you even start your meal, you can easily consume upwards of 700 calories. Our advice? Choose the drinks or the chips during this visit, and leave the other for next time. The numbers below are estimates derived from averaging nutritional info from many national Mexican restaurant chains. Unless otherwise noted, the numbers refer to the main dish only — not the rice and refried beans that are often served alongside.

>Splurge Only

Cheese and Bean Enchilada 910 calories You might think this is a healthier, vegetarian option, but a typical serving delivers at least one-and-a-half days’ worth of saturated fat and nearly 1,600 mg of sodium. Shrimp Fajitas 980 calories It’s amazing that innocent-sounding shrimp can get the red light, but this dish delivers around 3,200 mg of sodium — more than you should have in four dinners.

>Ask Your Server

Chicken Burrito 790 calories Tons of cheese and refried beans are stuffed inside, and they’re topped with sour cream and queso. That all averages 16 g of saturated fat and 2,000 mg of sodium. Split it — sans topping.

Taco Salad 920 calories This is salvageable. Order without cheese and sour cream — it should still have plenty of flavor. And we don’t need to tell you that eating that fried taco “bowl” is loco.

>Healthy Choice

Chicken Enchilada 270 calories Enchiladas are usually offered in multiples as part of a combo platter with rice and beans. Share it all with a like-minded friend, and you’ll each enjoy a satisfying, not stupefying, portion. Beef Taco 320 calories Red meat eaters, rejoice! Beef tacos, on average, actually have fewer calories and less sodium than their fish counterparts, which leaves room for rice and beans.

Sub Shop There’s a reason Subway has emerged as the world’s biggest fast-food chain: A simple sub sandwich makes a satisfying and reasonably healthy meal. Veer off in the wrong direction, though, and you can easily consume more than 1,000 calories, not including the inevitable chips and soda. Sodium is a big issue, too: Many sandwiches supply more than half a day’s worth, thanks to ingredients like delistyle ham, salami and cheese. And, of course, saturated fat: Meats and cheeses are major contributors, but so are creamy dressings and sauces. A smart sub choice doesn’t have to be sawdust-dry or beige-boring. A slice of cheese boosts flavor for only 50 to 120 calories. Dressing can add 110 to 240 calories, so ask for it on the side. Use about a tablespoon to keep the calorie count near 100, or choose low-calorie dressing or honey mustard for about 50 calories. We analyzed 6-inch options from U.S. restaurants. Nutrition numbers are estimates: Results vary widely among restaurants.

>Smart Sub Shop Strategies

or oats.

Bulk It Up: Ask for extra lettuce, tomato, cucumber and other veggies ― they lend moisture, nutrients, texture and heft to your sandwich, leaving you more satisfied. Go For Grains: Add fiber and appealing nutty flavor by ordering your sandwich on whole-grain or multigrain breads, or breads topped with nuts, seeds

>Splurge Only

Chicken Bacon Ranch 590 calories Chicken sounds like a smart option, but once bacon, cheese and ranch dressing are piled on, your sub is sunk. Combined, they deliver about half a day’s worth of saturated fat. Meatball 564 calories Full-fat ground beef and cheese send calories soaring, and tomato sauce escalates the sodium. If you absolutely need a meatball fix, order a 6-inch and split it with a friend.

>Ask Your Server

Veggie 493 calories At most sub shops, “veggie” sandwiches tend to be more about the cheese. Put the nutrition odds in your favor by asking for half the cheese and double the vegetables. Club 378 calories To make it work, ask for low-fat dressing in place of the mayo (or just less mayo), and request roast beef, turkey breast and one slice of either cheese or ham (but not both!).

>Healthy Choices

Roast Beef and Cheese 368 calories Roast beef tends to be leaner ― and lower in sodium ― than most other sandwich meats. Add a slice of cheese and you’ll still keep your meal under 400 calories and reasonably low in fat. Chicken Teriyaki or Honey Mustard 392 calories These savory-sweet sauces lend flavor without a lot of fat. Factor in lean white-meat chicken, and you have a sub that will keep your healthy-eating plan afloat.

GOLD’S GYM: MARCH 29, 2012 |p.7

Pizza Restaurants Choose with care at your local pizza shop, or it may be your waistline that’s doughy. Two slices can easily cost 500 calories without supplying much in the way of helpful nutrients. Perhaps the most pressing health concern of all, though, is that it’s shockingly easy to consume more than a day’s worth of sodium from just two slices. But fear not — it is possible to eat pizza without undoing a healthy diet. When it comes to calories, there are smart choices and indulgent ones, as you’ll see. Sky-high sodium, though, is nearly impossible to avoid. Your best strategy is to plan around it: Precede or follow pizza night with a day of lower-sodium foods. And size does matter: Order a large instead of a medium, and you end up consuming nearly 40 percent more pizza per slice. The numbers below are for two slices. Those labeled “Splurge Only” aren’t untouchable — no food is — but can be a really big splurge. Nutrition numbers are estimates.

>Splurge Only

Deep dish (cheese) 640 calories Two slices from a 12-inch deep-dish pizza have more than twice the calories, fat and sodium you would get with a regular crust. The works/supreme 606 calories We bet you knew it was bad — but did you know it would

be this bad? If you must have meat on your pizza, choose one kind. This meatfest contains 12 grams of saturated fat and almost 1,400 milligrams of sodium in only two slices.

>Ask Your Server

Pepperoni 514 calories Pepperoni is one of the highest meat toppings in fat, calories, and sodium. If you simply must have it, remove half or opt for one slice with and one slice without. <<bold>>Hawaiian<<bold>> 520 calories Don’t think fruit makes this a healthy choice: The pineapple is typically sweetened (adding empty calories), and the ham ratchets the sodium up to nearly 1,300 milligrams per serving. topping.

>Healthy Choices

Thin crust cheese 388 calories You save 50 calories and 200 milligrams of sodium by opting for thin over regular crust — without sacrificing flavor. Choosing thin crust is a no-brainer, no matter what the

Mixed vegetable 466 calories Add spinach and broccoli, and this is as healthy as pizza gets. Now if only we could lower the sodium, which clocks in at a whopping 1,020 milligrams.

Steak House Depending on the cut, beef isn’t much fattier than other meats. Still, some big prime- and choice-grade steak house servings pack enough saturated fat to last you days ― and that’s before you factor in the side dishes. We analyzed six steak house entrées from popular U.S. restaurants to help point you to healthier choices. Nutrition numbers are estimates: Results vary widely according to portion size. And if sodium is a concern, ask the kitchen not to use added salt, and watch your intake the rest of the day. Now, let’s get to the meat of the matter.

>Smart Steak Strategies

Prime-grade beef (the highest quality) has more marbling than choice-grade, which makes prime steaks tastier, juicier and, of course, fattier. But expertly cooked steak of either grade won’t need buttery sauces ― or the butter dollop some steak houses put on top ― to be delicious.

>What You Need to Know About Ordering Sides

Go naked: Plain baked potatoes are healthy, but toppings can double the calories and add 18 g saturated fat. Hold the cream: Creamed spinach has more than three times the calories and fat of sautéed spinach. Dress for success: Swap classic blue cheese dressing for vinaigrette. It has one-third fewer calories.

per month

$10

Splurge Only: Rib-Eye Steak 56 g sat fat Arguably the juiciest, tastiest menu item, in part because the exquisite marbling delivers two days’ worth of saturated fat. Healthy Choice: Petite Filet Mignon 15 g sat fat Your best bet for beef, but less fat also means less flavor. Order prime grade: The superior taste is worth the few extra calories. Ask Your Server: Porterhouse 48 g sat fat Can be 38 ounces or more. Order for a group: Figure six ounces per person, cutting fat intake more than 80 percent. Healthy Choice: Grilled Tuna Steak .5 g sat fat Nutritionally it’s a good choice, but unless you’re a pescetarian, enjoy what you came for: beef.

Ask Your Server: Strip Steak 28 g sat fat Watch portions: It’s less fatty than rib eye, but strips can weigh in at a pound or more Splurge Only: Prime Rib 49 g sat fat Sliced from a whole roast rib eye. Look for smaller “queensize” cuts.

no commitment | month - to - month

no kidding

*amenities vary by location | $10 per month good at Bobby Jones location only

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Sundrees Urban Market

930 Broad St., Augusta | 706-945-1310 | sundrees.com A specialty grocery store that is the only place in town to offer growlers filled with seasonal beers on tap. In addition to local meats, produce, dairy, eggs, coffee and baked goods, they also carries sundrees (no surprise), bottles of beer and wine, and have a small restaurant in the back that offers muffalettas and poboy sandwiches.

Sweet Lou’s Crab Shack

1293 Broad St., Augusta | 706-922-1699 A beach shack that’s not much on looks (although the brightly painted signs and artwork are kind of cool) but makes up for it with good, cheap food and good, cheap beer. Try the shrimp and grits.

Taste

465 Railroad Ave., N. Augusta | 803-215-623 Recently opened in Hammond’s Ferry across from Manuel’s is this intimate spot for tapas and drinks. Early reviewers recommend the Bianca thin-crust pizza, the Struttin’ John with duck confit and, if straying from wine and beer, the Rum Diary. It’s tiny and only open for dinner Tuesday-Saturday, so planning on arriving early.

Tipsy McStumbles

214 7th St., Augusta | 706-955-8507 Open for lunch on the weekdays and the party doesn’t stop until late in the evening. Check out the waitresses on the bar’s Facebook page, and suddenly it makes sense why none of the guys want to leave. For the girls, this is a surprisingly well-ventilated bar, which means you won’t smell like an ashtray when you leave.

Tropicabana

1253 Broad St., Augusta Augusta’s best-kept secret, this cozy bar is tucked away in the basement of The Olde Town Inn on Telfair Street but is definitely worth finding. Laid back, comfortable and often has live music on Thursday nights.

Wheels

879 Broad St., Augusta Its façade is almost all black, so most are surprised at how bright, clean and upbeat the interior of this corner bar is. This place specializes in music by local DJs and videos on a big screen, as well as great drink specials almost every night of the week.

Augsburg Haus

4460 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-667-8181 | augsburghaus.com

Open for lunch and dinner, but the lunch portions are still huge. And with entrées such as the Schweinebraten, slow-roasted pork with German potato salad, you won’t be able to stop yourself from cleaning your plate. So just make sure you have a comfy napping spot available.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

ivfga.com | 888.660.4506

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Cadwallader’s Café

106 Davis Rd., Martinez | 706-860-7444 | cadwalladerscafe.com

One of Augusta’s best kept fine dining secrets, this lively restaurant is popular with the locals and just updated its menu. Open for dinner, best-bet entrées include any of the trios, whether they be duck, tuna, lamb, scallop or bison.

Cali’s Grille

4460 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-922-7873 Open Monday-Saturday for lunch and dinner, Cali’s is, you guessed it, a California themed restaurant that serves up a tasty variety of appetizers (try the Surfside Dip), entrees, sandwiches and wraps, and seafood. Their Sandy Sea Shells dessert is divine.

French Market Grille West

360 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Martinez | 706-855-5111 | frenchmarketwest.com

Finally! Affordable IVF

Making your dreams of parenthood come true First in vitro fertilization (IVF) cycle for $6,575 – as much as a 50 percent discount compared with the national average! Includes blood work, ultrasounds, egg retrieval, embryo transfer and micro manipulation (intra cytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and assisted hatching) when necessary. Patients requiring additional cycles will receive an even greater discount.

$6,575 812 Chafee Avenue Augusta, GA 30904 706-724-0228

28 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

25+ years experience Dr. Edouard Servy & Dr. Joe Massey – Pioneers in bringing IVF to Georgia have over 25 years of experience. Contact us today!

993-D Johnson Ferry Road, Suite 360 Atlanta GA 30342 404-250-1518

Twenty years ago, Jim Beck was working construction at the Savannah River Site until he joined his brother John and his father in Atlanta to work at a restaurant they owned called A Taste of New Orleans. He started at the bottom, washing dishes and bussing tables but, at night, he would learn as much as he could about cooking. “Dad and I lived in a tiny apartment behind a house near Emory [University in Atlanta]. It was a little place. I literally slept on an Army cot for three years,” he said. “I’d get home and my dad would be asleep, so I’d turn on the oven light and look at ‘Gastro Monique,’ a culinary encyclopedia. I still have it here in the office. I go back and look at it ever now and then.” Beck’s office is now in the kitchen at French Market Grille West, the popular Columbia County Cajun and Creole restaurant. It opened nearly 15 years ago and Beck ran the kitchen from the day it opened. He now co-owns the restaurant, which, while similar to the Surrey Center location, is markedly unique. The Crab Chop is there, along with the fiery Barbequed Shrimp (and that’s New Orleans barbecue sauce, rather than the version usually served over pulled pork). The po’ boy sandwiches are present, however, the gumbo is different from the version at Surrey Center. Beck said that another section of the menu is also popular… with those who know it’s there. “One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that we have a smart choice portion of the menu that has nutritional values on it,” he said. “We sell a good many of them.” It’s in the specials that most of the differences can be found. Tuesday night, for instance, is crab leg night. Patrons can get a pound of crab legs, a salad and red potatoes for $7.99. And then there are sushi nights, Thursdays through Saturdays, in which Beck and his crew put their unique spin on this Japanese favorite. The combination of the traditional menu and Beck’s inventive specials have garnered the restaurant a loyal following. Lunch: Monday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Dinner: Monday-Thursday, 3-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 3-11 p.m.

El Alazan Mexican Restaurant

3851 Evans to Locks Rd., Martinez | 706-922-9760 Fans rave about this restaurant’s authenticity, its family friendly atmosphere and yummy margaritas. Especially good are El Alazan’s pork dishes, including carnitas and pork in chili sauce. Open for lunch and dinner, pluses for this restaurant include a colorful décor, big portions and reasonable prices.

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Gary’s Hamburgers

3909 Washington Rd., Martinez | 706-210-7575 | garyshamburgers.com

Open seven days a week for breakfast, lunch and dinner, locals know that even though hamburger is in the name, the chicken strips here are little pieces of artery clogging heaven. You may be tempted to skip the roll that comes with them, but don’t. One bite and you’ll be addicted. Their breakfast biscuits are pretty amazing as well.

Laura’s Backyard Tavern

218 S. Belair Rd., Martinez | 706-869-8695 For local flavor, there’s no better spot that Laura’s. It may take some work to find it, but, when you do, you’ll find a bar in what looks like a house… a house that serves up drinks, food, live music, games and more.

e m o Welc ers! t s a M

Mai Thai

4272 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-210-9008 Great food, excellent prices and good margaritas. Anything you order will be good, especially if it includes their mango habanero salsa. The outside tables, if you’re lucky enough to get one, are a great place to sit and people watch. Visit Tuesday night at 5:30 and take a run with the group that meets there weekly before indulging afterwards.

Maryland Fried Chicken

, E R E H N I S Y A W L A T’S

4465 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-496-8632 Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, this is the South’s original fried chicken chain restaurant. This location, however, is new and serves up hot, crispy fried chicken with all the fixins. Get a complete meal to go.

Mellow Mushroom

4348 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-364-6756 | mellowmushroom.com

Great pizzas, snacks, salads, sandwiches and more, with an impressive beer and wine list in a kitschy atmosphere. Surprisingly good hummus for a pizza restaurant.

. Y A D I R F $5 I

-1 AT 11

I-S 1 | FR S 11-1

HUR

Neapolitan Cupcake and Gift Shoppe

106 Pleasant Home Rd., Augusta | 706-814-8959 | neapolitangifts.com

Distinctive cupcakes in flavors such as key lime pie, salted caramel (one of their best), chocolate lovers and peanut butter cup, Neapolitan piles the frosting high and takes orders for special occasions. Their unique selection of gifts will make wonderful souvenirs for the folks back home.

SUN-T

APPETIZERS Pan Seared Pot Stickers Crispy Green Bean Fries Tuscan Spinach Dip Fried Mozzarella Sticks 1/2 Loaded Potato Skins

$2 Bottles of Bud and Bud Light $3 House drinks, Long Island Iced Tea, House Margaritas, & Absolut $4 Glasses of Wine $5 Pitchers of Bud Light, Michelob Ultra, & Yuengling

BAR ONLY | EVERYDAY 4-7 | 9- CLOSE

V. 23 | NO. 13

2800 WASHINGTON ROAD

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

30 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Laziza Mediterranean Grill

4272 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-504-4303 | lazizagrill.com

Nader Khatib opened Laziza Mediterranean Grill to fill a muchneeded gap in the local restaurant scene. “I used to work on the base [at Fort Gordon] as a contractor and

that’s one thing I always heard: ‘Man, I wish there was an Arabic restaurant here,’” Khatib said. “Because, you know, a lot of the soldiers, they were stationed in the Middle East. They were familiar with the food, they had eaten the food and they liked the food.” Now open in a former sub sandwich shop, Laziza has a small menu and a small, clean and comfortable atmosphere. Customers order at the counter, serve themselves drinks and then wait for their orders to be prepared. The menu, posted above the register, is small but descriptive and includes salads, soups, appetizers such as hummus and baba ghannoush, pita wraps which can be made into combination meals with a side and drink, and platters, served with hummus and rice. Items that can be included in either pita wraps or platters include sliced beef and lamb, chicken shawarma, falafel, shish-tawook (chicken) and shish-kufta (ground beef).

A selling point of the restaurant is that most everything is prepared in house. “Everything we do here is fresh,” Khatib said. “Very little is brought in pre-prepared. Even our hummus is made fresh. We buy dried chickpeas, soak them overnight, boil them and roast our own garlic and red peppers.” The hummus, offered plain or with roasted garlic, roasted red peppers or jalapenos, is certainly one of Laziza’s most popular dishes. Khatib, however, has his own personal favorite. “Chicken shawarma, and that’s also the most popular thing on the menu,” he said. “It’s marinated, boneless, skinless chicken thighs that are stacked and roasted on a vertical broiler and shaved as they roast. It’s almost like a cone. We do 30 pounds at a time.” One surprising feature of Laziza’s menu is that it includes desserts. Baklava is, of course, represented, but sweet crepes, with fillings like Nutella, bananas, ashta (a homemade cream), rose syrup, pistachios and honey, also make an appearance. 11:30 a.m.-9 p.m., Monday-Saturday

Pickles

Pizza Joint

A locally owned casual dining spot that sports an impressively unique menu of appetizers, salads and sandwiches, along with steaks, seafood and vegetarian items. Open for lunch and dinner.

If you like the downtown spot, the Evans location is just as reliable. With a couple of exceptions, it has the same menu and you certainly can’t go wrong with the Sicilian Chef’s Salad, greens and veggies topped with ham, pepperoni, chicken, bacon and broccoli. Be sure to order it with parmesan peppercorn.

407 Furys Ferry Rd., Augusta | 706-288-1200 | picklescafeandgrill.com

V. 23 | NO. 13

4301 Washington Rd., Evans | 706-447-4992 | thepizzajoint.net

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Club Argos

Rhinehart’s

1923 Walton Way, Augusta | 706-481-8829

3051 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-860-2337 305 N. Belair Rd., Evans | 706-868-6850 | rhineharts.com If you don’t know what Rhinehart’s is, this must be your first time visiting Augusta. A beach shack plopped down on Washington Road, the original location is by far the most popular, but the Columbia County location is just as good. Daily food and drink specials at both lunch and dinner endear the restaurants to locals, and their burger is one of the best in town.

Known to area residents as a gay club, Argos strives to be a fun, safe place for those of all lifestyles. Two bars, one upstairs and one downstairs, ensures that there’s always something going on. Be sure to introduce yourself to Daddy Keith while you’re there. He’s sort of the Den Dad of the place.

Pho Bac

Crums on Central

4300 Towne Center, Evans | 706-945-1981 Authentic Vietnamese food in Columbia County, with dishes like papaya salad, spring rolls and, of course, pho. Deciding what to try might be difficult because of the large menu, but you’ll be rewarded with large portions and a small bill. And instead of Waffle House, fans say pho is the perfect hangover food, so that’s good to know.

1855 Central Ave., Augusta | 706-729-6969 | crumsoncentral.com

Lunch during the week, brunch on the weekends and dinner Tuesday-Sunday, Crums is located in the former Cafe du Teau. They kept the relaxing front deck and changed the food from French-Creole to upscale Southern with a twist. It’s probably the only place in town that has deviled eggs and boiled peanuts on the menu, and where you can top your pizza with squash casserole. Also keep an eye out for the restaurant’s food truck this week.

The Tavern at the Bean

French Market Grille

4414 Evans to Locks Rd., Evans | 706-447-2006 | beanbaskettecoffee.com

425 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-737-4865 | frenchmarketaugusta.com

This spot has a bit of a split personality: by day, it’s a coffee, dessert and sandwich shop. By night, however, it turns into a restaurant and bar that offers theme nights (Taco Night!) and specialty drinks like their Key Lime Martini.

One of the most popular restaurants in Augusta, both during Masters Week and year-round, and owned by local fixtures Chuck and Gail Baldwin. You can’t go wrong with anything on this menu, but be warned: the barbequed shrimp is really spicy. Save room for one of their award-winning desserts and try a martini served in a Mason jar.

Tako Sushi

Helga’s

Far East meets Southwest at this eclectic spot that is the restaurant’s second location in the area. Both location feature owner Kevin Goldsmith’s distinctive vision and serve inventive Japanese and Mexican fare. You really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu.

A dive bar on Central Avenue, popular with just about everyone from college students to neighborhood regulars. Great selection of beer on tap. Hungry? If you can eat it, they can fry it. Trivia on Thursday and Saturday nights. Always entertaining.

5 O’Clock Bistro

The Library

1202 Town Park Lane, Evans | 706-863-0606 | tako-sushi.com

2015 Central Ave., Augusta | 706-737-5591 | helgasaugusta.com

2111 Kings Way, Augusta | 706-922-9560 | 5oclockbistro.com

469 HIGHLAND AVE., Augusta | 706-364-0786

It’s 5 o’clock somewhere, and this bistro has an impressive wine list and a creative selection of original and classic libations to choose from during cocktail hour. The food menu will not disappoint, either, and changes regularly so everything stays fresh and exciting. Also open for lunch.

Sophistication at its finest in Surrey Center, the newly opened Library offers much to do this Masters Week. On Tuesday, there’s $5 Long Island Ice Teas; on Wednesday, partake of $3 beers at the Par 3 Party; Thursday features a Tee Off Party; Friday, you won’t want to miss the bikini contest; and Saturday, they play host to a send-off party.

Bistro 491

The P.I. Bar & Grill at the Partridge Inn

491 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-738-6491 | bistro491.com

2110 Walton Way, Augusta | 706-737-8888 | partridgeinn.com

Fancy food with a sense of humor in popular Surrey Center, Bistro 491’s menu is inventive and changes seasonally. Their vegetarian dishes (especially the ricotta gnocchi) are just as good as their steaks, and their drinks and desserts are decadent to say the least. Best of all? They don’t require fancy dress to go along with the fancy food.

This isn’t just any hotel bar… locals hang out here year-round just to grab a spot on the verandah and watch the world go by. Many dishes from the restaurant are available at the bar to snack on while enjoying wine, beer or cocktails, and there’s live music on Fridays and Saturdays. Don’t miss Wine Down Wednesday, which features half off select bottles of wine.

Calvert’s Restaurant

Polka Dot Pig Gastropub

Calvert’s in Surrey Center has been around for 30 years, so they must be doing something right. Augusta’s go-to restaurant for special occasions, Calvert’s serves continental fare and reservations are highly suggested.

Open in Surrey Center for lunch and dinner Tuesday-Saturday, the Polka Dot Pig offers guests a fantastic beer and wine selection, along with a menu of traditional pub favorites and inventive small and large plates. The Lobster Philly Cheesesteak with gruyere and Cajun hollandaise is a standout.

475 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-738-4514 | calvertsrestaurant.com

32 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

399 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-496-2930 | polkadotpiggp.com

V. 23 | NO. 13

Thursday, March 29 Live Music

Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke with Ryan Moseley Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke with Jeff Barnes Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Three J’s Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke Palmetto Tavern - DJ Tim Rebeck’s Hideaway - Open Mic Roadrunner Cafe - Karaoke with Steve Chappel Soul Bar - Disco Hell Tropicabana - Latin Friday Wheels - Live DJ Wooden Barrel - Karaoke Contest

What’s Tonight?

Saturday, March 31 Live Music

Coyote’s - Lynch Mob, Hell’s 40 Acres, Pit Boss French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Smooth Jazz Joe’s Underground - Jeremy Graham Band O Lounge - Jazmine Soul Band Red Pepper Cafe - Funk/Fusion Jazz Rose Hill Stables - Preston, Weston and Sandra Sky City - Mazes & Monsters, Death of Paris Travinia’s - Smooth Jazz The Willcox - Classic Jazz Wild Wing - TX Clergy Casa Blanca - Thursday Tango Club Argos - Karaoke Cocktails Lounge - Karaoke Coyote’s - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Soup, Suds & Conversations Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia The Highlander - Butt Naked Trivia The Library - DJ Kris Fisher The Loft - Karaoke The Playground - Open Mike Malibu Jack’s - Sports Trivia with Mike Thomas Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Evans) - Karaoke The Playground - Open Mic with Brandy Rock Bottom Music - All-Ages Meet and Greet w/ Lynch Mob, Hell’s 40 Acres, Pit Boss Shannon’s - Karaoke Somewhere in Augusta - Keno, Poker Soul Bar - Boom Box Villa Europa - Karaoke Wooden Barrel - ’80s Night Karaoke

Friday, March 30 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Ray Piazzola Country Club - Chris Lane Coyote’s - Bobby Compton French Market Grille West - Doc Easton Joe’s Underground - Atom Blondes Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Shamless Dave The Loft - Playback The Band Malibu Jack’s - South Atlantic PI Bar & Grill - Jazz Duo Sky City - Mannray, Brothers, Yo Soybean Somewhere in Augusta - John Kolbeck Surrey Tavern - Tony Williams and the Blue Express Sweet Dreamin’ - Ke-Ju USC-Aiken Convocation Center - Mandisa, Nicole Britt, Laura Story Wild Wing - Cover Story

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Variety Show Cocktails Lounge - Grown-Up Fridays with DJ Cork and Bull Pub - Karaoke Eagle’s Nest - Free Salsa Lessons; Latin Dance Party First Round - DJ Kris Fisher Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Iron Horse Bar & Grill - Karaoke

’S

ELGA

P UB & GRILLE

700

in PRIZES!

TRIVIA

THURS. & SAT. 8:30PM "Over a hundred different beers.. with thirty beers on tap!"

2015 CENTRAL AVE. V. 23 | NO. 13

1102 - Allgood Asylum, Refuge The Acoustic Coffeehouse - Open Acoustic Jam Session with Eryn Eubanks and the Family Fold Augusta Market at the River - Karen Gordon Cotton Patch - Lori Lee, Forrest Country Club - Jared Ashley Coyote’s - Bobby Compton Fox’s Lair - Local Propaganda Joe’s Underground - Randall Carver, Alfred Wayne Hester II Malibu Jack’s - South Atlantic P.I. Bar and Grill - Smooth Jazz Shannon’s - Playback The Band Sky City - Gaslight Street Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables Surrey Tavern - Soul Deminsions Wild Wing - Funk You

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Variety Show Cocktails Lounge - Latin Night Crazy Turk’s - DJ Kris Fisher Fishbowl Lounge - Karaoke Fox’s Lair - Karaoke Helga’s Pub & Grille - Trivia Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke w/ David Doane The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke with Rockin Rob Mi Rancho (Clearwater) - Karaoke with Danny Haywood Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke Ms. Carolyn’s - Karaoke One Hundred Laurens - DJ Kenny Ray Robbie’s - Saturday Night Dance Party Tropicabana - Salsa Saturday Wheels - Live DJ Wooden Barrel - Kamikaze Karaoke

Sunday, April 1 Live Music

5 O’Clock Bistro - Buzz and Candice Crazy Turk’s - Playback The Band Malibu Jack’s - Live Entertainment Sector 7G - Breathe Carolina, The Ready Set, Ashland High, Romance On A Rocketship, Matt Toka Wild Wing - JJ Maj and the Unpolished Brass The Willcox - Jazz Jam Session

What’s Tonight?

Caribbean Soul - Love Jones Sundays Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke, Salsa Dancing

Monday, April 2 Live Music

Cotton Patch - Old Man Crazy Crazy Turk’s - Playback The Band Surrey Tavern - The Broadcast, Funk You Wild Wing - Departure (Journey Tribute Band)

What’s Tonight?

Applebee’s (Evans) - Trivia Club Argos - Karaoke The Library - Local Appreciation Night Malibu Jack’s - Sports Trivia with Mike Thomas Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Trivia with Mike Thomas Somewhere In Augusta - Free Poker Tournaments Wild Wing - Trivia

Tuesday, April 3

Live Music

Cocktails Lounge - Live Music Cotton Patch - Riley Williams Crazy Turk’s - Playback The Band The First Tee - Rock Fore! Dough w/ Darius Rucker, Corey Smith, Needtobreathe, the Farm, Tim Brantley, Jaycie Ward, Five’s a Crowd The Highlander - Open Mic Night Joe’s Underground - Happy Bones Somewhere in Augusta - Connor Pledge (patio) and Jar (party pavilion) Surrey Tavern - Stewart and Winfield Wild Wing - Brantley (formerly Deep Step) The Willcox - Piano Jazz

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Karaoke Fishbowl Lounge - Dart League Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke w/ David Doane The Library - Tee Time Tuesday Malibu Jack’s - DJ Somewhere In Augusta - Big Prize Trivia & Hawk Talk

Wednesday, April 4 Live Music

Augusta Common - Par 3 Party w/ South Atlantic, The Embers Cotton Patch - The Moose Knuckles Crazy Turk’s - Playback The Band Joe’s Underground - Sibling String Malibu Jack’s - Marilyn Adcock, South Atlantic Shannon’s - Ke-Ju Sky City - DJ Joycette, Dr. Bread Somewhere in Augusta - Jim Perkins (patio) and The Unmentionables (party pavilion) Surrey Tavern - Soul Deminsions Wild Wing - Par 3 Bash w/ Electric Boogaloo (inside) and Michael Patterson Band (outside)

What’s Tonight?

Club Argos - Santoni’s Satin Dolls Cocktails Lounge - Augusta’s Got Talent Cotton Patch - Trivia and Tunes Coyote’s - Drink N Drown w/ Snow Bunny Bikini Contest Hotel Aiken - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Laura’s Backyard Tavern - Karaoke w/ David Doane The Library - Par 3 Party The Loft - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Downtown) - Karaoke Mi Rancho (Washington Road) - Karaoke with Rockin’ Rob The Playground - Krazy Karaoke with Big Troy Polo Tavern - Karaoke w/ Tom Mitchell Upcoming Par Tee @ the Park w/ Little Big Town, Josh Kelley, Eric Paslay - Evans Towne Center Park April 5 Birdies and Bogeys Benefit w/ Mellow-D Band and DJ L Smash - Julian Smith Casino April 5 Old Man Crazy - Cotton Patch April 5 Ruskin Yeargain - Joe’s Underground April 5 Funk You w/ The Favors - Sky City April 5 Jim Perkins - Somewhere In Augusta April 5 Almost Famous (inside) and The Endalls (outside) - Wild Wing April 5 Ke-Ju - Malibu Jack’s April 5 Somewhere in Augusta - Jim Perkins (patio) and Joe Stevenson Trio (party pavilion) April 5 Surrey Tavern - Tony Williams and the Blues Express April 5 Playback The Band - Crazy Turks April 5-8 Fred Williams Jazz - Augusta Moonlight Music Cruise April 6 Granny’s Gin - The First Round April 6 Jim Perkins - Carolina Ale House April 6 The GoodTimes Band (inside) and Moby Dick (outside) - Wild Wing April 6 Negative 9000, DJs Number5, LinearNorth, Polyphase Sector 7G April 6 Somewhere in Augusta - Dave Firmin (patio) and Jar (party pavilion) April 6 Surrey Tavern - Playback The Band featuring Tutu Dyvine April 6-7 Galen Kipar Project - Stillwater Taproom April 6-7

Playback The Band - Surrey Tavern April 6-7 Tony Williams Blues Express - Malibu Jack’s April 6-7 Amy Taylor - Coyote’s April 6-7 Yacht Rock Schooner - Sky City April 7 Matt Kabus - 1102 April 7 Tokyo Joe (inside) and Simplified (outside) - Wild Wing April 7 Somewhere in Augusta - Ruskin Yeargain (patio) and The Unmentionables (party pavilion) April 7 Joel Cruz & the Young Lions - Casa Blanca Cafe April 8 John Berret’s LaRoxes - Iron Horse Bar and Grill April 8 Erik Smallwood - Wild Wing April 8 Live Entertainment - Malibu Jack’s - April 8 Somewhere in Augusta - The Unmentionables April 8 Stillview, Daybreak Embrace - The Playground April 9 Tim O Shields, My Story - My Music- My Passion Imperial Theatre - April 12 The Mass Chaos Tour w/ Godsmack and Staind - James Brown Arena April 13 Joe Stevenson - Augusta Moonlight Music Cruise April 13 Kung Fu Dynamite - 1102 April 13 Groove Stain - The Loft April 13 The Vicky Grady Band - Iron Horse Bar and Grill April 14 Hoze’s - John Berret’s LaRoxes April 14 Thomas Hardy and The Outfit - Morris Museum of Art April 15 Liz Bramlett & Steven Bryant - Manuel’s Bread Cafe April 18 Banned in Two States - The Playground April 20 Connor Pledger - Carolina Ale House April 20 The Southern Meltdown Band - Shannon’s April 27 She N She - Fox’s Lair April 28 the John King Band - Iron Horse Bar and Grill April 29 Jim Perkins - Carolina Ale House May 4 John Berret’s LaRoxes - Iron Horse Bar and Grill May 5 Saving Able & Black Stone Cherry - Cotoye’s May 6 Siamese Dream - The Playground May 11 Jim Perkins - Carolina Ale House May 11 Dash Rip Rock - Metro Coffeehouse & Pub May 12 Lady Antebellum - James Brown Arena May 22-23 Morris Davidson Band - 1102 May 25 Jim Perkins - Carolina Ale House May 25 The Southern Meltdown Band - Shannon’s May 25 An Evening with Yanni - Bell Auditorium June 1 The Mosier Brothers - Surrey Tavern June 1 & 2 John Berret’s LaRoxes - Iron Horse Bar and Grill June 3 John Berret’s LaRoxes - 1102 June 16 Ten Toes Up - Surrey Tavern June 23 John Berret’s LaRoxes - 1102 July 6 Hot Rod Walt and the Psycho-DeVilles - The Loft July 20 John Berret’s LaRoxes - Iron Horse Bar and Grill July 22 John Berret’s LaRoxes - 1102 July 27 Elsewhere Meshell Ndegeocello - Melting Point, Athens March 29 Jim Perkins - The Terrapin Beer Co., Athens March 29 Jim Perkins - Gnat’s Landing, Athens March 31 Snow Patrol, Ed Sheeran - Tabernacle, Atlanta April 2 Chaka Khan - Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre, Atlanta April 4 Alison Krauss & Union Station - Johnny Mercer Theatre, Savannah April 4 Drive-By Truckers - Tabernacle, Atlanta April 21 Trace Adkins - Johhny Mercer Theatre, Savannah May 4

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

34 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

Sheehan’s Irish Pub

Villa Europa

Definitely not a traditional Irish pub, but they do have fish and chips and Guinness on tap. Friendly service, great menu (the duck is the best in town), and a full bar in an atmosphere that can get loud and rowdy inside, but is quiet and relaxing out on the enclosed patio.

An Augusta institution since 1974, visit Pat for lunch or dinner for some of the best German and Italian food in the city. They also have a great bar area, with parties going on almost every night during Masters Week.

Surrey Tavern

Bar West

471 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-736-1221

3631 Walton Way Ext., Augusta | 706-736-0021

One of Augusta residents’ favorite hangout, both for the live local music and the laid-back vibe. Catch the Broadcast playing live on Monday, April 2, and look for drink specials all week.

An upscale martini bar and lounge with a great covered patio. That patio is a great place to spend happy hour, which is daily from 4:30-8:30 p.m. and includes specials such as two for one house wines and sangria.

Tako Sushi

Buffalo Wild Wing

437 Highland Ave., Augusta | 706-736-9191 | tako-sushi.com

120 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Augusta | 706-736-1778 | buffalowildwings.com

Inventive takes on Japanese and Mexican food. The restaurant is small, loud and totally worth however long the wait is. And the great thing about the wait at this restaurant? Order a drink at the sushi bar and take it out to the sidewalk, where there’s sure to be some fantastic people watching to be had.

So many TVs you won’t know which one to look at, it’s worth it to tear your eyes away for a few seconds to contemplate the menu. Actually, with appetizers, wings, wraps, sandwiches, burgers and more, it’ll take more than a few seconds. Once you taste the Asian Zing sauce, though, you’ll be glad you did.

Village Deli

Carolina Ale House

3044 Deans Bridge Rd. | 706-798-6211 | villaeuropa.com

2571 Central Ave., Augusta | 706-364-1234 | sheehansirishpub.com

203 Robert C. Daniel Jr. Pkwy., Augusta |762-333-0019

2803 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta | 706-736-3691 | villagedeli.us Located in Daniel Village, Village Deli is one of Augusta’s favorite family restaurants that also has a cozy bar in the back for the big kids. The pimiento cheese burger with bacon is a classic, and every single variation of their fries is homemade. The hot chips are especially good, as are the sweet potato fries. Watch out if you decide to introduce yourself to owner Lorna Barrett, though; she’ll probably talk you into adopting a pet from a local animal shelter.

Always crowded, this popular sports bar has a great outdoor patio that still includes access to multiple televisions. The menu is what you’d expect from a sports bar, but is updated seasonally. Right now, check out the pork carnitas tacos or the aloha burger.

Yo! Pizza

The Country Club

2834 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-364-1862 | augustacountry.com

2803 Wrightsboro Rd., Augusta | 706-737-9696 | yopizzaaugusta.com

A massive club with several bars around the perimeter of an enormous stage and dance floor. Entertainment this week includes McFly on Monday, April 2; Anthony Orio on Tuesday, April 3; Velcro Pygmies on Wednesday, April 4; Swinging Medallions on Thursday, April 5; Ross Coppley on Friday, April 6; and Gary Ray on Saturday, April 7.

The pizza varieties may sound weird at first, but once you try the Cajun or Brunch Pizza you’ll know why Yo is such as enduring favorite. Ask about their homemade cheesecakes, too; they’re some of the best around.

Coyote’s

Crazy Turks Pizza

Augusta’s answer to the huge honky tonks in larger cities. Big acts, lots of bars and always packed during the tournament. This week, it’s drink and drown for $15 on Wednesday, April 4; and Amy Taylor on Friday and Saturday, April 6-7.

The establishment is new, so we can’t vouch for the service you’ll get, but the band performing all week is Playback The Band, one of Augusta’s best, and a real coup for this new establishment to land. Funk, rhythm and blues in the vein of James Brown. Can’t be beat.

2512 Peach Orchard Rd., | 706-560-9215 | coyotesaugusta.com

Road Runner Café

Cue n’ Brew

A great place to hit up before going to Coyote’s (the road runner is in front of the coyote… get it ?) to grab some food (try one of their burgers). Also open for lunch, but Tuesday and Friday nights are the times to go because that’s when you can catch local favorite Steve Chappell.

Located behind the Taco Bell on Washington Rd., this is a laid-back spot where visitors can drink beer and play pool in peace.

2508 Peach Orchard Rd. | 706-790-8177 | roadrunnercafe.com

V. 23 | NO. 13

2910 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-922-7299 | crazyturkspizza.com

2852 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-737-6008

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Doubletree Hotel

2651 Perimeter Pkwy., Augusta | 706-855-8100 | doubletree.hilton.com/augusta

A weekend event that’s as popular today as it was when it began nearly 20 years ago is almost unheard of in the restaurant business. That, however, is exactly the kind of miracle the

Doubletree Hotel has pulled off with its All You Can Eat Seafood Buffet. “We opened Masters Week of 1990 and it wasn’t long after that when we began the seafood buffet,” said Les Reagan, who worked for the hotel then, when it was a Sheraton, and is back now as general manager of the Doubletree. “And it’s still very popular.” Friday and Saturday nights feature a wide variety of food — a pasta bar, prime rib station, hot bar, salad bar, fruit and cheese, cold seafood, Asian selections, dessert and more — comfortably spread among the restaurant’s tiers leading down to an atrium. All in a relaxing atmosphere. Friday’s buffet features live music, adding to the laid-back vibe. Relaxed maybe, but the restaurant is anything but complacent. Management keeps the core dishes that everyone loves — snow

crab legs, prime rib, fried fish, fried shrimp and hush puppies, just to name a few — and complements them with items that customers may not have tried before. “We have a couple of new additions, including a chilled seafood station with oysters and a whole poached salmon,” Marzolf said. “And we have a shrimp ceviche, which is totally cooked in lime juice. It’s acid cooked, not heat cooked. And it’s only our second week of the Asian station but, during our first week, we could barely keep up with the demand.” With no reservations required and no dress code (aside from shirts and shoes, of course), guests can feel free to eat, drink and be merry. “All are welcome,” Reagan said. “It’s not high class, it’s not low class. It’s just class. With a friendly staff that just wants you to eat eat eat eat eat.” Fridays and Saturdays 5 p.m.-until Reservations suggested for parties of six or more

Hooter’s

Midtown Lounge

Like all Hooter’s are around the country during big sporting events, quite the show. The heavy hitters are brought in to separate you from your cash. A real Masters Week headquarters.

Augusta’s newest dance club is in the spot of the former Cadillac’s. This non-smoking establishment will feature live music during Masters Week, as well as no cover with your Masters badge.

2834 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-736-8454 | hooters.com

3328 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-280-3345

Limelite Café

Mi Rancho

A little local secret? Many of those who go to movies across the street start their night here with mild-yaki wings (a mixture of mild and teriyaki) or another bar snack and one (or two) of the many, many beers they offer on tap or by the bottle. We suggest you do the same.

A huge restaurant, with a fantastic covered deck that plays host to live music or karaoke on the weekends. Want something different? Try a Michelada, kind of a spicy Bloody Mary with beer instead of vodka.

1137 Agerton Lane, Augusta | 706-731-0220

3064 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-855-6817

Prime 1079

1069 Stevens Creek Rd., Augusta | 706-288-2200 | sheratonaugusta.com

Trendy. Organic. Seasonal. These three descriptions are usually reserved for the fanciest restaurants in the hippest areas of town. Believe it or not, however, they also apply to Prime 1079 and Sweetwater Lounge, located

inside the Sheraton hotel on Stevens Creek Road. It is in this unlikeliest of spots that guests — both of the hotel and those who visit just for the food — will find steaks aged 21-28 days, herbs plucked from a garden and desserts made from scratch. Surprised? Most people are, says Brigitte Pedroza, food and beverage manager at the hotel, especially when it comes to the herb garden, though she adds that the trend has been going on for a while in larger cities. “You have herbs available when you need them,” she said. “Here we have rosemary, we have chives, basil, thyme — whatever’s in season.” The herbs from the garden go to work in the side dishes, breads, olive oil dips and herb butters made in-house to accompany the restaurant’s steaks. Those steaks, offered with a seasonal vegetable and tossed tableside salad, include everything from an 8-ounce filet mignon to a 22-ounce bonein cowboy steak.

And while the steaks are definitely the stars of the show, the unsung heroes at the restaurant is, well, everything else — because most everything else on the menu is homemade. “We make our salad dressings, we do our own desserts,” Pedroza explained. “Pretty much everything is made from scratch.” Seasonal ingredients aren’t just confined to the food menu, however. Visit the Sweetwater Lounge within Prime 1079 and guests will experience what they call Pick of the Season creative cocktails. In addition to beer and cocktails, Prime 1079 and Sweetwater Lounge also have an impressive wine list, with 13 reds and whites of all varietals and styles available by the bottle or glass. More upscale wines, such as CakeBread Cellars’ chardonnay and cabernet sauvignon, are also available by the bottle. “You can’t get that everywhere,” Pedroza laughs. “It comes only by the bottle, but it’s a very wonderful wine. We also have many other wines, from whites to reds, to accommodate our meals.” 6 a.m.-11 p.m., Monday-Friday; 6:30 a.m.-11 p.m., Saturday; v6:30-11 a.m. and 5-11 p.m., Sunday

Malibu Jack’s

Mikoto

A dark, clubby atmosphere with island-inspired dishes that focus on seafood and cocktails that recall a Polynesian bar. Open for lunch and dinner, with almost nightly entertainment.

A Japanese favorite that recently opened under new management, Mikoto still impresses dinners with fresh and expertly prepared sushi at reasonable prices.

231 Fury’s Ferry Rd., Augusta | 706-364-9175 | malibujacks.com

36 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

3102 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-922-6890

V. 23 | NO. 13

A FIRST CLASS STEAKHOUSE WITH 152 ROOMS. We age our own steaks for 28 days, grow our own herbs and make our own sauces. Experience our table side salads Washington Road at I-20 | 1069 Stevens Creek Road | Augusta

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Rae’s Coastal Cafe

3208 West Wimbledon Dr., Augusta | 706-738-1313 Hard to find for the newcomer, this neighborhood restaurant (literally) has a menu chocked full of Caribbean and Key West themed seafood items. There’s a putting green in the back while you wait for your coconut shrimp or jerk chicken.

Rhinehart’s

3051 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-860-2337 | rhineharts.com Think you’ve had good fried shrimp baskets at the beach? No comparison to local institution Rhinehart’s. This flagship location actually started out as a small house and has grown to one of the most popular restaurant/bars in the area. Decidedly decrepit (more like purposely) this is one fun place to hang. Picnic tables both inside and out, and all forms of delicious seafood and drinks.

Robbie’s Sports Bar

2834 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-738-0866 A true old school pool hall popular with the locals. Good bar food, a dance floor and band during Masters, plus a sea of dimly lit pool tables.

Shannon’s

300 Shartom Dr., Augusta | 706-814-7760 Tucked just off Washington Road, this neighborhood bar has been around for longer than most can remember. Intimate, with a fun, cozy feel — It will make you think you’ve stepped into your local pub.

The Snug

240 Davis Rd., Augusta | 706-863-1118 | thesnug.net A pretty little restaurant that serves dinner six nights a week. Sure, they serve chicken and seafood, but beef is the real star here and the Black N’ Blue, topped with blue cheese and a blueberry-port sauce, is the steak to order. And get this: Everything on their top shelf martini menu is $5.95 every night.

38 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

BUY GET

ONE, ONE

CELEBRATING 6 YEARS AT THE MARTINEZ LOCATION.

see page 08

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T Somewhere in Augusta

2820 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-739-0002 | somewhereinaugusta.com

In March of 2010, John and Cindy Fiske purchased Somewhere in Augusta. The bar had already become somewhat of an area institution, beginning life in 2002 near the former Dillards on

Washington Road, then moving to its present, larger location just down the street in 2008. It was during that time that Somewhere in Augusta became one of the premier sports bars in town, with multiple televisions on the walls, in each booth and even in the bathrooms. “I think we’re up to 45 now?” Cindy, chief financial officer of Somewhere in Augusta, estimates of the number of televisions in the large space. “And we subscribe to almost every sports package that’s out there,” John added. This week, golf will be the big focus on the TVs, but that’s not all that’ll be going on. Monday, the NCAA basketball tournament will be on screens, and Tuesday through Sunday will feature live music, most nights on two stages. Patrons may come for the party, but shouldn’t ignore the food.

“Everything Monday through Friday is fresh and homemade,” Cindy explained of their daily specials. “We have I Love Burger Mondays from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and, for $6.99, you get a classic burger with chips or fries.” Weekly specials abound, but it is one of the kitchen’s creations that happens to be a crowd favorite: The stuffed homewrecker. “It’s a foot long, half-pound Nathan’s all-beef hot dog, sliced down the middle and stuffed with cheddar cheese. Then we wrap it with bacon, deep fry it, place it on a foot-long bun, and cover it with chili, melted cheese and diced onions,” John explained with a smile. “And you eat it with a knife and a fork because you sure can’t pick it up.” And because no sports bar would be complete without chicken wings, Somewhere in August has a healthy selection, with sauces that range from mild and honey teriyaki to the spicier Asian zing and Jamaican jerk. 11 a.m.-2:30 a.m., Monday-Friday; 11 a.m.-2 a.m., Saturday; 12:30 p.m.-2 a.m., Sunday

Cremation is not as expensive as you think.

$995 Pre-pay for a complete Direct Cremation 40 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

706.798.8886 for details V. 23 | NO. 13

SPONSOR THE

Metro Spirit’s Pet Page! lauren@themetrospirit.com

Find a New Best Friend at Graced Kennel There is a kennel located off of Sibley Road in Augusta. It is set way back behind a neighborhood and spans about 12 acres. It’s almost like a scavenger hunt to find it, but once there, you will find an oasis for cats and dogs. Graced Animal Services and Kennel services the community with animal boarding, grooming and daycare and has been in existence for 16 years. Ted and Michael Earle purchased it a little over three years ago in 2008. Throughout the years, there have been many improvements and additions including The Kitty Korner, a separate area for our feline friends. There is an enclosed porch for them to enjoy the sunshine and a little fresh air if they choose. Also it provides many areas to hide climb and play.

An 18,000-watt natural gas generator has recently been put in place. This unit is continually self-testing to ensure effectiveness during a power outage protecting the safety of all occupants of Graced Kennels. Another service recently added is a certified feline master groomer, who is now on staff at Graced Kennel. Lori Muller graduated from the National Cat Groomers Institute of America in South Carolina. This school is the only one in the United States recognized by the Cat Fanciers Association. Lori is trained in feline CPR, health and every facet of feline grooming. She is one of only four certified feline master groomers in Georgia and within the first 100 in the world!

V. 23 | NO. 13

Graced Kennels partners with Augusta Humane Society, housing and caring for all their rescued babies. The staff works closely with each of these pets every day, so that they will all have that wonderful, friendly disposition that families look for in a pet. When you come visit with these animals, you will be sure to find a great addition to your family Everyone loves puppies and kittens but there are so many adult cats and dogs in need of a loving family. All of these sweet babies are current on all their vaccinations, are either spayed or neutered and some are house trained. It is so important to spay and neuter each pet; this points us in the direction of curbing pet overpopulation and euthanizing adoptable pets. If you have room in your heart and your home, please stop by to meet these beautiful animals. You might just find your very best friend!

Upcoming Benefits Block Party 2012 Sponsored by Vic’s Motorcycle Sales and Service, this benefit for Feathered Friends Forever Bird Sanctuary in Harlem costs $10 to enter and is held at 2113 Harding Road off of Peach Orchard Road. Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m. For more information, call 706-691-5093 or 803-640-4329, or visit featheredfriendsforever.org

Village Deli and Friends Annual Charity Golf Tournament A fundraising event for That’s What Friends Are For, Inc., a 501c3 that raises money for local rescues, spay and neuter, and much more. Sunday, May 20, 1:30 p.m. tee time Goshen Plantation Golf Club To register, donate or get more information, call Village Deli at 706-736-3691 or visit thatswhatfriendsarefor.org

For more information, visit Graced Animal Services and Kennel at 1918 Colony Park Road in Augusta. They’re open seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also call 706-738-7168 or email gracedkennel@att.net.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

REAR-END COLLISIONS

By Mike Nothnagel and Byron Walden / Edited by Will Shortz “flores de calabaza” in Spanish 115 Barely gets 118 ___ rat 119 Echelon 120 Arles affirmatives 121 Murder, ___ 122 Special delivery 124 Half brother of Athena 125 1950 film in which Frank Bigelow investigates his own murder 128 Hawaiian souvenir? 130 Kofi of the U.N. 131 Driver’s aid 135 Diamond substitute 137 First estate 139 Put into motion 140 Rah-rah 141 Crossed the tarmac 142 Occasions to try out riffs 143 Peeping Tom’s home 144 Raga instruments

54 Toy piano sound 56 Remedy for acid reflux 57 Seasonal helper 58 Petitions 61 Request 63 Unmoving machine parts 64 Cross 65 88-Across, for one 66 Part of a.m. 67 Scottish inventor and road builder John Loudon ___ 68 Hooked (up) 69 J.F.K., e.g. 70 Very serious, as an accident 72 Habitual teeth grinding 73 Aligned 75 Change, as keyboard keys 76 Dos + tres 77 Newsworthy 1950s trial, informally 80 Item of winter sports equipment 81 Climb, as a rope 84 Road designer, e.g.: Abbr. Down 86 Italian turnover 1 OK setting in the summer 87 Confine 2 Go (to) 89 Water in the Oise 3 Protected against 90 Attendee 4 Clambake dish 92 Primarily 5 Skewed 93 Syrian’s neighbor 6 Picks up 94 “Side by Side by Sondheim,” e.g. 7 Impress clearly 96 Poetry contests 8 Sewing machine parts 97 Area near Little Italy 9 Orts 99 Bank offerings, in brief 10 Poetic period 100 Change in Mexico 11 High-___ 101 It can help you get inside 12 Letter after delta someone’s head 13 Tangent, e.g. 102 Followed 14 French weapon 103 Jamaican coffee liqueur 15 Feels for 104 Bonnie and Clyde contemporary 16 Entertains 105 Item at a bakery 17 Diploma, e.g.: Abbr. 107 Corn unit 18 Neighbor of Mo. 112 Hamlet confidant 19 Manchester’s St. ___ Church 113 Many Bics 20 “Nobody else is coming” 114 Medical suffix 21 Choir voice 116 Put in someone’s care 31 E.T.S. offering 117 Political writings 32 Former Ford offering, for short 123 Zhou ___ 33 Runs through 124 Collect 35 Doesn’t get taught a lesson? 125 Cartoon character voiced by Mel 36 Aberdeen hillside Blanc 37 Dirt 126 Airing 38 Storytelling Studs 127 Yearn (for) 39 New York lake 129 Unhip 40 Freezes over 131 Rule that ended in 1947 43 They might be held at a sewage plant 132 South American tuber 44 Members of a Connecticut tribe 133 Bills are in it: Abbr. 45 Aisle or window, e.g.: Abbr. 134 Italian actress Eleonora 46 Part of a medical bill 135 Bencher’s target 48 Pharmaceutical company that developed 136 Barbarian Metamucil and Dramamine 138 Gridiron figs. 51 Clump of grass

33 42

36 44

45 51

106

111

112 113 114

119

120

97 101

108

109 115

102 103 104 105 110

116

117

121 125 126 127

122 128

129

130

139

140

141

142

143

144

B O C A

O P A R T

P F C S

S A L A D

E S S O

N A T L

G L A D

A W H I L E L E S L I E F L U T E

S L O A N E S W E N S O N

N E W Y O R K C I T Y

L D L

I O N E

S T A T H M O L A N I S H D E E R N A

136

U N S J O A W U N N T T S A X T I O D H E E R E M L Y C L U B

H E N S

S U C H A S

B R I N G I T

S T E R T A H M O A P B R I A N C T L A D

118 123

135

G H O S T S O F T H E A B Y S S

100

124

A N N A

131 132 133 134

H I S S

107

52 56

60 65

27 30

26 28

PREVIOUSPUZZLEANSWERS

Across 1 Spanish girls 7 Label for unmentionables? 15 Burro, e.g. 22 Lower 23 Like some collisions 24 “For real!” 25 Hero of an old Scottish ballad 26 When the pressure’s on 27 Avails oneself of 28 Face-offs 29 Bottom line? 30 Yoo follower 31 Heart 32 Godzilla, e.g. 34 Epitome of simplicity 36 One of the “Desperate Housewives” 37 Formal/informal reply to “Who’s there?” 41 Daredevil Knievel 42 Lampoons 45 Big media event 47 Hike the price of, perhaps 49 Cultivate, in a way 50 Four front? 52 Snoops (around) 53 Widely popular shows, say 55 Bunting is part of it 59 Old French coin 60 Beknighted souls? 61 Roy of country music 62 Draft pick? 63 An affront 64 Sources of pollen grains 68 Letter-shaped opening in some pistons 69 Diaper wearer 71 Some morning fund-raisers 73 “The Closer” airer 74 “___ me!” 78 Last place you’ll see a bachelor 79 Jumbo combatants 80 Meyerbeer output 82 Suffered a financial setback, slangily 83 Irk 85 Gen ___ 86 Late rallies 88 It involves a trip to the underworld 90 Stares slack-jawed 91 Stuck 92 Al dente, say 95 It’s not liquid 96 It’s not liquid 97 Blue material 98 Dander 99 Car safety feature 101 Data storage device 106 Was manic 108 Pulls down 109 Decalogue possessive 110 Boxer Ali 111 Mexican cooking ingredients called

137

R E D T U R E A T I C J A C O B E N K A B L I E R R A C E C E O P T S S I T N I C S A T C O P U T O U S P U R T N A H O W N A F H E M N E L P O R I T T E C O E S C N

138

V O Y A G E R E P E A T S L A R S O N

A R E S O S A L O N S B U R I A L

P A N T

O T T O

R E A R

A N I G H T T O R E M E M B E R

B A S I L

O P E N

A V E R S

L A N G

P O R E

S Y S T

PLAN FOR ETERNITY LIKE THERE’S Elliott Sons Funeral Homes NO TOMORROW. ELLIOTTFUNERALHOME.COM

42 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

MASTERS GUIDE E N T E R TA I N M E N T

TGI Friday’s

2800 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-736-8888 | tgifridaysaugusta.com

It’s 8 a.m. at TGI Friday’s, and General Manager Tanya Casey has already been at work for nearly two hours, putting ribs in the oven and preparing the ingredients for returning fall menu item Apple

Crumble before the kitchen staff arrives. “We make everything in house,” she assures those who might think that Friday’s is one of those chains in which everything is frozen and popped in the microwave after it’s ordered. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. The ribs, for example, are slow cooked for three hours, then grilled once a customer orders them. And Fridays isn’t a chain; rather, it’s a franchise. “We’re locally owned,” Casey explains. “We have several investors and they’re all located here in Augusta. And we’re the only one in our franchise. Our owners only own this store.” The owners opened TGI Friday’s nearly 20 years ago, and the restaurant is still in its original location on Washington Road. Since that time, they’ve cultivated a loyal staff, many of whom have been with the company for several years. Familiar faces may contribute to customer loyalty,

but the specials that Friday’s serves up don’t hurt either. Monday through Saturday, Happy Hour is from 4-7 p.m. and then from 9 p.m.-close in the bar. On Sunday, it’s all day long during football season, for which the restaurant provides NFL Sunday Ticket games. Happy Hour specials include $5 domestic pitchers, $2 domestic pints, $3 Absolut drinks and $5 for selected appetizers. Then there’s the food. “I think it’s just our menu,” she says about the restaurant’s continued popularity. “We change our menu about every three months and we always have unique dishes like our fried green beans. And seriously, our Jack Daniels sauce… people love it.” The restaurant also has 10 entrées that have less that 750 calories, as well as three drinks under 150 calories. “We have a Skinny Margarita and a Skinny Long Island Iced Tea,” she says. “Those seem to be popular with the ladies.” Monday-Thursday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 11 a.m.-midnight; Sunday, 11 a.m.-11 p.m.

Wild Wing Café

3035 Washington Rd., Augusta | 706-364-9453 | wildwingcafe.com Just on the other side of I-20 on Washington Road, this mega mega bar restaurant is built for crowds. The parking lot alone is big enough to park all the patrons from Rhode Island. Big is the key word here, with live music seven days a week on two stages. Masters Week isn’t for amateurs here.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

IN MUSIC

It’s That Time of Year Again One of my favorite weeks of the year is Masters Week in Augusta. For some reason, I like the traffic. So put your middle fingers down and enjoy Augusta being a big city for one week. Thousands of people swarm Augusta for one of the greatest sporting events. Hopefully while in Augusta, all the out-of-towners get a chance to enjoy the local entertainment. Great bands from around the CSRA will be busy every night during the tournament entertaining hundreds, even thousands. Augusta is a very cool city, very talented, so to all the visitors, you don’t spend all your time on Washington Road; make a trip to downtown Augusta as well and see what you can find. And if you are too cool for local acts, luckily there are some national acts in town as well. The Eighth Annual Drive For Show, Rock Fore! Dough Concert featuring Darius Rucker, Corey Smith, NEEDTOBREATHE and more will be on Tuesday. Tickets are $25 in advance or $35 at the gate. Head to rockforedough.com for all the details on this year’s show. I heard NEEDTOBREATHE is awesome; no pressure guys. With all the great golfers coming to town, I started to wonder what kind of music they like. Sure, I could of Googled it, but where’s the fun in that? So instead, I’m going to guess what kind of music your favorite golfers might like, based on nothing. Let’s start out with an easy one: Tiger Woods. Again, based on nothing, I’m guessing Tiger is a Jon Secada fan for sure. Beautiful man. Next up, Phil Mickelson; Phil loves to end a tough day of golf by putting on the “Best of Wilson Phillips.” Rickie Fowler is definitely an Ace of Base fan, the outfit matching the music. Sergio Garcia is a huge Shakira fan, but only the early Shakira. Not the new stuff; it’s way over-produced. K.J Choi gets psyched for a tournament with Mastodon. Again, all of this is false. Please don’t sue me. Let’s get to some national news. In break-up news, Australian rockers Jet announced that they have officially parted ways. To us in the states, we had already assumed that. “After many successful years of writing, recording and touring we wish to announce our discontinuation as a group,” the group wrote in a brief post. They do have a couple albums worth checking out, “Get Born” from 2003 and “Shine On” in 2006. Enjoy. Expect a reunion in t-minus three years. Excitement in my pants happened this week when I read that a snippet of new music had been leaked of a new track from Soundgarden called “Live to Rise.” Then I found out it was only a 30-second teaser with no vocals. I will now wait till May when the track is released on “The Avengers” soundtrack. The award for Best Apology of the Year goes to Patrick Carney of the The Black Keys. After Carney went to Rolling Stone magazine and bashed popular music, putting the blame on Nickelback’s shoulders, Carney has now apologized, telling MTV: “I didn’t mean to single them out, it just came out. There’s much worse bands than Nickelback, maybe.” Awesome. Big touring news that I’m actually excited for: KISS and Mötley Crüe announced The Tour, a joint summer tour in which each band will play about 90 minutes and KISS will close every night. The bands will be in Atlanta July 24. I see flames in my future. Where are the big shows at? What venues around Augusta are the best? Tell me where to go. Email matt@themetrospirit.com. I can’t be the only one who put that Tiger/Secada connection together right?

MATTSTONE can be heard weekdays from 2-6 p.m. on 95 Rock. 44 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

AUGUSTA TEK There is No Magic Stick

Springtime in Augusta is upon us, and every longtime Augusta resident is well into their annual routine. Many work on beautifying their yards — power wash the house, weed and feed the lawn, clean out the beds, plant annuals, put down pine straw, etc. Others focus on the pollen — get allergy medicine, hose off the deck, wash the car, etc. There are those who prepare for the visitors — some in hospitality, some renting their house and some to entertain old friends. And of course, we have a few that can’t wait to pack the car and get out of town. And then we have those who look forward to the golf. I’m not talking about those who are constantly angling for badges to buy and sell, or the casual fan who follows the pro tour for one week a year. (Isn’t it true that even the most sports-indifferent Augustan always seems to know who’s at the top of the leaderboard on Sunday afternoon?) No, I’m talking about the die-hard duffers who play two or three times a week. Their minds are an encyclopedia of every carry at the River Club, every fairway at Jones Creek, every green at Bartram Trail. For them, walking is the preferred way to tour the loop at Forest Hills. Every spring these golf patriots spend hours walking the aisles of Bonaventure, silently inventorying the equipment, searching for that magical stick that will make right everything that is wrong. Technology is on the side of the golfer. Over the past 20 years or so, we’ve been introduced to innumerable metals (stainless steel, carbon steel, zinc, aluminum, maraging metal, titanium), multiple shaft types with varying degrees of flex and torque, groove shapes, cavity inserts, blade size, and the list goes on.

V. 23 | NO. 13

The golf balls have been dramatically improved as well, perfectly dimpled and balanced to fly far and straight. We have better grass, dryer sand and softer greens. Video is available to provide insight and feedback, and machines are used to shape our muscle memory. No matter the weakness, a piece of golf technology exists to fix your game. Here’s the thing, though… with all the advances in technology, why has the average score for men and women remained largely unchanged over the last 100 years? According to the National Golf Foundation, the score for the average golfer has remained around 100 for decades. In reality, while even the most novice golfer can tell the difference between a 30-year-old cavity back and one of the modern variants, technology does not impart the skills necessary to shoot low scores. Our culture increasingly promotes the entitlement of instant gratification, and advertisers play to that perception, promising longer distance and greater accuracy. And on every second or third shot, we might see some improvement — a ball that went a little longer or perhaps a little straighter. Ultimately, however, our handicaps stay the same because we want to buy a better game, and the game of golf is a mistress that can’t be bought. So the next time you are in Dick’s holding the new Callaway RAZR X, pause for a moment and consider that maybe technology isn’t the answer. Think about the benefit to your game if you spent that money on range balls. And let’s face it, a few lessons wouldn’t hurt. Acknowledge the fact that it’s chipping and putting that is going to take your game to the next level. Resolve yourself to the fact that you know what’s necessary to improve your game and that you are going to do it. That is, right after you finish paying for the Callaway, hitting the range and knocking the crap out of a bucket of balls. Until next time, I’ll see you on the internet @gregory_a_baker.

GREGORY A. BAKER, PH.D, is vice president and chief rocket scientist for CMA, which provides information technology services to CSRA businesses and nonprofits.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12 45

make a real connection Call Livelinks. The hottest place to meet the coolest people.

706.434.0108

46 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

Local Numbers: 1.800.926.6000 Ahora en Español 18+ www.livelinks.com

GOLD’S GYM

Finding Their Stride Fit to Be Gold competitors starting to adjust to the challenge Dropping in on the Phase 4 Fit to Be Gold competitors this week seems to find them discovering their stride as they race to win $1,500 in prizes and the honor of being the next Fit to be Gold champion. “I’m not finding either one really hard right now,” says James Luca, referring to the physical exercises and the dieting. “It’s just a different mindset to be in.” Luca’s been logging in about four days a week at the gym — Tuesdays and Thursdays with his trainer and then twice a week working independently. “I feel a difference in my joints and my stamina and that type of stuff,” he says. With his trainer currently working on increasing his endurance, Luca’s finding himself doing a lot of cardio work on the elliptical. “My trainer has told me that on average I need to get one or two miles,” he says. “It’s not so much the time as it is the distance, and it’s important to get that every day if possible.” While finding time to include exercise isn’t so difficult for the unemployed college student who finds himself between semesters, juggling the demands of healthy eating is. “Instead of thinking I’ll just go grab a snack, you actually have to think about what you’re going to do for the next day for lunches and snacks and the whole thing,” he says. “It’s more planning and less spur of the moment.” For Brenda Guillebeau, the diet portion hasn’t been as tough as she expected. “I find that I’m not that hungry because I’m doing a lot of physical exercise,” she says. “And on the days I’m not exercising, I try to stay busy, because I eat out of boredom.” Her trainer hasn’t given her a specific diet, though there have been plenty of recommendations about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid. As for the weight loss, Guillebeau knows from experience that it will take some time. “I’m pretty realistic about how I lose weight,” she says. “I’ll go for several weeks and be on starvation rations and not lose anything and then, all of a sudden, I’ll drop five pounds. I know how it works, so it’s not discouraging. Like Luca, Guillebeau tends to work out alone. “The time my trainer can work out is at 3 p.m., so that’s kind of hard for everybody else,” she says. “With small children and working and everything, it’s pretty difficult for them, so I just take my little mp3 player and do my thing.” What does she hate most? “Bear crawls,” she says. “That’s a killer for me, but the other stuff — I won’t say it’s easy, but it’s easier.” While neither works out with other competitors, both have received online motivation from others in the challenge. “Rob Forbes had a ready great idea,” Guillebeau says. “I’ve got a big calendar up and I write on there what I eat every day and mark it off after I do my workout. That really is a lot of motivation for me.” Though Luca didn’t mention the calendar idea, he did say that he appreciates the motivational emails several people have sent out, which means that at least a few are in the running for the $500 Windsor Jewelers gift certificate that goes to the most supportive.

V. 23 | NO. 13

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12 47

48 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Leslie Wangness, Holly Morris and Cassidy Story at French Market Grille.

SIGHTINGS

Jane O’Dell, Megan Murphy, Elizabeth Beman and Tina Seeger at the Cookin’ For Kids Oyster Roast and Toast at Daniel Field.

Kevin Eebert, Amber Ford and Kella Colombraro Columbia County’s Spring Plant Swap and Sale at Evans Towne Center Park.

SIGHTINGS

Jesse Anderson, Sheena Smith, Laura Dixon and Ryan Steger at Soul Bar.

Alicia Chargualaf with DJ Chef (Marc Weiss) and Danessa Burnett at A Tasting at the Rapids at Savannah Rapids Pavilion.

SIGHTINGS

Lance Herring, Kendra Mingo, Leah Nazzaro and Drew Johnson at The Library.

V. 23 | NO. 13

Brad Usry, GHSU President Dr. Ricardo Azziz and Havird Usry at Fat Man’s Mill Cafe.

Stephen King and Kayle Hutchins with Courtney and Jimmy Johnson at The Country Club.

Michael Johnson

mejphoto.photoreflect.com

Blair Godfrey, Jaclyn Grimes, Maddy Crawford and Rachael Starkey at The Country Club.

METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12 49

BUY GET

ONE, ONE

CELEBRATING 6 YEARS AT THE MARTINEZ LOCATION.

see page 08

50 METRO SPIRIT 03.29.12

V. 23 | NO. 13