The Best of Texas

We’ve gone from one end of the state to the other to bring you the best-ever list of Texas Bests.

by Peter Applebome

Mikey

He left his parents’ house in search of a world where things were black and white, where there were heroes and villains. What he found in the slums of Port Arthur was a world that would tolerate people like him—and take advantage of them.

by Dick J. Reavis

Texas Primer: The Bluebonnet Snapshot

Okay, so photos of cute kids in fields of bluebonnets aren’t great art. That’s not the point at all.

by Suzanne Winckler

Ambient Color

As these photographs show, in Mexico the strange is commonplace, and the commonplace, strange.

by Robert A. Widdicombe

Going Back For Seconds

Can there be too much of a good thing? Five of Texas’ favorite restaurants have duplicated themselves in other cities, and now they’re finding out.

by Alison Cook

Life, Art, and the Wackiest Politician in Texas

San Antonio city councilman Bernardo Eureste too a paltry arts budget and built it into a $3 million power base. Then he got mad and tore it all apart.

by Mimi Swartz

Why Boone Can’t Lose

An old hand at Pickens-watching reveals the key to the Amarillo oilman’s corporate-takeover antics.

by Joseph Nocera

Western Art: Registered Herefords on the LBJ Ranch

An interpretation of a classic genre.

by Sean Earley

Behind the Lines

The road into town

by Gregory Curtis

Politics

Birth of a Lobby

The computer industry in Texas has a new lobby organized by three lobbyists who were in the right place at the right time—and knew it.

by John Schwartz

Jazz

Lingering Blues

John Hardee and Budd Johnson were two legendary Texas tenors who had their own ways of making peace with the rigors of the jazz life.

by Doug Ramsey

Farm and Ranch

Where’s the Lamb?

After extensive taste tests, our reporter concludes that the best lamb is to be found in our own back yard.

Suzanne Winckler

Movies

Zombie Heaven

Into the Night leaves you in the dark; The Breakfast Club’s teenagers are out to lunch, Witness is a solemn eyeful.

by James Wolcott

Classical Music

Contemporary Classic

The octogenarian whom many believe to be the greatest living composer pays a long-awaited visit to Texas.

by W. L. Taitte

Software

Move Over, Nancy Drew

Now young, adventuresses can do more than just read about excitement. A new computer game for girls requires them to use their wits for survival.

Scott Lubeck

Reporter

Texas Monthly Reporter

The Max factor of Dallas; the tacos of Paris; the tales of Urrutia; the Hemingway of Texas; the good word from Houston; the mysteries of the Hueco Tanks.

by Stephen Harrigan

Roar of the Crowd

Touts

Wet and Wonderful

Patricia Sharpe

Puzzle

State Secrets

If Lubbock gets a riverwalk, can a river be far behind?; previewing the mayors’ races; can Texas consultants make PAN dulce?; the Chronicle kills a story.

Edited by Paul Burka