My Favorite Place

What do the city of Lubbock, a defunct restaurant, and a submerged neighborhood have in common? They’re all places in somebody’s heart.

by John T. Biggers, Ernesto J. Cortes, Jr, Larry Dierker, T.R. Fehrenbach, Kinky Friedman, John Graves, Paul Horgan, Molly Ivins, Tommy Lee Jones, William Broyles, Jr, Elmer Kelton, Beverly Lowry, Prudence Mackintosh, James A. Michener and Bud Shrake

Poisoned With Love

They were elderly people, flattered by the attention of a nice young man. But sometimes it’s a mistake to depend on the kindness of strangers.

by Gary Cartwright

The World’s Greatest Poker Player

Johnny Chan became a champion through nerve and dedication—and every now and then a few good hands.

by Gregory Curtis

So Near Yet So Far

Rice was created to be a “university of the first rank.” Is it? Will it ever be?

by Fryar Calhoun

Talking Heads

In some Texas establishments it’s hard to tell the boys’ from the girls’.

by Jerry Jeanmard

Texas Primer: The Runaway Scrape

In early 1836, after the fall of the Alamo, a small episode in Texas history revealed an aspect of our character we’d just as soon forget.

by Jan Reid

Behind the Lines

Doing the Legislature a favor.

Bad salaries make good politicians.

by Paul Burka

Business

Masa Marketing

In most Texas cities, tortilla making is an endangered family business; in Austin, it’s a thriving family rivalry.

by Richard Zelade

Lifestyle

Move Over, Mom

The ideal caretaker for your children is a warm, nurturing person who brings order to your chaotic life—and drives you up the wall.

by Chris Kelly Andrews

Health

A Terminal Case

Representative Mike McKinney, the only doctor in the House, is battling for legislation to keep country hospitals alive despite a poor prognosis.

by Janis William

Reporter

Blast from the Past

Houston mayoral candidate Fred Hofheinz has an incumbent and a rumor to defeat; Phil DeVries has a singing caterpillar to find; Zavala County must make a private prison pay its way; and Lori Johns is out to prove she’s the best woman on the drag strip.

by Tom Curtis

Roar of the Crowd

Genuine Fakes

Rewriting history, bugging the big guys, acknowledging a threat.

State Secrets

It Doesn’t Compute

Why NASA uses old-fashioned computers; Exxon points the finger at the feds over the oil spill cleanup; Jim Wright’s real crime.

Edited by Paul Burka

Victor Victorious

Dutch-born Victor Gielisse experiments with a world of culinary influences in his Dallas restaurant, mixing in everything from Cajun and Italian classics to lessons learned at moeder’s knee.

by Mary Malouf

Grilled Pork Loin in Apricot-and-Curry Marinade

Mexican Shrimp Soup with Root Vegetables

Pan-Seared Salmon with Cabernet-Butter Sauce

Actuelle Lemon-Lime Tart

Wine-Cream Mousse with Champagne Sabayon

A Grand Finale

Finishing the hat.

Reed Hearon’s Chocolate Sombrero