Patricia Busa McConnico
Senior Editor, Content
Patricia Busa McConnico joined the staff of TEXAS MONTHLY as an editorial assistant in 1995 after interning in the publisher’s office and then in editorial. Over the years, she has worked as a copy editor, fact-checker, editor, and managing editor. Currently she produces and edits content for special projects and texasmonthly.com. A native of Harlingen, Texas, McConnico holds a bachelor of arts degree in English, a bachelor of science degree in journalism, and a master’s degree in journalism from the University of Texas at Austin. McConnico lives in Austin with her husband and two children.
Features
The Bucket List
Driving the River Road, in far West Texas; having a drink at the Mansion on Turtle Creek, in Dallas; fishing for bass in Caddo Lake; eating a chicken-fried steak in Strawn; searching for a lightning whelk along the coast; and 58 other things that all Texans must do before they die.
The 50 Greatest Hamburgers In Texas
On our first-ever quest for the state’s best burgers, we covered more than 12,000 miles, ate at more than 250 restaurants, and gained, collectively, more than 40 pounds. Our dauntless determination (and fearless fat intake) was rewarded with a list of 50 transcendent burgers—and you’ll never guess which one ended up on top. Check out our Best Burger section.
The 40 Best Small-Town Cafes
Our exhaustive, exhausting, strictly scientific (and lamentably fattening) survey of the finest home cooking around, from Maxine’s on Main, in Bastrop, to El Paraiso, in Zapata.
BBQ08
Eighteen hungry reviewers. 14,773 miles driven/flown. 341 joints visited. Countless bites of brisket, sausage, chicken, pork, white bread, potato salad, and slaw—and vats of sauce—ingested. There are only fifty slots on our quinquennial list of the best places to eat barbecue in Texas. Only five of those got high honors. And only one (you’ll never guess which one in a million years) is the best of the best.
Water, Water Everywhere
From kayaking on Town Lake to mountain biking around Joe Pool Lake, from bass fishing on Lake Fork to horseback riding on the shores of Lake Whitney, here are some of our favorite things to do in, on, and around Texas lakes.
Galveston to Corpus on FM 521, Texas Highway 35, and other roads
Snow geese, the Big Tree, sandy beaches— and one gigantic chemical plant.
Old-Fashioned Texas
Texas is changing before our eyes, but fried pies, drive-in movie theaters, and other vestiges of earlier days are all around. To find these treasures, we risked life, limb, and cholesterol count-and had a blast from the past.
On the Water Front
Summer’s blast furnace is firing up. Luckily, Texas is a paradise of spring-fed pools, sparkling beaches, and more. Here are our picks for the best places to chill out, get wet, and go off the deep end. Plus extra web-only information!
Columns | Miscellany
Kim Dawson
Albany
COMEDY
GET OUT
SPORTS
A GREAT WEEKEND IN FORT WORTH
POP CULTURE
Museums
Nostalgia
On Stage
A Great Week
Valarie Rae Miller
Valarie Rae Miller finds her better angels.
Thomas Haden Church
Thomas Haden Church goes natural.
Bill Owens
Colorado governor Bill Owens joins the party.
Janine Turner
Janine Turner gets into character.
Lee Ann Womack
Lee Ann Womack's radio days.
Aaron Latham
The story about Aaron Latham.
Jim Lehrer
Jim Lehrer—this just in.
Ronnie Dunn
Ronnie Dunn was a good sport.
Reporter
South Padre Island
South Padre for grown-ups.
Family Fun
An old-fashioned carousel, an authentic pioneer village—and starry, starry nights.
Reconnected
South Padre Island on the road to recovery.
Fess Parker
Fess Parker's brush with the law.
Annette O’Toole
Dancing with Annette O’Toole
Larry Gatlin
Larry Gatlin's Odessa high note.
Charles Barsotti
Willie Brown
Willie Brown
Dabney Coleman
The curtain rises on Dabney Coleman.
Judith Ivey
Judith Ivey's drawl recall.
George Carlin
More than seven words—none of them dirty—about George Carlin’s Fort Worth days.
Michael Nesmith
Barbara Mandrell
Barbara Mandrell’s Corpus Christi harmonies
William J. Bennett
William Bennett journeys to Junction.
Star Jones
McMemories from Star Jones.
Rip Torn
Date Line
The world’s largest online love line.
Jason and Jeremy London
Joe Morgan
Lucinda Williams
The Ex Files
CompuSoap
An Austin soap opera goes online.
Michael Martin Murphey
Phyllis George
Joel Coen
Day Careful
A Dallas company’s virtual child care.
Ship Shape
A South Texan adds a chapter to the Apollo 13 story.
Disc Golf
Web Exclusives
SXSW: Where to Eat
The definitive guide on where to grab a hangover taco, a soul-satisfying plate of ’cue, a beautiful piece of sushi, a see-and-be-seen table, a killer margarita, and more.
SXSW: The Top 10 Places to Eat on South Lamar, Barton Springs, and Down South
The gotta-have-it list of restaurants you simply must hit.
SXSW: The Top 10 Places to Eat on South Congress
The gotta-have-it list of restaurants you simply must hit.
SXSW: The Top 10 Places to Eat on the East Side
The gotta-have-it list of restaurants you simply must hit.
SXSW: The Top 10 Places to Eat in Downtown ATX
The gotta-have-it list of restaurants you simply must hit.
SXSW: The Top 10 Places to Eat in Central ATX
The gotta-have-it list of restaurants you simply must hit.
SXSW: Where to Eat on South Lamar/Barton Springs
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a famous live music joint to a frozen banana food cart.
SXSW: Where to Eat Up North
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a beautiful hacienda to a hipster coffee bar.
SXSW: Where to Eat on South Congress
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a Hawaiian shaved-ice stand to a romantic Italian spot.
SXSW: Where to Eat on the Water
A culinary guide for navigating your way around and outside the city, from a tropical waterfront cafe to a barbecue joint with a deck.
SXSW: Where to Get Away to Eat
A culinary guide for navigating your way around and outside the city, from a rustic barbecue joint to a sunset-watching venue on the lake.
SXSW: Where to Eat on the East Side
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a hipster hangout to a vegetarian grocery.
SXSW: Where to Eat in Downtown ATX
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a late-night taco truck to a modern tequila bar.
SXSW: Where to Eat Down South
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a funky French Vietnamese spot to a local hangout for people-watching.
SXSW: Where to Eat in Central ATX
A culinary guide for navigating your way through the city, from a casual Ethiopian spot to a classic burger joint.
SXSW: Where to Eat Vegetarian
A guide to the city's best restaurants that offer vegan tacos, gluten-free options, smoothies, and fresh alternatives to beef, chicken, and the other white meat.
SXSW: Where to Get Trailer Food
A guide to the city's best mobile eateries that are cranking out everything from Italian street food to funky gourmet doughnuts.
SXSW: Where to Eat Late Night
A guide to the city's best places to go when when you get out of a show—or just have the munchies.
SXSW: Where to Find Cheap Eats
A guide to the city's best restaurants that won't blow your wad.
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
Notable Openings and Closings
What you need to know about dining in Texas this week.
I Say Burrito, You Say Taco
Our top-notch team of anonymous reviewers have some strong words on what to call those delicious tortillas filled with things like eggs, beans, or chorizo. Regardless of semantics, though, they all like to eat them.
Parent Trap
I’ve read more articles on overscheduled children than I care to count, and I like to think that I’m very in tune with trying to balance school, free play, and scheduled activities. But am I?
Being a Super Model
I avoid saying the word “diet” like the plague. I try to be careful about what I eat and what I do because I know my six-year-old daughter is watching me. She’s listening.
Choose. Click. Cook.
Whether you are planning a dinner party for twelve or a quiet meal at home for two, cooking has never been so easy thanks to chef David Bull's new interactive cookbook, Bull's Eye on Food.
Feeling the Burn
I used to spend every weekend out by the pool, working on my tan. Now I check my body for changing moles or new spots, and call my doctor.
Pillow Talk
Kate Hersch and Lance Avery Morgan, the principals behind August Morgan, know how to throw a great party. Just mix champagne with friends and toss in some vintage needlepoint pillows.
Confessions of a Working Mom
Every once in a while, it all seems to bite me in the you-know-what.
Love Story
Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on interviewing writer Sandra Brown.
All the King’s Men
Executive editor S. C. Gwynne on going to the King Ranch.
A Time to Remember
Articles editor Brian D. Sweany on spending an afternoon with John Graves.
Football Fever
Articles editor Brian D. Sweany talks about this month’s cover story on football.
Across the Border
Senior editor John Spong talks about finding Immigrant X, listening to him talk about coming to America, and learning about how he lives his life here illegally.
Texas Tidbits
To get primed for the motion picture release of Dallas, here are a few nuggets of information about one of television’s most popular series.
Digital Underground
Executive editor Mimi Swartz talks about Houston’s Bellaire High School and a potent combination: teenagers, drugs, and the Internet.
Waiting for Butterflies
Creative director Scott Dadich talks about contributing photographer Dan Winters’s photo essay on lepidopterans.
By George
Senior editor Pamela Colloff on writing about Laredo debutantes.
Texas, Our Texas
Editorial director Christopher Keyes on developing this month’s cover story.
Into the Fire
Senior editor Katy Vine, who wrote this month’s story about the blaze that destroyed the North Texas town of Ringgold, talks about fire analysis, devastation, and rebuilding.
Speaking Out
Senior editor Pamela Colloff on spending a day in Crawford and talking to war protesters.
War Zone
Editorial director Christopher Keyes talks about this month’s special issue on the Iraq war.
Tough Times at Shoemaker High
Executive editor Mimi Swartz on talking to high schoolers in Killeen about losing a parent during wartime.
The Unseen Enemy
Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth talks about Master Sergeant James Coons and the soldier’s battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Home, Sweet Home
Senior editor Gary Cartwright on Austin and what he likes best about the liberal city he calls home.
Eating Out
Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on the state’s top restaurants.
Mr. Not-So-Nice Guy
Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on his most difficult interview, actor Tommy Lee Jones
Murder, She Wrote
Senior editor Pamela Colloff on researching a 45-year-old murder case, tracking down sources, and using a ghost story to show how the crime still haunts Odessa.
Game Highlights
Editor Evan Smith talks about watching the Rose Bowl, text-messaging University of Texas athletics director DeLoss Dodds, and putting Vince Young on the cover.
Made in China
Brook Larmer, Newsweek’s Shanghai bureau chief and the author of Operation Yao Ming, on basketball sensation Yao Ming, sports in China, and writing his first book.
Welcome to the Dome
Associate editor John Spong talks about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, its survivors living in the Astrodome, and new beginnings.
Eating Around
Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on how she picked this year’s best new restaurants.
Split Personality
Executive editor S. C. Gwynne, who wrote this month’s cover story, talks about Speaker of the House Tom Craddick, his seemingly average-guy life in Midland, and his powerful persona in Austin.
Mrs. Feelgood
Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on getting Burleson's Joanne Webb to talk about her sex-toy business.
Sleeping Around
Writer-at-large Suzy Banks on what she likes best about staying in a hotel.
Love Thy Neighbor
Writer-at-large Cecilia Balli on U.S. ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza and the two countries' post-9/11 relationship.
Keep on Truckin'
Associate editor John Spong on Toyota trucks, the SUV craze, and hybrid pickups.
Smooth Operator
Associate editor Katy Vine on Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta and his impact on Galveston's tourism revival.
Bon Vivant
Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on crème brûlée, eating out, and the best new restaurant in the state.
True Crime
Journalists around the nation wanted access to Todd Becker, the all-American dad who also ran a safe-stealing ring, but only executive editor Skip Hollandsworth got him to talk.
Tough Call
Senior editor Pamela Colloff discusses abortion, access, and what it's like to work on an emotionally charged story.
The Dude Is In
Associate editor John Spong talks about Owen Wilson and "The Story of O."
A Peach of a Story
Writer-at-large Suzy Banks talks about fuzz, a parade, and where to find the best Texas peaches.
Speech Lessons
Senior editor Pamela Colloff discusses accents and how her own has changed since she moved to Texas.
Country Reporter
Writer-at-large Suzy Banks talks about her feature story, "Head for the Hills."
Happy Trails
When playing tour guide, there's no place like home.
Happy Trails
The small East Texas town of Jefferson makes for a perfect weekend getaway—it just takes a while to get there.
Happy Trails
For a quick taste of Mexico, head south to Nuevo Laredo, where you'll find colorful people, wonderful shops, and fine restaurants.
Happy Trails
For a great escape, head to Corpus Christi, the city on the bay that sparkles.
Training Camp
At the Mack Brown Women's Clinic on football, no men are allowed. Females ask tough questions, learn about offensive strategy, and have a ball.
Happy Trails
There's more to Fredericksburg than antiques shopping—honest.
Happy Trails
The Marble Falls area not only offers numerous lakes but also good restaurants and loads of fun.
Happy Trails
Spend a great weekend sightseeing in San Antonio.
Road Rules
If you need a refresher course on the basic courtesies of driving—both in the city and on the highway—here are ten tips that will keep you in the fast lane.
Happy Trails
Rockport is a jewel. Not only does this coastal town offer quaint bed-and-breakfasts but it also offers good restaurants and lovely vistas.
Happy Trails
In Cowtown you can expect to find more than cowboys. In fact, Fort Worth has some of the best museums in the state.
Happy Trails
The Fort Davis area has a lot to offer—like the McDonald Observatory, the Davis Mountains State Park, and some peace and quiet.
Happy Trails
Soak in some South Texas history—without hanging your wallet out to dry—in Victoria and Port Lavaca.
Texas Tidbits
A good name means something—especially to football fans.
Happy Trails
Glen Rose and Granbury are fast becoming the weekend getaway spots. Find out why.
Happy Trails
Need a little R&R? Head to Port Aransas for a lazy weekend of shelling, sunning, and sea breezes.
Texas Tidbits
April showers bring wacky weather in May. We a look at Mother Nature's power.
Texas Tidbits
Travel From Athens to Victoria—and never cross the state line.
Texas Tidbits
Charro Days on the border.
Texas History 101
The story behind Frost Bank's rise.
Happy Trails
South Padre in the winter.
Texas Tidbits
Ever driven through a place and wondered how in the heck you pronounce it? Here's some help.
Best of Austin: Dining
Where to find our favorite breakfast tacos, fajitas, rigatoni with spicy lamb meatballs, and lakeside views.
Galveston to Corpus on FM 521, Texas Highway 35, and other roads
Snow geese, the Big Tree, sandy beaches—and one gigantic chemical plant.
Multimedia
A Cook’s Tour
A slide show of scenes from the ten restaurants you should be eating at right now.
The Artist
Thirty years ago, Mary Eula Sears, a 77-year-old woman who loved to paint flowers and landscapes, was brutally murdered in her Abilene home. Here are some of her works.
Game Over
A slide show of images of the fierce rivalry between Texas A&M and the University of Texas.
North vs. South
Scenes from the largest Civil War reenactment in the state. Photographs by Jeff Wilson.
Hog Wild
Scenes from a weekend at Hog School. Photographs by Jody Horton.
True Grit
A celebration of our state's cowgirls. Photographs by LeAnn Mueller.
The Gentle One
A slide show featuring James H. Evans’s images of a wild mustang and the cowboy who tames him.
Texas Monthly Biz
Kim Dawson
Kim Dawson
Stephen Clark
Stephen Clark
Dennis Nixon
Dennis Nixon
Sweet Charity
The biggest university endowments—who gives, how much, and why.
Gerald Hines
Nicole Miller
Gordon Bethune
Katherine Hammer
Generation Tech
They’re intelligent, business-savvy, techno-friendly, and young—in some cases, very young. Meet thirty Texas multimedia whizzes under thirty and four who just missed the cut.
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