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Patricia Busa McConnico

Senior Editor, Content

Patricia Busa McConnico joined the staff of TEXAS MONTHLY as an editorial assistant in 1995 after interning for a semester in the publisher’s office and then another semester in editorial. During her thirteen years at the magazine, she has split time copy editing and fact-checking; edited the Around State section of the magazine; co-edited the Dining Guide; managed the interns; worked on the Web site for seven years, including heading a major redesign; served as managing editor; assisted with the editorial budget; wrote a couple of stories; and did too many other things to remember. Currently, she works on texasmonthly.com and special projects. 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 is married and the mother of two wonderful children. She teaches Sunday school at Tarrytown United Methodist Church and is a member of the PTA at Casis Elementary School.

Features

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. (August 2009)

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. (December 2008)

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. (June 2008)

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. (June 2006)

Galveston to Corpus on FM 521, Texas Highway 35, and other roads

Snow geese, the Big Tree, sandy beaches— and one gigantic chemical plant. (May 2002)

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. (August 2001)

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! (June 2001)

Columns | Miscellany

Kim Dawson

(September 2001)

Albany

(May 2004)

COMEDY

(April 2004)

GET OUT

(March 2004)

SPORTS

(February 2004)

A GREAT WEEKEND IN FORT WORTH

(January 2004)

POP CULTURE

(November 2003)

Museums

(September 2003)

Nostalgia

(August 2003)

On Stage

(December 2001)

A Great Week

(October 2001)

Valarie Rae Miller

Valarie Rae Miller finds her better angels. (March 2001)

Thomas Haden Church

Thomas Haden Church goes natural. (February 2001)

Bill Owens

Colorado governor Bill Owens joins the party. (December 2000)

Janine Turner

Janine Turner gets into character. (November 2000)

Lee Ann Womack

Lee Ann Womack's radio days. (October 2000)

Aaron Latham

The story about Aaron Latham. (September 2000)

Jim Lehrer

Jim Lehrer—this just in. (August 2000)

Ronnie Dunn

Ronnie Dunn was a good sport. (July 2000)

Larry Gatlin

Larry Gatlin's Odessa high note. (May 2000)

Charles Barsotti

(April 2000)

Willie Brown

Willie Brown (March 2000)

Dabney Coleman

The curtain rises on Dabney Coleman. (February 2000)

Reporter

South Padre Island

South Padre for grown-ups. (August 2006)

Family Fun

An old-fashioned carousel, an authentic pioneer village—and starry, starry nights. (September 2004)

Reconnected

South Padre Island on the road to recovery. (February 2002)

Fess Parker

Fess Parker's brush with the law. (January 2001)

Annette O’Toole

Dancing with Annette O’Toole (June 2000)

Judith Ivey

Judith Ivey's drawl recall. (January 2000)

George Carlin

More than seven words—none of them dirty—about George Carlin’s Fort Worth days. (December 1999)

Michael Nesmith

(November 1999)

Barbara Mandrell

Barbara Mandrell’s Corpus Christi harmonies (October 1999)

William J. Bennett

William Bennett journeys to Junction. (September 1999)

Star Jones

McMemories from Star Jones. (July 1999)

Rip Torn

(June 1999)

Date Line

The world’s largest online love line. (May 1999)

Jason and Jeremy London

(May 1999)

Joe Morgan

(April 1999)

Lucinda Williams

(March 1999)

The Ex Files

(February 1999)

CompuSoap

An Austin soap opera goes online. (January 1999)

Michael Martin Murphey

(January 1999)

Phyllis George

(December 1998)

Joel Coen

(October 1998)

Day Careful

A Dallas company’s virtual child care. (April 1998)

Ship Shape

A South Texan adds a chapter to the Apollo 13 story. (May 1997)

Disc Golf

(January 1997)

Web Exclusives

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? (October 2009)

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. (September 2009)

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.  (June 2009)

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. (April 2009)

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.  (March 2009)

Confessions of a Working Mom

Every once in a while, it all seems to bite me in the you-know-what. (February 2009)

Love Story

Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on interviewing writer Sandra Brown. (August 2007)

All the King’s Men

Executive editor S. C. Gwynne on going to the King Ranch. (August 2007)

A Time to Remember

Articles editor Brian D. Sweany on spending an afternoon with John Graves. (October 2006)

Football Fever

Articles editor Brian D. Sweany talks about this month’s cover story on football. (September 2006)

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. (July 2006)

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. (July 2006)

Digital Underground

Executive editor Mimi Swartz talks about Houston’s Bellaire High School and a potent combination: teenagers, drugs, and the Internet. (June 2006)

Waiting for Butterflies

Creative director Scott Dadich talks about contributing photographer Dan Winters’s photo essay on lepidopterans. (May 2006)

By George

Senior editor Pamela Colloff on writing about Laredo debutantes. (April 2006)

Texas, Our Texas

Editorial director Christopher Keyes on developing this month’s cover story. (April 2006)

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. (April 2006)

Speaking Out

Senior editor Pamela Colloff on spending a day in Crawford and talking to war protesters. (March 2006)

War Zone

Editorial director Christopher Keyes talks about this month’s special issue on the Iraq war. (March 2006)

Tough Times at Shoemaker High

Executive editor Mimi Swartz on talking to high schoolers in Killeen about losing a parent during wartime. (March 2006)

The Unseen Enemy

Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth talks about Master Sergeant James Coons and the soldier’s battle with post-traumatic stress disorder. (March 2006)

Home, Sweet Home

Senior editor Gary Cartwright on Austin and what he likes best about the liberal city he calls home. (February 2006)

Eating Out

Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on the state’s top restaurants. (February 2006)

Mr. Not-So-Nice Guy

Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on his most difficult interview, actor Tommy Lee Jones (February 2006)

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. (February 2006)

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. (February 2006)

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. (November 2005)

Welcome to the Dome

Associate editor John Spong talks about the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, its survivors living in the Astrodome, and new beginnings. (November 2005)

Eating Around

Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on how she picked this year’s best new restaurants. (February 2005)

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. (February 2005)

Mrs. Feelgood

Executive editor Skip Hollandsworth on getting Burleson's Joanne Webb to talk about her sex-toy business. (October 2004)

Sleeping Around

Writer-at-large Suzy Banks on what she likes best about staying in a hotel. (October 2004)

Love Thy Neighbor

Writer-at-large Cecilia Balli on U.S. ambassador to Mexico Tony Garza and the two countries' post-9/11 relationship. (October 2004)

Keep on Truckin'

Associate editor John Spong on Toyota trucks, the SUV craze, and hybrid pickups. (August 2004)

Smooth Operator

Associate editor Katy Vine on Houston businessman Tilman Fertitta and his impact on Galveston's tourism revival. (July 2004)

Bon Vivant

Senior editor Patricia Sharpe on crème brûlée, eating out, and the best new restaurant in the state. (February 2004)

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. (February 2004)

Tough Call

Senior editor Pamela Colloff discusses abortion, access, and what it's like to work on an emotionally charged story. (July 2003)

The Dude Is In

Associate editor John Spong talks about Owen Wilson and "The Story of O." (June 2003)

A Peach of a Story

Writer-at-large Suzy Banks talks about fuzz, a parade, and where to find the best Texas peaches. (June 2003)

Speech Lessons

Senior editor Pamela Colloff discusses accents and how her own has changed since she moved to Texas. (June 2003)

Country Reporter

Writer-at-large Suzy Banks talks about her feature story, "Head for the Hills." (April 2003)

Happy Trails

When playing tour guide, there's no place like home. (December 2002)

Happy Trails

The small East Texas town of Jefferson makes for a perfect weekend getaway—it just takes a while to get there. (November 2002)

Happy Trails

For a quick taste of Mexico, head south to Nuevo Laredo, where you'll find colorful people, wonderful shops, and fine restaurants. (October 2002)

Happy Trails

For a great escape, head to Corpus Christi, the city on the bay that sparkles. (August 2002)

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. (August 2002)

Happy Trails

There's more to Fredericksburg than antiques shopping—honest. (July 2002)

Happy Trails

The Marble Falls area not only offers numerous lakes but also good restaurants and loads of fun. (June 2002)

Happy Trails

Spend a great weekend sightseeing in San Antonio. (May 2002)

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. (May 2002)

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. (April 2002)

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. (March 2002)

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. (February 2002)

Happy Trails

Soak in some South Texas history—without hanging your wallet out to dry—in Victoria and Port Lavaca. (December 2001)

Texas Tidbits

A good name means something—especially to football fans. (October 2001)

Happy Trails

Glen Rose and Granbury are fast becoming the weekend getaway spots. Find out why. (September 2001)

Happy Trails

Need a little R&R? Head to Port Aransas for a lazy weekend of shelling, sunning, and sea breezes. (May 2001)

Texas Tidbits

April showers bring wacky weather in May. We a look at Mother Nature's power. (May 2001)

Texas Tidbits

Travel From Athens to Victoria—and never cross the state line. (April 2001)

Texas Tidbits

Charro Days on the border. (February 2001)

Texas History 101

The story behind Frost Bank's rise. (January 2001)

Happy Trails

South Padre in the winter. (January 2001)

Texas Tidbits

Ever driven through a place and wondered how in the heck you pronounce it? Here's some help. (January 2001)

Best of Austin: Dining

Where to find our favorite breakfast tacos, fajitas, rigatoni with spicy lamb meatballs, and lakeside views. (January 1000)

Galveston to Corpus on FM 521, Texas Highway 35, and other roads

Snow geese, the Big Tree, sandy beaches—and one gigantic chemical plant. (January 1000)

Texas Monthly Biz

Kim Dawson

Kim Dawson (December 2000)

Stephen Clark

Stephen Clark (November 2000)

Dennis Nixon

Dennis Nixon (October 2000)

Sweet Charity

The biggest university endowments—who gives, how much, and why. (September 2000)

Gerald Hines

(September 2000)

Nicole Miller

(August 2000)

Gordon Bethune

(July 2000)

Katherine Hammer

(June 2000)