December 1985 Issue

Portraits in Power

Helmut Newton, world famous for his bizarre, sometimes shocking erotic photographs, turns his lens on another exotic subject—Texas tycoons.

The Week of the Virgin

A doll-like statue of sugar-cane fiber and clay came to San Antonio from a village in Mexico. Twenty-four hours a day, residents of the West Side visited Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos.

Professor of Football

Okay, now, listen up. This story is about Bill Yeoman, a really good football coach. Read it or run three laps after practice.

Every Traveler’s Nightmare

Ever worry that your trip overseas could turn into a disaster? We certainly didn’t—until a speeding bakery truck collided with our Italian vacation.

Texas Primer: The His and Her Gift

Once upon a time the His and Her Gift reflected a Texas that was extravagant and maybe a little gauche. Now the gift is no less extravagant, but it’s a lot less, well, innocent.

Western Art

This story is from Texas Monthly’s archives. We have left the text as it was originally published to maintain a clear historical record. Read more here about our archive digitization project. From 1983 to 1986, Texas Monthly’s regular feature, “Western Art,” highlighted artists’ takes on the classic

Nights of Figs and Other Mysteries

Charles Portis’ Masters of Atlantis is anything but believable and nothing if not enjoyable. A Small Town, Shelby Hearon’s ninth novel, is a hit-and-miss proposition.

Behind the Lines

Desire and Memory

The Ups and Downs of Theophilus Maitland had more ups than downs in Dallas, but Memorial Candles didn’t have much memorable melody.

A Heaping Mess

One man’s answer to nouvelle cuisine.

I Want to Be Alone

When the wife goes back to work and the husband takes on chores and children, the real problem is not laundry or lunch boxes. It’s the battle between love and ambition.

Queen of the Rodeo

In Sweet Dreams, Jessica Lange is a dynamo of female gumption; Hail Mary makes the Immaculate Conception an inconsequential miracle; Joshua Then and Now is entertainingly busy and uncouth; Twice in a Lifetime is twice too often.

Better Than Ever and More of It

New records from Texas bands have only one thing in common—stubborn individuality.

Texas Monthly Reporter

What evil lurks at the San Antonio Convention Center? How does a would-be Kenedy Ranch heir make a buck? Who helps keep the space shuttle aloft?

Crab and Shrimp Cheesecake

Recipe from La Griglia, Houston1 stick butter, melted 1 stack pack saltine crackers (about 40) 16 ounces cream cheese, softened 2 17.5-ounce cartons mascarpone cheese (soft Italian double cream cheese—four 8 ounce cartons can be used) 6 eggs 2 Tbs. flour 4 Tbs. each chives and green onions finely minced

On the Menu: La Griglia

EVEN IF LA GRIGLIA were completely empty—which is highly unlikely—the enormous bawdy murals, busy mosaics, and bustling wait staff would give the impression of great activity. This popular eatery, located in the River Oaks Shopping Center, is a place to see and be seen—inevitable, since the restaurant is one of

Spaghetti Rivaldo

Recipe from La Griglia, Houston4 oz. extra virgin Italian olive oil 3 large cloves garlic, minced 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped 4 Tbs. capers, rinsed 1/3 cup black pitted olives, rinsed 1/3 cup green pitted olives, rinsed 1 35 oz. can Vallone* tomatoes 1 tsp. sugar pinch dried oregano

Back Roads

Next time you want to go from Wichita Falls to Paris, take the Red River Bus Line.

Downtown

A dog’s best friend?

Post-Modern Times

Christian recording mogul Chris Christian knows what the Rock of Ages really means.

Puzzle

Roar of the Crowd

State Secrets

Mexico’s bureaucracy thwarts Texas land heirs; a new poll has bad news for the guv; taxing times for the state budget; ending a boondoggle for colleges.

Touts