May 2004 Issue

Triumph of the Grill

A pomegranate daiquiri, a spicy poblano quail, and thou: Three hot Texas chefs have whipped up a patio picnic that's sure to put a little spring (and summer) in your step.

By Patricia Sharpe

News & Politics

The Metamorphosis

If you want to understand the shift in political power that has taken place in Texas over the past thirty years—from rural areas to the new suburbs, from Democratic control to Republican dominance—you'll hardly find a better case study than Tom DeLay's Sugar Land.

By Jan Reid and Lou Dubose

Feature

Aunt Sister

There was a lot about Rosita Holdsworth Hollar that pegged her as the least likely role model in my family: She was cantankerous and sharp-tongued, something of a loner, and a terrible cook and housekeeper. But there have been many times when her example has been a comfort to me.

By Elizabeth Crook

Politics & Policy

Cast Away

For Sharon Bush, membership in the world's most powerful family had its privileges. But as she discovered after her husband of 23 years—the brother of one president and the son of another—ended their marriage via e-mail, it can be revoked without warning.

By Mimi Swartz

Columns

Books

Expatriate Act

While some Texas-born writers had to leave home to do their best work, for John Graves the reverse was true.

By Don Graham

Politics & Policy

Speakergate

For the Republicans under investigation for campaign-finance violations, Sharpstown is the elephant in the room.

By Patricia Hart

Kinky Friedman

Let Saigons Be Bygones

Thirty-five years after I refused to let my government send me there, Vietnam is where my kid sister, Marcie, lives. So I finally shipped out.

By Kinky Friedman

The Culture

Statues of Limitations

A bronze likeness of a Texas heroine will soon appear in downtown Austin—and with it, no doubt, an unnecessary controversy.

By Gary Cartwright

Behind the Lines

AWOL

Are the Texas Democrats deserters?

By Evan Smith

Reporter

Society

Divine Secrets of the Alamo Sisterhood

The genteel matriarchs of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas are at war—with each other. And this time it's a no-quarter struggle for the group's heart and soul.

By Gary Cartwright

Reporter

Encyclopedia Texanica

The myth of the saguaro cactus

By Anne Dingus

Reporter

My Time Out

Growing up gay in a small town

By Cameron Siewert

Reporter

Taking Its Toll

How Rick Perry's transportation plan will take its toll

By Christopher Keyes

Web

Chefs of the Future

What do you get when you mix a love of food with determination, skill, and maybe, some luck? Three successful culinarians at the top of their game.

By Marti Morgan

Recipe

Rustic Texas Peach Tarts

Recipe from Randy Evans, Brennan’s of Houston, HoustonPeach Filling3 pounds Texas peaches (about 6 medium peaches), peeled and sliced N-inch thick 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 4 tablespoons sugarIn a mixing bowl, combine peaches, vinegar, and sugar. Marinate for half an hour, stirring occasionally, then drain peaches and strain

Recipe

Marinated-Artichoke-and-Feta Salad

Recipe from Timothy Byres, Standard 2706, DallasMarinade for Artichokes and Haricots Verts1 1/2 tablespoons chopped garlic 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh herbs (chervil, parsley, basil, and tarragon, or your choice) 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil pinch kosher salt pinch freshly ground black pepperCombine all ingredients and

Recipe

Grilled Cilantro-Poblano Quail

Recipe from David Bull, Driskill Grill, Driskill Hotel, Austin1 jalapeño, roasted and with stem, skin, and seeds removed 1 poblano, roasted and with stem, skin, and seeds removed 1 pound (4 sticks) butter, cut into small cubes, softened 1/2 bunch cilantro, leaves only (reserve a few whole sprigs for

Recipe

Pomegranate Daiquiri

Recipe from Randy Evans, Brennan’s of Houston, Houston1/2 ounce (1 tablespoon) simple syrup 1/2 lime, quartered1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) pomegranate juice, such as POM brand1 1/2 ounces (3 tablespoons) dark rumsugar (for edge of glass)Make syrup by boiling 1 part water and 2 parts sugar for 5 minutes;

Recipe

Fresh Melon Salad With Lemongrass Dressing

Recipe from Timothy Byres, Standard 2706, DallasLemongrass Dressing2 stalks lemongrass 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup sugar 1/2 cup waterIn a saucepan bring all ingredients to a boil with 1/2 cup water. Strain and refrigerate.Melon Salad1 cantaloupe 1 honeydew melon of approximately same size 2 limes, each cut in

7

The restaurant’s sign—a giant white “7” set against a marine-blue background—is —an enigma. But here’s a hint: Think “seven seas.” Located in a small, unfussy space —on South Congress, 7 brings Austin diners a daily-changing menu of pristine sea creatures from around the world. The storefront, formerly occupied by

By Patricia Sharpe

Recipe

Shortbread Cookies

Recipe from Chef Will Packwood, 7, Austin1/3 cup (3 ounces) almond paste 1 1/2 cups (12 ounces) butter 1 1/4 cups (10 ounces) sugar 2 egg yolks 1/8 cup (1 ounce) amaretto 1 teaspoon orange zest 2 cups (8 ounces) cake flour 2 cups (8 ounces) all-purpose flour pinch of

Recipe

Créme Brûlée

Recipe from Chef Will Packwood, 7, AustinCréme Brûlée1/2 vanilla bean 1/2 cup sugar 1 pint cream 1 tablespoon orange zest 8 egg yolksPreheat the oven to 325 degrees. Split and scrape the vanilla bean and combine with the sugar, cream, and finely chopped orange zest and scald over medium-high heat.Meanwhile,

Liquid Assets

The Thrill of the ChaserSangrita … the name alone suggests mystery, romance, a little vida loca. Loosely translated “little blood,” sangrita is not the most famous tequila chaser (salt and lime take that honor), but it’s certainly the most exciting. Resplendent in sunset hues, this saucy potion more than holds

By Courtney Bond

Books That Cook

Do you fear the frying pan? Are you skittish about sauteing? Is the Italian joint down the street on your speed dial? The Junior League of Beaumont banishes kitchen bashfulness with Dining Without Reservations. This cookbook presents a simple approach to all types of cuisine and promises to “tempt every

By Christan Thomas

Texas Tidbits

Why do Aggies stand during a football game? It's traditionjust like almost everything else at Texas A&M University.

By Marti Morgan

Web Exclusive

Yang Style

Photographer Peter Yang on getting Aggies to pose for their portrait and what makes a good picture.

The Culture

Dingus Dishes

Just call her Super Texan. Lone Star guru and Texas Monthly senior editor Anne Dingus launches a new column this month. Here, she shares her thoughts on cacti, culture, and correcting misperceptions.

Web Exclusive

Family Feud

Gig 'em Horns? Hook 'em Aggies? As a child, I got mixed signals from my football-fanatic family.

Happy Trails

From wildflowers to wine, a trip to Bryan-College Station made for a poetic journey.

By Stacy Hollister

Texas History 101

Nearly one hundred years after its founding, the Imperial Sugar Company remains sweet on Texas.

Web Exclusive

Gig ’em

Senior executive editor Paul Burka, who wrote this month's cover story, "Corps Values," talks about diversity at A&M, the future of the Corps of Cadets, and Aggie traditions.

The Culture

War Torn

Senior editor Gary Cartwright on the battle between the evildoers and the whiners and the future of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas.

Miscellany

Business

Michael Dell

The 39-year-old computer mogul on stepping down as CEO of the company he founded, why he doesn’t play footsie with the press (hey!), and the product line he should have launched years ago.

By Evan Smith

Atsbox

Marfa

Technically, the masterminds behind Ballroom Marfa, a haven for contemporary art in West Texas, could have uncorked the celebratory grand-opening bubbly last fall, when they opened their spacious cultural center. But so much for technicalities. The official christening for this dance hall turned gallery begins with the April 23 opening

By Stacy Hollister

Atsbox

05.01.04

Last December, when the Second City comedy troupe held a 24-hour show in Chicago just before its forty-fourth anniversary, two actors battled head-to-head in a BILL COSBY impersonation contest. And next year comedian Kenan Thompson—who did a killer impersonation of the Cos on Saturday Night Live—will be playing the lead

By Katy Vine

Atsbox

Night Galleries

It was more than a decade ago that merchants and members of the San Antonio Neighborhood Commercial Revitalization Program for the area called Southtown—which encompasses the King William Historic District, the Blue Star Arts Complex, and the 1800’s Lavaca neighborhood—proposed that galleries in the area open their doors to the

By Katy Vine

Atsbox

MAINSQUEEZE

You may think you can “just watch” the TEJANO CONJUNTO FESTIVAL from the pavilion at Rosedale Park, but once the music starts up and the audience members begin to pair off and rotate on the floor like a giant whirlpool, you’ll probably feel compelled to do likewise. This year, from

By Katy Vine

Atsbox

48 Hours

HOTELS East meets the River Walk at the Hotel Valencia, where Asian-inspired spaces splashed with color make a statement. But the buzz goes beyond the lobby—the V Bar is where the young play. 150 E. Houston, 210-227-9700. SPORTS The San Antonio Missions, the Seattle Mariners’ AA affiliate and last