July 2011

Jun 30, 2011 — By John Spong

As a kid I was the pickiest eater you have ever seen, and family meals gave new meaning to the words “food fight.” But I gritted my teeth and overcame it—one disgusting tomato at a time.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Courtney Bond

On the rocks or frozen? Salt or no salt? And what tequila is best? So many questions, but these four recipes make it easy for you to shake up the best margaritas around.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Brian D. Sweany

Hugo Berlanga  D–Corpus ChristiTenure: Representative from 1977 to 1999Number of times on the Best list: 3I was the first Hispanic speaker pro tempore in the history of the House. I served under Gib Lewis, and he later told me that the reason he selected me is that…

Jan 21, 2013 — By Paul Burka and Nate Blakeslee

For the Eighty-second Legislature (our twentieth at the Capitol), everything old was new again: the state faced a budget deficit; the governor harbored presidential ambitions; the members of the Best list were hard to find; and the names on the Worst list picked themselves.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Paul Burka and Nate Blakeslee

A brief history of every Legislature we’ve ever covered.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Mimi Swartz

For more than seven decades, Camp Mystic has been one of the prettiest, happiest, and most exclusive destinations in Texas. But after a bitter, multimillion-dollar legal battle, the very thing that the owners cherished—family—may be the force that tears the camp apart for good.

Jun 30, 2011 — By David Courtney

Spousal adjustments, fly abatement, soccer parenting, and the truth about creased jeans. 

Jun 30, 2011 — By Paul Burka

How architecture changed the balance of power at the Legislature and other observations from my three decades covering Texas politics.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Sarah Bird

In an excerpt from Sarah Bird's new novel The Gap Year, a single mom prepares to send her only daughter off to college. Guess which one is a wreck.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jan Jarboe Russell

My hometown of Cleveland has become the most disgraced community in America because of a brutal, unspeakable crime that has set everyone against one another.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jordan Breal

The two-year-old extension of the famed promenade offers Roman antiquities, Roman delicacies, and plenty of opportunities for roamin’.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Kristie Ramirez

T. Boone Pickens’s office cabinet.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Andrea Valdez

When Sam Graves and his 22-year-old bay gelding, Old Hub, beat ten other cowboys to win $150 in the first 
advertised cutting competition, in Haskell in 1898, he could not have imagined how the sport would evolve. Today the National Cutting Horse Association, which hosts the World Championship Futurity, in…

Jun 30, 2011 — By Texas Monthly

Macias has served as a patrolman with the San Antonio Police Department for the past seven years. He works the shift that runs from 10:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. (known as the “dog watch”) and is based out of the Central Substation, which oversees downtown and its surrounding area. A…

Jun 30, 2011 — By John Spong

Richard Poland on giving tours of the Capitol.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Christopher Kelly

Terrence Malick: Brilliant or pretentious? Discuss.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Prudence Mackintosh

Babe Didrikson’s pioneering career as a woman golfer.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jeff McCord

On producing a Buddy Holly tribute album and more.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jeff McCord

A new box set from Mickey Newbury.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jeff McCord

A new album by Jolie Holland.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Patricia Sharpe

Contigo and Alto Pizzeria.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Michael Hoinski

All-American Burger Festival, Urban Cowboy Musical, Offshore Fishing, Bill Callahan, Christmas in July, and seven-on-seven football . . .

Jun 30, 2011 — By Patricia Sharpe

Many things can be learned by butting heads with other chefs in a reality-TV cooking show. But the biggest lesson is this: If the judges ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. And what does that translate to in real life? Substitute “clients” for “judges” and you’ve got it. Which is why…

Jun 30, 2011 — By Stirling Kelso

Grab your swimsuit, hop in the car, and drive to one of these four coastal getaways to beat the heat.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Olivia Lavecchia

The founding editor of TEXAS MONTHLY on the magazine’s first Best & Worst Legislators list.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Andy Langer

Robert Ellis's new album, Photographs, is influenced by both his folk and country roots.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Michael Hoinski

Parker County Peach Festival, History on Tap, Heroes Celebrity Baseball Game, and the Buddy Holly musical . . .

Jun 30, 2011 — By Michael Hoinski

Little Joe's Picnic, Fireworks on the Brazos, Steve Earle, Star-Spangled Spectacular, Dock Dogs and Josiah Media Fest . . .

Jun 30, 2011 — By Michael Hall

Larry Swearingen has ten scientists and doctors who say he isn't a killer. He also has a new execution date.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Abby Johnston

The largest gay pride parade in Texas celebrates its 33rd year.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jason Cohen

Should the Astros join the Rangers in the American League West?

Jun 30, 2011 — By Michael Hoinski

Willie Nelson's Country Throwdown, the Texas Shakespeare Festival, Blue Lapis Light, and Lyle Lovett . . .

Jan 21, 2013 — By elizabethlefebvre

The associate editor on classic margaritas, tequila, and writing about food and spirits.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Patricia Sharpe

Where did our unofficial state drink come from?

Jan 21, 2013 — By Evan McMurry

The executive editor on writing about Camp Mystic, legal battles, and lawyers.

Jan 21, 2013 — By Christopher Kelly

To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Slacker, a couple of dozen filmmakers remake Richard Linklater's indie flick.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Jake Silverstein

There’s an old joke that goes like this: A girl is out milking the family cow one morning when a stranger rolls up and asks if her parents are at home. The girl yells out, “Mama, there’s a man here to see you!” Her mother peers out the door and,…

Jun 30, 2011 — By Texas Monthly

Spoiled Sports I have yet to open my May issue because every time I see that cover, it shocks me. America’s Team?! How can you call any team that has never won a championship “America’s Team”? Please keep in mind that the firing of Wade Phillips was a bigger news…

Jun 30, 2011 — By Texas Monthly

Courtney Bond, Sarah Bird, and Jan Jarboe Russell.

Jun 30, 2011 — By Texas Monthly

Composite photograph by Randal Ford. Styling by Lauren Smith Ford. Hair and makeup by Franchiska Bryant. Wardrobe courtesy of Allens Boots, Julian Gold, Neiman Marcus, and Sheplers.