March 2012 Issue
Features
The Tree of Strife
For a quarter of a century, the Art Guys, Michael Galbreth and Jack Massing, have been Houston’s master provocateurs, stirring up discussion with their wacky, thoughtful, and tenaciously marketed “social sculptures.” But have they finally gone too far?
By Mimi Swartz![Mimi Swartz's Profile Photo]()
Where Is My Home?
A culinary obsession that began decades ago in my grandmother’s kitchen sent me on a quest through Central Texas (and way beyond) for kolaches—not the best ones but the ones that would lead me to myself.
Where to Eat Now 2012
White tablecloths. Street food. Small portions. Lots and lots of innards. The only thing the ten best new Texas restaurants have in common is a willingness to prove that there is no such thing as a “Texas restaurant.” But when the escargots with fennel purée are this good, who cares?
Columns
The Texanist: Can I Discipline My Niece Over Spilt Dr. Pepper?
Disciplining a wayward niece, care packages for Texas soldiers, revisiting South Padre, and the truth about raccoon penis bones.
Power Trio
In this excerpt from Indomitable Will: LBJ in the Presidency, letters, interviews, and historic documents offer a revealing glimpse into the stormy relationship between Lyndon Johnson and the Kennedys.
Home Run
A jogging path along the Rio Grande was a treasured, secret place—until it became part of the front lines in a war I still don’t understand.
Behind the Lines
Class Warfare
Since 1984, the State of Texas has battled one school finance lawsuit after another. In nearly every case, the system has been ruled unequal, unfair, and unconstitutional—yet it remains largely unchanged. Will this time be any different?
Reporter
Historic Downtown Palestine
Come spring, this charming East Texas town will draw tourists with its annual dogwood festival—and sweets lovers with its popular pecan cake.
How to Handle the Texas Flag
There’s no better way to showcase your pride than by flying the Lone Star flag in front of your house on state holidays, but the true Texan knows a thing or two about how to do it correctly. The guidelines for handling the flag were first adopted in 1933 by
Kim “O.K.” Estes, Horse Trainer
Estes has been running horse and hunting programs in Lajitas for the past five years, heading up trail rides, aoudad hunts on horseback, and horse-training clinics for pros and amateurs alike. A well-known cutting horse trainer, he has been a member of both the American Quarter Horse Association and the
Being a Girl Scout
Anna Maria Chávez on promoting issues important to girls, eating cookies (Samoas are her favorite), and meeting the president.
Web
Recipe
Marinated Shrimp, Jack Cheese Grits, Tequila-Lime Sauce
From Chef Tre Wilcox of Marquee, in Dallas.
Recipe
Charred Ribeye Loin With Espresso Crust, Potato Purée, and Smoked Caramel Onions
From Chef David Bull of Congress, in Austin.
Triniti
APPARENTLY DELUSIONAL, I clicked on Triniti’s reservations link on a Thursday morning, somehow imagining that my friends and I could get into Houston’s newest white-hot dining destination the following Saturday night. What was I thinking? Not wanting to eat at 5:30 or 9:30, we settled for Sunday. Bliss! On that
The Drop Everything List
The Texas Music Roadtrip Exhibition in Austin, Ryan Bingham, Jeb Bush, and St. Patrick's Day Celebrations in Shamrock . . .
Web Exclusive
A Q&A With Stephen Harrigan
The author and contributing editor on making kolaches, tracing roots, and writing personal stories.
Authentic Texas Barbecue . . . Outside of Texas
Can you take barbecue out of Texas and still call it Texas barbecue?
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.
The Drop Everything List
South by Southwest in Austin, Mythbusters, the Dolly Johnson Antique and Art Show, and Judoka at the Houston International Performance Art Biennial . . .
9 Texas Bands That Could Make an Impact at SXSW
Though South by Southwest is bringing big names like Bruce Springsteen and Jay-Z this year, here are picks from showcasing Texans, from the obvious to the relatively obscure.
Web Exclusive
Somebody Up There Likes Bob Byington
The Austin-based writer and director's new film, which is premiering at the South by Southwest film festival, may soon find mainstream embrace.
The Drop Everything List
The Zilker Park Kite Festival in Austin, Lyle Lovett and Robert Earl Keen, Bill Maher, and an Art of the American Twenties exhibit in Dallas . . .
A Q&A With Patricia Sharpe
The senior editor on beer gardens, communal dining, and escargots.
A Q&A With S. C. Gwynne
The senior editor on understanding Southwest Airline’s culture, hearing jokes about plane crashes from a flight attendant, and making a business story interesting to the average reader.
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 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 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: Where to Find Cheap Eats
A guide to the city's best restaurants that won't blow your wad.
Miscellany
Roar of the Crowd
Tears on Our SteersYour portrayal of Governor Perry is totally insulting. Whether you agree or disagree with his politics, he is the governor of our great state and, as such, deserves a measure of respect. Jo Snoddy Cleburne Shame on TEXAS MONTHLY for using a caricature drawn by some green-behind-the-ears
Plane Management
I hate flying. I don’t mean that I’m a legitimate, doctor-approved aerophobe who munches Xanax like candy and lunges for the barf bag at the first sign of turbulence. I just dislike the minor ordeal of air travel—the security lines, the required partial disrobing and unpacking, the “huddled masses”
Cover Credit
Cover Credit
Photo illustration by Joe Zeff Design. Sky photograph from istockphoto.com.
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